tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11897278733192291272024-03-05T07:20:55.274-07:00The Joy of JoannaJoannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-47187612377533562862012-03-14T19:19:00.003-06:002012-03-14T19:40:19.235-06:00SabbaticalSo, I think I've been on Sabbatical from blogging. I often think of posts to write I just never make it on to the computer to write and publish a post. Yet it nags at the back of my mind to stop making excuses. (the excuses I make for not blogging are the same I make for not writing in a journal. I'm not a great personal history keeper.)<br /><br />I was looking through my photos on my phone and saw so many pictures of events that I could have blogged about. So I thought "maybe they have a blogger app. I would totally post more often if I had that." So, that is why you find me here today, because I'm writing this on my phone. (thank heaven for iPhones.) This leads me to an obvious yet necessary confession: I'm addicted to my phone.<br /><br />There, I said it. Now that that's over I will tell a little story. (I'm not going to do any back blogging and try to fill in the last 7 months of my life. Suffice it to say, I've been busy with school.) So, tonight I am going to a Pi(e) party and I have made a pie. A peanutty ice cream pie. Mmmm, the filling tastes kind of like peanut butter m&ms. I'm excited about it. I'll let you know how it tastes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLIg6-OFdFF0SA-dBsT9XUbg4I5BmfNAfbp3vNl7kyS1BrR7t5Yl4KbzklP4h1PkzBYTPN-hqU6hmB8OqHuZVQAIsP1cT67R4IcNxELxMANNkV1HltMfr-65Hi1RwfhaFdp_Qsk1WTDu2/s640/blogger-image-1335026122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLIg6-OFdFF0SA-dBsT9XUbg4I5BmfNAfbp3vNl7kyS1BrR7t5Yl4KbzklP4h1PkzBYTPN-hqU6hmB8OqHuZVQAIsP1cT67R4IcNxELxMANNkV1HltMfr-65Hi1RwfhaFdp_Qsk1WTDu2/s640/blogger-image-1335026122.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br />In other news: Spring is here! You know how I know? My garden is starting to bloom. Last fall I tackled the flower bed outside of my condo and trimmed, fought with MANY snails<br />, and planted some bulbs for to bloom this Spring. The crocuses have started to bloom already and the tulips are just popping out of the dirt. :) this brings me joy.<br /><br /><br />Over Grown, yet still beautiful, Garden last October.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeSlEp8tl0h758Cv634tpQqxuaj-7KmSbORsexGLAp5jB8l8scoVW8QVKRr5WRIPDorsn-virQSLjUvyfQ4dj5qYmLUwX74iSOLG_MLa89-AfIYVTxQ1Hs4eeC6bWRStgkariIPYSsc7R/s640/blogger-image-708540538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img style="width: 424px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeSlEp8tl0h758Cv634tpQqxuaj-7KmSbORsexGLAp5jB8l8scoVW8QVKRr5WRIPDorsn-virQSLjUvyfQ4dj5qYmLUwX74iSOLG_MLa89-AfIYVTxQ1Hs4eeC6bWRStgkariIPYSsc7R/s640/blogger-image-708540538.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58OB0zPAJT9PnUYzKWiVzzz99iSPtYx5H6vY037bbzPKdMHGG5QYwZqW0PTXAIBUm_AkwhhnuLp0d5jXza42X-75cH2g8hElLxitoaLV3dwURciht0EKXfYK4uQCAMiSUNSMynfwQUJ3b/s640/blogger-image-1902345353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img style="width: 422px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58OB0zPAJT9PnUYzKWiVzzz99iSPtYx5H6vY037bbzPKdMHGG5QYwZqW0PTXAIBUm_AkwhhnuLp0d5jXza42X-75cH2g8hElLxitoaLV3dwURciht0EKXfYK4uQCAMiSUNSMynfwQUJ3b/s640/blogger-image-1902345353.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br />Trimmed back garden. (It took me about 5-7 hours total to do all this. Those were really tall flowers, some almost 6 feet tall. Hollyhocks if I remember right)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK91VA7OgqdqB6WvL6hZiAW_duKMXYiAvUIKOv2GHN-2DKiOs010Ijjh0dGaeYSZ9jijmeFX268xXfP7Tisjj_c6jVdc5NnXHFQ0qbW7WrP6_d8WV57ewUHN2pyH3buVZdunkXHauzA6v/s640/blogger-image-1097768880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img style="width: 424px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK91VA7OgqdqB6WvL6hZiAW_duKMXYiAvUIKOv2GHN-2DKiOs010Ijjh0dGaeYSZ9jijmeFX268xXfP7Tisjj_c6jVdc5NnXHFQ0qbW7WrP6_d8WV57ewUHN2pyH3buVZdunkXHauzA6v/s640/blogger-image-1097768880.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />My crocuses beginning to bud!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSDK67XFXwqLda_vBSk74Rg-ukPDESIu58yQrqLB1wzY9dioQLaFq_Zuy5n0KGzmZYeXxcwBt2-YEaikjC7aPo-HPIwuecLlRAaLBDM4mpeZ7smx4fPOmRzjzD3vefBxeb3Rop7E6N5Iy/s640/blogger-image-522538072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img style="width: 428px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSDK67XFXwqLda_vBSk74Rg-ukPDESIu58yQrqLB1wzY9dioQLaFq_Zuy5n0KGzmZYeXxcwBt2-YEaikjC7aPo-HPIwuecLlRAaLBDM4mpeZ7smx4fPOmRzjzD3vefBxeb3Rop7E6N5Iy/s640/blogger-image-522538072.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There will be tulips here soon! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj1-G6s6fUyLUXA3d3D4bATtmHcn9HY9trwsmBqnmMvzNtlINdfVfjQpgzMnea5Kx-8EXg3X9EqH6gSFPhlBD_4Pj8CSLaWm316try2aSW3WDtP7KD_caFAlSviY1bAPcfNjOh4sEWo-3/s640/blogger-image--1418022779.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img style="width: 426px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj1-G6s6fUyLUXA3d3D4bATtmHcn9HY9trwsmBqnmMvzNtlINdfVfjQpgzMnea5Kx-8EXg3X9EqH6gSFPhlBD_4Pj8CSLaWm316try2aSW3WDtP7KD_caFAlSviY1bAPcfNjOh4sEWo-3/s640/blogger-image--1418022779.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-46216145557768594792011-07-29T11:52:00.004-06:002011-08-01T10:58:28.946-06:00Moving!!!I am moving. THIS week!! I am so beyond excited. This is a little condo that I will be sharing with two roommates. We will each have our own room. It is in north Orem and I can walk to the bus stop or Subway or the grocery store. I will also have laundry in the apartment! It's 5 minutes closer to school than before. But I may start riding the 862 bus again to get to school. I believe in going green. I even have reusable grocery bags (that I usually remember to bring to the store.) Did I mention I'll have my own room? ahh, bliss. Here are some pictures that came from the landlord (who, by the way, is SUPER nice and friendly. They have like 6 kids, who are cute, and are really kind.) when they posted the add for the place. Next week I'll have to post more, with my things in the place. It will be a while, getting some furniture and such, but I'm ok to wait. I've waited a long time to get out of student housing and can wait to make it nice little by little. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhGkLkwZJbo2124TjesNOJh_2X22ejsVjadeMgvOcx4P3S7vlW8h1hyWFT2sK7kIodBdNRAa9IskGLooADfYkL5HYjbBqVmTSr4gWvFyqyS3gX69bhAMlrrpfw04PnjEq0BShLBwh4WG5/s1600/photo%25282%2529.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhGkLkwZJbo2124TjesNOJh_2X22ejsVjadeMgvOcx4P3S7vlW8h1hyWFT2sK7kIodBdNRAa9IskGLooADfYkL5HYjbBqVmTSr4gWvFyqyS3gX69bhAMlrrpfw04PnjEq0BShLBwh4WG5/s400/photo%25282%2529.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634836416550725762" border="0" /></a>The bathroom!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVof6gER2EGgu4O5ceoAgmjwKiHlg47Ic3KxLKJSsS2CsXbWtVo1QLo3jgWmaoA-wX6fA2gXqKkZIBm9e1Fvn8TKsEwjVkIZqZdxeHo5xD5JjFAYfpoOfUnJZNeNdoFrcFcKw41Gyzu3aB/s1600/photo%25284%2529.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVof6gER2EGgu4O5ceoAgmjwKiHlg47Ic3KxLKJSsS2CsXbWtVo1QLo3jgWmaoA-wX6fA2gXqKkZIBm9e1Fvn8TKsEwjVkIZqZdxeHo5xD5JjFAYfpoOfUnJZNeNdoFrcFcKw41Gyzu3aB/s400/photo%25284%2529.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634836409316403858" border="0" /></a><br />My bedroom!!! All to myself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHsaSYE-wwG0gg5bmgCkS42ZYg5D_c8ZO7D8WVVBoJyLXWirckHckKhVFF75iANXB1eG24zGryru22AqWcJGsQS0rowdDJig1DfBnqyythyggpyP5hkokKiNLwwjGVEm0VKjzaBaBN3Xt/s1600/photo%25285%2529.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHsaSYE-wwG0gg5bmgCkS42ZYg5D_c8ZO7D8WVVBoJyLXWirckHckKhVFF75iANXB1eG24zGryru22AqWcJGsQS0rowdDJig1DfBnqyythyggpyP5hkokKiNLwwjGVEm0VKjzaBaBN3Xt/s400/photo%25285%2529.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634836404094266594" border="0" /></a>The living room. (Furniture not included.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYhMp6hadVlwZpitvUTiRd2BuH-WVi_g8iZya787BVZSo5oOTCX2M9BCwYYKWRjhXHKXnUxyegLJxmMCb7g-KV3Km-QoPSu0l9QctZWSk2NYUAoAar7f8gIHU7mQPAYynpgMKaftZUzcB/s1600/photo.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYhMp6hadVlwZpitvUTiRd2BuH-WVi_g8iZya787BVZSo5oOTCX2M9BCwYYKWRjhXHKXnUxyegLJxmMCb7g-KV3Km-QoPSu0l9QctZWSk2NYUAoAar7f8gIHU7mQPAYynpgMKaftZUzcB/s400/photo.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634836399106891522" border="0" /></a>(Child not included.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTobaDNf3Zvdh2MtjOxNDvGOdeuaPREfA0sPg19eFwuhoDupwU4DhY9XTNtm-cRfVl-EgJvbRo5kS_MM7EsaPP8DwyNKQxPSfcmwntlnmoIZtv5oU6xWXpvIjfhukup3bBHW_tbHHyqgQK/s1600/photo%25283%2529.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTobaDNf3Zvdh2MtjOxNDvGOdeuaPREfA0sPg19eFwuhoDupwU4DhY9XTNtm-cRfVl-EgJvbRo5kS_MM7EsaPP8DwyNKQxPSfcmwntlnmoIZtv5oU6xWXpvIjfhukup3bBHW_tbHHyqgQK/s400/photo%25283%2529.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634836159281433154" border="0" /></a>And the pretty kitchen!<br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-3298143288063104542011-07-27T11:57:00.003-06:002011-07-27T12:01:40.762-06:00I love my coworkers!!!!I work at UVU Library and I have the most wonderfully refreshing job! My coworkers are just wow! Especially Trevor Jay Morris! His mom is right when she says he is wonderful. I think I will buy everyone in the library dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets! and chicken balls from Iggy's. hmmmmm yum yum.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-25026929674413611202011-06-17T09:23:00.007-06:002011-06-17T09:49:06.266-06:00crasy recital preparations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2917eeJTTjGicgHTm1rOBcbOTwz5Y_UbAW2WhPaA9uLd8BE5HXa7x_0ORHILp3dcaQfOqXPReZGtctpfdl2PE5OvuUFvpAgV8VGHA3YNcYNN2HhhbcZskTS31njlPk24gYxHQ80d4NUD/s1600/Joanna.3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2917eeJTTjGicgHTm1rOBcbOTwz5Y_UbAW2WhPaA9uLd8BE5HXa7x_0ORHILp3dcaQfOqXPReZGtctpfdl2PE5OvuUFvpAgV8VGHA3YNcYNN2HhhbcZskTS31njlPk24gYxHQ80d4NUD/s400/Joanna.3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619215231494273506" border="0" /></a><br />I am feeling a little frazzled these days. This is not especially abnormal for me. But it is for the summer time. sheesh!<br /><br />I have a sinus infection. Perfect timing right? a week before my dress rehearsal, meaning 3 weeks before my recital!!! So annoying. This is the 5th time I've been on antibiotics since February!!!! I'm starting to worry. Oh, well, I'll worry about that in due time. I am just trying to get all my songs memorized and ready for next Thursday, when I will sing in front of my teachers and they will tell me If they think I will be ready for my recital two weeks following. I have a lot to do in the next 6 days, and I feel...not so great.<br /><br />Things are good though. I need to post on some other things. I have some photos waiting. So, Maybe this Sunday I will find some time.<br /><br />Come to my recital if you want!! I'd love to see you there!<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/libaide/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-66157912975292016412011-06-01T11:04:00.006-06:002011-06-01T11:30:56.072-06:00childlike<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjYC_F_8UzD1GjBBP7rsGwYccBBh7OyHlby-n8OykKX6ef8e94ExD6EWBZYNdAFZdAytjUGCbESA1vbPU13mVfDHLupETueHMdseA5tlXEQrvWaga1_39LWO01t9QCy5P5T5cqsGjmwWY/s1600/n193302661_32838237_614.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tjM9JOBw5Wthap9ns3hV4zaS5fHUuhMzuaM25Nl6VgOA_qgLCW_TNScgYkQLjzbbzPwwlnTCKqmVHZKAKoia4LvDO9haXvZIfkE8Rc-mw00RXyqe5MwF1-SEAv5JUGHI6sZatw16nmll/s1600/n193302661_32838233_75.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tjM9JOBw5Wthap9ns3hV4zaS5fHUuhMzuaM25Nl6VgOA_qgLCW_TNScgYkQLjzbbzPwwlnTCKqmVHZKAKoia4LvDO9haXvZIfkE8Rc-mw00RXyqe5MwF1-SEAv5JUGHI6sZatw16nmll/s400/n193302661_32838233_75.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613304103258028066" border="0" /></a>Can I be a kid again?<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz02qbtlx2L9rQexnMRMBnmGJvNEq4Bshb-1CuWaIFU_b3trAAdfp1isPQALrsEysLzAFZiVovPDl0oK44_GQq_0w_sOngi3bhMdGcG_NdiMox6gjYIN-BICikPrFEsexNSCoqd8WtEuz/s1600/n193302661_32838223_8714.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz02qbtlx2L9rQexnMRMBnmGJvNEq4Bshb-1CuWaIFU_b3trAAdfp1isPQALrsEysLzAFZiVovPDl0oK44_GQq_0w_sOngi3bhMdGcG_NdiMox6gjYIN-BICikPrFEsexNSCoqd8WtEuz/s400/n193302661_32838223_8714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613303983664834354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sometimes... I get sick of adult worries and woes. Well, a lot of the time. I'm sick of not having the money I had expected, and of barely making it to the next paycheck. And I mean BARELY. And I'm tired of being so busy. I'm tired of having to make adult choices.<br /><br />I wish I could be a kid again. When I was a child I played house. That's all I ever did. It was either that or "teacher". I was taking care of and or teaching children in my play-time.<br /><br />I have discovered about myself recently that much of my frustration lies in the fact that these childhood dreams are inaccessible to me. Have I already mentioned this recently? ah oh well.<br /><br />So, I am trying to be happy. Trust in the Lord and his timing. And play.<br /><br />I find joy in being with and talking to my friends. I love reading on my bed and then falling asleep for an afternoon nap. I love mischievously sneaking up on people and squirting my water pistol at them. bahaha! I love sitting in the sunshine. I love dreaming about a future where I can one day be a mom and play with my children. And read books to them. And sing to them. ( shhh. I know that being a mom isn't all happy every moment. I have friends with kids. I hear about it. but lets not crush my dreams at the moment.)<br /><br />I don't play enough. I forget to be childlike and I forget to always include the Lord. So, here's to hoping I can be a little more childlike and faithfully trusting and not so jaded and frustrated with life. Good luck to me. And to you.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjYC_F_8UzD1GjBBP7rsGwYccBBh7OyHlby-n8OykKX6ef8e94ExD6EWBZYNdAFZdAytjUGCbESA1vbPU13mVfDHLupETueHMdseA5tlXEQrvWaga1_39LWO01t9QCy5P5T5cqsGjmwWY/s1600/n193302661_32838237_614.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjYC_F_8UzD1GjBBP7rsGwYccBBh7OyHlby-n8OykKX6ef8e94ExD6EWBZYNdAFZdAytjUGCbESA1vbPU13mVfDHLupETueHMdseA5tlXEQrvWaga1_39LWO01t9QCy5P5T5cqsGjmwWY/s400/n193302661_32838237_614.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613304597863235970" border="0" /></a>Obviously I had no cares as a child. May I allow my kids to have the same kind of childhood.<br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-80287789304404036562011-05-23T07:18:00.003-06:002011-05-23T07:55:18.705-06:00rainy car<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yttq48ASALanmpmcYSiXzPaWU0yivVnNEh8jAG6GKE6YCJIXW34tv8iT-3zyZlj1TWUxyc-RUgvjvrcbyqUi1gQ2DH6KBZiLYc1mY9SGVaYtmxVug3dq1qQlLDXGmRKwRRfH88LsGa-L/s1600/DN261706_17.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yttq48ASALanmpmcYSiXzPaWU0yivVnNEh8jAG6GKE6YCJIXW34tv8iT-3zyZlj1TWUxyc-RUgvjvrcbyqUi1gQ2DH6KBZiLYc1mY9SGVaYtmxVug3dq1qQlLDXGmRKwRRfH88LsGa-L/s400/DN261706_17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609900994098033330" border="0" /></a><br />So, I own a car. This is what my car looks like. (But without the palm trees, as I do not live in CA.) I actually paid it off last month. I received the title in the mail. It was a very adult moment for me. It made me happy.<br /><br />I sometimes refer to this car as Betsy. Or Bessie. Depending on how the mood strikes me. I have a hippo on the front dash. It's a good conversational piece when I give rides to people I don't know very well. <br /><br />As I have had this car for 2 years I have learned some things about owning a car (especially not a new one.).<br />1. You will get better gas mileage if you get an oil change regularly. Also, it's important to check your fluids regularly.<br />2. A/C is optional. And expensive to fix.<br />3. It's expensive to be responsible for a car.<br />4. How to change the blinker lights<br />5. It's probably wise if you check your tire pressure regularly.<br />6. Being a single gal, it's really helpful to have roadside assistance. I have used them many, many times.<br />7. When a car battery is defective, it doesn't like the cold and will refuse to start early in the cold mornings. Prayers needed in these cases.<br />8. If you leave the hood up of your engine, people, especially men, will ask if you need help. :)<br />9. If you have acid corrosion on your battery heads you can pour a baking soda and water mixture on them to wash it away.<br />10. If you clean the outside of your windows and still feel like they are dirty, try washing the inside. Those get dirty too.<br /><br /><br />My latest adventure with my car is that there is some kind of problem with the seal on the rear right side passenger's door (I once had a hypothesis that it was a rusty bottom of my car). No big deal. Until it starts to <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">rain buckets</span>, like it has the last couple weeks. A few days ago I got in my car and thought "It smells really wet, dirty, and gross in here." Solution: Roll down the windows. And just for good measure I looked in the back and saw a<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;"> puddle</span> (literally a small pool.) not just damp carpet on the backseat floor. I sighed and drove off to my destination.<br /><br />Yesterday I came home from church and couldn't handle it anymore, and fearing mold, (As I knew the carpet had been <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">wet</span> for several days by now.) I grabbed the "car rags" I have in my trunk and started to soak up the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">water</span>, ring it out, and then soak it up again. There was so much <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">WATER!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">! </span>I would say <span style="font-style: italic;">at least</span> 3 cups, probably more. After I felt like I had gotten as much as I could, I rolled the windows down and (accidentally left the keys on the seat!!) left the mat and rags to dry, as it was a beautiful<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">sunny</span></span> afternoon. <br /><br />At about 7:30, <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">clouds</span> were rolling in and I went out and rolled up the windows (found my keys!!! scolded myself for my forgetfulness and felt grateful to live in Provo.) and put the dry mat and rags back in the car. The floor was only slightly dry-er. But no <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">puddle.</span> I was satisfied.<br /><br />Then it started to <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">rain</span>.<br /><br />This morning, after said rain, I got in my car.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Puddle</span> has returned. Rusty bottom of car hypothesis gone. Seal of door suspicions confirmed. NOW WHAT?!<br /><br />Anyone know how to fix that? Before I have a new life form growing in the back of my car...<br /><br />Anyway, I hope you are having a great day.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"Life can be delish with a sunny disposish"</span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-14146184738127605172011-05-16T09:05:00.002-06:002011-05-16T09:23:57.411-06:00let me esplain...No there is too much. Let me sum-up<br /><br />The last 16 months = the worst time of my life. no joke.<br /><br />BUT, as I am getting out of this I am learning things.<br /><br />I am optimistic. Because despite how hard last semester was, I got all A's and B's!! I am proud of myself. And I plan to continue this triumphant-ness for the rest of my college experience. 4 more semesters. Woot.<br /><br />I had plans to move out of stadium terrace with my, current and awesome, roommate Jamie. That has fallen through and really seems to not have been the right thing. While I am disappointed in the non-move, I have been pleased with changes in the ward and am feeling more a part of the people there and am ok to stay for this summer. But, I'm still looking for a different place for the Fall. I need to have my own room!!!! I can't handle it anymore. And please not 6 roommates anymore!! eesh! I have had over 30 roommates in my life. That's a lot. All of whom I have loved. It was roommates who got me to first blog. :) <span style="font-size:85%;">(Thanks Rebecca. )</span> At least I know that I have a lot of people I could refer a future husband to if he wants to ask people what I am like to live with. baha... jk I won't be doing that.<br /><br />Just in case you were wondering, I am not dating anyone. Though I do have hope. Which has been a struggle to hold on to in the last year. But it's getting stronger and more constant again. which is nice. I thank my Heavenly Father for that. <br /><br />I am still working at the library. I love my job. Lots. It has been awesome.<br /><br />LDC ended for me 10 days ago. This is bitter sweet. I will have to post more on that when I am not at work...shhh. <br /><br />Meanwhile, I have a good semester coming up. I am going to work as a chaperone for my Aunt's prestigious Opera Workshop this summer. I'm excited!! especially for the money. That is honestly my main excitement at the moment. But it will be good to be around such talented young people for 3 weeks in July. Also, I am planning my Junior Recital for July 9th. Lots of hard work but it's going to be great. I will remind people as it gets closer. But it's got some great music (a harp will be accompanying me for some of it!). <br /><br />Anyway, I should end this. I was just reading blogs this morning and felt a need to revive my blogging self again. Peace to you. Have a fabulous day. The weather is getting so nice!!!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-38004946946136430942011-02-22T20:20:00.003-07:002011-02-22T20:27:05.495-07:00teaching<div><br />I want to teach voice lessons.<div><br /></div><div>Someday soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have so much in me to give and I want an outlet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, I struggle through French 1020, Aural SKills 2, Music History 2, Opera Work shop, Health, Chamber choir, Voice lessons, and LDC, this semester. NO WONDER I FEEL REALLY BUSY.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am looking forward to going to</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.unionstreetinn.com/images/sanfrancisco3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 519px; height: 390px;" src="http://www.unionstreetinn.com/images/sanfrancisco3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>For Spring break with the Chamber Choir. YAY! practically free trip to San Francisco where I get to sing! I am excited. March 15-20 is when this happiness takes place. <div><br /></div><div>I'd better get back to some homework.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-32789539879905619962011-02-14T18:13:00.003-07:002011-02-14T19:05:36.137-07:00Chosing happiness<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >The Lord is in my life. It is evidenced in so many things. I am on a path of acceptance, and I'm getting there. Little by little I come to accept His will for me more fully. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >Though the path I am on right now causes me pain and loneliness at times I know that it is there for me to become the best me that I can be. It hurts, and I hate it sometimes. But </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >I trust him</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >I was having a talk with my roommates the other day, and one of them told us about this article in the </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://lds.org/ensign/2011/02?lang=eng">February Ensign</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >. This is what struck us all </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://lds.org/ensign/2011/02/did-i-still-love-him?lang=eng">"<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >I have learned not to sacrifice hope in order to bury pain.</span>"</a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >I am working on that. I do a pretty good job most of the time. But sometimes I need to be reminded. Last night my home-teacher said (with out me having said </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >anything </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" >about being single) that we have the choice to be happy or sad and if we let our singleness depress us or if we continue to be happy through it all. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >I can choose.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;" > Though it's a hard choice sometimes, I continue to choose happiness. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;" >I choose happiness</span><br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-80932795008684111732010-11-27T21:31:00.003-07:002010-11-27T22:03:00.341-07:00Craziness that I'm apparently grateful for.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Crazy days. That's sums up my life for the last 3 months. I have had a really good semester. Only 2 weeks left! yikes. The semester has been <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SOOOO</span> busy. I have actually been amazed at my ability to roll with the punches and keep on top of all the things I am doing. This semester, for the most part, I have felt like I have finally come into my own. I was actually being the student I've always known I could be. <div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>But I don't deal well with change. It takes me a while to readjust. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So when I started dating someone in the beginning of October, I dropped a ball or two that I was juggling. And I picked them back up again after a couple of weeks. But it's the end of the semester and I am so stressed out I have no motivation or excitement for anything. Which drives me nuts. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>For the most part, I did a really good job juggling <b>everything</b>. But I found, that as project deadlines came knocking this month, I started to drop the balls again. And I am now realizing that my spirituality has suffered. I'm so distracted by all that I have to do, that I can't focus on things. The most frustrating of which is my scriptures and saying prayers. I feel like I'm in a funk. I'm not doing anything terrible. But I'm also not where I want to be. And it's OK, I'll get back out of it. Life is about figuring out these kinds of things, like learning to have your spirit overcome your body, even in new situations. While I am struggling to do all I committed to at the beginning of the semester, before I was dating someone, I know that I can do this. Even when I really don't feel like I can, like on days like today. </div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>With a 10-page paper looming over my head, due in 2 days, that I haven't really even started, I want to just crawl in a magic hole and rewind time, so that I didn't have a cold the whole of Thanksgiving week (Which was great, by the way. I loved being with my happy little family.) and then I could have gotten myself to do more homework and less sleeping. But you know what? That's life. And I am choosing to be a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">creator of my circumstances</span>. I don't have to be a victim to things that happen to me. I just have to keep reminding myself of that. And so, with that in mind, I guess I will end this long over-due post, and get on to the stinking paper about Bach and Handel that I have....get to write.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Life is good. I truly can't complain. I am so blessed I don't even see it all. And when I stop to think about it, my heart swells with gratitude for all the love that I've been given and shown and for the life that He has lead me to have. I know it will only get better with him steering me. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I'm off to research dead composers! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!</div><div>Joanna</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Things I am doing</b></div><div><ul><li>LDC- Institute choir :4 hours a week of rehearsals and then personal practices and the performances are just about to start</li><li>UVU Chamber Choir: 3 hrs/week and 2 concerts coming up</li><li>Voice Lessons: 1 hr or more practicing a day + weekly master class and voice lesson</li><li>Chamber Music class: 1credit, learn one song, perform 1 song in a concert in 2 weeks</li><li>Astronomy 1040: 3cr class, I rarely go...But do ok on the tests.</li><li>Biology 1010: 3cr, I have a great teacher.... Biology is just not my subject</li><li>Music History part 1: 3cr This is the class with the huge paper, and one big fat final left</li><li>French 1010: 4cr. I love this class. But I don't have enough time to really learn all the vocab. </li><li>My job at the library:14 hrs a week.</li></ul>Thats a total of </div><div><ul><li>4 different things I memorize music for</li><li>3, 3 credit classes. 1, 4 cred class, and 3, 1 credit classes, and LDC, and an Institute class</li><li>And my job</li><li>And my calling. Which has a minimal time commitment, for which I am grateful for. </li></ul><div>YEs. I am insane. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-76146638374596771982010-08-09T16:45:00.002-06:002010-08-09T16:49:25.559-06:00Some Summer adventures. a visual post<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A picture says a thousand words. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are 13,ooo words of what I've been doing this summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">enjoy</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCooJJsuYv5G9zT8dQjHFDVN7GOIpacH_dkF6kyMWXAmbDNzBpZ9hb5nygfcbPGMC2mr-0IyXbxZ3ArDt2g7J1W1Y3dqh8zQcD10Vz9ZiTJ_v6RCdB6SRYIjLmjgGmYxR6QsTKrBDTrLgh/s1600/My+Pictures.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCooJJsuYv5G9zT8dQjHFDVN7GOIpacH_dkF6kyMWXAmbDNzBpZ9hb5nygfcbPGMC2mr-0IyXbxZ3ArDt2g7J1W1Y3dqh8zQcD10Vz9ZiTJ_v6RCdB6SRYIjLmjgGmYxR6QsTKrBDTrLgh/s400/My+Pictures.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503545385629334018" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-53946980527936357772010-07-31T12:12:00.007-06:002010-07-31T13:18:26.562-06:00library-nessI <span style="font-size:180%;">LOVE</span> my job at the <a href="http://www.uvu.edu/library/">library</a>. I am writing this post from the library.<br /><br />You know you have a good job when you usually look forward to working and when, if you're having a bad day, you go in to work and always feel better by the end of your shift.<br /><br />Here are some reasons why it's so great:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Great co-workers.<br />Interesting Patrons<br />Great hours.<br />Great co-workers<br />no-stress<br />conveniently close to school<br />Great co-workers and bosses.<br />AND my pay checks are tax-free during the school year, since I get paid from a grant. love it.</span><br /><br />Sometimes, I don't even want to leave when my shift is over.<br /><br />And today, I have 2 stories to share with you from yesterday's shift.<br /><br />During the shift, my co-worker comes in the back (where I also happened to be.) to tell SupervisorCS what had just happened out front. You need to know, before I begin, that Mike Freeman is the Director of the Library, the big-wig, head honcho. I think the only person he reports to is President Holland (president of UVU). Anyway.<br />Co-worker begins. Gentleman A comes down and returns a text-book(2hour checkout only.)<br />2 minutes later friend of Gentleman A, Gentleman B(G.B.), comes down and asks if he can check out the same book. Yet, Gentleman B does not attend UVU, does not have a library card, <span style="font-weight: bold;">is not allowed to check out said textbook.<br /></span>So, c0-worker explains this to G.B. but G.B. wants to use his drivers license as collateral. No go. not allowed.<br />G.B says to co-worker, "Do you know Mike Freeman?"<br />Co-worker, "uh.. sort of. I know who he is. But, I don't really know him."<br />G.B "Well, Mike is my neighbor. You don't think he would mind if I checked this book out, do you? Why don't you call him and ask if it's ok."<br />ok, A, it's 8 o'clock at night. B, G.B wants us to call our boss' boss' boss, <span style="font-weight: bold;">at home</span>!<br />Co-worker says, "Well, if you want to call and ask, go right a head. otherwise, you can wait the 30 minutes and your friend can come and check it out again."<br />Haha, Name dropping at the library. Gotta love it. <br /><br />Also, last night, I was on the closing shift. 6-midnight.<br />I'm in the back, laminating some books. And my supervisor comes and starts chatting with me. I'm not sure how, but we got on the topic of ghosts. And he proceeds to tell me this experience he had while he was on his mission, while serving as a Zone Leader in Tooele Utah. Basically there was a ghost in an Elders' apartment and my supervisor didn't believe them. When he went to check it out for himself he heard voices and saw the bathroom light rapidly flashing on and off and saw a door slam shut. Anyway, the next day he had that companionship moved out. <br /><br />So, then we start talking about scary movies we've all seen. (By this time other co-workers had joined in.) And Supervisor decided to show us some videos on YouTube of real life ghost sitings. Now, this doesn't really bother me. I am more scared by the fake movies than the real thing. Just because the movies are incredibly exaggerated. Anyway, I get home after we close the library and I'm finally getting in bed at right around 1am. I had washed my face and everything, and I went in my room and left the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> light off</span> and closed the blinds and found myself in serious<span style="font-weight: bold;"> darkness</span>. So, I hop in bed and keep telling myself not to freak out. No worries. I feel good, my mind is just trying to play tricks on me. The closet door was <span style="font-style: italic;">open</span> and I was nervous about things hiding inside. Finally, I was getting so sleepy and about to fall asleep, when I felt something on my cheek! <span style="font-size:130%;">I flinched in horror</span> and brushed my hand over where I had felt something. And I find....my decorative pillow, the corner of which had grazed my cheek. I picked my pillow up and threw it in annoyance. And I feel asleep two seconds later. It's a good thing I was exhausted.<br /><br />the end.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-10958624564826994702010-07-10T12:29:00.005-06:002010-07-31T13:19:49.115-06:00Library learnings<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Sophomania</span><br />noun<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">To have a delusion that you have greater or superior intelligence than others. </span></span><br /><br />baha! I think lots of people have this at times. I probably have it sometimes too. It's a disease, Watch out for it!<br /><br />This little jewel comes from the book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foyles-Philavery-Christopher-Foyle/dp/0550103295">Foyle's Philavary: A Treasury of Unusual Words</a>".<br />Library of Congress catalog number: <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">PE1460 .F635. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Look for it at your library!<br /><br />Also,</span> I learned about the Bubble Boy today. Did you know there was a real Bubble boy? I didn't. I thought it was just some made up movie. I didn't think anyone would actually subject a child to a life like that. sad day. The poor kid really lived in a bubble his entire life. Until he died at the age of 12. He had a immune deficiency disease. I know about those! (If I had a past blog to refer you to read about that, I would. But I don't. Just know that, my immune system hated my liver for a while. ) Any way, the Bubble Boy's name is David Vetter. He was from Texas. :) Anyway, basically, the kid suffered from doctors that suffered from <span style="font-size:130%;">sophomania.</span> basically. look it up on Wikipedia.<br /><br />In real life. I mean, my life. The Summer is great. I'm loving the weather. embracing my A/C-less car. I love being a renter and getting management to fix all issues in my apartment, namely, the formerly broken A/C. Other than that.... I'm just flirting it up. (that sounds really bad.) No, but really, I'm trying to be friendly and get dates and such. I am earnestly seeking that eternal companion of mine. Wherever he may be. No more games please. uh, and I'm just working at the fabulous <a href="http://www.uvu.edu/library/">Lib. </a><br /><br />This week the <a href="http://www.the-zajick-program-for-young-singers.org/">Institute for Young Dramatic Voices</a> (IYDV) is starting up again. And I will be volunteering my time, again. My Aunt, <a href="http://www.the-zajick-program-for-young-singers.org/meetourfaculty.html">Sarah Agler, and my voice teacher, Rosemary Mathews</a>, have paired up with <a href="http://www.dolorazajick.com/biography.htm">Dolora Zajick</a>, a world traveled Mezzo Soprano. Don't worry, she's just sung at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and Sidney Australia, is all. (these three ladies know each other from school. in Nevada, I believe.) anyway, I will hopefully get a lesson in with my Aunt while she's here from San Diego. Anyway, good summer times.<br /><br />Hope your summer is just as happy, fun, and relaxing as mine!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /></strong>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-82702142703698765642010-06-18T23:03:00.011-06:002010-06-20T13:10:50.993-06:00It's the little things in life. Toilets.<span style="font-size:130%;">I have a secret joy</span>. When using a public restroom it is the best to walk in to the stall and see pink/green/<span style="font-weight: bold;">blue water</span>. Why? Because this means that you are the first person to use it since it was last sanitized. And that is a good feeling.<br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQqUXWXeoCESirsyzQcs965MNQsV6SUzpw8HU2ADvO3A4MVFCBTW3xNRKHwbXCSUnpr5nTpUHx5j5-dDqxoUV5l5-gnjtJKNfHrDVfM12-6e0vKqi8Mo2Jh06Q2ZaQPK-C1Pc6qieQ9Py/s1600/person-cleaning-toilet_~1449035.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQqUXWXeoCESirsyzQcs965MNQsV6SUzpw8HU2ADvO3A4MVFCBTW3xNRKHwbXCSUnpr5nTpUHx5j5-dDqxoUV5l5-gnjtJKNfHrDVfM12-6e0vKqi8Mo2Jh06Q2ZaQPK-C1Pc6qieQ9Py/s320/person-cleaning-toilet_~1449035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484350880439239010" border="0" /></a><a id="KonaLink1" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://listverse.com/2009/06/15/15-fascinating-facts-about-toilets/#"><span style="color: rgb(0, 200, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.2px;color:#00c800;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 200, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: relative;font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13.2px;" ><br /></span></span></a></p> <p><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are some interesting toilets and some facts about the toilet. Enjoy!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8kOHD34XK0Xk7uKHqypJYcohGtaXXZnfp0khk2Jf8cx34rjjPPD76OVS0WVCRkvmSVb6wsDjgK3qyDDJpAFVoK4THqXgW2F37iR13OO1Qe-pPReGUloIPcYwKheGLhDIF7DHXDAHsZEd/s1600/SinkPositive.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8kOHD34XK0Xk7uKHqypJYcohGtaXXZnfp0khk2Jf8cx34rjjPPD76OVS0WVCRkvmSVb6wsDjgK3qyDDJpAFVoK4THqXgW2F37iR13OO1Qe-pPReGUloIPcYwKheGLhDIF7DHXDAHsZEd/s320/SinkPositive.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484350891814760530" border="0" /></a></p><p>this is a "green" toilet. it lets you wash your hands and that water goes down into the tank to be used the next time the toilet is flushed. Very cool. I want one.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2qVS1k2UirCfgfTr0kvAxzUf-IUrXZUkN6bkTEyAYYK5onIXhOWwDhm0qsuJWVuG_cpdpxp4ZK9-OC14vWR9tfjFcPzLQ3ILLgWWQk_ip9Uyd5Wo7VnTsUR_w-anuSlYlce1y0RhiHXW/s1600/self+cleaning+toilet.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 103px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2qVS1k2UirCfgfTr0kvAxzUf-IUrXZUkN6bkTEyAYYK5onIXhOWwDhm0qsuJWVuG_cpdpxp4ZK9-OC14vWR9tfjFcPzLQ3ILLgWWQk_ip9Uyd5Wo7VnTsUR_w-anuSlYlce1y0RhiHXW/s320/self+cleaning+toilet.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484350888105747426" border="0" /></a></p><p>This toilet is a self cleaning one. I used one like it in Germany I think. It cleans the seat after every use!! Glorious!! The thing at the back of the seat actually has the cleaning stuff and the seat rotates, which is why its a perfect circle. :) genius!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/fish-bowl-toilet.jpg"><img src="http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/fish-bowl-toilet-tm.jpg?w=262&h=350" alt="Fish-Bowl-Toilet" border="1" vspace="4" width="262" height="350" hspace="4" /></a></p><p>This is just Cool! I'm not sure if those are real fish or not. I don't know how it would work, but kinda cool. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/couple-toilet.jpg"><img src="http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/couple-toilet-tm.jpg?w=250&h=350" alt="Couple-Toilet" border="1" vspace="4" width="250" height="350" hspace="4" /></a></p><p>I'm not really sure what this is... A Siamese toilet?!?! I guess... Don't know the purpose.... I don't want to use a toilet where my butt would touch someone else's. Maybe it's just a photo shop trick... </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">13 Facts about toilets. </span><br /></p><p>1. Int the film “Psycho” was the first movie to show a toilet flushing – the scene caused an inpouring of complaints about indecency</p><p>2. Pomegranates studded with cloves were used as the first attempt at making toilet air-freshner</p> <p>3. Over $100,000 US dollars was spent on a study to determine whether most people put their toilet paper on the holder with the flap in front or behind; the answer: three out of four people have the flap in the front</p> <p>4. King George II of Great Britain died falling off a toilet on the 25th of October 1760</p> <p><a name="item-2"></a> </p> <p>5. The average person spends three whole years of their life sitting on the toilet</p> <p>6. The first toilet stall in a row is the least used (and consequently cleanest)</p> <div style="text-align: left;font-size:80%;"><span class="wiki"><!--wasjust paying the bills--></span></div>7. An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide do not have access to proper toilet facilities, particularly in rural areas of China and India. <p>8. The Roman army didn’t have toilet paper so they used a water soaked sponge on the end of a stick instead!</p> <p>9. The toilet is flushed more times during the super bowl halftime than at any time during the year.</p> <p><a name="item-3"></a> </p> <p>10. 90% of pharmaceuticals taken by people are excreted through urination. Therefore our sewer systems contain heavy doses of drugs. A recent study by the EPA has found fish containing trace amounts of estrogen, cholesterol-lowering drugs, pain relievers, antibiotics, caffeine and even anti-depressants.</p> <p>11. Lack of suitable toilets and sanitation kills approximately 1.8 million people a year, many of them children. </p> <p>12. The toilet handle in a public restroom can have up to 40,000 germs per square inch.</p> <p>13. In a 1992 survey, British public toilets were voted the worst in the world. Following quickly behind were Thailand, Greece, and France.</p><p><br /></p><p>Haha, sorry if the content offended. It's not my norm!<br /></p>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-16793750303868223502010-06-16T20:19:00.002-06:002010-06-16T20:28:11.042-06:00Sunday Blunders<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">Usually my ward is really great. And people give great talks. But there have been a couple, of late, that have really raised the eyebrows.<br /> Firstly, there was the guy that got up two weeks ago and said that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nephi</span> was no "beef cake", and that we could <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">discover</span> these kinds of "crack-pot theories" if you read the scriptures. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nephi</span> was studious in the scriptures and so therefore he couldn't be a beef cake.... The man said the words "beef cake" and "crack pot theories over and over again. I think we all were just waiting for the bishop to ask him to sit down. It was pretty touch and go the whole talk. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Haha</span>! he's a nice guy and all, just came across the wrong way. But just remember kids, if you read the scriptures you can come up with these crackpot theories too!<br /><br />Then there was this girl who was talking about virtues. And how they have the i-t-y endings. She's listing a few and says we need virtues like, "charity, humility, and the virtue of<i> fertility</i>...uh I mean fidelity. Oh man..wow." That one was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">soo</span> funny. The whole congregation had to pull it together. Then she went on and talked about her not so clean past. There's nothing like revealing past transgressions to make an audience feel uncomfortable. Poor girl.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;">Anyway, I hope we return to normalcy soon, Although it is entertaining. If you have had any funny Sacrament meeting slip ups please share!</span></span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-45501810512089455982010-06-04T09:19:00.009-06:002010-06-04T10:26:43.122-06:00lazy days<div>For a while I was thinking I had nothing new to say; after reading several of my friends' blogs, I am inspired and I will give you something brief for a change.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>These are the things I'm spending my summer days doing. I only work 18 hours a week, so I get to do a lot of play.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Sleep, as much as I want.</li><li>TV- Getting to catch up on Bones, 19 kids and counting, Glee and other various t.v. shows. Although I try to limit myself here.</li><li>Trips to the Library! Love it. I've been riding the bike to the Provo Lib. So great! and then hauling 10 books in my bag on the way back. Free books is such a great idea. Here is the stack I had on my dresser next to my bed. from various libraries. :) I'm so meant to work at the library like I do.</li></ul> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3PcyBWRLAOWrsE8S0UAwJvVUc-WjKf5fJnkwNKg78CMdihmKw9XZhWCUxYgmkR6s0MfacYoNjfvQPu_jtAHBurLrPw7Y9OCAkUT5t1IZMjblj6RmCB29bdkSh5ijUR2rEszhKK87bvWT/s1600/booksfromlib.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3PcyBWRLAOWrsE8S0UAwJvVUc-WjKf5fJnkwNKg78CMdihmKw9XZhWCUxYgmkR6s0MfacYoNjfvQPu_jtAHBurLrPw7Y9OCAkUT5t1IZMjblj6RmCB29bdkSh5ijUR2rEszhKK87bvWT/s200/booksfromlib.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478945902170042914" /></a></div></div><div><ul><li>Getting ready for classes in the Fall...</li><li>Watching Horatio Hornblower <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tv</span> movies. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ioan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gruffudd</span> is super hunky. (He also played Mr. Fantastic, in the Fantastic 4.) too bad he's married. Well, I mean, that is good for him. :) but I still like to look at him. And I usually don't get that superficial. Besides him, these movies are pretty good. If you like the seafaring, naval type show.</li></ul> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3dxN4QPc93kordnByn2ySW6kYkNrSkXbmwqVLxsq2hGec0IDsf8nnV29_75cS2dF7dVU_o_PNhosfLIM5aQZWhjlZPS0Nu5-Z4qD59qorA7owthxlDH4tmlOSwClwlryyZiYOcDvIaLR/s1600/horatiohornblower.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3dxN4QPc93kordnByn2ySW6kYkNrSkXbmwqVLxsq2hGec0IDsf8nnV29_75cS2dF7dVU_o_PNhosfLIM5aQZWhjlZPS0Nu5-Z4qD59qorA7owthxlDH4tmlOSwClwlryyZiYOcDvIaLR/s200/horatiohornblower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478948747440660722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div><ul><li>Singing and practicing more. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">yay</span>!</li><li>Going to Institute! Also, I got my certificate of graduation/completion for Institute! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Saweet</span>!</li><li>Going to the temple more. For my own family!</li><li>Doing family history. I will have to post more on this later.</li><li>I've thought a lot about exercising. </li><li>Spent more time with Ben, my great brother. He's been taking me to movies. Last week we saw Prince of Persia. SO GOOD!! I loved it. I don't get overly enthusiastic about things, but I really thought this was a great movie. Perfect mix of action, romance, and mystery. He's pretty hunky too, if you like the long haired warrior look. Disney hopes this movie to be the start of the next Pirates of the Caribbean. </li></ul> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtGtr0XIu-UCJHg7clQ0Dh7q-T4UcO5o-0sofO2JazA6B2W9rtmlxlOi_JGTky-vRroUQoDCkg2cJj7dnmGCAcOd-_dNXmBm835zgOvi_gHFvH5KxQGOkf5GAujZ7dQqJFbcc-gmYAv-d/s1600/prince-of-persia-movie-poster-jake-gyllenhaal-01.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtGtr0XIu-UCJHg7clQ0Dh7q-T4UcO5o-0sofO2JazA6B2W9rtmlxlOi_JGTky-vRroUQoDCkg2cJj7dnmGCAcOd-_dNXmBm835zgOvi_gHFvH5KxQGOkf5GAujZ7dQqJFbcc-gmYAv-d/s200/prince-of-persia-movie-poster-jake-gyllenhaal-01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478951466949246562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div><ul><li>I've been looking for a second job, half <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">heartedly</span>. This playing is too nice to give up...</li><li>Spending time with my roommates and other friends.</li></ul>All in all, the "Summer" has been great so far. Cool weather and good times. I am happy and loving it. Getting recharged for the craziness of school. Life is good, Heavenly Father is great!</div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BJ8tqi_xM6Ls492stugE3Na11rPa6V8McOCvjLkHmBMU1ZhyASwyoY3k8ssUOJO75XqUDvDYE7qSJjYhmxUUy0Bv2VRI0o7zYDzOG-RMBc7wq2XT9HxW5pI1bE6jUhzKCvFdA5PP03RV/s1600/new+hair+cutmay10.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BJ8tqi_xM6Ls492stugE3Na11rPa6V8McOCvjLkHmBMU1ZhyASwyoY3k8ssUOJO75XqUDvDYE7qSJjYhmxUUy0Bv2VRI0o7zYDzOG-RMBc7wq2XT9HxW5pI1bE6jUhzKCvFdA5PP03RV/s200/new+hair+cutmay10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478954639459617714" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-47758685107002106812010-05-16T18:25:00.011-06:002010-05-16T19:49:32.595-06:00The beat goes on.So, I've just realized that I have this tendency to stop blogging when things are going well for me. So, my absence of late, in the blogging world, is a good sign.<div><br /></div><div>Well, lets see. I finished the semester. I had 5 classes. of which I received two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bs</span> and the rest I will need to retake. Bah. oh well. I have forgiven myself for my lack of good-grade-getting skills. I did my best. Also, I learned a lot. And I will learn a lot when I re-take those other 3 classes. *eye roll*</div><div><br /></div><div>Just before I got my final grades I did a lot of thinking about school and wondering what on earth I was doing. I had little motivation. In part because of the Personal chaotic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">whilrwind</span> of my life. But I also realized it was because I was pursuing a degree to become a high school choir teacher. And guess what?<b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>I DON'T WANT TO BE A HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR TEACHER</b></span><b>!</b> There. I said it. No offense to those that do want to be that. But to go after that goal, feels like a sentence for prison to me. So, I'm not gonna do it. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I went in to take my Conducting Final (Final grade a B+. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BooYah</span>!) my teacher was giving me some pointers about my conducting goals. And I told him I didn't want to be a HS Choir teach. But that I supposed I would have to if I ever wanted to teach in College. (Which deep down, is what I've always known I wanted to do.) And, God bless him, Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Colonna</span> said I didn't have to! He asked what about music I really like to do. I shyly told him that I have a secret passion for Music Theory. And he exclaimed, "Then do THAT!" Joy filled my heart as he explained to me that I could get a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">masters degree IN music theory</span>! I had no idea! I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SOOO</span> excited. And that, because it's a pretty rare degree, I would probably be able to get an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">assistanceship</span> while I went to grad school. Which means they pay for your tuition while you help teach under-grad classes. HOW COOL! And that the teaching you do while working on your degree counts as collegiate experience which you can put on your resume when you go looking for a job! way cool! And so,<b> for the first time in 5 years, I am really excited about my future plans with music.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I want to be a college professor in Music Theory </span>and teach Voice lessons, and conduct a little choir if they'd let me. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry that was a lot about music. But I just have to add, I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> can graduate in 4 more semesters!</span> huzzah! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, to end, I am going to shift to things of a spiritual nature. So, about two posts ago I mentioned after Andrew and I broke up that I was pretty optimistic about the future despite the pain. But after two weeks after, the first week of April, I really started to take it hard. I had been in shock. And the full pain of my loss hit me. I ached over the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">loss of my</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">dream</span>. I know it will happen for me one day. But I had thought it was happening now. And losing that was <i>excruciatingly painfu</i>l for me. I had an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>ever-present</i></span> pain in my heart. I stopped smiling, when I wasn't in front of people. I <b>cried</b> in my car. I would go for days without an appetite, and then I would eat all sugar within site. I didn't go to my morning classes for the last 5 weeks of school probably. I even <b>slept</b> through my shift at the temple a time or two and work. I was <b>depressed</b> and hurting a lot. I've had my heart broken before over various things. True heart brake. But this was the most i<b>nvasive and encompassing heartbreak</b> I have felt, to date. And I<b> couldn't focus</b> on my school work. So, I was worried about the whole semester being a waste and I fell even more behind. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ANYway</span>. It was rough. (There were also worries about family and work that were weighing on me at this time.)</div><div>BUT on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> of April I was passing out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">flyers</span> for my concert and took one to my Home Teacher's home and just started chatting. (BTW, these were the two best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">HTs</span> a girl could have asked for. They always brought the Spirit into my home and they came over the day after I broke up with Andrew and were so awesome as I started bawling and gave me great support and council.) Any way we had a visit and I asked for a blessing from them. (Remember, my heart was still hurting as it had been just a month since the break up. ) But Harris and Trevor gave me a blessing and it was SO perfect and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">healing</span>. Few blessings in my life, and I've had a lot, have given me such <b>immediate relief</b>. I was blessed to have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">hope again</span> and that my heart would be healed. After I they finished the blessing I got ready to go to my show, and I was already back to my old <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">happy self </span>by the time I got to the Institute. The next day as I drove to school I was listening to the radio and singing loud with the windows rolled down and smiling, just being by myself. And that hadn't happened for months. I just want to testify that the Priesthood is real and that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Heavenly Father </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">loves, knows</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">has compassion</span> for us. He <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">understands</span> our weaknesses so intimately. And loves us still. I am so grateful for His love and help through all of the winds and storms that will come to me in this life. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">With him</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">it is all possible.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>And so, now that I am feeling back to my old self, the beat goes on. </div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-52637791630896826212010-04-12T10:50:00.010-06:002010-04-12T11:00:37.328-06:00Destination: Overwhelmed<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Ladies and Gentlemen, we would like to thank you for traveling with us. We have arrived at the destination of </span></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Overwhelmed</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">where every step you take looks like Mount Everest</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For those of you that had a connection to </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Straight A City</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, that flight has been <i>cancelled</i> and re-routed through </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Failure</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Thank you for trying.</span></span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-14793019439899496002010-04-05T20:57:00.005-06:002010-04-05T22:01:32.502-06:00Sometimes He Lets it Rain<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">I've had a rough semester. And I got some disappointing news tonight. Not devastating. Just disappointing. And I was wondering to myself why He won't just let me catch a break. And this song popped into my head. I feel this way. I am in both places each verse describes. I feel the storm clouds raging. But I also see how far I've come. But right now He IS letting it rain in my life. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She sees the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">storm cloud</span>s gather</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The sky is turning cold and grey</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>knows</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> that somethings coming</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When she starts to feel this way</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She <b>pleads</b> for intervention</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But Heaven <i>offers no relief</i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But she would understand </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> she could only see</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He</span> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">lets </span></i>it rain;</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He lets the fierce winds blow</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes it takes a storm </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To lead a heart where it can grow.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">He can</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> move mountains of grief</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And oceans of pain.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But sometimes He lets it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> rain</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When her heart surrenders</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To the <b>Master in control</b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Her </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>spirit learns</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> the lessons </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Of the tempest in her soul</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When it's <i>no longer</i> raging </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">She can see <b>how far</b> she's come </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Through</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> the wisdom </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and the mercy of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">the Son</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes He lets it rain;</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He lets the <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">fierce</span></i> winds blow</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes it takes a storm </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To lead a heart where it can grow.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>He can</b> move mountains of grief</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And oceans of pain.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">But sometimes He lets it rain</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6633FF;">But Storms can't last forever</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6633FF;">.</span></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-5440731700795562362010-03-27T20:42:00.002-06:002010-03-27T21:52:30.950-06:00no one understands<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well, here it is. Andrew and I broke up. for good. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I hate saying that. <div><br /></div><div>3 weeks ago, we went on a "break". In which we decided he had 2 weeks to decide whether he wanted to marry me, or not. </div><div><br /></div><div>You see we had dated for 10 months already. And in my book, I was ready to either get headed down the isle, so to speak, or move on. We had talked about getting married in August but hadn't made any commitments or definite plans. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the two week break was up last week and he called and we met and talked. And he decided that there were sacrifices I was asking him to make, that he wasn't willing to make. And if he wasn't willing now, he wouldn't be willing when we got married either. And so, that was that. There are more details, too many to share, that in the end make this the right decision. And he is right, if he can't do it now, he wouldn't then, and we would both be unhappy. I don't want to get into the details of what made our relationship good and what made it not work. There's too much of that. But I will say, I was very happy with him at times, and had hope for that happiness to last into eternity. I think that he saw those happy times, when we were at our best, and it scared him, and he would back off. And that is what made it not good. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, in the aftermath of my first breakup, I am feeling surprisingly good. and surprisingly terrible. I was in love with him. I thought I was going to marry him. I had dreamed of so many things about a future with him. I knew he had weaknesses, but they weren't "deal breaker" ones. I could deal with them. We were so compatible in so many ways. He made me laugh, and he made me smile. And we always wanted to do the same things. Our interests overlapped a lot, and it made for having a good time with him, always. I loved to talk about Gospel things with him, because he knows the scriptures so well. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, when it comes down to it, it seems that I have had more life experiences and have had practice walking into the darkness and having Faith in the Lord and His plan. And now, looking back there were signs, that it wasn't going to work out. But, I was just hoping that something would change and he would decide he really wanted to be IN love with me and not just love me. But that never happened. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, some days I am ok. Monday and Tuesday were ok. But the rest of the week has been a struggle. I did a survey thing for LDC and it asked the question "what is the most exciting thing that has happened to you this year?" and I could not think of a single really great thing that has happened to me. It has been a rough semester. And now I understand why I am behind in my classes. And it is a little overwhelming to have gone through and to be going through all that I have and am. I got Mono in January, which was right in the middle of my parent's loosing their home. I grew up in that house for 13 and a half years. And the bank foreclosed because my dad lost his job last June, and hasn't been making payments. So, they had to move out of the house by the first of February. So, I got REALLY behind in my classes. Then, the mono really ended up being a catalyst to my relationship with Andrew ending. So, Mono, Parent's moving, breakup with someone I thought I was going to marry, all in three months. It's been a lot. </div><div><br /></div><div>The point I really wanted to make is this, I know God has someone out there for me. I know he will show up at the right time. I have faith in His plan for me. But it hurts right now. And there is no one that has been able to make me feel better by saying something to me. I know everyone has good intentions. But it just frustrates me and makes it more apparent that no one understands my experience and exactly what I am feeling at the time. Only my Savior does. He has been through it all. Now I can draw upon His strength to get me through this when no one else can. I appreciate all the love and support from all my dear friends and family. But no one (not even myself really.) truly understands the mix of, hope, despair, peace, pain, and faith that I am feeling. (And it's not just the breakup, it's all of those things, combined, that create the recipe of my feelings.)</div><div> </div><div> But thank you for your love, and prayers. I know I will feel better with time. I will heal eventually. And everything will be fine. I know this post is long, but I just wanted to share a quote that I got on Wed. that really helped me to feel better, then I will be done for now. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is Elder Wirthlin from his talk "Come What May." in Oct 2008 General Conference.</div><div>"How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't- at least not in the moment. I don't think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don't think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."</div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-27005809564349029672010-03-09T20:03:00.008-07:002010-04-05T21:53:31.485-06:00becoming<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm a little somber tonight. It was a bit of an emotional weekend and I just can't seem to move past it. Which, if I shared the details, you would tell me it's understandable to not be past it. But I'm not going to share details. (Shocker huh! I am normally very open about my private life. But as this involves someone else, I am not going to be. Today. ) I feel inclined to share some insights. So, this probably won't be very entertaining. sorry.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Firstly, I am inclined to keep an eternal perspective as of late. This is good. I also feel like I am such a weak and simple creature; there is so much about God's all-knowing plan that I do not even have the <i>capacity</i> to comprehend. It </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">amazes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">me how the pieces all fit together. And they always do. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">How does he do it?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I marvel at his ability to guide, everyone's life, so that we can all learn at the rate we need to. How? I think his brain is the size of the universe. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For example. Me. When I was younger, I went through some very interesting trials. Most people my age didn't go through those kinds of things. The foundation of my testimony was built in those years. And in subsequent years it has only grown. I have no doubts about the validity of the truth found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (T</span><a href="http://www.mormon.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.) Let me repeat, NO DOUBTS. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I know</span>. I have been up and down, in and through </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">enough</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> for me to know and no longer just simply believe. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Despite this</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I still have much to learn</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. But, by my side,</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> alway</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s, through the trials, is the assurance that everything will be alright. I do need Him in my life. I can't do it without him. (I can be so lame sometimes. And I hate that part of me.) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">He is my rock</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. No matter what pains and trials come my way... it will be ok. These things are for my good and will give me experience. I must be tried in all things. Not so he knows that I will always stay faithful, but</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> so that I know I will always be true</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. I will then be confident in my gaining exaltation and having earned it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Earning it is relative. None of the glories of eternity would be possible for us without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement is what enables me to let go of my fears because I cannot see the next step to take. It is what gives me the ability to smile and laugh during any trial. There</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> is</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> joy in the journey. He loves us. Ask for the faith promoting experiences you need to become what he wants you to be. Then they will come. And in the end you will look back and be grateful for all the messiness of life he allowed you to go through, because<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> you will have become acquainted with God during your extremities</span>. Nothing is more valuable than that. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Nothing</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is what I know. May you be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">blessed</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, as I have been, am now, and hope to continue to be, with experiences that pull you to your knees. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joanna</span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-9496949128750891852010-02-18T00:54:00.008-07:002010-02-18T01:14:41.678-07:00Because I love him<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyb7pDaoQUwPCP5-Wcrdv2Ve7ng-Kr5WNDHyK2rxoFLybPxT-j2WKqeiVkdUMHND3gdg4FYckhE0pg8bEhvamud6ab3fVQWaeqxIVkU7xn9dd14-KLzCGWU3OC3_DQ2toZefxMhYQ7Fas/s1600-h/colormemineAndrew.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGQaX8mNhuHjwmr2bWH3z4v_Z_ZkN1Mj3XS-R_8CBZ-lxVNtCi-R7OQxZ8A3WFATHsxiqHCvCoxch29ZGwLGAl9R7mDUHVqHq1gDkCi0PmYmdPlys_XEax-4oMItqTkCNvSXKhyOC3apq/s1600-h/colormemineMe.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>so, I've been dating Andrew for a while. I love him. And we're talking about tying the knot. (where does that saying come from?...) Anyway, I have not posted much about him. Except for that one time, when we almost broke up...not the happiest post of my life. So, to make up for the fact that I haven't posted much, I am going to put up all the pictures we have taken together. All of them. Except for the few that his sister has randomly taken of us when we were at his house.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>First...</i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mTmCweWy5gor_GuqKsbLuwlqXmDYGOA8UZ3NDnbpNbKmlWFd94zZ2GGGw1IOOMQKCG4shNslCc_nYcuOsUZLl7oYsHX8bto8GVYqa1k0ZOkh7EWtu8KL13RZ3xI8I8lJis2e9xBd7Woy/s320/Andrew&Joanna1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439489809137739122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>We took these at my best friend's house in November... our first pics after six months of dating...</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWOiq97fhtSF0qAWo-zuLFDps7scGXppd0T0v4zxJDtHOu9UmYzmc4yNIRrxYC6NTkta-W2HZgXujHW8NH740VVM1sda9oYKrQPUYn2a2BAREK4mQHGE3r9M6YXbns3jobeM-tVrlUgrw/s320/Andrew&Joanna3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439490554885643938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vlvKxWQaEq1AHc5d7fRkwOT6dbuoRSYrh-_wktYrqbqPuA41yCeez5SFj9edA_h6uN7oGTMF2QdR4R9NHcY6jfa7ctT6R3nek2_WLM2bC89V8lTlCZh6hRAHVX7qJqWq9PnkSNdGNRcQ/s320/Andrew&Joanna2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439490547595274098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Then we have the pic taken at the conference Center in December after seeing Savior of the World with my dad. </i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tuccShrUPpMHY9tUnU-c0lA76Sz79s0k_UmM6sTa_B7x6YYWKhRWtD4s4cAA6GOKpNxK-l_mkMcJ2gQrXSNF5ZImUmVJ9tIxiqO5c-KFby3mtZ9KrLpf0VpO0Jye5NMzAgz4oBY0T9VV/s320/100_5761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439490562276838306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> </i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>I know that I really have had other events that I wish we would have taken pictures of: Thanksgiving, Christmas, My Birthday, and New Years Eve... probably some others too. But I don't really have a good camera. So, it doesn't happen. maybe that should be a gift to myself. I used to be really into taking pictures all the time. and lastly, these are some pics of Andrew and I on President's Day (celebrating Valentine's day) at Color Me mine. </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGQaX8mNhuHjwmr2bWH3z4v_Z_ZkN1Mj3XS-R_8CBZ-lxVNtCi-R7OQxZ8A3WFATHsxiqHCvCoxch29ZGwLGAl9R7mDUHVqHq1gDkCi0PmYmdPlys_XEax-4oMItqTkCNvSXKhyOC3apq/s320/colormemineMe.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439492807288713874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyb7pDaoQUwPCP5-Wcrdv2Ve7ng-Kr5WNDHyK2rxoFLybPxT-j2WKqeiVkdUMHND3gdg4FYckhE0pg8bEhvamud6ab3fVQWaeqxIVkU7xn9dd14-KLzCGWU3OC3_DQ2toZefxMhYQ7Fas/s320/colormemineAndrew.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439492814640910786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>I love him. the silly face. Yup he likes dinosaurs. </i></span></span></span></span></div></div></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-89221557303434996452010-01-27T12:21:00.004-07:002010-01-27T13:03:14.108-07:00My Spleen hurts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIFdsRApHVbirBfe6SFPsZPVTfgKn1WHpRPpmQ0xpdiAPLQaT-PvL3Z0bFmJa5tWH7kjFRTv45x9Oek18Oa-sqTqIErdRk67Eq6nAiBdSyYwFZBDPmWvsSJmjgqk5nbpcPsxCPbNb29Vx/s1600-h/r7_enlargedspleen.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431511887545191858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIFdsRApHVbirBfe6SFPsZPVTfgKn1WHpRPpmQ0xpdiAPLQaT-PvL3Z0bFmJa5tWH7kjFRTv45x9Oek18Oa-sqTqIErdRk67Eq6nAiBdSyYwFZBDPmWvsSJmjgqk5nbpcPsxCPbNb29Vx/s200/r7_enlargedspleen.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Seriously it does. I have Mono. I asked the Doc yesterday why it hurt to breath. He asked where it hurt and then I told him down at the very bottom of my ribs, by my waist, on my left side. He then asked me to lay down on the table so he could poke me. He determined that because I have mono my spleen is enlarged. </div><br /><div>Doctor cautioned me to not do any crazy activities, like play contact sports or go skiing, or let anyone shove a tuba in my side. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">riiiight</span>, like those are a problem for me. And then I called Andrew to tell him the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">joyous</span> news. I told him he is not allowed to tickle me. He thought I was kidding. Then I told him, "No, seriously, my spleen could burst." Andrew stopped <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">laughing</span> when I said that. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Haha</span>, it's kind of funny to pull that one on people. I mean, as long as I don't let anyone hit my left side, I'll be fine. But, oh the over <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">dramaticness</span> of telling people my spleen might burst. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span>, good times.</div><br /><div>But truly, it does hurt. My side is a little tender. I asked my mom how I could know if my spleen had burst, and she said I would die from bleeding to death in a couple of minutes. wow. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, priority 1: Don't let your spleen burst. Priority 2: get my eyes to not be so puffy.</div><br /><div>So my eyes are ridiculously puffy. They look similar to an 80 year old Asian woman's who isn't getting enough sleep. The bridge of my nose is twice as wide as it should be, and my lids are folding over themselves, sort of, because there is so much fluid in them. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ucky</span>. I pretty much can't open my eyes very much, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> don't want Andrew to see me. I couldn't care less about anyone else. I've tried taking anti-histamines and putting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ice packs</span> on them. Neither of which are helping. it's seriously gross... must find a solution. Bonus though, when wearing my glasses it helps cover up the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">puffiness</span>. But rather frustrated that the Doc had no idea why they were puffy and said to just chalk it up to some kind of allergic reaction....</div><br /><div>Also, my neck is swollen beyond reason. The lymph nodes (?) are probably like twice the size they should be. I have developed a triple chin. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, maybe not, but really, they are large. I can tell just by looking at them that they fighting off this death virus. </div><br /><div>Also, where on earth did I get this from!? I just am baffled. I only kiss one person, and he doesn't have mono. (As far as he knows.) I don't really practice sharing spoons, cups or other saliva covered things with other people. I'm not a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">germaphobe</span>, but I am generally cautious. I guess I wasn't careful enough. Maybe a sick person sneezed on me.... Anyway, either way, this is lame. Gotta go get some more vitamins, I guess. </div><br /><div>This too shall pass. eventually. :) Don't worry, I'm still optimistic about life. </div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-59458848199281482712009-12-17T14:51:00.004-07:002009-12-17T15:05:16.468-07:00little letters of frustrationTo the two dudes sitting in front of me at the computers in the library,<br />SHUT UP. I am trying to write a paper that is due in two hours! And I don't want to hear how you both nailed your econ exams. <br /><br />To certain a certain person,<br />You scheduled way too many performances for us and helped stress me out by doing so. You say that our school is more important than choir, but you definitely helped contribute to my lame grades this semester by asking so much of us. I don't know how to say no very well. And I got a knot in the middle of my back for the first time in my life that would twitch in pain when I was particularly stressed. <br /><br />To the cold I had for 4 weeks,<br />I hate you.<br /><br />To my bad habits of procrastination,<br />I hate you more.<br /><br />To my English teacher,<br />Thanks for being so nice and letting me turn in my paper way late. I wish I was going to get it finished. It probably isn't going to happen. Thanks anyway; I guess I'll take the crap grade.<br /><br />To my roommates,<br />Thanks for throwing me a birthday party last night. Even though it distracted me from doing this paper that I really needed to be doing. I really do love you.<br /><br />To Andrew,<br />Thanks for being you. I wish we had more time for each other. School is stupid (and that is an oxymoron.)<br /><br />To me,<br />Sometimes you suck. Not always, but definitely sometimes. You have got to start doing your homework on time. Take control of your circumstances and create success in your life more often. Don't give up. Keep trying. Forgive yourself. God doesn't care about your grades, he cares about your heart. Learn from this and move on. again.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189727873319229127.post-34646718036287155462009-12-03T10:17:00.003-07:002009-12-03T10:51:25.489-07:00My biggest weaknessI was sitting on the couch this morning thinking. This is the time of the semester I hate. I know that most people feel this way. But really, I feel like I am forced to look at the weakest part of myself every semester at this time. To quote a song written by my roommate, "All my insecurities are staring me down. I'm stumbling off the edge, about to fall." (The rest of her song gets happy, but I'm not ready to get to that part yet.) You see, I love to learn. But I am not a very good student. A bit of a paradox. One thing always goes wrong (usually getting sick, or just realizing how much I've told people I would do.) at mid-point of the semester, and then I never get back on top of things. I keep thinking to myself "this isn't like me." as I explain to my teachers why my assignments are late. But it really is like me. Every semester, the same thing over again. At the beginning of the semester I always start out thinking it will be different this time. That I won't procrastinate my assignments, that I will not turn them in late and I will study on time. But, I loose sight of the end goal when I'm just starting out. I forget that those papers come up a lot faster than you think they do. I always start out on a decent sleep schedule. But by the end of the semester it is sporadic, and I go to bed at 3 on Monday, 11 on Tuesday, 12 on Wednesday 9 on Thursday and 2 on Friday. My body hates me when I do that, and so then I sleep through my classes. I can never decide if it's better to stay up late and do homework, when I can't think anyway, or if I should just go to bed, and hope I'll have time during the day, when I'm awake. Then there are people that I know who seem to balance everything perfectly. For example, I knew a girl in one of my classes, she is a mom of three, double majoring in Dance and Music Ed, and taking like 16 credits. I don't understand how other people can put so much into their lives and survive. I just think that when I have 3 kids, if I'm still in school, ( heaven help me if I am,) that I won't be able to take more than one class and stay sane. let alone 16 credits worth. I guess it comes down to the fact that I need down time, and I am not good at making myself do things I don't want to do. I always forget to schedule in down time when I am planning out my next semester's schedule. I <i>think</i> I get a little better each semester, but, not noticeably enough. I planned things out last spring for this Fall semester. But what I didn't know when I planned my life, was that I would have a boyfriend. That has added to the stress and time management deficiencies I have. I love having Andrew around, and he is an excellent student. But I can't help the emotional ups and downs that have come with him and have effected my ability to get things done at times. Here's a tip, don't date someone that goes to a different school than you and lives in a different town, because you'll never see each other if you both go to school full-time and have jobs. (I go to UVU and live in Provo. He goes to BYU and lives in Springville.) <div><br /></div><div>So you may be wondering about Andrew. I'll add a quick side note. He and I have been dating for 7 months. Craziness. Things are good. But, still not serious that we are legitimately talking about marriage. It's definitely a possibility, which is why we're dating. But it's slow going when you only see each other 2 times a week, and one of those is a night of homework and going to institute. I'm hoping to get lots of time with him after finals. </div><div>My perspectives on dating have changed since I first went out with Andrew. I NEVER thought I would date someone for 7 months plus, and still not know if I was going to marry the guy. (It is highly possible. But we still don't know.) But, because we don't see each other everyday, and never have since we started dating, things are slow. Which I have adjusted to, and become okay with. I wish I could see him everyday. But there are other things factoring into it, besides my wants. Yet, things are good though.</div><div><br /></div><div>so, School, it is the bane of my existence. I wish I was done. Or was just better at it. But I suppose I'll keep trying, and maybe I'll get it down one day. Here's to hoping you're doing better than I am in school. Good luck with your finals if you have them.</div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697140128343864365noreply@blogger.com1