What Makes a Home?

The apartments were just right behind me when I took this photo

The strangest thing happened when I walked home yesterday.  As I was walking up to the building, I noticed that the outside door- where I need to get a card swipe was broken. It seemed the automatic doohicky-thing at the top had gotten stuck. I did not like it being open, so I gave it a good tug and successfully jammed the door closed (I tried to get it open again, but found now only the one side was useable).  I figured I would call someone about it later. As I walked in I noticed a second odd thing.  Being that our door handle instead of being parallel to the floor was off at a little angle. As I grabbed the handle, I noticed it seemed to work ok, but, our door was unlocked--which it should not have been. By this time I could definitely tell something was off...

Not written. . . carved/scraped in!

As I walked into the room I noticed first, that we had a new couch. My first thought was that we had had a fourth roommate move in. I am here with a summer program, one roommate is in my program, one is not, so I thought we might have had a super late arrival who brought with them a couch.  But, I did not walk in quite yet, something seemed to hold me at the door. I literally began to spin on the spot looking at everything there. I then noticed a few other things. 

Less Lost, More Found

Continuing with the theme of getting lost in Indiana, I thought I would share a few more pictures of the adventures we have been having here. 

To start, there is this "Cancer Survivors Park" which continues to capture my interest. I wonder if there is a "Cancer Killed Park" somewhere, or something equivalent. When I think about being a "cancer survivor" I also think about those who have not survived. The park is honestly a little dilapidated. And while life is not the same as it was before--I am grateful for those reminders that life is a gift.

Recently walking back from my work at the Neuroscience center I ran into a gentleman who was going to visit a friend in the Eskenazi hospital. As we were talking he brought up the subject of God and we talked about that. One thing he told me he did not understand is why he lived, and did so well, when others have not lived.  I also learned the man he was going to visit had lost both an arm and a leg in the war, and had recently tried to commit suicide for about the 10th time.  While my own experience was different. I was grateful to know the source of peace, and guidance for why we live, and what God expects of us.

But, this was just a small part of the city, there was much more!

The Best Time to get Lost

After being welcomed most cordially to Indiana, I set out to make myself familiar with the area! I don't know about you, but I find it nearly impossible to hold a map in my head.  But, if I actually walk to a place, I find I can remember how to get there again, and the more I walk around, the better I am able to use my mental map.

So, the most effective way I have learned to get around is to start walking for a place on the map. Then, I inevitably get lost as I can't keep directions in my head, then I find myself again (usually by asking for directions), and then know how to get there again!

When we feel lost, there are many ways we can find ourselves again. At church today, the theme in sacrament meeting was on the Atonement. In the end, by coming here to earth, we desired to follow the same path--that path being Jesus Christ. When we are on that path, we find a peace which settles the deepest part of our souls.

As it has been a few days, and I have been exceptionally good with my camera, I have a number of pictures to share with you all! I hope you enjoy them!

 This is my room, you probably noticed how neat and tidy it is! And, several days later, I am glad to say it is still this neat!

 I learned during a first meeting that I am not able to wear shorts- so I went adventuring! These next few are pictures from the mall in downtown.

A Hoosier Welcome

Today has been my first day in Indiana! I am here as a part of a summer research opportunity I have been blessed with and wanted to document the experience I have in a few ways.

Today I was at the airport- still have those moving sidewalks!

Cars are a big deal it seems in Indiana.

Fly on Sweat

When I ride my bike, I love going up first.  Because then I am able to fly down the hill. Although, it doesn't always work like that for me.  Such as today. In talking with my brother this afternoon on the phone we agreed that riding a bike up to Vivian park feels like the wind is blowing at you no matter what way you go. I think part of that is that any time it is at my back, I am going up a hill- so I am more focused on the hill. Then when I come down, and expect to go fast, the strong wind is slowing me down. Coming back today I took a picture on my phone - right before going down a hill. Even with the wind, each hill was amazing! And I do begin to feel like I could fly.

I think there is also something to having a reward which you have worked for.

Because of Him I have a Family

I loved this video! Because of Christ, we have a plan to return to live with God again.

Crazy Little Thing Called Penny

Penny

What a busy week! And to add to it all, I had my heart stolen! The culprit is a little ball of fur and sharp teeth named Penny.  (She is the innocent looking thing in the pictures).  I am currently living with my sister and her husband, and they recently acquired this little puppy. Let me tell you a little about her!
When we first met, she peed on my shoe. She has put many little puncture marks in my hands and forearms.  But for some reason, when I see her, no matter how tired I am, I find I have a little more energy, life is a little better, and I relax a little more.

The things about dogs is, they are always happy to see you.  I think that is one reason why it is so sad when a pet dies, especially a dog. For me, I remember how every time I came home from school, I was a hero for our dogs. No animosity toward any earlier behavior, but just joy with where you are now.  They seem to me the epitome of the righteous father in the prodigal son. Puppies are kind of like that as well, but they also pee when they see you and bite you.  I think I have decided I like dogs better.  A little more mellow, still excited to see me, and don't bite me. The photo at the bottom is the dogs or as I still call them "puppies" from Colorado.


And that reminds me of this story:

Man, Dog and Cat

My Pagan Abilities

(New plant) hope!

Sometimes I think I might make a pretty good pagan. Except for my plant growing skills.  I have not heard it from official sources, but I have always assumed to be a good pagan, you need to be in touch with nature.  I have tried to be nurturing, kind, and helpful for young growing plants before, but when it comes to plants I seem to be more prone to killing them.  I am currently in a Marriage and Family relations class at BYU (turns out they don't assign you a wife in the class, but you still need to find one).  Part of our class is that we need to grow a plant.  The lesson I have surmised so far, is that like a little plant- relationships need our time and care for them to grow.

Dead plant (trans-potted)

This is where the me maybe making a good pagan comes in.  I can't help but feel that the progress of the plant some how directly relates to the relationship I am supposed to be having with my future spouse.  I.e., plant thrives = I find wife and get married; plant dies = bachelor for life, no happiness.  Which, my mind keeps saying is totally irrational, especially now that the plant is dead (and I think I smashed both replacement seeds that I had, one is for sure- don't ask me how!).  Listening to the leaders of the church is such a great reminder of all the things I have been meaning to do, but haven't quite gotten around to yet. So, while I can't do everything tonight, I will try and at least take a little step! One first step I feel strongly about is prayer.

From my car, Bountiful, UT

Prayer I feel is the quiet rocking which brings peace to my soul. I desire to make it more of a soothing experience, by giving it time, being patient, and striving for open communication.  It helps me to vocalize my prayers, take time to organize my thoughts, speak a little, organize more.  Elder LeeMaster taught me the importance of praying with real intent and praying vocally.  It has forever impacted my relationship with my Father in Heaven.  As was taught today, as the Lord is first, the other good desires we have follow.  Or, as we read in the scriptures:
22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. (Moroni 7)

Payback's a Chocolate

Some of you may be familiar with the letter the adventure I had with pies not too long ago.  For those who are not, let me fill in a little.  Over a year ago for Thanksgiving, I had gone home for Thanksgiving.  Sadly, my brother was unable to make it as he was newly married and was spending the time with his new wife.  Well, feeling sympathetic as mothers do, my Mom had made two apple pies which were frozen and ready to bake, and sent the pies back to Utah with me.  I, being logical had deduced that Chad (my brother) did not need two pies, and so decided to keep one.

Problem.  My brother knew that two pies were sent out, and mistakenly felt that both pies should be his. (His invalid argument was something about me enjoying pies all week, and already eating the equivalent of two pies).

Another problem.  My parents own the condo where I live, and my brother also had a key to the place, and could very easily come steal the pie while I was at school.  There are only so many places to hide a pie in a freezer.

Well, after some pondering and sleep, I came up with an idea. :)

Of Dating, Spring Snow, and Faith

 Life is a dangerous game we play.- all sorts of risks.  Although it isn't risking your life- sometimes it can feel like it in asking a girl out.  Here is part of a conversation I recently had with a girl, more or less this is what was said:

Me: So, you still dating that guy?
Her: I am taking a break from dating.
In my mind I thought "Ok, how about I talk with you in a month or so?  . . . no, that sounds lame"  then it seemed enough time had passed where it was getting awkward, so I opened my mouth and said:
Me: Ok, so how about frisbee golfing this weekend?- we have had some beautiful weather!

I have no idea where that came from, but I am glad I said it!  Now, we have something set up for tomorrow!

Except for it snowed tonight.
Really??

A Spicy Forthcoming

I made some salsa today. While eating it, I noticed the first few bites seemed like little bursts of joy in my mouth. I would definitely say I was hungry.  If I would have thought a little bit before hand, I could have taken some pictures throughout the creation process, but here is the final product! Salsa a la gladware.  It is a pretty standard recipe, and takes some effort to mess up. I am sure this salsa will be a tender mercy for me this next week!

*Some blessings are unexpected, some we can plan for. I am grateful for both!

Of Chocolate and Politics

Much like the need for chocolate- I have been feeling a need to continue with writing and posting on this blog on a more regular basis. I have decided this blog will take the best shape as I am more consistent about posting and sharing things here.  Although I am not currently sure what form it is I would like this blog to take! My Mom loves making chocolates. she recently made some, and mailed them. They were lost in the mail! :( But before you panic, please know I am finding a way to survive- somehow.
This week the caucuses are taking place in Utah, and at the University Devotional today Dr. James came to talk about health care in the political realm.  Paraphrasing a statement he made- a dollar invested in education does more to help public, then a dollar invested in health care.  I have a passion for education, and equalizing the learning opportunity. The devotional was a great reminder that the biggest effect on health was not the resources we have access to, but rather our behavior.  And what changes behavior? True doctrine, understood.



*people who say writing is static do not have experience with it.