Okay, I only have a virus but it is very unpleasant. If you have had the pleasure of listening to me attempt to speak over the past two days you know what I am talking about. ANNOYING! Oh, well, I have been resting for 3 days and I have 2 more to go but if I am not better by Monday, than OH WELL, I'll just infect everyone at work!
So, here is a funny-ish story. I went to a meeting at work today (for 30 minutes, tops) and I picked up my check. Yes, I am the only person in the world who still has a paper check. Well, I won't next payday, but still... SO, I had planned on setting up an account at BANK OPTION 1(this helps me believe I am being internet safe) but I needed to go home first to make sure the van wasn't needed. It wasn't. So I head out and even though I see this bank on my way to and from work EVERY DAY I pass it. By a lot. I was jamming to The Killers, which is obviously far more important.
Once I realize that I have passed it I call myself an idiot and laugh a little. I end up going into some neighborhood and for reasons that weren't all that clear to me at the time I drove further into the neighborhood and came out on another main road. Next to a totally different BANK OPTION than I had ever considered. I thought, "That is too weird." But I was set on BANK OPTION 1 so I trekked back the slightly weird way I ended up on.
I get to BANK OPTION 1. I walk in and feel like an idiot because I feel hot and freezing, I can barely talk and I am doing everything not to look like I am disgustingly ill and also trying to not touch anything because I know I am disgustingly ill. When I get seen by someone, he is very nice and kind but can't help me because I don't have two forms of ID. Apparently being licensed and fingerprinted by a certain state I used to live in doesn't count and all I have is a drivers license because I cut up all my cards and my job doesn't require picture ID because there are six of us.
Great. I say thanks. He is genuinely sorry he couldn't help and I am not upset at him or anything. I am annoyed at myself. HELLO! So I apologized to Heavenly Father for not just asking Him at the time (which would have saved me thirty minutes) and I am sure He forgave me. He was probably somewhat amused at my obliviousness. And I went straight to BANK OPTION 2, walked in and asked before anything else could go down, "How many forms of ID do I need to open a checking account?"
One.
Isn't it comforting (and humbling) to know He's always there and always on your side? Even if He's just trying to save you some time because He knows you are sick.
I love being loved by my Heavenly Father.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Get Full Lips for Free! Ask Me How... (this is not actually an advert, just read it and you'll understand)
I have a surefire way to help you achieve those plump and luscious lips you crave without spending any money or having to deal with the aftermath of surgery! Just play dodge ball and let someone slam a rubber ball as hard as they can directly in your face. It also works if you are someone who has Munchhausen's and wants to have a migraine to go to the hospital with!
Jerk. Whoever did it didn't even apologize. That is what I am the most pissed about. Whatever, it's dodge ball, you get hit - that's kind of the goal... but you should still apologize for hurting someone. And I am not a wuss. I can take a hit. This hurt a lot and a still didn't really cry. But COME ON!
So now I have a big swollen face. And I have to teach Relief Society tomorrow. I was even going to attempt choir, like I've been saying for months, but that depends on how bad this headache gets. But Maddi and Haylee and Sharise took good care of me. Yea for good friends. Boo for rude people.
Jerk. Whoever did it didn't even apologize. That is what I am the most pissed about. Whatever, it's dodge ball, you get hit - that's kind of the goal... but you should still apologize for hurting someone. And I am not a wuss. I can take a hit. This hurt a lot and a still didn't really cry. But COME ON!
So now I have a big swollen face. And I have to teach Relief Society tomorrow. I was even going to attempt choir, like I've been saying for months, but that depends on how bad this headache gets. But Maddi and Haylee and Sharise took good care of me. Yea for good friends. Boo for rude people.
Chelsea was curious...
Welcome to the new 2010 edition of getting to know your family and friends.. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you.
1. What is your occupation right now? Content Writer for lyncmedia.com
2. What color are your socks right now? Ha! Socks. I'm from the land of flip-flops, yo!
3. What are you listening to right now? Bubba and Bird watching Up and someone shoveling snow outside.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? A bowl of Life cereal.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Technically, yes. But it's not good for anyone.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Haylee... I think.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She is my best friend forever.
8. How old are your right now? 27 but my face looks 17 and my hair looks 96.
9. What is your favorite SPORT? Soccer.
10. What is your favorite drink? Cranberry Juice, apparently. I have been ordering it at restaurants and buying it at the store like a fanatic.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes. I need to again but I am lazy.
12. Favorite food? Mexican! Real Mexican, not Taco Bell or Tex Mex.
13. What was the last movie you watched? Bride Wars was the last movie I watched that I had never seen before. And I really liked it.
14. Favorite day of the year? Halloween!
15. How do you vent anger? I have a very horrifying scream that I let out in the most awful of rages but once I let it go I feel much better. I also sometimes go into the bathroom and turn of the light and sit on the floor and cry in the dark. It sounds weird but it's actually because the bathroom had the only door that locked when I was growing up. Now it's just a habit.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? I remember having an Ariel (The Little Mermaid) figurine from McDonalds and playing with it for hours in the sink. I wanted to be a mermaid so bad that I often cried about it. In my worlds there will be mermaids and unicorns.
17. What is your favorite season? Winter.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? If they feel so inclined.
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Um... no idea.
21. Who is least likely to respond? Elvis Presley.
22. Living arrangements? With my Sister, Brother-in-Law, nephew, niece and number #3
23. When was the last time you cried? I don't know but I am sure I have had a meltdown semi-recently.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Clothes, clothes, and more clothes. I am not a fan of laundry. I prefer to just buy clean clothes.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? I'm not sending this to anyone, unless you count cyberspace, but I have known Mom the longest.
26. What did you do last night? Took a quick nap after work, fried a whole bunch of tortilla chips and had a game night.
27. What are you most afraid of? Breast Cancer
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? How about a cheese and spicy combo...
29. Favorite dog breed? English Bull Dogs. It's like having an obese person for a pet. Awesome! I also love Great Danes... I miss Harrah.
30. Favorite day of the week? I enjoy Sundays. It's the only day that I don't feel guilt about not cleaning everything.
31. How many states have you lived in? CA, IL, CO, Italy, AZ, UT, WA... 6 states and one foreign country.
32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds for sho! Although I prefer colored ones, especially green. Black diamonds are really cool too.
33. What is your favorite flower? Orchids or poppies. LOVE!
1. What is your occupation right now? Content Writer for lyncmedia.com
2. What color are your socks right now? Ha! Socks. I'm from the land of flip-flops, yo!
3. What are you listening to right now? Bubba and Bird watching Up and someone shoveling snow outside.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? A bowl of Life cereal.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Technically, yes. But it's not good for anyone.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Haylee... I think.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She is my best friend forever.
8. How old are your right now? 27 but my face looks 17 and my hair looks 96.
9. What is your favorite SPORT? Soccer.
10. What is your favorite drink? Cranberry Juice, apparently. I have been ordering it at restaurants and buying it at the store like a fanatic.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes. I need to again but I am lazy.
12. Favorite food? Mexican! Real Mexican, not Taco Bell or Tex Mex.
13. What was the last movie you watched? Bride Wars was the last movie I watched that I had never seen before. And I really liked it.
14. Favorite day of the year? Halloween!
15. How do you vent anger? I have a very horrifying scream that I let out in the most awful of rages but once I let it go I feel much better. I also sometimes go into the bathroom and turn of the light and sit on the floor and cry in the dark. It sounds weird but it's actually because the bathroom had the only door that locked when I was growing up. Now it's just a habit.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? I remember having an Ariel (The Little Mermaid) figurine from McDonalds and playing with it for hours in the sink. I wanted to be a mermaid so bad that I often cried about it. In my worlds there will be mermaids and unicorns.
17. What is your favorite season? Winter.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? If they feel so inclined.
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Um... no idea.
21. Who is least likely to respond? Elvis Presley.
22. Living arrangements? With my Sister, Brother-in-Law, nephew, niece and number #3
23. When was the last time you cried? I don't know but I am sure I have had a meltdown semi-recently.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Clothes, clothes, and more clothes. I am not a fan of laundry. I prefer to just buy clean clothes.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? I'm not sending this to anyone, unless you count cyberspace, but I have known Mom the longest.
26. What did you do last night? Took a quick nap after work, fried a whole bunch of tortilla chips and had a game night.
27. What are you most afraid of? Breast Cancer
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? How about a cheese and spicy combo...
29. Favorite dog breed? English Bull Dogs. It's like having an obese person for a pet. Awesome! I also love Great Danes... I miss Harrah.
30. Favorite day of the week? I enjoy Sundays. It's the only day that I don't feel guilt about not cleaning everything.
31. How many states have you lived in? CA, IL, CO, Italy, AZ, UT, WA... 6 states and one foreign country.
32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds for sho! Although I prefer colored ones, especially green. Black diamonds are really cool too.
33. What is your favorite flower? Orchids or poppies. LOVE!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
GAME NIGHT GAME NIGHT GAME NIGHT YO!
In case you are unaware, though I don't know how since I have leaked this info in every way web-tastically possible, I am having a G-Zame N-Zight at my hizzy. Okay, that's enough of that.
So, in the event that you all haven't felt adequately stalked up to this point, I am now announcing game night on this thing. Yeah I am not putting my address on here because I just finished The Lovely Bones and I have no desire to meet George Harvey or any of his creepy friends... but it will be at 9pm this Friday, January 22nd. Feel free to bring snacks, games, and friends. I promise to only demolish your pride the tiniest bit depending on the game.
So email me at jujubeene@hotmail.com and IF I KNOW WHO YOU ARE I will send you the address. Since most of you are in my ward you can also find it through the ward directory, yo!
Doesn't everything sound infinitely cooler with the word YO! at the end?
So, in the event that you all haven't felt adequately stalked up to this point, I am now announcing game night on this thing. Yeah I am not putting my address on here because I just finished The Lovely Bones and I have no desire to meet George Harvey or any of his creepy friends... but it will be at 9pm this Friday, January 22nd. Feel free to bring snacks, games, and friends. I promise to only demolish your pride the tiniest bit depending on the game.
So email me at jujubeene@hotmail.com and IF I KNOW WHO YOU ARE I will send you the address. Since most of you are in my ward you can also find it through the ward directory, yo!
Doesn't everything sound infinitely cooler with the word YO! at the end?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Because I Feel Like It
I have nothing exciting to report. I have spent the past two days freaking out about my hours at work (it's official by the way, I am permanently hired. Until they find a reason to fire me) and finally gathered the courage to email my boss (such brave communication, right?) to ask if I could come in an hour early every day and in about thirty minutes I received this two word response; "That works."
Why do I freak myself out about such stupid things? At worst he'd have said no.
Anyway, life is good. I am pretty ding-dang-dong happy these days, despite my three to four anxiety attacks per day. I am still learning to pause before submitting to said freak-outs and breathe. I am almost always over-reacting. I feel very blessed and undeserving, but more than willing to reap those unwarranted benefits nonetheless!
Also, I love libraries. The city library here is pretty awesome. Lots of comfy, cozy, QUIET seating. Lots of fiction. Lots of non-fiction. Once I have my own car I am going to start borrowing books on CD and having a "travel novel" ready for my driving adventures. Marcia gave me this idea, so danke, Marce!
Is it apparent that this is just narcissistic rambling? I hope not, I'd hate for you to get the wrong idea about my amazing-ness (i.e. I have a lot of it).
Okay, I should go get ready for the rest of my day. I get to have some girly fun with Steph for her birthday outing! Lunch and the mall... mostly lunch is the exciting part. Plus I am finally going to embarrassingly cave and purchase the cheesy Vampire Diary books that I want so badly. I'll buy some Kierkegaard as well, just so I don't start crying at the register.
Cute, nerdy boys with glasses at church tomorrow... they are so fun to look at!
Why do I freak myself out about such stupid things? At worst he'd have said no.
Anyway, life is good. I am pretty ding-dang-dong happy these days, despite my three to four anxiety attacks per day. I am still learning to pause before submitting to said freak-outs and breathe. I am almost always over-reacting. I feel very blessed and undeserving, but more than willing to reap those unwarranted benefits nonetheless!
Also, I love libraries. The city library here is pretty awesome. Lots of comfy, cozy, QUIET seating. Lots of fiction. Lots of non-fiction. Once I have my own car I am going to start borrowing books on CD and having a "travel novel" ready for my driving adventures. Marcia gave me this idea, so danke, Marce!
Is it apparent that this is just narcissistic rambling? I hope not, I'd hate for you to get the wrong idea about my amazing-ness (i.e. I have a lot of it).
Okay, I should go get ready for the rest of my day. I get to have some girly fun with Steph for her birthday outing! Lunch and the mall... mostly lunch is the exciting part. Plus I am finally going to embarrassingly cave and purchase the cheesy Vampire Diary books that I want so badly. I'll buy some Kierkegaard as well, just so I don't start crying at the register.
Cute, nerdy boys with glasses at church tomorrow... they are so fun to look at!
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Place Before Tears...
Oh, how maudlin. Really it is just a phrase from my very favorite piece of literature, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. I was asked to pick the novel for Book Club this month and, of course, this is the title that spilled from my lips. Nobody had any real response, having never heard of it. Well, that isn't true, Sarah groaned thinking that it was going to be a cheesy love story because of the title. It is NOT a cheesy love story. It's not really a love story at all, not in the traditional sense. It is a story about love. Read it and you will understand.
I do not recommend books very often because I know that every reader has their own personal way of taking these written worlds into their own lives. I try not to belittle the experiences readers have with certain books that I might not have responded to and I expect that same in return. But this book is magic. I think you will agree.
WHY I LOVE THE HISTORY OF LOVE
Because it shows love in a true, heartbreaking, life altering light.
Because Nicole Krauss has a turn of phrase that is unique and full of truth.
Because every girl is named Alma.
WHY I FEEL SORROW BECAUSE OF THE HISTORY OF LOVE
Because I know that I will never achieve the poetry and honesty of this book. I do not possess such genius.
READ IT! You will not be sorry.
I do not recommend books very often because I know that every reader has their own personal way of taking these written worlds into their own lives. I try not to belittle the experiences readers have with certain books that I might not have responded to and I expect that same in return. But this book is magic. I think you will agree.
WHY I LOVE THE HISTORY OF LOVE
Because it shows love in a true, heartbreaking, life altering light.
Because Nicole Krauss has a turn of phrase that is unique and full of truth.
Because every girl is named Alma.
WHY I FEEL SORROW BECAUSE OF THE HISTORY OF LOVE
Because I know that I will never achieve the poetry and honesty of this book. I do not possess such genius.
READ IT! You will not be sorry.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Small Graces, Large Fillings
First, an anecdote...
I have been stressing myself out this week wishing that I could be ready-made and perfect for this job of mine. I love this job, it is interesting enough that I don't notice the time (always a major plus), I find myself thinking about it when I am not there and not in an I-don't-want-to-go-back way, and I do have a comfortable level of creative freedom. My stress stems from the fact that I am afraid my job doesn't love me.
My boss, I'll refer to him as YK, because that is his ID in my inbox so I see YK A LOT, is really supportive and positive and helpful. I am pretty sure he has had management training because he is never accusatory or condescending. Which is great because I am really good at accomplishing those negatives all by my lonesome. Anyway, YK has told me multiple times that he loves my content. The only real criticism I have received was that I should be hitting 5 or 6 reviews an hour. I was only hitting 3 but I have since figured out how and why it was taking me longer. Today I did 11 reviews in under an hour and a half... so that is way more than five an hour.
It's just that this whole week has been plied with new information, mainly the website formatting stuff, and I just felt hopeless and confused. Well, maybe not confused, I understand the directions I am given, it's just not something I have confidence in. Yet. I am very goal-oriented and WAY TOO detail obsessed and that equals frustration when I have project upon project piled on top of me. This is a contributing reason to why I didn't do anything for years upon years.
I am not complaining. I love this job. I am grateful to have gotten it at all. I am more than aware of how low on the skill scale I rank and how bad the job market is right now. I am venting because I am worried that I won't be able to hack it!
Anyway, all of this was twisting in my brain-space as I laid in bed an hour ago without the energy to read or even get up and turn the light off. I have a queen size bed and due to my chronic condition (i.e. laziness) one side is layered with books and magazines that I like to have handy. We are using October 09's conference Ensign in Institute so it was sitting there and caught my eye.
What I am about to write is something that I recognize as lame and am not overly happy to admit to. Okay? No judging! I grabbed the Ensign and said, "The page I open this to better have something to make me feel better about this situation!" How spoiled and awful is that? I wasn't honestly expecting a positive result since that is not an appropriate way to ask the Lord for guidance but I opened it anyway. It opened to page 56 and the first words I read were bolded on the page;
The First Principle: Work
Yeah! I laughed a little and decided to read. It wasn't until the end of the second paragraph that I got my specific answer, provided from the Lord through President Uchtodorf;
"That's the thing about work. If we simply keep at it-steady and constant-things certainly will improve."
I can't begin to describe the comfort and peace this excerpt has afforded me. I know that I am doing my very best and that is enough to get me to where I need to be, so long as my effort is consistent. I am grateful for these simple sentiments and for the love of my Heavenly Father who certainly had no obligation to help this belligerent child!
I don't know if that counted as an anecdote. It was rather long. Also, I don't remember what else I was going to write about so I have no Second. Wait...
Second, the end.
Clever, right?
I have been stressing myself out this week wishing that I could be ready-made and perfect for this job of mine. I love this job, it is interesting enough that I don't notice the time (always a major plus), I find myself thinking about it when I am not there and not in an I-don't-want-to-go-back way, and I do have a comfortable level of creative freedom. My stress stems from the fact that I am afraid my job doesn't love me.
My boss, I'll refer to him as YK, because that is his ID in my inbox so I see YK A LOT, is really supportive and positive and helpful. I am pretty sure he has had management training because he is never accusatory or condescending. Which is great because I am really good at accomplishing those negatives all by my lonesome. Anyway, YK has told me multiple times that he loves my content. The only real criticism I have received was that I should be hitting 5 or 6 reviews an hour. I was only hitting 3 but I have since figured out how and why it was taking me longer. Today I did 11 reviews in under an hour and a half... so that is way more than five an hour.
It's just that this whole week has been plied with new information, mainly the website formatting stuff, and I just felt hopeless and confused. Well, maybe not confused, I understand the directions I am given, it's just not something I have confidence in. Yet. I am very goal-oriented and WAY TOO detail obsessed and that equals frustration when I have project upon project piled on top of me. This is a contributing reason to why I didn't do anything for years upon years.
I am not complaining. I love this job. I am grateful to have gotten it at all. I am more than aware of how low on the skill scale I rank and how bad the job market is right now. I am venting because I am worried that I won't be able to hack it!
Anyway, all of this was twisting in my brain-space as I laid in bed an hour ago without the energy to read or even get up and turn the light off. I have a queen size bed and due to my chronic condition (i.e. laziness) one side is layered with books and magazines that I like to have handy. We are using October 09's conference Ensign in Institute so it was sitting there and caught my eye.
What I am about to write is something that I recognize as lame and am not overly happy to admit to. Okay? No judging! I grabbed the Ensign and said, "The page I open this to better have something to make me feel better about this situation!" How spoiled and awful is that? I wasn't honestly expecting a positive result since that is not an appropriate way to ask the Lord for guidance but I opened it anyway. It opened to page 56 and the first words I read were bolded on the page;
The First Principle: Work
Yeah! I laughed a little and decided to read. It wasn't until the end of the second paragraph that I got my specific answer, provided from the Lord through President Uchtodorf;
"That's the thing about work. If we simply keep at it-steady and constant-things certainly will improve."
I can't begin to describe the comfort and peace this excerpt has afforded me. I know that I am doing my very best and that is enough to get me to where I need to be, so long as my effort is consistent. I am grateful for these simple sentiments and for the love of my Heavenly Father who certainly had no obligation to help this belligerent child!
I don't know if that counted as an anecdote. It was rather long. Also, I don't remember what else I was going to write about so I have no Second. Wait...
Second, the end.
Clever, right?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Short and Sweet, Just Like Me
I have been super busy this week but I had a thought I wanted to share. It's not so much a pleasant thought but I have a feeling that some of you out in blog-land will offer me an "Amen!" once it's out.
I am REALLY, REALLY ANNOYED by boys who think that just because I talk to them I am in love with them. I am not in love with you! Do you know what it means if I say hi to you? It means I was bored and felt like saying "hi!" Such meaning! You are not as great as you think you are. Or I am not as desperate as you seem to think I am. And, you would be lucky if I was in love with you because I am awesome! I am funny and nice and I make peanut butter cookies almost every day! I am also pretty cute and, yeah, a little chunky but guess what... most of us end up a little chunky! At least I make it look good!
But I AM NOT IN LOVE YOU! So get over yourself, goodness gracious.
Um, unless you're the cute boy with the curly hair who brought me the candy bar. I am a little in love with you.
I am REALLY, REALLY ANNOYED by boys who think that just because I talk to them I am in love with them. I am not in love with you! Do you know what it means if I say hi to you? It means I was bored and felt like saying "hi!" Such meaning! You are not as great as you think you are. Or I am not as desperate as you seem to think I am. And, you would be lucky if I was in love with you because I am awesome! I am funny and nice and I make peanut butter cookies almost every day! I am also pretty cute and, yeah, a little chunky but guess what... most of us end up a little chunky! At least I make it look good!
But I AM NOT IN LOVE YOU! So get over yourself, goodness gracious.
Um, unless you're the cute boy with the curly hair who brought me the candy bar. I am a little in love with you.
Friday, January 1, 2010
One hundred, 2009!
Yeah... I was getting off the phone with Chris one day and instead of saying "good-bye" he said "one hundred" and it made me laugh so now that is how I say good-bye.
So, 2009 was a roller-coaster year for me. I'd say it held the most growth for me since I left high school. This is not impressive, rather, it is sad because I have been stagnant for 10 years. Ridiculous!
I am glad to report that I am not stagnant now and I am much happier for the forward motion! I am happy, although cold, up here in the land of the Mormons. I love being with Steph and Justin and the babies. Sadie is especially cuddly and roley-poley. Caleb is hilarious and genius and exactly what an almost three year-old boy should be!
I love my ward. I was terrified of it and thought the best I could hope for was to not want to cry every Sunday but I have been blessed beyond my own hopes to be in an awesome ward with great people! I have already decided that when I move out of Steph and Justin's house I am going to do my best to stay in the boundaries of my ward.
I HAVE A JOB!!! This is especially thrilling since illness and such has kept me from working since I left Washington. Money is delightful. Having something to do everyday and to help you not feel like a bum is even better. I am extremely grateful for the specific job I have because I get to use my writing skills and I actually enjoy going to work everyday. I had heard people talk about liking their jobs but I figured they were just lying to themselves to keep their minds afloat. For the first time in my life I don't feel like I am just biding my time until something better happens.
All in all, I am very glad for the lessons I have learned this year and for the blessings I have received even though I am not in any way deserving. The biggest thing I have come to KNOW is that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. He is on our side. If we do what is asked of us and we listen to His guidance we will be led to the things we need but also the things we want, so long as the things we want don't conflict with His law. Now that I have this job, this CAREER, that I love I can see how the "No's" I received and lamented were just small disappointments that led to greater happiness. It's hard but it's worth it.
Okay... now for those pesky resolutions I set about to accomplish this past year;
I failed.
But not miserably. I didn't write in my journal every night but I am pretty sure that I missed less than three weeks worth of entries. That is huge for me! I was in the habit of writing every other month. It helped that, at least toward the end of the year, I actually had a life to write about.
As for my 100 books... I made it to 81. I was on track to make it to 100 but I stopped reading constantly once I got up to Utah. I am still proud of 81 books. That is not a small number! I had originally planned to put the entire list of what I read online but I don't care enough. I will put down a short list of what I recommend though.
RECOMMENDED
Why Do I Love These People? by Po Bronson
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (all 13)
Harry Potter
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
The Wild Things by Dave Eggers
Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman
The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
The Host by Stephenie Meyer - I am reluctant to add this one. But I couldn't put it down.
Okay, I can't think of any more right now and I am too lazy to go and look at my list. If you are weird and want the full list let me know. You may notice that there are quite a few Young Adult novels on the list above. I have never been a fan of youth lit but I fell in love with the Lemony Snicket's books and decided that I should try out some of the other well regarded series of stories. I love a good series. The saddest feeling in the world is when a story you love is over. I'd like to thank Lemony and J.K. for prolonging my happiness!
Yes, I gave in and read the Twilight series. I will not refer to it as a saga. Anyway, it wasn't the best writing ever and the plot has holes and some ludicrous demands on the readers imaginations, but the characters were compelling and I found myself reading with fervor. This opened my eyes to another idea of what constitutes "good" literature. I decided then and there to stop worrying about writing something high-brow and layered with subtext and to just write a story that I wouldn't want to put down.
This was one of the top two life-changing epiphanies I had this year. I know that sounds melodramatic but get over it! Once I gave up my idea of what a worthy novel would be I found myself falling in love with the writing process all over again. Growing up messes with your mind. Following rules is important but it's just as necessary to be able to differentiate the rules from the noise. Once I gave up comparing myself to Nabokov and Tolstoy and Salinger and Hemingway I was pleasantly thrilled by the silence in my head. Now I am writing a story that I wish someone else had already written just so I could see how it all turns out already! It's an amazing feeling and I know that, whether or not it ever gets published or read by anyone else, I will love it and be proud of it.
I am so happy and grateful and blessed. I want to thank EVERYONE for all the support and kindness and love and forgiveness you have shown me. I am forever in your debt and will never forget the love I have been shown.
As for 2010, who knows what it will hold! Here are my resolutions;
1. Complete the first novel
2. Get my endowment
3. Go on dates... this is something I do not enjoy so it will be tough.
4. Learn fractions and decimals (pathetic, right? I suck at math)
5. Go on a real vacation to somewhere NEW
I don't know what else to resolve at this point. I think those are good for now. We shall see.
So, 2009 was a roller-coaster year for me. I'd say it held the most growth for me since I left high school. This is not impressive, rather, it is sad because I have been stagnant for 10 years. Ridiculous!
I am glad to report that I am not stagnant now and I am much happier for the forward motion! I am happy, although cold, up here in the land of the Mormons. I love being with Steph and Justin and the babies. Sadie is especially cuddly and roley-poley. Caleb is hilarious and genius and exactly what an almost three year-old boy should be!
I love my ward. I was terrified of it and thought the best I could hope for was to not want to cry every Sunday but I have been blessed beyond my own hopes to be in an awesome ward with great people! I have already decided that when I move out of Steph and Justin's house I am going to do my best to stay in the boundaries of my ward.
I HAVE A JOB!!! This is especially thrilling since illness and such has kept me from working since I left Washington. Money is delightful. Having something to do everyday and to help you not feel like a bum is even better. I am extremely grateful for the specific job I have because I get to use my writing skills and I actually enjoy going to work everyday. I had heard people talk about liking their jobs but I figured they were just lying to themselves to keep their minds afloat. For the first time in my life I don't feel like I am just biding my time until something better happens.
All in all, I am very glad for the lessons I have learned this year and for the blessings I have received even though I am not in any way deserving. The biggest thing I have come to KNOW is that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. He is on our side. If we do what is asked of us and we listen to His guidance we will be led to the things we need but also the things we want, so long as the things we want don't conflict with His law. Now that I have this job, this CAREER, that I love I can see how the "No's" I received and lamented were just small disappointments that led to greater happiness. It's hard but it's worth it.
Okay... now for those pesky resolutions I set about to accomplish this past year;
I failed.
But not miserably. I didn't write in my journal every night but I am pretty sure that I missed less than three weeks worth of entries. That is huge for me! I was in the habit of writing every other month. It helped that, at least toward the end of the year, I actually had a life to write about.
As for my 100 books... I made it to 81. I was on track to make it to 100 but I stopped reading constantly once I got up to Utah. I am still proud of 81 books. That is not a small number! I had originally planned to put the entire list of what I read online but I don't care enough. I will put down a short list of what I recommend though.
RECOMMENDED
Why Do I Love These People? by Po Bronson
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (all 13)
Harry Potter
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
The Wild Things by Dave Eggers
Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman
The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
The Host by Stephenie Meyer - I am reluctant to add this one. But I couldn't put it down.
Okay, I can't think of any more right now and I am too lazy to go and look at my list. If you are weird and want the full list let me know. You may notice that there are quite a few Young Adult novels on the list above. I have never been a fan of youth lit but I fell in love with the Lemony Snicket's books and decided that I should try out some of the other well regarded series of stories. I love a good series. The saddest feeling in the world is when a story you love is over. I'd like to thank Lemony and J.K. for prolonging my happiness!
Yes, I gave in and read the Twilight series. I will not refer to it as a saga. Anyway, it wasn't the best writing ever and the plot has holes and some ludicrous demands on the readers imaginations, but the characters were compelling and I found myself reading with fervor. This opened my eyes to another idea of what constitutes "good" literature. I decided then and there to stop worrying about writing something high-brow and layered with subtext and to just write a story that I wouldn't want to put down.
This was one of the top two life-changing epiphanies I had this year. I know that sounds melodramatic but get over it! Once I gave up my idea of what a worthy novel would be I found myself falling in love with the writing process all over again. Growing up messes with your mind. Following rules is important but it's just as necessary to be able to differentiate the rules from the noise. Once I gave up comparing myself to Nabokov and Tolstoy and Salinger and Hemingway I was pleasantly thrilled by the silence in my head. Now I am writing a story that I wish someone else had already written just so I could see how it all turns out already! It's an amazing feeling and I know that, whether or not it ever gets published or read by anyone else, I will love it and be proud of it.
I am so happy and grateful and blessed. I want to thank EVERYONE for all the support and kindness and love and forgiveness you have shown me. I am forever in your debt and will never forget the love I have been shown.
As for 2010, who knows what it will hold! Here are my resolutions;
1. Complete the first novel
2. Get my endowment
3. Go on dates... this is something I do not enjoy so it will be tough.
4. Learn fractions and decimals (pathetic, right? I suck at math)
5. Go on a real vacation to somewhere NEW
I don't know what else to resolve at this point. I think those are good for now. We shall see.
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