Raindrops on Roses

I have a cat now. And a fiance. I'm pretty happy about the second one. He's pretty awesome. The cat...well, let's say the jury is still out. That doesn't mean I'll get rid of him. I can't decide if I'll ever get another one. Koyangi is my very first pet. He's really not too expensive, but oh does he demand attention. I thought cat's didn't really need you to hold them and pet them all the time. I guess he's still a kitten, so there's still time for him to change. And yes, I know I'm whining.

Blog/Tribute to Papa

So I was supposed to write a blog about something. It was my homework...from about two weeks ago...I think. I would probably fail a blogging class...so would my sister Miki, who should be required to at least post pictures of my cute nephew niece.

My parents have come to my place for Father's Day. They are out shopping at one of my mom's favorite stores right now. I have to meet them to pick up all the stuff they are buying in a little bit.

I'll be giving a talk on Fathers tomorrow since I was one of the few who actually had "good feelings" to share about my father. That made me sad for the rest of the sisters in my branch. I want to really share something that will help them. Ever since my Papa's stroke, it's been hard to relate to him as well. I feel like I meet a different person every time. So I'm truly grateful for the good memories that I have and any of the good moments that are left to share with Papa. I've learned so much from him. I get my strong desire to do everything right from him. I've never had to doubt his love for me. He's truly left a legacy.

I also realized today while attending a friend's father's funeral, that I've been blessed with many different types of fathers. There's Larry who is always giving me dating advice. There's Brother Ebbert who is always there to give me a hug or a handshake. There was Vernon to shake his head at me when he has to tow my car yet again. There's Brother Lovett who is always interested in what I am doing and always tells me how proud he is of me. There's President Reall who teases me and gives me advice. And through all there examples, I have come to respect the Priesthood and know what to look for in the father of my children. I love my Papa, and I'm grateful for the many other examples of good men I have in my life.

For the Love of One

It bothers me when someone doesn't like me. Well, not when it comes to students not liking me. That doesn't bother me. It's part of my job description. But when someone I like and interact with frequently says "we could never be friends," it really hurts. I don't care how old or young they are. I can only think of one person I've really disliked, and even we are friends now. I want to be their best friend now. That seems to be an irrational thought pattern.

Something Tag

Something I want to see: My wedding day ;)

Something that inspires me: effort...an effort to do right, an effort to be great at something, especially this year as I've been teaching

Something that makes me angry: to go with the last one, a lack of effort, giving up

Something that hurts a little: realizing that I can't be the perfect teacher, that I won't reach them all

Something I've gotten used to: procrastination (i really need to work on it)

Something I collect: I use to collect things stamps, now it seems i collect purses and receipts.

Something I always carry with me: My keys, my cellphone, and a prayer.

Something I want to be: a better teacher (ditto Laura)

Something I dread: failure to do my best

Something that I have learned: That people can still love me even when they know all the mistakes I make and see how disorganized I am.

Something I read: I definitely read the scriptures, and that's all I have time to read these days.

Something I want to understand: Atonement, my heart

Homemade Giveaway

OK, so this is a little bit of a twist/combination of tag/pay it forward...here goes...

The first 5 people to respond and follow through on this post will get something homemade by me!

Here are the restrictions and limitations that protect me in the giveaway:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. I get to choose, you just get to receive!

2. What I create will be made just for you, one of a kind...unless it is cookies, they are made all the time and not so one of a kind, but they will be made just for you just the same.

3. It will be done this year... hopefully sooner rather than later.

4. The gift may or may not be edible, wearable or recyclable!

5. In order to be a winner, you must repost this on your blog.

The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me you did will receive one FABULOUS homemade gift by me!

After I choose the winners, you can send me your mailing address!
Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you receive it!

Merry Christmas

I am going to try and write on my blog more than once a month. :) So we'll start with two and move from there.
I have had a very busy month. School finals, Relief Society (did I mention that they made me president a while back?), family, friends, and Jonathan (also a friend, but a little different). My phone got stolen two weeks ago, so I have had trouble communicating with people. Although a small blessing because I wasn't overloaded with communication. I think that sometimes we just need breaks. But only short ones.
The downside of not having a phone was having close encounters with other cars and ditches during the lovely winter weather. I told my students about the downsides (because it was one of them who stole my phone) and one of them said "That's just messed up!" I whole heartedly agreed and asked them if they knew who might have my phone. I didn't get a whole lot of help there, but it was encouraging to hear my students ask me about it every day after. They do care. :)
Christmas break has started and I have a ton of grading to do, but I keep putting it off of course. I've been spending time with Jonathan. We went to the temple with his parents, Scott, Cory and his wife Becky. This was all fine until we were asked to do some sealings. I'd never done sealings or have even seen them. It definitely makes you think to do them with someone you're dating...His parents smiled the whole time.
I know this has been kind of a random post. But I guess that's just my personality coming out. :) I'm going to see a lot of good friends this break, some I have already seen. I am really grateful for all the people in my life. Thank you.

For My Friend

So I've decided that I really only write this blog for Laura. :) Because she's the only one who reads it. :)
Yesterday, I called Laura, but she didn't answer. And then I called my friend Julianne who answered and we were talking and then Laura called, but I didn't answer because I was talking to Julianne. And then Staci called and we arranged a meeting. Well, actually I called Staci before Laura to arrange the meeting and Staci was calling me back to let me know that they were on their way to my house. And then Faith called to say they were at my front door. (I was still on the phone with Julianne through Staci and Faith's calls. And I was sitting in the car.) This all happenned in the course of 20 minutes. I was amazed at how fast Staci and Faith got to my house after just barely calling the meeting. They are who we call dedicated servants of the Lord. I'm so lucky. And when I wanted to call Laura today, well, the phone was dead from talking to Jonathan. :S So my dear friend, I will call you once my phone is charged and my meetings are over tonight. It's funny how I only missed you by a few minutes and can't call you back for more than 24 hours. Maybe there is some validity to the "next friend" you were talking about. ;) I'm doing horribly.