5 Second Crush...

So that's my latest term for those guys I see once or twice and they intrigue me... the 5 second crush can turn into 6, 7, 8...you get the picture. It seems like lately they start at 5, move up to 7 or 8 and drop to 0 instantly when I realize I was totally just fantasizing them into my ideal, decades of emotion, take my breathe away, type of crush!

As lame as this sounds, I just dictionary.com'd the word "crush," as I often do with words that are on my mind and this is what it came up with:

CRUSH

1.to press or squeeze with a force that destroys or deforms.
2. to squeeze or pound into small fragments or particles, as ore, stone, etc.
3. to force out by pressing or squeezing; extract: to crush cottonseeds in order to produce oil.
4. to rumple; wrinkle; crease.
5. to smooth or flatten by pressure: to crush leather.
6. to hug or embrace forcibly or strongly: He crushed her in his arms.
7. to destroy, subdue, or suppress utterly: to crush a revolt.
8. to overwhelm with confusion, chagrin, or humiliation, as by argumentation or a slighting action or remark; squelch.
9. to oppress grievously.
10. Archaic. to finish drinking (wine, ale, etc.).–verb (used without object)
11. to become crushed.
12. to advance with crushing; press or crowd forcibly.–noun
13. the act of crushing; state of being crushed.
14. a great crowd: a crush of shoppers.
15. Informal.
a. an intense but usually short-lived infatuation.
b. the object of such an infatuation: Who is your latest crush?

I laughed out loud as I read some of those definitions..."to press or squeeze with a force that destroys or deforms." Yep, I'm pretty sure I've destroyed a lot of chances with guys by crushing too much...ha! I also like the one that says "to overwhelm with confusion," been there done that... and I especially like the one that says "short-lived." That one hits the nail on the head!

Anywho, today I'm just grateful for my short-lived crushes that give me hope. In the past little while I've decided that one of my very favorite attractions and is a must for the man I marry, is ABILITY TO LAUGH! I love to laugh, I love when people make me laugh, I love to laugh about stupid stuff, smart stuff, crazy stuff, weird stuff, stuff that just ticks me off, and mainly I just love to LAUGH...my dad calls me giggles, I just can help it, I LOVE to laugh!

So there you have it, my little thought process I had tonight, sorry if it's hard to follow, if you don't understand, don't worry, I'm confusing, I know:). Just smile and nod for me k?

Life without laughter, would be no life at all...

M. Ed. Master Educator...I am still pinching myself!

Molly, Justin, Me

The 3 Musketeers...we started together and finished together! Molly and Justin are phenomial teachers, I'm so glad that I was able to learn from them and be inspired to become better!

Molly and I became best friends in the midst of this program! Not only did I get a master's degree, I got a best friend out of it! Man what a blast! Sadly she moved to Wisconsin:(. PS, she doesn't love silly poses...I forced her into to this one:).

Molly and Me...the serious pose! Oh and if you look close you can see my shinny red nails...Molly took me to get my nails and toes done for my birthday, thanks Molly, you're awesome!

This is us on our last day working away...actually I'm pretending to work...hehehe! Fooled ya huh!

I keep pinching myself, I just can't believe it...the years just keep flying by. I've decided it's all about enduring and believing even when you think you can't do it anymore or that you're not good enough. Let me tell you, there were some dark nights staying up 'til 4 in the morning for a brief nap...I remember pleading with the Lord to just help me make it through it and to love myself no matter what grade I got:). I also remember thinking getting a Masters was a breeze (hard to believe, huh, even for myself). Those days were very few, they were the days when I had all my readings done, assignments in order and when I felt like I was becoming a master teacher and applying new things in the classroom.

My dad asked me when I was going to get my PhD and I said "NEVER!" I really don't think I will, really. Then I again, I also almost dropped out after my second year of college. My friend Kristy's mom called me and convinced me to stick with it and I'd be grateful, thanks Shirlene!

I believe in being a life-long learner (not necessarily college) but I want to keep taking professional development classes and being the best teacher I can, but also taking fun community classes like art and balloon making, maybe some Spanish classes.

Well there you have it!

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!"

"Dreams DO come true, everyday!"

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Written by: Samuel Medley

I know that my redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives, to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.

This week has brought so many emotions; feelings I never knew existed...I've taken time to ponder and explore the inner workings of my head and my heart. I've written a billion words this week, trying to portray how I feel inside. I even started writing poems and lyrics echoing the whispers of my soul.

Today at church the words of I Know That My Redeemer Lives brought calmness and assurity to my soul as the tears rolled off my cheeks one by one.

I ache. I have more to learn. I want to be free of my mind.
Each moment that passes, I'm given strength and understanding.
I know that my Redeemer lives! I know that time mends our hearts.

"The Lord loves you today, tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year." --Speaker in Church today:)

General Conference!

This weekend was the 178th Annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I love listening to the words of a modern day prophet! To read more about what we believe, you can go to the church website.

As many of you know, President Gordan B. Hinckley passed away a few months ago. President Thomas S. Monson was called as the new prophet. President Monson has a special place in my heart. Over the years his talks have impressed and inspired me. About a year ago he spoke in my singles ward. Something he said really stuck with me and has helped me overcome some obstacles in my life.... That same day he spoke in our ward, Niki and I ran into him in the hallway. He was looking for his wife as he was looking he said "this reminds me of the song "where has my little dog gone?" It was a laugh out loud moment!

A few talks that really touched me...

Something that Elder Rasband said hit home: "Personal experiences test our abilities and give us personal growth...they give us resolve to go forward with faith."

Sister Lant's thoughts on traditions impressed me.... they left me thinking of the traditions in my life... What traditions am I currently living that will be passed on from generation to generation and what traditions do I need to start? Right now, I am building a foundation that will be a legacy to others... She said that our children need to know where we stand.... I agree, we need to teach by example...

Elder Wirthlin's rendition on differences was empowering. I've often thought about all the different types of people I meet everyday...we are all very different! Wirthlin said to have more compassion for people that are different than we are.

David A. Bednar shed light on having meaningful prayer. Bednar reminded us that prayer is work and that we need to pray with the expectation to ACT. We will have the strength to act as we know we should when we do this. He also reminded us not to pray with a wish list. We need to pray with sincerity. Our prayers need to be meaningful and we must ask in faith and ACT. I think it is so easy to get stuck in a rut of prayer. I try to pray with purpose and meaning and to be ready for promptings, but I think so often in my life I get caught up in the little things I am doing that I forget that the Lord is there to help me through it all, he will make up the difference if I am lacking. I realize that living his will is what is most important...I wrote these words in my journal "pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT,pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT, pray and ACT." Acting on our prompting and on the promises that we make with the Lord will enrich our relationship with the Savior and will empower us with a shield of protection and knowledge. I know this is something I need to really strive for in my life.

W. Craig Zwick spoke to the teenagers and posed this question, "Are we lowering our standards to fit in?" I think this question applies not only to teenagers but to people of all ages. I speak from experience when I say that the comfort of any relationship can cause us to lower our standards to fit in. I don't think it's easy to stand up for what you believe in all the time. It is something I definitely strive for...I also believe that its imperative to try to understand others view points and to be excepting of differences. But when those viewpoints and differences impact you as an individual, it's time to say something. Zwick tells us that "you might stand alone for a while. You're example will attract friends." He also asks "do we recognize temptation when it's camouflaged?"

This talk gave me a lot to ponder on. I think the friends we have really have an impact on our day to day living. Our friends can either boy us up or pull us down. It's easy to conform to our everyday environment, but I think as we take a stand for what we believe in and we make that extra effort to live in the spirit, we will be blessed and the lives of those around us will be blessed. I have so many more thoughts on this but for sake of those who have actually read this far into this post, I will refrain:).

Well there you have it... a few of my favorite thoughts from conference. When I really sit back and think about what conference is all about I count my blessings and really stand in amazement! We have a prophet who lives today, who speaks the word of the Lord. We know who we are! We know what our purpose on earth is! We know where we are going! We are so lucky!

Tiffany is writing her obituary...

This is serioulsy killing me! I will live through it! What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger right?

I AM NOT happy ON THE INSIDE....

At this very moment, well obviously not at this very moment...what I 'm trying to say is that I've been working on a dumb paper! I'm complaining and I know it's not healthy...but really I just want to cry and since I'm up really late doing this annoying assignment I thought everybody should know. Why am I doing this again, please remind me!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Sad & Frustrated in Utah

Celebrate 2008!

Well I hope it’s not too late,
for words that rhyme with 2008.
Another year to test our fate,
that year is here 2008!
Another chance to find a mate,
or just sit home and contemplate.
Another year to loose some weight,
and learn to not procrastinate!
Time to write a brand new slate,
and pack the old year in a crate!


Another year has come and gone! My how the days speed by…sometimes I really wish I could change the speed limit of time…both raising and lowering it when desired☺. I think I’m ready for 2008, well maybe…. I love starting a new year because I get to write goals. I don’t think I’d ever accomplish anything if I didn’t make goals. It’s funny because goals are just thoughts in your mind, things you’ve always wanted to do, but never have, or things that you’ve always wanted to get better at, but never have. And for some reason because it's a new slate, a time to start over, we have this inante desire to overcome and to conquer! I love this holiday for that reason! Cheers to another great year! May all your dreams come true!

L-7 Loser!

Yesterday I attended my parent’s family ward. I really enjoyed the Christmas program. The part when the children came up was precious! It’s hard to believe I used to be a kid… While sitting with my family, I couldn’t help but look around and see all the families, both young and old. I don’t know my families ward very well but I do seem to recognize most families even if I don’t know them. On this particular Sunday I noticed a family sitting right behind us with older children, I thought to myself “jackpot, maybe they have some bachelors around!” Just kidding I didn’t really think that I just thought hmmm, maybe someone who I can actually relate to:). So I went on my merry way to the rest of my meetings… I sat down in Relief Society by my mom, my sister, a girl my sisters age, and my sister’s friend/roommate Sarah whose family is also in the ward. Sarah’s mom comes waltzing into Relief Society (normally she is in primary) with an older man…the father of the family who was sitting behind us in sacrament…Sarah’s mom Penny introduces him to Sarah and then Penny asked me hold old I was (skipping my sister and the other girl). I thought she was asking how I was doing and so I replied, “good, thanks.” She asked again “how old are you?” I quickly replied 24…and then the guy that Penny brought in said, “I just like to know all the young ladies in the ward because I have an eligible bachelor at home!” I couldn’t believe it! How embarrassing…! I can’t help but wonder if he saw me noticing his family. I have to believe that he really just wants to line his son up with someone…someone meaning anyone, regardless if they’re a match! Wow…I was all shades of red!

This experience has me thinking about blind dates…Now let me just tell you, I typically despise blind dates. I hate that aching, knotting feeling you get inside when you can tell your blind date would rather be washing his dogs hair than to be out with you right now! However, recently I’ve discovered this “what do I have to loose” attitude. If the blind date hates me, it’s completely his fault, just because I’m not his “ideal lover” doesn’t mean he can’t be cordial( I realize I can be awkward, but hopefully not awkward enough to be rude.) Blind dates definitely define your true colors. These dates aren’t intended to be arranged marriage proposals…they’re meant to be fun, get to know someone new, get an idea for if you’d want to get to know them more, dates, right? Does anyone agree with me? Or am I totally off-base in my thinking, or is this just a utopian ideal? Please send me your comments…

EITHER WASH YOUR HANDS OR PUT SOME GLOVES ON…NEED I SAY MORE?!?!

Due to the hustle and bustle of Christmas, traveling, and working, I haven’t had a whole lot of time to make a grocery list, therefore, I haven’t gone grocery shopping and I have nothing to eat! Don’t you worry, I’m not lacking in the food department because I go out to eat everyday! This has got to stop ASAP, my budget can’t take it anymore! My body can’t take it either!!! After I go to Chicago I promise I will make a grocery list, go shopping and STOP eating out all the time!

As a result of my increased eating out habit, I’ve become conscious of sanitation! Today when I went with my co-worker to Gandolfo’s we noticed a strong cigarette smoke scent. Not something you want to smell when you walk into a restaurant….none-the-less, we ordered our food and dismissed the astounding stench. Mind you, the guy who was taking our order was the only guy in the place and it looked as if he had just walked in from a smoke break. He didn’t even wash his hands, but I just said to myself “at least he hasn’t made my sandwich yet, I’m sure he’ll get to it before he begins to touch food.” As I went to get my drink, I noticed a second guy walk in through the back door of Gandolfo’s. He went straight to the sandwich counter and started making our order! I was appalled! The first guy went to help him, but he put on some gloves first. I watched for a minute and was disgusted, so with all the courage and might I could muster….I went to them and said “I am germophobic person and I noticed that it smells like smoke in here and that guy just came from a brake and hasn’t washed his hands.” The first guy proceeded to tell me that they always wear gloves, so it shouldn’t be a problem. I replied “Well, then why isn’t he wearing gloves?” He seemed a little surprised by my comment and then went to talk to his friend/co-worker. Wow! I can’t believe I did that! But the thought of his gross hands touching my food made me want to vomit! So there you have it…EITHER WASH YOUR HANDS OR PUT SOME GLOVES ON and don’t you dare touch my food until then! I’m really not a germophob…I just prefer clean hands on my food over dirty ones!