Last night I was told that Feminism is terrible to the point of sinful!
This gentlemen of course tried to redeem himself by saying that women should be held even higher then men.
Also apparently women should be MORE celebrated when they are in the home caring for their family.
Ever met this women?
Her name is Barbara Thompson and after my mom..she is my hero. She is in the General Relief Society presidency. And she is SUPER SUPER funny. And amazing. And.....SINGLE!
She has not had an opportunity to have a husband or children. Should she be celebrated less? She has made a great impact on the people in her life and in her sphere of influence.
We as women have MANY talents. Those include our talents in homemaking AS WELL AS in general society. And we should be celebrated for EVERYTHING that we do..equally.
Also since I am ranting. My brand of righteous feminism is NOT guy bashing.
I mean I get annoyed with the guys as much as the next girl. And I jokingly assume a confusing or poorly planned/organized building/activity/situation was the product of a MAN.
But lets be honest. When you are having a really bad day...who do you want a hug from? Who do you call when you need a blessing? Yeah they drive us crazy. But we can't really do it without them.
Do you really want to live in a world where we have to pay for dates????
Or one where, though we can do it just fine, we have to carry our own shoe-filled boxes when we move???
So in summary......Equal does not mean the same....but it does mean EQUAL.
so in honor of this rant....here is a playlist for your enjoyment!
Its a good one! One that always made me happy. So snuggle up. Grab some hot choc and get ready.
This is the story of a prince and a princess...It starts with "Once upon a time"...and ends with "And they all lived happily ever after".
NOT!!! Seriously? real life stories aren't like that. But snuggle up anyway. Its still a decent story :)
Rewind to my freshman year at BYU. I was a young and naive co-ed...drunk on my new-found power to stay up (and out) late...and do what I wanted without worrying about the parentals.
Around October ish...I met Mickey. (Actually I'll be totally honest I totally remember....its not an ish. It was October 11th) He was a stellar guy. Made me laugh and smile. And gave me just the right amount of drama to satisfy my 19 year old need.
He was kind and sweet...he fit everything that was on the list...which at the time was preventatively LONG!
There were many good times. And DOZENS of memories.
We shared a deep love for music, and an interest in Poli-Sci. A mild obsession with Psych. And of course, an appreciation for sports.
Our relationship was another one of those rocket ship ones. Fast to start...but eventually stalls out. There just wasn't enough there for a true lasting relationship. Yes we had made plans. But it was just too much. Outside influences came in and set us straight a bit. And so we parted ways...amicably of course
I met Knight in Shining Armor, Cheerio Boy, The Singer, The Ball Player, CD Maker, Missionary, Taylor Swift Boy, Handsy, Beautiful Blue Eyes, Enigma, Chicken Boy, Boy Next Door, Clark Kent, Farm Boy........all ending in nothing or disaster :)
He met plenty of girls I am sure. Though I guess I can't really say.
I finished my degree. He finished his and started a second.
He moved off to law school. Then I moved off to nursing school. I grew up. And he got all his ducks in a row.
But throughout all that debacle...Mickey never really left. He became the guy I compared all the rest to. He was the ideal...the bench mark.
Now why am I telling you this story?
Cause Mickey's back. Like really back...not just in the back of my mind.
So here is the true question. The purpose of my ramblings. Do I go with the safe thing?? Or do I take the risk??
Its probably no surprise to any of my readers that I LOVE the musical Wicked. I love every bit of it...particularly the lessons it teaches. But today I discovered one I hadn't really thought about before.
Elphaba and Glinda love each other...the best of friends.
But they hit a crossroads.
They have to decide which direction to go...
and if this choice will split them apart.
They don't want to be separated.
And they do all they can to prevent the parting.
But its not meant to be.
Sometimes life simply pulls us in opposite directions.
But they are understanding.
They wish each other complete happiness.
No matter what happens.
A few months ago, life pulled me in the opposite direction of the people I loved. The people who loved me.
I didn't want to leave.... and they didn't want me to go.
But I had to.
So they wrapped me up in a cloak and told me they wished me total happiness.
They knew I had to close my eyes and leap.
And ever since, they have continued to wish me bliss and success.
As I go through the ups and downs of nursing school, it is not the people I have recently surrounded myself with who are buoying me up. The people who watch my day to day struggles aren't the ones being supportive. They mean well. But they just aren't my Glindas. They haven't walked with me through the streets of the Emerald City and the halls of Shiz University. Its the old friends....
I am defying gravity that is for sure...Flying high defying gravity.
But its only because I have the best most supportive friends lifting me up.
So thank you guys....you are the BEST!
And if someday I am able to be half as good a friend as you...I will consider my time in this life worthwhile.
The way my hair feels after I have deep conditioned it. Serious softness going on!
Getting to dress up for my Community Health stuff...I like the extremes...trousers/oxford/heels one day scrubs/tennies/ponytail the next....perfect!
My really great boss who lets me work a crazy unplanned schedule
The extra time I have had this semester to read and crochet...LOVE
The awesome sandwiches I have been making for lunch this week...red onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar cheese, your choice of ham, turkey or maybe even both....makes a good sandwich into a GREAT sandwich
The weather lately. This time last year...snow-pocalyse...yesterday....62 degrees!
The beat of Smooth Criminal...tap your fingers to it...ROCKIN!
The milkshakes I have been making all week. I'm gonna gain some serious weight...THANKS blender!
I've been trying so hard waiting for something
got your picture beside my bed
When I look in your eyes I can see a reflection
of the words that we left unsaid
And I was yours at the perfect time
But I just had to leave
Looking back endless memories in a photograph
come back wishing for another day with you
I didn't see this coming thought that we were fine
now I know I'm wrong
But the hardest part is that goodbye is forever
and how you're moving on
And I was yours at the perfect time But I just had to leave
Looking back endless memories in a photograph
come back wishing for another day
Holding hands in June makes me think of you
and the way we danced under the summer moon
When you laid me down I softly hit the ground
I smile with the night that's where it all felt right.
All felt right....
Looking back endless memories in a photograph
come back wishing for another day
This song has gotten me thinking today. I've been going through photos, trying to find good ones to send to my brother on his mission.
And I keep running into pictures that remind me....
remind me of them.
Its crazy the amount of memories in one picture. Just a glance brings me back....to days and nights in the park, walks late at night, water balloon fights, softball games, Sunday night dinners...and talks, midnight trips to Denny's, frozen yogurt, cabin trips, Vegas trips, long phone conversations, Skype, getting lost, butterflies.
I'm sad I had to leave.
I'm sad you had to leave.
Sad you all are moving on.
But thank goodness for the memories.
Of course I wish I had one more day.
But at least I got the ones I did.
And the photos to prove it.
I have things to say...to boys...so dear boys...listen if if you choose :)
Dear Hoops
I was wrong! You rock!
You are gonna keep me sane for the next few months.
And yes...this is you ;)
Love
A Grateful Me
Dear Enigma
I didn't want to tell you congrats.
You were supposed to marry me not her.
But you are so happy. And that makes me happy.
Love
Its Bittersweet
Dear Buddy
hmmmmm not sure how I feel about this one.
Don't get the wrong idea...just because I let you in a little
doesn't mean things are going to go farther than that.
I just really like you being around.
I'm going to have to watch myself...cause I don't want to be that girl
The girl that leads guys on
Love
A Girl in Need...but not interested
Dear AP
You smell nice???
That wouldn't surprise me..AT ALL! YUM YUM ;)
Can't wait to see what happens in February.....
fingers crossed you got my subtle hints!
Love
Moderately and Disturbingly Obsessed (YIKES!)
Dear Mickey Mouse
I am not sure if I should let you back in my life.
Maybe its crazy (scratch that it is crazy).
But its safe. And I need safe.
Love
Minnie
1) What is your biggest fear? People in my life dying....I have a voice mail from all the most important people in my life just in case 2) When was the last time you ate junk food? last night I had a chocolate milkshake 3) If you could go back in time and become the inventor of something famous, what would it be? Cell phone or TV. 4) How long can you hold your breath?30 seconds when I am just holding it....blowing it out....way longer (thank you years of singing) 5) What is your favorite stone/jewel? diamond...DUH....But I also really like turquoise 6) If you could visit one place from a book, where would you go? Hogwarts....or Narnia 7) If you had an extra pair of hands, what would you do with them? create a one man band 8) What was your favorite show as a kid? Depends on which time as a kid...preschool: Sesame Street and Mr Rogers. Older kid...ZOOM and Full House 9) Favorite movie quote? 10) Denim or leather? Denim 11) Think fast! What song pops into your head? "
Can I please just say...it was almost 70 degrees today. It is January....ps
So what song has been on my mind today?
This one.....
Last night I got to talk with a really good friend. I got to hear all about their dating background....And I shared a lot of mine. Not all of it of course....cause no one needs to hear all that.
But it got me thinking...about a few of my previous relationships.
And then I woke up this morning and this song came on my ipod first.
And I thought a lot about it.
Every person...guy/girl...young/old...friend/foe...has had an effect on me.
Some are still with me....still on my mind a lot.
But everyone is still on my heart...just like a tattoo
A few years back I taught a couple Relief Society lessons in my home ward. This group of women has known me since I was 8. They are former Primary teachers, former Young Women's leaders. And to this day...my mother still tells me that some of the women still talk about my lessons. Seriously these lessons were like 4ish years ago! I thought these were supposed to be old women with memory issues!
But they remember.
And I guess I am ok with that. I don't understand it...but I'm ok with it. Cause I LOVE to teach. I have been drawn to maternal/child health/nursing because there is so much teaching involved.
I taught preschool and loved coming up with lesson plans and tying all of the day's activities in with the lesson.
I am so excited for my Community Health clinicals because I get to do a lot of preventative teaching.
Last Sunday morning, my Branch President called me in to release me from my calling as Relief Society 2nd counselor.
It was completely out of the blue and unexpected. And came on a day when I had a lot of other stuff on my mind, kind of weighing me down. And so after a minor breakdown...followed by a major breakdown (thank goodness for big sisters who don't mind that you just took 90ish minutes of their time to SOB!) I had kind of run out of emotions..and I realized...I had a new calling! Crazy!
I have been called to be a teacher in the Relief Society. I get to teach! I get to study the lessons and bring together what I think the girls need to hear and need to learn. I get to have a connection with each girl as I learn about them through our discussions. I get to provide a (hopefully) enlightening third hour for the girls...that they will want to stay for.
So yesterday I mentioned that I was told I am intimidating, until you get to know me. But ummm...how are you going to get to know me if you are scared of me. This is vicious circle...that I don't see the end of.
My first thought is..well then... I'll be less intimidating.
But I don't know how to be less intimidating. I don't even try to be.
(I'm just smart, beautiful, accomplished, delightful and magnificent all on accident HAHA YEAH RIGHT!)
And that's just the thing. I try to befriend everyone and I try to appear like an open, accepting and kind person...and I really don't exhibit any of the above mentioned qualities.
So then why am I intimidating?
I am reminded me of a conversation I once had with my old roommate Beth
(ps love and miss you my dear!)
We were discussing how Library Boy seemed to be incapable of finding his big boy pants...and then putting those big boy pants on
I knew Library Boy pretty well....and kinda got the impression that he was nervous....scared...afraid. Beth, of course, like all girls in this situation, couldn't understand.
Why on earth would a guy be scared of me.....
"I'm like the Barney of dating!"
But my dear Beth and all other girls out there....
"You are still a dinosaur!"
(PS...please stop for a moment and be impressed that I pulled that metaphor out without hardly thinking..yes I am a metaphorical beast!)
You may be friendly and purple....
but you have teeth...and are alarmingly large
You may not feel you are intimidating.
That you are just a regular girl.
But you are still a girl.
And this comes with an innate intimidating-ness.
But here is the thing....it appears I am intimidating above and beyond the normal level of female intimidating-ness. The average girl is at a 5...and I seem to be a 10. Plus...girls are intimidated too! Not just guys!
Whats up with that???
IM BARNEY FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!
Not cool. I don't want to be intimidating. Or unapproachable. But I also don't want to change to somehow become more accessible. And to be completely honest...I'm not sure what I would change.
This is a pickle.....that I can't seem to eat....so I blog instead....maybe someone will comment and enlighten me.....
I thought for a bit of fun I would turn today's traditional post a bit upside down :)
-I know its crazy but I don't like that I have so little to do. I'm quite bored
-Commercials in the middle of movies...I found 500 Days of Summer on tonight...and it kept getting interrupted!!
-Headaches...and not being able to take an Excedrin so close to bed time
-Professors who manage to draw out 5 power-point slides into an hour long lecture!!!!!
-The nasty, sleet/rain/snow stuff that is currently falling from the sky
-Service that requires you to get up at 7 AM on a Saturday morning
-People asking others how I am doing instead of asking me. Just a thought..but perhaps I am the one most qualified to answer the question. Though your concern in general is appreciated....next time just ask me!
-The fact that I am intimidating...in the eyes of more than one person apparently.....also....the fact that people in general seem to think that this is a compliment. Ummmm...not really
Please know that I am not grumpy about any of these things...just jovially annoyed :)
Here's hoping your Friday was moderately less annoying!
I have THE best brother in the world. Seriously I will fight you. Mine is better! Seriously!
He is sweet. He has a true and deep concern for the people he loves. We sometimes have to censor our letters to make sure he won't worry.
He is, according to other people (I can't see it cause I still kinda hold a slight grudge for when he would pull all the books off my bookshelf and I would have to clean them up), attractive....weird!
He is great at making me calm down. There is a message saved on my voice mail from a year or so ago I still listen to sometimes in my freak out moments. I had just finished a nursing school interview and I had texted him FREAKING...he responded by calling me and telling me to chill cause I am great and awesome!
He never got annoyed with me and my anxious traveler syndrome! He would just laugh..or roll his eyes...or tell me it was going to be fine.
At a lay-over in Denver where he allowed me to distract myself with a crazy amount of pictures!
He is SUPER strong in the Gospel..and getting stronger! He finishes all his emails telling us how true the Gospel is and how important the work he is doing is.
He is so helpful. All growing up that was the first thing teachers would say about him to my mom at parent-teacher conferences. He loves to help people in any way he can. His emails are always full of stories about how he fixed this or that for someone out there!
He is hard working. There is so much work to be done in Ghana. The church is very new there and he is working so hard to help the new members grow. He really doesn't really like contacting and tracting, but he still does it!
He gives really good hugs. That might be what I miss most!
He is HYSTERICAL!!!! He can get the whole room rolling on the ground! His Yoda impression?? EPIC!!!!!!
He is one of the best listeners I know! Having 4 sisters has taught him a lot about listening! He is really good about just listening and not always trying to fix the problem.
He always helps me and never judges or makes fun of me...ok so he sometimes he does..but its always while he is letting me break his hand on the tram up the arch....or during take off and landing.
He is so cute and embarrassed every time girly things are brought up. You would think that with 5 out of our 7 being female he wouldn't be so uncomfortable. But you bring up certain words that start with p, t, or b....and he covers his ears and starts talking or singing really loud!
He is very protective. Whenever I tell him about a guy I am seeing he gets super protective. He wants all the details...and then approves or tells me to get rid of him. His words.. "Nope..not cool!" or "Nope...don't like him" "Ditch him" And even when he approves...he always tells me to be careful.
He is super cool...I mean really he just is!
He loves to have fun!
My baby brother...isn't much of a baby anymore!
Today he is 20...
I miss him more than ANYTHING!!!
And I want him to come home tomorrow!
But at the same time...I am so proud and so glad he is serving a mission.
Alright ladies...rewind in your minds to Young Womens. You are a little Beehive...and your instructor just pulled out a pink flowery paper with swirlies and hearts scattered on it for you to write your list on. Your list of perfect male specimen qualities. You in your naive wisdom sit and dream of your prince charming..and your list reflects this picture perfect man
-Curly hair
-Blue or Green Eyes
-Sense of Humor
-Muscles
-Priesthood and Temple Recommend Holder
-Basically the male Mary Poppins....Practically Perfect in Every Way
Ok...Fast forward 2 years. You are a Mia Maid. This time you are pretty sure the paper has been sprayed with perfume and is now puking hearts. You think you are so grown up, and you picture the boy of your dreams...who you will most surely meet at the Stake Dance next month under twinkely lights with either Collide or Hero accompanying you as you dance
-Attractive
-Understanding/good listener
-Good job that will make you both lots of money
-Temple Recommend
2 more years??? You are a Laurel and have what you think is a very mature view of the world. You throw up just a little in your mouth when you see the paper this time. And though you don't plan on marrying EVER..cause boys are stupid and you are a strong and independent women now, you fill out the list to pacify your very concerned YW leader (who is very worried about how your views of marriage is going effect your salvation) Plus if your list is long enough....no guy will ever measure up and you will have a perfect excuse to be a spinster
-Temple Recommend
-Adored by my family
-Ambitious/goal-oriented
-Loves me
-Funny
-Smart
-Kind
-Trustworthy
-No brown eyes
-must be at least 6 feet tall
-doesn't play video games
-will provide well for future family
-good with/likes kids
-good vision, good teeth
-no genetic conditions
Then college comes. You meet lots of boys. And decide boys can be fun.
But then you can't seem to find one who likes you
And watch all your friends get married. Your list becomes.....
-Male
-Breathing
But these qualifications don't seem to get you any further than your long list.
So now...college graduate list
-Adored by my family..and adores them too
-Does nothing more than roll his eyes when I scream/squeal/OM GSH at the TV during The Bachelor
-Laughs at me when I yell at the TV during sporting events
-Accepts the fact that my sisters and I sing Veggie Tales at the top of our lungs on long car trips...bonus points for singing along
-Doesn't mind that I hit the snooze button excessively
-Is willing to wash his feet every night before he gets in bed....I HATE FEET!
-Is willing to help fold laundry (I hate it)
-Must mow the lawn or pay someone else too...cause I sure as heck won't
-Will not get annoyed with me when I refuse to kill a bug. I don't scream...but I also don't kill them if I don't have to! Also wont judge me when I catch them in a cup so that he can kill them once he gets home
-will be willing to load the dishwasher the way I want it loaded
-understands that sometimes I will just have to "Stop...dance it out"
-will roll with the punches every time we fly....I'm a very anxious traveler
-Is accepting of VERY long weekly conversations with my person ANDREA
-Is alright with my liking of David Archuleta, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and the Jonas Brothers
-must NOT be a sales guy
-will not make fun of me when I park crooked...as I often do
-will not laugh when my hands are freezing...my nose is cold and my toes turn a funny color they are so cold
-will understand that I CAN'T sleep if I am hot. I will open a window in January
-no red heads...sorry our kids would just look too wacky with my German/Italian skin and your red hair
-of course the regulars...Temple Recommend/Priesthood...RM...college degree and ambition...kind...understanding...likes/wants/is good with kids...financially responsible...preferably tall with eyes that are not brown (I want to give our kids a chance)...polite and good-natured
I think my list is even worse now than when I was Laurel!
Shoot...I'm never gonna get married ;) hehe
31 or BUST!!!! WAHOO!!!
Its too early for a Dear Boys linky party with Elise....so I will just post now and link up Wednesday.
Just had to get a few things off my chest
Dear AP
You always brightened my day when I was around. Gave me a healthy distraction from the terror that was my dating life. And you provided some great intrigue for my sisters. Were you looking at me? Were you just looking in my direction? Do you think I'm pretty...does my attractiveness or lack thereof even register in your mind? They were highly entertained so thank you :)
Love
One of the Giggly Girls who Sat Behind You ;)
Dear Hoops
I didn't go to preschool. So I never learned to share. I don't want you to be everyone's friend...just mine.
Love
A Girl Who Really Needs to Grow Up
Dear Flirty Face
You are gonna be a heart breaker my dear. You flirt with everyone and we all can't help but flirt back cause you are just too darn cute! The 20 year age difference does not bother me too much. I will surely wait for you :)
Love
A SUPER Cougar
Dear Handsy
Remember when I used to hate the fact that you were always all up in my grill? Remember when I told you to go away? Can you come back now? I've changed my mind!
Love
A Flip Flopper
Dear CCP
You gave the best hugs of any person I have ever known and not been related to. I always felt safe and protected and comforted. Don't get married till I come back k? Cause that could get a wee bit awkward ;)
Love
A Girl Who Could Use a Fantastic Hug
Dear Big Brother
Everytime I get a great guy friend he starts dating someone. But you are scared of girls and dating. This could be beneficial for me. Maybe I'll get a friend who will stick around for a bit. Or maybe you'll get yourself a girlfriend.
Love
A Girl Who is Going to Call You VERY SOON...be prepared
Dear Poo-Poo Head
Remember that time we sat and talked under the pine tree....and I told you I would get sap on my pants....and you said I wouldn't....and then I did??? Yeah...can we do that again?????
Love
A Girl Who Could Really Use a Friend
Dear Chicken Boy
I have had a few light-bulb moments about you this past week. Thank you for being so kind to me (before you became a jerk of course). You were very supportive of my being out here...and me being in nursing school. And I appreciate that. You had the most right of anyone to not be supportive. But you always were.
Love
An Enlightened Girl
Dear Foul Mouth
WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE MISTER! None of that with me around.
Love
Scandalized
Dear Dead Horse Beater
Just don't. Its done, its over, can we move on? Please and Thank you
Love
An Animal Rights Activist
Dear Future Guy
It has become apparent that you are not around just yet. It appears I'm going to have to be patient. Somedays I don't care to find you. Others I wish you would show up on my doorstep.
I wonder what will happen. Prepare yourself my friend. This could get epic ;)
Love
Me
As always...check out Elise's Pieces...LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!
Disappointment comes to us all at different times in our lives. I feel like kinda goes in cycles...and sometimes you just have a really happy cycle. Or a disappointing cycle.
And I think I am in kind of a disappointing time. (I say this frankly, not whiny or "woe is me"...its hard to get inflection in writing haha)
Lots of things I thought I had aren't what I thought and in fact aren't there at all.
I had been hoping for something to come...but it didn't work out.
I had been relying on a fact that turned out to not be totally true.
They always say that God answers all of our prayers.
Sometimes I wonder if he answers some of my prayers by not answering them.
It may seem kinda backwards but.......
listen to this song......
It is kind of a hard pill to swallow. Thinking that He allows things to happen to us that will cause us a little sufferings But...
What if my greatest disappointments Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
So here's what I am going to do. I'm going to keep my chin up. I'm gonna ride this wave right up to the shore. Cause after I get there...I'm gonna get to rest in the sandy warmth :)
I'm sorry...I'm gonna include all the lyrics...its just too good of a song not to.... it will make this post super long...but you can always stop reading now ;)
We pray for blessings We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
