Summer of Reading

So, summer is a great time for my job. Less stress, less travel, and less hours! It is beautiful to get to work just 40 hours! Plus--I am finished with work at 4:00 and can squeeze in a workout before 5:00! This extra time equates to more reading time!

One thing I love most about summer is getting to read a bit more. I am a bit of a bookworm--actually, I think that runs in the family. (These pictures come from a small part of our Easter festivities--reading break!)

Anyway, I set a silly little goal of reading 25 books this summer. I know, it isn't super ambitious for many of you, but it will do for me. I have a lot of plans for this summer, and reading is only one of them!

I just finished book #1 of the summer--it only took a couple hours to read, so it was a great kick-off book! I read the third "Wimpy Kid" book: "The Final Straw." It wasn't the most difficult read of my life, but it was always good for a laugh.

I tell you, I can totally relate to these books. I am not in middle school anymore thankfully, but I do relive those days a bit when I read the book. I have experienced a ton of those situations before.

For those of you who also enjoy reading, feel free to send me book ideas. I am always game for a good read! Happy reading!

good giveaway, people (but I am not putting it on)

Okay, so my friend Jessica is doing a giveaway on her blog. I am generally not one to sign up for giveaways on blogs, but I figured, "What the hay, these are some cute earrings. Plus--Dane really likes it when I wear earrings, so I could use another pair." You guys--I rarely win anything, and I am really rooting for this one. I think I can get it! So, I generally don't post about things like this on my blog, but I will get an extra entry in there if I post about the giveaway. What do I have to lose?! I am "secreting" this giveaway (for those of you who know about "The Secret"), and I have some pretty good feeling about it.

Now, go and check out the giveaway. It is a good one. Also, Jess has a super-cute blog. She is a witty gal! You will probably want to keep reading her blog for some good recipes, laughs, and great book recommendations. I know that if you enter the giveaway, I will have less of a chance of getting the prize. Do it anyway! I promise I won't be offended!

Oh, you might want to know what blog it is--A Few Good Thing. Just give it a quick click!

Hope you are all doing well in "Blog Land!" Have a great Memorial Day weekend. I know I sure will!

Minority

I realize that I am a member of many majorities in Southeast Idaho--I am LDS, and I am Caucasian. Because of this, I can't always relate, understand, or empathize with some other groups. I have friends from all backgrounds and am incredibly grateful for them. We have so much in common and have a great time together. However, we all know that some of our friends face more barriers--negative stereotypes, lack of support from others, and even just being misunderstood by others. I really don't think I will ever understand some of the struggles and barriers they face. I appreciate and recognize how easy my life is. I also appreciate how beautiful the lives of my friends really are! They are my heroes!

In December my co-worker Guillermo told me about the Hispanic Youth Symposium. I fell in love and wanted to participate from the moment I heard about the program. Well, months flew by, and I actually just arrived home from the conference a few hours ago. (I am exhausted after about 3.5 hours of sleep and refuse to do anything that requires lots of energy tonight, so I chose to blog!)

I will post pictures later this week, but I have to say that I had a life-changing experience. I fell in love with the culture, the music, the language, and the people! I plan to attend next year's symposium and WILL speak some decent Spanish by then. Just wait and see!

I was, for one of the very first times, a minority. I felt at times like a bit of an outsider--I didn't understand some jokes, couldn't master some of those dance moves, and couldn't truly relate to experiences people shared. I felt a bit left out--however, I was surrounded by about 400 extremely loving people. I was accepted and included every step of the way. I may not completely fit in--but I felt like I really did. I was part of their familia!

Why don't we all include others a bit more, share a bit more, forget differences a bit more, teach others a bit more? I hope to remember those who may feel out of place, who may not feel included. We really are all one big familia!

Si, se puede!

Some Stress Relief

I won't lie--life around here has been a bit stressful.

Dane has been so busy with working 40 hours a week, group projects, and the upcoming "Finals Week." (I think that week deserves to be capitalized, simply because of the stress and emotion that even thinking of that week evokes!) I can't tell you how grateful I am not to have finals week right now!

Work has been crazy, with layoffs, budget cuts, and complete departmental changes in my office. I generally feel optimistic, but so many negative things have happened to my group! I can't help but feel protective and supportive, but I hate being around so much negative energy! I want to stand up for the people around me, but I don't want to be so negative while doing so! Today I spent a lot of time listening to complaints, and I even gave in and participated. I love my job and feel like the stress helps me to work harder and better. There has been a lot of negative stress these past few days, however. I had a productive workday, but the negative energy around me was a bit challenging. I am trying so hard to be positive for the long-haul, and I am a bit disappointed that I gave in these last few days and complained so much. Tomorrow I will be better!


Anyway, for the next few days, I am going to post about some of my stress-relievers. (Maybe I won't feel quite as stressed out as a result!) I think tonight I will just do some chores and relax---oh, and finish my new favorite book--today's true stress-reliever!

Now, please don't judge me about this book choice. I am an avid reader and appreciate most genres and styles of fiction. Yesterday I purchased "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney. (I have a new goal of obtaining at least one book per month to support my dream of a beautiful and full library.) I can't tell you how much I LOVE these books! Thanks, Kelli and Kayla! I hope I don't annoy Dane too much with all of my laughter while reading. I laugh so hard that I cry when I read these books.

Now, I am not telling everyone to run out and buy this particular book--I think it is written for a middle school-aged audience! Some of you, understandably, may not enjoy such books. Right now it is just doing its trick--relieving some stress!

Until I finally put my pictures onto this computer, here is a picture of the book! (I got the picture from http://pgteenspace.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/wimpykid.jpg.

Oh, and I think there is a movie based on the books coming out this summer. I can't wait!

First Timer

So, for the first time, I am really getting into American Idol. In the past I wondered what this silly craze was about, but I am now hooked. Doesn't it always seem to work that way?!

In the past I really only made it to the end of the initial auditions--you know, where only really good singers and the really awkward moments are shown. I felt terrible for some of the people who were only shown to make people laugh. Those poor peeps!

I think that Simon can be pretty brutal sometimes, but I have to admit I like his honestly. I love people who have the ability to say what they truly think and feel. Now, I do believe that we have to watch this instinct at times to protect ourselves and others. Sometimes we say just a little too much!

Back to the show--I am going out on a limb here to predict the final two. Does anyone agree with me?

My first pick is Adam Lambert--he is definitely a shoe-in. I had kinda liked the Gary Joules version of "Mad World" before last week, but I fell in love with the song when Adam sang it. Whew! I had goose-bumps at the end of that show! One last thing--his hair is fabulous!


I don't expect others to agree with my second choice, but I have to stay true! I just love Allison. She has a unique voice and beautiful look. Now, if you know me, I am a pretty plain person--but I have always secretly dreamed of having crazy, standout looks. I applaud people that set themselves apart...in positive attitude, dress, hair color, personality, etc! Go, Allison!


Quick note: I got the pictures from americanidol.com (I am a college graduate who reveres and yet fears plagiarism laws!)

Nie Nie

If you find something good, shouldn't you share it with others?!

I love to read, listen to, and watch things that make me want to be a better person. I always want to improve, to be just a little bit better. Well, a couple of weeks ago I ran into something that fills just that purpose!


Now, I am sure that many of you have already discovered this little blog. Well, it is a very, very popular blog. Those who have read "The Nie Nie Dialogues" surely agree with me that Stephanie Nielson is one fantastic woman--an inspiring person!

I can't tell you how excited I am to be a mom someday after reading the blog. She does the most beautiful things with her children! I especially loved reading about the time she wrote phrases like "God loves you" and "You are beautiful" on pieces of paper her children had decorated. Together, Stephanie and her children placed the phrases all over the town for people to find. What a wonderful way to teach your children, wouldn't you agree?!

If you haven't read any of the blog before, please take a few minutes to read. There are real-life heroes around us, and I really believe she is one! She exemplifies motherhood and a love for life. I think she is a very refreshing person to learn a bit from! Let me know what you think, if you haven't read it before.

Happy blogging!

"this is intense"

After months and months of watching the informational (featuring all those amazing transformations), I got P90X for Christmas. I have done some of the workouts over the last few weeks and have finally decided to "officially" start the program. I have to admit that some of the workouts are pretty intense!

My very first workout proved to be pretty crazy. I did well over a hundred push-ups and pull-ups, and boy, did my arms, back, and chest feel it for the next several days. I couldn't even fully extend my arms for four days after the workout! I know, I am pretty out-of-shape. But really, these workouts are pretty intense!

Anyway, today I am "officially" starting the program. (I have kind-of started the program like three times now, so I need a real start.) Sometime announcing a resolution to others helps you stay motivated and strong. So, for the next 3 months I will be the P90X Queen! I am really excited to finally, truly get started. Here's to health!