I think we're in Rome

Meags and I set out for a quick road trip to Vegas for a wedding. Spending time in 60 degree weather was a minor deciding factor. The farther south we drove, the more I realized that I needed some Vitamin D and time away from the everyday life.

Highlights. In no particular order:

1- You may be in a sketchy neighborhood if everyone at the store watches you walk to your desired aisle and continue gazing until you leave. I like to think they were staring because we radiate beauty.

2- A community in which I will never live has the following street names: Pillow Talk, Snuggling, and Snoring.

3- Bob(RayLynne) and Richard looked so happy and I loved being there for their wedding date. Yay for finding love.


4- Shopping is therapeutic. In a weird way.

5- While in Caesar's Palace, you may overhear someone say, "As I look around, I really think I am in Rome."

6- If the key to your hotel room does not work, it may be a good idea to go back to the front desk rather than attempting to enter the room approximately 1 billion times until you think you hear the top latch on the door. Yes, we were given a key to an occupied room.


7- Driving The Strip at night and then retiring to the hotel for hours of Lock-Up on tv while eating cheesecake is a great way to spend a Friday night.

8- Speeding to pass a semi who continues to enter your lane and could hit you at any moment, may result in a ticket.

You are My Sunshine

The Civil Wars announced they were going to sing a cover song in which many will recognize part of the song but may not know the sad and mostly unsung verses. I turned to my friend and said, "They are going to sing You are My Sunshine" and that's exactly what they did.

While the opening band Parlor Hawk sang, I looked to my right and noticed the guy next to me was wearing a bow tie. I did a double take and realized it was John Paul, member of The Civil Wars. Oh happy day. I smiled during the entire concert as I listened to The Civil Wars share their incredible talent with those in attendance. I may have even turned to my friend and announced that I must be in a band. I may not have been kidding.

Car Wash

This takes the idea of a car wash to a whole new level...

All is Calm

Tonight I spent time with an almost 3 month old who has Spinal Meningitis and has had 2 brain surgeries and is stitched from ear to ear. This little one has been fighting for his life since Christmas and has had some major ups and downs in the weeks that have followed.

As I sat in his room, I found myself breathing deeply to soak in the peace that filled the space. Outside, I heard children crying, people talking, and the scurrying of feet as they hurried down the hall. But inside all was still as Grady slept. I often glanced at the monitors and said silent prayers for this gift from God that he would grow and develop and live a full life. That he would one day run and jump and play.

I watched the rise and fall of his chest as he lay sleeping and my attention was drawn toward him each time he made a sound. His little face is perfect and yet, on the inside of his body, a war is raging. Time seemed to stop while I was with Grady. No ringing cell phone. No tv blaring. No internet. I allowed myself to be in the moment and let the serenity permeate within.

Grady is a fighter.

If...

"If a blade of grass can grow in a concrete walk and a fig tree in the side of a mountain cliff, a human being empowered with an invincible faith can survive all odds the world can throw against his tortured soul."

--Robert Schuller

Locked in on Jimmer

BYU 104. Utah 79. Jimmer had 47 points and the rest of the starters were also in double digits AND Jackson Emery broke Danny Ainge's all-time steals record. What a game. Go BYU!

I'll be back in February

I dread going to the gym during the month of January. Sure, I want everyone to be healthy, but I miss having so many treadmills and stair masters available to me. Now I have to compete with and exercise right next to someone rather than adhering to the "leave a treadmill between myself and another gym goer." I know many who like to meet new people while working out and yet, I am not one of those people.

I'll survive but I am looking forward to the empty gym in February.

Santa Is On His Way...

Surprise

On Monday, my brother Clay and I picked up Syden from school and the first question he asked was, "Where is Aunt Tennille?" Great to see you as well, Sy. Today, Tennille came up with a plan to embarrass Syden by meeting him inside the school with a little gift.

We also walked around the building since my Grandpa painted two murals for the school. So many memories of my grandpa flooded my mind as I looked at his artwork on display. Below is one of the murals at Sy's school.

Light

The night started at a Mortuary for the Annual Christmas Luminary, a magnificent sight. We then traveled the valley in search of over-the-top lights, met Santa, and I forgot to give him my Christmas list. I better write a letter soon.

MOTAB featuring Archie

Several months ago, I registered for the MOTAB Christmas concert knowing I would most likely be in Oregon. I guess I wanted to try my luck and luck is exactly what I have. Or maybe my parents are the lucky ones since it was their registration that was awarded tickets to the coveted MOTAB and David Archuletta concert at the Conference Center.

Meags, B, Shan, and I decided to head downtown a couple hours before the show, buy dinner, and then head to the forever long lines at the Conference Center. B and Shan stood in line at one place while Meags and I went across the street and made an executive decision to buy rolls and other snacks and going out to dinner after the concert. We met a woman named Kristy who bought 6 of the 12 rolls from us which was such a brilliant business decision. The line at the conference center moved quickly and soon we were in our seats awaiting the sweet sounds of music and narration. The only time a smile left my face during the concert was when the girl behind me took off her shoes and put her bare feet on the back of my chair with her toes hanging dangerously close to my head. Other than that, it really was a magical night filled with music, dancing, and the telling of the birth of Jesus by Michael York. We walked back to the car while wearing Holiday Specs which transforms an ordinary light into an angel, star, or snowflake.

The Bob's

As I was reading the local newspaper this morning, I learned that a beloved building in Provo was on fire, the Provo Tabernacle. While attending BYU, I participated in a Stake Choir which was anything but ordinary. For example, did your stake choir have a brass section? I didn't think so. Each Thanksgiving/Christmas, the stake choir sang in the tabernacle and one of the favorite songs was Come Thou Fount. We also had an Easter Sunrise Service which was an experience I will never forget as we listened to Stake President Truman G Madsen. Our Organist is now the Associate Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We often sang music arranged by Mack Wilberg as the director of the choir, Jim Kasen, was a friend of Mack's. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to sing in the choir and be around amazing people, but I must admit that I most appreciate two friends I met during this time, Bob L and Bob R(also known as Leah and RayLynne.) We spent a lot of time together and soon we found ourselves in a pre-law class, which is when we became 'Bob'. Bob R and I drove to Idaho when Bob L was married and Bob L drove in a snowstorm to be with me when I first went to the temple. Bob R is getting married soon and I look forward to being with her on that date. Being in the Bob friendship has changed my life and I know I am truly blessed.

Is Love Alive?

I visited a friend yesterday and as we discussed the daily details of our life, she asked me I would help her wrap presents. I was happy to climb stairs and gather supplies for a friend in need and had a great time wrapping and talking about life. The simple question of asking to help wrap gifts has made me think a lot about my own life. How often do I ask others to help me with what may appear as a simple task? I often try to conquer life battles alone rather than allowing others to support and assist when possible. I admire my friend for asking me to help and my heart was softened as I realized once again that there is so much love around.

A Christmas Wish

The governor couldn't attend the Premier of "A Christmas Wish" so he asked my friend and I to attend in his place. It may not have happened exactly that way, but my friend does work at the governor's office and we were given the governor's tickets for the movie. The movie was well cast and the story was somewhat predictable and yet, enjoyable.

Christmas Song

While decorating my parent's home for Christmas, my niece started singing, "We dish you a Merry Christmas. We dish you a Merry Christmas. We dish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." I turned to Avry and attempted to sing her the correct song only to hear Avry again sing, "We dish you a Merry Christmas..."

Fast forward to a couple of days ago when I received a call from Avry's mother. She began explaining that Avry was watching tv and called her mom into the room to hear a song, the above Christmas song, which was featured on a commercial. For which company was the song being used? DISH network. And the lights suddenly came on and I finally understood why Avry sang "We dish you a Merry Christmas" rather than "We wish you a Merry Christmas."

Black Friday 2010

Pip, Cyndi, and I left B Town at 9p last night and slowly drove to IF. The roads were icy and I think we averaged 30 mph on the way-the things we do for shopping. Watching people while shopping provided much entertainment and I didn't start getting tired until 7a. Good thing were hitting the last store at that point and I knew I would soon be
able to sleep. We met some new friends while waiting in line at Target and Old Navy and we helped each other find items that were on our list. There was a girl selling hot chocolate to people waiting in line and she continued to remind us with her megaphone that it was cold outside. I thought about grabbing the megaphone and smashing it on the ground, but decided against violence. An employee at one store enlightened me on the quality of jewelry available at a little store called Shopko. I guess I know where to go if I'm even in the market for jewelry. Having a vehicle full of items definitely means Black Friday 2010 was a success.

Spa Day

Snow Day

While the snow is falling and blowing outside, Sy and Avy Shae are building us a fort so we can read books, eat popcorn, and drink hot chocolate.

P Town

Lohra, Meags, and I were on our way to the BYU vs New Mexico football game when we saw 20 policeman riding motorcycles. We were tempted to speed in the hope that all 20 would pull us over. Now that would make for a great story.


Rivalry week between Utah and BYU is here which means all the statues at BYU are wrapped in plastic:

We stood to cheer for the Cougars and the two guys behind us yelled for us to sit down. After the first quarter, we moved closer and enjoyed seeing the Cougars win!

President

Who shows up at Costco to buy a few or twenty items on the same date the former President, George W. Bush, is in town for a book signing? Well, that would be me except I had forgotten about the book signing until I approached the store. Too bad I showed up at the end and wasn't able to get a signed copy of the book.

Kaleidoscope Heart

Sara Bareilles, Cary Brothers, and Holly Conlan

Subscription

Last month I received a copy of Essence, a monthly magazine for African American women. I write 'I' because my name and address was listed on the magazine as if I had paid for a yearly subscription. I glanced at a few articles and sent it to the recycling bin. Today I received my second issue and look forward to learning how to love my natural hair.

I give thanks

Nine years ago today, I walked into the living room of my parent's home and found my dad lying on the floor complaining of a chest cold. He had left racquetball early due to not feeling well and I insisted that we were going to the hospital. Six bypasses, constant prayer, and many weeks later, he was discharged and returned home.

Today, a family member is going in for testing which will confirm a diagnosis or lead to additional testing and more of the unknown. I admire this person for being so open with their life and what is going on while I quietly contemplate what may be.

Historically, November has been a trying month for my family and at times I find myself dreading the month in which we give thanks. So today, on a day that holds many unanswered questions, I give thanks. Thanks to a Heavenly Father for inspiration and guidance. Thanks to medical professionals and advancements in medicine. Thanks for a family who stand firmly together while battling the storms of life.

I give thanks.

Signs

A young boy, upon learning his mother has a debilitating disorder which can also cause hearing loss: "Mom, the first sign I want to learn is I love you."

Watch out!

I was at stoplight on 7th East, preparing to enter I-80, when I noticed a small pick-up hauling a stove coming from the opposite direction and also entering I-80. The light turned green for me and I proceeded and thought, "Hmmm. Maybe I should go slow." As I made the turn, the stove fell out the side of the truck and fell into my lane. I calmly signaled and was able to switch lanes and avoid hitting the stove, grateful I had slowed down. The driver of the pick-up pulled over and hopefully no one hit the debris.

Nicest Thing

Kate Nash

Hello World

Meags, Shan, and I went to Lady Antebellum at The Rail Event Center.

In My Veins

Andrew Belle and Tyrone Wells at Velour.

Happy Halloween

Brain Injury

Dear Shannon, please visit with Koji(pictured left with Jen) to learn which way a helmet should be worn. Actually, I think Shan wore it backwards on purpose. Or did she? I went to see the movie Wipe Out which documents the lives of three extreme athletes who each received a traumatic brain injury. I found myself seeing my clients instead of the faces of the athletes. After the movie, there was a panel discussion and a drawing for prizes which included helmets, goggles, headphones, and skateboards. I crossed my fingers as the first number was read and then I yelled thinking my friend had won only to see the guy in front of me retrieve his free ski passes. My heart beat faster and faster as more numbers were drawn and I imagined myself riding a bike with a brand new helmet. At the end of the night, Jen and Shan each went away with a free helmet while Bethany and I left empty handed.

Twins

I love these girls!

My friend Allison is in town for a few days and Meags and I were able to spend time with her and her twin girls Rosie and Evie. I think I better plan a trip to visit Ben, Allison, and the girls soon.

Welcome, Winter

Pumpkin Carving 2010

Tonight was the annual pumpkin carving party with Jamie and her family, but we missed having Nicole and Marvin in attendance. We watched football, ate dinner, and then the carving began. Jamie was pregnant last year and struggled with cutting the top of the pumpkin and put the blame on pregnancy brain. What's her excuse this year?


I decided to do a polka dot pumpkin. Easy, right? The pumpkin was looking great until I decided to slice my thumb. Jamie looked up as the knife entered and exited my thumb and ran to get a band-aid. I calmly went to the sink and used my 1st Aid certification skills to use in an effort to stop the bleeding. The MVP of the night was Super Glue for fixing the stem of my pumpkin and my finger.

I am becoming Martha Stewart

My friend Corrine is quite the crafter and I mentioned that I would like to make cards with her someday. Well, that someday was today. I thought we would ease into crafting but instead I jumped off a cliff into a pool of cardstock, glitter, and stamps. The star box craft did not turn out as planned, but I can make magnets with the best of them. As for cards, I do well with copying Corrine's design. I apologize in advance if any mutual friends get the same card from Corrine and myself.

On The Road Again

Sharon and I were on our way to dinner tonight when we saw this:

Yes, they are both in wheelchairs and she is helping push his wheelchair.

Life Changes Quickly

One afternoon in June, I was watching the news and saw a story about a car accident involving a pregnant woman and I remember thinking, "do I know anyone who is 7 1/2 months pregnant and drives a Subara?" I would soon remember as I received a call from a friend asking if I had heard about Corrine's car accident. A man had a heart attack and drifted into oncoming traffic and hit my friend head on. Her unborn child saved my friend's life but did not survive the accident.
As I have watched my friend and her family over the past few months, I have renewed faith in the goodness of people and the strength of the human soul. Corrine spent weeks and weeks in the hospital and then a rehabilitation center before going home less than a month ago.
When I visit Corrine, she always asks about my life and that of our other friends and wants to know of our happiness, trials, and day to day life. I know she has difficult days where she wonders why this happened to her, and yet her courage and determination in her healing has taught me much. I am blessed to call her friend.

This just in...

For the record, even with the worst start of a football season since 1973, I am and always will be a BYU fan. And yes, I bleed blue.

Carry on.

God is awake

"I was in so much pain that I didn't have any fight left in me. I let go and decided that whatever was going to happen, would happen. I knew the hospital could not help me and there was nothing left to do except wait. The pain was so unbearable. In the past, I would keep fighting but this time, it wasn't in me."

I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach as I heard these words and I was speechless and yet, I knew that for those words to have been spoken, the pain must have been worst than ever before. My first thoughts we selfish-"You must be around when I get married. You have to meet my children." Quickly my thoughts turned to outward and I forgot about my somewhat trivial concerns.

Watching a loved one live with an illness has changed me...hopefully for the better.

"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake."
Victor Hugo

Spin Wisdom

I attended a Spin class a couple of weeks ago and I can proudly declare that I completed lotoja. The instructor had competed in the race and felt we, as a class, needed to experience the same. There were many "highlights" during class but maybe the best was when the instructor decided we would do 1 minute pushes. Now, I'm no cycling pro, but I'm pretty sure 1 minute pushes are difficult while on STATIONARY bikes. I have now completed Road Biking 101 and have dropped out of this particular class. Oh, and slow country music does not help me make it up the hill.

Tonight, Rachelle and I attended our regular Monday night Spin and it was fabulous and crazy hard. The music is different every week, we sweat...a lot, and the instructor Lisa often sings along with her music selection. Tina Turner/Lisa told me I'm "Simply the best. Better than all the rest." Then Charlie Daniels informed me that "I'm the best that's ever been." Tim McGraw and Nelly reminded me that "it's all in my head" which pushed me up the hills. At the end, Pink Floyd sang it best with the words "I have become comfortably numb."

Thank you from work

Just a little something I received at the clinic today.

Redfest 2010

Lohra and I went to Redfest at the U last night to see Ben Lee, fun, and Mates of State. I was feeling rather old in the sea of 18 and 19 year-olds and came to the conclusion that I have no sense of fashion. Fast forward to Mates of State because this is where things became interesting. Lohra and I made our way through the crowd and found ourselves on the 3rd-ish row. Lohra touched the fence at the front so technically she can say she was on the front row, right? Wait. We did make our way to the front row by the end of the concert. I re-learned some important lessons while at the concert:

1) Hygiene lessons should be a requirement at any concert. In fact, deodorant should be handed out at the entrance.
2) Flip flops should only be worn at a standing room only concert IF you want to lose a toenail.
3) Going to a concert with a Superfan will make or break any relationship. Background information: A tall guy on the front row knew every word and was very passionate about Mates of State. Halfway through the concert, we noticed what we assume is his girlfriend, standing behind him. Oh, and she was not singing along but did appear to kind of enjoying the show or she was planning her escape.




4) The crowd will do whatever the singer asks. For instance: a comment was made about crowd surfing and soon a line of people were surfing to the front only to be pulled down by security.
5) If you wait long enough, you may get to meet the performers.

Winner!

My friend Rachel invited me to a cooking class this evening. The crowd was small but oh so entertaining. We learned to make caramel rolls, pretzels, and cheeseburger surprise which was a surprise I did not like. Rachel, Meags, and I felt eating the food was more important than actually learning to make the recipes. The head baker and her cohort have an interesting dynamic that I feared may turn into a fist fight at any moment. We entered our names in a drawing, patiently watched rolls sliced, dipped and baked, and then it was time to partake of the goodness. A mom with two young children 'happened' to walk by as the food was being served which meant she no longer had to buy anything since there was free food. A couple on the front row sat in the chairs and ate off the serving plate near the end of the event. Convenient for them? Yes. Not so appealing for the rest of us? Again the answer is yes. It was then time for the drawing and I openly hoped that people would leave so I could win. Meags won a pie and I won....frozen rolls.

I'm a Model

A friend called this morning asking if he could use a picture of me on Cozycush.com and after much deliberation, I said yes. He sent me the picture he wanted to use and I laughed. Find my testimonial* below.

" Its always nice to come home after classes and just relax and forget about the stress of school for a hour. My Cozy Cush is the perfect place to shut my brain off "
- Shelley M. Penn State

*No, I did not attend Penn State and those are not my thoughts about cozy cush products and yet, I do enjoy watching football while lounging on high quality foam.

Hot Stuff

As per tradition, my sister, nephew Syden, and myself met my dad for breakfast at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Wimpy's has the best breakfast sandwich which I begin craving a week or two before the fair. We placed our order and talked with Glenn's(Wimpy) family. My nephew Syden turned to me and said "Shae, that guy is staring at you." What guy, I asked. "The guy over there." I'm still clueless and Syden says "Shae, the guy on the hot sauce is staring at you. You know, I can find someone like him if that's what you're interested in dating."

I believe

My nephew Syden and I went to the Bull Riding event at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. As we were leaving the fairgrounds, there was a 3 year-old boy being taken to Security because he had been separated from his family. My dad, Syden, and I briefly listened as the police questioned the young boy. On the drive home, Syden asked me over and over again "What happens if the little boy's family doesn't find him." "Will the parents remember they have a son?" As we walked into my parent's home, I asked Sy if he would like to pray for the young boy. My father offered a prayer and then as I drove Sy to his house, we were able to talk about my experience with prayers being answered. Although we don't know the ending of the story for the lost little boy, I believe Sy gained a greater understanding of faith and prayer. Each moment provides an opportunity to teach and learn.

Falling for...

I love fall for many reasons: leaves changing colors, cooler weather, and of course football.

Go BYU!

HOPE*FRIENDSHIP*COURAGE

This morning I was a volunteer during the Sweatin' For Sarah 5K, a benefit run for a friend who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in June. Approximately 400 people attended the event starting at Highland High School, winding through the streets of Sugarhouse and passing Sarah's house before returning to Highland High. My spot was the turn before runners passed Sarah's house and it was emotional to see Sarah greet friends, family, and community members running to raise money for Sarah. I met a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary by running for a person whom they had never met. I'm sure it was overwhelming for Sarah to see how many people love her and support her during this fight. Often, we do not get to see how many people truly care for us while we are living and I vow to make greater effort in this area to give to those around me.

Dating advice

I went to Alaska last week(pictures to come. I promise.) and stayed with a family of four. The 7 year old daughter Ainsleigh spent time telling me about dating and marriage. I think my nephew must have talked to her before my trip because I felt I had heard her words before. "Be nice. Go on a date. Say yes when he asks you to marry him." Pretty simple. She gave this advice and then told me that she isn't get married because she wants to be a Spinster and stay home and watch tv all day. I wished her well.
The last night in Anchorage, we went out for dinner. Our male waiter was probably 23 years old and Ainsleigh decided I should date him. Each time the waiter came to our table, she would hit me and look up at the guy and smile. It was awesome. When it was time to go, Ainsleigh and I walked out together and we ran into the waiter. He smiled and said have a great night at which point Ainsleigh jumped up and down in excitement and continued to talk about my future with the waiter. If things work out with the guy whose name I don't know and will never see again, Ainsleigh will definitely be a bridesmaid.

Watch

I went to a funeral this morning and watched a friend and her husband grieve for the loss of their child who had yet to take a breath in this life. The daughter they had been waiting for and in one tragic moment, she was gone. My friend has spent the past seven and a half months protecting and caring for this child growing within her only to have the child act as a human band-aid in a car accident and save her mother's (my friend) life.
Her physical pains and injuries are and will continue to heal in the coming months and years. Her emotional pains will take longer.

Just Another Manic Monday

I arrived at my 1p meeting and was feeling confident, well dressed, and prepared...and then I realized my cardigan was inside out. Awesome. Luckily I discovered the problem as I entered the building and laughed all the way to the restroom to make the correction. I should note that I decided at the last minute to drive to Park City to look for a dress and apparently was in a hurry while in the dressing room. I bet I was quite the sight while walking out of BP. This is my life!