This is finals week. Once I finish this blog it's all business til 12:00 pm Wednesday when I walk out of my last final. Justin and I have a final on Tuesday afternoon (physics), then I have my chemistry final the next morning and Justin will do his Organic Chemistry and Genetics finals back to back on Thursday morning. Celebration will commence Thursday evening at Five Alls. Hurray!
Then a week break and we jump into summer semester.
Lately I have been dealing with the harsh reality that life is not fair. It's not fair that my chemistry teacher is the only one in the entire department that isn't curving her grades. It's not fair that Justin and I got stuck with the new physics teacher who just can't seem to write a decent test or have consistent graders. It's not fair that after 2 years of working at the spa I'm at I have no seniority whatsoever and that the new hires have priority in their work schedule instead of me, who has been a trainer and leader since our first director left. It's certainly not fair that everyone there has received pay cuts. And it's not fair that my sweet husband will have to work Saturdays in the summer when he has been wanting to have them off all school year so he can train for his races.
But that's life. And God is teaching me a valuable lesson about patience and humility. It's easy to feel entitled to special treatment and reasonable teachers/employers. But the truth is, all I can control is my attitude. Gratitude is key.
Justin and I are doing our best and even though it feels futile sometimes, I know we are learning life lessons that we'll need as educators, parents and activists in our communities. But like Dwight Schrute said last week, "Why can't I just be a puppeteer and have it work for once????"
Haha. Oh well! God is good and has provided for us so far. I have faith that everything will work out for the best.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
"The Cove"
Have you watched the documentary, "The Cove"?
My sister, Caroline told me all about it. You can learn about it on http://www.savejapandolphins.org/
Honestly, I can't watch it. Dolphins have been my favorite animal since I was a tiny little girl. Something about their intelligence and the heroic stories of wild dolphins saving humans has made them endearing to me. Now I'll never go to Sea World again.
Ric O'Barry was the original trainer of Flipper the dolphin and basically started the commercialization of performing dolphins. He was also there, holding Flipper in his arms, when she committed suicide by choosing to stop breathing after years of miserable, lonely captivity. He is now an avid activist for free, wild dolphins. He has been in jail numerous times as he has spent the last 35 years atoning for the deeds done.
In Taiji Japan, 20,000 dolphins are slaughtered every year for their meat. While this isn't illegal, the killing is horribly inhumane and brutal. The dolphins are herded into a cove where the most attractive are picked out for amusement parks to spend the rest of their lives in captivity. The rest are killed. The killing is so inhumane the cove is heavily guarded, cameras are banned, and it is closed to the media. The water in the lagoon turns dark red with their blood.
If you don't have any problem with the killing, you should at least know that the meat they harvest is sold on the street labeled as "whale meat." It contains high, unsafe amounts of mercury. The fisheries are even trying to force their products into the lunches of the elementary schools.
While I am well aware that this isn't the only case of brutality in animal slaughter, it is still wrong. When I heard of this situation, I cried. For an hour. The killing is brutal. The industry is selling poisoness meat. It is completely unncecessary.
Please, if you care even a little bit, take 30 seconds and sign your name and email onto a petition the organization involved in "The Cove" is sending President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/724210624
It would mean a lot to me. And the dolphins.
My sister, Caroline told me all about it. You can learn about it on http://www.savejapandolphins.org/
Honestly, I can't watch it. Dolphins have been my favorite animal since I was a tiny little girl. Something about their intelligence and the heroic stories of wild dolphins saving humans has made them endearing to me. Now I'll never go to Sea World again.
Ric O'Barry was the original trainer of Flipper the dolphin and basically started the commercialization of performing dolphins. He was also there, holding Flipper in his arms, when she committed suicide by choosing to stop breathing after years of miserable, lonely captivity. He is now an avid activist for free, wild dolphins. He has been in jail numerous times as he has spent the last 35 years atoning for the deeds done.
In Taiji Japan, 20,000 dolphins are slaughtered every year for their meat. While this isn't illegal, the killing is horribly inhumane and brutal. The dolphins are herded into a cove where the most attractive are picked out for amusement parks to spend the rest of their lives in captivity. The rest are killed. The killing is so inhumane the cove is heavily guarded, cameras are banned, and it is closed to the media. The water in the lagoon turns dark red with their blood.
If you don't have any problem with the killing, you should at least know that the meat they harvest is sold on the street labeled as "whale meat." It contains high, unsafe amounts of mercury. The fisheries are even trying to force their products into the lunches of the elementary schools.While I am well aware that this isn't the only case of brutality in animal slaughter, it is still wrong. When I heard of this situation, I cried. For an hour. The killing is brutal. The industry is selling poisoness meat. It is completely unncecessary.
Please, if you care even a little bit, take 30 seconds and sign your name and email onto a petition the organization involved in "The Cove" is sending President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/724210624
It would mean a lot to me. And the dolphins.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Lotoja, Here We Go Again
Every year since I have known Justin he has ridden the 200 mile race from Logan to Jackson Hole. And every year he says the same thing the night he finishes. "I am never doing that again." So here we are again. He has registered for this year's Lotoja 2010 because his friend, Chris Hardy talked him in to riding the entire thing. This will be my third year as the support crew/driver/massage therapist. Don't get me wrong, I love that he is motivated to do it, I just think he is NUTS.
The first year I didn't know him. He rode the whole thing with a group of friends.
The second year he rode with most of the same friends.
Last year he rode the relay with Chris.
And then bathed in the stream like a hillbilly.
This year he will ride the whole thing (3rd time riding the whole thing). September 11th, here we come!
The first year I didn't know him. He rode the whole thing with a group of friends.
The second year he rode with most of the same friends.
Last year he rode the relay with Chris.
And then bathed in the stream like a hillbilly.
This year he will ride the whole thing (3rd time riding the whole thing). September 11th, here we come!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Marathon, Gardening, etc...
Lately I've been thinking about what I'm planning for this summer. Summertime has always been my favorite season because of the Farmers Markets, warm sunny weather, trips, etc. This year I'll be in school (15 credit hours, yikes) and studying for the GRE in the fall. However, I have had a few ideas for goals outside of school.
Team in Training
http://www.teamintraining.org/dm/firsttimehere
Check out the video on this page.
I've been seriously considering doing this. I have had a goal to run a marathon for 2 years now. The first year was the closest I came. After running 18 miles a ligament in my hip was injured and I couldn't do it. This year I am considering running the marathon with "Team in Training." They are an organization that helps train you for the marathon, provides a support group and trainers to motivate and inspire you. You also get the opportunity of raising money that will 100% benefit the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society. My Grandpa Maughan died of Hodgkin's disease. If I did this, would any of you be interested in donating money for the fundraising part I'll be required to do?
Square Foot Gardening
http://www.squarefootgardening.com/
It's always been a goal of mine to start gardening. It's hard living in an apartment with no balcony or backyard. However, I have my eye on a tiny little plot of dirt on the west side of our building next to the laundry room and parking lot. It's small and nothing grows there. I plan on asking my landlord if we can put some boxes down to garden. There is a method of gardening my Dad does that has amazing results. Last year they had more produce than they knew what to do with!
It's called "square foot gardening" and you get maximum results with very little space. Some tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, squash, peppers and green beans would be awesome to have!
Summer Trips
Trips are usually the highlight of my summer. June 18-20th we will be doing our annual Jackson Hole whitewater rafting trip with our friends, the Einfeldts.
If anyone would like to go, let us know! It's a huge party and there are tons of rafts to share. The more the merrier! Justin is a great river guide and we'll also be doing plenty of mountain biking. We're also talking about going back to my former residence of Telluride, Colorado to do some backpacking in the San Juans. Then of course our overnight backing trips up the local trails will be fun. Lake Blanche is definitely on our list. Honestly, we just want to drink some more of that amazing runoff water. Justin's mom is also planning a family trip to either the Homestead in Heber City or maybe Sun Valley, Idaho. We'll see! Anyone reading this that would like to do some backpacking this summer, please let us know! We have plenty of gear to share and would love to have you come.
Summer School
I'm enrolled in 15 credit hours this summer. Yes, I know I'm probably crazy. I will only be taking upper division major classes which will be considerably easier than fall semester which will include Organic Chemistry and Physics Labs. We will see how it goes. As for now I only have school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays in the afternoon. Fridays and Saturdays are for play ONLY!
Baby Jordaline
Caroline is due October 31st. (Halloween... so cool, right??) It's weird that my little sister will be having a baby before me. But I'll be honest. My bio clock is just not ticking yet. Maybe after school is through. This summer I have a goal to crochet her a baby blanket, decorate some onezies and make her a moby! What is a moby? I learned about it from my friend, Emily who is fabulously crafty and saw it used in China. Here is a picture:
Basically it's a big stretchy piece of material you can use to carry the baby around. I think it will be adorable. Can't wait to by an auntie to my sister and brother-in-law! Their kid is going to be gorgeous. I mean... look at this beautiful couple!
Team in Training
http://www.teamintraining.org/dm/firsttimehere
Check out the video on this page.
I've been seriously considering doing this. I have had a goal to run a marathon for 2 years now. The first year was the closest I came. After running 18 miles a ligament in my hip was injured and I couldn't do it. This year I am considering running the marathon with "Team in Training." They are an organization that helps train you for the marathon, provides a support group and trainers to motivate and inspire you. You also get the opportunity of raising money that will 100% benefit the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society. My Grandpa Maughan died of Hodgkin's disease. If I did this, would any of you be interested in donating money for the fundraising part I'll be required to do?
Square Foot Gardening
http://www.squarefootgardening.com/
It's always been a goal of mine to start gardening. It's hard living in an apartment with no balcony or backyard. However, I have my eye on a tiny little plot of dirt on the west side of our building next to the laundry room and parking lot. It's small and nothing grows there. I plan on asking my landlord if we can put some boxes down to garden. There is a method of gardening my Dad does that has amazing results. Last year they had more produce than they knew what to do with!
It's called "square foot gardening" and you get maximum results with very little space. Some tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, squash, peppers and green beans would be awesome to have!Summer Trips
Trips are usually the highlight of my summer. June 18-20th we will be doing our annual Jackson Hole whitewater rafting trip with our friends, the Einfeldts.
If anyone would like to go, let us know! It's a huge party and there are tons of rafts to share. The more the merrier! Justin is a great river guide and we'll also be doing plenty of mountain biking. We're also talking about going back to my former residence of Telluride, Colorado to do some backpacking in the San Juans. Then of course our overnight backing trips up the local trails will be fun. Lake Blanche is definitely on our list. Honestly, we just want to drink some more of that amazing runoff water. Justin's mom is also planning a family trip to either the Homestead in Heber City or maybe Sun Valley, Idaho. We'll see! Anyone reading this that would like to do some backpacking this summer, please let us know! We have plenty of gear to share and would love to have you come.Summer School
I'm enrolled in 15 credit hours this summer. Yes, I know I'm probably crazy. I will only be taking upper division major classes which will be considerably easier than fall semester which will include Organic Chemistry and Physics Labs. We will see how it goes. As for now I only have school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays in the afternoon. Fridays and Saturdays are for play ONLY!
Baby Jordaline
Caroline is due October 31st. (Halloween... so cool, right??) It's weird that my little sister will be having a baby before me. But I'll be honest. My bio clock is just not ticking yet. Maybe after school is through. This summer I have a goal to crochet her a baby blanket, decorate some onezies and make her a moby! What is a moby? I learned about it from my friend, Emily who is fabulously crafty and saw it used in China. Here is a picture:
Basically it's a big stretchy piece of material you can use to carry the baby around. I think it will be adorable. Can't wait to by an auntie to my sister and brother-in-law! Their kid is going to be gorgeous. I mean... look at this beautiful couple!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter
Why do I love Easter so much?
I love that commercialization hasn't swallowed the holiday up in candy and shallow presents. I love that Easter comes on Sunday, my day of rest. I love that it comes at the beginning of spring with promises of sunshine, warmth and green grass.
Most of all, I love knowing and remembering that Christ rose from the tomb. That He lives. He overcame death to be fully ressurected with a body of flesh and blood. He is not dead. He is alive and He is fully invested in all of our lives and has provided a way to give up all that weighs us down. I have not seen His physical body, but I know that He lives. I feel Him in every moment of pure love, goodness and peace. My husband and I are so grateful to know that whatever worries us, weighs us down and makes us feel less, we can lean on Him and use His gift of atonement to feel the peace He left for us.
Happy Easter. I'm so grateful the tomb was empty.
I love that commercialization hasn't swallowed the holiday up in candy and shallow presents. I love that Easter comes on Sunday, my day of rest. I love that it comes at the beginning of spring with promises of sunshine, warmth and green grass.
Most of all, I love knowing and remembering that Christ rose from the tomb. That He lives. He overcame death to be fully ressurected with a body of flesh and blood. He is not dead. He is alive and He is fully invested in all of our lives and has provided a way to give up all that weighs us down. I have not seen His physical body, but I know that He lives. I feel Him in every moment of pure love, goodness and peace. My husband and I are so grateful to know that whatever worries us, weighs us down and makes us feel less, we can lean on Him and use His gift of atonement to feel the peace He left for us.
Happy Easter. I'm so grateful the tomb was empty.
Monday, March 29, 2010
End of Spring Break
What a glorious week. I'm still basking in the beauty of sleeping til 8:00 am everyday, only working two days and our fun filled weekend. *Happy sigh*
Friday Justin and I went to the Provo Temple with his old mission president and his wife along with about 20 other Brasilia returned missionaries. President Aidukaitis is now a general authority in the Quorom of the Seventy.
He is amazing. So full of love and genuine kindness. His wife is so sweet and only had kind words and a huge bear hug for me. The temple session was great and we left feeling so lifted and enlightened.
Saturday was Justin's birthday! I wanted to make it special but Justin doesn't like people to fuss over him and hates being the center of attention. Instead of doing something grand, I tried to do things that he loved loved loved doing. So we started out the day by eating breakfast at Pancake House. Then we went to the Einfeldt's house to work on this road bike. Afterwards I told him to go to the Field House to play soccer with all the foreigners while I wrapped presents and filled our apartment with 71 balloons and bright blue streamers (his two fave colors). After he got home we went to a Mexican Market and picked up some Brasilian goodies. We took our brand new climbing gear and went to Momentum in Sandy for some rock climbing.
Now we are seriously considering getting a summer membership so we can go more than once a week. After rock climbing we ate way too much churrasco at Braza Grill, his favorite Brasilian restaurant.
Yup, those are the things I knew he would love, so I made sure his day was great!
Sunday I put together a huge Brasilian dinner for my family and my Aunt Cathy and Grandma. Unfortunately, there are no pictures which I can brag to you about how amazing I am for making all this food. Instead I'll just have to brag verbally. The menu?
Appetizers:
Pao de Queijo (which my family started calling Cheese Biscuits to make me mad)
Dinner:
Salad Braslian Style
A beef stew dish I learned from Alice in Brasilia with bacon, bell pepper, onion, carrot and tomato
Black Beans (not from cans, mind you, these were the real deal)
Pinto Beans (for sure not from a can)
Vinagrete (an amazing tomato, onion, pepper mix with vinegar, oil and sugar)
Farofa (a manjoica flour sauteed with carrots and fried banana)
Drinks:
Braslian Limeade
Guarana
Dessert:
Passion Fruit Mousse
Though definitely not as good as the food I ate in Brasil, it was comparable. It will be a long time til I do this again. The beans alone took 5 hours of simmering and I cooked for a grand total of 6 hours hands-on. All and all, it was fantastic and I am amazing. :)
Friday Justin and I went to the Provo Temple with his old mission president and his wife along with about 20 other Brasilia returned missionaries. President Aidukaitis is now a general authority in the Quorom of the Seventy.
He is amazing. So full of love and genuine kindness. His wife is so sweet and only had kind words and a huge bear hug for me. The temple session was great and we left feeling so lifted and enlightened.Saturday was Justin's birthday! I wanted to make it special but Justin doesn't like people to fuss over him and hates being the center of attention. Instead of doing something grand, I tried to do things that he loved loved loved doing. So we started out the day by eating breakfast at Pancake House. Then we went to the Einfeldt's house to work on this road bike. Afterwards I told him to go to the Field House to play soccer with all the foreigners while I wrapped presents and filled our apartment with 71 balloons and bright blue streamers (his two fave colors). After he got home we went to a Mexican Market and picked up some Brasilian goodies. We took our brand new climbing gear and went to Momentum in Sandy for some rock climbing.
Now we are seriously considering getting a summer membership so we can go more than once a week. After rock climbing we ate way too much churrasco at Braza Grill, his favorite Brasilian restaurant.Yup, those are the things I knew he would love, so I made sure his day was great!
Sunday I put together a huge Brasilian dinner for my family and my Aunt Cathy and Grandma. Unfortunately, there are no pictures which I can brag to you about how amazing I am for making all this food. Instead I'll just have to brag verbally. The menu?
Appetizers:
Pao de Queijo (which my family started calling Cheese Biscuits to make me mad)
Dinner:
Salad Braslian Style
A beef stew dish I learned from Alice in Brasilia with bacon, bell pepper, onion, carrot and tomato
Black Beans (not from cans, mind you, these were the real deal)
Pinto Beans (for sure not from a can)
Vinagrete (an amazing tomato, onion, pepper mix with vinegar, oil and sugar)
Farofa (a manjoica flour sauteed with carrots and fried banana)
Drinks:
Braslian Limeade
Guarana
Dessert:
Passion Fruit Mousse
Though definitely not as good as the food I ate in Brasil, it was comparable. It will be a long time til I do this again. The beans alone took 5 hours of simmering and I cooked for a grand total of 6 hours hands-on. All and all, it was fantastic and I am amazing. :)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Start of Spring Break
We were pretty much burned out by the time last Friday rolled around. Allergic reaction to eye drops, three days at work with no break, five exams and three late night cram sessions made for a hellish week. This is Justin's organic chemistry write-up, which accurately portrays how much he cared by the end:
So on Sunday we jetted down to southern Utah for a much needed break. My girlfriend and her husband were nice enough to let us crash in their baby's room for the two nights we stayed here. Charise is such a cutie. Her new baby, Jax, is even more adorable.
Monday we hiked Angel's Landing which left me so sore I could barely walk.
Tuesday we got up early and hiked the three Emerald Pools.
What's next? On Friday Elder Aidukaitis and his wife are flying in from Argentina to do a temple session with the Brasilia returned missionaries. Saturday is Justin's birthday and this year it's gonna rock. More to come...
So on Sunday we jetted down to southern Utah for a much needed break. My girlfriend and her husband were nice enough to let us crash in their baby's room for the two nights we stayed here. Charise is such a cutie. Her new baby, Jax, is even more adorable.
Monday we hiked Angel's Landing which left me so sore I could barely walk.
Tuesday we got up early and hiked the three Emerald Pools.
What's next? On Friday Elder Aidukaitis and his wife are flying in from Argentina to do a temple session with the Brasilia returned missionaries. Saturday is Justin's birthday and this year it's gonna rock. More to come...
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