Blowing Bubbles

Memory Loss

2012-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

There was a period of time between 2005 and 2007 where I just don't remember anything that happened to me in my personal life. I would run into people and we would chat about how we met, and they could recall all the details of how, what, where, when, and what I was wearing....but I could only remember that I knew them....somehow. To what end, I couldn't tell you. This even happened with a guy I started dating back in the day. He told me exactly where we met. When I asked him if it was between the years of 2005 and 2007, he replied in the affirmative. I then proceeded to tell him my theory of memory loss, and apologized for not having remembered meeting him.

At the time, I was working at a PR agency where I had 20 clients. Having 20 clients was a little OUTRAGEOUS and unheard of because it is not like firms to usually have so few employees working on so many cases. I read an article back in the day explaining that we have been given this gift of short term and long term memory. Sometimes if so many things are happening that require the use of our short term memory, other things will not be remembered or will take a backseat in the memory world. I then decided that I would declare 2005 to 2007 the lost years where my short term memory was so full that it affected my long term memory bank and certain memories (alas probably some of the best) would have to take a backseat to those memories that enabled me to do my job.

Since then, I have tried to keep my multi-talented brain exercised and my spirit open and receptive to receive and retain memories. I have eaten fish, tried ginkgo biloba (however it is spelled), tried tricks like chewing gum during testing periods at school, written things down, taken pictures, tried mnemonic devices to help me remember names, tied ribbons on my finger, made bracelets, told people to remind me, prayed to remember...etc. It has been working really great since 2007.

HOWEVER....lately, I have been experience similar symptoms. While I would like to blame it on something or someone, I don't believe that someone's forgetfulness can rub off on me....or can it? Since I started working in September, I have forgotten my badge, phone, lunch (which has been left on the table at home several times), tennis shoes for my walking job, clothing for after I work as a lifeguard, personal items,commitments that are not written down, etc. But here is the biggun....last week I walked into my office and realized that I totally left my computer at home. My computer. Really?? I mean, I didn't even realize I forgot it until I got to my office. There was no memory clue that I forgot it at home....none, until I got to my desk and saw my naked dock. I work in Bethesda, MD. I live in McLean, VA. Needless to say what I thought was going to be a productive day starting at 8 a.m. didn't really even get started until about 9:30. Looks like I am going to have incorporate some of my old memory-gain/retain tactics.

I am open to suggestions....really!

Likes and Dislikes

2012-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

Likes/Loves

I am liking the word bazillion and have used it a bazillion times today.
Saxophone Man: He has changed my life forever. I have this ultimate love mix that I put together a while back. It actually features George Michael's Careless Whisper (you have to admit that it is one of the sexiest songs out there). But after seeing the sexy saxophone man, I laugh every time I hear Careless Whisper.
Jamming to Sting in my cubicle, and blaring the music enough to drown out the world.
When I have conversations like this at work:
Co-Worker: I know my calculus . . . YOU + ME = US. My tummy is requesting a prompt start at 12PM. I can break at that time, let me know if you can!
Me: H-word yeah! My tummy and I cheated though….yup, totally just downed half a box of cheezits.
Co-Worker: Well then . . . I will see your cheezits and eat one of my deviled eggs.
Me: That is just wrong.
Co-Worker: If by “wrong” you mean “delicious” . . .then, heh, well . . . yes.
Me: Seriously, when does ‘wrong’ EVER mean delicious? I mean, really….deviled egg and delicious should never be in the same sentence…..ever. Don’t worry, I won’t let this affect our friendship.

Dislikes

Waking up. It's true...if it is 30 minutes, or even if it is a full 7 hours...waking up and I don't get along.
Forgetting stuff: This week I forgot my work computer at home, and didn't even realize it until after I got to work, in Maryland, and had to turn all the way back again to go back to Virginia to get it. Recently, I have also forgotten my breakfast, a person's b-day, my key card to get into my apartment, and my phone. I also don't like when people who are trying to win an argument say "don't you remember when...." when I already admitted that I have forgotten stuff.

Scared

2012-01-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some questions that have been going through my mind lately.

1. What is the legitimate fear preventing me from moving forward?
1.a. Am I afraid to discover how powerful I really am?
1.b. Am I afraid of being hurt?

Questions and Answers

Q: What if I put in all this hard work and it doesn't pay off?

A: One lesson I have learned through this whole experience is that I need to trust that hard work will pay off. While I have been here in DC, things haven't exactly gone the way I thought they would. The question I should really ask is 'what is the definition of pay off.' I had a good friend who told me the following story:

There was once a rich man who owned a huge piece of hilly land. He hired a worker to try and move a huge boulder from the base of a hill to the top of the hill without any use of tools other than his own strength. In the end, the land owner promised a huge and significant reward to the worker. The man was obedient and wanted to do the land owner's bidding and tried his hardest, pushing and pushing and pushing this boulder. At the end of the day, he was exhausted. When he reported to the land owner that the boulder had not moved at all, the land owner said..."That's ok, just keep doing what I told you to do and try your best to move the boulder over the hill." Days, weeks, and months passed. Every day the worker would report his progress to the land owner. And even if the boulder hadn't moved, the land owner would tell him the same thing.

One day, and with an extremely heavy heart, the worker reported his progress to the land owner. Completely frustrated and emotional, the worker told the land owner that no matter what he tried, he just couldn't get this boulder to budge, not even a little bit. Crying, he fell to the land owners feet and said, "I don't understand why you have given me this daunting task. I haven't been able to get very far, if at all! And I am tired and exhausted, and really don't see how I am going to be able to accomplish what you need me to do."

The land owner lifted the worker to his feet, and grasped him in a big embrace. "When you came to me, you were this scrawny little thing that wanted so much to grow, and look at you now...look at your muscles, look at your tan, look at your strength. The fact that you were willing to try and push and push and push, and not give up shows me what a strong person you are inside and out. You did as I requested, you tried to move this boulder on your own from the bottom of the hill to the top....and that is all you needed to do to earn your reward."

Some of you might be thinking, What a tricky land owner...but that isn't the point. The point is that sometimes, as the worker, I think my reward is based upon one thing when really my reward is based on another. I have to recognize that my hard work is making me the kind of person I need to be. It sure has felt like I have been pushing and pushing a boulder that won't budge, but in the end I am stronger.

There is also always something to be said about enjoying the journey. It is hard not to let experiences from the past affect how I see the future. I need to cut out any outrageous expectations, or I will always be disappointed. I need to take situations as "it is what it is" until it's not :) I need to roll with it and not be attached to outcomes before my feet even get wet.

Q: What if I get hurt, again?

A: There was one point in my life where I remember asking God to take away my pain, even if it was just for a little bit because I didn't feel like I could handle it. Well, he did. And I tell you, not feeling anything is so much worse than feeling hurt. I have to remember that being numb isn't necessarily the answer. If I didn't feel, I wouldn't know when I needed to grow and extend beyond my limits. It is just like not being able to feel physical pain. If you can't feel, you don't know that you are damaging yourself worse than you should. Feeling numb is not the answer.

If anything I should look at 'feeling hurt' as a blessing in disguise. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have a big heart. Part of having a big heart is knowing that when I hurt, I hurt big...but when I feel joy, I feel joy big. I think as long as I know and remember this, it will help me for when I am hurt again. My other hurtful experiences HAVE proved outcomes of 100x the joy. I really do have hope that one day I will feel joy 100 times over.

You would almost think I was talking about relationships...here is the clincher, I have been talking about jobs....and this time it is going to be different. Fooled you!

NY for NY

2012-01-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

I stand by my original comment that everyone has to go to Times Square for New York once in their lifetime. I can now successfully, and with a smile on my face, cross this off my bucket list

Food

Totto Ramen 5*: On December 31st, we had two real goals, (1) to eat great Japanese ramen, and (2) go to Times Square to see the ball drop. That morning we woke up, went to see the Empire State building and Korea town and headed to Totto Ramen. We put our name on the list and 2 anxious hours later were seated in this restaurant that seats 20 people total, hence the wait. Worth it: heck yes!! The food was absolutely excellent, and I would recommend a 2 hour wait to go there. My favorite line from one of my trav buddies was "So, I noticed that all these other asians are waiting in line for food, which means it must be good, but can't they let us go first since they have access to it all the time? Seriously!" WE proceeded to laugh for 10 minutes....racist!

Akdeniz Turkish Cuisine 4*: Walking around Times Square on December 30th proved to be more challenging than walking around on December 31st. We arrived to NY earlier that day, and were famished. My trav buddies loved to look up restaurants on yelp to see ratings, and found this random Turkish place. I had this meat entre of chicken kabobs that had been ground up with red and green peppers, myriad of spices and was served with lemon rice. I think my favorite thing about the meal was mixing my appetizers of humus, Tebuleh (Cracked wheat with mixed parsley, scallions and tomatoes tossed with olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice) and Babaghannous (Char-grilled smoked eggplant puree flavored with tahini, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice) with my chicken and eating it all together.

Rice to Riches 5*: I am a huge fan of rice pudding! HUGE! I am always looking for the best of the best. At first, we were a little too full to eat much more, but when we stumbled upon this gem, the branding beckoned to us...and we just had to eat. And eat we did! Not only is the marketing scheme hilarious (which was also included in the bathroom of the establishment with signs that say 'you are dead sexy' on the mirror), but the rice pudding was perfect. The menu has 13+ different kinds of rice pudding, which you can top with 13+ different kinds of toppings. We had half coconut pudding topped with toasted coconut, and hazelnut topped with oatmeal. WOW...I mean, WOW!

Chinese Pork Roll 2*: While the bun was delicious, I was probably just not in the mood for this amazing Chinese Pork Roll we got in Chinatown. We didn't eat at the establishment either, so this rating is a little below average.

Paris Baguette in Koreatown 5*: Diana, my trav buddy, told me that Paris Baguette is HUGE in Korea. We stopped there for a little doughnut refreshment. And yes, it was an incredible donuts, as donuts go. I had one regular Cinnamon and sugar twist doughnut and Diana shared a chocolate filled chocolate doughnut which was also SO yummy. (I am trying to think of other words to say besides 'amazing'.

Pacific Grill at South Street Seaport 3*: We visited Pier 17...one of my fave spots. Since we were at the pier, we just had to get fish and chips. I think that if we got fish and chips at any of the pier restaurants it would have been the same. It was still good nonetheless. I was quite impressed by their tartar sauce. It seemed more vinegary than mayonnaisy...which I LOVE because I have a slight fear of mayonnaise.

Sites
9/11 Memorial - totally recommend this at night, it was amazing
Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island - every time I go to NY, the island is closed. It was so cool to finally go over and read up on its history.
The Bull - totally made me think of the scene from Hitch
Wall Street - what, no more "occupy,"...bummer
Cathedrals
China Town
Little Italy
Korea Town
Harriet Tubman Statue
Washington Park with the Arch

Good Laughs

Dancing while walking. For some reason, New York brings out my boogie....and not just mine. I often caught my trav buddies doing it too.
OCD tendencies of my trav buddies
"Someone's hands are molded to my A#$....seriously," as shouted by someone in the crowd as we tried to jam into a corral
Bed bugs??

Memorable Moments

The ball dropping! What a riot. I really didn't know that there was a countdown for each hour on the hour. The 12:00 midnight countdown was the loudest
Having people in the apartment in Times Square yell out the window and getting a response from thousands of us.
Karaoke during the 8 hour wait. One member of our group held a phone with the rockin tune, and all others found the lyrics we could sing to. People around us thought we were trashed...from the sound of it though, who can blame them.
Climbing 5 flights of stairs every day to get to our apt and throwing off our jackets as soon as we entered.
The process of jamming into the corral. One guy would purposefully shuffle, not really moving forward, causing everyone behind us to push forward. There were 4 cops in front of our corral slowly letting people in who kept shouting "Stop pushing." Then one cop came up and said "I am making an executive decision, this corral is closed, you are going to have to use the side streets." As if we were little children that were being reprimanded. I hopefully stood around not going anywhere, and then the cops decided to let some of us well-behaved into our cage. Ah....from one cage to another. Poor mice.
Igor, our security friend totally doped up and acting like a policeman.
Bert tap dancing upside down and Mary Poppins flying over the audience.
Going to the September 11 memorial. We went at night, which I highly recommend. It seemed like night time gave way to reverence and quiet and the city around it was kind of quiet too. It was a pretty incredible experience.
Running to catch our boat to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island.
Having the world's most amazing cheesecake at Junior's.
Having the best group to celebrate New Year's with!
Visiting great friends in NY, and seeing their rooftop which overlooked Ellis Island. Pretty amazing!

From my former life

2012-01-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

It's interesting...I have been super close to the 'using sign language' issue recently, and not just because I am a follower of Signing Time. First my little niece signs and it is amazing, and I love it! She tells me stuff all the time when she doesn't know the word. She will see things that I can't see. When I was helping my sister move to Texas, Allie and I went swimming. She told me all about the bugs by using her signs and would say "Ew, gross." (Something I am sure she learned from mommy). She told me when she was all done with swimming, but still wanted to hang out by the pool, just by signing.

Second, I have seen miracles with sign language with children who have disabilities. I am a huge advocate of giving children the opportunity to express feelings when they might not have the emotion to show it. For example, some children with autism have a hard time expressing emotion, but it doesn't mean that they are not feeling it. Can you imagine the relief of a mother who can look at her little boy or girl who is signing that they are happy?

These are just two examples of the many I had while I worked for Signing Time. I am constantly inspired by my former boss, Rachel and her drive to open up a world of communication. I no longer work for them, but still feel that it is such a necessary and admirable goal.

In other sign language news, my cousin signed up to join the Peace Corps not too long ago. While she was hoping to do something related to her major in marine biology, like the study of certain fish, she was surprised to find out that she would be working with deaf children in Kenya. I am sure you can imagine that I cried when I found this out. Andrea, my cousin, learned sign language during school and is fluent. She included this on her application....and is now doing something amazing and admirable with the children in Africa who often struggle to survive due to their disabilities.

So, yes, I have been in awe at this profound issue and wanted to share a timely video about what my former boss, and inspired friend, Rachel Coleman of Signing Time is up to:

Christmas Card

2011-12-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

This past year my life-flight brought major travel delays caused by extreme changes in weather, destination of arrival, electronic failure, unmitigated distrust of the co-pilot...you catch my drift. What seemed to have been a good tail wind, carried me over, under, and through some of the most turbulent air space I have ever experienced.

BUT, I am happy to report that despite all the turbulence, I have had the opportunity to see the sun on the horizon. In reflection of this year, here are some of my 'sun on the horizon' experiences:

Thanksgiving
This year the fam and I went to Houston for Thanksgiving. There is nothing like spending time laughing so hard, that tears flow from our eyes. I love that we laugh at the kinds of things that no one else understands. We postponed Thanksgiving this year to wait for my bro to arrive. It was the first year that Jamie was able to break out her China and 'do' a Thanksgiving table. It was very fancy and quite pleasurable.

We LOVE food in our family...and LOVE leftovers. It's true. Even though we had tons of Turkey left for meals on end, my dad would prepare new food items daily. We finally had to do a leftover day, mixing it up.

This year, and I hope for years to come, it was all about Allie. She is so old and amazingly cute. My favorite was when she was crying, Jamie said she could go to her room if she was going to cry. She would stomp by all of us, crying on her way, and would shut the door to finish her tantrum. It was amazing. Then she would stop and come out and play. I loved it! We were also able to celebrate her 2nd birthday, even though she was born in December. She received so many amazing toys and had to play with all of them at the same time.....and no one could take any away from her.

We had such an awesome time playing cards, board games, and taking walks together. It was a rather lazy visit, but I think it was just what we needed. I was also able to reconnect with a great Utah State buddy (HOLLER MARCUS) for his wedding. It was amazing to see him and his new bride...you are gorgeous.

Realizations

God values my agency, and expects me to make mistakes so that I can fully understand what I need to learn. That is WHY He provided a Savior. He knew that sometimes the only way I was going to learn was through my experiences, mistakes and all. As long as I look to Christ, I will be able to recognize that I can learn through my experiences and mistakes. God does not have a checklist saying stuff like "Lindsey went to DC, check" or "Lindsey went to Utah State just like I wanted" or "Lindsey married that one specific guy I had for her." His checklist consists of making sure I am following Him, and how I deal with life's circumstances...and if I am taking care of other people. That is what He cares about the most.
When I am going through some tough life circumstances, it is important to reach out to others and get outside myself. I also realize that doing so is easier said than done. Over the past year, I realized that is important to give myself time to heal, and be OK with that space. I would get down on myself for not wanting to reach out to others immediately. I realized that Heavenly Father does not expect perfection from me, and just asks that I do my best. Sometimes my best is cuddling up on my couch and resting from everything I could be doing. Just as long as I don't get stuck on the couch, I'm good.

Cognitive Distortions: A good friend of mine, Burtie, shared with me some thoughts on cognitive distortion, which is defined as exaggerated and irrational thoughts presented in this book called The Feeling Good Handbook. Along the same lines of making sure that my 7 paradigms are are balanced (7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey), we talked about how we actually have the power to control how we react when our minds create cognitive distortions, or rather we can restructure how we perceive and react to information "cognitive restructuring." The power we have really is amazing, and it is all because of the access we have to the Holy Ghost.

I recently discussed my 'life is turbulent' thoughts with my ecclesiastical leader. I remember being so frustrated that I couldn't deal with situations as gracefully as I thought I should. I mean, really, how many years of practice do I need in order to react in certain situations with grace, right? The point he made is that once we face and 'deal' with certain situations, there will always be more that we will have to face. It is cycle of life. I argue that my cognitive distortion is that these circumstances are 'hard.'telling him that they really aren't. His answer was 'yes they are.' His point was that I shouldn't downplay how I feel about situations. I just need to be aware if I stay in that space of 'its hard', it can become a cognitive distortion. I can be present with how I am feeling, and recognize that it is hard. But then I have to step out and start recognizing what I do have without feeling guilty for not recognizing it before. Then there are other steps I need to take.

The circumstance of 'dealing' with things will always be there. It is a sign of progression and change. Even if we don't feel like we are 'dealing' with things very gracefully, being able to recognize how we are dealing with them is one way we know our faith is alive and well.

Girlfriends

I love having great girlfriends!

Myrtle Beach: This year I was able to hang with 9 of my tightest girlfriends from SLC, and two dudes. From touring Charleston to hitting up the main drag at black bike week, my favorite times surround our beach days. Some highlights:

Angie's family....hilarious and so welcoming. I hope to be like them when I grow up!
Speeding tickets on Sunday, not so funny at the time, but a little bit now :)
Finding the crocs at the plantation
Seeing Heather beat other bike girls with her bootie shake
Bouncing up and down on the, what was it called...whatever, but it was used for courting couples back in the day. I guess if you sat on opposite ends and then bounced, you would eventually end up together...and then that was when you could get married.
Being blow-horned in the middle of the night, again...not so funny when it happened
Being set up with third cousin's
9 girls sharing one bathroom
Taking pics of Sara jumping over people
Having water thrown in my face, and triumphantly not crying because of it...most of you know how I LOVE pranks ;)
Playing with babies
Trying to find the perfect shirts on the boardwalk...didn't quite find one
Having a crush on the acoustic guitar player at the restaurant on the boardwalk
Being so hungry, it didn't matter what we got, just feed this ornery bunch!
Having paper and candy flung at me during church
Good into-the-night chats with people I love
Leaving at 6 a.m. to make an interview at 4 p.m. the day after Memorial Day
Taking walks on the golf course

I have gotten to know some girls from church and have loved our crazy adventures. Some of my faves include:

Eastern Market: A group of 8 of us went to the Eastern Market in DC to have their incredible eggnog French Toast with apple cider syrup. Oh my goodness YUMMERS. 5*'s for me. We met this painter from Bosnia who showed my Georgian friend and I where to find fellow Georgians. It was awesome to hear the language and find a connection for my friend who misses home so terribly.
Musical Love: I have written all about the musical below, but I just have to give a shout out to my Matchmaker ladies. It was awesome to see them every week for a month. I am MISSING it. I found that I was the goof off of the group. I had no idea that I would be the one to receive backward glances from the director, but this group of ladies just brought it out in me. RASCALS....all of you!
Hat and Dumpling Night: Jen made these amazing dumplings that are a fave in her fam. We invited some close friends to share this with us. I suggested that we all wear random hats and gloves, and served our 'tea' or rather, our hot apple cider that enhanced our sugar-filled evening. Next time I will probably require that we all speak with accents.
Foodie for a Roomie: I LOVE and EXTRA HEART my roommate. Not only do we share a love of Veronica Mars, and cleanliness (except our bedrooms), but we have this insane love of food. She makes me the best soup ever, and I try to make up for it by making other dishes that don't really compare. We have been able to dine at some fab restaurants, some of which I listed below in the "Food" section of this post.

Others include (and by my rating scale):
1. Ichi Ban Sushi 3.5*: Everyone in McLean seems to know about this little joint, but the sushi combos were bland compared to others I have had, but the fish was fresh.
2. McKeever's Pub 5*: I had their blackened salmon...Irish pubs always have the best salmon.
3. Meaza International 5*: This was a fabulous Ethiopian restaurant we went to for my birthday. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, except Mike...he likes American cuisine the best.
4. Viet Bistro 4*: This was a Vietnamese fusion-type restaurant. I wasn't sure what to get, so I asked the waiter to choose something for me. It was this incredible pork that had been slow-roasting all day in a Vietnamese sauce. It was delectable. Jen's dish was actually better...but I don't remember what she got.

Living with Jen has been uber fun...and we have our little and not so little laughs. And even though our apartment hallways smell like left over Indian cuisine and wet dog hair, and we don't have parking spaces for visitor's, I think we like where we live enough to stay for a while.

The Musical

This year was the first (and hopefully) annual, amazing production of Club Langley: A Love Story. With at least 170 hours put into this one-time production, our cast of 22 raised the bar from the regular single's ward "Talent, no talent night" to create a ward musical parody of single life in the 2000's, but based in the 1940s. Don't worry, it is not as confusing as it sounds.

With the help of several people in the ward, we helped design and create all props and backgrounds. We made a city sky scape all around the cultural hall, with lit buildings, and lamp posts. It was also set up like dinner theater. We had a Turkey dinner for all attendees who sat at white-linen covered tables. In the middle of each table was a decorative glass full of water, sparkling paper and an underwater light. The room looked amazing. Everyone came glammed up in their 40's garb.

The play was a humorous love story that following a couple through different stages of dating.

Scene 1: Princess Bride: Where Buttercup discovers Wesley is the Dread Pirate Roberts. The narrator then begins to take us through the love story...of how it all began.

Scene 2: Matchmaker. I was a chorus girl in our version of how matchmaking should work in the Christian world. We danced and sang and generally had a BLAST during this first musical scene.

Scene 3: Going Courting. From Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, three of our lovely and talented ladies showed 7 of our boys how dating should be done. Dancing and frivolity was the rue of this scene.

Scene 4: All I ask of You. Opening with two of our Spanish sisters singing an incredible version of a new-age Spanish melody (name I forgot), in this scene there are two couples, one of which the girl is coming on strong, and one where the boy is coming on strong. Along with some meant-to-be awkward scenes with the two couples trying to seal the deal...in the end the most forward of the two have doors slammed in their faces, only to discover each other from across the distance. The end of the scene focuses on the two singing to one another and ending with a foot pop....from the guy

Scene 5: Kiss the girl. A rather funny rendition of what happens when two rather timid people have their first kiss, or experience an epic fail trying to kiss when they bonk heads. Don't worry, he seals the deal later.

Scene 6: A little blurb about girls being ready to marry guys after the first week of dating.

Scene 7: Come What May. The grand finale featuring one of the best love songs of all time. I was a dancer for this scene and did a cool modern dance choreographed by our amazing Laura Erikson. Yes, the couple finally hooked up in the end, and all of us were on stage to commemorate it!

The musical was such a smash that the Bishopric asked us to do it for the Stake....which we did! I have to admit though, our first performance went off without a hitch.

Food

I love food. There are so many incredible places to eat out here. Some of my 5* personally-rated restaurants include:

1. Cafe Tatti: ***** This place is a charming, family operated French Bistro. I ordered this divine filet Mignon that had been slow roasted and slightly grilled in a red wine reduction, served with creamy buttered red potatoes with a lemon-garlic sauce. The meat fell apart in my mouth and the potatoes could have easily been mashed, but the way they were served complimented the side of asparagus. AMAZING!

2. Cee Fine Thai Dining: ***** My roommate Jen, Andrea Vasquez and I walked in this joint and heard singing. We discovered that Cee has live karaoke every Friday night with a piano player named Tom. Everyone in attendance has been going there for years, most for 10 years. Everyone was so seasoned I thought we had entered a private singing club or something...I was wrong, they just get up completely uninhibited and sing their lungs out...and it is gorgeous! They all came up to us, introduced themselves and got me and Andrea to sing in front of this crowd. I ordered Pan Dang, which had just the right amount of coconut milk to saturate the spice. We also ordered sticky rice with mangos. The atmosphere alone deserves the 5* rating.

3. Northside Social:***** I was introduced to this coffee shop because of my love of hot chocolate. Thank you Wendy! The atmosphere is very chill, totally hipster, and the kind of place that you bring your apple products, sit beside fellow apple fans and sip a cup of hot something. Try the hummus sandwich when you go...I promise you will be incredibly surprised at how the citrus blend of the basil leaves combine with the lemony-savor of the hummus. EVERYTHING you order there is incredible.

On this food note, over the past year, I have met some amazing people who also share my love for food. Every once in a while we get together and do 'iron-chef' and are given one ingredient to embellish and make a plate with. It has been a huge blessing to meet people who enjoy cooking new things, and discovering great food (whether at a hole in the wall, or a nice-fancy restaurant). Thank you Diana!!

Music

I found a vinyl record store by my house. You have no idea how much this excites me. My plan for 2012 is to have jazz appreciation nights at my house, sip hot something, and slowly jam to some of the best classics on vinyl. Oh, vinyl....that riveting, raw sound has never been so good!
Thanks to my amazing date, Chris, I was exposed to the lavish and exquisite sounds of French 1920s swing music by Le Chauds Lapin. Being a fan of this music anyway, I have been limited in my music selection, and was happy to find another talented and incredible group I could commune with! With classic melodies from the early 1900's, I was struck by the frivolous tunes of banjo, cello, violin, trumpet, and voice. I loved the light-heartedness of the music so much, I bought the CD.
Jason Walker "Down": Such a downer song, but shoot, it covered exactly how I was feeling for a while.
Singing in the choir. Laura Erikson who choreographed, directed, and and helped with most of play (along with her 4-5 counterparts) directs our church choir. We have been able to sing some great hymns, and her direction along with all these incredibly talented voices make the music ring true! We just sang during our special Christmas sacrament meeting. Kirby Hansen (our other incredible musical director) put together an incredible musical program. It was amazing to hear Christmas music performed by our talented ward members. There were violins, cellists, organs, brother and sister duets by seasoned operatic vocal performers, incredible pianists, group songs, and narration. It was truly an inspirational meeting that allowed us to focus on Christ and His birth.

Volunteer

One thing about being unemployed for so long, was all this spare time I had. I was able to volunteer doing all sorts of crazy stuff:

Tutored this amazing 15 year old hoodlum ;) well, she likes to think she is, but she's not.
Youth leader: teenager's who attend our area's congregations (a stake) put on a Road Show every year, a 15 minute skit around the theme "A Fire is Burning." The kids in our group were hilarious and used all this teenage vocab that I am totally hip with now.
Relief Society Activity day: I was able to help out with our Service day, where we worked with community members to bring certain services. I manned the book station, and tons of people donated books for low-income schools in the area. I am always impressed by the generosity of so many people. I was also able to head up the station to write notes to our troops. I think the goal was 900, and we got 1200 or something. It was amazing. I loved it so much and as luck would have it, have been called by the church to do it again next year.
YEP-DC: I am a volunteer membership ambassador for the Young Education Professionals of DC, a non-profit organization that brings new education professionals together and creates events that engage young leaders who want to be involved in the education world.
Internship with National PTA: I worked as a volunteer intern for this organization where I helped with grassroots outreach around a campaign for Family Engagement. It gave me some unique insight into the policy world, and I loved the people I worked with.
Munch and Mingle: Every Sunday, I have the opportunity to feed 80-100 people who attend our congregation. Generally, this is known as a calling. I accepted this calling, and have a wonderful committee who helps me every Sunday.

Other Highlights

Beach trips with friends. Loved going with peeps to Rehoboth, Ocean City, and Virginia Beach this year. 'Twas lovely to swim in warm water!
Family Reunion 2011. I think I hit this in an earlier post, but I just have to reemphasize how awesome it was to see the Blau side in August this year. We celebrated the 60th wedding anniversary of my Grandparents, and my Grandma's 80th birthday. It was amazing to see all siblings from both sides of the spectrum. These amazing grandparents of mine are the salt of the earth. I love that I am a part of this incredible legacy.
Dating. Love it. It is great.
Moving Day: This happened in October. My amazing friend Luke brought out all my things from Salt Lake City. We moved all of my stuff (which is way too much...as told to me on several accounts) into my place in 48 hours. Without going into excruciating detail about the emotions associated with this trip, I will just say that I love Luke. I love all those strong boys who helped me move in: Trevor, Mario and Dan. Special shout out to my Aunt Eva and Uncle Steve, Camille, Jen, The Tiptons (Melissa, Shane, Will, and Noah), Eric, and Ben (for helping me hang pics).
Being in DC is just a huge highlight in and of itself.
The Riverboat cruise. My girlfriend Laura and I took to the seas with a bunch of LDS and other Christian peeps for our grand tour of the Potomac. I was so excited that we were on a boat....like a REAL river boat with paddles in the back and everything. I danced and danced and danced some more. I didn't mean to ditch Laura all the time, but I couldn't stop rockin' it with my fellow rockers. It was amazing and beautiful, and everyone on the boat was so incredibly nice.
Reunions: I was able to meet some of my peeps from High School in VA this year. It was so good to reconnect with people from my past. I have had some pretty remarkable connection stories that you should ask me about sometime. I am a pretty lucky girl to have such wonderful friends and to have been raised in such a great community.
My job: I work with some great people who inspire me to be better and to laugh at my mistakes. I think I am supposed to be learning that about life. It is good to be here. I also still LOVE my job as a lifeguard and work with some major crazies who make it fun!

My Testimony

More than anything, I know my Savior lives. I know He came here to live a perfect life so that I could make mistakes and become perfect, even as He is. He died for me so that I might live like Him, and with Him. He is my Redeemer and my friend.

I have also come to realize that God loves me and is so patient with me as I try to figure things out. I have such respect for Him, and have come to realize how much He values my decisions and values my ability to choose. He is so forgiving and so full of love. I have experienced His love so much this year and I am so grateful to feel Him in my life. I am also so grateful to have answers to my prayers through family, friends, and even strangers. We are all connected out there in this big world. And that makes me smile through my turbulent moments.

Thank you all for being my sun on the horizon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Rejected by a dating service

2011-12-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, so maybe I am over exaggerating on the whole 'rejection' bit, but I just had to share this hilarious email I received after having signed up to go on a date with someone from another ward. (Ward being what we call another congregation in our church...it does not refer to the 'crazy' ward).

First, let me premise that I have been very anti about "social dating services" that the single's congregation provides. You know, I have been in several single congregations try to encourage dating amongst our peers. People in the congregation are actually given callings (which are kind of like volunteer positions where you are responsible for certain action items in the congregation. I have listed some of my favorite and not so favorite ways my single's ward has done to help daters and non-daters alike.

8 at 8

One of my ward did a dating service called "8 at 8." In this dating activity, there are four couples that meet at 8:00 and go out to dinner, or do some kind of awesome activity like bowling, skating, etc. It is a good way to have fun with peers who want to go out and get to know one another on a date, but also a little more casually.

Date Box

I have also been privy to the 'date box' where those who want to participate can fill out a piece of paper either connecting two people they think should hook up, or anonymously putting in their own name with someone they have been wanting to go out with.

The 'date box' committee (planners) then call both parties written on the piece of paper to see:
a. See if they even want to go out without disclosing the name of the other person
b. If both parties agree to go out with the anonymous date, the member of the date box committee gives the lady's contact information to the gentleman.
c. The date should only last about 30 minutes, and is not meant to break the bank.

I actually had one date from this activity. Yes, I put my own name in. Thank you Dave for the hot chocolate and cheese fries!

Incentives Plan

I also had several friends in other single's wards who were EXTREMELY encouraged date to the point where their Bishop (priesthood leader of the congregation) would offer them incentives like:

a. Basketball tickets to NBA finals with the Jazz (these tickets are hundreds of dollars)
b. Symphony tickets
c. Cabin retreat day package, complete with four wheelers, lunch, and other provisions. Not for an overnight stay, but sort of like a day pass.

Speed Dating

Oh, and let's not forget all those amazing speed dating exercises. These activities allow me to talk to a person for 3 minutes, just like I would at a crazy single's party! Just enough time to see whether or not they can be my eternal companion! I jest, but you catch my drift....and I am sure have figured out that speed dating is not my fave activity.

Confession

I admit, I was one of those girls who thought the idea of being lined up by other church members who didn't really know me, was dumb. But, I made a clear resolution (before New Year's) to try out new ways of meeting men. So, not only was I resolved to meet men at the grocery store who happen to select the same exotic cheese as I do, but I would also give set up dates by the church a whirl.

I was excited to get to know other single's from another ward in my area. My hand shot up before the announcement was even over. The date entailed that 5 or so of us girls meet men from the other ward, and 5 or so of men in our ward would get to meet women from the other ward. It was supposed to happen this Saturday night.

The Email

Alas, alak. I guess it just wasn't meant to happen for me. It kind of reminds me of this job search journey a little...sheesh. I got this email this morning:

Thank you for signing up for our date night with the DC 2nd ward. Unfortunately, we were unable to get enough men from their ward to sign up, thus not everyone who signed up will have a date that night. However, here are some options:

- If you would still like to participate, we will do our very best to find a date for you on that night. We may match you with someone in Langley (we'll even take special requests).

- If you would no longer like to participate, we will keep you at the top of our list for our next dating activity should you choose to sign up.

- If you don't care about having a date but would still like to see the show, we will keep a ticket reserved for you.

Please respond to this email by 10pm on Wednesday, 12/14, with your preferred choice and we will do our best to accommodate you. We are so sorry that this activity has not turned out as planned so far. We hope you join us for another activity in the future.

Thanks for your understanding!

***

Hilarious, right? To tell you the truth, I am pretty confident that 2012 will be my extreme dating year ;) So, bring it on single's ward....you have one more year to work on it. And boys....man up!

Deadlines

2011-12-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

At DMI's prop shop, we have daily writing assignments. Going off of the 'practice makes perfect' mentality, we participate in a series of assignments that often involve prizes! Today's assignment allowed us to be a little more creative.

Our assignment was to follow the classic poem Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll. We had to change 90% of the words, using a technical and/or management theme. I didn't follow the assignment exactly, but you have to give me credit for what I did come up with!

DEADLINES

‘Twas a sunny, bright day at DMI

And were this just a normal day: Moving steadily through eBuy

The unexpected change from bright to gray

Beware the deadlines, my dear!

The midnight oil burning, hard work only heaven knows

Beware the looming length, and do not fear

The ultimate wait from technical pros

I took my smiles and wit about

Confident to defeat this foe I sought

To complete on time, I could not doubt

“We will defeat this deadline” I heartily thought

I did not lack the poise to fight

The Deadline looming overhead

Came creeping up that endless night

Were it not for my team, I would have fled

Burst, Draft, Edit, Review! And through and through

Could we make it work in time?

And to printing, we went sprinting

Defeating our foe! Oh how sublime!

And hast thou defeated the Deadline?

From the executives we did hear

Horrah and horray says I! Way to go Team DMI!

And all who lived gave one big cheer

‘Twas a sunny, bright day at DMI

And were this just a normal day: Moving steadily through eBuy

The unexpected change from bright to gray

Lunch Break Tears

2011-12-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

My former Co-Workers at The Summit Group know me well enough to say "Of course you would..."

During my lunch breaks, I like to catch up on the latest and greatest news. One of my favorite things to do is peruse the online news sites for stories that are the pearls hidden amongst the chaos. These are the same stories I always try to look for when I am having a rough day, when I am watching a movie, when I choose a Presidential candidate, or even when I choose a sports team to follow....it's true.

My pearl this morning was listening to the Sting Pandora channel and hearing Seal bear his soul in Kiss for a Rose, and the memories it brought back...oh, how I giggled when I heard him this morning. A great start to my day! What a pearl to have.

My pearl when choosing a sports team is seeing the good sportsmanship of one team member toward an opposing team member. People make fun of my swaying loyalties, but I am most certainly a fair weather fan. Ask me about the men's world cup 2006 one day....I will fill you in.

I like the stories when I see people playing nicely with others. If you treat people rotten and rag on the integrity of others, you will not get my vote.

There is this terrible movie that I absolutely do not recommend, but provides an interesting perspective on finding good.
SPOILER ALERT: In the movie with Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly The Day the Earth Stood Still, the main point I took away revolved around this idea that amidst the chaos in a dying world, that good will always prevail. Sure, I could have referenced other or similar stories like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Pride and Prejudice, my journals....whatever, but you get my point....good prevails every time.

You can imagine how I felt when I saw one of the news articles on yahoo this morning: 2011's Year in Review Video. Even during those dark moments, there was light.

And that is why I was bawling in my cubicle today during my lunch break.

Doing What I Love

2011-11-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am working as a proposal analyst in the IT field, something I never thought to consider during this journey to change the world of education through policy and governance. Sometimes I feel like I failed myself, settling for something I just happen to be good at. But after being in this position for a while, I can’t help but see the benefits of having a great job, working with great people, learning new skills (you should ask me about Illustrator), writing and editing on a daily basis, feeling satisfied by a great product, directing and managing processes, and much more. It is humbling and exciting. BUT that doesn’t mean my dream should disappear. So, I am putting a call out to the universe one more time. Read my purpose statement. Link to my resume and see my qualifications.

I am ready education world….take me in and let me prove to you what I am capable of.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die | Video on TED.com

2011-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

I wasn't looking to be inspired today, and then a bright answer to unspoken prayers.

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die | Video on TED.com

She did it again!!

2011-09-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Mama Blau did it again people!

You can now get her sheet music FOR FREE on her new website! Pretty much, my mom is amazing!

Staples

2011-09-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Steven Beckstrand who inspired me to copy and plagiarize his thought on what it means to be a post-grad. Since I am here once again, I can't help but laugh at the fact that I thought it would be any different.

Taken from Steve:

***
I have to admit, my wanderings weren't totally my fault. The job that I had expected to be stapled to my diploma wasn't attached. I had thought that, as part of graduating from college, you got a job. It was like the decoder ring that you would get when finishing the box of cereal. However, this box didn't contain an awesome prize. I actually had to go look for a job. On my own.

***

My addition: And even when the prize comes, it may not be what you expect. Just like my prize that I got in my box of Resees Pieces Peanut Butter Puff Cereal. The flier thing did more crashing than it did flying. Funny how that works.

Discovery

2011-09-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have known for a while now, but realized I haven't shared with my readers. People, I discovered how sexy my ankles are! Since this discovery, I have taken on such great heights, figuratively and literally. With my new found discovery, I have been experimenting with all different heal types, including my new faves: my gray and while, snake scale, pointy-toe stilettos. I can't help but look at my full figure in the mirror and say...."Dang, those are some sexy ankles!"

Public Bathrooms

2011-09-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

I hate using public restrooms with less than 10 stalls. I get a little gun shy using a restroom with less than 10 stalls particularly in office buildings where I happen to work with people who use those same restrooms. It's true. Case and point, a couple months ago it was rather embarrassing to use the restroom and run into the person who was interviewing me for a position in the restroom beforehand. We ended up chit-chatting as we washed our hands together. It was AWKWARD.

I mean, using the restroom in movie theaters, airports and museums doesn't really bother me. Because the more stalls there are, the more persons can't identify where certain smells, or noises are coming from.

My tapestry is amazing!

2011-08-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me well, you understand that this journey into the unknown has been probably the most exhilarating, exhausting, troubling, exciting, concerning, spiritually intensifying, healing, depressing, gratifying experiences of my life. I cannot begin describe the emotional roller coaster I have been on. Right now, I am not at a point where I can admit that I would do it all over again....I am not quite there. But for now, I am curious - indeed, curious to know why I am still here in Virginia.

After 7 months of unemployment with wonderful lifeguarding, substituting and internship training, and after months of working my tail off to find a job in education policy, I got a job somewhere unexpected....and am curious to see where it leads. The fight between passion and skill survives in my heart. BUT my survival instinct, recognition of divine intervention and my crazy propensity for challenging situations proves victorious....nay, undeafeatable (just go with this new word).

And so, this is where I am. I am bruised, but not broken. And here are some things that have struck me on the way to healing and growth:

In order to focus on progression in the eternal sense, and besides the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are four things one needs: water, clothing, shelter and food. If you don't have these essential elements, you will be so worried about surviving that you won't have anything else to focus on, including those other things that Heavenly Father really needs you to focus on....like others.
Spoiler Alert: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. The leader of this young, brilliant boy isolated him throughout his learning experience. The explanation was perfect for what I have felt during my isolation/growing experience. I found some interesting similarities in my trial by fire, just like Ender did in his....but also realize I am no Savior, just a girl who is healing from her little personal Gethsamane.

"Graff had isolated Ender to make him struggle....It made him a better soldier than he would ever have been otherwise....I'm hurting you to make you a better soldier in every way. To sharpen your wit. To intensify your effort. To keep you off balance, never sure what's going to happen next, so you always have to be ready for anything, ready to improvise, determined to win no matter what."

"All he had to do was watch the game and understand how things worked, and then he could use the system, and even excel....It was waiting and watching that cost the most. For during that time he had to endure."
From Two Girls of Gettysburg by Lisa Klein: "Can the flowers decide not to bloom or the birds decline to sing again because the winter was harsh? No. But I don't know how they do it-how they keep growing."
From the Kings James Bible by God, Acts 20:22 Paul speaking to the Ephesians: "(22) And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: (23) Save the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. (24) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
Agency and self-reliance are intricately connected.
Elder Hollands talk, An High Priest of Good Things to Come:

"I know some of you do truly feel at sea, in the most frightening sense of that term. Out in troubled waters, you may even now be crying with the poet:

It darkens. I have lost the ford.

There is a change on all things made.

The rocks have evil faces, Lord,

And I am [sore] afraid.

No, it is not without a recognition of life’s tempests but fully and directly because of them that I testify of God’s love and the Savior’s power to calm the storm."

"My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need. There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the “light that is endless, that can never be darkened.”³ It is the very Son of God Himself. In loving praise far beyond Romeo’s reach, we say, “What light through yonder window breaks?” It is the return of hope, and Jesus is the Sun.⁴ To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His “more excellent ministry” with a future of “better promises.” He is your “high priest of good things to come.”
Yesterday at church this woman spoke of her experience at the National Art Gallery in DC. While touring with her mother who is a docent there, they came across a painting that seemed to her to be big blobs of paint that looked like they had been splattered on the canvas. The woman said that at first she didn't like it, but when her mother described its meaning, she felt differently about it. From first glance, the painting looked like one big, destructive mess. While it looked destructive, the artist conveyed the force and impact of its creativity, thus why it looked the way it did. Its design also depicts the intricacy and delicacy of its creation. During this talk I couldn't help but draw some similarities to my own canvas of life.

There is this familiar and typical Mormon comparison that most of what we on earth can see of God's plan for us can be likened to the bottom-side of a tapestry, with all the threads meshing together to look like one jumbled mess. In this description God sees the top of the tapestry and sees its development and intricate detail that makes up a complex and beautiful piece. I remember joking with a friend that my tapestry must look amazing from God's perspective.

These are only a couple things that have struck me on this journey. There are so many more....and for that I am grateful.

One-Way Street

2011-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

As I thought about this next post, I laughed. Such a metaphor for life.

Today, I turned down a one-way street (amazing right? It was my first time doing this in DC, not bad...), in order to get to the Pita restaurant. I followed another car who was immediately honked at. I quickly corrected my error, as I am sure people around me were wondering what in the world I was doing.

All I have to say is the pita and baklava were totally worth the trouble I went through in order to get it.

Difference between inquiry and enquiry

2011-06-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

I applied to a job today and received a message that said "Thank you for your enquiry...." I was confused since I applied to another job the other day with a similar message, but different spellings of the word 'inquiry.' So, I did a little research, meaning, I asked google...cause who doesn't? And here is what I found taken from the site DifferenceBetween.net:

"These days, the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. Enquiry means to ask a question, and inquiry is a formal investigation. Yet another difference lies in the etymological source of the prefixes ‘en’ and ‘in’. ‘En’ comes from French, and ‘in’ from Latin. Inquiry has a formal and official ring to it, while enquiry is informal in its connotation.

In general parlance, it is understood that enquire is to be used for ‘asking’, while inquire is what constitutes ‘making a formal investigation’. In reality though, enquiry is preferred in British English, whereas the Americans are more comfortable with inquiry. As a matter of fact, it is only in British English that any attention is paid to the distinction. In US and Australian English, inquiry has, for all practical purposes, taken over."

As a side note, I did notice that Word and also my Blog spell check do not recognize 'enquiry' as being spelled correctly.

Knives

2011-06-07T20:09:00.001-07:00

I have never understood why some people put their knives upside down (sharp-side up) in the dishwasher. I can understand that people might want to prevent the knife from going through the bottom and poking through, but doesn't it seem more dangerous to have them sticking up where anyone could grab them while trying to put them away? Luckily, my dishwasher in Utah has a silverware holder on the door, so any amount of poking can be avoided.

Letter to Universe

2011-06-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Universe,

I am following up about a letter I wrote to you in March about what I was hoping to gain by putting out ideas and energy in order to obtain my dreams. Just as a reminder, here are some highlights of my hopes and desires.

Career

I wanted a job in education policy where I can influence policy. I need the job before April 2011. Since our last correspondence, I have been working hard by going to networking events, applying to multiple jobs online every day. My job of looking for a job is a full time job. BUT, I have been hired as an intern with the National PTA. While I am not being paid for the position, I am grateful for the opportunity and have learned so much from wonderful mentors. I have also had the opportunity to make wages substitute teaching 2-4 year olds. This has been a huge highlight for me, and I love those kids!
I would like real interviews. Since the letter, I have had at least 12 interviews. I am grateful for each one of them and thank God in heaven for this and all other opportunities and blessings.

Marital

I want to be married to a man who respects and loves me, but who loves the Lord...and someone I also love and respect. Ideally within the year of 29. I have come to realize that dating is all about perspective. I am confident this request will be realized. I am not too worried.

Regardless, I would like to learn and grow through joyous experiences. Please help me see that this process is joyous and not excruciating the way it sometimes feels. Help me create this new life and develop an understanding of timing and patience. BUT please help me to not be destitute in the process.

With Hope,

Lindsey

And then there was Arthur

2011-05-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Lindsey and I am a worrier. From worrying about where in the world I am supposed to take my life, to worrying about not being late to an event, it happens. I admit it. I am also fully aware that worrying doesn't help anyone. I have been aware of that fact for quite some time....and yet I persist. Before I came to DC, I knew that I would be trying something completely out of the ordinary for myself - having no plan other than coming out here to get a job. I knew I would be testing my faith....and doing it on purpose. I believe my exact words to the Lord were "Bring it on." Lesson 1: When you challenge the Lord, He will say "Challenge accepted." ;) And so here I am 4 months later...and no job. I am sure you can imagine how I feel.

The first month was all about the excitement of striking out with only faith and my footsteps to guide me. I felt good about the decision to come, and I was excited to get started. So much, in fact, that I didn't do anything else during the day from 9-5 except look for a job. I read all about companies I wanted to work with and current education issues. I met with some really great people who got me on the right track. I also met with the church employment office to get my foot in the door there.

The second month was all about learning the rules of the education policy game - who was connected to whom, where was the best place to find a job, who should I be speaking with in order to network. Networking, networking, networking. I also started my education policy blog so I could keep up with the issues and not get stale as I was looking for a job.

The third month I started getting nervous. I wondered if I had made the wrong decision and questioned my motives. I looked at my finances and knew I wouldn't be able to make it much longer without having something. The third month was all about persistence and keeping up my full time job of looking for a full time job that I wasn't going to settle for. I was not interested in working for free. I had some terrible experiences working for free before and felt that I was too qualified to do it. So, I hung on to the hope that I could do this without working for free and that someone, somewhere would value my work and qualifications enough to help me get my foot in the door. The third month was also all about the emotional roller coaster. I would be sky high one minute and then break down the next. I hereby deem month three as the Lindsey bi-polar month. My poor friends and family who had to deal with it, I am so sorry!

The fourth month has been - without a doubt- about humility. During this journey, I have tried to stay humble, or at least teachable. I thought I was doing a pretty good job at it. I started recording my blessings, so whenever I would hit the roller coaster, I could look at my list and remember how lucky I really am. But sometimes, the list didn't work and I would just break down anyway. I haven't been mad, or upset. I have been tired, and anxious.

There was a point where I couldn't sleep. I even tried praying and fasting for specific jobs...and thinking that if I had faith enough, that something would work out. The fact is, it hasn't....BUT that doesn't mean that it won't. I firmly know that things will work out. I just have to keep enduring and pushing forward and allow things to happen in their own course and time. That has always been a challenge for me. I have been one of those people who doesn't slow down enough to let things happen within the time they are meant to. I am just SO excited for the next step that it is hard for me to deal with when I arrive first, but the opportunity is running late.

This fourth month is reminding me of that very point. The reality is that if I keep working at honing my skills and keep doing what I am doing, with a little breather time, it will happen.

I took an internship at the beginning of April. I am working with the National PTA where I realized that I don't know as much as I thought I did. It has been incredible to work with some brilliant ladies who are tutoring me in ways I don't think they realize. I am also doing some substitute teaching for little ones. It is my favorite gig. I am also looking at becoming a lifeguard and start my training in June. I am sure some of you are thinking, WHAT? Yup....I have always wanted to do it. I spoke with the rec center peeps who want enroll me in training classes so I can start teaching little kids how to swim. How AWESOME is that? So, things are moving along slowly, but surely.

I still can't think about what I am going to do with the apartment in Salt Lake City, where I could live here without a steady income, how much longer my aunt and uncle have to put up with me, etc., without getting worried. So, I try not to think about it.

In the meantime, I need to keep up with my list of life's blessings so I don't freak out so much. And here it is:

Seeing random people dance at the metro, and not for money but just because they feel the urge.
Going on field trips with friends to museums and free exhibits just to get my mind off the hunt.
Meeting incredible people at education events and talking for hours about this issue and their passion and pursuits. It is nice to be surrounded by people who also love this work. It is infectious and makes me want to hold out all the more.
My church calling. I am the Munch and Mingle co-chair and get to feed 60-80 people a week. It has certainly provided some incredibly hilarious moments with my other co-chair. We often describe our relationship to that of being married. Within the first week of our union, we fought over money and rice. Once we learned communication styles, it made it that much easier to work together and now sometimes we call each other just for fun.
Meeting people who know where Sierra Vista is.
Knowing that I have family who loves and cares about me.
Having friends who are praying for me....and who love me even though I sometimes don't feel super stable.
Living with my family. My aunt, uncle and cousins have provided so much for me. I couldn't have done this without them. They have also taught me to love spicy food, vegan cooking, flowers, animals, quiet time, the arts, environmentally friendly food and items, and going to bed early.
Going on dates with great guys.
Being able to teach and be with children who say things like: "Underwear is for tooshies, not for heads," or "What do I look like, an ABC machine?"
And then there was Arthur who was playing incredible saxophone tunes on the steps of the American History museum. We chatted for a minute and he talked about his dreams and where he has been in his life.

All these things make me grateful.

Garden of Eden

2011-04-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Garden of Eden must have been in Virginia...or at least near it. Case and point.

Christian Case for Mormons

2011-04-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

I generally don't tend to be political on my blog, but I found this article that I wanted to share with all of you. Just so you are aware, the author is not LDS and provides some great insight into Christianity.

Washington post article written BY JOHN MARK REYNOLDS | FEBRUARY 9, 2011; 7:29 PM

The Christian Case for Mormon Values

With former Utah governor Jon Huntsman and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney both believed to be gearing up for a run for the presidency, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has again found itself answering questions about what these two prominent members believe.

Post reporter Sandhya Somashekhar wrote in a story published Tuesday that Mormon leaders see the ascendancy of these and other Mormons (such as convert Glenn Beck) as a sign "that the community has finally 'arrived,'" but added "researchers say there remains a deep mistrust of Mormons and that little has changed in public opinion to suggest that voters will be more open this year than they were in 2007."

If conservative Christian and Mormons share a political agenda, why do suspicions still plague Mormon politicians? Do media personalities such as Glenn Beck help or hurt the cause?

God works in mysterious ways to perform His wonders. Old Testament prophets complained about the instruments God chose, but God went on being God despite their complaints. 2012 is likely to give Americans two serious candidates for president that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Many conservative Christians, for good and bad, get inspiration and information from Glenn Beck, who is also a member of the Church.

Should Americans be concerned? Bluntly, no, though those of us who are not Mormon should be depressed that such a small group has outworked, out thought, and out hustled us. Mormon success should spur traditional Christians, who outnumber Mormons by tens of millions, to do better.

Sadly ignorance of the LDS Church is widespread in our culture. Despite over a century of faithful citizenship and embracing family values, stupid stereotypes remain. Magically much of the media easily remembers Glenn Beck is Mormon, but keeps forgetting that Harry Reid is as well. Sacred garments on Christians and Jews are normal, but sacred garments on Mormons?

Of course, there is a vocal fringe of Americans who think any religious person is nuts. These equal-opportunity offenders can be ignored as invincibly ignorant. They don't respect Mormons, because they don't respect Christians, Jews, Muslims, or anybody who thinks we are more than computers made out of meat.

There is another group, sadly not so tiny, that cannot be friends or co-laborers with anyone who does not share their theology or ideology. This sectarianism is the bane of any movement, but most Americans know we can learn and work with almost anyone if they share our values in some area.

There are no good reasons not to consider voting for a Mormon. Theologically, I disagree with the faith's teachings. My professional speaking has included pointed academic encounters with LDS professors about our areas of disagreement. Simultaneously, serious disagreements have not prevented our making common cause on many issues.

Studying Mormonism closely did not make me a Mormon, to the contrary, but it did give an abiding respect for certain things the LDS Church gets right. They have demonstrated things worth knowing. If this is a Mormon moment in American history, there is a reason for it. Their virtues have particular civic relevance today and their theological vices (from my point of view) do not. The LDS I know love America, urge good behavior on their members, and promote many traditional American values. If that bothers you, vote for somebody else--the LDS will fight and die in the American forces for your right to do so.

The LDS Church made North America sacred space. With Native Americans and Spanish mission builders in California, they have loved this land and made it part of their story. The Mormon revelation, whatever its origins, is centered in North America.

Part of that epic is actual Mormon history: born, bred, and thriving in the United States of America.

Mormonism is old enough by American standards to feel "ancient," but young enough to make the founding stories easy for Americans to understand. Joseph Smith received his revelations closer than four score years after the American founding. Any literate English speaker can read founding Mormon documents without the need for much translation or scholarly explanation, but knowledge of American history is vital. Most Americans look abroad for "holy land," but Mormons look here.

This gives them a passion for this place difficult for anyone else to match. Other religious groups must work harder to match this sense of place that the LDS Church has naturally.

A great weakness of our lives today is isolation and loneliness. Mormonism is one solution to that problem for many. LDS church services to members and communities are a free market model for private charity. I have personally seen LDS charity help families that were not LDS, but related to a member. The charity gave work-centered help that met needs without sacrificing dignity. The commendable community found in Mormonism should be imitated not attacked.

For good and bad, Mormonism is deeply American. Born on our frontier and nurtured in our wilderness, American values are Mormon values. And yet, no LDS swaggers into the culture assuming he will be accepted. Mormons know the imperfections of American life. An American mob murdered their founder. As a result of their history, Mormons have a thoughtful and subtle take on religion in the public square. This last week Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave an important speech at the Chapman University School of Law in California on religious liberty.

I am sure Glenn Beck would agree that more Americans should read that speech, even if it meant turning off his program. Oaks, a professor and judge, not Beck, represents the best civic face of the LDS Church.

If this is, as the Washington Post suggests, a Mormon moment, it is because Mormons clung to truths now unfashionable and addressed questions others ignore. They suffered exile in their own land, persecution, and the need to change important ideas to be part of the broader culture. This American experience taught them good lessons about America. Being right is powerful and most LDS are right on many of today's big issues: the nature of family, the protection of life, defense of religious liberty, and republican values.

Traditional Christians should learn from their example and patriotic Americans should celebrate their effective service.

I cannot be a Mormon, because I think they are seriously wrong in their theology, but most Mormons are not wrong about the traditional values of our republic. Mormons like Harry Reid will never get my vote, because his policy ideas do not match with mine, but a Mormon like Mitt Romney could, because I support his good ideas.

Providence works in peculiar ways and it is particularly odd for an evangelical and Orthodox Christian to be grateful for this Mormon moment in American history. But if a Biblical prophet could celebrate the pagan emperor Cyrus for being God's man to free His people, surely we can praise our Mormon countrymen for sounding a trumpet call to rally America to life and liberty.

Payment

2011-04-19T15:04:00.001-07:00

I am ready to be paid for my services. That's not very Christ-like of me, but that is how I feel.

Teenagers!!

2011-04-07T09:19:00.001-07:00

I love teenagers! It's true. You think I am being facetious....but no my friends. I love them. I love the drama. I love their 'all about me' attitudes. I remember my friends and family telling me that their least favorite time in life was middle school. Middle school for me was an outrageously fun time. I had the best group of friends a girl could hope for. Was there drama, you betchya, but the good memories often trump the bad.

Over the past year, whether presenting in the classroom or working as a tutor, I have had the opportunity to work with middle-schoolers. I find that I get along with the 'hoodlums' the most. I recently had a conversation with one of my little middle-school friends who told me how she got into trouble a lot. We talked about what she was doing that got her into trouble. She explained some situations to me and I couldn't help but smile. You see, my little friend was 'labeled' as the trouble-maker way back in the day. I noticed that once kids are labeled in school, it follows them until graduation. She told me that she is not afraid to let teachers know what she is thinking all the time, and that her teachers send her to the principals office all the time because of it. So, one day she said something that offended one of her teachers. She was asked to write an apology that I needed to help her with. As I am trying to be the adult in the situation, I found myself siding against the teacher.

In the long run, I let my teenager friend know that it was easier for me to go to school when I was nice to my teachers. My friend said, "Yeah, but I can't do that!" When I asked why, she said, "It will ruin my reputation!" I looked at her and started laughing. "Your REP....puuuullllleeeeease." We laughed and laughed about it.

At the end of my 'mentoring' conversation, we drafted this really awesome letter to the teacher conveying an apology, but also conveying that my friend didn't know what she said was offensive. Without being defensive, my friend was able to demonstrate that she was not so much 'obstinate,' as she has been labeled, but more 'aware' that there were cultural and age differences between her and the teacher that contributed to an overall misunderstanding. In this situation, I saw the maturity of my young friend...and often do when I get to work with the 'hoodlums'.

I LOVE teenagers!

Feelings

2011-03-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

When I feel, I feel deeply. It is a blessing and a curse.

Highlight of my day

2011-03-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

I guess it is a good thing that I already have a highlight of my day and it is 1:34 p.m. That means that the day will just get better, right? I had an informational interview today with a policy representative at the Gates Foundation. She was incredible and gave some great job-seeking advice. She asked me to make a couple changes on my resume and send it to her with a list of my jobs that I have applied for, saying she would help in any way that she could. I drafted an email of at least 8 jobs I have applied for in the past couple weeks. I am completely grateful for her willingness to help me out.

I remember reading and re-reading my email I was going to send her, heaven forbid that it turns out like one I sent a couple weeks ago to a legislative director where I spelled his name wrong (MAJOR faux-pas). I was in the process of getting ready to send when I noticed that in the beginning I said, "Hell (name)," instead of "Hello". Good catch, Lindsey....good catch. The highlight was catching my mistake before it was too late!

Learning Doesn't Stop

2011-03-20T20:51:00.001-07:00

For me, the learning doesn't stop. I am constantly learning about myself, and what I need to do better in my life. Perhaps some may think I take life a little too seriously, but looking at how I can be better I feel is necessary for my growth, and therefore necessary for my happiness. Tonight, I was struck by an article by Neal A. Maxwell called Patience. Here are some quotes that I particularly liked:

"Patience is not indifference. Actually, it is caring very much, but being willing, nevertheless, to submit both to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the “process of time.”

Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his. Either way we are questioning the reality of God’s omniscience, as if, as some seem to believe, God were on some sort of postdoctoral fellowship.

There is also a dimension of patience which links it to a special reverence for life. Patience is a willingness, in a sense, to watch the unfolding purposes of God with a sense of wonder and awe—rather than pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance.

When we are impatient, we are neither reverential nor reflective because we are too self-centered. Whereas faith and patience are companions, so are selfishness and impatience.

It is so easy to be confrontive without being informative; indignant without being intelligent; impulsive without being insightful! It is so easy to command others when we are not in control of ourselves.

In our approach to life, patience also helps us to realize that while we may be ready to move on, having had enough of a particular learning experience, our continuing presence is often a needed part of the learning environment of others. Patience is thus closely connected with two other central attributes of Christianity—love and humility.

Very importantly, it is patience, combined with love, which permits us “in process of time” to detoxify our disappointments.

God’s attributes of omniscience and omnipotence no doubt made the plan of salvation feasible. But it was his perfect love which made the plan inevitable. And it is his perfect patience which makes it sustainable!

Patience is, therefore, clearly not fatalistic, shoulder-shrugging resignation; it is accepting a divine rhythm to life; it is obedience prolonged. Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing!

***

I should have just copied and pasted his whole talk. I am again reminded of the importance of this message. The closer I think I am to being a patient person, the more I realize I am not. From the looks of it, I need to change my attitude about what I think when I hear the word patience. For me the word 'patience' has been a bad word...the hope is that starting now, I will look at the word to be more opportunistic.

Exchange on User Error

2011-03-07T15:34:00.001-08:00

I miss cooking for my foodies. I took pride in "experiment Sundays" as I used to call them, where I would find a recipe I had never cooked before and invite a bunch of people over to try it. With experiments over the years came a wide array of cookware. I have come to love the temperware products of yore. Remember those white porcelain, or whatever, dishes that were deep and had ugly orange, puke green, and booger yellow stencils of flowers on them? Yes, those things that your Grandma used to cook in. I HEART the old stuff. I can't tell you how quality the old stuff is. I love it....and I am missing it a little bit.

I decided I wanted to cook for people, so I invited myself over to another foodie's house to host a dinner. When I asked said foodie if he has the necessary cooking ware, he unfortunately could not provide. I scrounged around my temp-home here and could not find the necessary instruments either. That is when I decided it was ok for me to make a purchase.

I have noticed that when I am in the market for something, I can't find it, then a couple months later, I see this item EVERYWHERE. Last year, it was a modest white sundress. The year before it was a desk that pulls out. The year before that, it was a cheap, yet unique-looking entertainment center. And so it goes. This year, it is temperware that I can put in the oven and then put on the stove top without it breaking.

I found this great one at Crate and Barrel. I was afraid to go there at first because I heard rumors about how expensive this place is. Still unemployed and a recovering student, I just have to be careful at kitchen places in general.

I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, so I settled for a round, deep, glass dish with a lid. I knew I would be able to find multiple uses if it had a lid and was deep enough. It also had grooves on the bottom, which seemed to me to welcome being used on a stove top. I purchased it along with a couple pounds of roast. YUM!

The next day, dinner planning and prep was going splendidly. The other foodies all arrived in a timely manner, and the table was set with its best kitchenware. The roast smell lingered in the house reminding me of the time my family used to walk in our home on Sunday and say "Smells like Sunday!" I unwrapped it, and it was perfect. It was just juicy enough and tender enough that it would fall apart just by looking at it. I then started the gravy. My favorite part about cooking roast the way my dad/grandma taught me is using the leftover juice and burnings from the roast.....yum. It was also perfect. I didn't need to season it at all....

I poured the gravy through a strainer, and viola! I set the glassware in the sink and the next thing I know....EXPLOSION! The thing shattered to pieces. I was so used to my Grandma's temperware roast cooker that I forgot that hot glass on cool surfaces doesn't work. I was sad. I got over it real quick remembering that at least it didn't break before the meal was complete. I enjoyed the rest of Sunday...especially the eating part.

I thought I would go to Crate and Barrel, just to talk to them about options anyway. While I recognized that it was user error, I was also a little confused. The tag said tempered glass...which means it can deal with some kinds of strain, right? So, I went in, told my story. One lady was silently laughing at my stupidity....and I told her how embarrassed I was that I thought that 'tempered' meant what it said. One lady accused me of making things up and didn't want to help me score free product....you should have heard her critical comments. If she didn't feel like I should get an exchange, I would have been ok with a "no, we can't help you." Then the manager came up. I told the story and she also laughed at me. I said I was there just to see if there was a way that I could exchange despite the fact it was user error. She obliged, but then said "Just because it is tempered, doesn't mean it is unbreakable."

I'm not saying that you should go to Crate and Barrel to try out this method of exchange, but what I am saying is that I am one satisfied customer and will most likely do business with them because they were willing to work with 'user error.' BLESS you Crate and Barrel. KUDOS!

AARGH: Curse you time-out systems

2011-02-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

MOOD: OBVIOUSLY FRUSTRATED

Seriously people. Don't have a job application website that times out after 30 minutes. Let's talk about how even when you are doing a copy/paste job that it takes a lot longer than 30 minutes to do. Solution: fix the server to accept job apps as soon as they are finished....not because it has timed out. There must be a way to fix this.

Do I really want to take the 4th time to resubmit all this info as the fear of it 'timing out' looms over me? Fear does not create in me a need to do better. Even after calling the IT and admin personnel, they said it was user-error. Well, if that is the case, then I would like to hire a robot that can type, copy and paste at 100 words per second!

This is just another case of man versus machine....

MOOD: Slightly Better, but still a little frazzled

Sign on my face

2011-02-24T10:16:00.001-08:00

Some guy friends of mine, who are single, told me that I must have a sign that says 'I am not dating you unless you commit to me now' on my face.

Hello friends.....when were any of you going to tell me that? I implore, that if I have something stuck in my teeth, please tell me. If I have a sign that says 'Marry me NOW,' somewhere on my face, please tell me!

Seriously though, I couldn't help but laugh at this comment from my friend, who shall remain nameless. Really.

I actually tend to think that my sign says something totally different like 'I am a nice, confident, totally hot, spiritual, friendly, and a totally amazing person. If you get to know me, you will have a lot of fun. If you decide you want to like me more than a friend, I will go with the flow and enjoy the journey.' Maybe boys just read the sign wrong.

This is basic Mars and Venus stuff. If you take me out on one date and we have an extraordinarily good time, then that is great. It was one date, and no, I have not chosen our baby names. However, if you take me out for months at a time having extraordinarily good times, exchange a couple affectionate moments, I may expect that we would want to have these good times more frequently and most importantly only with one another. No, this does not necessarily mean marriage.

Slow the train down folks and enjoy the journey of being able to date. Dating is good. Dating is great. Chant this with me: I like dating. Dating is good. I shouldn't make dating harder than it has to be. I like boys and boys like me.

I joke now, but before 2009, it wasn't so funny. I used to hate dating. There was always so much pressure to 'pass the interview,' and wonder 'did I make the EC (eternal companion) cut?' Oh, how silly. I still might not be an expert, as I am currently single....but I have to say, dating is so much more fun when I am not worrying so much about it.

So I will go around with a sign on my face that reads 'I will make you feel like the most important person ever when you take me out on a date and will have a good time in the process'.

Mood: Tired, but hopeful

2011-02-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

Job hunt: great.

Interviews: haven't had one.

Networking: I don't think I have networked this hard since I tried to find a husband in 2001.

Faith: whole, unwavering.

Testimony: stronger.

Dating: yes.

In love: hmmmm, always.

Knowing that the Lord fulfills promises: adamantly, yes.

Still doped up on allergy meds: you betchya.

Missing my family: is it possible to miss people more and more and more and more everyday? H-word, yes.

Happy: absolutely.

Nervous: me? lol....who wouldn't be in my position?

Excited: Every day.

Still worth it to be out here, jobless: yuppers.

Highs: yes

Lows: yes

Mood: Tired, but hopeful

DONE

2011-02-04T15:39:00.001-08:00

I wash my hands of being the 'option'. "Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option" ~ Mark Twain

Seriously

2011-02-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

During my random searches today, I saw this picture:

It was an ad for refinancing. I don't get it....and seriously....who does that? Apparently this guy. I named this photo 'gross,' on my desktop.

Operation Application

2011-02-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

One of my girlfriends here in DC is also looking for a job. We decided to test our motivation levels to see if we put out the same amount of applications a day together as maybe we would by ourselves. It would also give us time to commiserate between application/job hunting/cover letter making/resume building/hire me cause I am awesome sucking-up opportunities. We call it "Operation Application."

I had the thought that doing the job search together would be more productive if we had a contest. Little did she know that when she agreed that a contest could be 'fun' (and I am sure she was saying that purely to be nice) that I would take it to heart. I didn't create a bracket or anything, but I did come up with rules of the game and a nice little prize for whomever could pop out more applications by the end of the day.

Pretty much the only rule we ended up abiding by was the 'whoever puts out more applications and cover letters by the end of the day wins, and the loser has to buy the other person ice cream.'

Upon my job hunt today, I stumbled on this promising job that would give me experience:

a. Assisting and coordinated services that connect constituents with projects of a certain education group (HAZAA)
b. Writing communications info (GREAT)
c. Serving on teams and other organizational units (I LOVE PEOPLE)
d. Managing online material, special reports, surveys, correspondence (WOOHOO, WRITING RULES!)

It goes on, but you get it. I was sold on this agency and was super excited to write a cover letter and resume that reflects how awesome I am, and that the agency should hire me. Then I read the physical demands of the job, which included:

"Ability to sit at a desk for more than one hour at a time."
"Ability to bend and stoop in order to file and shelve."

I found myself laughing that those qualifications were necessary to include. I may have had tears!

Wow....it's a doggy dog world out there!

Grilled, not sauteed

2011-01-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

I just hope I don't offend my Vegan cousin when I buy and cook steaks at his house. Most of you know how much I absolutely love steak, and that when I was working I had to have red meat at least 3 times a day. Things have slowed down on my steak-purchasing days as of late....and finally, I just had to splurge. One thing about moving across the country is not knowing what to bring, and sticking with my gut when it came to bringing certain things. I had this moment packing up my kitchen things where I thought I needed to bring my fake George Forman grill with me.

My thought process: "Oh, I should totally take my grill with me...Terrence moved everything around in my car and now I have room for my printer and my grill....SWEET! Wait...seriously, I am going to bring a grill with me. That is so lame. I am sure Eva and Steve have one at their house. C'mon Lindsey, you don't need that."

Well, today, I went to the grocery store for my long awaited...and earned, steak. I came home all excited to eat because Andrew and I had some peppers left over from our Ethiopian night that I was going to fry with white wine and basil, and a potato that I was going to also fry up with a little paprika and chili powder...mmmm. So, I get home only to discover that the Burton's don't have a grill! I haven't cooked a steak without a grill before. I had seen my dad do some frying of steak, but I had never done it. I know, I know...really not a life-threatening problem, but a problem nonetheless. So, I finally settled to cook my steak in a frying pan letting the balsamic vinegar, juice from a hand-squeezed lemon and Worcestershire sauce soak. It was actually quite decent. I was pretty surprised. The last bite of steak was.....perfect!

Call me spoiled, but I still prefer my steak grilled, not sauteed. But if I had to do it all over again, I would!

And they think me dumb...?

2011-01-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

I went to a career workshop put on by some lovely ladies who head the employment committee at church. I have been corresponding with one of them throughout this adventure, asking her questions about my resume, how to strengthen it, etc. During the year, I also got feedback on my resume from professors, educators, government employees etc. I thought my resume was good to go, incorporating a couple extra tidbits on how to get an employer interested in having me in for an interview just by the looks of my resume.

According to some of my sources, HR reps in government have suggested that people put pictures on their resumes. It was suggested that I add mine to that pile even though I didn't think it was appropriate for my industry. At first, this suggestion was absolutely something I would not consider. My arguments were:

Negatives

I know that organizations cannot hire based on any kind of discrimination i.e. age, gender, race, etc.
I didn't want someone having me or not having me into an interview because of how I looked.
I am a woman, and including a picture could set me apart as someone who is seeking to 'look good' rather than think I will be hired based on my skills.
Most guys don't understand c, but the way a woman is perceived in any job is very different than the way a man is perceived. One might argue that because I have this bias, it will prevent me from getting those higher level jobs. However, it is not my attitude I am concerned with, it is the research behind the attitudes of others that concerns me. The way women and men interact, and how they are perceived in the workforce is something I have studied for a while, and is very real!

Positives

Having a picture will get my resume to stand out from the rest....because I am sure these people haven't included their pictures.
It allows the interviewer to personalize my resume, along with all my skills.
My dad and other executives said it was OK.

So, today when I showed my resume to a current HR rep in government, a lobbyist and another career counselor at this workshop, I felt like an idiot. They all stared at my resume, open mouthed like...really, she has been sending this out. All of them were astounded that I even thought this was PC. Apparently, HR persons frown upon pictures for reason 1 listed above. Their reaction is not what gets me. My fear is that I have been sending out a resume with my head shot a.k.a. "glamor pic" to organizations and companies I REALLY want to work for/with.

I should have listened to my gut. I now fear that putting my picture on my resume was a huge mistake. So, now that my resume is being floated all over DC (hopeful this is the case), what can I do? I can change my resume here on out, for sure. But, how do I replace those others? I feel so stupid.

All Quiet on the Eastern Front....But Not For Long

2011-01-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

Things around here have been quiet lately. Every morning I wake up and the first thing I do is read the Washington Post. I have become quite a fan of it. I then proceed to write blog posts for my newly improved education policy forum blog www.kablaucommunications.com. Then I check my emails for any responses from the days previous regarding jobs, networking or other opportunities. So far, nothing has really happened on the job front yet....but then again, I have only been here for 2 weeks....and I have made a lot of great connections. Here are some of my thoughts:

People here are so welcoming and willing to help. I can't tell you how many people have told me that they moved here without a job too, and how things have worked out so well for them. It gives me hope that I am in a place where jobs are more accessible and applicable to what I want to do.
Every day I feel that if I am not giving 100% to the job search that I won't find one. I have been a little MIA lately and my aunt and uncle once commented that I didn't need to seclude myself to my bedroom all the time. The fact is, once I get going, I get going and can't stop until I finish.
I think I have at least 7 drafts of my resume...that is a lot! But hey, it is worth it. Some include my new professional pic...thank you Jamie. I also posted all my professional information on my Linked In site, which I have had for almost 5 years, but have only recently been able to fill it completely.
I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every lesson has been focused around keeping the faith (specifically from the Book of Ether) and maintaining hope. I have had some pretty unique growing and spiritually-building experiences already, focusing on what I need to hear. In addition, I was able to attend the Washington D.C. temple with my stake last Saturday. It was amazing. I have never been in such a big chapel area. It was amazing to see a line of sisters as we waited and prepared to do a session. Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles, is coming this weekend for stake conference. The temple gave us the perfect opportunity to think about and prepare ourselves for his arrival.
My family here in McLean (from now on referred to as VAfam) has been amazing. They have made me feel so welcome and I already feel like I have been living here for a while. They have exposed me to some amazing things like food, the sites of McLean, the mall, but most importantly, they have exposed me to a quiet lifestyle. After dinner, quite often the family will go to the family room and sit together, not necessarily talking. My uncle will play the piano, my aunt will read or follow up with emails on her computer and my cousin will too. I started joining them...and am now reading The Count of Monte Cristo over again (unabridged)! I love reading for fun!
Ah, the cat. This following section is dedicated to Sarah Huber. My VAfam has a cat. All of you who know me, know that I am deathly allergic to cats. Prior to my coming here, my father prayed that my health would be sustained. I would like to think this is God's little blessing for me....to be able to live with a cat with rarely any problems. I was touch and go for a while, but now I am doing much better. I have tried to avoid the cat completely, making it clear that he should avoid me too. Unfortunately, this little cat gave me this look of wanting that I have never experienced before. It reminds me of the cat on Shrek who looks with his BIG EYES and everyone falls for it. I am not saying that I am in love with cats or anything, but the idea of living with one isn't as repulsive....especially when it joins us for dinner at the table, literally, he has his own chair. In the meantime, my new friends have to forgive me for being doped up on allergy meds. I get really silly about 11:07 p.m.
I just joined the local rec center. YAY for pools and swimming and weights and elliptical machines. YAY for not being lazy.
My aunt and uncle are gone for a while, so my cousin Andrew and I are tearing it up here at the house. We got creative the other night and made Ethiopian food. Andrew may say that we 'attempted' to make it, but I feel that we were very successful....except making the Injera. That was just wrong.....
I know, I know...all of you want to know about my dating life. Let me just put it this way. Yesterday, I pulled up the online magic 8 ball by asking if I was going to marry a certain someone this year (who doesn't know that we are supposed to get married...but he is my soul mate ;) I checked with 5 different online magic 8 balls, asking questions intermittently...you know in order to skew the stats. The funny thing was the answer to my very specific marital question was always, "Probably Not." Don't worry people...I am not letting a magic 8 ball persuade or undermine my dating/marital status. In fact, I am now determine to prove it wrong...hee hee. On the other hand, I also asked the online magic 8 ball if I would get a job this month and the answer was "Definitely Yes."

So, there you have it people...the adventure of Lindsey Blau just keeps going.

Adventures of Lindsey Blau - The Beginning

2011-01-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

I dedicate the following post to Heidi Buchanan - couldn't have made it here without you!

Packing up my belongings, not knowing how long I was going to be living in DC, was not as difficult as I thought it was going to be. Flo, my kleptomaniac bureau, revealed that one black shirt I had been looking for since April...and I shoved it in my last packed box before I was ready to head out the door on my new adventure. Now all I need to make this day more exciting are a couple of boys knocking down my door begging me not to go and professing their undying love for me, I thought. Would it have stopped me though? Hmmm....depends on the boy ;)

Regardless, I am hoping to be in this for the long haul. I made the decision to move to DC a long, long time ago, but wasn't able to follow through because of timing. I had great jobs, loved my schooling opportunities, absolutely loved the friendships I have made, enjoyed being so close to my family, and wouldn't take back my time in Utah for anything. But the thought of moving away to seek more job opportunities was always somewhere in the back of my mind. So, one day, I decided that once I graduated with my masters, I would go. How, when and where were not determined until one month ago. Even then, it was talked about, but not planned. I really didn't start thinking about the next step of my life until I got back from San Diego on January 3rd. I had one week to get everything done and prepped for my trek out east.

My friend, Heidi Buchanan heard this crazy plan of mine and volunteered to come with me. I thought she was just saying it to be nice, but the next day she talked to her manager who informed her that the days she requested off were the only days she could have anyway...which indicated to her and to me, that it was a sign. With that sign, we made arrangements, I packed, laughed, cried, danced and anxiously awaited Sunday, January 9th, the day it would all start. And so it has....

January 9-13

Sunday: Went to church one last time, was surprisingly released from my calling (way to stay on top of it Bishopric), had a couple blank stares from people who thought I would a). already be gone, or b.) had no idea I was leaving, held it together saying goodbye to some friends and lost it as my 10 minutes of saying goodbye after sacrament were nearing a close, kissed and cried with my roomie once more, held hands one last time from my pre-moving crush/boyfriend, gave him several kisses in the parking lot and left with Heidi to go to my prepacked car...thank you Terrance. We jumped in and started our infamous drive across country...over the mountains and through the snow. We left at 4:00 p.m. and arrived in Denver at 12:30 a.m. One thing is certain...we do not suggest I-25 in the snow.

Monday-Wednesday: Waking up to a winter wonderland, I was able to hang with Allie (my niece) and my sister Jamie. It was nice to have one last snuggle from Allie before I had to leave. I ended up having to go back into the house because I kept forgetting things, and apparently Allie finally settled down from crying because I left, and didn't want me to go. That is SO sweet. I remember smiling. And so, here are my thoughts during the rest of our winter/snow-covered journey cross country.

Peoria - has some pretty cool buildings. From the freeway we could see a couple of churches that had the same kind of Gothic style as the churches in Barcelona. I had no idea Peoria was so cool.
Illinois has some wicked-awesome rest stops that are decked out with playgrounds, hiking trails, vendor machine rooms and classy bathrooms
I love Nauvoo in the winter. Not only were Heidi and I the only people there, all the workers gave us their full attention and sometimes strayed off the script in order to make the visit more personal for the both of us. The only drawback was that sometimes in the winter, if it snows really hard, some of the sites are closed down. I may not have gotten to see the inside of the Mansion House, but being there I couldn't help but feel the spirit of Nauvoo. It was a pretty unforgettable experience. Seeing the temple was my favorite part.
Nebraska is not as boring as I thought it would be. In fact, almost every exit had some kind of art or sculpted statue that could be seen from the freeway. There was one exit that had this arch-type building across the freeway. We don't know if it was a store or a restaurant, but it was pretty cool. I am certainly going to stop there on my next cross country trip!
Thank you 24-hour BP gas station for being open! Most gas stations in podunkville close at 9 p.m. It is also scary not finding gas when you have 20 miles left of gas in your car and it is snowing outside. Blessed be the name of BP!
Our GPS, who we named Fran, got lost a couple times. Sure enough she showed us that we were driving in a couple lakes. We also followed her when she told us to get on and off the freeway because she was a little confused.
Boston and Journey are good pick-me-up bands when driving drowsy. It is not hard to go fast and to the beat...so it is maybe not the best snow-driving music
By the way, your anti-freeze will freeze at sub-0 temperatures, just be prepared to wash windows with the squeegee at every gas station and be sure to kick ice off your car so you can turn your tires.
I decided that I need a travel masseuse.
You can never have too many apples.
Always carry an Atlas just in case your Fran forgets that I-65 does turn into I-34, and you don't stray into a neighboring city where you can't ask for directions because everything is closed.
There really is a silent beauty of the Midwest.
Crashing at the houses of random people ROCKS!
There is nothing that a pack of peanut M&M's can't solve.
Most people in Illinois will speed up just enough to tail you for 1 mile and then pass you.
When both parties in the car are screaming "Run, Katherine, Run....!" you know your book on tape was a genius idea.
More often than not, it is quite acceptable to go 55 mph in a 70 mph zone when there is 2 inches of snow on the ground. From Omaha to Ft. Madison, we saw 16 semis that had slid off the road and about 10 cars. Needless to say, we slowed down.
I smile when I put my ipod on shuffle and Cindy Lauper comes on.
I get random spasms when other people drive my car through snow storms.
Because my feet are often cold, I burn out my driving mate.
It is amazing how far one can go on adrenaline and 4 bottles of water without needing to go to the bathroom.
My favorite billboard advertised "Buses Welcome," at the interstate Subway restaurant. Well, of course they are.
Sometimes driving on unpacked snow is better because of grip. My motto for driving in the snow "grip, not slip."
I wish I knew where the largest ball of yarn was, I would have probably stopped to see it.
I loved the cute older missionaries in Nauvoo feeling inspired to tell us that we are like bricks and diamonds. Being pressed, fired and shaped into something beautiful is what life is all about. I love my new Nauvoo brick!
When the option to drive is not available, I will sing instead.

...and this is the beginning.

All about the babies!

2011-01-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

"Don't worry....Brendon and I talked about it and we know that Jamie is the favorite because she has Allie," I said to my parents over Christmas break.

"Um nope, Allie is the favorite," they said in unison.

You know what, I LOVE that answer...and it's true, she is. Christmas this year was all about the baby...and we loved it.

I am sad that it is over. The break was amazing...as it always is with my family. We ate and ate and ate and played as many games as possible. We thought that since Allie has come into the family and more babies will be expected, we would start some new traditions. Reading Christmas stories before bed, singing carols around the piano, each person taking a night and cooking a meal and matching pajamas are only some of them. We also did a games bracket this year for New Year's. It was pretty amazing to see my parents do Xbox adventure games - jumping around to avoid hitting obstacles. HILARIOUS. Here are some other highlights:

I got really into jewelry making. Jamie modeled them for me. I see this being a GREAT hobby. Just need to get me one of those job things so I can start paying for my hobbies ;)
We went to the San Diego zoo....and got to watch more people than we did animals. There were so many people there that most of the animals were in hiding.
Hung out at Coronado Beach...a family tradition. At first, Allie was scared of the sand for an hour, but then got used to the idea and decided that eating it was pretty fun too.
Went ice skating. I watched the baby who loves the outdoors and not so much the cold.
Saw Tron with my mom. We love Jeff Bridges...particularly the old version of him. Not as much as Sean Connery, but a pretty close 2nd.
Playing games like "Curses" and "Quelf" where people have to act out during the game...my dad's favorite. It was pretty hilarious to see my dad sticking his fingers in his nose, mouth and ears at the same time.
Bryan turned 12 and was ordained to be a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. How weird that my brother can pass the sacrament now....it is crazy!

Who cries at their last class?

2010-12-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

Me. That's who. For the geek, the one who sits in the front of the classroom with learning/glistening eyes, the last day of class is bitter-sweet. Bitter because, let's be honest, I really LOVE school. Pay me to learn baby...I will do it. I am sure you are asking if I have considered a PhD. Yes, yes I have. I am still tempted by it, to be sure. But for some reason, the stars have aligned, Almighty has spoken, off to the 9-5 for me.

But, my last class is also sweet. I get to move forward into the unknown. I am not as scared as I used to be about the unknown. In fact, I know it will be refreshing. Not that I am need of a 'new start,' because I love things as they are....but because it means that I will be challenged, something I find to be exhilarating. Challenge for me is like flying in an airplane, looking down at the world below....what a thrill!

And so my dear friends, tonight is my last class of grad school... and I'm sure that I will let out a resounding 'HAZAA' at the end...but in my eyes, there will be tears.

The Hair Diary

2010-12-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

Ask my cousin Heidi or my Aunt Cindy - they could tell you how they would often long to play with my hair as a child, but I wouldn't let them. It was nothing personal...but the only person that could 'mess' with my hair was my dad.

Since I can remember, I have always had long hair. My Grandma Burton and my mom share a story that continues to be the tale of all hair woes. When my mom was younger, she used to swim all the time, making her platinum head of hair turn a vicious shade of green, at least, that is what my Grandma tells me. All my mom remembers is my Grandma chopping her long hair off. Being thin, her hair often matted to her head, making it seem less like a bob. My mom said she felt like she was a boy until she could grow her hair out again. Ever since then, my mom has been a huge proponent of long hair. Both Jamie and I had no choice....long hair it was.

Growing up in Scottsdale, both Jamie and I lived in the pool. I remember the distinct smell of Ultraswim, the best shampoo and conditioner ever that helped us get all the chlorine out of our hair. I also distinctly remember the smell of Infusium, a leave-in conditioner-like substance that helped mom brush out our oh-so-ever-chlorinated hair. The swimming part of my hair was fun. I could hide behind my long strands in the water, pretending I was a mermaid. The brushing part of my hair post-swimming was SO painful. My mom is this very gentle and sweet lady, so you can imagine that she would slowly, ever so slowly, brush our hair. I think this mild brushing contributed to how tender my head became. I therefore hated when other people would want to play with or attempt brushing my hair.

The only person that I would let get a brush through my hair was my dad. He would brush fast. Like a band aid ripping off, he would take 10 strokes and all the gnarls would be gone. It was amazing. My dad was also the only one who could put my hair in a pony tail or pig tails because there were absolutely no bumps. I remember hating bumps.

Sure, I have come a long way since then. Every time I get close to cutting my hair, I will tell my mom and she will shriek "No, don't do it. When I was 9 years old, your Grandma chopped my hair off....blah blah blah (insert dialogue here) and I will never forget it! If you cut your hair, you will regret it! Don't do it! I love your long hair!"

Alas, I have had my hair cut a couple times since moving away from home. I have never regretted the cutting part. I have, however, regretted the stage where it rests on my shoulders. It is a very awkward stage for hair, almost like the hair is confused. Does it want to lay straight? Decide to be curly? It is just plain awkward, right?

So, lately, I have had the hankering to get a 'professional' doo. My hair is about to the bottom of my bra strap (a little shorter than I have worn it prior to this year). My top layer is just to my shoulders, a little past that awkward length. I keep wanting to do something about it...and then, I will have a really good hair day. I end up smacking myself for even thinking or considering cutting it.

I dressed up in this old-lady shirt the other day that I LOVE. I bought it at the thrift store and it reminds me of something my Grandma would wear. It is a silk pink, gray, black and white blouse with shoulder pads. It buttons in the back and has a high collar and a little bit of a puffy sleeve. With my black pencil skirt, knee high boots, antique jewelry and tailored white coat....I felt very stylish. But then, oh then....there was my hair. I can't describe it. It just sparkled. It laid on my head just perfectly the day I wore this outfit, too.

This circumstance alone convinced me that if anything....my hair will get me my dream job!

1 Down

2010-12-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

1 paper down

1 paper to go

1 final to study for and then....

I GRADUATE!!!

Random thoughts

2010-11-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

Thought #1: I noticed that when I am with people who are drinking alcoholic beverages, that I generally tend to get my fill of what they are having times 3 in water. Tonight, my Capstone class met at Fiddler's Elbow for one final hoorah and a discussion of ethics in public administration. While some of my comrades enjoyed their on-tap drinks, I dove into a hot chocolate and 5 glasses of water. That's right, 5 glasses. I noticed that I did the same thing at my high school reunion. I was in the bathroom most of the evening. Strange, right?

Thought #2: It is really unnecessary for people to drive 25 in a 30 mph zone.

Thought #3: I love the bathroom stalls in the Tucson Mall on Broadway. It's true! In the stall, they have places where you can sit your child, as well as holders (not just hangers) for purses or shopping bags. I would like to thank the genius who made it possible for me to avoid setting my bag next to the toilet on the floor. Bless you.

Thought #4: I get some sort of weird satisfaction knowing that there is a person I know in the car next to me, or near me. I don't know why....

Thought #5: I plan to walk during my graduation ceremony in May even though I am graduating in December. I am truly a sentamentalist (word I just made up) at heart and find that I have deep feelings about why I should participate in this tradition. While some may think it foolish, or unnecessary, I like the symbolism of walking from this part of my life and crossing the platform to another phase...the unknown part of post-grad. There is just some kind of satisfaction knowing that I have accomplished something....remarkable. It is no surprise that I also enjoy crossing things off lists.

I will take the cake

2010-11-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

SPOILER ALERT: He swears at the end. Those of you who don't like swearing, hit 'stop' after he is done with the Cake or Death skit!

Baby Toe

2010-11-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Every time I drive for extended periods of time, my legs often squawk at me in a way only I can hear. They long to be stretched, shaken and danced out of their motionless state. I generally have ways to keep them from falling asleep. I jitter, stretch as much as possible given the confined space, and I often take LONG stretch breaks when I stop to use the restroom, fill up with gas or get something to eat. On most occasions you will find me at gas stations doing some yoga type moves all for the effort of enhancing my driving experience. If I don't do this, I have old-man-type joint and muscle pain in my legs and lower back that really should only be reserved for old men....sorry guys, but it's true.

I have also noticed that when I do sprint workouts in the pool that I often experience a tingling sensation in my legs. I self diagnose that this stems from muscle stimulation (and sometimes overuse of muscles) and low blood sugar. While I am constantly trying to find a diet that allows me to take full advantage of my strength, I haven't found anything that will take away the sensation of tingles in my legs. I have noticed that the tingles are not coming as frequently as they used to...perhaps a product of my continuous swimming habit. However, there is one thing that still puzzles me. That's right...to the subject of this post...my baby toe. Sometimes both baby toes fall asleep, but mostly it is my right baby toe. I can't seem to get that little guy to wake up.

I bought myself a new pair of tennis shoes (HAZAA, it has been close to 7 years since the last pair). While the comfort of these new shoes is astounding, they certainly enhance the ability I have to feel the asleepness of my baby toe. (Yes, I made another new word: asleepness). In fact, baby toe Blau is asleep right now. I am sure I could conjure up some theories that will back up this mystifying symptom....but as long as I am aware of it, I can call out to it, tell it to liven up and hope that when I wake up in the morning, it will still be there.....in its asleepness state.

Voting

2010-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't been very politically involved in the past. The last time I voted was during the Presidential election of 2004. Since then, I haven't really felt like I should vote either because I didn't feel like I was familiar enough with the candidates, or because I didn't have enough faith in my vote to really make a difference. I am sure I am not the only one who felt or feels this way.

Right now, I am sitting on a hill near the Union at the University of Utah during their Impact Day, where I have a chance to meet all the candidates running for office. I am surprised that not very many people have come with their issues to discuss with the candidates running. I hear a lot of whining against the government, and especially politicians, but not very many people take the opportunity to come and see what these decision-makers have to say in regards to these issues. I used to be that person. I used to whine about government this, policymakers that....and you know what, it didn't do me any good. I recently had a conversation with someone who decidedly doesn't vote...and yet gripes about government all the time. Sorry sir, you don't have a right to complain. Was that harsh?? I also did not have a right to whine.

As part of my coursework, we discussed citizenship and what it means to be a citizen. While a lot of being a citizen is about family and community, it also means being active. I regret not having been a true citizen of the United States up until now. And so....here I am.

With that said, I laugh at these different political platforms. Laughing really at how simple it is to find out about the issues and what is important to society right now. I find that I am impressed with politicians who have specific items that they are hoping to pass with realistic expectations of how to accomplish those tasks. I laugh and support all libertarians....thank you for your passion. My favorite platform, while I may not be voting for him, was from District #3. He is running libertarian and said "I am not going to blah blah blah, blah blah blah you. I am here to guarantee your rights and if the popular vote is gay marriage, or legalizing marijuana, I am going to guarantee your rights and fight for them too." It was awesome. While I don't support these issues, I too am for freedom.

I also love the Constitution runners. I agree that the principles of the Constitution need to be adhered to once again, but it is SO funny to me that these candidates are so busy dicing and slicing the political parties that I have no idea what their campaign is. While upholding the Constitution, there still needs to be a way to pass these initiatives, whether driven by the two-headed beast or not. I too am for the Constitution.

Republican or Democrat, the main issue I am concerned with is what education is going to look like with the election of these officials. With these 10-year plans that are proposed and part of overall state government initiatives, who is to say that these elected officials will be able to guarantee the successful implementation and support bills in order to keep the initiative going?

Sitting here and listening to these platforms makes me realize that I need to be active in discussing those issues that really matter to me, my family and my future family. Generally, I also feel that "We the People" is a failing idea or principle. Whether or not we agree with "politics" we still have a responsibility to be citizens....now I feel like I am campaigning....but you get the point. I am for being a citizen.

Do your homework. Get out and vote.

And I will too!!

Anyone looking for a professional cry baby?

2010-10-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

If I could get hired to cry for a living....I would blow all the competition out of the water!

Food in Teeth

2010-10-05T15:32:00.001-07:00

When I see someone, anyone...including strangers, with food in their teeth, I generally let them know, because Heaven forbid that they walk around with food in their teeth all day! Sure, it is all part of this 'looking good in front of people' idea that we all seem to have in our minds....but that is not the point. The point is, that I would hope someone would tell me if I had food in my teeth, or that my fly was down. That is the hope anyway, right? So, what do you do when someone joins you in the library at your table who smells like last year's socks and team jersey?

I'm sorry, but...

2010-09-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it seem like when someone is apologizing that it should be just that...an apology? It seems that if the apology is TRULY genuine that someone will just say "I'm sorry." Even if the reason why they were late was due to circumstances beyond their control, apology with REASON really isn't an apology, right? Apologies are frequently followed up by reasons, which by today's standards, have become excuses. "Honey, I am sorry that I forgot to pick up the dry cleaning, but I...," "I'm sorry I am late, but I got a flat tire." While the circumstances may not have been avoidable, the point is that an apology wants for no excuse. It should be what it is. An apology.

Onto a whole other point completely, I can't help but think of what crosses my mind every time I get excited about an assignment. That's right....I just get so excited that I give up other things in my life. Some people think this is abnormal of me...that I would rather study and do an assignment rather than go on a trip. Tripping is fun and exciting that is for sure! I am not at all diminishing the validity and funness of a great trip (I just made funness a word). No, no...I am just merely pointing out that I take a lot of pleasure in collecting data surrounding the implications and changes of educational policy.

As a matter of controversy, sometimes I just CAN'T help but think, "I'm sorry I want to go out with you, but I would rather be studying" ;)

Repercussions of dropping a class

2010-08-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Since I started college, undergrad and everything, I have never dropped a class. It's true. I always thought if I messed with the system, that something would mess up and all my hopes and dreams post-graduation would come to a halt if I dropped a class, or something else really bad would happen. Imagine my consternation when I attended a class and felt like it didn't fit my needs. I, for the first time ever, had to drop the class. I told the professor that while I adored him, I thought the syllabus didn't meet what I was looking for. I hoped that I didn't offend him in my decision. I thought of all the things that could go wrong because I dropped this class, after having invested some substantial hours in the readings, etc. Little did I know that one repercussion would be running into him and his daughter a little awkwardly during a rainstorm, right after my swim class, preceding my bite of protein bar.

First, my hair was wet from swimming. I figured since it was raining, drying it would be moot. Second, I had to make small chit chat as he joked with me (before noticing it was me) if I had room for him and his daughter under my umbrella (which I did)...the chit chat was a reminder to me that I dropped his awesome class, of which I really could have been interested and wonder if I made the right decision. Third, whilst I shared my umbrella with him and his daughter, I didn't notice the huge piece of faux-chocolate that had rested itself ever so carefully on my bottom lip. Upon noticing the chocolate from my protein bar about 5 minutes after we parted ways, I shrugged my shoulders and laughed.

I can rest assured that at least the repercussion of dropping a class was this little awkward interaction, and not something else drastic.

Songs of Worship?

2010-08-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

I have the opportunity to volunteer at the Salt Lake temple in the cafeteria. Every once in a while our kitchen staff sings great melodies and hymns, always inspiring....and for some reason, I end up getting songs like Sunshine of Your Love by Cream, Girl by Beck and Angel of Music from Phantom of the Opera stuck in my head. Sacrilegious?

Gum on the Bottom of Shoes

2010-08-25T23:13:00.001-07:00

I parked at the Institute building the other day on campus while I ran around distributing fliers for an upcoming 5k I am helping out with. I remember getting back in my car after a 2-hour stint of pinning, taping and running around trying to find out where approved bulletin boards were. Thankfully, I had help and it went a lot faster than I thought.

Upon driving away in my Toyota out of the parking lot, I felt like one of my tires was acting a little wanky. I also observed the klunk klunk klunk sound coming from the front of my car. I surely thought that it was a flat tire, which I have been privy to in many a recent past. I pulled into the median because there was not a shoulder. While it may not have been the safest place, I knew I could at least get out and examine the damage. Upon checking all of my tires, I was bewildered to see that they were all fully inflated. I wasn't really sure what was going on, so I looked a little closer. To my astonishment, my front right tire had a huge "platform" of tar stuck to it. I started laughing. I had never seen anything like it before...ever. I recalled that the parking lot just had its cracks filled ..but the tar was not fresh or anything and couldn't possibly have a disastrous affect on little ole tires, right?

What does one do with tar stuck to their tires? I sure didn't know. Could I have picked it off myself? If not, should I have taken it in to a tire shop? That almost seemed too easy. I decided to drive to a safer location. Upon my drive....it was just too much for me to handle. My steering wheel shook, which made my Relief Society arms shake (made me realize how much I should lift weights), and it felt like my tire was coming off. I didn't get very far until I pulled over to the side of the road and started picking tar off with my ice scraper. But then I had this thought that "one day it will snow, there will be ice on my windows, and I will have forgotten that I used the scraper to get tar off a tire and I would scratch my windows." So, I started using my hands. I didn't get very far before the heat of the day got to me, and I hopped in my car and drove home.

Who would have thought that having tar on a tire is very much like having gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe?

Fuzzy Socks

2010-08-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

I have a good friend who is about to leave to go to Penn State to become a famous writer. I often told him that he needed to start a blog, not just to post information about himself online, but to practice writing. How great to have a portfolio at your fingertips, and to turn some assignments into some great blog posts. He always said that he wanted a blog, but never really followed through with it. I challenged him to start writing for at least 10 minutes a day. If you recall, my very first blog post talked about Nancy Williams, my public opinion professor at Utah State who encouraged us to write for 10 minutes a day, without an internal editor telling you that your writing had to be amazing. My friend was stuck thinking that if he didn’t have anything ‘good’ to write, then what was the point. The point is to get into the practice of writing without an editor, to create that free-flow of thought with no interruptions. We then compiled a list of things that he should write about. From things as silly as “My first haircut was…” to “If my girlfriend were a vampire,” the list is used as a prompt to get him writing. I decided to take the challenge with him. Periodically, I will post writings based upon this list. And while it may not be the best writing you will ever read, I am still very excited to free-flow….ah, like dancing…but better J *I have edited the contents of my unedited free flow as not to confuse the reader

I have always been one of those people who goes to clothing stores and shops by touch. I am drawn to all things fuzzy, small, frilly, colorful and blingy. While I never really purchase these items, it is like a ‘moth to a flame’ and I can’t help but touch in order to appreciate. I find myself having to hold my hands in back of me, clasping them sometimes white knuckled, when I see a piece of art at a museum that I really want to touch. The thought always goes through my head, “I wonder what would happen if I just reached my hand out, ever so swiftly.” But don’t worry, I don’t ever follow through, but the fact is….it is a recurring thought…and surely fear of disobedience is what prevents me from doing it. Regardless, I love the sense of touch.

I once heard a story of a girl who was born without nerve endings, or something crazy like that. The story goes that the doctor said that she had no ability to touch and feel. WARNING GRAPHIC SCENE APPROACHING: One day she woke up and had gorged out her eyes, leaving her blind. GRAPHIC SCENE OVER. The doctor commented that he would never wish this kind of handicap on anyone. Not having the ability to touch or feel….what a tragedy.

During those games of would you rather’ a familiar question asks to choose between which sense I could do without. After thinking about it for some time, I still don’t have an answer. As much as I am fond of touch, I am also fond of hearing. Music is a huge part of my life. It is quite often that I will be driving to some destination, a song will come on, and for that one moment, life is peaceful, serene, happy. Even if happiness is what I am feeling, the music adds and reverberates beauty, simplicity, memory, hope….I could go on. There is not one day that has passed where I am not touched by music. The same goes with birds in the morning, thunder that follows the lightning, the sound of rain hitting the trees behind my apartment, knowing and distinguishing the sounds of a failed starter versus a failed alternator, little children laughing, different kinds of sneezes, soft spoken words, loudness of a sports stadium, distant and near fireworks, flames, water running….I could go on.

Then there is the sense of smell. As one who had the most sensitive smellers in the world, sometimes this is a blessing and sometimes this is a curse. It is unfortunate that I have ability to decipher from your burp, what you had for lunch. It is also unfortunate that I can smell the occurrence of future rotting potatoes. I once dated a guy who yelled at me for throwing out my milk because I thought it had an expired smell. As much as this is a curse, it is also a blessing. Almost as much as music, I love food! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I love trying new things and experiencing new tastes. In addition to this love comes an appreciation for new aromas. Some of my friends who visit my apartment often comment of the smell of the hallway. While they may consider it smelling horrid, I can smell when my sweet neighbors from Lebanon make paella and add that fresh shrimp and chili powder. A touch of basil to roasting peppers, the smell of melting butter, balsamic-glazed steaks marinades, orange and lemon peel potatoes, a touch of this a touch of that…..adds to the symphony of aroma I get to smell. And while I have attributed most of my favorite smelling experiences to food…I can’t forget those other marvelous times where I would wake up in the middle of the night in Sierra Vista and smell the rain coming in. I can’t forget the smell of my sweet little niece’s head after a bath, the smell of that amazing apricot gum, the smell of old spice deodorant, leather jackets, clean bathrooms, cement stairwells, old books, the list goes on. Sure some of these things are hard to imagine loving the smell of, but believe me when I say that without it, I would be lost.

Ah and to taste….well, that goes without saying.

‘Tis the ode to what popped into my head when I had 10 minutes to write about fuzzy socks.

Jane Austen Fight Club

2010-07-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

No longer good society. Three cheers for this brilliant masterpiece!

Geek Alert

2010-07-15T10:38:00.001-07:00

Yuppers...that's me...big time geek coming through. You can catch me in the front row of the classroom desks. When I am not there, I am doing my usual Utah summer craziness. A little catch up on my life from May-June.
May

Started my ethics class. I had three different weekends: Fridays from 5-9 and Saturdays from 8-5. While you may be experiencing an "Oh my gosh" moment, I am sad these are over! Really! We discussed things from different definitions of lying, the ethics of journalism when exposing high profile individuals, ethics of bureaucracy and when it is right to defect in order to protect the common good, public integrity, torture tactics, etc. My favorite discussions revolved around this series called "Ethics in America" put on PBS a while ago. check out the young Peter Jennings!
Denver baby: Love the sis! Jamie and Jordan moved to Denver...and I get to visit them all the time! YAY! My first drive that way, I couldn't help but want to pull over at Little America. Seriously, on my drive there, I saw at least 50 signs asking me too. From ads that talked about their amazing ice cream cones, playground and pool for the kiddies, to the ads about having in-house mechanics. I decided that I would only stop over if the man on the mechanic billboard would fix my car....va va voom! Well, Jamie sure knows how to treat a girl. I was certainly the 2nd princess of the home. Of course, we can't forget Allie-bear. She is #1. Jamie took me to the zoo....a fave past time, and we got to play downtown'ish' with my dear middle-high school friend! What a riot...I loved it. Wanna come again and going to. Thanks Jordan for sharing your wifey!
My birthday! For my birthday, my parents bought me a flight to visit them...I figured nothing is really gonna get better than being with the rents and bro on my birthday. They always show me a good time. Mom had all these activities including sushi like 3 times in a week (amazing), homecooked roast by daddy...if any of you have had it, you know it is the best in the world, a great attempt at pudding delight (which I requested for my b-day cake), walking and hiking with the bro, hanging with my fancy Aunt Kay, a night at Coronado with mama (girls night) and riding 20 miles with our bikes the next day...sheesh. In addition, my good friend Heidi (now living in Salt Lake) celebrated her birthday in San Diego with another dear friend, Scott Downey, who showed us all the proper way to make steak and chocolate chip cookies (of which I had maybe 10).
Spray paint art: my hot little bro is quite the artist. He showed me a thing or two about using spray paint and turning it into art. The little dude is not only hot, but an incredible artist. Go for the gold Bry....

Birds are not stupid. I have often told friends that birds have just seemed to get dumber as time has gone by. For example, I drive down the road and see birds harvesting on a new carcass splat on the road. My hope is that as I slow from 55 to 50, that these birds will look up and take flight. Lately it seems that their reflexes have been a little on the poor side. I could contribute this handicap to air quality, loss of habitat, quality of carcass...alas, I used to claim that they were stupid. How much they proved me wrong. While visiting Coronado Beach as part of my birthday visit, a family left their belongings (including food) unattended while the seagulls took charge. I will just let these pics speak for themselves. Moral of the story: birds are not as dumb as I thought.

Snorkling date: went on seriously one of the best dates with my long-term distance, no expectations BF to La Jolla. I haven't been on too many dates in San Diego close to the beach....I could get used to it! Didn't really get to see too many fish due to the red tide...but the fish I did see, including my ever-so-water intense date, was quite remarkable! Followed up by one of the best sandwiches with hummus, sun-dried tomato-cucumbers and balsamic vinegar...does it get any better?
Beginning of two more classes. HOLLER. What is with me and summer school? I can't help it, I am in love! I just had to take 4 classes this summer. In addition to the ethics class, I am taking Foundations of Education Leadership and Policy, and Administrative Law. My American Government class started in August...right before school starts for fall. Why the rush, you ask? BECAUSE people....I found out that I am graduating in December!! Can I get a whoop whoop. In other words, swoot-woo. And then what? Off to DC baby! That is the goal. That is the dream. East coast, here I come....

June

What the heck did I do....? I don't remember. Oh, school. That's right! Mid-terms, papers, hearing about everyone's amazing vacays, but really feeling like I wasn't missing out cause I love school like that....yup. I also started training to do a 5k swim in August, until I found out that the weekend of the race was my weekend of school. ALAS, I am still training as if I were in it!
Went on a date to the incredible Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, played in conjunction with the Utah Symphony. Amazing! We heard this one pianist from Ukraine, Pavlo Gintov, who wowed me not only in his size, but also in his composition. His poise at the piano was natural, his memorization and movement, astounding. I believe he got 3rd overall. Incredible!
Wedding Reception: My dear friend Meta Mitchel got hitched in Phoenix. On my travels to see this incredible experience, I was able to reunite with the SV clan. I can't tell you how much all my peeps mean to me, and how much I thank them all for their amazing service to me! A huge part of my life...aah, the memories. There are just so many feelings. My cup o'erfloweth :) Seeing Meta arm in arm with her EC was a pretty remarkable experience...one I most likely will never forget, and we all know about my memory loss issues....

July

There is no July without a little St. George fireworks. Chillin with the family down in the George is one of my fave past times. This year, it was full of girly stuff like, being lazy at the pool with kiddies, going to plays like Pride and Prejudice, putting puzzles together, making up a new nickname for Mama Blau (Grandma Yo Yo), hitting up Tarzan at the Tuacahn....see it people, taking Bryan on a date to see the Last Airbender (good job M. Night, very much like the cartoon), hanging with Jamie's in-laws, getting excited about playing with extended family, hearing the sewing machine of the ladies (aaah, the memory takes me back to living at home).
Jazz festival: An annual tradition for me, I got down and funky with the best date ever...Mama Blau! We got groovy to the sounds of Ellis Hall, who was mentored by Ray Charles. Also blind, I couldn't help but love his little screams mid song. It added to the Mo-town funk! Ellis Hall is my boyfriend!
Demolition Derby: I'm sorry, how many seats are you saving? Um, 35...gotta problem with that!? What, I gots the fam and the peeps. The marrieds, the singles, the extended....what? There is nothing better!

All the single ladies....

2010-04-27T22:43:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness, I am still laughing my head off. Enjoy this version of "If guys were like girls."

Letter

2010-04-19T20:10:00.001-07:00

Dear dirty dishes in the sink, the fuzz growing in my toilet bowl, the dirty laundry piling on my floor, the clean laundry hanging out in the dryer for weeks, the mess of a bedroom, the eligible HOT suitors wanting so desperately to pursue me, the driver's license people, the oil change people, the grocery list that keeps getting longer, the phone calls I have to return....

unfortunately, you all have to be patient with me. I am unavailable for the next 2 1/2 weeks. Hang in there....I will get to you as soon as I can!!

Best,

Lindsey

WHAT??

2010-04-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

You mean my 12-page paper is due next Tuesday?? Oh dear.....

And that, ladies and gentlemen, brethren and sisteren, is my life right now.

Daylight Savings

2010-03-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

I pulled up to church yesterday and noticed that the parking lot was full to capacity. Several thoughts entered my head, including: "Is it Stake Conference?" "Was there some sort of pre-church meeting?" "Why isn't anyone pulling up at the same time as me...I am not that early?" Then it dawned on me...the clock in my car said 12:45 p.m. alas...it was 1:45 p.m. I have lived in Utah almost 10 years and have missed daylight savings in the spring almost every year.

Well, at least I am consistent.

Crosswalk

2010-02-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

I don't think the flashing lights on a pedestrian crosswalk are just suggestions.....just sayin'.

The LOVE month

2010-02-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

I have never really been a fan of Valentine's Day. All this hubbub to proclaim love to people that should really know that I love them anyway. That is why I have declared the month of February LOVE month. A big month of just pouring out love to my peeps and even to strangers. So far, LOVE month has ROCKED. Ever since the infamous Valentine's Day of 2009, I couldn't help but realize how much more fun Valentine's Day is with really good friends.

Keri Payne, my BFF from high school, came out to see me. Talk about LOVE! Her amazing hubby and children let her come and spend some crazy girl time with me....ME!! The laughing till it hurts philosophy rings so true when we are together. Just a couple highlights:

We visited my favorite consignment shops. Really, I could use some more pink objects in my house...and these little hidden stores are the perfect places to find such items. If you have never been to great consignment or antique shops in SLC, let me know....I will tell you where they are and even go with you. Though we didn't hit all of them in one day, some beauties are Emilie Jayne, Home Again, Secondhand Chic, Now and Again...I could go on...but those are my faves. A new one also opened up around 2100 South and 900 East, but it is a little pricey.
We tried on clothes at Decades, this amazing vintage store on State street that really only carries vintage-wear. Talking with the owner, I asked him where he gets all this amazing stuff. He said he used to go to estate sales, where the elite of Salt Lake City collected amazing clothing, jewelry, purses, shoes, hats, records...you name it and he would buy it. He then told me that now, people just bring things in to the shop. It was unbelievable the amount of cool things he had. I found this flirty and fun black dress and Keri found some sensational jewelry. We were talking about how fun it would be to take pictures, but the owner told us that camera's are banned from the store...makes sense I guess....I think people would have WAY too much fun ;)
We went to my favorite Italian restaurant, Cafe Molise that is right in the heart (get it) of downtown Salt Lake City. This is my favorite place for several reasons. First, instead of using an overwhelming amount of heavy marinara sauce on their spaghettini, they use a light garlic-butter sauce and then squeeze fresh tomatoes on top, adding fresh basil and leaving the tomatoes in the pasta. Covered with Parmesan cheese that is lightly melted, the dish is served straight from the chef's hands to mine. I knew Keri just had to experience a party for her pallet, so we went there. Second, the ambiance is refined and romantic. Third, they play live jazz and when they don't, they have it playing over the sound system adding to the ambiance. It was awesome to take a girls night and explore refined cuisine!
Ah...the symphony. One of my favorite past times. I didn't tell Keri what we were doing post-amazing-eating. She quickly figured it out as we walked from the restaurant to the symphony doors. It was Keri's first time at the symphony...which made it even that much more fun for me! It always fun being with people who are experiencing first's. We had the opportunity to listen to Ruth Crawford Seeger, who experimented with string music that collided and broke apart...very modern. We then heard amazing pianist Jean-Phillipe Collard play Mozart's Concerto No. 23 with the symphony. His eloquence and presence on stage was appealing, and his fingers were so light and tempered, which enhanced the brilliance of the piece. We then heard one of the most amazing pieces I have ever heard. Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 was like a story for my ears. I was enthralled by the intensity of each separate movement. I kept turning to see how Keri liked it. We were both so moved by it all!! It was a brilliant night out on the town.
The next day was perfect. After going to a single's breakfast that the boys in our church cooked for the girls in our church, and to offset our hectic day before, we decided to see as many girl movies as possible. We went to Jordan Commons to see When in Rome. After an excursion shopping for jewelry hangers at Hobby Lobby and visiting a long-time friend of Keri's, we went back to the Commons to see Valentine's Day with my other girlfriends. Both movies were adequate and I give them both 3 stars. It was fun just to relax and not have anything to do but catch up on chick flicks.
Sunday was all about the food. Keri surprised me with Valentine's Day jammies!! I LOVE THEM! Oh, and I can't forget to mention the loofa shaped like a heart...and a little sinful chocolate. After visiting my single's ward, where we got to tell everyone about our weekend adventures and where Keri was asked to give the opening prayer and was asked if she was on Facebook...where she promptly responded that her married name was Payne ;) we baked and experimented. The day before we made cornbread hearts. I was afraid that the heart-shaped tins I got to cook muffins in would make them look like little butts. To my utter happiness, they look just like hearts!! We then made tri-layered chocolate sin, which we ate straight out of the bowl...even though it could feed an entire evening party.
Then, Keri helped me decorate my wall. This ended up being our doubled-over-in-laughter-pain moment. To read our joint-post, visit Keri's blog. Some of my favorite moments include listening to my favorite songs and when the Top Gun theme song came on Keri said "I love this song. It is so sad that Patrick Swayze died." I said, "Oh, I agree. What about the music from Top Gun with Tom Cruise made you think of that?" We burst out laughing and couldn't settle down. It was one of those nights!

I was so lucky to have Keri as my Valentine and thank her hub and chillins for sharing her with me! I was talking with one of my other friends about my feelings of Valentine's Day and how they have completely changed over the past couple years, and she had a very profound statement saying that if we could just recognize it as LOVE day...it makes it SO much more fun and a little less overwhelming.

This is what LOVE month is all about people! Let's keep it going....

Steak or Cereal

2010-02-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

I have been swimming almost every morning since the beginning of the semester. I just love swimming so much that I enrolled in two swim classes, one that meets on Monday's and Wednesday's and one that meets on Tuesday's and Thursday's. I am certainly a fan of getting better and improving something that I am passionate about, which I why I am especially glad to have such wonderful instructors who really take the time to introduce me to new techniques in areas that I have not previously focused on.

One thing I have realized about swimming early in the morning is that eating right before (for me) is a big no-no. So after my class gets out at 10:30 a.m., I am generally famished. By the time I get home I often wonder if I need to feed my body breakfast or lunch. The question always becomes "Do I want steak or cereal?"

Today

Steak: 1
Cereal: 0

Gray

2010-02-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

My mood lately seems to have matched the wintry landscape of gray that inhibits Salt Lake City right now. A very dull color, this gray allows nothing for the imagination. I wake up and though the sun is shining, a gray musk fills the air. I don't blame inversion...that seems to have somewhat gone away...but this cool, dry earth is damp with despair. It's as if it is crying out, begging for blossoms. I know I sure have been.

However, today I feel lucky. Traveling down the gray road, passing and stopping behind gray cars, traveling past gray restaurants and shops, and seeing gray sad-looking faces, I noticed an inflated pink balloon in the middle of the road. It skipped along calmly and coolly as traffic whizzed by it. A very Joe v.s. the Volcano moment...everyone was rushing to their next appointments...did anyone notice the balloon? I watched as it danced from lane to lane. As if it wasn't worrying whether or not it was hit...because it was invincible. It was almost as if I could hear it saying, "Weeee!" I found myself smiling. Even amongst the busy grayness of the world, all it takes is one moment to raise my gray to a salmon shade of pink.

High School Locker Drama

2010-01-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

I had another dream where I was in high school...again, and I couldn't get my locker open, thus making me late to class. This dream, however, was very different than my other I-can't-get-my-locker-open dreams. This time, the principal found me and when I thought I was going to get in trouble she reassured me that she knew who I was and knew I wasn't trying to slack off and would forgive my tardiness. Instead of feeling dread for missing the first couple minutes of class and potential repercussions of being tardy, I felt like I was important and known. I felt like despite the fact that I was going to be late to class that I would be OK because my principal knew my intentions and knew that I was prepared, just delayed. However, during the dream, I recall thinking that this circumstance didn't give me an excuse to be late all the time...but that I should always strive to be the best student I could by arriving to class on time.

I love remembering dreams.

I have my own interpretation for the dream...anyone else?

Relationships and the Economy

2010-01-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

It's funny how everything seems healing when you are searching for things that can heal, especially after experiencing disappointed hopes. I was reading Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan, as part of my assignment for my Governance and Economics class. I not only LOVE this book for its insight into the science of governance and the economy, but also for the little bits of healing I have found and somehow managed to thwart into my own little category of 'failed relationship science and application.' Here is what I learned:

Lesson 1: When discussing financial markets, Wheelan gives an example of being at the grocery store and determining which line is shorter and therefore would be quicker to get through. He determines that, "It's the things you can't predict that matter" (Wheelan, 2002, p. 130). This spurred in me an ah-hah moment especially in relationships and life in general. How BORING would it be if life was predictable...if every relationship went the way I wanted? Predictability lacks excitement.

Lesson 2: Again, referring to the grocery store analogy, Wheelan suggests to "pick a line and stand in it" (Wheelan, 2002, p. 130). I kinda laughed because at this point, I am just waiting for someone to pick my line....and if my assets are "priced efficiently" everyone is better off in the long-run.

Lesson 3: I LOVED this, especially when I thwarted it with my theory. "Human beings make flawed decisions. We are prone to herdlike behavior, we have too much confidence in our own abilities, we place too much weight on past trends when predicting the future, and so on" (Wheelan, 2002, p. 131). How many times have I heard that one or two or even three relationships haven't worked out because so much of it was based on fear? There are a lot of us single people out there who have experienced some tragic (and I am actually being serious, not facetious) relationships. We are on guard, we take time to trust other people, and sometimes what has happened in the past effects current and even potential relationships we can have with other people. Oh, if only we could have confidence that things were going to work out. I think a lot of people lack the faith that it will work out and allow the fear to take over.

Lesson 4: In any economic circumstance, besides saving, investing, diversifying, etc, it is important to take a risk every once in a while. Wheelan stated, "Risk is rewarded-if you have tolerance for it" (Wheelan, 2002, p. 134). Hmm, makes me think that maybe taking risks for a long-term relationship will be a good thing.

Lesson 5: "The odds are stacked in your favor if you are patient and willing to endure the occasional setback" (Wheelan, 2002, p. 135). No explanation needed.

Lesson 6: "Indeed, if we all believe that the economy is likely to get worse, then it will get worse. And if we all believe it will get better, then it will get better" (Wheelan, 2002, p. 157). Just like relationships, if we think they will get worse, then they will. But if we have hope in them and think they will get better, they will.

Lesson 7: "Recession may actually be good for long-term growth because they purge the economy of less productive ventures" (Wheelan, 2002, p. 158). This made me think that failed relationships may actually be good for long-term growth because they purge me of those relationships that could be potentially hazardous for my soul....I am being a little sarcastic, but you catch my drift.

So, all in all, I would have to say that relationships are much like the economy... unpredictable, didactic, exciting, lesson-learning and something to look forward to in the future. And that, ladies and gentleman, is a GREAT study day!

EPA Puts Good Single Men on Endangered Species List

2010-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Rockin A Capella

2010-01-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

In Gilmore Girls (Season 6 I believe) there is a scene where Lorelai and Christopher go visit Rory at Yale. During the parent day visit, Rory says to avoid tunnels, arches, or anywhere that has good acoustics because it means that A Capella groups are hanging out there. During the rest of the show, Lorelai and Christopher make sure to avoid these places due to the fact that everyone at Yale seemed to belong to these crazy no-instrument singing groups.

I find that I generally do not like A Capella groups either and found myself laughing at the way the groups were portrayed in the TV series. That was until tonight. I don't know what it was, but the group I saw perform this evening was brilliant. Each voice seemed seamless. The choreography was hilarious. Though the group was professional and poised, I couldn't help but notice individual personality and flare during their performance. Tonight I saw the Harvard Krokodiloes perform music from titles like Danny Boy, to some more upbeat tunes like My Girl and even Rockin Robin (where part of the choreography included three men acting like birds). I was completely impressed.

By the end, I wondered why I hadn't liked this kind of vocal organization before. Maybe it is because I am jaded by the three to four-men A Capella groups that seem mostly to come out of Utah. I am not saying it is terrible, but there is something to be said about a larger A Capella group. I also liked that their sound was true to the song, meaning...no beat-boxing. Maybe that is why I haven't been so fond of A Capella groups before. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed the performance tonight and hope to go visit Harvard, Yale, Columbia and other top-notch schools that choose to stick with the roots of the true A Capella sounds.

Reflections

2010-01-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

You have generally read my reflections as 'life's lessons' or 'little lessons learned.' I recognize that I, indeed, have learned a lot in the past two weeks about myself and about God. Therefore, I will share my reflections.

I have learned that:

Despite the fact I give myself a time limit to feeling a certain way, it doesn't mean that the time limit will work. I realized that even as it may become easier to cast disappointment aside, that it will still hurt from time to time. That is all part of growth.
Surrounding myself by loved ones who love me unconditionally is a GREAT blessing when I am struggling.
The Lord keeps His promises, which was not something that I really believed before. But now I can say that I know it. I still struggle with this concept sometimes, but the foundation of this truth has been laid, I just need to start building on what I know.
There is someone who will care about me enough to want to be with me. That despite the fact I have quirks and weaknesses, that it will work out. I, in turn, will always try to be the best person I can be in order to work on those funny things about myself that will contribute to a life of learning about Jesus Christ and His plan of happiness through growing experiences and self-mastery.
Even if someone I care about doesn't care about me in the same way, that I need to accept their reasoning as something that is valid and unarguable. In other words, I need to respect that they know what is best for them and what will help them grow and succeed in the long run. I am still struggling to accept this as it has been very easy for me to place blame and play the victim card when things in my life haven't gone the direction I would have hoped.
The Lord is really with me all the time through disappointed hopes by sending me friends and family who care about me no matter what and who see my value as a women and child of God when I don't have the ability to look beyond my despair.
Under the circumstances, I have actually grown up a little bit and have more of an opportunity to grow close to my Father in Heaven and trust that He knows what is best for me, even when I think that what is best for me is behind me and I have no control over it.
There is a lot to look forward too, something that in the past, I have not been able to recognize.
I need to look at past romantic relationships as 'opportunities passed' instead of 'disappointed expectations.'
I know that I can get through these situations when I rely on my Savior to help me do better than I did last time. The reality is that there are still some days where my anxieties take over and I forget about everything I have learned about myself and my Father in Heaven and His plan. It almost seems like I can never relax in understanding His plan for me, and that satan grabs a hold of everything I know is true and slams it against the wall. It is exhausting sometimes trying to keep the adversary away from my thoughts. But I know light prevails against darkness. It has always been and will continue to be.

I sound so grown-up, don't I? ;)

Inspired Graffiti

2010-01-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Normally, I don't condone graffiti unless it has been sanctioned by some organization or something, but today I may have had a change of heart. In the bathroom at the University of Utah library and a place where all my best pondering takes place, someone had written 'Practice Tolerance' on the back of the toilet paper holder. The word 'Tolerance' had been crossed out and was replaced with the word 'Acceptance.' I found this little piece of graffiti, especially the way it was constructed (someone's original thought, replaced by words of wisdom by someone else) to be rather refreshing.

It seems that tolerance is something that is in place as a precursor to acceptance. There are so many things that were once tolerated that over time have become accepted. I find that acceptance is actually a more peaceful resolution to barriers that may exist in any circumstance. So, while it may be prudent to practice tolerance, it is almost more effective to practice the end outcome, in this case - acceptance. So, thank you dear graffiti artist for giving me something to think about in the quiet thrones of the University of Utah library bathroom.

I'm Not Crazy

2010-01-07T15:38:00.001-08:00

I have had to look at my school schedule at least 20 times this past week. After chatting with friends post-holidays, I started having a freak out that school was starting already. No, I haven't had those dreams where I forget my locker combo, or forget to dress before school starts, but I have had to re-check online several times just to make sure that school really does start on January 11. Most friends ask "When do you start school?" just to inquire about it...I then freak thinking that maybe I was supposed to have already started school. So, the University system can include me on making them popular on their CPC campaigns since I have clicked on them enough times to make them noticed on google.

No, Lindsey, the school date did not change over the holidays...and no Lindsey, you are not crazy.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas....and what did I tell Santa I wanted...? Well, I can't tell you exactly what I want, but I have been asking for the same thing for 7 years now. If that wasn't a dead give-away, at least Santa knows and he said he would do his best ;)

Merry Christmas to everyone. May you have a wonderful time with family and friends this year and watch Linus as he tells us what Christmas is really all about!

One down...

2009-12-16T22:43:00.001-08:00

Two more papers to go...oh and a presentation. Friday seems so close, yet so far away!

FOCUS, BREATHE, COMPLETE

When I go....

2009-12-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

Sitting in the salon chair getting my head massaged today was one of the most exciting and rather heavenly moments I have ever had. I was at peace, nothing could alter my calm as the salon coordinator sent my scalp on a journey from a dry desert wasteland to a beautiful thriving oasis of goodness and sensation. There is nothing like getting a good scalp massage. The thing about my salon is that they do not ever deprive my scalp of a good time. Perhaps to keep my business, a 10-minute scalp massage is always included in the price of my cut. My head has never felt so good! There is nothing like when the salon coordinator hits those tender spots on my head that make the tips of my fingers go numb. Don't even get me started on how I feel about the circular motions near my temples, behind my ears and a good ole neck-to-scalp teaser.

If not to stimulate the roots of my hair, this experience stimulated my mind to thinking that when I go, it better be in the amazing finger-to-head moment with my salon coordinator.

I'm an Auntie

2009-12-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

YAY!! Little Allie Nelson was born Saturday at 11:57 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs 10 ounces and was a good 19 inches long. I woke up on Saturday around 9:15 a.m. Trying to wrestle my body that wanted to stay wrapped up in my warm blankets until at least 10, but I knew that I needed to get ready to go to the Festival of Trees to meet a friend. Around 9:30 a.m. I searched for my phone that I accidentally left in the kitchen. I picked it up heading out the door and noticed that I had 10 missed calls. I immediately began to worry seeing everyone from my dad, mom, Jordan (brother-in-law) to my grandpa listed on my 'missed calls' profile.

See, Allie was not expected to be born until December 24th, so I listened to the first voicemail from my mom who said "Jamie went into labor, so I am coming tomorrow at 9:15, you need to pick me up." I looked at the clock that said 9:35 a.m. CRAP. I called mom. Sure enough, mom had found another ride to the hospital. WHOOPS.

I then proceeded to listen to the rest of the messages all of which let me know Jamie was headed to the hospital...I even got a message from Jamie, which made me burst into tears. Jamie was going to be a mom!! I was so excited.

I walked into the hospital room with no expectations. There was Jamie so peaceful...apparently that look of peace only happens when you are drugged ;) I immediately went to her bedside to kiss her head and hold her hand to tell her that she was superwoman and I couldn't believe this day was already here. But the moment overcame me and I just started crying instead a little frozen at the scene. Then, I saw my brother-in-law holding little Allie. My heart gave out. There she was. And there was my mom. I looked around in awe at this little family, all beaming. It's as if they all knew that this little person would change their lives forever...and in a good way. And guess what, I get to be a part of it too!

The rest of the day was spent pondering this amazing time in the lives of my sister, Jordan and little Allie. I am so excited for my family and can't wait to watch her grow up...but not too fast because she really is the cutest baby I have ever seen!! I have yet to discuss with the parents if I can post pics of their baby on this public forum...so, until then, you can see this little amazing person on my facebook.

YAY!!!

Bert

2009-12-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Someone wrote on my facebook that she wanted to get together with me. I agree full-heartedly that this must be so....however, Bert would feel a little lonely if I did. For those of you who haven't been to the University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library as of late, there are so many things to be a part of, including the wonderful study areas that have become my saving grace these past three semesters. One area in particular with high windows that make up an entire wall, looks over the south side of campus. Outside this study area, the landscapers have dedicated some ground to amazing flowers and shrubbery. It is quite peaceful there and I love to study in this quiet section of campus.

Back to the facebook story, I had to write my dear friend that I will not be able to see her until after December 17th, but until then, she can find me at the library in the quiet study zone sitting near the windows on a chair I have taken upon myself to name Bert. And there I will sit writing my paper about the Education and Secondary Education Act and how it was shaped into the No Child Left Behind Act and the policy implications behind each amendment. I will also be sitting there writing another paper about the law surrounding teacher evaluations and how federal law and state law have affected how principals conduct teacher evaluations. I will also be studying vehemently for a 100-question rigorous examination on education law, specifically on how certain cases have shaped policies in schools. And Bert will also see me writing another paper on property tax and how it contributes to public education funds.

Bert and I have a long way to go...but for some reason I feel like the end of this semester will make me even more fond of him. So, my dear friends...until December 17th, Bert and I bid thee farewell. Adieu. Adieu.

A Little Audrey

2009-12-01T13:48:00.001-08:00

Most you may not know, but I dressed up as Audrey Hepburn for Halloween. Oh, all right, here is a pic. Yes the ciggy blows real smoke, but no, it is not real. Anyway, yesterday I was trying to remember which of her movies it was that I first saw. I believe I saw Charade first followed closely by My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's. I fell in love with her and am determined to own all her movies. I don't know what it is, perhaps her elegance on the screen, maybe her 'realness' as a character, how cute she looks in capris, whatever, I just fell in love with her. I remember watching a made for TV movie where Jennifer Love Hewitt portrayed Audrey Hepburn and what she had to do to get to the top. I had no idea who this person was off the camera. I learned that she dedicated hours to humanitarian work. I not only respect the work Hepburn did on the screen, but also off the screen. The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund was established after her passing to keep up the work she started. Here is the link to her site.

Anyway, an article just came out in the Des News about her clothing collection and items for sale. I have a feeling I will curious to know what happens. Anyway, thank you Audrey for your flawless acting, unique accent, unique sense of style and your contributions to society!

A Hot Dog...

2009-11-23T16:53:00.001-08:00

Today I was on my way to eat at the main school campus building and to my surprise, there was a huge pep rally happening right outside the library. I didn't know what it was...you can tell how much of a U sports fan I am, right? I noticed that there happened to be lines growing to get food items. Once I was told that the food was free...I jumped right in and became the peppiest student to support the U ever! I helped myself to two hot dogs, since it was to be my lunch and dinner...(all day campus day). After enjoying some great tunes from the DJ, I went back to the library for another several hours of work and study. I wondered how long the hot dogs would sustain me.

I am reporting that I had the hot dog about 1:30 p.m. It is now 5:56 p.m. The effects of the hot dog have worn off. So, if you are looking for the next energy item that will sustain you for at least 12 hours....hot dogs are not it...something I am sure I should have learned a long time ago.

Flo the Klepto

2009-11-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

I talk to inanimate objects. It's true. I named my computer Trixie for various reasons, but one being that if she is ticking me off, I can call her out on it. Example: "Trixie you are crashing on me, really? Really?" My car, Xena, and I also have conversations about all car-related detail including when to get the chip located on the passenger side repaired, when she needs an oil change, etc.

Recently, I started talking to my dresser. Upon looking for the perfect thing to wear on a date, instead of getting frustrated that I looked and looked and looked (I even went through my winter clothes that are in storage), I decided to talk to my dresser about it. Upon rummaging for this 'oh so amazing shirt,' the conversation went something like this:

L: So, I see you have a tendency to swallow some of my favorite things. Well, I know that you can't hide that shirt I want so much to wear on my hot date tonight. You know the one I am talking about, the one with the sleeves, about this color (holding up another shirt).

Dresser: Silence

I rummage around some more...nothing.

L: C'mon, I know you know where it is. Don't you want me to find it? I mean really...if I find this shirt, there is a potential that I will get a 2nd date, cause this shirt makes me look young, flirty and fun. Then if I get a lot more dates, I could get married and instead of talking to you, my dear inanimate object (and by you, I mean myself), I can talk to someone else instead. What a proposition. So, what do you think?

Dresser: Mocking silence.

After rummaging for what seemed 10 minutes, I began to get annoyed.

L: Fine, we'll see about that (obviously having no idea what I was talking about).

I proceeded to empty my dresser of all my clothing....and then HAZAA, I found it! The shirt that would surely score me a second date...and then maybe one more. And if my dresser stops eating all of my clothes, maybe...just maybe, I will give up talking to and naming inanimate objects. Until then, I feel the dresser now deserves her own name. I am thinking Flo the Klepto. What do you think?

Pray for the Singles

2009-11-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

My friend said she just got this flier (flyer??) on her car. Not a bad idea if I should say so myself. My mom said she gave up praying for single people a long time ago...I had to tell her to keep doing it...we obviously need help ;)

Family Night Games

2009-11-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

Mamma Blau has done it again!! Seriously, her vision, ambition, drive, charisma and never ending supply of creativity baffles me. Since I can remember, my mom has taught in the primary. She was also the coolest substitute teacher ever, and always involves kids in the most outrageous ways...and you know what....they love it every time. Well, with that said...Mamma Blau has created a website where you can now share in family home evening exercises. These have been tested and approved by my family at least. These games are good for the youngins, but to tell you the truth...I think I am going to make some suggestions to the young single adult family home evening chair people. So, here is that website for you! Make sure Mamma Blau knows what your experience is with these fun activities....maybe she will post even more!

http://musiclyblau.blogspot.com/

Education for our Children Can't Wait

2009-11-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this speech this morning. I know it has been a couple months, but I couldn't help but feel even more that I need to enter this fight. For those of you who are wondering, this is why I am back in school! This is what I am passionate about. You can click the title below to be directed to the website where I found this speech.

Reauthorization of ESEA: Why We Can't Wait
Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the Monthly Stakeholders Meeting

FOR RELEASE:
September 24, 2009

Good morning and thank you so much for coming today.

As you know, this is the first of a series of public conversations our department is holding here in DC on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

This is the next phase of our Listening and Learning tour that has taken me to about 30 states and scores of schools. I have spoken with students, parents and educators all across America.

I heard their voices—their expectations, hopes and dreams for themselves and their kids. They were candid about their fears and frustrations. They did not always understand why some schools struggle while others thrive. They understood profoundly that great teaching and school leadership is the key to a great education for their kids.

Whether it's in rural Alaska or inner-city Detroit, everyone everywhere shares a common belief that education is America's economic salvation.

They see education as the one true path out of poverty—the great equalizer that overcomes differences in background, culture and privilege. It's the only way to secure our common future in a competitive global economy.

Everyone wants the best for their children and they are willing to take greater responsibility. Nobody questions our purpose.

But when it comes to defining the federal role in an education system that has evolved over a century-and-a-half—from isolated one-room schoolhouses to urban mega districts—there's a lot of confusion, uncertainty, and division.

People want support from Washington but not interference. They want accountability but not oversight. They want national leadership but not at the expense of local control.

As a former superintendent, I can tell you that I rarely looked forward to calls from Washington.

And now that I'm here I'm even more convinced that the best solutions begin with parents and teachers working together in the home and the classroom.

Our role in Washington is to support reform by encouraging high standards, bold approaches to helping struggling schools, closing the achievement gap, strengthening the field of education, reducing the dropout rate and boosting college access. All of this must lead to more students completing college.

ESEA dates back to 1965 and it has undergone a lot of changes over the years, though none as dramatic as the 2002 version known as No Child Left Behind.

Few laws have generated more debate. Few subjects divide educators so intensely.

Many teachers complain bitterly about NCLB's emphasis on testing. Principals hate being labeled as failures. Superintendents say it wasn't adequately funded.

And many parents just view it as a toxic brand that isn't helping children learn.

Some people accuse NCLB of over-reaching while others say that it doesn't go far enough in holding people accountable for results.

I will always give NCLB credit for exposing achievement gaps, and for requiring that we measure our efforts to improve education by looking at outcomes, rather than inputs.

NCLB helped expand the standards and accountability movement. Today, we expect districts, principals and teachers to take responsibility for the academic performance of their schools and students. We can never let up on holding everyone accountable for student success. That is what we are all striving for.

Until states develop better assessments—which we will support and fund through Race to the Top—we must rely on standardized tests to monitor progress—but this is an important area for reform and an important conversation to have.

I also agree with some NCLB critics: it unfairly labeled many schools as failures even when they were making real progress—it places too much emphasis on absolute test scores rather than student growth—and it is overly prescriptive in some ways while it is too blunt an instrument of reform in others.

But the biggest problem with NCLB is that it doesn't encourage high learning standards. In fact, it inadvertently encourages states to lower them. The net effect is that we are lying to children and parents by telling kids they are succeeding when, in fact, they are not.

We have to tell the truth, and we have to raise the bar. Our failure to do that is one reason our schools produce millions of young people who aren't completing college. They are simply not ready for college-level work when they leave high school.

Low standards also contribute to the nation's staggeringly high dropout rate. When kids aren't challenged they are bored—and when they are bored they quit. Students everywhere echo what 9th grader Teton Magpie told me on a reservation in Montana—adults simply don't expect enough of him and his peers.

In my view, we should be tight on the goals—with clear standards set by states that truly prepare young people for college and careers—but we should be loose on the means for meeting those goals.

We must be flexible and accommodating as states and districts—working with parents, non-profits and other external partners—develop educational solutions. We should be open to new ideas, encourage innovation, and build on what we know works.

We don't believe that local educators need a prescription for success. But they do need a common definition of success—focused on student achievement, high school graduation and success and attainment in college.

We need to agree on what's important and how to measure it or we will continue to have the same old adult arguments—while ignoring children.

So there's a lot about NCLB and American education, more broadly,that needs to change.

Over the coming months the administration will be developing its proposal for reauthorization. Before we do, however, we want to hear from you. We want your input.

Many of you represent key stakeholders. Many of you have expertise. And I know that you all have opinions. Now's the time to voice them.

You also share our commitment to children and to ensuring that when they grow up they are able to compete in the global economy of the future.

As I've travelled, there's a real and growing concern I've heard from parents that their children will be worse off than they are. The only way to address their concern is by improving education. We must educate our way to a better economy.

A few statistics tell the story:

27% of America's young people drop out of high school. That means 1.2 million teenagers are leaving our schools for the streets.
Recent international tests in math and science show our students trail their peers in other countries. For 15-year-olds in math, the United States ranks 31st.
17-year olds today are performing at the exact same levels in math and reading as they were in the early 1970's on the NAEP test.
And just 40% of young people earn a two-year or four-year college degree.
The US now ranks 10th in the world in the rate of college completion for 25- to 34-year-olds. A generation ago, we were first in the world but we're falling behind. The global achievement gap is growing.

We don't need another study. We must stop simply admiring the problem. We need action.

The president has challenged us to boost our college completion rate to 60% by the end of the next decade.

We want to be first in the world again and to get there we cannot waste a minute. Every year counts. Every class counts. Every child counts.

And so the work of reauthorizing ESEA begins in states and districts across America—among educators and policy makers, parents and community leaders. This work is as urgent as it is important.

Our task is to unite education stakeholders behind a national school reform movement that reaches into every town and city—and we need your help to do it.

In the coming weeks, two people who are developing our proposal will convene these conversations—Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Carmel Martin—and Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Thelma Melendez. I will attend as often as possible as will other members of our team.

To begin to frame the conversation, I want to take you back to two years before the original ESEA was passed in 1965.

I want to take you back to 1963—to a jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama where a courageous young Black preacher fighting to end segregation was illegally confined for three days after being arrested for leading non-violent protests in the city.

He had nothing to pass the time except for local newspapers—one of which ran an open letter from several White clergymen urging patience and faith and encouraging Blacks to take their fight for integration out of the streets and into the courts.

That preacher wrote a response to those White clergymen in the margins of that newspaper. It was Martin Luther King's Letter from Birmingham Jail—one of the most powerful and moving pieces of writing I have ever read.

It ran almost 7000 words and eloquently made the case for non-violent civil disobedience—precisely because state and local governments continued to drag their feet in integrating schools and communities and the judicial path would take too long.

This was nine years after the Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools violated the constitution, but most minorities were still isolated in their own classrooms. Many still are today and we must work together to change that.

The Birmingham letter explained why Blacks could not wait for judges across America to hear their cases and issues their rulings.

Blacks had been waiting for centuries and—with Dr. King's leadership—they would wait no longer.

Even many of King's allies in the civil rights movement—like Roy Wilkins of the NAACP and Thurgood Marshall who would later serve on the Supreme Court—were urging the legal route—in part to avoid confrontations for fear that they would lead to violence—as they eventually did in Birmingham.

King had to convince them as well, that they could not wait. As he told them, justice too long delayed is justice denied. Opportunity too long delayed is opportunity denied. Quality education too long delayed is education denied.

Now I mention this because we are now in our fifth decade of ESEA—nearly half a century of education reform and direct federal involvement in this state and local issue.

We've had five decades of reforms, countless studies, watershed reports like A Nation At Risk, and repeated affirmations and commitments from the body politic to finally make education a national priority.

And yet we are still waiting for the day when every child in America has a high quality education that prepares him or her for the future.

We're still waiting to get a critical mass of great teachers and principals into underperforming schools located in underserved communities, where our failure to educate has in fact perpetuated cycles of poverty and social failure.

We're still waiting for a testing and accountability system that accurately and fairly measures student growth and uses data to drive instruction and teacher evaluation.

We're still waiting for America to replace an agrarian 19th century school calendar with an information age calendar that increases learning time on a par with other countries.

We're still waiting and we cannot wait any longer.

Despite some measurable progress in narrowing achievement gaps, boosting college enrollment and developing innovative learning models, we are still waiting for the day when we can take success to scale in poor as well as wealthy communities—in rural, urban and suburban communities.

For too many of our children—the promise of an excellent education has never materialized. We remain complacent about education reform—distracted by tired arguments and divided by the politics of the moment.

We can't let that happen. In this new century and in this global economy, it is not only unacceptable to delay and defer needed reforms—it's self-destructive. We can't allow so much as one more day to go by without advancing our education agenda.

Our shared goals are clear: higher quality schools; improved student achievement; more students going to college; closing the achievement gap; and more opportunities for children to learn and succeed.

We need to bring a greater sense of urgency to this task—built around our collective understanding that there is no more important work in society than educating children and nothing should stand in our way—not adult dysfunction, not politics, and not fear of change. We must have the courage to do the right thing.

And to those who say that we can't do this right now—we need more time to prepare and study the problem—or the timing and the politics isn't right—I say that our kids can't wait and our future won't wait.

When the ministers in Birmingham told King his protests were untimely King responded: "I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was 'well-timed.'"

This is our responsibility and our opportunity and we can't let it slip away. We have to get this done and we have to get it right.

The President has talked a lot about responsibility. He's challenged parents and students to step up and do more. He's challenged teachers and principals to step up and do more.

He's called on business and community leaders and elected officials at every level of government to step up and do more.

Education is everyone's responsibility—and you who represent millions of people across this country with a direct stake in the outcome of reauthorization—have a responsibility as well—to step up and do more.

It's not enough to define the problem. We've had that for 50 years. We need to find solutions—based on the very best evidence and the very best ideas.

So today I am calling on all of you to join with us to build a transformative education law that offers every child the education they want and need—a law that recognizes and reinforces the proper role of the federal government to support and drive reform at the state and local level.

Let's build a law that respects the honored, noble status of educators—who should be valued as skilled professionals rather than mere practitioners and compensated accordingly.

Let us end the culture of blame, self-interest and disrespect that has demeaned the field of education. Instead, let's encourage, recognize, and reward excellence in teaching and be honest with each other when it is absent.

Let us build a law that demands real accountability tied to growth and gain both in the individual classroom and in the entire school—rather than utopian goals—a law that encourages educators to work with children at every level, the gifted and the struggling—and not just the tiny percent near the middle who can be lifted over mediocre bar of proficiency with minimal effort. That's not education. That's game-playing tied to bad tests with the wrong goals.

Let us build a law that discourages a narrowing of curriculum and promotes a well-rounded education that draws children into sciences and history, languages and the arts in order to build a society distinguished by both intellectual and economic prowess. Our children must be allowed to develop their unique skills, interests, and talents. Let's give them that opportunity.

Let us build a law that brings equity and opportunity to those who are economically disadvantaged, or challenged by disabilities or background—a law that finally responds to King's inspiring call for equality and justice from the Birmingham jail and the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Let us build an education law that is worthy of a great nation—a law that our children and their children will point to as a decisive moment in America's history—a law that inspires a new generation of young people to go into teaching—and inspires all America to shoulder responsibility for building a new foundation of growth and possibility.

I ask all of us here today—and in school buildings and communities across America—to roll up our sleeves and work together and get beyond differences of party, politics and philosophy.

Let us finally and fully devote ourselves to meeting the promises embedded in our founding documents—of equality, opportunity, liberty—and above all—the pursuit of happiness.

More than any other issue, education is the civil rights issue of our generation and it can't wait—because tomorrow won't wait—the world won't wait—and our children won't wait.

Thank you.

###

Time After Time

2009-10-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

When I was a sophomore in high school, I remember hearing the last measure of a song on the radio. I quickly turned it up recognizing the tune. It was the kind of recognition that didn't occur a few months ahead of time, it was the kind of recognition that now happened because it sparked something in my brain...but happened maybe even 10 years prior to the remembrance. My mom was driving and I asked her who it was that was singing. She didn't hear the tune, so I was left with this incredibly faded memory or recognizing this music without knowing how or why.

Days went by and the thought didn't really ever return until another time I was in the car driving with my mom and the song came on again. I quickly turned it up almost screaming "Mom, who is this...I know this, but I don't know how." My mom listened trying to recall her memories. Alas, she didn't know. After what seemed months, my mom came to me and said, "I remember that song, but not who the artist is. I remember your babysitter we had in California (I was 4 at the time) would always blast this in our house for you kids." Ah hah!! It didn't come back to me, but it made me feel a lot better that I wasn't crazy. Mom continued by telling me that the lyrics said "Time After Time" and that is when I called my very in-tune musically adept friends to ask them if they knew who sang it.

Within the next week, I found Cindy Lauper: a lyricist of my own heart. Time After Time was the magnet to this beautiful relationship. Girls Just Want to Have Fun, another memory provoking song. Yesterday, I worked out to her She's So Unusual CD.

Don't you love it when you rediscover some part of your past that has been locked in your memory...but it is not very clear? I love it. I have since been trying to unlock bits and pieces of my childhood and have recently discovered movies from my past, including The Challengers, Teen Witch, On Our Own (all of which were watched when I was 5 or 6 at my friend Erin's house), George Michael's Careless Whisper (I don't know the memory associated with the song...just that it is ingrained in my memory), WHAM and Blackbeard's Ghost.

The point is that the memories may have faded, but the remembrance of these songs and movies stuck with me until I could create new memories.

From Riches to....

2009-10-24T16:20:00.001-07:00

Lindsey, how have you been spending your time?

Well, it all started with a trip to Walden Pond. Photo courtesy of Whitney Cutler...who also let me chill with her and her hub for 3 days. HOLLER girl...

Followed by a trip around Boston. From Fenway Park to the Freedom Trail....I decided that I am moving to Boston. Enough said. Some of my faves include:

Finding Fenway
Touring the Freedom trail with Whitney, making sure we didn't get off the brick path
Finding glucose-free meals in the North End
Eating pastries...yum
Going to church in an old Episcopal church building
Meeting friend Nicole for the best hot cocoa I have ever had. It was seriously like drinking Giradelli's straight
Eating out with Nicole, Josh and Whitney and having incredible Salmon
Walden Pond
Touring Isabella Stewart Gardner's Museum..it was amazing
Touring the Modern Arts Museum seeing Monet, Picasso, Rodin, Turner...incredible paintings and sculptures
Seeing the places where our forefathers did remarkable things!
Loving how accessible things were...the T rules!
Studying and getting info at the Harvard Law School library
Realizing all of Cambridge comes out for their community festival

After the trip to B-town, I headed straight down south to Havasupai Falls. The trip was short, sweet and pretty much incredible. I can't believe I lived in Arizona for so long without having visited it. Some of the highlights include:

Sleeping in the car, having dreams about rolling off the cliff
The hike down was beautiful
Hiking 10 miles in to camp
Seeing the falls for the first time and how blue everything was!
Meeting people who lived on the reservation and joking with them about the fact that we were not going to make it out on time before the coyotes ate us for dinner
Our campsite was off the main trail and on an island. We had the sweetest campsite in the whole place.
Non-smelly restrooms
Moody Falls, and the descent!
Ivy surroundings
Making it to Beaver Falls even though it was bush wacking the whole way
Meeting people along the trail and giving them tips
Realizing that we forgot our flashlights and we started hiking out at 4:30 p.m. and would be hiking in the dark with no moon
Hiking in the dark
Hiking out with one flashlight per 4 people...thank you Eric for holding it the whole way
Crashing at a hotel in Kingman, thank you to the man who let us go in the hot tub even though it was closed

Next stop...Harvard!

2009-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

I was sitting next to a guy on the airplane on my way to Boston. We starting chit chatting about my trip. He asked me what I was looking forward to the most. The patriot in my wanted to say, "I am looking forward to going to a place where it all started. A place full of the historical magic, where Paul Revere hung the light in the window, where John Adams lived, where John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere are buried, where George Washington gave his famous speech about liberation from the British, where Thoreau and other transcendentalists were inspired, to go shopping." But no...instead of saying some rather beautiful and patriotic things, I answered..."I want to go to the Harvard Law Library and do my law paper." The geek in me won on this one. And so, here I am....at the Harvard Law Library...doing research for my law paper. What a dream!

Few laughs

2009-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

The beauty of keeping in touch with really funny people, like my former boss at Richter7, is that I get monthly emails that make me laugh really hard! Thanks Tim Brown. Hope you all laugh as much as I did.

Starbucks has come out with an instant coffee.
Just put it in a cup, add hot water, and then call out your name incorrectly.

- Jimmy Kimmel

Archaeologists in Ethiopia have discovered a 4.4-million-year-old skeleton believed to be the earliest known human ancestor and they're calling her "Ardi."
However, Larry King is insisting her name was "Jan."

- Conan O'Brien

There's a shortage of ammunition, so Wal-Mart is limiting the number of bullets they'll sell to a single customer...
Because if you want to tick off ANY customer, make it the guy who buys bullets.

- Conan O'Brien

The average woman can keep a secret for 47 hours.
The average man can pretend to be interested in the secret for an average of 30 seconds.

- Jimmy Fallon

Doctors are trying to decide whether being fat should be classified as a medical disease.
I think it should be. So next time your wife says, "Do these jeans make me look fat?" you can go, "Honey, I am not a doctor."

- Jay Leno

Nice Jacket

2009-10-07T16:09:00.001-07:00

Today, someone approached me and said: "Nice Jacket. I saw it on someone else too." Would you take this as a compliment, or a subtle hint that maybe you shouldn't shop where everyone else does?

Getting Cocky

2009-10-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

I think I have been getting a little cocky about my schooling. Here I am, totally doing all my reading before class, understanding if not everything..enough to allow me to participate in class, feeling like I am writing kick-butt arguments and papers...and then, I get a blow to the head.

Don't you hate when you turn in a paper and then the teacher explains in class what the paper was supposed to be about and you realize that your paper didn't reflect an ounce of what was discussed? Yeah, me too...totally don't dig that my cockiness took a jab in a major way. That'll teach me!!

Schooling: 1
Lindsey: 0

Stinky Fish

2009-10-01T18:32:00.001-07:00

Maybe some of you know this already, but for someone *echem* me, that just barely started cooking fish at home, I had a revelation this week.

Salmon skin is stinky. You read it...STINKY!! I mean, fish is in and of itself stinky, but seriously...seriously, salmon skin reeks. My first 'cooking salmon whilst in the comforts of my own home' experience was fantastic. It was only but a year ago that I decided to try this out for myself.

It was if it were yesterday. I remember purchasing my first 4 pound salmon at Costco. I remember thinking, wow...this is the brightest color pink I have ever seen. After unpacking all my groceries, I proceeded to divide this massive fish into little portions. I saved one for myself to cook and put the rest in the freezer.

After putting all of my very exotic spices, followed by slices of lemon and a little dill weed on top, I cooked it in my oven for 20 minutes on 350 degrees. The first taste was priceless. I remember becoming the biggest fan of cooking my own salmon.

One thing I forgot to mention is the absolute BEAUTY of Costco salmon: they package it sans (that means without) skin. Oh, and how wonderful it really is! Well, one day I didn't have time to go to Costco to pick out a 4 pound salmon, so I went to my lovely neighborhood grocer, Harmons, the next best thing...and HAZAA, their salmon was listed at 1/2 price because they had a really large shipment and needed to sell all that wonderful fishy goodness. So, I bought it with full intention of plowing right through my 3 pieces within the week.

I noticed the skin and kept it on while cooking, thinking it might keep the juices in even more than the tinfoil I usually wrap it with. I cooked it...and ALAS, HARK, OMGoodness, my house stunk for days. I remember the last time I had skin on my salmon...I remember being at my Grandma's and she cooked it on her outdoor grill...an OUTDOOR grill. Makes sense now.

I have since dreaded finishing up my other two pieces of salmon. There they sat in my freezer, only really 'fresh' for two more days. I broke down tonight and just had to try this again. I cut the skin off the back of the salmon and sealed the skins tight in a Ziploc, which I threw into the trash can (I believe at this point I was grimacing) - but you all know my experience with those. Hoping and praying that my house wouldn't stink, I took extra precautions opening the door to the balcony and igniting my Scentsy. I crossed my fingers as I stuck my fish in the oven.

20 minutes later....I couldn't believe it...sans skins was TOTALLY the way to go.

Stinky Fish: 0
Lindsey: 1

Uh hi...Goonies called

2009-09-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Last year I was able to go to Salem, Oregon with Rachel from Signing Time...which was incredible. I loved the scenery, the people, how green it was, the hotel I stayed in...everything. It was as if we couldn't get enough, because we ended up going to Oregon again this past weekend...right were Goonies was filmed. My favorite part about the experience was driving up over a hill on the way from Portland and having this singing "AAHH" moment (very Monty Python and the Holy Grail), when we came upon Haystack, this amazing rock edifice that sticks up out of the ocean right next to the beach. It was incredible.

I was blown away by the fact that I could be hiking in the forest and then all of a sudden be at the beach. There was this brilliant green moss everywhere, on rocks and trees, something Rachel and I labeled 'fuzzy trees.' The sand on the beach was so fine that when I walked on it, it squeaked beneath my feet. I could have stayed and played on the beach forever, but we wanted to see what else was out there. Here are some highlights:

Eating the best steak EVER at Pirates Cove, this restaurant that looked over a bay area right before Tillamook. It was also my second time ever eating crab legs...of which I love. It was hard to get going on those little suckers, but once I got the hang of it...I was breaking those shells like a local. I rate the restaurant five stars.
Exploring Nehalem. Rachel performed at Nehalem Elementary. But before we went over, we explored this little cute city. There were four boutiques that made up their downtown area that all had flowers on their windowsills and all looked like mini-beach-cabins. It was very cutesy.
Eating at Wanda's. We were honored to go to Wanda's, Nehalem's mom and pop eatery. The restaurant is only open in the morning and afternoon for breakfast and lunch...and was SO completely worth it. I was astonished by the amount of food came with each plate...and by the presentation. They mixed flavors so well. I was so impressed. I rate this restaurant five stars!
Buddy Walk at Seaside. Seaside is this gorgeous town situated where the main street ends at the ocean. The Buddy Walk mania was held on this cute deck next to a canal that ran through the city. We had such a blast getting to know everyone that showed up and loved the location. After the walk, a bunch of us had a ramming send-off party, where we rammed into each other on the bumper boats that were next to the dock.
Tillamook Cheese. That's right, we grabbed some Tillamook cheese and ice cream...right where they make it. I ate a package of squeaky cheese for lunch...because it was so amazingly good that I couldn't stop eating it.
Portland downtown. Loved it. I wish we had more time there because it looked amazing at night. We were able to eat at Hiroshi's a sushi place in town. There were a couple odd dishes, but for what it is worth, their scallops were incredible. The 'fish' taste was completely gone (a major plus), and they tasted like artichoke hearts wrapped in this cheese sauce. MMM. The sushi was very fresh, but I ended up getting a roll with tons of onions and scallions (of which I hate) and it was disgusting. If you like those things in your sushi, you may love it. But I didn't. Let's just say, when they were on, they were on...but when they were off, they were WAY off. I would rate this restaurant four stars.
Wearing our swimsuits. Rachel being from Cali, and me absolutely loving to swim, were determined to wear our swim suits on the beach and take a dip in the ocean. Well, as beautiful as it looked, the cold got the best of us. But we wore our swim suits anyway and dipped our feet in the ocean.

Another fantastic trip that left me saying "I am SO coming back here to explore some more!"

People of Walmart

2009-09-24T09:28:00.001-07:00

Yes, I got the forward...thank you Becky. Yes, I have thoughts about the email...and I so want you all to check it out. Visit my other website: http://www.kablaucommunications.com/ and make a comment or two about your feelings. If you have no idea what I am talking about, here is a picture to demonstrate.

Off to the Races

2009-09-20T14:43:00.001-07:00

First, I have to give credit to the Triathlon committee for still accommodating the swimmers. Thank you. For having less than 24 hours to figure out a way to still doing the swimming portion, I thought the execution of this portion was well done. Perhaps another testament that I prefer walking...the tri was AMAZING-10 minutes after I was done.

Here are a couple of thoughts I have for fellow athletes:

Thought 1: In any sport warm-ups are important. Whether a person is running, swimming or biking, it is best to start out by warming the body up. If you enter a race without warming up, your chances of injury are lessened by at least 80%. It was nice that we had the chance to swim, but waiting an hour in the cold morning air in our suits is not recommended. For all other athletes...this is also important. My teammates TOTALLY ROCKED it because they warmed up. Seriously, stellar performances by my fellow "Fighting Oranges" Dan and Britt Burton (my cousins in crime)...way to warm up!

Thought 2: If you are more a swimmer than a runner (present company included), instead of slaughtering competition in the water, jumping out, immediately getting clothes on to begin the run...perhaps take your time to catch your breath before beginning the run. If it means that you are still warming up by walking...that is OK. This reduces the risk of lung damage or asthma attacks that may ensue due to the fact that you did not catch your breath following the swim. This is for sprint cases only. If you are doing Olympic swim, it is healthy to get yourself into a breathing pattern, while still executing a fast pace.

Thought 3: It is OK to walk if you are not a runner....even if it is only 1 mile. (This thought was here just to make me feel better about my performance, although I did run the last 1/4 mile).

Thought 4: Going to the bathroom whenever you don't feel like it is key. Even if it means peeing 4 times before a race, it is better than having to go in the middle of the race. Just like your parents used to make you go to the bathroom at every rest stop while you were traveling, even if you didn't have to go...this technique is actually extremely recommended right before a race.

Thought 5: Enjoy the event even if expectations don't match up with reality. After I remembered who I was..what's my name (following my run), I was able to hang with my buds (shout-out Gena-amazing triathlete on leave, Amanda and Pete-cousin and stupendous Olympic triathlete) who attended the race. I enjoyed the rest of the day supporting other runners/bikers/swimmers who have incredible stories of overcoming trials in order to compete. Whether it is battling cancer, overcoming fear of running ;), post-baby goals, or just reaching a specific goal, I had so much respect for the people that competed with me in the triathlon. Sure, I had the easy part...but it was so amazing to watch people as they crossed the finish line. A certain triumph and pride filled the air. What a desirous and infectious attitude.

Worth it...you betchya.

Bobby is freaking out!

2009-09-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well, you will never guess what was posted about the triathlon. Here is the press release from yesterday:

US Trisports Race Management
September 17, 2009

Daybreak Triathletes,

On Wednesday September 16th, Kennecott Land informed us that the Salt Lake Valley Health Department collected samples from the shores of Oquirrh Lake to determine if it has been contaminated with Ascariasis, known as roundworm. There have been three confirmed cases of roundworm in the valley, however it is unclear if the exposure occurred at Oquirrh Lake.

As race directors, we are committed first and foremost to your safety during the race. In accordance with USAT guidelines, US Trisports tests the water at each lake to ensure safety. Kennecott Land also routinely tests the water quality of Quirrh Lake to ensure that it meets Utah Department of Health standards. In all cases, the tests have shown that Oquirrh Lake meets proper safety standards for the tests conducted.

However, the test for Ascariasis is not a test that is conducted due to the rarity of the organism here in Utah. For additional reference we have included the statement from Kennecott Land below.

We continue to await the results of the testing from the Salt Lake Valley Health Department and will work closely with SLVHD and Kennecott Land in determining the best course of action for the swim portion of the race. The bike and run segments will remain unchanged and will go forward as planned. We will keep you updated by email and on our website as to the contingency plans for the swim.

Best regards,

Greg Fawson & Aly Brooks
Race Directors
US Trisports Race Management

_____________________________________________________________________

Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 10:30 a.m.

Kennecott Land closes Oquirrh Lake Beaches as a safety precaution

The Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) informed Kennecott Land on Wednesday, September 16 that three confirmed cases of Ascariasis, known as roundworm, were reported on Tuesday, September 15. The individuals involved live in South Jordan and reportedly played in Oquirrh Lake during the summer months.

It is unknown at this time whether the individuals were exposed to the roundworm at Oquirrh Lake. Samples of the lake shore were collected by the SLVHD on Wednesday, September 16 to help determine whether the sand was the source. Roundworm eggs are typically introduced to soil through human fecal matter and do not commonly exist in Utah. Tests results are expected before the weekend.

Kennecott Land routinely tests the water quality of Oquirrh Lake consistent with the standards set forth by the Utah Department of Health for this type of lake. As a precaution, Kennecott Land closed Oquirrh Lake beaches on the same day we were notified. The beaches will be closed for the remainder of the season, which typically draws to a close in September.

Water quality testing results, by Kennecott Land, have been within acceptable levels. According to the SLVHD, Utah bodies of water are not routinely tested for this organism because of its rarity. For more information on symptoms and treatment:

contact your physician

visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/ascaris/factsht_ascaris.pdf

call the SLVHD Division of Water Quality at 801-313-6700

visit www.slvhd.org

Planners of the U.S Trisports Triathlon, scheduled for this Saturday, are evaluating alternative options for the swimming portion of the event. The race has not been cancelled and athletes are being notified today of race changes.

Here is the press release from today:

US Trisports Race Management
September 18, 2009

Daybreak Triathletes,

The Salt Lake Valley Health Department and Kennecott Land, the owner and operator of Oquirrh Lake have determined that the lake will be shut down for the season. As you can imagine, we are deeply disappointed that the swim will not happen in Oquirrh Lake, but support the decision to ensure that the health of our athletes is not in any way compromised.

We will be conducting a short 75 meter pool swim at the East Lake Pool with a 1 mile run to the transition area. While not coming close to the actual experience of a full distance open water swim, the combination of swim and run to the Transition Area should provide a fun challenge to the athletes before continuing on to the bike and run portion.

You will still need to arrive for chip timing pickup and body marking which is open from 5:30 - 6:30am. Please do not arrive later. After you receive your chip you may proceed to the transition area where you will rack your bike. You will need to proceed south, crossing Daybreak Parkway to the large field and assemble to the west of the stage. (North East corner of Kestrel Rise Rd. / Daybreak Parkway) We will shuttle athletes from there to the East Lake Pool. Olympic Athletes will go first followed by Sprint athletes. Bringing your running shoes with you to complete the run to the 1 mile run back to the Transition Area. Please note that spectators are not allowed in the pool area.

While not what any of us had planned we still think this will be a fabulous race. We've got great prizes and giveaways planned and the bike and run course should still be spectacular.

We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support from you, as athletes, and we appreciate your understanding. Thank you for realizing that these things happen and are beyond control. You are the reason we do what we do.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Greg Fawson and Aly Brooks
Race Directors
US Trisports

That's right folks. A 75 meter swim....significantly less that 1 mile (about 1 lap and 1/2) turned into a one mile run....Bobby is freaking out! How about the Trisports people still let me swim a mile and then once I am done, radio my team to go!! What a brilliant idea. Running...really, really? I mean, Bobby will try her hardest..

Let's talk about policy and implementation for a minute. You would think that maybe, just maybe the state would have thought to themselves several months ago when this shindig was being planned that they should check the water...oh I don't know....3 or 4 MONTHS PRIOR to the race.

Well, after having read the information above so that I could make CRUDE comments about the implementation of this investigation, it seems that the state has covered their bases. The incidents of bacteria roundworm being found were reported on the 15th, so I can't blame the Health Department for being slow in their investigation since they just barely got wind of the incidents. Nor can I blame them for beginning the investigation 3 days prior to the race, they have just cause and are following the rules of any reasonable government agency. They are insuring my safety so I don't die from this mysterious roundworm dude. So, I can't blame anyone. Dangit.

Lindsey says: Welp.... I guess I will run it.

Bobby says: Boo.