Lost and Hermione

This LOST parody cracks me up.







And... Hermione is all grown up... also her boyfriend's band sounds 80s to me...and I am a sucker for UK voices... so I'm digging this.

We're nesting...

For the last few weeks my hubby and I have slept with the windows open. I especially love it in the mornings as the birds always seem extremely vocal as I wake up. I enjoy it, until my hubby slams the windows shut so he can get a few more minutes of snoozing.


About a week ago I looked out our family room to find a nest...

...but WAIT!!!! There's more...

a bird and...

we also discovered...
(this is where you press play)

We're having BABIES! THREE OF THEM!!!!
...well, via a surrogate...and other species.

Sometimes I catch the Momma bird on our backyard fence...and then nest completely un-sat on...and I worry. But my hubby tells me that the birds know what they're doing. Sometimes I also worry a wild cat that likes to flit around our backyards and in the open space behind us will figure out how to mount the patio cover... so I am waiting for the safe hatching of the momma bird's eggs with anxious and excited nerves. Not my babies and I'm totally caught up in the natural drama of it all!

One day I saw ...who I'm assuming was the father of the eggs, feed a worm to the momma while she was sitting on the eggs. I was so excited and mesmerized I forgot to call my girls over to see. It was a wriggling worm...and it was awesome.

I can't wait to see what hatches out of those gorgeous bright, blue eggs.

I am highly tempted to go get some bird food and bird houses to hang out there to entice my birds to stay.

*ahhhh... summer* We love our little house guests.

Side note: If you know me, you know I am not a country, camping, red-neck, truck-driving...girl. I'm more of a beach, room-service girl... but one that appreciates nature...

ps. I also recently caught a spider for a pet...aren't you proud of me?!

Offering our hearts, minds, souls

I know... I know. It's been a while. I've been busy living in moments with my family. Pursuing dreams and ... dreading spending hours sitting on my rear end staring at a screen...watching my time disappear. Twitter and FB I can do from the bathroom... with an iPhone... I guess I could blog that way too...but... it would be too much balancing in a precarious position for me.

So I guess it takes a lot lately for me to really fire me up.

I also have a slew of family stuff to chat about... that will come... but first...

Last Sunday one of the Laurels gave the lesson on sacrifice. Our kids know what it is to sacrifice. It might seem odd to say that, given the fairly stable, middle class neighborhood we live in. These kids seem to have everything they would need...and want in most cases.

They aren't called on to sacrifice their hunger, their physical well-being... but they are asked to sacrifice their reputations, their pride...and to be honest, their safety amongst peers. Frankly, we aren't asked to sacrifice like Prophets and believers were in Old Testament times. We do not have to voluntarily, go roaming in our fields for a perfect, unblemished male animal to sacrificeLeviticus 1:3) on an altar. But we are asked to give our Lord a broken heart and a contrite spirit (3 Nephi 9:20).

In a world that often looks at those who follow God willingly, as "blind sheep", it can easily be a source of pride and self-satisfaction when some knowingly disagree or work against what God has asked. I don't understand it. I get frustrated. Our sacrifices will require actions we don't understand. Just ask Abraham, or Adam. (Moses 5:6 - I love this verse "I know not, save the Lord commanded me" isn't that enough?) Our sacrifices will include following God, even when we don't know the "why". Our sacrifices will require us to choose faith, and leap. Our sacrifices include suffering some persecution and base, deplorable behavior. We may not be asked to leave our homes, trudge in horrible conditions to find the promised land... but our souls, our faith will be asked to expand, our pride will be asked to shrink... to sacrifice our own, feeble opinions, ideas for the very simple principle of obedience.

Sacrifice of Isaac by Caravaggio

If there's one thing I know... it's that popular opinion, generally, should require us to be more wary, vigilant. Whenever popular opinion, or trendy behavior starts to breed... I tend to dig in my heels. Which is why, when I hear loud voices justifying, rationalizing a brilliant crises of faith, or right to vandalize places of worship, careers and terrorizing families, I recognize exactly the source of that kind of behavior and power.

While people like that disappoint me. It also fires me up. It rankles me and makes me want to plant my foot firmly where I stand and be as immovable as I can. As a parent I am constantly trying to teach my children the wisdom of obedience. Is it me or is wisdom becoming a lost art? When I teach a principle like, looking both ways before they cross a street, will keep them from getting smashed by a car... I want them to obey that principle, because I love them. I don't want harm to come to them. They may not understand why it's important to always look, even when it seems like there aren't any cars... but by listening to me and doing what I ask, my kids show me that they trust, love and appreciate me.

Sure I am often a murmurer. I complain when things are unexplainable. But when the lines are drawn, you'll find me there, clearly delineated because... I know I'm not in charge. For a type A gal who loves to be in charge, that's kind of a relief. Frankly, I'd rather follow the Lord wherever he leads, because I trust, even when I don't understand... I still trust because I know He loves me. I know He has a plan. I know He sees eternity, where I can barely see a sliver. Sometimes sacrifice is as simple as saying... "here, I will let you guide me." That act of handing over the reigns of our life... because God asked us, may just be the greatest sacrifice we can give. Christ did. He gave His life for all of us, because Heavenly Father asked His son to atone for us. Is there any better reason to give our lives over to Him ...other than simply, He asked us to...

"It worked." - Juliet

"I don't believe in a lot of things, but I do believe in duct tape." - Miles
"He's worse than Yoda." - Hurley
"Let it go." - John Locke

I have been watching LOST since it's pilot. I would have never even considered the pilot if it wasn't for my brother. He's a fan of all things JJ. Abrams - and I am hooked as well.

LOST is one of few shows my hubby and I watch together. My hubby is more of a skeptic. I believe it brings him great joy to find holes in stories, inconsistencies... like so many others.

I'm the type that goes with the flow, if I find the characters, their stories, emotions matter to me. That's what I love about LOST. I loved getting to know the characters, their flaws, strengths and ability to change. Yes, when Jin and Sun went down in that submarine, my body was wracked with sobs.

Sure, I'd have liked to receive more answers about excess details - but I found the finale, the entire series perfectly delicious and satisfying. I imagine that in the end of my life, all the questions that might seem so important right now, might not matter at all when compared to my relationship with my little family. In terms of LOST what mattered to me was the simple symbolism, the journey of faith, trust, loyalty. I enjoyed how these characters struggled, worked, toiled, and then received peace.

One of the most resonant themes was when Jack in the first season said "we either learn to live together, or we'll die alone." The finale demonstrated how well they had learned to live together. They were able to be with the people they chose to care about most, and die (move on) together.

I think it's fascinating how time in the sideways world is not relevant. Time is very much a human condition. When there is no end to time, when eternity is difficult for our minds to fathom, it makes sense that time, the way we view it means nothing.

I loved the symbolism of sacrifice that rang throughout the series. I believe that all things denote there is a God. It always tickles me that even pop culture can't escape this simple fact.

Last night as I watched the finale with my hubby, I could not stop exclaiming... "I LOVE THIS SHOW!" each time a familiar face was awakened, united... or shared familiar one liners, nicknames, conversations... I just wanted to hug everyone.

I'm one of those people that enjoys symbolism, and meanings below the surface. It reminds me of parables. Those that are willing to hear it, will choose to. Those that are not willing, won't. That's what's great about reading and finding great shows like LOST - if you choose to allow something to enrich your life, you will find it. If you choose not to, you won't. So I don't begrudge those that dismiss the finale, or even choose not to watch the series, because we're all at different stages of life and enlightenment. Some of us will read a book and take it at face value. Others of us will be able to see brilliant rays of symbolism jumping out at us on a page, enriching our perspectives... after all life (LOST) is all about choices.

...I just wish Charlie, Desmond and Penelope were in that photo of the cast above. How great was it to see Charlie with Claire and Aaron again? Pretty great!

This is my wistful farewell to LOST. Loved the journey, it was beautiful.

Choices

I just finished the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.

He also wrote Elantris and Warbreaker - both of which I also enjoyed.

I love the way he writes strong women heroines. They remind me of Sydney Bristow and her kick-a ways. I like to think that if I didn't have any real responsibilities I'd be out, kickin-a in the name of truth, justice and general awesomeness.

The first book of the Mistborn trilogy, the heroine Vin basically believes that you can't trust anyone - because they will always break that trust. I related to her. There have been so many people in my life that I have trusted, only to discover that they were never worthy of that trust. So it is a challenge to believe in people. Yet, I have this need to seek out people I can trust...even if I often am disappointed.

There's also this character I liked, Sazed. He's a religious scholar who studies the world's 300-some religions... most of which have died out. He experiences a crippling depression when he finds that he can't logically find a religion that he would believe to be true. Eventually, he learns that belief is more than what is logical. It's about trust, faith, hope... and most importantly, choice.

I'm discovering this is a simple, yet challenging concept. Life has always been about our choices. Choosing a path and then accepting the journey seems so simple. I suppose we just find ourselves distracted by other, seemingly complicated ideas along the way.

I choose my faith. It's a conscious decision. It's not one I made because everything was answered, proved and measured out for me. It's not a choice I made based on coercion - it's a choice I made, because what I believe brings me trust in God, faith, hope, redemption.

I choose my current role in life. I am a wife and mother. I would never walk away from this role I choose, no matter how crazy each day may be. I understand that choosing this role means that I am required to give of myself, daily. It is not easy. But it is what I chose.

I choose my personality. I choose to be an effective, confident woman, with real opinions. I remember what it was like to be a blown by the wind kind of girl in crowds. Too terrified of what other people thought about me to ever voice my own thoughts. I know what it is like to follow the whims of society, and its ever-evolving trends. Been there, done that - I've chosen to follow my own path instead.

With our choices... sometimes when things become difficult, filled with trials and the drudgery of living in this sphere...sometimes the hardest thing to do is to realize that the choice for hope, happiness, faith - is ours. We may wish to be saved, rescued in a blink of an eye, or told what to do - but oftentimes it's about the choice of reaction, attitude...and that's hard.

Life would be a lot easier if the choices were all laid out for us. That's why there are rules, guidelines, commandments - they help us make informed decisions. It's hard enough making a choice... imagine not having any reference in which to make them. Chaos!

There are times I have a difficult time choosing to, or wanting to, react well when the storms of life rage around me. I'm more aware of it now. I recently heard a talk about how the speaker thought it was better to be nice than right. As someone who likes truth, honesty, sincerity... that just totally rubs me the wrong way. Or maybe... I'm reacting the wrong way... I don't know... I'm starting to ramble.

The Mistborn series opened up my eyes a bit more - bringing me awareness that while people may scoff, mock, doubt, or ridicule what I believe, or do, there's power knowing that what I believe is not an unconscious, robotic behavior. I also don't do things because I may earn praise, agreement or adulation, I do it all regardless of public opinion. I do what I do because I choose to - it's my choice, and I own it.


p.s.
Just like the mists in the mistborn trilogy... lately I've had a lot of thoughts regarding choices swirling in my head... reading these three books this past week sort of uncorked it all at once. I am not sure if what I'm feeling, thinking translates through the words I type... but I chose to get it all out before I lose this train of thought.

D'oh!

I pulled a Joey moment tonight.



Today is the start of a very busy week. My daughters are in rehearsals for their big show Fri/Sat and I am busily organizing/coordinating teacher appreciation for both my kindergartner and preschooler... so ... I am about to lose my sanity and what is left of my short-term memory...which is not good to begin with.

I bought tickets to Conan O'Brien's tour the moment they were released. I circled May 1 with a bright red pen and have been looking forward to it for months.



I was organized today - we had rehearsals in the morning, came home and did the weekly clean. Really grateful hubby helped alongside me. My hubby made me take a power nap at 4pm. I had to check twitter and FB and email before setting my iPhone alarm to wake me up.

I saw this tweet by @ConanOBrien:
"I'm in Vegas - and what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Unless it's a superflu pandemic that spreads thru the nation causing chaos & panic."

QS: If he's doing the show tonight, why is he in Vegas?
Phantom: Vegas is only a short flight from Sacramento.
QS: Oh, well - then I'll tweet how excited I am.

I tweeted this from my @QueenScarlett twitter account:
"@ConanOBrien can't wait to see you rock it tonight in sac-town!"

When I woke from my 30 min nap I ordered pizza for the girls and sitter, showered, tried to look pretty, bathed the girls, picked up the babysitter and then Phantom and I headed to Lemongrass Restaurant.

Seafood Paella - I love the dish and presentation too...I am a sucker for adorable presentation

It was delicious. I also felt a little young. It seemed every table in the restaurant was filled with patrons of the more wise and senior sensibility. Which was actually kind of cute. I kept thinking that I want to still be going out, finding great restaurants to enjoy when I'm in my 60-80s.

Yee-haw! Thai Cowboy Steak

I had their special... the seafood paella - scallops. shrimp, veggies and rice with some curry/Asian flavorings... mmmmmmm. Phantom had their Thai Cowboy Steak and we also ordered their perfect spring rolls. Their spring rolls are made with minced pork, chicken, onions and wood-ear mushrooms. You wrap them with mint, basil, a few other herbs, and lettuce. Dip it in their delightful sauce and ... yum, heavenly.

Crispy, fresh Spring Rolls - my hubby is tearing off some herbs to wrap around the roll

Then we headed to downtown Sacramento. As we walked to the Memorial Auditorium, in the back of my mind I thought... where are all the people? Then we noticed the back door open and figured, we have tickets, it would be sweeeeeeeeeet if we ran into CoCo backstage. We went in and saw the stage occupied by a bunch of ballerinas.... we kept walking and in my head I thought, "maybe it's part of a sketch"...and then my heart dropped and Joey from FRIENDS floated into my mind. I pulled out the tickets and saw THURSDAY, MAY 6th.


The End.

Time for bed, Joey brain

Hiking Buddies

...italics are all comments AGG made during our walk/hike

Ooooh! It makes me want to sleep it's so pretty.
Jesus makes the best world, ever!
Hike, hike hike! We're hiking through the woods.

The last week of my 5YO, Avant Garde Gal's two-week spring break, her sister 3YO Dauntless Daughter... started school. So... since it was just AGG and I... we decided to take a little walk/hike on one of many trails in our community. I love to walk. My husband, Phantom can be compelled to walk - but he doesn't like it. So... I was hoping that AGG's boundless energy would prove fruitful in finding myself a proper hiking/walking buddy. As a mother, I know my child, and let's just say - I was right.

It's so pretty. It's music to my ears.
Wow, it's so pretty. I wish I could swim in that pond.
I wish I could get baptized in that pond.
Yeah, we're exploring. Hey what about my snack?
I need to take a break. I like hiking.

AGG was so excited. Her constant commentary on everything she saw was like a stream of endless chatter. Everything she said made me smile, giggle and laugh. One of my favorite things she said was, "No time for dilly dallying, hurry up!" She also was completely in awe, and exclaimed at how beautiful the world Jesus made is. "Wow, Jesus is sooooooo creative!" I could only giggle and tell her she was right, and extremely smart.

Heavenly Father's super awesome. They have great ideas. And Jesus is the best ever. He didn't do any mistakes. How can I do that?

This is like a hill. This is like the woods.
Shhhh. quiet. there are snakes in here and pandas and bears.

I am excited to keep this a consistent part of our relationship. I am really proud of her first jaunt. I had brought a snack for her and water. In all we wandered about the trails for 2 miles and she didn't complain once. When I told her she was my hiking buddy - she said, "you can be my hiking buddy too."

I like exploring. I've never done this before.
This is my first time. You're the leader.
QS: Why am I the leader?
You're the Mom.

This trail is the best one yet.
What does best one yet mean?
Wow! I can see lots of things.
I see a lot of houses, I can't count them all.

Ew stinky.
I have to plug my nose three times.
Smell that stink.
Mom why do I have a good sense of smell.
QS: You were blessed
I don't like smelling stinky stuff.
Ah, fresh, fresh air.

I am one lucky Mom.

FRIDAY FOTO FOOTH 2

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

On a Sunday afternoon....

With my sister, her baby J and my girls during Spring Break... Sisters RULE!

Miss Independent

...she came up with this outfit, all by herself.
I still have a hard time putting things together, so I am impressed.

My 3-year-old owns a very special place in my heart.

She is tiny, but her personality is HUGE. She doesn't allow anyone to short-change her. She is tough. She is also my cuddle-bug. She desperately needs breaks throughout the day to suck her thumb and twirl her bibi ... she's like Linus that way.

She makes me laugh all the time. Her new trick is masking the truth, and wiggling out of trouble by smiling her smile and giggling as she says, "I was just kidding!"

Often she misplaces her sacred bibi... so you'll hear her walking around the house, calling sorrowfully... "bibi! bibi! bibi, where are you???" I remind her that the bibi can't respond...but she simply ignores me and continues the mournful cry.

She loves all things girly, and has been a bit obsessed with these colorful glass stones she receives from preschool. She always tells us to be careful because they are her "fragicle jewels".

Lately... she likes to wear only about 5 pieces of clothing. Mostly skirts/dresses. So if I decide that the clothes are dirty or that it makes more sense to wear pants... she digs in her heals and can have a very royal, very noisy fit about it. If I do get a pair of pants on her... it's miraculous.

She relishes silence and comfort, just like me. As soon as she gets home from preschool, she strips down, drops all her clothes on the floor and rushes upstairs to get on her pajamas. The two of us can enjoy a quiet car ride, while her big sister and daddy chatter the entire way.

She is a little mini-me sometimes. We are both temperamental when we don't get our way, or are simply starving for some sleep.

Sometimes she comes home from school and asks to have a nap...

I have always wanted to raise strong-willed, don't you dare mess with... girls. Heavenly Father gave me two. Oh...yeah-yeah!

A Queen

Right now in kindergarten the kids are learning about neighborhood helpers (librarian, vet, chef, etc)... one of their assignments was to create a paper doll representing what they wanted to be when they grew up.

QS: Ok sweetie, what do you want to be when you grow up?

AGG: A Queen.

QS: A what?

AGG: A Queen.

QS: Um, well - I don't think you can really do that... you'd have to marry a prince (and then I contemplated how to explain it's better to be your own woman....)

AGG: Yes I can.

QS: What do you mean?

AGG: A Queen - A Mommy - like you.

I talked to her teacher about this and she laughed, telling me that after my daughter got up to share what she was going to create for her doll - she started a trend in the classroom for a few of the girls that the teacher had to... quell.

My daughter reminds me of Olivia. We love the books and the show. In one episode Olivia is supposed to come up with country to do a report on for the class... after choosing and changing her mind several times, driving her mother a little crazy - Olivia settles on a country... one she made up... that's something our AGG does all the time. I love it.

All because of Alexander Graham Bell

Recently my husband taught our 5YO, AGG to memorize our cell and his work number in addition to our home number. She practiced dialing and communicating to us while at home with our cell phones.

Let's just say... my husband now gets 4-6 phone calls within a 15 minute period. It's awesome.

I had a conversation with her the other day about appropriate words.

AGG: This damn freakin'!

QS: What did you say?

AGG: What?

QS: What did you just say?

AGG: The damn freakin'... why?

QS: We don't say damn.

AGG: Why?

QS: Because it's a swear word, a bad word, an inappropriate word.

AGG: How do you know?

QS: Because Heavenly Father doesn't like it.

AGG: How do you know?

QS: I know.

AGG: What's Heavenly Father's cell phone number?


ps. The damn and other expletives she gets from her father. The freakin' and dude and emotionality she gets from me. Yep, she's screwed.

He Just Hasn't Met Me Yet

I just love the quality of his voice... and he's easy on the eyes.

Also... every now and then I bop to the music in a grocery store... so I love all the dancing and rockin' out in the aisles.

Ricoooolaaaaaaaaaaa

Phantom: (looking at the four empty wrappers in the nightstand drawer) Did you guys eat up all my cough drops, again?

DD: Do you have more downstairs?

Phantom: Yes.

DD: The square ones?

Phantom: No, they're all gone.

DD: Because, I ate them all up while you were gone.

Phantom: You're sneaky, sneaky aren't you.

DD: Yup...like a little mouse.

Open up your eyes...

AGG: MOM!

QS: What?

AGG: It's I'm YOURS boy!

QS: Really? On Sesame Street?

AGG: YeEEEEEEEEEES!!!!

-- watching and dancing---



AGG: Mom?

QS: Yes.

AGG: Why is he on Sesame Street?

QS: To sing to you guys.

AGG: Is he in our world?

QS: Yes.

AGG: I can't believe it!!! He is?!

QS: Yep.

AGG: Wow, he's in our world and in Sesame Street? That is so crazy and amazing!

ps. Love Mraz' website and he's so kissably adorable.

Blair Witch for the Under 6 crowd

I found this little gem of a video on our Flip camera a month ago... it was a genuine surprise. Since then I've found little surprise videos. It seems my offspring enjoy time in front of and behind the camera too.

I've never seen the Blair Witch project. I imagine that if it was done by say, two precocious sisters under the age of six... this might be how it would turn out.

... they make me smile... my sneaky little girls who not only were able to sneak downstairs to procure the camera, they kept their naturally loud voices down to create a little magic.

Refereeing BITES

Taken with the iPhone by my 5YO - I love this photo so much.

My girls are at the stage where the bickering is common place.

I am losing my mind.

I can't even tell you how much I loathe, loathe with every fiber of my being and then loathe some more the refereeing that I am ordered to do.

It's so pleasant because when they order me to referee it's often accompanied by whining, screaming, ferocity, crying...and all manner of gnashing of teeth.

Sometimes I go in another room and ignore the unpleasant call of MOMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

I wait.

I wonder how long it will take them to stop yelling to tattle for any number of minor infractions against each other. I wonder how long it will then take for them to come find me. Then I wonder ... if I can find another location to sneak to.

When one of them finally finds me - they don't get no... sat-is-faction. (sing it sistah!)

I tell them to calm down, to speak clearly, and then I ask them...after they've listed a litany of abuse from their sister, what they're going to do about it, and feign indifference.

They leave. And within minutes are buddies again.

That quick reversal is all that's keeping me from a straight jacket, and blowing my brains out with a ref's whistle.

...now I totally, totally understand how obnoxious my siblings and I were as kids... with the "he's touching me, she's touching me...wah, wah, wah" driving our parents completely, utterly, into lunatics.

It's easy to be a hero

...with girls like mine.

Today it was 63 degrees.

My hubby cleaned up the kitchen island and washed the car, while I vacuumed, did laundry and tried to pick up after my two Tasmanian devils.

The girls, played Rapunzel, dressed up, put on shows and then... for their grand finale - put on their bathing suits to blow bubbles and create puddles out in our backyard.

I was against the water idea at first, because it is still February, for crying out loud. And...we're still getting over colds.

But... what the doo doo - I gave in. I filled up a big bowl of warm water for them to scoop and pour over our patio. And that resulted in...

"Mom you are so creative! You filled up a bowl with water!"

"Mom, you are the BEST!"

"Mom, chicka-chika boom Yeah!"

"Mom this is the best day!"

... see, it's easy to be the hero. Only, I think they are the true heroes- they put this big huge grin on my face I can't seem to wipe off.

Love to Laugh

It makes me laugh.

It really does.

When people state carte blanche that they don't gossip, or don't understand people who get offended, because they themselves never, ever get offended...I giggle uncontrollably. Well, the funny people inside my head do. They giggle so hard that they forget to make my face move out of its stunned mask.

You know that with either of those statements, that that particular person totally gossips and totally gets offended, and/or extra sensitive...also, crazy.

So I don't make those sweeping statements about myself.

Why?

Because I am human.

Which means I experience human emotions, which I am not ashamed of.

The key is to feel them, recognize them, and then choose to do something about them.

Feeling ashamed, or making totally asinine comments deriding any emotion, serves nobody, but to create a flimsy mirage of how superior you want people to think you are, while simultaneously allowing them to see how sad you truly are.

As for gossip, there is a difference. Sometimes people think that sharing any information at all, opinions, thoughts, first-hand experience is gossip. They are incredibly ignorant about it, and paralyzed into thinking any sharing, baring of one's soul is forbidden.

But that's just me. I think there's a difference from what you observe about situations, people - versus belittling them to make yourself feel superior. I'm a fan of truth. So often I see things and it irks me to no end because we're not allowed to say the truth about people, for fear of singed feelings...etc...

I hate the tiptoeing around people who are extra sensitive, or new to a group/organization ... it's like we're enabling the weak. It annoys me when squeaky wheels always get the oil, while healthy, functioning wheels are completely ignored. Negative reinforcement... is king.

And why... why do people who have had a very colorful past, pretend to people who didn't know them back then... that they are wholly innocent? I don't understand it. It smacks of deception to me and I hate deception, period.

...have you also heard when people tell you that you need to not feel an emotion, but then immediately tell you that they can't, or won't change how they feel because that's just who they are? You kind of want to see how long it takes before they recognize how hypocritical and hilarious it is, that they think they have a right to tell you what to change, but then say that they refuse to. Wha---??? What loony asylum did I enter?

While we're at it... one more laughable comment I hear a lot, "there's no one right way to..." yada, yada, yada. Sure, there may not be one right way, but there often is a BETTER way. So... are we people who like, and encourage mediocrity, or are we people who keep our eyes focused on what is possible?

Of course, when referring to better - I recognize that we are in different stages of life, and the energy level to accomplish things is different, etc. I am not referring to those. I am referring to ...when we have gained the knowledge, ability to strive towards the better, are we merely content to celebrate the stagnant place we, or others are in, or do we instead choose the better? I'm a fan of good, better...best.

Whew!

...now my belly aches... too much laughing like a loon.

Impish

Today...I just want to sleep...and sleep...and sleep.

According to the author who wrote Fablehaven - fairies that are kept indoors turn into evil, ugly imps. In the stories, the evil, ugly imps are eventually saved by a kiss from a fellow fairy. However, some of those that enjoyed that transformation are still pretty, snarky, and sneaky.

I think was an imp once.

Some people are just naturally good. There are those that are friends to all. And some of those are incredibly, ridiculously sincere. There are others that ... are hard to peg-down if they truly, irrevocably like and respect you... or run the course of ... "if everyone is special, no one really is".

Me?

Well, let's just say, you know if I like you. If I don't, it's pretty obvious. I am pretty good at the favoritism thing. If you're someone I respect and admire, chances are I'll want to be around you. If you're someone I totally don't respect, or admire... I'm going to avoid you at all costs. I am a fairy with light and dark sides. I don't like to waste my time around people who irritate the doo doo out of me.

I'm loyal. If you have me as a friend you're set. There's nothing I wouldn't do for your best interests. But cross me - and that loyalty crumbles into dust. I'm easily flipped. I don't like being taken advantage of and I don't like insincerity. Straight shooters rule around here. I value truth above all.

Lately, I've been a bit disinterested in the comings and goings online. You can tell by the length between posts. I am just not interested in sitting on my, newly diagnosed overweight bum to wait for photos to load.

sitting on my overweight bum...according to BMI - picture taken blissfully before heading to my hoo-ha doctor. Darnit... you mean all that butter, baking and hedonistic eating is not going to help me??? *shaking fists* Cruel, cruel world.

I get into a hermit stage in the winter. If I didn't have to leave the house, I probably won't. If I can stay in PJs all day, I will. If I'm not going to Church, or on a date...I don't wear make-up...because I really don't like it. If I didn't have to interact with people for the good of my girls, I'd ignore everyone. Weird huh? You all probably think I'm an extrovert all the time. You're wrong. And you thought you knew me. Tsk, tsk. I'm not one of those women that needs to be in constant chatter contact. I figure if you're friends, if you are deep friends, when you are together you pick up where you left off, like it's no big deal - no insecurities, no jealousies. This is also probably why I have very few real friends. Those real friends, are priceless.

I've been blogging since 2004 and I think I'm due for a blogvacation. Of course, that could be short-lived because I hate committing to something. I loathe routine.

Also, I like to blog with pictures. I like reading blogs with pictures. I love words, but when there's too much text without visual entertainment, I get bored. It becomes work.

Lately I've been getting more and more migraines and headaches...and my energy level is kaput. So I'm going to get some tests done and see what the bejeebers is wrong with me. I think if they find out something is wrong with me I'll be relieved. Then I can say, "A-HA! That's why"... as opposed to floating around aimlessly. Then again, it could be nothing, except that it's winter... I am not a winter fairy.

Thanks for bearing with me. Thanks for being there to note my little offerings in this zippy-Internet world. I appreciate it. Thanks for the friends new and old who have commented their thoughts in my little space in the blogworld. You make me smile.

This morning I did not want to be woken up by my daughter. I was in the grip of a dream where a few of us were making a stand against some black, goop spraying zombies. The zombies had just broken into the room when I was unceremoniously ripped out of that dream. I tried to go back to sleep to help out my fellow comrades... but they are now lost to me...or am I lost to them? That could explain a lot.

YW Manual 2 Lessons 2 and 4 combined

I love making lesson handouts. I love making sure that the girls have something that they can look at and remember.
Let's face it...whatever I say in a lesson will be forgotten, but hopefully the feelings, the testimony, the visual reminders will stay with them.

I know my Laurel leader, Valerie Hauber, made a huge difference in my life as a young woman. In fact, how I teach is very much how she taught me. I am a fan of following good examples, when they do something I admire.
I wish I could find Sister Hauber and tell her how grateful I am.