Easter Bommets

I spent Easter in B-Town with the family. We had an Easter Egg hunt at Grandma B's house and Avy Shae asked me to wear her Easter Bommet. What?! We all had a good laugh while explaining that it's called an Easter Bonnet, not Bommet.













Pip dared me to climb the treehouse and I wasn't scared...until I started up the ladder. Now, I should mention that I once fell from the ladder but that was years ago. And, the treehouse isn't that high up but I guess I was mostly worried that myself and the tree would come tumbling down. Luckily, I survived. My sister laughed at me until it was her turn to climb.

Keep Portland Weird

I spent some time in Oregon visiting family and friends and I almost didn't come back. I really do love the Land of Port and continue to tell my brother that he should find me a job and/or potential husband and I will live in their basement until I buy a place of my own. Highlights from the trip:

1- Jimmer surprised me at the airport. My niece Brinners was embarrassed by the sign and spent the week saying she didn't like Jimmer. She'll learn and then she will go to BYU.

2- We spent a night at a cabin and we stayed up late watching movies on my brother's laptop. Actually, Brinners and Noelle-belle stayed up while the adults fell asleep. Awesome.

3- We ventured downtown for Voodoo Doughnuts and sampled the offerings. We also saw the "Keep Portland Weird" sign which was very appropriate with all we saw while waiting in line for a bacon maple bar and pink bubble gum doughnut.

4- I was able to go to lunch with Kaydi Rae and Cohen and I also had lunch with Dan and Andrea, who recently moved to Portland. I'm beginning to think I must move.

The low point: The disappointing BYU loss to Florida but buying new shoes helped with the pain.

Jazz

I went to a Jazz game with a couple of friends. I'm pretty sure that my presence is the reason we won...in overtime. Seeing Jeff Hornacek on the bench made me so happy.

Care of Self

Many years ago, I met with a supervisor who asked what I was doing for myself when not at work. I was not prepared for this question and didn't know how to answer. As we talked, I began to see the importance of having a life outside of work. I work from home which means I could be logging information, making phone calls, or checking email twenty-four hours a day, but there comes a point when I need, no, crave and depend on, Shelley time.
Fast forward to last week and the lesson was relearned. I had an appointment for a facial and I contemplated canceling so I could deal with critical issues at work. I took a deep breath and made a choice. I chose me. I knew that I would be better prepared to handle anything that came my way, if I only took an hour to relax and take care of myself.
As I left the salon, I felt renewed and confident that I had made the right decision and was better prepared to conquer work and life concerns. I know that when I take care of myself, I am better able to care for others.

"Things do not change; we change." ~Henry David Thoreau

No explanation needed

Ice Ice Baby

Midway Ice Sculptures

Georgia on My Mind

I don't remember many details from February 21, 1984, but the loss remains real and close to the surface. On that date, I said goodbye to one of my best friends. Later, my sister would tell our parents it's not fair that someone didn't die on her birthday. Oh, to be a child again. I wish she could be here for all the seasons of my life, and yet, I feel her near. For now, I will cherish our walks and live to my potential to be worthy to find myself surrounded by ones who have gone before, including Grandma M.

Fancy

Some time ago, I told my friend Mindy that everyone deserves a fancy cake at least once in their lifetime. Mindy and her mother-in-law made me a lime birthday cake that not only smells good, but also tastes delicious. Spending time with friends was the perfect way to spend my birthday eve. After eating cheesecake from Damon and Corrine and birthday cake, I felt like spending the next day at the gym. Good thing I checked my email and read one from my gym that stated that I didn't have to workout on my birthday as long as I promised to go the following day. I promise!

Recording Contract in the Works

A few friends and I spent the evening at a Karaoke place. When I first walked in, I thought about turning around and going home to sing along to Glee Karaoke, but I'm so glad I didn't. We were informed that our singing was being streamed on the internet and we asked numerous questions as to a waiver or how to opt out of the streaming, to no avail. My friends and I may have been a crowd favorite and we submitted song after song to the DJ, who oddly enough was in a cage(I will take a picture next time I go and there will be a next time). Soon the place was closing and we all stood and sang Hokey Pokey and Closing Time.

Best V-Day Ever

I had not 1, but 4 people ask me to be their Valentine.

Back to the Sun

Meags, Shan, and I ran away to Vegas for sun, shopping, and rugby. We stayed with Meags family in Mesquite Thursday night and then continued our journey to Vegas on Friday morning. This was Shan's first official visit to the 'city' so we did our best to show her the time of her life, including a picture by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. I admit that I usually smile and laugh at people taking their picture in front of the sign so this was a first for me.

Saturday was spent at the USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament which included teams from New Zealand, England, South Africa, Japan, Fiji, and several more. This was Shan's first experience with rugby and by the end of the day, I think she is a fan. Some guys from England sat behind us and provided entertaining commentary throughout the event. After rugby, we continued to shop and then crashed at the hotel.










Even though I didn't want to return to much colder Utah, having sun kissed skin and great memories will carry me until Spring and Summer.

So True

"The cure for anything is Salt Water: Sweat, Tears, or the Sea."

--Isak Dinesen (pseudonym of Baroness Karen Blixen, Out of Africa)

Jimmerific

#9BYU ended #4San Diego State's twenty game win streak 71-58 at the Marriott Center in Provo.

Jimmer is one amazing player, and yet, he is quick to give credit to his teammates. One could try to say Jimmer is a ball hog with his 43 points, but the stats tell a different story. Davies had an awesome game with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Emery only scored 4 points, but held a SDSU guard to 2 points. My friends and I kept saying Emery needed to get his head in the game(High School Musical shout out) but then we realized he was in the game. The defensive game.

This may be the best college game I have ever attended and let it be known that I loved Jimmer long before the rest of the nation.

Jimmer love:

NBA scoring leader Kevin Durrant tweet: "Jimmer is the best scorer in the world."

Washington Wizards John Wall tweet: "Jimmer Fredette is cold! Respect."

Jacksonville Jaguars Kirk Morrison, SDSU alumnus, attended the game and said: "Can't lie; tonight we got Jimmered."

Rapper Nelly: "He is definitely the truth!"

It's within me

While waiting for an update on the health of a family member, I turned to the scriptures and found myself reading a verse that I continue to ponder. "Put on thy Strength."

For me, this scripture is not only an answer for which I have long been seeking but also an answer that I have known but had let it become hidden beneath the many layers of my soul. I find myself yearning for balance and a prioritization of the many good and better parts of my life. The ability to recognize what I value the most and follow through.

Today and in the days to come, I will put on strength. Not my strength alone, but that of an all-knowing Father in Heaven, family and friends, and gracious strangers who bless my life.

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