Thanksgiving Food for Thought

Thanksgiving is next week. NEXT WEEK. (Where did the rest of November go? Unbelievable. But I'm glad it's here.) Expressions of gratitude abound at this time of year... but I always wish that same gratitude could abound year-round... Couldn't it?

Joseph B. Wirthlin gave a devotional at BYU back in the year 2000 called: "Live in Thanksgiving Daily." It is such a beautiful talk, and I really recommend reading it. He says in order to live in a way of daily thanksgiving, we need to do three things:

1. Open our Eyes... Unfortunately, because the beauties of life are so abundant, we often take them for granted, and overlook some of our choicest blessings. We need to open our eyes and see the good things in our lives on every layer! Not just friends, family, job, health--but laundry detergent, pillows, shoes, phones, music, water, candy, trees! The list is endless.
2. Open our Hearts... Our hearts are often bound with negative emotion and past scarring. We need to let go of those past aches and let the holes they may leave behind be filled with faith, hope and gratitude.
3. Open our Arms... Our blessings will become more apparent and bountiful if we open our arms and try to bless the lives of those around us. Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "Every time we cheer another's heart, every time we ease another's burden, every time we lift a weary head, we show our gratitude to that God whom we owe all that we have and all that we are."

I love how those three principles lead one right into the next. If we can open our eyes and see the blessings around us, it will be easier for us to open our hearts to greater possibilities and good in the world, and therefore help us open our arms to serve others.

So, living in thanksgiving daily means being grateful, right? Yes, but it also requires action on our part. Going around and telling everything and everyone that you are grateful for them is good, but it is better to live in a way that shows your gratitude. We can't just tell someone that we love them and are grateful for them, we need to show them through service. We can't just say that we're grateful for our bodies, we need to show it by treating them well with exercise and good eating habits. We can't just say we're grateful for a loving God--we need to show it by living His commandments and doing what he would want us to do. We need to express thanks in word and deed.

Life is so good. And it is just so much better when we see the good in it, and act to maintain and foster more good in our lives and the lives of others.

Live in Thanksgiving daily.

Sometimes...

Sometimes an individually wrapped Rolo melts in a pocket of your purse. Instead of attempting to clean out said pocket to save your phone, lip gloss, pen, or any other purse-worthy-pocket object from certain stickiness, you just cover up the caramel mess with an old movie ticket stub and Trident wrapper. Problem solved.

Sometimes you don't write on your blog for months at a time, but you see that it's still getting views and you wonder, "Who in the world is reading this? Especially when I haven't advertised it?" Interesting.

Sometimes you think about the time you spent a week on a sailboat in the Caribbean with a few friends and many strangers. You have to wonder how in the world you snagged such an incredible opportunity for an adventure that wonderful. It all seemed so easy... why can't I go back?

Sometimes you think about someone so much that it makes all your other thoughts fuzzy. Then you end up typing something like this. Shameful.

Sometimes you watch the last episode of the Bachelorette and you just cry. You cry because you're a little ashamed for spending your time in such a way, because maybe you really did just witness two people falling into a lifetime of love. Or you cry because you've become a sympathetic crier and that one girl on there cries all the dang time--you just can't fight it anymore. Valid.

Sometimes you change your living situation. And while you feel good about the change and the progress it could bring, you're concerned that the nearest Which Wich is substantially farther away than it used to be. Dang.

Sometimes you realize that Summer is coming to a close... And that's difficult. You love Summer. The Summer version of you is so fun, spontaneous, carefree and well... tan. But it's okay that the first day of school is tomorrow, because guess what? You love your job too. Ohhhhhhh how you love your job.

Sometimes you just want to end a post without a set conclusion; because, for some reason, those have always been really hard for you to write.

Commuting Confessions

I drive a lot to work. A lot, I tell you. It's much more than some, and not as much as others. Either way, I get sick of it. However, this is the time when I get a lot of thinking done. Very little of it is productive, a lot of it is imaginative, and a bit of it is worrisome. Here are some examples... my "Commuting Confessions."

• Sometimes there will be a car behind me consistently for miles and miles. If they're not riding my tail like an idiot, I start to like them there. They become a familiar sight in my rear-view mirror. It's like having a friend sharing the commuting pain. When they finally move over to exit or travel a little faster in their journey, I feel kind of sad inside. Abandoned. I don't like it.
• I watch people in the cars around me when waiting at a traffic light, and think about different places they could be going, or where they are coming from. It's humbling to be reminded of  how many people are in the world. And they all have their own story! Truly mind-boggling.
• I also like to pay attention to people when traffic is reeeeeaalllly slow. Like, inchworm slow. Sometimes they get really frustrated, to the point of yelling at themselves or banging on the steering wheel. I think that's hilarious. I laugh just thinking about it. Because what can you do? Sometimes you just need to roll down the windows and enjoy a slower pace.
• Semi-trucks remind me of dinosaurs. When they brake, it sounds like some sort of screech/roar. It's true! Then I imagine there's a dinosaur right outside my car!! Now that would be a great story to tell once you got home from work. That is, if you ever made it home... I heard something on the radio the other day that day-dreaming while driving is more dangerous than texting while driving. In my case, this is accurate!
• Too many people in AZ have personalized license plates. This may offend, but a personalized license plate is kind of lame. No, not kind of. It is lame. Unless it's like the one I saw this morning which said, "CHUMBCKT." I always appreciate an obscure SpongeBob Squarepants reference.
• Commutes are much more bearable when you're singing to some great tunes. And you sound stupendous in the car...it's amazing how powerful your voice can sound when the vibrations are bouncing right back at you as soon as they leave your mouth.
• When singing isn't enough to entertain, then there's always syncing. When traffic is crawling, I often resort to lip-syncing. (You know lip-syncing: when you just mouth the words while giving them all the emotion in the world, and pretending you're in front of an audience.) It's always fun, even in a car by yourself. Here is a perfect, and hilarious example of lip-syncing by Jimmy Fallon and John Krasinski. They are both pros! ...And I like to think I'm just as good. :)
• I love (when the weather/temperature permits) to drive with my sunroof open. When I'm on the freeway, it does great things to my hair. I love it because it feels like I'm getting a baby head massage. Is it worth the destruction of my hair-style? Definitely.

^^Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Good Idea/Bad Idea- Stairs

Good Idea: Watching your nephews and cheering them on as they show you the super cool jumps they love doing off the stairs.



Bad Idea: Continuing to watch as one of them resorts to simply falling down the stairs for fun, putting himself at risk for injury.



At least injury didn't happen. Not on my watch, anyway. And hey--they sure will love watching these videos when they see them.

*Favorite Part- In the background: 
Julie: "Oh y'all, don't break your legs!"
Harrison: "Mom we won't break our legs."
Julie: "I don't believe you."

MUSE

MUSE. 

-Holy fish paste.-

Their name says it all.

I do not have the capacity to accurately express the magnitude of their performance in words. 

The closest I can get is... mind-blowing. Impeccable lighting. Choreographed lasers. Technological. High Energy. Face-melting guitar solos. Dramatic. Loud. Exciting. Continually climactic. Amazing vocals. Original effects. Tight. Grand. Fun.

One of the most money experiences in life.

I LOVED it.

Here's a little taste of what I'm talking about...

The pyramid lifted up and the band was set
underneath it.

His piano lights up on the inside when he plays it.
That's the reflection of the lights on the lid.

Seriously...can't stop thinking about the show. Muse has earned the reputation of being one of the best live acts to see, and my opinion fully supports it. I was floored.

If you ever get the chance, and concerts are your thing, go see MUSE.

...and to think... I would have never taken advantage of this concert opportunity if it weren't for the recommendation of one of my favorites, Chelsea Karch. (Name drop.) Glad I got to share it will you, friend. :)

"It's Time" for Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons... LIVE.


I would pay to see them again at the drop of a hat and recommend one of their concerts to anyone.



 Why? Oh, I'll tell you.

They have: 

1. Great songs. There's a mix of intensity and fun--all of it is clean and uplifting.
2. Epic drum breaks.
3. A drum big enough to hold at least 6 adults inside of it, not to mention a few children.
4. A foxy lead singer with even foxier pipes.
5. Swell lighting.
6. Glow-in-the-dark beach balls.
7. Fantastic energy!
8. Beats that rock you right to your center.
9. Humility and sincerity in their performance--these guys are grateful for the opportunity to share music.
10. A tight sound that maintains a fresh quality.

I have been aware of Imagine Dragons for  about a year and a half now, and I'll admit: my love for them was always a little hesitant and half-hearted. I wasn't sure about all they had to offer as a band. However, seeing them perform live changed everything: I now consider myself a true fan. Thanks for getting me a ticket, Dave.

If you have yet to give Imagine Dragons a listen, I will tell you now: "It's Time."

Do a Little Dance Dare

About a year ago, Ellen Degeneres challenged her viewers to do what she called "Dance Dares." This is a game where you go up behind an unsuspecting person and dance behind them without them knowing. If they catch you in the act, you lose the game.

Sounds okay, right?
Well let me tell you something.
Dance Dares are way more than just okay.
Dance Daring may be the most fun you ever have.

If you ever find yourself in a crazy mood, just do a little Dance Dare.
If you're ever at a mediocre social gathering, spice it up with a Dance Dare.
If you feel like getting a good laugh, try out a Dance Dare.

I have yet to find someone who feels disappointed after exploring their own Dance Dare capabilities. But I have found plenty of people who have never even heard of such a thing. You should try it. Truly.

Here are some of my favorite official Dance Dare videos from the Ellen show.





...Aaaaaaaaaaand here's a video my friend Lacey made of some Dance Dares we did at a church activity back in December. (?) I may or may not have shimmied behind an unsuspecting missionary. That's fine.

Valentine's Day... what's that?

Valentine's Day. It comes and goes, year after year. And every year, this girl is without a valentine. Every year--no buts about it.

It seems like, as a single twenty-something, the constant reminders of love on Valentine's day can either make you or break you. You embrace the holiday, shelling out affection for your family and friends, or you completely shut it out, and close yourself off to the entire world for a day--too afraid of the possibility of a little heartache. There's also the few that rub their independence in the faces of others, saying that they're single, and that's the way they want it to stay--because who even wants the responsibility of having to celebrate on Valentine's Day?

All I know is, I don't want to be that person. You know who I'm talking about...

I don't want to be the person who makes excuses for their situation, blaming others or themselves for not being able to find love.

I don't want to grow bitter from feeling a few pangs of loneliness.

I don't want to resent the people around me for happiness they have found with their boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, or husbands.

I don't want to be the person who groans with envy after seeing a co-worker receive a bouquet of flowers and oodles of candy from a secret admirer.

I don't want to be that person because, let's face it, nobody likes a bitter, stank-face female who can't find her happiness without a man by her side. I wouldn't even like myself if I lived or thought that way. 

I just want to be me. I choose to love everyone, I choose to be happy with the blessings I enjoy right now in my life. (Because, let's face it--my life is pretty dang awesome.) I will not live in denial, saying that a "valentine" is not something I desire, but I will live with hope, that maybe next year will be the year. 

Maybe.

*The most romantic gesture I've gotten on Valentine's Day was when I worked at the YMCA. There was an old man, probably in his 80's who came in every day. His name was Richard and he was a sweetheart. One year, on February 14th, he brought me some roses. He handed them to me unceremoniously and said with a wink, "Here you go. Happy Valentine's Day. Don't tell my wife."

Brilliance Abounds

Sometimes I think about my friends, and how talented they are. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who inspire me with their various skills in music, dancing, drawing, film, writing, photography, acting... flying.

Quite recently I watched a short film, made by my friend Alyssa Tolman, about the differences between Modern and Ballet dancers. I love it. She portrays classic stereotypes in such a witty and clever way, and the whole thing is so well done. My friend Jamie Myers portrays the Modern dancer in the movie, and she's nothing short of brilliant.

Please watch a lovely piece of work... broaden your mind, and maybe (just maybe) laugh a little bit. :)

Thanks, friends, for inspiring me to be better. And thanks, Jaime, for this: "In Modern dance it's like... how does my... how does my kidney feel about today? ... What does the  shoulder want to say today?" Fantastic!

Tricks of the Trade: 2012

*In this instance the word "trade" meaning...living life in general.

About to cross the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

1) Hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim is just the hardest thing ever. But, it is in these types of experiences that we can learn what we're made of.

2) A session on the swings can really help you clear your head. I had a euphoric moment on the swings this year, complete with a perfect breeze, the sun warming my skin, and the feeling of weightlessness and release that comes from each back and forth motion. Don't overlook this childhood staple.

3) Coconut Caramel Coffee-cake will change your world if you let it.

4) Go to concerts. See shows. Feel the energy.

5) People are not consistent. We are ever-changing, learning creatures. We must have patience with ourselves, and others as these changes take place. We also need to allow changes to happen.

6) Seeing movies by yourself is awesome. Everyone should try it at least once.

7) Sometimes we only hear the things we want to hear. Then we formulate opinions based on this selective in-take of information. This needs to change.

8) Drive as safely as possible. (Otherwise, you might get a ticket, or your car will get totaled, resulting in a perma-headache and infringement on your bank account.)

9) I stand by a lesson I learned last year: Let people know when you care about or just appreciate them. It will add value to their life, and yours.

10) Never let fear make your decisions for you.

11) Be honest with yourself and others. Especially when it comes to relationships. Accept the truth when there's someone you're interested in. The older I get, the more I believe this: 

12) When in doubt or discouragement, read the following quotes:

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” 

--Martha Graham

"The future is as bright as your faith."

--Thomas S. Monson

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."

--Coco Chanel

“When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden.”

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Two-thousand and thirteen is here--can't wait to see what's in store.