Placenta- Baby Food

First off, some people eat afterbirth, but it's not going to happen at my house. Not unless it's really healthy and goes well in enchiladas. Ladies, I'm having an after baby enchilada party, want to come? I mean, yeah, this giant ball of nutrients has been with me for a long time, let's send those nutrients off right.  We'll do it together. I'm not having any babies yet, but you gotta make plans about important future stuff like that.

It's possible I am the only person that thinks opening lockers sound like velociraptors.  Who doesn't think about dinosaurs when opening their locker? Just saying, the next time you go to the gym, pay attention. You could learn something useful. Like what I just told you. 

I found out, yesterday, when you follow someone's blog, you get emails when they update. I had no idea. I thought it was more useless- such as liking someone's comment on Facebook and clicking the button. Now I know the purpose of following blogs, I will be more likely to do that. You are welcome to follow me too, just not for real. I'd also like to say hello to the 11 people in Russia checking my blog. Hello. From America, the country, not my sister who informed me about blog following. 

As an aside, I like Kelly (Kelly and Michael) and Ellen from tv too. They are terribly interesting and likable. Unfortunately, I don't know them, yet. It will happen. Someday. Also, a shout out to Cheryl who just had surgery and Cheryl in Missouri, both whom I love. And to Bonnie, for being a great sister even if I am a crazy sister sometimes. 

I'd like to reflect on habits. I have some. Good ones, like showering, brushing and flossing my teeth, writing in my journal. Bad ones, like eating the same food for weeks until I can't look at it anymore. And totally weird ones, like having to visit the bathroom when I get to work.  It must be some kind of psychological productivity theory. I don't know if it works, but it certainly annoys me to be on such a defined schedule. 

Yet my schedule never wavers. I like scheduled activities and habits. It's hard for me to jump out of my deeply rutted path. I try to hop out sometimes, and seem to fall back into the ruts. Like eating sandwiches and burritos for lunch. Today I dipped a hard bagel in water. Why did I do that? I thought since it had gotten hard in a paper sack, water logged in a plastic sack it could be a bagel again. Just so you know, I just poked my bagel and it worked. Next week, I'm going to try branching out into real food. Never worked for long before, but I can make new habits. I have probably a billion tamales in my freezer. I should steam those and eat them. Mexican food= happiness. 

Let's talk about television. I've skirted this topic before, but I work in tv. I watch lots. I watch lots of commercials. I watch lots of commercials for shows about killers. I will make you a list. Everybody loves lists. * are for creepiness/less likelihood I would let my kids watch them. I would maybe let my 13 year old watch everything with two stars.

1. Bates Motel ****

2. Cult*****

3. NCIS**

4. NCIS: LA**

5. Criminal Minds****

6. Pretty Little Liars**

7. The Mentalist**

8. Bones**

9. Castle**

10. Body of Proof***

11. Grimm***

12. CSI**

13. CSI: NY**

14. Elementary***

15. Blue Bloods***

16. Law and Order***

17. Law and Order: SVU****

18. Hannibal*****

19. The Following*****

20. Deception***

21. Revenge***

I know, I don't have a 13 yr old, but seeing how much violence and creepiness is on tv makes me less likely to even have tv when I get to that point. Watching all these shows has really shown me the importance of balance. I think watching more family centered shows, or sitcoms would be better for my underlying current. You know, the good vibes current we have inside our homes and selves.

Honestly, I know sex and violence sell, but I shouldn't trade peace for the momentary entertainment it may bring to my life.  Getting inside the minds of killers takes the Spirit away from me because we cannot have good and evil inside us at the same time. So, I am going to make a more concentrated effort to watch good things and avoid things that creep me out. That's why I don't watch the news, so I don't know why I would watch fiction that shows the same stuff. That said, I want to see Vikings and The Bible on the History channel.

BTW, this is not a lecture for people who like murder mysteries, since I certainly have an affinity for watching them. It's more a rant about tv and a decision on my part to watch less violence (eat less chocolate) and read more books (eat more brussel sprouts and chicken). Next week, stop watching sexy shows ie. Scandal (guilty pleasure). It's hard enough for me, who has perspective, to keep on track. 

"The difficulties faced by gospel teachers—parents or those called or employed—are magnified by the modern technology to which their young students have instant access. As Sister Julie B. Beck, former Relief Society general president, described a few years ago: “There are mediamessages everywhere that are antifamily, and our young people are very connected with media. … Increasingly, our youth are seeing no reason to form a family or get married in spite of all the teaching you give them. They are being desensitized about the need to form eternal families.”5

I will speak about some of these antifamily messages and suggest some things we can teach to counteract them. In the context of your sequential scripture teaching, you are responsible to teach the basic doctrine of marriage and the family. My message is intended to help you in that effort. I seek to add to the remarkable, heaven-inspired recent outpouring of helps to strengthen our young members’ role in hastening the work of the Lord in these last days." Dallin H. Oaks; As He Thinketh in His Heart; CES Devotional; lds.org.

I have some fears. I am not talking about the inexplicable intense fear I feel when a police car is in my vicinity. That's a different kind of irrational fear. I'm talking about fear of the future. Everyone does. The catch: I also have confidence and faith in the future. Hope helps me get through my doubts and insecurities. That said, I also have an amazing boyfriend who supports me through all my craziness. I am really lucky to have him in my life. #Charlesisthegreatest

Going to the temple in Oakland helps me with perspective. I get to go three times this week because of friends and significant events in their lives. This is why my life is so great, because I can shove past the fears and think about velociraptors. Thank goodness crocodiles ate all the dangerous dinosaurs. That's why they're my favorite animal. Amen. 

Ribbons, ribbons, anyone want ribbons

I watched four movies Saturday. Two of them were with my by myself. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Million Dollar Baby, Bucket List, and Robin Hood. I haven't watched that many movies in a long time. Especially in one day. I was going to visit the library, since it was a beautiful day, and I love reading outside so the sun reminds me to get books- but I live in Dublin. Therefore, the Dublin city annual St. Patrick's Day celebration was in full swing, right by the library, figures. So I couldn't get there because the road was blocked off. Instead of parking and walking around, I went home. I know, I'm a bum. It would have been fun. Maybe next year. 

Instead, I read outside my complex by the pond and fountains. It was a beautiful day, so I ended up falling asleep outside instead of reading much, but either way it was enjoyable. 

My hair needs a trim. I should have done it Saturday ie. the only day I have to do stuff like that, since most hair places close by 6. I get home about 6 every day. However, I was too busy sleeping to think about important stuff like that, so it didn't happen. 

Another piece on my to do list- stop watching horror shows and murder shows. Why you ask, well, because I think by watching that stuff every day my mind is bombarded by terrible images and trash taking up space that could be occupied by positive images and programs.  I'd rather have that stuff in my head. Speaking of space treats, right now I'm listening to the Backstreet Boys. Is it using up space, yes. Is that a bad thing? Never. 

And here's a list, since everyone loves lists:

1. Cream of wheat becomes a part of me every morning, with nothing added. No sugar, no nothin.

2. There's a stash of candy in my office desk drawer. I used to think that was so trite. Now, just a necessary evil.

3. Candles smell good. Not vanilla candles, just other kinds. Especially pine candles. Thanks Adrienne. 

4.  In my car, a candle melts and puts goodly scent into the air all day long. One time it spilled everywhere. Apple scented. How could I take it out of my car, when it smells so good? It's still there. Messy habit. Sometimes.

5. I have no kids, but will be an embarrassing mom: I still put my hands up in the car. 

6. Ribbons are lovely. I have an inexplicable desire to put them in my hair on a every other daily basis and don't. Coming soon.

Truffles

If we're talking about truffles right now, I need to find a chocolate truffle finding pig to rent. I don't really like mushrooms and I don't want to take care of a pig, so I think that's the best option for me right now. Pigs are stinky. We had one in our back yard in Guatemala. Until they sold it. To make bacon. And pork rinds. And pig ears. Each sold separately. 

Today, instead of wearing my hair down and curling it, I pasted it to my head with shellac. That's day three hair for you. I didn't even use a hair tie. I just twisted it into the semblance of a bun and bobby pinned it to my head. Then I doused it with an unhealthy amount of hairspray. It hasn't moved all day. However, I am going on a run after work. We shall see what this do can do. 

What is day three hair you ask: Day one, I just washed my hair last night, better curl it, blow dry it, or straighten it. That could last three days. That means I won't have to do my hair for three more days. If I live right. Day two, I didn't wash my hair last night. I can leave my hair down, put it halfway up, or recurl some parts to refresh it. Still looks good. Day three, better put it up. Doesn't matter if it's in braids, a ponytail, or a hat. If I leave it down, it's going to be weighted down by product and/or natural oils. It's going to look gross. 

The only thing that might redeem it, dry shampoo. That usually takes care of the smell. Day four, if it gets to day four, it had better go up. If I don't put it up, it parts itself all the way down the back, like unplanned pigtails. Thank you dear sweet cowlick, you keep me from repeatedly trying to get away with four or five day hair. I admit, I have wondered what that smell was, and realized it was my hair that needed a definite wash. Yep. That's me. 

This was an eventful and surprising day as per usual. I had burritos for lunch. They were delicious. I also wiped the giant wipe board clean today. It took forever. I like focusing on arm muscle growth when I do stuff like that. Other times my mind wanders to Mr. Miogi. He would have been proud. Our office is long and the wall is painted in wipe board material, so it was like painting a fence and waxing a car at the same time. 

Tonight I'm going to the Oakland temple. It's beautiful there. I've also got some friends playing water pong. I hope to see some of that goodness. I'm also on book three of the Wheel of Time. It's getting more interesting. Very interesting. 

Pendulum

Last week was a pretty crazy week. Monday I had a date with a guy named Derek. He is a funny guy and we ate ice cream at Safeway. It turned out we had lots of common television show interests. We talked about that for a while. He watches shows with his mom. I do to, when I'm home. I ate two drumsticks. He ate one. Good self control Derek. 

When I went out with Nick on Wednesday, we played soccer for a bit. Afterwards, we again ate ice cream balls at Safeway again. After talking a while, we'd only eaten 5 of the 6. After about 90 minutes of great conversation, a sketchy lady wearing a fanny pack and five belts walked up and asked if we wanted her to eat the last one. We were like, "Of course we do. Would you?" Weird. Then she stayed and talked to us for 10 minutes. 

The highlight of our conversation was the story about the lemon peel. She one time ingested an entire lemon peel and it left her craving...(what? onions? pretzels? Candle wax?)...sex. Awkward. She then encouraged us to eat lemon peel sometime to see what happened to us. I told her I didn't need anything else pushing me to that feeling. We had to get up and walk away from her, as she continued talking to us until we left the store.

Blitzing showed me difficult it is to ask multiple people out and keep the dates interesting. It also showed me how chill the guys feel when they ask me out; it's just a date. I always felt a little bit of pressure to figure out how I felt about him. Apparently I stress about dating more than I should. 

My brother got his mission call to serve in the Taiwan mission, speaking Mandarin Chinese. He leaves April 17. He's sooooo excited.  He's going to rock that mission!

Tuesday, after a nice talk with Charles, we started dating again. He gave me a choice and I picked him. I couldn't imagine never dating him again. And yet I wonder if I'm ready to commit my life forever to anyone. And why not? Charles is the kindest man, we have fun, we are both crazy. Sounds like a recipe for success. Things like this reassure me.

If I learned anything from our dating blitz, I learned there are lots of great guys out there. Why is it, when I'm in a relationship, I am looking for reasons to cop out and when I'm not in a relationship, I want to be in one? What keeps me trying? Hope, faith, and charity. Also, I pray a lot. 

"We are waging a war with sin, my brothers and sisters, but we need not despair. It is a war we can and will win. Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools we need in order to do so. He is at the helm. We have nothing to fear. He is the God of light. He is the God of hope. I testify that He loves us—each one.

Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order to be tested, we must sometimes face challenges and difficulties. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end—no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea “Is there no balm in Gilead?”  

We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face." President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference April 28, Looking Back and Moving Forward.

I therefore keep breathing and making decisions. Even if it's hard. To breathe. 

Blitzkrieg week 1

Hello there family. Long time no speak. I've been busy. This last week and next week, we had a dating blitzkrieg for the Relief society. I've been trying to be a good example for the sisters, so I went on a date a day..2 on Sunday. That around all the other activities I already do made my schedule pretty tight. My week was busy.

I went to FHE Monday and we made a video for the Untalent Show scheduled for Saturday. I pretty much just pulled random girls and guys out of volleyball and pizza making for a video. I thought the shy people would be more likely to be in a video than in a live performance. We made a great video. It's on youtube. It was also shown first at the Untalent show. It was called the Untalent show because half was a performance portion and the other half was a showpiece portion. There were some dresses, paintings, stuffed animals, and drawings. It was cool. 

After filming for the movie, I went on a date with Robby. He's a guy in our ward who's really nice. He's a talented pianist-which he shared at the untalent show. We had froyo. I had a great time, but I think he knows now how crazy I am. He probably wasn't super surprised. 

After Institute on Tuesday, I took Kyle back to my place for a triple date. We played games and had milkshakes. It was fun. Kyle's a pretty shy guy, but he is coming out of his shell, which is great. 

I went out with Matt on Wednesday after practicing my clogging number with two girls from my ward- Susannah and Karen. We went to a bbq place called Armadillo Willie's. I liked it there, it had a cool atmosphere. We walked around the strip mall afterwards and just talked. We took some pictures, including one of a pamphlet vending machine. What? Never seen that before. They sold pamphlets, maps, travel books. Now I know. 

I went to the temple Thursday, got home taught, did some baptisms, and went to In'N'Out with Jimmy. We had a good talk. He loves dangerous things and camping. He's a redheaded swimmer. It was a good conversation. 

I went on a date with Scott Friday. I know him from soccer. He was surprised by our date,but we had fun. We went to Berkeley, right by where I work, and got burritos. We ate in a sketchy looking park by UC Berkeley campus and drew some pictures. We looked over Berkeley from the science center. 

I woke up Saturday morning at 6:30 am. I helped America sell games for cheap at a flea market. I also ended up spending some money on some jewelry. I should have kept my eyes closed, because I couldn't keep them from staring at that beautiful jewelry. This jewelry has the same colors, but isn't in the same design. Still fancy though. At 2, when I got home from helping, I went on a date with Patrick.

He's actually a really funny guy from church. I laughed the whole time. After eating smoothies, we just sat by the lake and talked. After my date, I went to practice with the girls for our clogging number. It was to Michael Jackson's ABC.  After practicing, we went to the Talent show. It was great. Our ward has a lot of talent. I was exhausted afterwards, so I didn't try to go on another date, I just went to bed.

Sunday, after the epic break the fast meal, inclusive of bagel pizza bites, tater tots, and chicken nuggets- I went on a date with our EQP Chris. Epic, not really epic, since it may have been equal to the pork and beans fast Sunday in which I was forced to make and then consume an entire pizza to prove a point. 

We had a fireside after my date, during which I was going to skype, but nobody was on. So I went to Elder Bednar's fireside and then to America and Don's game night with Andy- date 8 for the week. I had another date yesterday. I went to Safeway with Derrick and we talking about tv shows over ice cream drumsticks.