Sunday, May 31, 2009

Bubble Baths

I just got back from a relaxing trip to Dubai which is almost enough to kill my usual Sunday night blues. While in Dubai I found myself being very grateful for a lot of little things that made me feel at home:

  • A comfortable bed that I didn't want to leave
  • A HUGE bathtub full of bubbles
  • Starbucks - what can I say - I miss it
  • A Taco salad (which satisfied my craving for salads and Mexican food)
Most importantly I'm thankful that I'll be home again in just under 2 weeks!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Weekends

This week I am most grateful for having a weekend off.

Since arriving in Delhi I've worked every weekend. And by work I don't just mean checking in on emails or taking a few calls, I mean going in to the office. But somehow this weekend I managed to make things work out so I could avoid the office and spend a weekend relaxing and getting a few personal things taken care of.

I've got my laundry done, I hit the mall to buy presents for my niece and nephew. I went grocery shopping, I hit the ATM. I watched a couple of movies and I book a trip for next weekend - might as well go large and force myself to take two weekends in a row off.

But best of all, I paid a visit to my favorite mini spa here in Delhi and had a facial. I don't know what it is about Tania but spending an hour or so with her puts me in the most relaxed place - and my skin never looks better. It was exactly what I needed.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Forgiveness

I gave the lesson today in Relief Society on the Power of Forgiveness. I am grateful this week for the opportunities in my life to forgive and to be forgiven. I am grateful for the Atonement, without which, this power would not be. I have discovered that it is easier to forgive those I love. I have also found that when I am grateful for the other person in my life, it is easier to forgive. My favorite quote from Joseph Smith in this lesson:

"Suppose that Jesus Christ and holy angels should object to us on frivolous things, what would become of us? We must be merciful to one another, and overlook small things."

May we go about our days as mercifully as possible...have a marvelous week!

Cry it out

I frequently feel guilty for enjoying TV, I feel that I should be doing something more worthwhile with my time, and yet there are shows that keep me coming back for more, even when I have other things I should be doing.

I've had a very stressful couple of weeks in Delhi with virtually no time off, so today has been a bit about catching up - I finally finished unpacking and am working on my laundry. But I did take a few hours off to watch the season finales of two of my favorites - Lost and Grey's Anatomy. And by the way, how great is today's technology, which means I can watch even from the other side of the world.

As I watched both episodes I became a soggy, crying mess and I realized there is a reason I enjoy TV - and it is one that is I don't need to feel guilt over. By crying along with these two old favorites I let go of some of the stress I've been feeling in a healthy way. I didn't lose my temper, I didn't bottle up what I was feeling, instead I cried it out. I'm grateful for the writers and actors whose talents give us these shows and which give me a reason to let go of my emotions for an hour each week.

For me, crying along to a favorite show is a cathartic experience that helps me deal with the stress of living so far from my friends and family and working in a very tense environment. So this week, I'm grateful for TV. Although I'd be more grateful if I didn't have to wait months to see what happens next.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Spring Arrivals

Sorry I've been MIA for a while, ladies. I've been enjoying my time out of school. I was so happy when finals were over! I thought I would center my post around the new arrivals in our family over the past couple of months.

The first arrival was Quinn, Ali's first child, born on Valentine's Day. He is so cute! The photo is a picture of me with him at Ali's husband's graduation from the U of U last week. They'll be leaving for Michigan in August where Jeff will start dental school. Yay for them!


The next arrival was little Annie, Danny and Brooke's new baby, born on tax day. :) She is absolutely gorgeous!
The third arrival was at McIffs' barn! No name for this little filly yet. The girls were extremely excited about her arrival.
We are getting ready for a Sun Valley trip with my parents next week. I just love Sun Valley. Mark and I both spent time there with our families when we were kids. Luckily Sun Valley is within the Boise mission boundaries! Take care and keep up the posts. :)

Monday, May 11, 2009

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Gardens

I was beginning to think that I am the only author on this blog...thanks, Jam, for reminding me otherwise. Stac and Ker...where are you!? I miss you!

Jadee and I planted our garden on Saturday. Jeremiah and Jeron will plant their garden this week. We are having a contest. I have perfect soil (vermiculite, peat moss, compost) and they have manure, mulch and topsoil. We're going to see who's garden grows more and better. Of course, the prophet said to plant a garden...he didn't say anything about the harvest! I believe that gardens are lovely...especially when you plant flowers amidst your vegetables...and definitely of good report! Have a happy week.

Back in Delhi

My Sunday is nearly over while yours is just beginning and I'm feeling bad for missing my post last week. My excuse - I was in the air and haven't had a chance to post since I hit Delhi.

The weather has been a bit of a shocker (it's been well over 100 every day - even hitting 110 at least once this week.) Making my new, shorter hair very much appreciated. Sometimes it really is the little things that can make a difference.

I'm also happy that I put big red (my gigantic red suitcase) out of her misery and switched to a large rolling duffel bag instead. This my seem counter intuitive, but big red weighed so much that I'm actually able to bring more stuff with me in the duffel than I could in the suitcase - which resulted in me being able to bring TP from home. I know that sounds silly, but good TP is high on the list of things I miss but cant' get here.

I hope you are all well and that Stac & Heidi are enjoying a very lovely Mother's Day. Keri - you'll have to wait with me until they decide Auntie's deserve a day too.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Preparation

This week I have been testing 1st and 2nd graders for Pacific Research Associates and Nevada Department of Ed. It's a fun little job that pays a wage, mileage and lunch, if I have to go out of town. It's made me think of my education, the experiences I have been afforded, and the associations I have been blessed with. I have this little job, which provides a little extra income, because I prepared...starting way back when I went to college. I think the saying goes something like: Luck is when Opportunity meets Preparation. Or maybe it's something else...you girls will let me know?! Anyhow, I am a lucky girl...because I have prepared, and because I have been blessed with opportunities. For this, I am very grateful.