beckycita

A Happy Bride

2011-04-06T15:16:00.002-06:00

A quote from my book, These Is My Words, The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine 1881-1901, Arizona Territory

May 22, 1882

I have started to read a book named The Happy Bride. It is all about how a girl should act and what men expect from the girl they want to marry and such. It is a wonderful book and I plan to study it hard and put it to practice. The first thing I must do is become more religious. I will have to learn to be a ‘righteous example of piety and purity, virtuous to a fault, kind and sharing,’ if I am to be the Happy Bride in the book. … This book says ‘a young lady is never safe when in close physical proximity to a gentleman, and although he would pursue her, he thinks all the more of her if she rebuffs him heartily.’ So I will think of the hearty rebuff that I will tell … any man who presumes to be in close physical proximity. … I will study this book so the first chance I get not to be an old maid I will be ready.

That journal entry made me smile. Maybe I should study that book....

Top 26 of 26

2011-02-01T14:37:00.002-07:00

1. Making a quilt and getting to spend 2 WHOLE weeks with my little sis over Christmas Break. We haven’t been able to do that in YEARS! Loved it!
2. Sledding with my nieces, bro, sis-in-law, sis, and boy up Hobble Creek Canyon on the perfect snowy day.
3. Having my niece Millie smile at me with her fangs :)
4. Listening to the cowbells chime while walking down a mountain path in the Alps, Luzern, Switzerland.
5. Being able to attend my BFF, Natausha’s wedding, and also getting the phone call that I’m going to be an “AUNT”
6. Finally getting to go to Mexico and see the ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza which had been pretty close to the top of my bucket list for at least a decade…and doing it spontaneously…with my bff.
7. Another spontaneous trip to Duck Beach (NC) with that same BFF that revolutionized both of our lives and besides being a huge catalyst for change, was just a FUN, CALMING, BEAUTIFUL, ADVENTUREOUS beach trip.
8. Looking at pictures of my newest niece – Charlyanne.
9. Having a hula-hoop competition (and DOMINATING it) and eating an American BBQ in the midst of a redwood forest, with 50s music playing, and picnic tables covered with gingham table clothes with boy and family.
10. Watching The Lion King in London and walking the streets of London and marveling at all the history that had occurred around me. Oh, and becoming addicted to frozen yogurt and looking forward to the end of the day so I could eat MORE of it.
11. Biking through Vermont in the Fall – test of my strength (it was 45 miles…), having a skipping-rock competition in a historic rock quarry, eating fresh Vermont cheese, bonding with a roommate, and just loving life.
12. Playing “Murder in the Dark” in a moderately creepy old B&B in New Hampshire – laughing, spooking, arguing, hiding, the works (and speaking of the works – eating lots of pizza from Papa Johns with “the works”).
13. Glow-stick impromptu dance party on top of mattresses post Thanksgiving feasting.
14. Riding an elephant in India, seeing cows wander through the streets, monkeys holding hands, and camels pulling carts.
15. The creation of the Tiger Tummy Rub.
16. Working on the Cinque Terre puzzle with Jenni (awesome) and reminiscing about the fact that I went there last summer.
17. Feeling like I’ve overcome the initial discomfort and loneliness of being in a new and very different city.
18. All-day Adventure in Key West with an intimate yet awesome couple of people – snorkeling…jet skis…parasailing… and, eeeh, the nasty water trampoline covered with bird poo (it’s the funny memory that makes it worth it). Really, just good bonding time.
19. Riding bikes through Salzburg and seeing all of the Sound of Music sites and singing the songs in my head and out-loud at the SING-A-LONG. I’ve been addicted ever since my mom took me to see the Sound of Music with Marie Osmond in 4th grade.
20. Coming to understand myself, my strengths, weaknesses, desires, and God better through a series of events.
21. Running through Liberty Park, SLC on warm spring afternoons with a dear friend.
22. Christmas lights at the Washington, D.C. temple! A-MAZING!
23. Being taken absolutely, most definitely, by surprise!
24. Having moments where I’ve just been so glad to be – ME – with the family that I have, the parents that I have (who I’m extremely proud of as they accomplish dreams, my dad with Wilderness Innovations and my mom with going back to college).
25. Biking to the temple (35 miles), in dress clothes, on warm summer days, without bring water or snacks…haha. Good memory!
26. Having a year filled with adventure, spontaneity, travel, love, friendships, magic, history, culture, dreams.

Here's to ending a good year and starting the 27th!

I'm ready for you.

MLK Day

2011-01-17T18:21:00.005-07:00

Dr. King said, "We must all learn to live together as brothers or perish as fools."
----
Some friends and I decided that we should spend the holiday right by taking advantage of all the Civil Rights and Black American history is D.C. So, we ventured down to Anacostia (a dream come-true!!) to the Community Museum and to the Frederick Douglass House. We went to the National Cathedral for the Martin Luther King Celebration with some amazing performances ranging from traditional African dances and drums, an amazing violin performance, a cool unity speech by a Rabbi, a Christian Preacher, and a Muslim sahib, and just the experience of being in such an amazing cathedral! Then, we finished it up with a stop at the American History museum for a reenactment of the 1960 sit-in at the Woolworth's counter in Greensboro, NC. So, there was a lot of singing and clapping and experiencing. It was a huge success! And, get this (a perk of living in D.C.) - it was all FREE. Here are some pictures of our adventures.The Giant Chair in Anacostia (a place that for safety purposes we can't normally venture. Today, we thought that it was worth the risk though.)Hah, outside the museum. A testament to the part of town we were in. And below is a typical view of the neighborhood. Lots of boards and barred windows.
Inside the Frederick Douglass home. I think it was my dream house! Big windows, victorian style, beautiful attention to detail, large dining room...Outside of the house. We aren't pictured because when a kind lady offered to take a pic for us she didn't capture the house...
National Cathedral! Amazing - perhaps even comparable to European cathedrals. I love seeing this kind of architecture in the states!
Joining in the non-violent protests! DESEGREGATE!

Here's a Hint - this one's continental.

2010-09-01T13:35:00.006-06:00

1. Town that's famous for its Silver Mine, although people originally flocked here because of the prospect of gold.
2. In 1866, it was the fastest growing city in the region (although now it's just a tiny little town whose glory lives on only in memory).
3. There is a charming train that runs through town and also helps you to imagine what life was like there in the 1800s.
4. Going on mine tours ALWAYS makes me think of a short story that I read in college by Baldomero Lillo. It's called "Compuerta numero 12". You can find it translated to english on line and I HIGHLY recommend that you read it! It's only a couple of pages.

Enjoy the picture and guess any guesses as to where we were? This one was a little bit easier, but it's a practice for the future posts.

Stay Tuned!

2010-08-31T14:11:00.003-06:00

So, what can I say or what should I say after disappearing for a few months and suddenly realizing in a moment of calm that summer is nearly as its end and that I'm in a new city; I'm looking for a new job; I've seen a million new sites; I'm making new friends and in a new ward with new roommates. Yes, where do I even start?

Well, as promised to many dear friends, I need to give an update on my adventures, so stay tuned for pictures and tales of laughter and occasionally tears as I learned about the world and the boy who I accompanied.

Singing in the Rain

2010-06-12T13:47:00.003-06:00

Last night, it was a perfect temperature. It was overcast and with a light drizzle. So, seeing as how those are the perfect conditions to go running, I put on my running shoes and headed out - aiming for Liberty Park. I had my ipod strapped on my arm and the ear-buds in which blocks out any sound of the surrounding busy city streets.
I got to the park about 8 pm and it was completely deserted. I had the whole place to myself. And, can I tell you, it was WONDERFUL! The drizzle hitting the pond, the ducks and geese, the puddles, the bright green trees, and me. As I got to the park, "Out of My League" by Stephen Speaks was blasting through the my headphones. So, since every other part of the setting was perfect, I decided to sing along as well, so I went running by the pond, singing as loud as I could (in between breaths), and felt perfectly content for a few minutes.
I highly recommend finding your own place, where no one else exists except you and your dreams - no person, no cars, no sounds, except those that you allow to be there.

Somewhere over the rainbow

2010-06-10T21:41:00.002-06:00

Somewhere over the rainbow, Way up high.
And the dreams that you dreamed of, Once in a lullaby.
Oh somewhere over the rainbow, Bluebirds fly.
And the dreams that you dreamed of, Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star.
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where trouble melts like lemon drops.
High above the chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.

Oh, Someday I'll wish upon a star.
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where trouble melts like lemon drops.
High above the chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.

Oh somewhere over the rainbow.
Way up high.
And the dreams that you dare to.
Why, oh why can't I?

Great motivational song. I'm going to dare to dream because it's the realization of dreams that brings happiness.
Check out this version of the song - love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

Sing it with me: "All you need is .... [Nature]."

2010-06-08T11:31:00.005-06:00

On Sunday, a friend and I drove through North Ogden Canyon to a quaint little city called Eden. I thought the name was very appropriate as I’m sure the Garden of Eden exhibited much of the same majesty, beauty, and tranquility that I saw in our present-day Eden.
Let me describe the scene.
My friend’s family has a mountain house in Eden, nestled along the bench of the mountain with a perfect view of the lush, green valley and the eastern mountains. In front of the house there is a stream that flows just quickly enough to create a soothing burble. There's a reservoir off in the distance. It is 8 o’clock. The sun is slowly starting to slide below the Western Mountains. The angle of the remaining light rays hits everything perfectly, highlighting the hues and the depth of each color. The valley is a deep green that only exists at the beginning of a Utah summer. The mountain behind the house is full of a variety of thick pines and leafy trees, not just the normal smattering.
Behind the eastern mountains, off in the distance, the summer storm clouds build. The few remaining rays pierce the clouds and accentuate their darkness. You can’t hear the thunder, but the lightning is abundant. As I sit by the stream and an accompanying pond, soaking in the beautiful scene in front of me, I am enveloped in a clement breeze. The warmth is the perfect contrast to the cooling air.
So, there I sit conversing with my friend.
Life was peaceful.
I didn’t want to leave.

Step in the Dark

2010-06-07T15:10:00.002-06:00

My current position ends in September and as of right now, I don't have any other desired jobs waiting for me, but today, I still turned down a job offer.
My boss wants to keep me around and so she's willing to give me any position she can find at our organization. I am flattered by her continual efforts. However, as I sat pondering my opportunities, I came to feel that accepting that offered position would be equivalent to settling. The only reason I would take that job is because I'm scared that there may not be anything better. But, what kind of attitude is that? That's a defeatist attitude and I am not going to be defeated nor do I want to spend the next several years of my life at a job that is not stimulating. It does not have to be exciting everyday. In fact, I don't even think my dream job would be exciting every day. But yes, I do want it to require something of me and I want to be a valuable asset to the organization.
So, it's somewhat liberating to take that step in the dark. I am educated, hard-working, and willing. So, I turned it down expecting that there is some great option out there for me. I don't want to settle - at any level in life - so I figured that employment is a good place to start.
So, the job search begins again.

I dreamed a dream...

2010-04-06T13:20:00.003-06:00

This dream comes and goes and COMES and goes and COMES and STAYS.
I want to have my own non-profit that works to reduce poverty and create sustainable development. All during college, I dreamed of going with Help International. I even applied for a position as a Country Director last Fall and had a really GREAT chance of getting the position for Summer 2010 - however, I turned them down because it just didn't seem like the right opportunity at the time. I don't regret turning them down because I know it was the right thing to do; however, I do still check on their site frequently and am fascinated by the work they do.
Then, there's SHe. I love them as well! In fact, I'm currently brainstorming how I could take their expedition to Nepal. I'm sure that would help me in my career! I could consider it an educational AND life investment.
But when it comes down to it, all of these little expeditions only make me MORE convinced that I need to get the ball rolling and work towards my own Non-Profit. I have brainstormed this many times and have scattered notes about plans and dreams and how we would help. I've thought of recruiting, fundraising, networking, and administrating options. I've considered lawyers that I know that might be willing to donate some time to the cause and make sure everything is legal. As I'm typing this, I just thought of some accountants that I'm sure would be willing to help as well.
I have a quote on my cubicle wall that I read about 100 times a day. It says, "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible - the fear of failure." (The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo) I can't really think of anything that terrible that would happen from trying this. Failure is only failure if you don't learn anything from it. The best thing that could happen would be that I am able to help someone have a better life, hope, and a future of opportunity. And every volunteer who got involved would be changed because volunteering and helping others CHANGES YOU. And, little be little, volunteer by volunteer we could have more love and service in this world. More smiling faces. I like that.
I don't really care about having a lot of money. I just need to be able to support myself. I would love to run this dream Non-Profit (which will one day have a name) as my job until I have other obligations and then have someone else manage it and I just volunteer and remain on the Board. Oh, and my little future children would be able to go on these little expeditions as well. Beautiful thought!
I wrote an email to my BFF earlier to convince her to partner up with me (after all, this is her dream as well and she's going to Grad School to do this VERY thing). As I was writing I was envisioning myself up in front of a large group and my task was to motivate them and get them pumped and participating, so the words, "Are you with me?!? I said, Are you with me?!?" were meant to be shouted (although not the kind of shout that would lose my followers such as this one, bless his heart)
Anyway, now the question is, am I willing to make this dream a reality?

V-Day

2010-02-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

My beautiful Valentine's Day flowers! I would never ask for flowers or expect them, but let's admit, I'm a girl, and I loved getting them for Valentine's Day.
I felt very special and smile every time I look at them!

Dinner Date and Shopping

2010-02-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

My mom and I have decided to start having a monthly mother-daughter date. We live so close so it only makes sense that we take some time each month to just spend an evening together.
I've thoroughly enjoyed our dates and I've found them to be rather enlightening! We've only had a few of these dates so far but on each date I've explained this strange quirk or personality trait that I have and how I'm so perplexed as to why that developed. Usually upon finishing the explanation, mom pipes in and informs me that I probably get that trait from her. These dates are helping me to realize how much of my mom I have in my own personality. It's fascinating! And, sometimes when they come to personality traits that I have that stress me out, it's helpful and calming to know that I'm not in fact crazy and the only person who thinks like I do. There is at least one other person who understands my point of view and feelings.
Moral of the story is - dates are good - even it's with my mom and not the boy.
Thanks!
P.S. I know Rumbi Island Grill is old news, but I just went there for the first time yesterday and it was FABULOUS! And, that is probably the best customer service I've ever received and I even think it was genuine.

Old Age

2010-02-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've talked with Tim a lot about old age. We joke that the prime time to die is at the ripe old age of a tree (which is 88 I think). Old age means forgetfulness and fraility and loss of independence. But then you see a picture ot his guy pictured above. His name is Leonard McCracken and he's 106! I think he makes old age look divine. Think of all that he's learned and experienced in his life and the interesting stories that he could tell. He looks so jolly and probably by this point has really learned how to cherish and enjoy life. His picture makes me feel happy!

Look at this adorable little family. They are all between 80 and 96 - healthy, happy, and independent. Imagine having spent 90 years with your brothers and sisters. How amazing! If we think we can crack good jokes and get along well now after a measely (in my case) 26 years imagine adding another 60 onto that.

Just for the record I would love to be the photographer who took those pictures. I think they really captured the happiness of life.

A Salad that Soothes the Soul

2010-02-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

I love SALADS, but I find myself getting bored of them. I find one that I love and I eat it until I can't stand the idea of eating it again. Perhaps I should bring more variety into my life. I really prefer to have just a salad for at least one meal a day, but in order to do that I'm going to need more ideas.
I went over to the bf's sister's house for dinner on Sunday and she made the most BEAUTIFUL and TASTY salad. Of course I went out and bought all of the needed produce and will have a nice, healthy lunch every day this week.
Here are the ingredients:
Red-Leaf Lettuce
Avocado (sliced)
Cilantro
Craisens
Cucumber
Green Onion
Orange Sweet Bell Pepper (I also used Yellow.)
Pecans (if you have them)
Poppyseed dressing (or any other dressing that is to your liking. They also had a ranch and some other vinagerette option, but I love poppyseed).
So if you're looking for a new salad to try out, give it a shot. You'll be glad you did, and to help me out, please tell me some of your favorite salads so when I get tired of this lovely one, I'll still have something to eat.
And Coming Soon...
Bread Recipe. The bread was a HUGE success. It got 5 stars :) I'll add the recipe soon. It was originally a recipe for 5 loaves but I don't have room to store ANY loaves, so I had one for me, one for BF, and a little baby loaf for fun.

The First Loaves

2010-01-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

I am a PERFECTIONIST. That has ups and downs. The ups are that when I do something, I try to do it perfectly. The downs are that I often times stray from doing something unless I do it perfectly.
Today, I decided that it's time for me to make my own Wheat Bread. My mom makes the MOST amazing wheat bread and I have helped her enough that I felt it was time for me to try it on my own. I had the recipe and paid scrupulous attention to every step. I was also stressed at every step thinking - if I do something wrong, this will have be a lost 4 hours of my life. Ironically enough, I'm the one who used to teach my missionaries - it's only failure if you don't learn from it. Yes, Becky, how about applying that advice to yourself.
Anyway, I made the dough and thought it may still be a little too sticky, but I had done and already added more flour than the recipe called for so I gave it over to the RISING stage. After stage 1 of rising, I thought, umm...I don't think it raised enough. Concerned but too late to change it, I prepared it for stage 2 and put it in my new bread pans. Near the end of the second hour of raising, I still didn't think it raised enough and was convinced I'd have one solid block of cooked dough - something more like a brick than the deliciousness I was hoping to eat with my fresh strawberry jam.
I put it in the oven to bake, a little pessimistic, but this is what I saw about 20 minutes through...
They looked to be rising and browning perfectly. My hope was renewed. I anxiously checked them though the oven window every 5 minutes and at the end, this is what I got
2 beautiful loaves of bread and some strawberry jam. I have sampled a little bit of the bread and I'm pleased. I give myself a Blue Ribbon for my first attempt at bread. We'll see if the BF approves - if so, I'll call it a victory. Little perfectionist Becky can now continue on peacefully with Saturday - not feeling like a failure.

Newly Enrolled

2010-01-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

I LOVE learning! I do, maybe I'm addicted. I want to learn everything and I frequently get frustrated by what I don't know. I should probably not be too harsh on myself after all I'm only ALMOST-26. But alas, I think of all of the things that I want to understand. It's amazing how much you learn in college only to realize when you graduate that you have only covered .000001 percent of things to learn.
I can't financially justify grad school right now so I've taken it upon myself to be my own professor. I have been checking out textbooks online and my heart pitterpats at the mere thought of my own textbooks full of knowledge. They will even be filled with thought questions, applications, and test preps :) My first course by Professor Becky will be American Government and Politics - all 700 pages of it.
I've come to realize at work - where a common topic of conversation is politics, congressmen, and how they will affect our funding - that I don't really know much about the political atmosphere in the United States and while I don't want to turn into a person who debates politics all day every day, I feel the need to be more aware. Luckily my text book will cover everything from the creation of the Constitution up to the recent issues that we face. I'm pretty excited!
Hopefully I get an A.
After that I think I'll pursue a Nutritional Course, maybe a History of Modern Music Course, and then ... okay the list really never ends. So, if anyone has any ideas of good books on nutrition or music, let me know! (Cheri, just sell me your text book when you're done.)
Alright, now that I'm all motivated to learn and know everything, I must go remind myself that "all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he hath strength. And, again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."
For those of you like me who have a serious lack of patience with themselves, keep that in mind. Keep the goal to learn and know and do everything, just remember to enjoy doing it one day at a time.

Lockets

2009-12-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

I think that LOCKETS are incredibly romantic. It was such a classic part of olden-time dating when the beau gives his girl a locket with their pictures inside.

I think we should bring that back!!

Inside the locket holds the secret love of the wearer of the locket.

Man, they are great and classic and beautiful.

Your love can also write a little inscription on it. Let's be serious, I think an inscription on a locket is much more romantic than on the back of the Ipod (although I would accept that as well).

Maybe my little sister is right, vintage items, antiques and older traditions are a fading beauty in our day. But we should bring them back. I think Cheri would especially like the locket above and if I had thousands of dollars, I'd buy it for her (and one for me).

Color of My Dreams

2009-12-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

So, I just started an incredible book, Reading Lolita in Tehran, and the author commented that her artist friend had stopped painting reality because it was too dismal and instead turned to painting the colors of her dreams. No more painting abandoned homes or dead trees or a colorless world, she started painting with splashes of bright colors and she painted her dreams of a better world, and romance, and freedom.

As I was sitting there peddling on the little bicycle at 24-hour fitness (which I recently joined and am really excited about...my body will thank me!), I realized that reality isn't really that different from the colors of my dreams. I mean, sure, I have plenty of dreams that are yet to be fulfilled, but I also have a lot of dreams that have been fulfilled or are in the process of and I wouldn't change much about my current reality.

I dreamed of a job where I got to help people on a daily basis - CHECK.

I dream of living in a comfortable home that feels homey - CHECK.

I dream of having a charming BF - CHECK.

I dream of independence (whether it be financial, transportation, etc) - CHECK.

I dream of being able to learn - CHECK.

I dream of being able to have the excitement of the big city with a quick escape to the tranquility of the country - CHECK.

I dream of having family close by - CHECK (except Jen...).

I dream of being able to make my dreams come true - CHECK.

There are plenty of other things I dream about, but really, reality is treating me pretty well as of late. So thanks reality!

There's something for you to think about.

Are your reality and dreams in line or do you need to change the reality so that you're living your dreams?

Gratitude

2009-11-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

In honor of the approaching holiday, I thought I'd share a few things that I'm grateful for.

1. Good literature, like the Alchemist, that inspire me and get me really thinking about life's journey.

2. Lovely sisters - and in-laws - that I share my hopes, dreams, and silly stories with.

3. My mother - who is always there - for the good and for the bad and who finally has a cell phone so that I can reach her anytime of day or night.

4. The magic of the first good snow of the season.

5. The last brightly colored leaf to fall from the tree.

6. My job - I may not love it, but it's a good starter job and helps me to provide for myself.

7. My beautiful little car :)

8. Besides the above mentioned people, family members in general and bffs like Natausha make life great.

9. I'm grateful for pictures - they have the power to preserve memories, feelings, events, etc. I looked through some pictures today and was flooded with memories - tears and laughter - and all the great feelings of life.

10. I am grateful for heartbreak (not that I want it all the time. I would actually be happy to never experience it again.) However, I was thinking the other day about what a beautiful thing it is to hurt that deeply because that hurt is a reflection of how much we are capable of caring and loving someone and that's a pretty miraculous thing.

11. I'm grateful that I have the power to make my dreams come true.

12. I'm definitely grateful for my life and my beliefs.

13. I'm grateful for Frozen Yogurt (especially the kind in Provo that is extremely reasonably priced and I get to buy it by ounce and add as many toppings as I want).

14. I'm grateful for the dreams of foreign lands and cultures and that I can plan lots of imaginary vacations that I hope will one day stop being imaginary.

15. Despite my country's imperfections, I am very grateful to live in the U.S!!!

16. I'm grateful for songs that perfectly express my feelings.

17. I'm grateful that I got to travel to Plymouth and the Mayflower and recreate the first Thanksgiving in my mind in the place that those first pilgrims came.

This list could go on and on. It's just a start of what I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving!

Today

2009-11-23T12:51:00.001-07:00

I just want to giggle like a school girl. It's a lovely day.

Que Sera, Sera...

2009-11-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Jen sent this to me and I figured, why not answer it...

1. Were you named after anyone? I think Rebekah in the Bible.

2. When was the last time you cried? I don't think I've cried since Halloween - when I moved from Provo, haha.

3. Do you like your handwriting? Yeah, I think it does the job and I can write incredibly small.

4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Depends on the day - anything that's deli fresh.

5. Do you have kids? Obviously not.

6. If you were another person, would you be friends with you? Sure, I like me.

7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Never does a sarcastic word slip from my mouth.

8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes, unless they were removed without someone telling me.

9. Would you bungee jump? Probably not, but then again I didn't think I'd do the human slingshot up Hobble Creek either. Check it out on You Tube. It was awesome!

10. What is your favorite cereal? Quaker Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares (and it makes the best milk!)

11. Do you untie your shoes? Except for my running shoes, I don't have any with laces...

12. Do you think your strong? The arm I hold up the blow dryer with is pretty tough :)

13. What is your favorite ice cream? I almost never crave or want ice cream. The end.

14. First thing you notice about people? their personality? or their dreamy smile and look in their eyes (which is sometimes creepy)

15. Red or Pink? I own considerably more pink.

16. Least favorite thing about yourself? Sometimes I'm shy.

17. Who do you miss the most? It'd be nice if Natausha, my side kick, were here... but I still talk to her about 3 times a day, at least.

18. What color shoes are you wearing? Old black (with some dust on them) flats. I'm not a shoe person.

19. What was the last thing you ate? A rolo.

20. What are you listening to right now? The Christmas music coming out of my coworkers cubicle.

21. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple!

22. Favorite smells? Crisp fall air with the scent of bread or pumpkin spice, vanilla, etc. candles.

23. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Natausha

24. Favorite sports to watch? I watch sports for the social scene...so whichever sport has the best people watching it.

25. Hair Color and Eye Color? Brown and Hazel.

26. Favorite Food? Mexican American Food or Shrimp.

27. Scary movies or happy endings? Hello -happy endings.

28. What color of shirt are you wearing? Pink

29. Last movie you watched? The Proposal (no worries, I closed my eyes during the inappropriate scene)

30. Hugs or kisses? Depends on whose giving them.

31. What book are you reading right now? Land of a Thousand Hills by Rosamond Carr

32. What'd you watch on TV last night? There's not even a TV in my apt.

33. Farthest you've been from home? Chile

34. Are you bored at work? Um, YES! That's what I spent so much time doing this.

Burning the Midnight Oil

2009-11-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

There are so many useful phrases that I think we should reincorporate into our language - or I think Cheri should write a song entitled, Burning the Midnight Oil. Wouldn't that be terrific?!?

There was a point to this post before I got distracted by old idioms.

Last night on my date, somewhere towards the beginning of the night, he asked me, "So Becky, what do you like to do?" Naturally I started to respond, but within 2 or 3 sentences (before I had even mentioned one thing that I like to do) I was distracted by something else and my mind hopped to another topic. About an hour later, after discussing various other topics, he said, "Wait, you never told me what you like to do." So, I again started down the path that would lead to that answer, but alas, again I got sidetracked and didn't answer the question. (Atleast we had good converstation even if it wasn't the answer to the question.) The 3rd time, about another hour later, the topic was brought up, and I made a concerted effort to answer the question, to which I succeeded.

I chuckled and explained to the poor bloke that that's how we communicate in my family. In order to answer one question or tell one story, we must discuss every other possible topic first - normally for a quite extended amount of time. I guess I am like my family after all.

P.S.

I love this cold time of year! I get to sip hot chocolate all the time. I even went to Starbucks for the first time and had the most delicious Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Cream. I highly recommend it!! I also recommend Village Inn or 7-11 or Stephens.

Hot Chocolate makes me happy!

So do scarfs and hats.

Rosy Cheeks.

The soon to be hung Christmas lights.

The already playing Christmas music (yes, that's right, I like it BEFORE Thanksgiving).

Singing the songs from Mickey's Christmas Carol or Alabama Christmas favorites.

etc.

An Eventful Sunday.

2009-11-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about today.
First, I think winter is going to be brutal. Don't get me wrong - I HEART the snow, but it was so stinkin' cold today and it was only like 32ish. I'm going to have to start layering and layering, expect at work where the office temp hovers around 84 by the end of the day and I feel like I'm back in Ecuador.
It was another happy Sunday.
Church was amazing today and I got a calling - Activities Committee. This is officially (well except for that one month stint as Gospel Doctrine Teacher) that I've had a calling outside of Relief Society - ever. Bishop said it's good for me to have a calling with some men and mix it up. I like my new Bishop. He's quiet and a little shy and doesn't really know how to always phrase things or ask things, but he cares and wants to know. It was funny as he tried to so delicately ask if I am dating someone. There were some amazing talks in Sacrament Meeting and there are lots of familiar, friendly faces at church.
I have a week lined up with plenty of social engagements :) It turns out that I can still flirt! I'm pleased needless to say.
The day was busy after church with a dinner group, a friendly boy who stopped by to bring me Argentine goodies, a fireside, ward prayer, another little activity with another boy. I like having things to do constantly at my disposal. It's so relieving!
Salt Lake captures me more and more everyday. Thank you Salt Lake!
For anyone who's ever felt lost before, you know how relieving it is to again be found.
I made some new friends.
I am getting familiar with this place.
I was in Provo over the weekend and although it was good to see some faces, my decision to move really was right!
This was a good start to a new week.

Who got bitten by the happy bug?

2009-11-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

So I must confess.
All of those close to me knew that the month of October was one of the low-points of my life with tears everyday and an unrelenting feeling of frustration. Now, that is quite atypical. I am a happy, jovial, silly person and I do not like being down. It was a whole month, at least, of that feeling so it couldn't even be blamed on womanly fluctuations ;)
However, I must say that November is looking up. I have returned to being me! It just goes to show that when you're where you're supposed to be, things feel better and work out much better.
Where am I supposed to be?
That's easy - Salt Lake City.
Despite my concern and need to lose some of my Provo Pride, Salt Lake has pleasantly surprised me. I often feel like I moved to the big city from a small little community. There are so many big buildings and streets lined with restaurants. There's quite a smattering of different cultures and ethnicities, and there is most definitely more SMOKE in the air in Salt Lake. (That part I'd be happy to do without.)
It turns out that no matter how much I love Provo, it's not the best place for a 25 year old single BYU graduate who works in Salt Lake.
SLC is accompanied by a multitude of post-graduate, mid-20 year old Mormons. There's an institute that is full of activities and is such a great place to meet new people. There are older wards where many of you are in the same shoes. It's such a relieve! I love being 25...on the verge of 26... I think it's a fantastic age, but it turns out that Provo is not the best place to be in that stage.
I guess I knew that I didn't belong in Provo before I even signed another year contract in Provo, but I didn't want to move on account of great roommates and other positive situations. It goes to show that even though change can be difficult and not always exactly as you want it, that there is divine purpose in change. I knew that I needed to leave, but couldn't get myself to bid farewell. So because I refused to move, I had to suffer until I was willing to make the change.
I am glad that I have now. I can still have friends in Provo, but I can also enjoy the new adventure of life in the big city....Salt Lake.
It's no NYC, that's true, but it has its excitement. Everything here is new to me.
Running is a beast because we live on the side of the mountain so everywhere I attempt to run I have some SERIOUS hills, but at least they are accompanied by beautiful old houses and narrow oak lined streets that are covered by the fallen yellow leaves.
I can run to Temple Square from where I live - love it.
People in my ward have been exceedingly nice and I'm finding it so easy to meet new people here. I love being new because it forces me to step out of my box and I do so much better when I'm alone in a whole new place.
I am back to a shared room, but I have an amazing roommate which I'm so grateful for! Her favorite show is Gilmore Girls - which we happily watch together. And, she even goes to bed earlier than me. It's a miracle!
Work still has it's ups and downs and there's a lot that I want to change about it, but I am making friends which makes the 40 hours of work a little bit better.
So, I'm feeling better. I'm feeling happy. Life is good and I'm going to try to keep it that way.

Chakras anyone?

2009-10-01T15:35:00.000-06:00

I am getting a whole new kind of education here at my job. I am learning about the "unseen" world and the natural healing traditions of the East. It's kind of fascinating and definitely something that I have never ever bothered to learn about.
My coworker (the same one I always talk about) came in to work today with a CD that someone randomly gave her spouse. I am one who definitely does believe that music has a powerful effect on a person. It can invigorate, aggravate, or ameliorate. After a break-up, I listen to Kelly Clarkson and other girl power songs. When I need more calm in my life, I find some peaceful piano music or hymns to listen to. When I want more spice in my life, I put on a little tropical or merengue music that inspires me to dance through life. I think most of us agree that music influences our emotions and attitudes.
So, the CD that the cowoerker brought in today is called Healing Harmonies. Apparently the tones in each song target specific chakras. Now, before 15 minutes ago, I had no idea was a chakra even was. I figured I had better do a little research to find out what this music is supposed to be that we're listening to.
For those of you who don't know, the body is divided into 7 chakras. In old Indian tradition, chakras are said to be force centers or centers of energy. They are considered to be focal points for tranmission and reception of energy within the spiritual body and thus transferred to the physical as well. Each one has a tone and a color.
For example, the crown chakra's function is as follows - as the tone and colors are used, it should increase one's joy and lessen anger and fear. It helps one to find purpose and become less selfish - more humanitarian based and devoted.
I think the Indian and Ancient Eastern traditions are kind of fascinating. They established some pretty complex systems to understand the mind, the body, the spirit, and the universe. While I don't believe it all (by any means) it is interesting to try to see the world from others' perspectives and to come to appreciate and see the beauty in it all.

Antibacterial Soaps

2009-09-30T15:23:00.000-06:00

I so agree with this article and really get annoyed with all the hand sanitizers. Yes, we should wash our hands, but let's be reasonable people. I figure if I made it in 2 South American countries without anti-bacterializing my hands every 4 seconds, I'll be okay here as well.
Here's the link - http://climate.weather.com/articles/dcantibacterialsoap2009.html?from=pif_locallinker_undeclared
What do you think??

Confessions of a Quarter-Life Becky

2009-09-30T13:37:00.000-06:00

So, you can tell by the frequency of my posts that work has been slow...
We're not going to talk about that though because really there are much better things to talk about today, like my addictions.
I am addicted to HOME-DECOR. I swear I'd have a lot more money if Kohl's and there adorable home decor for the holidays never existed.
I was just online kohls.com to check out there selection of running shoes. I went running last night and was talking with a friend afterwards who reprimanded me for having such old running shoes. What - 5 years is old??? Apparently by not replacing them, I'm destroying my joints. Even though they are fine now and do not hurt now when I run, I'm apparently supposed to replace them every so often. I've also been told that I can't hike and run in the same shoes since hiking destoys running shoes...
So, as I was purusing the running shoes section, the brightly beaming title HALLOWEEN was beaconing me from the top of the page. I innocently clicked on it and to my utter satisfaction saw all sorts of house decor for Halloween. Now, I'm single and live in college housing which tends to stray from the warm homey sensastion that I long for, but adding a bit of holiday decor seems to make everything right in life.
I already bought my FAVORITE candle from wal-mart - Fall Spice (I think it's called...). It's only $5 and smells awesome! I highly recommend it. But now I am pondering about something to hang on the door. I currently have my Fall Leaf door hanging, also adorable, but maybe I need something more Halloweenish.
Anyway, I could spend hours looking at and deciding between door hangings and dreaming of placements and nice fall meals to display on top of them at cute little dinner parties while my fall scented candle is spreading a peaceful aroma through the room and the wind is gently hitting the door hanging just as a solitary bright red leaf falls from the apple tree in the back yard from which I picked apples to make apple crisp....
See, that last run on sentence is a sign of my addiction and what happens when I start thinking about holiday decor.

When the sun is too bright, something's not right

2009-09-29T16:09:00.000-06:00

I woke up so calmly this morning. I felt rested and the sun seemed to be so bright in the morning sky.

With all those great things, I realized something must be wrong. I usually groggily wake up to the alarm clock and hit snooze several times first and the sun was just a little too bright in the morning sky.

That's when it dawned on me. I reached for my phone and to my utter horror saw the time - 7:44. I was supposed to be on my way to work already. If work wasn't an hour away that would've have been a problem, but alas, I have to leave at 7:30 on the dot to get to work on time and be a responsible employee.

So, I threw on some clothes - no make-up and no brushed teeth even. Grabbed an empty bottle of water and some fruit snacks and headed out approximately 4 minutes later.

It's a good thing there aren't any mirrors close. I did throw on some make-up at the occassional stop light.

I don't like that feeling of being an irresponsible worker! The ironic thing is that I double checked my alarm clock last night to assure that I'd be up and out on time.

Congrats Becky

2009-09-26T23:51:00.000-06:00

So, a while ago I created an adorable collage to put as the background on my computer. It was a combination of all of my favorite pictures from the summer.
They really were very cute pictures.
It just so happened that I made this collage when I was dating the ex. I loved some of the pictures because we looked so dang cute together. And, I liked looking at those pics even after we broke up.
Well today, as my final parting to those memories, I changed my background pictures. Now, every time I get on my computer, I won't see those pictures. Yes, it took me a month to change them, but people, progress is progress.
So, I pat myself on the back today for taking that step in the right direction.
Now a beautiful peaceful fall view will happily greet me every time I get on my computer.

Selenite Crystal

2009-09-25T14:08:00.000-06:00

My coworker received a selenite crystal as a gift from a friend. Apparently it is in a wand shape and is supposed to ward off bad spirits in order to create only a positive aura. We've been talking about where to hang it between our cubicles with the hopes of providing a more positive energy.
Okay, I've been joking about hanging it up and am quite skeptical about its influence.
My Friday appointments always tend to be more flakey so I have more time than usual and decided to research the crystal. This is what I found.

They are "especially useful for removing entities or energetic parasites during the aura....Selenite can provoke protection from the angelic realm and also dispels negative energies....removes energy blocks from physical and etheric bodies."

"Selenite allows us to consciously understand our own deepest inner truth, that part of ourselves which is not body, not emotions or throughts, but pure spirit...helps us to filter out ego-based messages and thoughts...It also can help to clear up mental confusion."

So I read that kind of laughing to my coworker until it suddenly dawned on me that she may have never been joking. Between the yoga and special sprays that she's conjured up, maybe she really does think this crystal will work.
Maybe I'm wrong - maybe this crystal will change my work life and our 2 cubicles. I guess we'll find out next week when the wand shaped selenite is hanging on a braided piece of colorful yarn from the ceiling between our desks.
Any of you think it will work?

It's never good when...

2009-09-25T08:42:00.000-06:00

I walk outside at 7:30 - which is the precise moment that I get in my car and drive to work so that I can be there right on time, an hour later. I walk towards my dear little pontiac only to find, to my utter horror, that my car is not in the spot where I parked it.
I think that maybe I had a moment where my brain wasn't working and I had actually parked it in a different spot. But lo, I look and find nothing. There are 2 options, the druggies that live up the street stole my car (not a very likely option) or I was towed from what used to be a perfectly legitimate parking spot.
So I call the towing company and sure enough, they had my car. Without advising us of the change in parking regulations in my parking lot, they changed them and towed.
Unhappily I think of how much time it takes to earn $150 and all the better ways that I could use my money then paying to get my car back after being towed - in my parking lot.
I showed up late to work - on the day that I was helping interview for a few positions...
I couldn't bring myself to be outright mean to the lady who works at the towing company office. Afterall it wasn't her fault. But, since I was unrightfully towed, I displayed my attitude. So, when she said have a good day, I just walked out of the door without responding.
The end.

2009-09-18T16:33:00.000-06:00

It's Friday afternoon at 4:30 pm. These are the circumstances -
- I got up to go to the bathroom and I get back and the lights on my whole half of the building are already shut off.
- I think there might only be 2 of us left ... I don't think either of us are working.
- Friday afternoon appointments are always no shows.
- I can see out the windows over the top of my cubicle/office. The sky is blue and beautiful and is just beaconing me!
- As soon as I get home, I'm going to pour a handful of candy corns in my hand and devour them. I have been craving anything with sugar since my breakfast bowl of Cocoa Puffs.
- I get to go camping tonight and hiking in a lovely canyon tomorrow. I'm stoked.
- It's still a little too hot for my tastes for being at this point in the Fall. I'd appreciate it if it cooled off by 10 degrees, starting tomorrow.
- I need a man...but for a good reason. I want to go to Israel. I read the State Department Travel Warning today and it looks like a dangerous place (like most of the places my heart desires to go). Thus, I need a man who will accompany me and be my bodyguard/entertainment around Israel...and maybe Greece. Okay, and if I can't find a man, anyone else want to take a risky adventure to Israel and Greece with me???
That's it. May you have a merry weekend!

The Sub-Culture

2009-09-17T11:57:00.000-06:00

Isn't it interesting how we all live in our own little bubbles - so oblivious to what's going on next door or down the block or on the other side of the tracks.
I sat down with a guy yesterday who is looking for a job. He came in with 4 piercings in his face - not just like a little loop or stud. These were serious pieces - kind of looked like spikes sticking out of the face. My initial reaction - goodness - he will never get a job with those piercings and tatoos. I probably judged him a little bit based on his appearence. We kept talking and working together for the next few hours and he was such a respectable guy. It turns out he is an apprentice tatoo artist. He explained to me all that goes into tatooing. It's actually pretty intense between the outline and coloring and shading.... Some of the tools are composed of 8 or 9 small needles that go back and forth over your skin to create shading. It causes excrutiating pain. And for the record, he does remove piercings for work.
Then there's the other part of the sub-culture that is so difficult to understand. A man told me that he got in a fight with a coworker, pulled a knife on him, and poked him. That gesture was apparently okay in the situation. As long as it's just a poke... Part of the subculture is a different understanding and perspective on what is violence. If it's just a poke, that's okay. As long as you only steal a little bit, you're justified.
There are the other clients who prefer to be in jail because atleast there they get fed 3 meals a day. When they are out of jail, no one will hire them for being felons. They are stuck in a cycle of perpetuating poverty and crime.
The world I work in is on the other side of the tracks from the bubble culture that I live in. There's a different reality here. I can't really comprehend how most of the people that I work with live. But, I am learning that although their culture is different and sometimes incomprehensible in my innocent Becky mind, there are a lot of good people just trying to make a life for themselves. Afterall, a life of petty crime is pretty honorable when you were raised in a family that was part of the Moffia.

Tender Mercies

2009-08-31T16:35:00.000-06:00

So I'll be honest. I've been complaining a lot in the last week. Okay, complaining isn't the right word - the truth is that I just haven't been trying to find the positive in the different aspects of my life. I've been realistic instead of hopeful and optimistic. Sorry to all those who've talked with me in the last week. I tried to put on a brave face, but somedays I didn't succeed.
But...
I'm pleased to announce that I'm on the uphill climb of the roller coaster. For the first few weeks of my job, I've been trying to fill in the void of 8 hours - usually unsuccessfully. Today, I've been busy (up until I started writing this blog) and it was blessed to go from client to client! And, I've been bummed that I haven't been working with hispanics, but today, I worked with a little hispanic man and his wife who didn't speak english. And, it gets better. They were Chilean! What happiness. My heart pitter pats at the thought. Needless to say, it was one of the moments that said to me, "Becky, stick with your job. Things are going to be okay!"
Then...
Yesterday I went to church and left simultaneously happy and a little bummed. But then I went out with my dear roomie Annette - who is often a lifesaver - and was reminded of all the great friends I have. I just passed the whole night away and suddenly it was 11 and time to go to sleep. I had lots of fun and it definitely rejuvenated me and reminded me that even with the recent break up with a little someone special, life is pretty good.
And...
My newest niece is on the verge of being here in person so I will now be an Aunt to 2! I wasn't around when Lizzie was born, so I'm pretty excited about this.
And...
Everyone is going back to school which means that Provo life is going to be crazy and hectic for the majority of the people, but that means that I will not be doing assigned homework but learning at my own whim and doing my own projects, which I have a list of.
So...
No more complaining. It just requires way too much effort to do so and to live that way so I say we all buck up. As a very wise man once said, "Your future is only as bright as your faith."

Two Observations from the Sidewalk....

2009-08-25T19:41:00.000-06:00

1. Running definitely isn't my strongest point although I have greatly improved in the last year. When I'm running I always give myself a pep talk - I promise myself rewards and I try to convince myself that only if I run all the way to the end will the cute boy of my dreams be waiting there. That's usually good motivation, but today I had an epiphany. I always think that running to the end represents life pretty well - the whole endure to the end. But then today I realized, sometimes you won't make it to the end if you run - you'll pass out and die first. Sometimes in life, walking is good enough - as long as I'm not stopped walking might just be my best after the long run up the steep hill.
2. I've realized that when I get frustrated with life, angry, upset, any of those negative feelings I have the tendency to want to run away...to South America. It represents an escape and a solution to any problem I feel like I might have. So when the frustration comes, I start checking out all the airline prices to South American countries. I talk with any friends to see if I can convince someone to go with me (Does anyone want to go on a vaca to South America???). I look into humanitarian aid projects (okay, I do that anyway) to see if I can find one that will send me there. I think maybe I should just get a job there...haha. Then, the frustration starts to slip away and I realize what a great life I have here and then I return to my normal periodic, instead of obsessive, plans to travel to South America. What silly things do you do to get out your frustrations??

The Ups and Downs of Life

2009-08-21T21:53:00.000-06:00

Up -
That feeling I get after I help someone at work to change their life.

Down -
The days when I have done everything at work that I could possible think of and still have 6 hours left in the day.

Up -
The days that are wreck free on the interstate and I still have time to have a life after work.

Down -
The really irritating days that it takes nearly 2 hours to get home with no possible way of shortening the time.

Up -
The days when the high is only 80ish with a delightful breeze.

Down -
Yesterday - over 100 degrees in a car for an hour with no A/C.

Up -
Having a strong boy to throw me around and make me feel like a princess while Dancing.

Down -
The fickleness of feelings.

Up -
Having passions in life.

Down -
Not knowing how to make them happen.

Up -
The days when I don't have time to take a lunch to work and am forced to eat a McDonald's hamburger for lunch. Yes, this is an up!!

Down -
When I get to work and realize the lunch I'd nicely prepared is made with spinach that has gone bad...

Up -
When I am inspired by something that I've read.

Down -
I'm not going to write a down because I feel like if I have an equal number of ups and downs, that's a little pessimistic.

Up -
Wherever I was in my dream last night. It was a very happy and beautiful place!

There you go. That sums up the thoughts and feelings of the last few weeks. As for the day to day adventure of life, I feel sometimes as lost as always. I thought that ended with graduation, haha. It turns out that I'm really great with the long-term vision and goals of my life. It's just the little short ones that throw me for a loop; but, all is well.
Happy Saturday.

Grown-Up

2009-08-07T13:30:00.000-06:00

My summer of post-graduation bliss is quickly coming to a close. It officially ends on Monday when I become a grown-up. I graduated from high school in 2002 and enjoyed the college life (off and on between transferring schools, a mission, and an internship in Ecuador) until 2009. That's 7 whole years of college instability and spontaneity. It's the life of even though I have a job, I can always find someone to pick up my shift. It's the life of no paid vacation but also no set amount of vacation days. It's hoping I don't get sick because I'm too old to be on the parent's insurance and too poor to buy my own. Well, on Monday I start my new job of 40 hours a week, 2 weeks of vacation time a year, my own health and dental insurance. I went to check out car loans yesterday and the possibilities of getting a new (to me) car because I just don't know how long the little Purple Pontiac will last commuting to Salt Lake 5 days a week. I'm excited for the stability that will come with the new job - no more Friday nights or Saturdays at work. The official work day will end at 5 and I won't have to come home or run to the library with the stress of homework and tests. I can learn whatever I want, however I want to learn it. Despite the advantages of this next step of life, I'm a little nervous.

My Graduation

2009-04-24T18:45:00.000-06:00

All of us graduates during the processional into the Marriott Center. It turned out to be a beautiful day for graduation!Although you can't see my cap, I was tossing it joyously into the air. It was a great moment!My College - the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. I'm pretty sure we had the coolest graduation on campus . It was pretty short. We had a Venezuelan group that performed during the ceremony and we had a delicious little latino luncheon after.Thanks to the padres who helped me get to this point. I love BYU...and my parents of course!!

I'm just excited if you can't tell. I think we may have taken more pictures than some people take when they get married, haha.

Cheri - one of my awesome sisters who has always been a faithful friend and a good support throughout the exciting yet sometimes frustrating college years.Thanks Jenni and Lizzie for getting up at the crack of dawn to come support me. It really meant a lot. I love my family! I don't think I would've made it throughout college without their friendships and encouraging words.
These have been some of the best...7 years, haha.

My new favorite - Picasa

2009-04-19T20:30:00.000-06:00

So after a lovely afternoon outside enjoying the beautiful mountains that Provo so accessibly offers, I decided to come in and upload my pictures. As I looked at them, I thought about all the ways that I could make the pictures more vibrant and stunning. I remembered that Cheri downloaded Picasa - FOR FREE - and always uses it with her pictures. So, I downloaded it today and I´m sure that my picture taking and processing life will never be the same. Here are some of my first experiments. Hopefully you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and springtime as much as I did.
Because trains are always cool.

The vibrant blue water will the beginning of spring with the red plant.

Despite the recent snow storms, the trees are in bloom and warmer weather is on it´s way.
I think this might be the first time that I´ve ever really appreciated spring. Normally, I like it is a miserable and dreary time of year because spring in a college town means the end of a year - roommates leaves, people graduate, friends get married and move away. It´s usually such a sad time of year full of goodbyes. But, I am pleased to say that this year, I am so excited for Spring, for the changes and adventures that it holds. Spring represents renewal. It´s full of hope and light and color that so starkly contrasts the dark, cold winter. With graduation only a few days away, I full of hope, ready for change, and anxious to see where the next few months will take me.

Global Warming

2009-04-16T22:02:00.001-06:00

April 16, 2009 - 4-5 inches of fresh snow to shovel off at 6:50 a.m.

Class of 2009

2009-04-12T20:38:00.000-06:00

BYU GRADUATING CLASS OF 2009! This is at the Senior Farewell Party. It was so fun! We got free food, karaoked in public (and made a fool of myself, it was ridiculous). Watched some awesome Polynesian Dances and Latino Dances by Living Legends at BYU. Those might have been the most attractive men I´ve ever seen...a little chocolate :) By the end we were exhausted after a round of bowling...so tired that Natausha walked out of the bowling alley and forgot to take off her bowling shoes. Hence the picture below.... Needless to say it was fun!

A beautiful distraction

2009-04-09T18:24:00.000-06:00

I try to avoid bookstores because the moment I walk through the door, my eyes get caught up in all of the wonderful books and all the things that I want to learn. I love books! At walked into the BYU Bookstore at 2:15ish and left at 6:00. It´s a good thing that I don´t have an overwhelming amount of homework.
Some of the things that excited me in the bookstore today are:
1. The Portuguese Language Learning Books. Since one of my roommates speaks portuguese, I´ve started seeing a lot more similarities between it and spanish. I really have no reason that I shouldn´t or couldn´t learn portuguese. So, I got caught up looking for a good book or CDs to help me learn the language...after graduation (in 2 weeks).

2. I read a few very silly children´s books, for example, Llama Llama Misses Mama. As much as I love llamas, I certainly don´t recommend this book. It was incredibly foolish.
3. I found the book, The Giver, which I remember loving as a child! It´s been so long since I´ve read it and I couldn´t resist the urge to just pull up a comfy chair and get caught up in the book. I´m a slow reader, so I only made it through 120 pages, but luckily, that only leaves me with 60 which I will read tomorrow. I´ve been thinking about the book the whole way home and it´s really made me think about the greatness of our ability to choose. How sad would our lives be if we saw no colors, if we didn´t choose our destiny, if we knew no pain...and therefore no happiness. If you haven´t read The Giver, I highly recommend that you take a few hours to read it. It´s an easy read but a powerful book.

What catches your eye when you walk into the bookstore?

Happiness

2009-04-07T15:38:00.000-06:00

1. I love my niece!
2. I love when she gets in trouble, or is tired, or whatever it is she calls out for me.
3. I love that my bro has taught her to say Beckycita.
4. I love my little sister´s clothes and that we were able to reach an exchange agreement!
5. I love being in a real home and neighborhood, not a student apt and area.
6. I love that the sun in shining (even if it does only come out for a few days at a time).
7. I love SWINGS!
8. I love letting my inner-child play.

Internship Fair

2009-04-07T15:27:00.001-06:00

Natausha and I had the chance to present our Internship at an Internship Fair at BYU. We were hoping to win the Grand Prize of $750....which we didn´t win, but we still got $50, so I won´t complain. Plus, it was a blast talking to all of the people and encouraging them to do the internship. As I talked with everyone, I remembered how much I loved my experience in Ecuador! It was such an incredible opportunity. (this is a picture I took in Guayaquil, Ecuador of the bamboo houses.)

"Let the world change you and you can change the world" (Motorcycle Diaries). It´s such a true statement. Before I can attempt to do good, I have to understand, see, and feel what others are living. I wish everyone had the chance to see the world as I´ve been able to see it.

Mission Reunions

2009-04-07T15:16:00.000-06:00

I love my mission president and his amazing wife! At every reunion, President always gathers us into one room and he shares a thought. It brings back wonderful memories of Zone Conferences and interviews and his inspired counsel. I was especially touched by his words on being brave and going forward into the future with bravery. Finals start next week and then comes graduation and the life of a grown-up. I need all the courage I can muster as I try to make decisions.
My good friends!! I always love seeing Pierson and Janina. They have been good and cherished friends since we met in the mission. Pierson still gives me Zone Leader counsel and cracks me up.

Pineapple Carving and Summer Projects

2009-03-29T18:47:00.000-06:00

If you love fresh pineapple, then you also know how irritating it is wasting half of a pineapple cutting off the knots. I learned from a friend that in the Philippines, they cut their pineapples this way so that they waste less. Plus, the spiral design just looks cool. This was my first attempt at the spiral cut pineapple. Wouldn't this be a lovely centerpiece at a summer meal?
I love flowers and gardens! As each summer comes and goes, I long for the moment when I can have my own little flower garden. I have always been in an apartment where I have no space to actually plant flowers. However, this year, I have a tiny little yard that's about 8 feet by 8 feet. I have visions of Return to Me where she has her beautiful garden in the midst of the city. That's what I want to have. I was inspired when I went to Walmart to buy better soil for my indoor plants. I saw such a great variety of beautiful flowers and imagined the possibilities. I figure I'm going to need a summer project so that I don't go crazy with just work and looking for a post-college job. I'm excited. I think I will buy them this weekend and it will almost be time to start planting :)!!

Where I want to be!

2009-03-23T22:16:00.000-06:00

Can't you just imagine me HERE???

Strolling down the lovely cobble stone streets between the historic houses

Having a lovely picnic at the harbor on a crisp autumn day?? I did always say as a child that I wanted to live in New England!
So, I'm looking into Boston seriously and the mere thought of it makes me so excited!! I have heard so many wonderful things about the city and the people. I have a friend who is from Boston who has been kind enough to provide me with a lot of people to contact. So, the job hunt is on and hopefully I'll be out there to visit at the beginning of June.
If you know anyone living in Boston, let me know! I am trying to find contacts to call so that I can get more information about jobs in the area.
Exciting.

St. Patty´s Day

2009-03-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

There are plenty of reasons to be happy on a day like today! I will share a few.
1. By March 17th in Utah, you can normally find one or two trees that have a green sprig or that have a blossom giving one hope that Spring is on it´s way! I happily admit to having searched for and found one of those trees.
2. What if we really did kiss everyone who was Irish?? I´m pretty sure that a great majority of us Anglo-Protestants have some Irish blood in us somewhere.
3. I think we should change the rules. Forget pinching someone for not wearing green, that just fosters unfriendliness. Let´s kiss people who aren´t wearing green (provided you want to) and take the relationship up a notch. What a great excuse to kiss someone!
4. I probably won´t wear green today....deliberately. I am making a statement because really, St. Patrick´s Day was always associated with blue, not green. Green was just referring to the shamrock which St. Patty used to teach about the trinity (or in my case...the Godhead). Be happy because St. Patrick´s Day offers you a day to be unique.
5. It´s close to Easter - meaning that you can finally buy those coveted easter candies you´ve been dreaming about since last year. For me, they´re the Robin Eggs.
6. You are at liberty to die everything green- your milk, pancakes, juice...etc. They even die the Chicago River green each year in celebration.
So, go find some reason to enjoy this unusual day where we celebrate an Irish Saint that most of us know nothing about!

The New Hair :)

2009-03-14T00:19:00.000-06:00

So, this weekend was 30% off for friends and family of Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy employees. What a deal!! Have I mentioned how much I love Old Navy??? It´s totally my style! So Natausha and I went and tried on at least 30 things each or everything in the store. I´m pretty sure we were there at least 3 hours. But to help the workers, we did return our own clothing. Our outfits are courtesy of Old Navy. And...I love my hair! I think it might look a little like Utah Mom hair, but I love it none-the-less. Any who, that´s the update.
P.S. Thanks for the relationship advice. My conclusion is just go with the flow and don´t think about things until it is necessary. SO....avoid DTRs like the plague and all will be well.

Could it be love???

2009-03-12T19:53:00.000-06:00

Just to initially clarify, I am not in love. I am not even close. The analysis of my love life is the following...

1. I might be afraid to commit.
2. It's not that I'm afraid, it's just that the spark is consistently missing that I am waiting for.

I have heard both of those and I'm not really sure which one of those categories I fall into. So, I pose a question for all of you dear people who are happily situated in a relationship.
What role did initial attraction play in your relationship. Now to clarify, I do not mean mere physical attraction! I mean that spark that makes you giddy. That pushes you from indifference to hope for something more. The spark that makes you want to know the person. I have found that in my life with some guys, that spark is just automatically there. I can think of very specific examples and that spark has directed my dating in the past.
However, maybe I am being too rash. Maybe I shouldn't shun the guy because the spark isn't initially there (in all cases...although it definitely has been in some). Maybe I need to wait and see if that spark can develop. Or, maybe the lack of spark at the beginning is a sign that he is a great guy....but as a friend and not as anything more.
I have been very concerned about this lately - between giving guys a chance and between settling for someone (that's great and wonderful) but that is missing the spark. I don't want to ruin a perfectly good opportunity, but I also don't want to lead a guy on unjustly.
It is an interesting quandry. So, opinions, advice, I'd love to hear it. I'm stumped on this current issue.

What lies ahead...

2009-02-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

So, I am graduating in April. I turn 25 in 1 day, and I will be honest, I don´t have any idea what I am going to do with my life this year. I think about it probably every other minute and I try to give good answers when the questions are asked, but I really don´t know.
Do I leave Provo? Do I stay in Provo? What kind of job do I want? Do I go to grad school? Is this really what I want?
For the record, I do not regret being 25 and where I am in my life. I am 100% pleased with the course of my life up to this point and I would not change a thing, I just wish that I had a plan for after this point. To be honest, I never expected to be 25 and single and trying to decide about which career to pursue. I was one of the little girls who thought 21 was a little old for getting married, haha. I fully expected to be married and with 2 kids by this point in my life, but alas, it has been full of unexpected turns. I served a mission which was the best decision that I have ever made. I went on an internship to Ecuador which again was very impacting. I was in love and thought that I was going to get married, and now here I am - almost graduated from college.
I don´t know yet what is going to happen next in life. Really and truly - no idea! I try to predict it and set up a game plan, but then I throw it out. Sometimes I wonder if my plans are pointless since I always seem to take the unexpected route that suddenly pops up. Hmm...right now I´d really like a magic globe that would tell me would just lay out these next few months for me, but I guess the adventure and the learning comes from taking a few steps into the dark.

I am...

2009-01-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have been slacking off on my blog for a while, but when I saw this cute new Valentine's background, I knew that I needed to get my priorities straight and start blogging once again so I could use that background :)

Today I feel like describing myself so here it goes...
I am...
currently full of optimism for various reasons.
uncertain what will happen to my life in a few months after I graduate.
excited that this week I get to go to Portland to my BFF Ceci's wedding.
anxious for all of my family to be together in a few weeks since I hardly haven't seen my sister Jen in 6 years!
trying to figure out why I have so much homework.
loving my new ward and my awesome roomies. I always get lucky with roommates.
thinking of what great new recipe I can try to cook to please my taste buds.
excited for Spring even though I typically love winter tremendously.
so grateful that I went to Ecuador!
passionate about my beliefs.
hoping to be able to play the guitar really well....as good as my lil sis who's practically Taylor Swift.
a clean freak.
a little silly and I love to laugh.
going to learn to Country Dance or Square Dance - or any other random dance.

Alright - those are a few things about me - now I pose the question, who are you?

Home Sweet Home

2008-12-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

Alright, this blog can no longer be the Ecuadorian Adventures, since the Ecuadorian Adventure ended. So, for all of you who were living vicariously through my experience, I apologize, but don't worry, there's still loads of adventure and life ahead.
I had bittersweet feelings at the airport as I said goodbye to my bosses and my dear taxi driver, Hno Gomez. Change is often bittersweet. You have to say goodbye to something and normally someone. Ecuador was no different. I had an incredible experience. It definitely had its ups and downs, but I would never give that experience back. It opened up my eyes to so many things, was a phenomenal growing and learning experience, and I imagine it will continue to influence me.
Despite the bittersweet, once I got on the plane, I was just pure excited! I missed my dear family so much and my friends and my home. No matter how great Ecuador was at times, it could never replace my home. I loved breathing in the fresh crisp air as I got home. I loved walking down and seeing my mom jump up and down and see my lil sis come running holding a sign welcoming me home. Even my dad came to the airport. It was awesome! It's been fun chilling with the family again, even though that means it's back to less sleep, as we Peacocks tend to stay up really late and not sleep enough.
So, welcome home! It's great to be back. Keep in touch for all the adventures that lie ahead!

Thanksgiving in Ecuador!

2008-11-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Yes...these are my stylish Thanksgiving Decorations. I made little decorations according to what Natausha liked so that she wouldn't feel sad missing Thanksgiving at home.

Our Turkey Bowl.

This is a turkey, although it looks the same as the peacocks that I draw....and we ate a chicken.

A picture before we started chowing down!

Here's the final product - Gravy, Stuffings, Squash, Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Jello with Mandarine Oranges and Bananas, and Apple Pie...oh, and my fresh lemonade :)

Here are the stuffings, squash, and gravy. All turned out great! We have no measuring utensils here and very few options for cooking, but everything turned out perfectly.

The finished product. I did a garlic celery roast for the chicken. Turkeys are WAY too expensive to buy, so luckily, Ethan was a doll and bought us a whole chicken to cook for the dinner. I was so pleased at how beautifully and tasty it turned out.

I loved the chicken!! Seriously, it was so much fun playing with it...I mean preparing it.

We were worried that Thanksgiving here would be lame and sad since everyone at home was all joined together for the festivities. But, Natausha and I came up with a wonderful Thanksgiving menu and decided that we'd go to town and enjoy the holiday as well. Ecuador would not stop us from enjoying it! We invited our one american friend so that he could enjoy it as well. We had a blast cooking all morning, being very creative with our measurements, and in the end, eating a great beautiful meal. We were tuckered out at the end so we enjoyed a short nap on the couch before heading off to work. It truly was a Happy Thanksgiving!

Courtesy of the Josh Groban Christmas CD

2008-11-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Actually, I guess this post could be dedicated to Thanksgiving, but luckily, my Christmas CD has a song about being grateful. (I <3 Josh Groban.)
The song says, "There's so much to be thankful for." So here's a list of things I'm thankful for this this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
- A large snow covered pine tree it in the middle of a snow storm that muffles all the sounds and makes every thing tranquil.
- The sunset after a long hot day at the beach. This includes the reflection of the sun on the water, the lapsing of the waves on the shore...
- Sitting around the table with my family playing games and just having fun together.
- Warm Rain on a summer day
- Girl nights with Jenni and Lizzie
- Long conversations with Zach that I don't understand :).
- I am thankful that I am finally going to live in a pretty nice place in Provo - no more cinder block walls!
- I'm thankful that we are infested with little ants and not with spiders.
- Cell phones so that I can keep in touch with people as I walk home from school.
- My internship that helped me understand business a little bit more.
- Ecuadorians that teach me how to give because they are so giving.
- Picking out and decorating the perfect Christmas tree and then just sitting in the dark admiring it.
- The long summer days Cheri and I spent laying in the pool talking.
- all the wonderful domestic skills my momma taught me
- Looking up new recipes on the Internet and cooking up a masterpiece in Ecuador. A pasttime which keeps me sane!
Alright, I'm sure that enough for today. We should probably all think more about what we are grateful for and what we have instead of what we don't have. There are so many little things that I am so thankful for. Let's take the time to think about them.
What are you thankful for this holiday season???

I was tagged!!

2008-11-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

10 years ago I . . .
1. thought high school was the most important part of life.
2. had a crush on Marshall Conover and Daniel Sloop...to name a few.
3. was horrified of getting killed by a tornado in the middle of the night.
4. missed my older sister who was away at her first year of Ricks.
5. was dreaming of adulthood and all that I´d do in life.

5 things on my "to do list" today . . .
1. Go to the beach - which didn´t work out because we didn´t have any minutes on the cell phone.
2. Finish up my Spanish Paper
3. Make a delicious black bean soup - experimenting with a new recipe.
4. Go running in the afternoon when it´s cool outside.
5. Have a movie night with Natausha

5 snacks I like . . .
1. Popcorn with marshmallows
2. Chips and Salsa or homemade guacamole
3. Cereal
4. Cookies!!!
5. Fruit Salad.
6. Yep - I like 6 better than 5. Dehydrated fruits and fruit leather.

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire . . .
1. Invest (although I´m not sure if that´d be the best idea right now)
2. I´d probably buy the perfect pair of jeans.
3. We would take a family vote and decide between snowmobiles, 4-wheelers, and horses. I would buy according to the family vote.
4. I would arrange a family reunion and subsidize the airfare.
5. Be much less stingy - buy more little presents for people, just because; invite more people to dinner; help more people; make gift baskets for the sad people I see on the streets; donate money to all the people who stand outside the stores for the Salvation Army asking for money.
6. Do the BYU Study Abroad in Jerusalem.

5 places I have lived . . .
1. Layton Utah
2. Gastonia North Carolina
3. Buena Vista Virginia
4. Santiago Chile
5. Guayaquil Ecuador

8 things I did yesterday...
1. Finished teaching a Self-Employment Workshop - the best one yet!
2. Tried a new Spanish Rice and an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe
3. Uploaded pics to the family webpage.
4. Got irritated with the monotony of life.
5. Wrote a paper on Ecuadorian politics
6. Fell asleep as I was trying to do my homework.
7. Ate an omelet.
8. Read a really good chapter in the Book of Mormon.

8 favorite places to eat . . .
1. Zupas
2. Olive Garden
3. Cafe Rio
4. Papa Johns
5. PF Changs
6. Chic-Fil-A (I really like it...)
7. Kneaders
8. This little restaurant in Cuenca Ecuador that sells the best Seco de Pollo in the world!

8 things I am looking forward to . . .
1. Be done with my classes from this semester.
2. Going to Manta (a beautiful Ecuadorian beach)
3. Going HOME :) I love home!!
4. Christmas trees.
5. A cold snowy day with a warm glass of hot chocolate and the laughter of my family.
6. Graduating and seeing where live takes me.
7. Ceci´s wedding.
8. Life.

8 things on my wish list . . .
1. Mr. Perfect
2. A pair of jeans that I actually like.
3. That I can enjoy every adventure in life without being too impatient for the next part.
4. Intelligence - and the ability to remember every thing I learn.
5. Charity - being able to love people more readily rather than judging them.
6. That all of my family lives close together.
7. The best last semester of college ever.
8. I wish that I always have the courage to make the right choices.

3 people I tag . . .
1. Ceci
2. Natausha
3. Kate

The South will rise again.

2008-11-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

So today I was peacefully walking through the Mall looking for the Cinnabon (which we never actually found), but I did end up having one of the randomest conversations of my life with John Thomas, a tall gangly retired American that has been living in Ecuador for 8 years. I´d like to give you some of the highlights of the conversation - please feel free to laugh.
1. He loved the fact that we are both from the south - some of the only rednecks left. I think that was a compliment. Later on in the conversation I understand what he was implying through the word redneck.
2. He lives in Ecuador because he doesn´t feel threatened here like he does in the United States. Ever since the Civil War, the country has just been deteriorating. (At this point, I asked myself - is he talking about the politicians, economy, or is it possible that he is just very racist??)
3. He is very concerned about the extermination of the white race. The white man is the most targeted - in his eyes, in the U.S., he´s pretty much dead. He sees the U.S. as falling apart, a little more every day, and any day now, the president is going to order the extermination of the white adult man. (He wasn´t kidding.)
4. Turns out he was a member of the church before, fancy that - an apostate - but he apostacized for the following reasons: interracial marriages....alright, that´s the main reason.
5. He continually mentioned how beautiful we were and how mormon girls have this special light that no one else has (that was a compliment actually - it´s the light of Christ. We were flattered.) Mind you, we kept taking steps back and he kept taking steps forward.
6. He loved Joseph Smith and Brigham Young!! In that conversation he implied that fact that he would love to be a polygamist man. (hmm...actually now that I think about it, maybe he fled to Ecuador because of his illegal polygamist, racist ways.)
7. He doesn´t like the current prophet, which was sad, but it was cool because we got to defend what we believe in.
8. By redneck, he meant highly racist and lovers of the superior white race.
9. He definitely believed that whites are the superior race and is upset that others have rights. He thinks blacks are planning to exterminate the white race (he kept repeating this).
10. He will fight and if he has to be, he will be the last white man standing!
Anyway, as you can tell, it was a pretty ridiculous conversation. I couldn´t believe that we had it. It pretty much just revolved about racism and polygamy. His dream is to live secluded in the mountains away from the forces of Babylon and raise his family. Interesting little man.

Three Weeks!!!

2008-11-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

Alright, it´s not that I don´t love Ecuador, it´s just that I´m stoked to be at home with the family once again. I am anxiously awaiting a great winter in Provo with most of the family close. I don´t know how I´m going to handle the excitement of having both mom and dad in the same state. It´s terrific!
As for the update on Ecuador, last weekend was the best weekend trip by far that we´ve had in Ecuador. I marked off a few of the things that I want to do in life - alright, I didn´t necessarily know that I wanted to do them, but now that I have, I feel like it must have been on some subconscious list of things to do.
1. 4 wheeled up a very active volcano.
2. Went biking through the Andes on the Route of the Waterfalls
3. Spent a couple of hours in the Amazon Jungle.
The next couple of week should also be full of adventures from trying to finish up my homework (eek), teach 3 workshops, 2 beach trips, and a little excursion to the Galapagos Islands for the poor. I have plenty of adventures so hopefully I can enjoy every minute and at the same time I hope the time flies.

The Family

2008-11-17T16:28:00.001-07:00

Because I'm in Ecuador, I miss out on a lot of the news of what's going on back home. Today, I decide to take some time to catch up on the news and see what's going on in the world. I was really saddened to see what's going on in the U.S. I am so proud of my country and for the way we behave - we may protest, but it's not done violently. Our constitution guarantees us the right to protest, but it does not guarantee us the right to destroy or damage others' property, no matter what the circumstance may be.
I am upset with the people who have damaged our church buildings or who have put graffiti on temples. That is absolutely uncalled for! In Ecuador and in many other underdeveloped countries, when someone disagrees, they react with violence, vandalism, etc. They overthrow their democratically established governments. They destroy the opposition. I have been so grateful to live in the United States where we don't react that way. We are above that kind of juvenile behavior, but this recent behavior against the Church of Jesus Christ shows me that maybe we are not. There are great consequences that will come, I have seen them and come to understand them in other countries, when people start taking their protests too far, where people start disregarding the vote of the majority - in other words, they turn their backs on democracy.
I respect all of those people who donated money to support Proposition 8. It is as much our constitutional right to support the passing of Proposition 8 as the others had to protest against it - in a civilized manner. I believe that marriage is between and a man and a woman. It always has been and always will be in the eyes of God. The only disconcerting fact about proposition 8 is that it only passed by 52%.
The Proclamation to the World states, "We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."
I am excited to keep supporting good causes and the things that I believe in and am grateful to those who have been fighting thus far.

Becky and Natausha say the darndest things!

2008-11-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Another reason we´re always laughing is because we say the randomest things. Here are some examples:

Excuses for us being tired and needing a nap:
B: We should be tired because we have to recreate all the skin that got burnt. When Heavenly Father created Eve from Adam, Adam also had to take a nap."

Natausha on tiredness:
"Becky, we have to take a nap! It´s almost 4:19 and we´re not going to have time later. I mean, I did get less than 8 hours of sleep last night."
"Okay, here´s the plan...we take a short nap -and by short I mean an hour."

On airplanes:
B: "Is it strange that I feel like putting my hand over my heart and saluting every airplane? I feel like those planes flying away represent liberty."

On variety:
N: "Whoa, when we get back, we are going to go to Maceys and count all of the boxes of cereal on the isle."
N: "I bet there are more than 50."
B: "I bet there are more than 100!!! There are probably like 15 different kinds of Frosted Mini-Wheats alone..." (then we started listing all the different kinds)

Words of Wisdom

2008-11-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven. …” (Orson F. Whitney)

This was quoted by President Kimball as he discussed whether events in our lives were tragedy or destiny. I love how this quote reminds us that through the bad, we understand the good. That through the sufferings, we understand joy and develop patience. All the things - good and bad - that we experience are for our eternal benefit and help mold us into the people that we need to be.

"Was it the Lord who directed the plane into the mountain to snuff out the lives of its occupants, or were there mechanical faults or human errors? Did our Father in heaven cause the collision of the cars that took six people into eternity, or was it the error of the driver who ignored safety rules? Did God take the life of the young mother or prompt the child to toddle into the canal or guide the other child into the path of the oncoming car? Did the Lord cause the man to suffer a heart attack? Was the death of the missionary untimely? Answer, if you can. I cannot, for though I know God has a major role in our lives, I do not know how much he causes to happen and how much he merely permits. Whatever the answer to this question, there is another I feel sure about.
Could the Lord have prevented these tragedies? The answer is, Yes. The Lord is omnipotent, with all power to control our lives, save us pain, prevent all accidents, drive all planes and cars, feed us, protect us, save us from labor, effort, sickness, even from death, if he will. But he will not. We should be able to understand this, because we can realize how unwise it would be for us to shield our children from all effort, from disappointments, temptations, sorrows, and suffering. The basic gospel law is free agency and eternal development. To force us to be careful or righteous would be to nullify that fundamental law and make growth impossible."

I love this part of the talk as well. I think we too often blame Heavenly Father for the things that go wrong in our lives, but that is not the case. Somethings in life just happen - it´s not caused by Heavenly Father, maybe just permitted, in His infinite wisdom. He could prevent it all, but He also lets life take it´s course. We make decisions and others make decisions and we are affected by those - sometimes in good ways and other times in bad ways. But, we grow and we learn. He is always there by our side - we are on the same team. We need to understand and remember that He is not causing bad things to happen in our lives, He is simply allowing agency to occur, but if He turn to Him, we always have help.

Dear Ecuador

2008-11-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

I only have 33 days left in Ecuador, and I´ll have to admit that I´m starting to grow fond of this place. The first 2 weeks were great because I felt like a tourist. Week 3 brought on the recognition that I wasn´t a tourist but was actually living here and still would be for nearly 3 months! That brought on sadness and homesickness. About a month later, after emotional breakdowns and pity parties by both Natausha and I, we suddenly became okay with Ecuador and have started to see all the great, crazy, quirky things about this place that make it special!
So, let me list a few great, crazy, quirky things that I´ve grown fond of:
1. Out of control horn honking - I couldn´t really handle it at first. For a few minutes there would be an endless sound of honking. It doesn´t matter if the lights red, if traffic is not moving - you honk! Well, the other day we were walking in between a group of stopped cars, so naturally they started honking. No one moved so they kept it up. I am pretty sure it went on for atleast 30 seconds without stopping. Nothing changed. Natausha and I just bust up laughing. It really is funny when you see people´s reactions here.
2. There´s this little park about 25 minutes from our house where we like to go to run. It has a slight track and there are trees that hide the smell of bus exhaust. It is really pleasant.
3. I´m not as angry at the heat anymore. I just laugh at anything I guess. When I walk outside and it´s absurdly hot, just laugh. When you´re completely wet by the time you get to work - just laugh.
4. All the pirated movies and music on the street. No one ever cares - they have businesses of selling illegally copied movies. They are very successful.
5. Riding with Hno Gomez- our taxi driver. I´ve gotten use to the horrifying experience of riding with others trying to drive. Lanes don´t exist; stop signs - what´s that?; stop...go...stop..honk...go....stop....swerve.
6. The fact that Natausha and I laugh at everything. We bust up laughing at the fact that we needed mushrooms for the Chop Suey. Pretty sure that´s not funny, but it still makes me laugh.
7. The fact that everyone thinks we are sisters, sometimes twins.
8. My DTR´s every few days....or every day.
9. Every one´s comments on politics used to annoy me - now I just laugh that they always think they know every thing about the best way to run the United States.
10. I love that a meal never goes by without some sort of banana product. We even had it in our soup today.
11. I love that I get self-esteem boosts every day. Everyone is always appalled that I don´t have a boyfriend.
12. I love giving cheesy smiles to my bosses - especially Omar - who is the happiest nicest man ever and he always makes funny jokes about our love lives.
13. The ants used to make Natausha and I angry - now we just laugh, especially when we read on the internet that bug spray is bad because the ants can smell the dead carcasses of the others and they swarm back to carry them away. Interesting. I think the ants have morfed into super-ants. Natausha´s ant panic attacks are pretty hilarious.
14. Our eating habits - feeling like we must finish everything. For some reason, we can´t have left overs, so if I come home heftier, that´s why.
15. Our table - which has turned into the desk, table, social center and we pretty much never move from our chairs. We used to have our own couches until we realized that they put us to sleep in about 15 minutes - and so we never could get anything done. Now we sit uncomfortably at the table. It´s great!
Alright - I´m pretty sure that´s enough for today. I really do love, or at least am growing fond of, a lot of things here in Ecuador. Stay tuned for more memories or little Ecuadorian quirks.

Domestication

2008-11-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Domestication - the act of becoming domestic.
Did I mention how much I love feeling domestic? There is a special joy I get in my heart from putting on an apron and cooking up a delicious meal or trying new recipes - especially when they turn out deliciously!
Ecuador is really good for helping my domestic skills. The supermarkets here definitely have a small selection of goods compared to a US grocery store, and the things I´d want to buy - anything American - is VERY pricey! Honestly, $5 for tortillas? I´m just not okay with that. So, I´ve decided to just start making everything from scratch. That way, I can eat whatever I want at a reasonable price.
Last weeks adventure included:
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Homemade Fresh Salsa
A delicious new seasoning for hamburger meat
and.....
Donkey BOSOMS with the left over tortilla dough
I love finding new recipes! I love when they turn out perfectly. Please let me cook for ya´ll when I get back. I have a lot of exciting ideas for the upcoming weeks. By the time I get home from Ecuador I´m going to be able to pursue my career as a chef.

Step 1. After kneading the dough, you have to roll it our on a clean lysol disinfected counter.
2. These were only $.37 cents - for all of the peppers. That´s going to make a lot of salsa!
3. This tortilla was in honor of Halloween. It is a ghost! I was trying to make a scared face but I really just look crazy.
4. Doesn´t that look DELICIOUS??

Monster Mash 2008 Part 2

2008-11-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Halloween Party 2008

2008-11-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

We decided to invite everyone to our Halloween Party which we held on November 1st. Parties with Ecuadorians just aren´t the same, so we did it with just Natausha and I and all of you vicariously through our video. This is the first segment....which took me almost an hour to upload, haha, so stayed tuned for the other exciting videos!

Ode to the Tank Truck

2008-10-30T11:52:00.000-06:00

I want to dedicate this blog to the Tank Truck -otherwise known as the money truck. This is why I love you:
1. You have no doors, but you have tiny bullet proof windows that help me see into your soul.
2. I know that you are near even when I can´t see you because I´ll see men walking around in camouflauge with big guns (and I am not referring to their arms).
3. I see you every day and that´s important to me money truck! You are at the Gas Station, the pharmacy, the mall, and the supermarket.
4. I love you because it´s really exciting when I walk outside the grocery store and you have just arrived and suddenly I am surrounded by lots of men with scary guns. You protect me tank truck.
5. I love you because I don´t know how people get in or out of you....because you really have no doors. You are so mysterious.
6. I love you because you are different from all the other money trucks - the wells fargo money trucks have nothing on you!
7. I love you because your green color is perfectly highlighted by the murky river that you often are close to.
Thank you tank truck! You always manage to brighten my cloudy smoggy Guayaquil day.

A night in the Indigenous Village.

2008-10-27T15:45:00.000-06:00

There is a travel agency in Cuenca by a group of indigenous people (indians) in order to help their struggling community. I thought that would be the coolest thing ever to go spend a night in the community and see their way of life. So, we went!
We travelled about 45 minutes outside of Cuenca up to the top of a mountain. We were at about 9000 feet and had the most amazing view! There are few places that I've been in my life that exude such tranquility. The beauty of the place was enough to satisfy me, but that was only the beginning of our adventures.
That night, we were greeted by Carmen, who was in charge of making us feel comfortable and feeding us! We warmly welcomed us into her house and put a towel over the cold chairs so that we weren't as cold. This was the sitting room.
Carmen was nice enough to prepare us a FEAST!! We started enough with some bread and cheese...actually, it would be more appropriate to say cheese and a little bread on the side. No joke - I had at least 8 ounces of cheese on my bread. It was incredible! Haha. They have a cheese factory in the town so that's a stable food.
After eating and hanging out with Carmen for a while, we headed down to the local Catholic Church to catch the end of the meeting. We were celebrities just for showing up, probably cause we're white. People got out their cameras.
Then, we were taken to our lovely hotel room. It was on the 2nd floor of the schoolhouse in the storage room. I'm assuming it's the nicest place that they had.
We shared a tiny little bed covered with lots of wool blankets. There was no bathroom and no access to water. So, going to the bathroom was definitely an adventure! The room got down into the 40s that night, but I'm pretty sure Carmen gave us most of her blankets and probably froze that night. I was a nervous sleeper since we didn't even have a real lock on the door! I am in Ecuador and like to feel secure at night.
So, the next morning, we went in the search for a bathroom. It's hard to do without a lot of trees and when everyone keeps walking by in order to fetch water. The sheep were definitely watching us!
Here's a view from the top with the nice wool shawl Carmen lent me so that I wouldn't freeze to death.

Alright...I have to cut out some of the details. It was a crazy day! They gave us medicine water about every 10 minutes. AKA...herbal teas with medicinal purposes. They offered to add a little whiskey, to which we politely declined. (This is me after TOO MUCH medicine WATER).
We watched as they prepared lunch over a wood fire stove in clay pots, which they still use to this day.
We watched them gut the guinea pig....that was SICK...but fascinating. It was our lunch. We laughed how in the US it's a pet and we're going to eat it for lunch.
We hiked around the mountains identifying different plants that can be used with medicine, and we went with Manuel to the Cheese Factory which appeared rather unsanitary and had a gross smell. Nonetheless, I still like cheese.
We watched them cut the wool from the sheep with dull scissors that seemed appropriate for a kindergarten and not for sheering sheep.
We played dress up in the women's clothes. I am not a very cute indigenous woman! Haha, good thing I'm not one permanently.
It was quite the learning experience.

Three dollars and sixty cents and a movie from the Black Market

2008-10-19T20:20:00.000-06:00

The longer we are in Ecuador, the more our American roots are showing. After a long day enjoying the beautiful gardens of Malecon, Natausha and I wanted nothing more than to eat some American food and watch a movie.
The problems with that desire:
1. We only had $5.40 that we could spend between the two of us and that includes the dollar that we needed to get to church today.
2. We had none of the ingredients for the American food that we wanted most - Apple Crisp
3. We also don't have any movies in the apartment
Luckily, we are problem solvers!
We went to the grocery store with high hopes and bought all of the ingredients for apple crisp with only $3.60. That a bargain (that's practically shop lifting it's so cheap). Then, we'd seen a store in the mall before that sold 4 movies for $5. I'm pretty sure the copyrights just aren't important here and therefore, every movie you buy is pretty much a black market copy. Sadly enough, we couldn't find the black market movie store. OH NO! We can't have an American Saturday without a movie. So we got back and proceeded to ask all of our neighbors until we were successful. We had Apple Crisp that was extra tasty, except for the fact that the brown sugar is different here, and we watched She's the Man, haha...it was funny!
It was probably equally as funny watching us watch the movie. We don't have a DVD player so we had to watch it on my computer which has to be plugged in to make it through a whole movie and we only have 2 plugs in this house that I can plug my computer in. So, we got the computer situated on the counter and we are chilling on the couch. However, my volume doesn't work very well without speakers or headphones, so we plugged in my head phones that have about a 3 foot cord and Natausha and I each got one earphone. So, we were really close to the computer on the couch right next to the cupboard in the dark trying to watch a movie and eat apple crisp.
Who said we couldn't have an adventure for $3.60?

A Poem - By Becky

2008-10-18T09:44:00.000-06:00

F - Fresh, crisp air
A - Apple Pie
L - Leaves of red, orange, and yellow
L - Laughter

Okay, as you can tell from the poem, I successfully passed my 3rd grade English class where we learned to write these poems. Today I woke up with a desire for Fall. It´s not coming to come because I am in an endless summer. What a nightmare! Sometimes at night, I turn on my air conditioner in my room and it cools my room down from its normal 82 degrees to 74. I make it cold so that I can use my Alpaca blanket. I get to cuddle up with my blanket in my bed and have sweet dreams of Fall weather.
I think life is better in the Fall. I think it´s the coziest time of year. Summer makes every one spread out and leave on vacations and trips. Fall brings everyone back together under the same roof. It´s exciting when the leaves start changing colors and the wind brings this crisp freshness. It´s the smell of homemade apple die and dehydrated fruits. It´s putting on a sweater for the first time and finding the socks again after a long hot summer. Halloween parties, games, and laughter. Cute little kids in costumes. Raking up the crunchy leaves and then jumping in them. Flirting with the new crush in the ward or in your class (this is for us singles...). New roommates and friends. The excitement of football games at BYU or beautiful Fall hikes on a Saturday afternoon. Of course I love Fall! Since I missed this Fall, next year I get to enjoy it twice as much. That´ll be out of control.
Climatic Differences: This week we taught our workshop at in Huancavilco. We jammed 35 people into a smaller sized room that was already at 85 degrees. Even with the fans on, it was still 85 degrees. The interesting thing is that when people are used to never having a-c or being in rooms with fans, they get cold really fast. Even if there is air conditioning, within 10 minutes someone will ask us to turn it off because they are cold. The second day, people come wearing sweaters. I always laugh and wonder how someone can wear a sweater when it´s 85 in the classroom, but somehow they get cold.
Men: In Provo, sometimes when I´d go running down University, I´d get a few silly boys that yelled cat calls out of the window or honked their horns. I would snicker and move on with life. in the 20 walk from our apartment to the Employment Center, things often get out of control! From the second we step out of our apartment, the comments begin. Sometimes the comments are accompanied by whistles, creepy looks, honking the horns in the car (which is another issue). Unfortunately, we have to walk by this large construction site every day, yesterday I think there were about 20 guys on the corner...working, but they all stopped, every last one as we walked by. I tried to roll my eyes and ignore them, but I really wanted to laugh because it was out of control. Luckily, right after we walked by, the boss noticed that they´d stopped working and reprimanded them, and told them to get back to work. I´m going to feel so unpopular in the US after being so harassed here on a daily basis, haha.
Driving: I feel like I´ve gotten used to the crazy Guayaquil driving habits. The first few days and weeks I feared for my life - every time I got in a car or crossed the street. The concept of lanes in Guayaquil doesn´t exist. If there are 2 lanes painted on the street, somehow it ends up being some sort of jumbled mess of 4 lanes. Blinkers - pointless! If you want to cut someone off, switch lanes, turn, randomly stop, just honk your horn and hope the people listen. There are overpasses that have been built so that they didn´t have to put up stop lights. There definitely are no car inspections - which mean that all of the cars are older and pollute the air a lot! It´s a joke to watch! I should take a video one day for your viewing pleasure. It really is astonishing. I always feel bad when I see the Driver´s Ed people out on the road in the car for the first time, that must be a horrifying experience to learn how to drive here. But, it sure is funny to watch.

2008-10-16T12:33:00.000-06:00

2008-10-15T13:51:00.000-06:00

The Fish Market

2008-10-07T22:41:00.000-06:00

wow - I think that was the coolest yet sickest place I have ever been! They had all the fresh fish there and it was sick! They had shark, shrimp (Ecuador is a huge exporter of shrimp....that means it´s cheap here), corvina....okay EVERYTHING and the BIGGEST fish I have ever seen in my life. I didn´t realize they came so big.
I didn´t have my camera today so I will paint a picture of the seen with words. It was like a HUGE gymnasium full of fish! The fisherman just plopped the gigantic fish on the table, got out the machete and started whacking it! Then he would wash it down, and the blood-water would just spray across the floor where we were walking. Luckily I was wearing heels, but poor Natausha was wearing white flats.
The smell of the fish was overwhelming. Actually, I can still smell the fish now in my mind.
We got so excited with all the fish that afterwards we went to go get a fish dinner....Corvina (might be my favorite), rice, and fried bananas with a good ol´Inca Cola. It was a very ghetto little diner where apparently all the waiters had to be....uh, different. Yeah, that´s where our boss wanted us to experience an authentic Ecuadorian dinner. The food was tasty.
Alright, we´re off to Quito tomorrow morning. It ought to be an amazing adventure! "I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills...I love the fountains..." (please finish the song in your head). Quito is located at 9000 feet with volcanoes, colonial buildings, and is relatively close to the jungle! It will be an adventure. Stay tuned next week for updates!
I love ya´ll!

Revelation and the Week

2008-10-04T20:33:00.000-06:00

I love General Conference. Elder Holland's talk was so amazing! I don't think there was a dry eye in our whole room. How often do we forget how close Heavenly Father really is and how we has sent angels to help us and surround us - seen and unseen. I received so many little pieces of revelation today. It's amazing how every one can leave from conference hearing different things and feeling different things. The spirit takes certain things to each person's heart so that their questions -written or unwritten - are answered.

This is down at Puerto Santa Ana. It is a beautiful River Walk area. I love the Pineapple looking fountains. Juan and Victor are so nice to always show us around the city and keep us happy and busy! We are very grateful to have good friends in a crazy city.
This was an awesome group. The people in this group reminded me so much of the members of one area of my mission - which made it so much more special. They showed us so much love and gratitude for the service which we rendered. At the end, to celebrate, we had a little party and they gave us all sorts of gifts so that we don't forget Ecuador. We felt famous as everyone took out their cameras and wanted to take pictures as well. Natausha and I were talking afterwards and just commented on how the charity of these people is going to change the way we act and give afterwards as well. A little gift, a kind note can make such a big difference to the person.
A house....let's all be grateful for the beautiful homes that we have!
Our other group this week. The ex-prostitutes. I'm so happy that the nuns helped these ladies change their lives. It's so sad to think try to understand what would drive a person to that lifestyle to where they think that they have no other choice. There are good people in all religions trying to help people to really have a better life and come unto Christ. They were cute because we had them create a Lemonade Stand and they named it The Will of God.

Nuns, Prostitutes, and Mormons

2008-09-29T11:19:00.000-06:00

That is what we are looking forward to this week in the workshop that we´ll be teaching in the morning. We are teaching a group of 18 ex-prostitutes who have been taken in by nuns and are currently learning to cut hair and want to open their own barber shops. The area presidency approved that we teach this workshop and the nuns are going to come as well to learn about the workshop. That should be interesting.
We had 60 people who graduated from our workshop on Friday. It was so exciting to call their names out and give them their certificates. They were so excited! They were such an awesome group. It´s amazing how the people who have the least are the ones who are willing to give the most. They give the most love, but they are also so willing to share every thing they have. They would always go out and buy us drinks or little snacks when they have so little to eat themselves. On Friday, so many people came with presents for us to thank us for the help we have given them. There was one lady who had a cute purse (Ecuadorian style) and I just commented that I liked her bag and she said, okay, I will give it to you. I insisted that I didn´t need the bag but that I liked it. She started telling me how a former missionary had given it to her, but that she now wanted to give it to me so that I didn´t forget her or my experiences here in Ecuador. I told her not to worry about it, but lo and behold, at the end of the workshop, she´d emptied out the items in her purse – quite possibly the only purse she has and has had for years, and gave it to me.
You come on internships like this one to make a difference in someone else´s life, but they impact mine more than I could ever impact theirs.
Friday night was pretty fun at the dance. They are a little different here first of all because they don´t dim the lights at all! Also, you tend to dance with only one person and instead of the mormon dance circles we make, they stand paired off in a line and just all dance. Natausha and I felt so out of place at first, but then we got used to it and it was pretty fun. I took my first steps towards learning to salsa dance. I have a long way to go!!! But, we told the guys we were dancing with that if they taught us how to salsa dance then we would teach them how to country dance. It seemed like a good trade off. People here are NIGHT-OWLS! The dance got over at midnight, but apparently that was just the start of the party. Afterwards, we went to a little restaurant on the street and got dinner and just hung out. We finally got home late and were all tuckered out! On Saturday we just kept running as well. We got up at 10, but our friends came to pick us up at 10 instead of 10:30 like we thought, so we´d literally just rolled out of bed and they called saying they were here…haha, it was pretty funny. We went and cooked an awesome homemade American breakfast, that we ate at 2pm. It´s really hard to cook for 11 people with 1 frying pan, 1 cutting board, 3 forks, and no hot pads or towels – especially when we need to make fried potatoes, French toast, and scrambled eggs. We were so pleased when it was finally time for us to eat.
We played in the pool in the afternoon. I am proud to say that even with my gimpy arm, I still won a couple swimming races. Apparently I can swim with a broken elbow. I will count that as my physical therapy. We did a bunch of relays and my team dominated. It was awesome! We had a lot of fun.
We kept running after the pool over to the Johnson´s – a missionary couple in our ward from Provo – for a nice dinner and then to the Relief Society broadcast for spiritual nourishment. I always feel so inspired when I leave those conferences. I really enjoyed President Uchtdorf´s talk about creation and compassion. It was a theme that very different from the typical and I really enjoyed it.
Anyway, so that was the weekend. It was crazy and so busy that I didn´t have time to be tired or bored…or do homework.
Write me. P.S. I also accept care-packages

Teaching Begins

2008-09-26T14:45:00.000-06:00

Okay, this week I have not been able to update as much. There is just so much going on that it is so hard to find a few minutes to sit down and upload pictures and write, although I love doing it and definitely appreciate the comments and emails. I love to hear how everything is going back home.
Let me tell you about the workshop. There are 2 different workshops that we can teach and they have asked me to teach the Self-Employment Workshop. It´s a rather big assignment since we only talked about it for 3 hours in Salt Lake during my week long training. I have plenty of practice with the other one, but none with this one. So, last week, I studied up so that I could teach it. I love the workshop which a lot of the people here refer to as the microenterprise workshop. For any of you who have talked to me about that subject, I love the idea and success that comes through microcredit and microenterprise! We showed up at the workshop and 75 people showed up as well. We were honestly expecting maybe 10 or 15. When we went to divide up the workshop, I found out that they all wanted the Self-employment Workshop so I have been teaching a group of 75! It´s an awesome experience to teach such a big group. They are so excited and so desirous to learn and apply the principles. I am teaching right now in El Cisne which is one of the poorest areas of Guayaquil. It has been a humbling experience to drive there every day. The pictures that I have posted previously are nothing compared to what I am seeing now. The houses are made out of canes or cinder blocks or occasionally a wood sheet. There is nothing inside the houses and most of the roofs are not complete. Most don´t have windows. In spite of the circumstances, the members in our workshop come polished every day. I would never look at them and think that they came from such circumstances. It´s amazing when the stake president in that area, or bishop comes in with a white shirt and tie. It is also amazing that even though these people have nothing and the area is rather poor and dangerous, that there is a beautiful church. The church is the same quality as the church anywhere. Heavenly Father doesn´t discriminate.

It has been so exciting to teach the workshop and to watch the people´s eyes light up as they learn new concepts that will bless them and their families.
As for the rest of the week, we are finding it hard to get everything done. I tell you what, latinos sure do know how to make a person feel special and important. We´ve been very taken care of and already have some great friends. Yesterday we went to the top of a hill in the middle of the city called Cristo Redentor (Christ Redeemer) that had a beautiful statue dedicated to the Savior. It is on top of a hill because Christ was crucified on top of a hill. Therefore, on the way up the steps, we are to remember what Christ did for us as he ascended the hill and was crucified on the cross.
We went with some news friends – one is actually a friend from my mission – Victor. He was my first district leader and later a zone leader. What a small world!
I went to the doctor yesterday for my elbow. I must admit that I prefer doctors in Chile to the doctors here. Apparently I went to the best doctor in the country…The good news was that he supported my decision to not get surgery on my elbow. He said that it is healing properly. They took my x-rays and everything is as it should me. He does want me to do some physical therapy while I am here so that I have proper movement in my arm. So, we´ll see, but Heavenly Father blessed my elbow too.
This picture is for Zach with 5 or 6 guards 3 doors down from our house with big guns. 3 doors down there is an investigation center for DrugTraficking. They bring the people in to investigate so if it´s a big drug bust like the other day, then we get lots of guards and guns and crying families.

Lots of blessings!Well, until next time….Chao.

The Weekend

2008-09-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

This is from the museum. No, it´s not just a cool piece of pottery, it was a coffin. They put the dead people in fetal position inside of these bowls with their belongings and buried them. Very peculiar.
This is me and Andres, a friend in my ward, who has been kind enough to show us all around the city and took us to the beach and waited patiently as we walked through all the earring shops and shoe stores, etc...
Me and the Pacific. I couldn´t really get in all the way because I figured with a strong undertoe and an inability to swim with 2 arms, it might not be safe. It was fun anyway!

This is a view of part of Salinas - a popular tourist destination. Driving through that city made me very sad!
This is a Parque Los Lagos which is on the way to the beach. It´s a beautiful place but apparently doesn´t get many visitors, which makes it so much more desirable.
Yes...earrings, necklaces, and bracelets galore. It was like PARADISE! I can´t wait to go back to that place and buy some more stuff. Things here are more pricey than in Chile, but I guess 2 or 3 dollars isn´t that incredibly expensive afterall. Please let me know of your requests.
This was the beautiful street in town. I love the touristy areas because they are always nicer and more organized. It´s a great feeling to just get out a chair and chill on the beach, watching the boats.
This is Natausha and I outside of a Palentologial Museum that we visited on our way to Salinas. It was actually really interesting to learn about all these crazy big animals and their history in this area.

$3.10 and an Iguana

2008-09-19T09:40:00.000-06:00

I am so pleased with us! We are figuring out this city. We studied our map and guidebooks and today we set out to find the tourist section of this city. We got in a taxi and headed out. We are super paranoid about our possessions so I had some money in my shirt, a plastic ziplock with my debit card in my pants and my camera tied inside of my pants – which was a strange thing to do, haha. I tried out that method yesterday so I wouldn´t have to carry a bag, but today my pants weren´t as tight, so it didn´t have quite the same effect. Plus, every time we went to take a picture, I had to reach into my pants and untie my camera, imagine that.
We had the nicest taxi driver who took us to Las Peñas. It was a rundown part of the city right on the Rio Guayas that they renovated a in 2000. So, now on the outside it is beautiful and quite the tourist attraction. They have security guards around every corner so it´s very safe. It was sad though because although it´s beautiful on the outside, the houses are still run down on the inside. They had pictures up of what the area looked like before. It´s amazing how they have improved the area, but it´s so sad to realize what people live in. The roofs are barely on top of the houses. Sunlight peeks in through various spots through the roof.
It was beautiful though to see the panorama of the city. I loved the brightly colored houses on the hill and the flowers and trees with the river behind us. It really was beautiful. There were something like 500 stairs up to the top where there was a lighthouse and a catholic church. Apparently they used to defend the city from pirates on the top of this hill.
As we looked out across the city at the next hill over, Santa Ana, I got a glimpse of what I´ve always envisioned as South America – poverty on a hill. Run down houses, crime, etc. Natausha and I were in awe wondering what can be done to change things – the problems, with poverty so high here, are so overwhelming. We did conclude however that the Gospel is really what will change this city. As people grasp onto the Gospel, they will better their lives and their vision will change. Little by little – one person or one family at a time, the city can and will improve. In 40 years, they have created 14 stakes in this city. Our taxi driver, as we explained to him why we were here, thanked us several times for sacrificing our time and money to be here among his people trying to help them.
After Las Peñas, we started walking along El Malecón which is like the River Walk. We found the best little lunch stop – Aroma Café. For $3.10 I got – soup with shrimp, octopus, squid, and fish. Yes, I ATE IT and it was delicious! Octopus looks a little strange but it has a very pleasant flavor; watermelon juice (YUM), a full on meal - rice, lentils, a whole fish with excellent seasoning and fried bananas; dessert – ice cream; and the price included the tip. We were right on the river with beautiful scenery! What a good deal for a delicious meal!
We kept walking and enjoying the scenery, taking tons of pictures. We ended up running into a guy from our ward that showed us around more of the city and took us to IGUANA PARK. Craziest thing ever. There are hundreds of iguanas, for real, and not little scrawny ones. There was a tree and I looked up and realized that there were iguanas on almost every branch. They blended in really well with the tree so it was hard to count them all, but I counted at least 20. We petted them and one just started walking on me. I didn´t know what to do with it so I just sat there.
I was approached by several really dirty little children selling candies. I just have such a hard time not giving them money when they look so dirty and so poor. If $.25 will help them to eat, then goodness, take it. Poverty is mixed in here on every street corner, at the cross walks, on the buses.
We decided not to take a taxi back because they are way to pricey and the bus is only a quarter, 12 times cheaper than the taxi. So, we decided to try to figure out which bus would take us back. We chose wrong at first, but then we found the lucky bus number 82. Bus rides are so horrifying! They drive like maniacs and the smell of air pollution is almost unbearable, but it´s such a great feeling when you make it to your bus stop and can get off the bus in one piece J I am grateful every time I get off the bus.
It was an awesome day and so much fun to get out and explore and see more of Guayaquil. I love that part of town!

From the Banana Capital of the World

2008-09-16T10:40:00.000-06:00

Okay – Here I am in Guayaquil Ecuador. It´s such an awesome city. The first day, yesterday, was moderately overwhelming. It´s always a little overwhelming when you have no idea where in the world you are. At church everyone was asking us where we lived…yeah, I couldn´t respond because I didn´t know. That´s always fun when you take a taxi and don´t know where you live, but we are managing. A friend brought us a map today. I already feel better. With a map, I can start figuring things out. Plus, I´ve already located some important areas – the Temple (which is within walking distance), the supermarket, the farmacia, Centro de Empleo (where we have the internship), the pool, and home. What else do I need to know?
I love all the palmeras (palm trees) and the flowering trees. I love the warm humid air. It´s so pleasant at night to walk outside and have it be a comfortable 80 degrees and humid. By the architecture, it´s quite apparent that I´m in South America.
This week we are just going to orient ourselves. We aren´t actually teaching the workshop yet. But, starting next week we are going to start travelling around Guayaquil and teaching the workshops at night. It will be an interesting experience. Johnny (my manager) kept telling us to take our cameras so that we can take pictures of the poverty and show every one at home. I think it will be a shocking experience. We live in the best part of town, with the pelucones (rich folks). There are lots of newer cars and newer buildings. We live right behind the World Trade Center in Guayaquil and by some nice shopping centers and the temple is close so that says it all. But Guayaquil isn´t a rich city. More than 70% of Ecuatorians live below the poverty line which means that they live on $2 a day or less per person. We can´t even imagine what that would be like. Things here aren´t really very cheap either. Today, we went to the grocery store and they use the American dollar as currency and the food was the same price basically as in the US, therefore, for those people living in poverty, I have no idea how they can even survive. It´s a poverty that I can´t really even understand. I hope we can help the people.
We have made some friends – every one has been nice enough to call us or drop by to invite us to different events. We are making friends which makes everything so much more enjoyable and meaningful. I can´t really complain. We have been warmly welcomed and are definitely being taken care of.
All is well in Guayaquil…

Getting Ready for Ecuador

2008-09-08T21:24:00.000-06:00

This is why I'm going on this internship.
"A man out of work is of special moment to the Church because, deprived of his inheritance, he is on trial as Job was on trial - for his integrity. As days lengthen into weeks and months and even years of adversity, the hurt grows and he is sorely tempted to 'curse God and die.'
"Continued economic dependence breaks him; it humiliates him if he is strong and spoils him if he is weak. Sensitive and calloused, despondent or indifferent, rebellious or resigned - either way, he is threatened with spiritual ruin for the dole is an evil and idleness a curse.
"He soon becomes the seedbed of discontent, wrong thinking, alien beliefs. The Church cannot hope to save a man on Sunday if during the week if is a complacent witness to the crucifixion of his soul..." - Gordon B. Hinckley
I think that is such a powerful statement. People are suffering and they need help. They feel hopeless and I'm being empowered with the tools to help them temporally which will also bless them spiritually. Heavenly Father wants all of his children to prosper and be happy and he has given us the tools and the resources to do so. I hope that I can at least help a few people in Ecuador.
I'm so lucky to be able to do this internship through the Church - where I promote faith in Jesus Christ and teach people how much Heavenly Father loves them as I teach about their potential to work and find employment. The Gospel, when properly lived, will bless every aspect of life.
I'm here with a fun group this week and great teachers. Then, on Saturday Natausha (my comp.) and I head off to Ecuador.
We've been having a blast today - we like to think we're a group of injured kids and are thinking about starting a club. We have basketball games on our break - me one handed, another kid with one leg, Natausha without some fingers, haha, it's awesome!
I'll be updating this a lot more now. So keep in touch and keep me posted!

Neal A Maxwell´s Inspiring Words

2008-08-13T22:33:00.000-06:00

"When, in situations of stress, we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacities perfectly, placed us here to succeed. No one was foreordained to fail or to be wicked.

When we have been weighed and found wanting, let us remember that we were measured before and were found equal to our tasks; and therefore, let us continue but with a more determined discipleship.

When we feel overwhelmed, let us recall the assurance that God will not overprogram us; he will not press upon us more than we can bear"

I read this today while I was at work (It´s awesome working at the MTC.) and it was just inspiring. Some times life is hard and stressful, but Heavenly Father really does know what we can handle and life Elder Maxwell said, he placed us here to succeed. Something that comforts me is realizing that while sometimes on my own, my capacities may not be enough, with the help of my Father and Savior, I´ll be made equal to the task at hand.
I really feel like that´s true. There have been plenty of challenges this summer, but as I´ve confided in my Heavenly Father, he´s helped me do far more than I could have done on my own.

Martina - My BFF

2008-08-04T12:52:00.000-06:00

I'd say that Martina McBride and I took our relationship to the next level. Ceci bought me a concert ticket and we had lawn seats which I would've been perfectly satisfied with. However, when we got offered tickets on the 11th row, life got so much cooler. Of course, when you're that close, you can do whatever you want, so we went up right next to the stage. I even think a drop of her sweat hit me on the face. (That's just a joke, maybe) Anyway, it was awesome singing out her songs up there at the front. I wanted to get up on the stage next to her and do some karaoke; maybe next time.

Just as a side note - I think her eye makeup job is awesome! I ought to try it - me with cat eyes.

These are some of the words from her awesome song - Anyway - the Song of the Week. Seriously - her songs are so motivating for girls and single ones especially! ( That's probably why the majority of people there were girls and a few men who got dragged there. ) Okay to the words...

"You can love someone with all YOUR heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
love em anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway, YEAH"

The Evil Toaster

2008-07-31T18:01:00.000-06:00

As always I was rushing around this morning preparing for a long day at work! I had 5 minutes to eat breakfast so I popped a Toaster Struddle in. The toaster would only keep it down for 10 seconds and then pop up happily as if it were done - when it clearly was not. After a few minutes of pushing down the button, I thought one more 15 second toast would do the trick, so I pressed down the lever and ran to the bathroom to brush my teeth. A minute later as the apartment filled up with smoke and a terrible burning smell, I ran into the kitchen to see the malfunctioning toaster, malfunctioning still - but this time it didn´t pop up.
I went to work without my breakfast and arrived smelling very distinctly like burnt! It was a rough start to a long day.
Word to the Wise - Be careful with your toasters!

Beef - It's what's for dinner.

2008-07-28T18:50:00.000-06:00

Mmm...there is nothing more delightful on a hot summer day than a marinated (garlic and peppercorn) grilled steak with some freshly cooked green beans. I must admit - I am pretty pleased with my cooking skills sometimes. Unfortunately, I'm the only one who enjoys my delicious food. Fortunately, because no one else enjoys it with me, it lasts longer.

The Rodeo

2008-07-26T22:12:00.000-06:00

Is there anything more delightful than a good small town Rodeo?

I was thrilled to go with Ceci to the Spanish Fork Rodeo - it was a little touch and go there for a while because we didn't buy tickets beforehand and they were sold out, so we had to put our names on the Stand By list. Luckily - I worked my magic on the ticket man and we got great seats!

List of the Top 5 Wonderful parts of the Rodeo:

1. Cowboy hats with men underneath them. There is nothing more attractive to me than a cowboy - hence my love for the movie "Man from Snowy River" but that's a post for a different day.

2. Mutton Bustin' - aka - little children holding on to sheep for dear life as they go running across the arena. Then they get thrown off and nearly trampled. Interesting.

3. The Rodeo Queens - overly curly hair, loads of makeup, complete cowgirls! I think I should become a rodeo queen and update the image a little bit.

4. Steer Wrestling - It is remarkable that they can jump off their horses onto a steer and wrestle it to the ground within 10 seconds. That's attractive, haha.

5. The Rodeo fulfills my life dreams - small town feeling, cattle, horses...I could go on and and...

2008-07-11T21:14:00.000-06:00

So, pretty much WORDLE is the coolest thing in the whole world! I mean I put in a few journal entries and it picked up the most talked about words. So reading this is the same as if you stole my journal. How does that make you feel?

Why do I have a blog?

2008-07-11T20:38:00.001-06:00

1. I'm not really sure. I guess Facebook just didn't cut it.
2. Ceci created a blog, and therefore, blogs are no longer just for married people.
3. Even my little sister has one - it's the thing to do.
4. At some point, I'll have something important to say and this blog will come in handy.

I think those are valid reasons for a blog. Enjoy!