Can I return this to you...

So today I had to run some errands for work... this entailed returning some office supplies. I walked into the store to find a girl in dreads with cool necklaces. With my goofy smile on my face I asked, "Can I return this stuff to you?" She looked at me like I was retarded then spoke, "Yeah, except that looks like that stuff goes back to Office Depot." Aaakward! So I laughed and scampered out of the store. Just so you all don't think I'm completely ridiculous let me add that Office Max is like two doors down from Office Depot here in Orem. If that wasn't a good enough laugh for you today let me tell you the other part of my morning. This morning I woke up and went to go to work only to find my car was missing. I had forgotten that I left it at work last night because I didn't feel like driving. I called my boss, who lives in the complex next to me, and asked him when he was going to work. He answered, "In about 8 minutes, why did you forget your car at work?" HOW DID HE KNOW?! Goodness... does anyone know who my mom is?

Oookay my nephew is pretty much the coolest kid around.


Secondly, I joined the t-mobile blackberry nation... too bad you wouldn't know it because I can't figure the dang thing out.

Third, I joined the geek team over at Simply Mac, I am the only girl and the bathroom doesn't have a door.

Oh Davey...

So I couldn't get into Henry David Thoreau when introduced to him in high school. I liked Emerson just fine as well as many other classic writers, but something about Davey just didn't click. The other day I told a friend that I had been reading a book and that I was really digging it. Jokingly she asked if it was Persuassion (I had given her this book a while back to read, she mocked it). I laughed and told her no and then asked her if she had ever finished the book. Now if you are familiar with me and those I associate with often, you understand our attention span is well... non-existent. She explained that she was reading it but then came across a book by Thoreau and fell in love with it. After I told her that I disliked Davey she convinced me to pick up this particular book and my views would be swayed.
I am now half way through "A Week on Concord and Merrimack Rivers" and I only one thing to say. Swayed.

please stay tuned for updates on what Davey has taught me. Thank you.

Reflections of Christ

I know that I am not the first one to write on this topic and I am also aware that I am bit late too. That's okay though, I still want to give tribute and share thoughts, I hope no one really minds. To begin let's talk about what exactly "Reflections of Christ" is- besides remarkable and glorious- To quote Mark directly on the matter "Reflections of Christ" is.... "Thank you for visiting the Reflections of Christ official blog. The Reflections of Christ photography exhibit is a collaborative effort on many peoples part to teach about Jesus. The primary goal of the project was to create photographs that could cast new light on our perceptions of Christ. Most aspects of the imaging process were documented on film. These little clips are much of the out-take footage mixed with images from the project. Cameron Trejo, our filmmaker features many of the people who donated their time and effort to this project. There are still many with whom we couldn't connect.
I fear that the site will appear self serving. The intent of ReflectionsofChrist.org is to inspire people to be up to something. What else do we really own, other than our person story. This is mine and others that participated. I regret that we do not have interviews from all of the participants that tell everyones story of how they got into character to teach about Christ in this unique way. There is much credit to go around and this blog helps me to point that out.
Mostly though... I hope that through the words and actions of our cast, crew, and me I guess, that the reader will be aware of how we feel about Jesus.
There are many cast members who would love to say something about their experience... Please email me and I'd love to work some of it in.

Thank you,

Mark"

DISCLAIMER: I DO LOVE ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTER EQUALLY BUT THIS BLOG WILL FOCUS ON A SELECT FEW. THANK YOU.

I feel that I cannot do justice to Mark's project so please please I beg you- take the time to explore The Reflections of Christ Blog and if you live anywhere near Mesa, Arizona goto the Visitor Center and reflect upon this exhibit. I had an hour to myself to walk through and take time for each photo, but I still wish I was in Mesa so I could take an hour every day, because the second time I went through it was a new experience. Mark is so talented, not only that but I do feel that the spirit had much to do with the capturing of these photos. Each one does depict a moment, a divine moment for the world. My third time through I was able to go in behind 3 of my 5 older brothers. For those you who know me, you know that I do idolize my brothers and for good reason. These men are giants among men, they are good or at least try to be in all they do. They are hard workers, they show me so much love and patience, and they are men. But the thing that makes my brothers real men, is that even though they are "all boy" the have taken on my fathers tender heart. Watching these grown men walk through the exhibit was truly humbling. As we came around the corner where the photos of Christ in the Garden and then on the Cross were diplayed I could see who my brothers were all across their faces. Their expression was solemn in the most positive way. Ammon was first and as he walked past each photo he genlty put his hand over his mouth. Sam second, small tears welled in the corners of his eyes as he folded his arms across his broad chest. Brigham was last- as he turned toward the first photo of the Garden humility came over his whole body and his lip began to quiver. He was not ashamed and did not hold back the massive tears streaming down his cheeks. His hands were placed in his pockets and his shoulders were a bit slouched. The next moment that took place will forever be cherish in my mind. Slowly Brigham turned his head an looked at me, by this time little streams were running down my face, his eyes met mine, with out blinking we both just starred at eachother, sharring our love and testimony of the atonement, he then turned and continued on through the exhibit. At that moment I realized something, that I am sure I always knew, but it became more apparent then ever. Those moments in Christ's life depicted on film were a representation of, yes Christ's life, but also a Plan- A Plan of Happiness- those moments took place soley so that I maybe return to my Father in Heaven, that I may live eternally with my brothers, even my whole family. We may all walk through that glorious white veil- just as the Savior did. I know this to be true and I am forever grateful for not only that opportunity but for the knowledge I have received.

Hip Hop Happy Birrrffday!

I am no longer a teenager...but I will tell you I am still a child, that'll never change! This birthday was honestly the best in a long time. It could have not been better, the only thing to top it off would have been those select few being here with me. I am just going to ramble off the highlights.... Snowboarding, yummy breakfast, pasta with Lizzy!, buffalo, deer/unicorn, sunsets, cabins, checkers, bear bungalow, ping-pong, pool, fuse-ball, Baja Blast, Icey trees, telling lies, Culverwell girls, lots of messages, Sunflower Suit, singing Ben Lee at the top of our lungs in the morning, being a lumber jack woman, heel click attempts, and new friends.

"Big molecules like to touch other big molecules...and this one is extra kinky

I just really like the way that we all bounce off each other. My roommate has this book she used to carry around called "The Quote Book" in it is a collection of funny or interesting things her friends and family have said. All these wonderful one liners compiled on the pages; along with words of hope and encouragement from her favorite poets, writers, and apostles. As I leafed through I found myself chuckling and then pondering. We decided to start the quote collecting back up again, and found we had to write in a feverish manner just to keep up. We are soo funny! But really.
My favorite quote I think from the book is one from her best friend. "The reason Death sticks so close to Life isn't necessity- it's envy. Life is so beautiful that Death has fallen in love with it, a jealous, possessive love that grabs at what is can." It made so much sense to, and also brought new light to meaning of the phrase, "you will be the death of me." It is often a topic of conversation between my good friend and I as to how thin the line is between Love and Hate. We have found it interesting how Satan has taken something to lovely and good as Love and haphhazardly sewn it onto Hate...or violence. How many music videos or movies do we see the two "love interests" fighting and then start kissing in a violent way? I read once, and I am apologize for not remembering where, that Lust is an experience; Love is a creation. I have not fully developed this thought, but it something I am looking to, to better understand my opinion on the matter.
After reading the quote about Life and Love my roommate said of this friend that he did inspire her. I have heard people say that of their beloved or friend before, but never had I fully comprehended exactly what it meant. I mean I understood the definition, but not what it meant. She proceeded to tell me of all the things that she had decided to do and be apart of because this friend. That got me to thinking of the people who inspire me, and that half the reason I do the things I do is because someone inspired me. We are like molecules..."Big molecules like to touch other big molecules"....We are constantly touching each others lives. How cool is that?! It reminds me of the song "We're All in This Together" by Ben Lee. I guess to close this random rambling I should tell you the moral. Or what I love most about all this. I love that because I have a better understanding of inspiring that I can now observe those around me more closely, and myself, the quote book helps with this as well. I love people, especially the ones I surround myself with often, but sometimes I forget to really know them. This way I can better get to know them.

Before Paper Planes....

I would like to give a quick and sincere shout out to my girrrrl M.I.A. With the drop of her new album last fall, she has been getting quite a lot of the attention she deserves. I remember sophmore year of high school when Hallie introduced me to "Galang". For those you unfamiliar with M.I.A. let me tell you a bit about this lady. She hails from Sri Lanka. She spent most of childhood hiding from the Sri Army- her Dad was a head Rebel in the EROS. Her family finally relocated to London England, where she learned english and was exposed to Western Hip Hop. Think-N.W.A, Public Enemy, and Big Daddy Kane. She then studied fine art, film, and video at an art college there in London. She published a rad art book featuring graffiti and other urban art, simply entitled M.I.A. Also while at art school she got into fashion and textiles. Her and her roommate would wear handmade clothes they designed. She then later went on the road with a band, making their documentary. The encouraged her to explore an art form she was least confident in--music. She made a tape featuring "Galang", and dropped it off at XL records. From there she released "Arular" her first full length ablum. But alas, she wasn't noticed by a wide range of audeince until "Kala" her 2007 release featuring "Boyz", and "Paper Planes". The reason I love her so much is she is really not of this world. Her beats are out of control, you would have to be from Sri Lanka to come up with them. Also her lyrics are unatainable at first listen, you really have to listen and then do reaserch to understand where she is coming from. That might just be the main reason...where she is coming from! I think her music has so much power to influence us all to open our eyes, and see past our own backyard...or "Streets". She bring a whole new meaning to "hip hop" and "streets". It is amazing though she has been and seen through so much she still has this girly innocence. I love M.I.A. she  is a true artist(film,music,and visual). ps. M.I.A. stands for Missing In Acton(a Lodon suburd in which her and her family hid.)

Missing Competition

The other day I went to watch a friend participate in a tournament.  Watching her "warm up" brought back so many memories. Then watching her actually play, was almost unbearable. Whenever she would make a mistake she would get frustrated, causing her to try harder. By the end of the night she had lost all her games, and she was so upset. In tears. Although I felt bad that she had lost, I envied her. On the way home she complained of her shoulder being sore and I helped her stretch it, and then we put ice on it when we got home. Now to anyone else loosing games and feeling pain in your shoulder doesn't sound ideal. But for me, it sounds amazing! I miss the time when day in and day out I was working towards something. I was pushing myself to be better. It is amazing, our bodies. The way we are able to condition them, and cause our muscles to memorize movements. How is it that one person has found the perfect equation of movement to get the best spin or hit on a ball? Really is it remarkable. And I used to be apart of this. I miss the tears, the sweat, the lingo, the uniforms, and the way it felt. The way it felt in that moment when nothing else mattered. Nothing but that point and this game. There is so much to be learned from competing in athletics. I miss those learning experiences. I miss the game.