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.