Loopless

I don't know what's up, but ever since I got married, I've been out of the loop. And not only do I just feel out of the loop, I feel like no one wants me around.

I was the last one to find out about my grandpa and his wife preparing for and putting their papers in to go on a mission. I feel like I never know when anything is happening, either.

Maybe I'm supposed to learn something from this, but whenever I plan anything, or whenever I want to do something, it either doesn't happen (most of the time) or goes terribly wrong.

I don't know what happened. Maybe I wasn't as "in the loop" as I thought I was before, and now I'm just realizing the reality of it all. Whatever it is, it still kind of hurts.

Thoughts

Okay, I usually steer clear of politics or anything controversial, because I was once attacked for stating what I believe or think about politics. (I avoid pretty much all politics now.)

I read an article today that really struck a nerve with me. I was going to post on Facebook, but that was where I was attacked last time. So instead I'll post here where no one really reads what I write.

(Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_target_lawsuit)

I don't understand the way people think. People that are for something (it doesn't matter what) and talk to others about tolerance, for the most part seem to turn around not be tolerant and think that they're right and everyone else is wrong. They want to drag everyone down if they can't be given freedom to do whatever the heck they want. It's all over the place today.

Target has goals to keep its shoppers safe and free from talks or attacks by solicitors outside the stores. A certain group (you'll know if you read the article) is outside some of their stores soliciting. Target asks them to stop because they've received complaints about it. The group doesn't and tells Target off because they have what they believe is a right to tell everyone about their message.

Now, the group says that their people are trained to be friendly and polite. Target argues that people feel like they've been attacked. Two sides to the same story. There always are. So who's right? I think they both are. The people may be trained. Target shoppers may have been attacked. For the most part, I really think they both are right. Many of the people are probably nice and just trying to get information out. I'm also sure there are many that get overzealous in their pursuit, thus causing people to feel attacked.

So, my moral is:

Practice what you preach. If you want respect and tolerance for what you believe, then you better be darn sure that is what you're giving. If anyone feels attacked, I can guarantee they're not going to listen to you or what you have to say.

/EndRant

Story update

Not much to say about my stories. Sadly, I haven't had too much time to focus on them.

My current goal is to finish this last run-through of Garnet, get it typed up into my computer, and finished up so that I can publish it, now that I've worked enough to pay for the joint venture. (YAY!!!)

I will keep you updated on that.

My other story is moving kind of slow right now, but I'm really trying to focus on Garnet. I have a few more character synopses to write, and then I'm well on my way to getting down to business on that one! :D

I love writing! I know that if I work at it, I could be really good and possibly make money off of it. We'll see how things go, but I would really love to be an excellent author whose books get read. :)

Coming up:

-Snow pictures (I need to pull them off my camera)

-Relief Society Meeting (It was fun! No, I didn't get pictures. :( )

Trek prep

I've been meaning to type this all up, and now is as good a time as any.

At the end of January, Jason and I were asked to be a Ma and Pa on our stake's trek this summer. On February 26th, we had a prep for the Mas and Pas. I didn't get any pictures (big surprise there?), but it was fun.

We started off at 5:30 in the morning for Four peaks. We were all dressed up in trek clothes. We put together our handcarts, got our requisition items, and soon we were off! I can't give details of what went down (yet - there should be a detailed post after it's over). We experienced some things, almost got told to go home like 4 times by ranger people, and had fun. It makes me excited to go this summer!

And I remember getting one picture. It's not that great because it was with my phone, but here it is:

The health wagon. lol I love the horse that's up front. XD

Subbing

I've had a total of 3 jobs so far. Not very many, but I guess it's my own fault. And now that it's Spring Break, I really can't do much about it.

My second job was in 2nd grade. (Appropriate, right? lol) I was nervous going in, because the only experience I've had with 2nd grade was in my first semester in the Elementary Ed block. That was like 2 years ago! It all went fine, but I don't know if I could teach them everyday! "So-and-so said this to me." "He looked at us funny." "She looked at so-and-so's book and laughed."

Why do they feel a need to tattle? I guess I was spoiled in 5th grade. And they also can't sit still and all want to offer input at the same time. Cute kids, but definitely not my cup of tea!

My third job was my favorite!!! :D That's because I was back in my class that I student taught in! The teacher asked me that morning if I could sub for her, and of course I said yes! The kids were very excited to see me. I went to pick them up from the playground that morning, and all 24 that were in line through their hands in the air and yelled "Mrs. Lee!" I guess they were just a little excited. lol

It was good times. I could tell I was a little out of practice with teaching, but it was still fun! I'm so glad I was able to sub for them.

I miss teaching every day, but it's been pretty nice not having to focus so much on it. In the program, with all of the stuff I had to do, I was burnt out. But now I think I'm getting more energized and hopefully I can get a job in the fall!

Rejoicing in Hope

SO.... It's been forever and I still haven't posted about any of the things I've wanted to. This post is dedicated to my Stake Relief Society Women's Conference that we had February 19th.

Let me just start off by saying it was AMAZING!!!

I've been in my ward for 8 months now, and I'm still learning who people are, so me going to a stake event was slightly daunting. I didn't know how many people I would know, but the ladies pull through. :) There was always a nice comment when I felt like I was odd one out. They really worked to help everyone learn a lot!

The first class I went to was about Marriage. And there were some good points in it. (I'd write down things verbatim, but that would require getting up, and I don't want to right now. lol) Basically, date nights are good, communication is essential, and staying true to the covenants we made is what will keep us together forever.

My second class was with Bro. Cochran (sp???). Recommended to my by Kara, who had him for a seminary teacher. He did an excellent job! His topic was on teaching, and he definitely has a gift for being a teacher. It was an interesting class, and I hope I can use the 7 things he taught us when I teach so that I can be better.

My last class, and by far the most popular one, was a class on Hope. We looked at qualities of hope in the same way a jeweler looks at the quality of a diamond. Hope is not just wishful thinking. It's real, and being in that class gave me so much hope that no matter what happens here on earth, we just need to do the best we can, and we can live with our Father in Heaven again.

Our last class was followed by lunch with the amazing chicken salad stuff on croissant bread. YUM!!!!! I wish I had taken a picture. I do have a picture of the butterfly cookie (which dyed everyone's teeth. LOL)

And yes, it really was that blue! I don't know why they would do that to us, but they did! lol

While we ate, we were given another little lesson on body image and how we do and should feel about ourselves. It was full of interesting things. Did you know that a model in the 30's was 5'8" and about 132 pounds? Today, the average model is about 5'11" and 110 pounds. That's 3 inches taller and more than 20 pounds lighter! The two ladies that put it together did an amazing job! And for those of you in the Mesa Arizona Lehi Stake, you might know April M. My eyes were definitely opened during their talk, and I very much want to be happier with who I am physically. We can't have greyhound legs if we're a dachshund. Then we wouldn't be ourselves.

Oh hai!

Hello March! When did you show up? I didn't expect to see you so soon, but you're welcome to stick around!

My February was alright. Very busy, but not necessarily in a bad way. I'm glad things are working out.

I had Women's Conference (I promise to tell about it, as soon as I have time to type it all up), 2 sub jobs, and Trek prep. All of it very interesting!

So, March, here's to you! Let's make it awesome!