Thoughts on Thursday - Musicals

This morning, I made a playlist from all the show tunes and musicals I have. I grabbed one to three songs from each title. I tried to do a good mix of fast and slow, entertaining and serious. Kind of a best-of list. It could be a sing-your-heart-out list. Or an essence-of-the-story list.

Anyway, you get the idea. I've been listening to it for a while (it is over five hours of play time), and it has been a happy listen. It is super happy. 

You should come over and we'll have a party. If you want to sing along, I guess that's acceptable.

Some of the documented shows we've gotten to see over the years:

 

Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, Seusical the Musical, The Lion King, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Porgy and Bess, and Jane Eyre.

Tuesday - a non-tasty post

I've recently thought about shots. A gal I Visit Teach took here new baby to the doctor last week to get shots. We have to get shots for immunizations, sometimes to travel to other countries.

Shots aren't fun, but my experience is the arm shots are fine. They might get warm and feel like you have a sore muscle for a bit, but it passes.

The shots you get in the bum- again I am speaking from personal experience -are not fun. I once got a bum shot for a staph infection. It was the consistency of peanut butter. It was super uncomfortable when the paste was going in, and then even more uncomfortable five minutes later when it started setting in. I had trouble walking! It was a strange experience.

I am thankful for shots. I'm thankful for modern medicine. Bodies are amazing! If you're getting a shot in the bum, it will probably be a little more memorable. Just saying....

Thoughts on Thrusday - Writing

We're surrounded by great writers. They're everywhere! Thanks to easy access to many, many things online. Whether it is a great article, blog post, or clever update on social networks.

For me, some things are very easy to write about while other subjects are daunting. It is intimidating being surrounded by the greatness sometimes. Not that it's a competition. 

With my lack of words on some subjects, I want to declare that I've learned a lot and feel super, super blessed. Part of life's journey isn't as easy to eat as a strawberry cream pie (this was our dessert for Easter this year. Very good, by the way!). Sometimes the flavors are so complex, or the texture is very difficult to get through, or the correct tools aren't at hand to eat in the most effective and efficient manner. Regardless (or as some would say: irregardless), every bit is satisfying and worth the effort.

Summary: Life is an amazing journey, and I feel so blessed to be living.

Yes, that's Mine

The other day, we were doing some shopping. We had already picked out what to buy, so I got in the long waiting line. Sean was still looking at things, so after a few minutes he came over to keep me company in the line. 

After talking for a few minutes, he asked "Hey, can I go look and see if they have something over there?"

 

"Sure."

That's not an uncommon situation for us, so I thought nothing of it.

The lady in line behind me said, "Oh, that was nice. So nice that he asked permission instead of just going off on his own. Is that your husband?"

"Yes, that's mine."

"It's rare for them to come like that."

This fellow shopper caught me off guard. It gave me a reminder that I lots of nice and kind people around me - especially the man I married.

Thoughts for Thursday - Memories

Last night for Young Women's, we visited a woman in our ward. She is 91 years old, has difficulty seeing, hearing, and moving, and recently buried one of her sons.

Lu was so happy to have visitors. She talked to us for a while, told us her life history, and focused on faith promoting stories. It was amazing.

One thing I loved about her storytelling was the way she would emphasize a bottom line from the story: "family always needs to be close"

"you need to obey the law"

 "that's why the priesthood is important"

 "you need to have faith to get you through"

"when things aren't going well, the Lord has a reason"

 "that's how things were done back then"

"if you're ever having thoughts of suicide, talk to an old person - they will get you through to tomorrow"

One of my favorite stories from the evening was when she told about an eye surgery her son needed. They were living in a small town at the time, so when here son had an accident at the pool she packed up the kiddos and drove to Salt Lake. When the doctor in Salt Lake saw the boy's eyes, he ordered them to take the first flight out to a specialist in California. At the time, Lu had three sisters living in Salt Lake so she was able to rely on them help make preparations. One sister got the plane tickets, and the other two helped her get a permanent so she was ready to travel.

Everything worked out for her son; miracles happened. My favorite part was when she talked about needing to get a permanent before leaving on the airplane. It certainly was a different time.

It was nice spending time with Lu last night. Her stories were entertaining and inspiring. Hearing her talk helped me take a step back and truly appreciate all the goodness around me.

Thoughts on Thursday - Holidays

I loved the whole month of December! It was wonderful! I couldn't wait for December 1 to come around this year. In the month of December, there were lots of busy times and some slow times.

 We got to see and spend time with family and friends the whole month: two Elders Quorum activities, a few gatherings with neighbors, one visitor, four official family gatherings, and two official gatherings with friends. There were many hugs and a lot of laughter.

We cut down our first Christmas tree! We had a lot of really good holiday food. A lot! We listened to hours of Christmas music. We got to enjoy a white Christmas in the Salt Lake area, then came home to a lingering white Christmas in Moab. Sean saw White Christmas for the first time, and I tried to keep my movie watching to ones with at least one Christmas scene. Exception: The Hobbit. We finished off the month with a third wedding anniversary. Yea!

I love the month of December and the whole Christmas season! I love the additional emphasis on the birth of the Savior and His life. So happy!

Thoughts on Thursday - Polish

Today, I decided to break out the nail polish! I was inspired at a family gathering on Monday. I was excited.

I normally keep my toes painted. Since it has gotten a little colder, I have neglected my toes. They have been in a great need of me taking the time to at least remove the vanishing polish that has been lingering there.

I rarely paint my fingers. Something about the look staying perfect for more than 8 hours always gets me frustrated.

Today, I painted the toes and the fingers. Great excitement! Two colors! In a trendy and fun design! I watched a Christmas movie during my project!

I always forget how long it can take for the paint to set. My fingers are already smudged. Due to my impatience. Grrr. If you don't look too closely, you can't tell.....maybe.

Well, the fingers will probably be stripped tomorrow, but it was a fun en devour.

Here's to the Christmas season, and making different aspects of our lives festive!

Thoughts from Thursday

Last night, we were waiting to skype with some friends. It was approximately 7:00pm. A small knock came to our door. We didn't have any clue who it could be.

Sean opened the door, and there was a package on the doorstep. It was the UPS man. At 7:00pm at night!!! That poor man.

I just hope that isn't a forecast of how his schedule will be all of December.

Apology: 

I will only say this once. Sorry, Mr. UPS, if my Cyber Monday shopping ruined your day. I got some fantastic deals. Shopping online is so convenient! Especially when you live in a remote city whose stores specialize in outdoor gear.

I almost wanted Sean to see what was in the package, instead of waiting for Christmas morning,  I was so excited about the delivery! I promise: one day this next month, when you come knocking at the door, I will be there quick as a flash. You will be given a treat or something to show you our thanks and give you Christmas cheer. I may possible run you down since you're busy delivering things as quickly as possible so you can go home.

Let's give it up for those men and women who help us enjoy Christmas just a little bit more. Even when it is only November 29, and 7:00pm at night.

Thank you.

Thoughts for Thursday - Flannel

Okay. The name of Thursday posts is changing. Last time. Promise

Sean pointed out that I often tell a story on Thursday. It isn't always geared toward being thankful. So, I found another word that sounds nice with "Thursday" and has a broader scope. Besides, I was starting to feel very cliche this month. Everyone else is being thankful as Thanksgiving is coming up, and I want to be different. Still thankful!

So.....here are my "thoughts" on.....

Flannel Sheets

Growing up in Arizona, there was never a huge need for warm bedding. In the winter, it was FREEZING (comparatively to the rest of the year) and that just meant adding another blanket or two to the bed. Problem solved.

I also had the personal feeling, that the "normal" feel of sheets was perfect. Use something else and it messes everything else. The whole sliding-into-bed factor is thrown off! Solution: don't mess with something that already works great.

Well last winter, we were living in our fun one bedroom do-whatever-you-want-with-the-place rental. It had horrible insulation. We put plastic on the windows, and it was still very cold; and it didn't help that every heating element we had available ran on electric. (It's a sign when you get home from work and it feels warmer outside than inside.)

Anyway, my mom suggested we try flannel sheets. A part of me was really reluctant because of my whole sheet psychology mentioned above. We tried them. It made a difference. A huge difference! The little house was still cold, but we were able to stay warm at night.

Flannel sheets are amazing in the winter!! They hold your body heat better than regular sheets, and your foot isn't met by unwelcoming ice when it moves around during the night. They also cuddle you a little more, which is a happy feeling.

Even though we are in a different place this winter - one with much better accommodations for cooler weather - it was a happy thought bringing out the flannel sheets last month.

Think about it. It could change your life as it did ours. Hooray for flannel sheets!

Thankful for Thursday

Nature. Ever Changing.

It is fun living in a place so immersed in nature. Yes we have grocery stores, restaurants, bike shops. It doesn't take much to be away from civilization here.

Back story. The plant Sean works at is down the end of the Colorado River. I am envious of that drive he gets to take every day. It is beau-tiful! The river, the red rock cliffs, everything.

Monday morning, Sean called me from work and informed me there was a rock slide near the plant. Apparently it happened five minutes after his carpool passed the spot.

This is the cliff face that released the rocks.

There are railroad tracks between the cliff face and the road. As you can see, they will be unusable for a while.

 

 The gash in the road was five feet deep, and it was impassable. The spot was quickly filled with gravel, and the city had the road patched by the time Sean was done with work. As of yesterday, they took away the last boulder that came down.

Thankfully, no one was hurt by the rock slide.

Isn't it fun how nature keeps us on our toes? It goes to show, we can only control a handful of things. It is nice to remember the important things in life, and enjoy when things get a little....rocky. (Yes, that was an intentional pun!)

Thankful for Thursday

"A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen."

-John Bytheway

I couldn't agree more! Today, I not only completely caught up on the dished and sanitized all the surfaces, I also cleaned the stove. The type of clean where the burner trays get soaked and scrubbed. 

 I'm always surprised what a difference that makes. Now the stove is not only shiny, it doesn't have the potential to smell of burning when I am working on a kitchen inspiration! Amazing. Amazing!

John Bytheway was very wise when he made the above comment. With the kitchen cleaned - including the stove - it is a much happier place!

Here's to a November: a new month, a time to try some new goals and work on some old ones. I sure am thankful for my kitchen....especially when it's clean.

Thankful for Thursday

Today, I would like to say I am thankful for my body. 

This Sunday I am teaching a lesson in YW about how to care for our bodies. In going over the lesson, I thought it was interesting how much emphasis it put on the physical care of our bodies. How we groom, exercise, eat, and watch over this wonderful gift.

Our bodies are never perfect. It doesn't matter how many times I have painted toe nails, there is always a bubble or bloop or something. I mean, there's supposed to be adversity in all things right?? Right.

I am certainly not perfect in how I care for my body. I just want to say, Thank you, Body. Thank you for letting me enjoy my senses, helping me make memories with family and friends, for informing me when I have done too much or too little, giving joy at the smallest bit of pumpkin pie or holding a hand, going through things good and bad so I can relate to those around me, and thank you for being feminine. Because of you, Body, I get to live this life.

From preparing my lesson and writing this out, I resolve to do a little better in showing my gratitude to my body. I sure am thankful.

Thankful for Thursday

I decided to change the name of these posts. When I first thought of "thankful" I thought it might be related to the time of year and because Thanksgiving is coming up. I have concluded it has a nice ring, and we should always be looking for things that keep us grateful right?

So, I am Thankful for Thursday. What a great day! It is the day before Friday, and I have come to look at Thursday as an extension of the weekend! Thursday.

Sunsets.

I love the sun. I also love how it colors the world when it is setting. Sometimes the sky is beautiful, and other times it makes other things beautiful.

For instance, the arches in Arches National Park are know to look the best at sunset. It makes the red rock look brilliant!

We hiked Delicate Arch last week and saw it at sunset - a first for us. Everyone was cleared from under the arch so everyone could get an unobscured view of it. It was brilliant! After the sun set, everyone clapped as if to say, "Thank you sun. Thanks for the great show!" It was a cool experience.

Other things look better or inspriring when the sun is setting too. It's now wonder photographers like using that time for picture taking and family portraits. Not that the sun isn't great at other times.



Sunset is just a special time, and I am thankful for it.