I have another post on Dare to Dream this month. I just love that site!
This entry is about Mermaid's medical mayhem and how running a marathon made it easier.
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Validation
You, my blog friends, have completely validated me. My sister, Plainbellied, posted this on her blog a couple of months ago. It's worth sharing and gives an indication of how much your comments have encouraged me this week. Thank you! YOU are awesome!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Secrets
My sister, Plainbellied, has tagged me to share some secrets to dealing with insecurities as part of her New Year's Resolution Kick-off Extravaganza. Part One involves sharing secrets to dealing with insecurities. Part Two is for listing something that I already feel good about.
PART ONE
1. Regularly acknowledging God and our relationship to each other.
2. Noticing how much I've progressed over years. I change too slowly to notice in a few weeks or months, but if I look back over the past 5, 10 or 15 years my heart actually has changed significantly followed by my behavior.
3. Remembering that I have eternity to become. Maybe I only have a few talents now and I may have even defined myself by those talents at some points in my life, but eventually I will master all virtues and disciplines. I believe the promise that I can obtain all that the Father hath through the mercy of the Savior including being a whiz at marine biology and a master architect, chef, musician, servant, comedian... everything. Practicing developing skills now in one or two areas now will allow me to expand into other areas in the future. The point of this part is that I know I will have it all eventually, so I'm trying not to get caught up in comparisons or rushing or ever thinking it's too late.
*Bonus* Sleep enough and eat daily
PART TWO or Why I am Fabulous
*One thing that I really like about myself is that I pursue growth and anticipate that my ideas and understanding will change.
*I am forgiving, which plays a critical role in being able to change and in allowing for change in others, but recognizing my role to forgive whether anyone else changes or not.
*Writing -I'll just put that out there without an adjective. It's something that I enjoy doing and I do believe it improves with intense revision. I had a couple of stand out proud moments this year. 1. training for and completing a marathon 2. accepting an invitation to write for our Stake Christmas concert and then presenting my writing. I wanted to give the gift of laughter and I still can't really talk about how it felt to hear a thousand people laughing as I read. I'm not used to that feeling. It was a good one and I would like to feel that way again.
PART TWO B an example of my growing, not my writing. ;)
I am getting better at receiving. I was very big on DIY and the hardest way must be the best way. All the usual martyr stuff. Through a variety of circumstances, books and conversations. I am altering my perspective from a scarcity perspective to a perspective of abundance. I have come to realize that me receiving does not create a lack for someone else, especially as it relates to all of the blessings that Lord has for us. This earth has abundance. It is sufficient to sustain all of us in abundance. Spiritual gifts are also available that way. Love doesn't divide every time we get it or give it, it multiplies. So, I can set aside my fears about receiving. As far as being worthy to receive [and I'm talking about receiving anything: a compliment, a material gift, a foot massage-all of those things were difficult for me], my worthiness is irrelevant. The givers just want to offer these goodnesses to me. The best thing I can do is to receive with gladness so that we can both rejoice.
A few years ago, a baby shower was thrown in my honor. It was very difficult for me to be the center of attention. I was humbled by the outpouring of love I felt to have all those women arrange to be there and join in this celebration. One extra special friend had spent a long time thinking about me and handmaking the perfect gift. I passed it around for everyone to see and praised my friend for yet another talent. After the party, she helped me pack my bags and insisted on a cab home in the veritable monsoon rains. I was planning to walk home like a cheapskate pregnant martyr. While we waited for the car, this wonderful friend really laid into me for how poorly I had received the gift. She said that it was my night and my gift and I had deflected all the attention right back to her. She had wanted to see me light up and find joy in the gift without saying, "Everyone look at my friend, isn't she amazing?" or You shouldn't have." or "It's too much." She was really disappointed and I worried that I had offended everyone there by being too modest and conservative. I thought about it A LOT. It was a meaningful lesson and a turning point.
My heart is changing. My behavior is changing. This year my extra special friend sent me a similar gift for Christmas; something she had made herself especially with me in mind. I knew she was excited because she called to tell me to keep an eye out for it and let her know as soon as it arrived. I'll admit I had to squelch a faint clamor of voices in the back of my mind about the inferiority of the gift I had prepared that year: an emailed collection of personal Christmas stories, handcrafted over weeks, sure, but easily duplicated. If this friend had been in it for gift reciprocation, she would have dumped me years ago! ;) When the package arrived, I called her so that we could be on the phone together while I opened the gift from her. I was delighted. I squealed. I was still impressed with talents she has developed that I have not, but mostly I just felt so much love from her and so much love for her. The giving and receiving of gifts, at best, should multiply love so I am happy to report that I am getting better at receiving.
PART ONE
1. Regularly acknowledging God and our relationship to each other.
2. Noticing how much I've progressed over years. I change too slowly to notice in a few weeks or months, but if I look back over the past 5, 10 or 15 years my heart actually has changed significantly followed by my behavior.
3. Remembering that I have eternity to become. Maybe I only have a few talents now and I may have even defined myself by those talents at some points in my life, but eventually I will master all virtues and disciplines. I believe the promise that I can obtain all that the Father hath through the mercy of the Savior including being a whiz at marine biology and a master architect, chef, musician, servant, comedian... everything. Practicing developing skills now in one or two areas now will allow me to expand into other areas in the future. The point of this part is that I know I will have it all eventually, so I'm trying not to get caught up in comparisons or rushing or ever thinking it's too late.
*Bonus* Sleep enough and eat daily
PART TWO or Why I am Fabulous
*One thing that I really like about myself is that I pursue growth and anticipate that my ideas and understanding will change.
*I am forgiving, which plays a critical role in being able to change and in allowing for change in others, but recognizing my role to forgive whether anyone else changes or not.
*Writing -I'll just put that out there without an adjective. It's something that I enjoy doing and I do believe it improves with intense revision. I had a couple of stand out proud moments this year. 1. training for and completing a marathon 2. accepting an invitation to write for our Stake Christmas concert and then presenting my writing. I wanted to give the gift of laughter and I still can't really talk about how it felt to hear a thousand people laughing as I read. I'm not used to that feeling. It was a good one and I would like to feel that way again.
PART TWO B an example of my growing, not my writing. ;)
I am getting better at receiving. I was very big on DIY and the hardest way must be the best way. All the usual martyr stuff. Through a variety of circumstances, books and conversations. I am altering my perspective from a scarcity perspective to a perspective of abundance. I have come to realize that me receiving does not create a lack for someone else, especially as it relates to all of the blessings that Lord has for us. This earth has abundance. It is sufficient to sustain all of us in abundance. Spiritual gifts are also available that way. Love doesn't divide every time we get it or give it, it multiplies. So, I can set aside my fears about receiving. As far as being worthy to receive [and I'm talking about receiving anything: a compliment, a material gift, a foot massage-all of those things were difficult for me], my worthiness is irrelevant. The givers just want to offer these goodnesses to me. The best thing I can do is to receive with gladness so that we can both rejoice.
A few years ago, a baby shower was thrown in my honor. It was very difficult for me to be the center of attention. I was humbled by the outpouring of love I felt to have all those women arrange to be there and join in this celebration. One extra special friend had spent a long time thinking about me and handmaking the perfect gift. I passed it around for everyone to see and praised my friend for yet another talent. After the party, she helped me pack my bags and insisted on a cab home in the veritable monsoon rains. I was planning to walk home like a cheapskate pregnant martyr. While we waited for the car, this wonderful friend really laid into me for how poorly I had received the gift. She said that it was my night and my gift and I had deflected all the attention right back to her. She had wanted to see me light up and find joy in the gift without saying, "Everyone look at my friend, isn't she amazing?" or You shouldn't have." or "It's too much." She was really disappointed and I worried that I had offended everyone there by being too modest and conservative. I thought about it A LOT. It was a meaningful lesson and a turning point.
My heart is changing. My behavior is changing. This year my extra special friend sent me a similar gift for Christmas; something she had made herself especially with me in mind. I knew she was excited because she called to tell me to keep an eye out for it and let her know as soon as it arrived. I'll admit I had to squelch a faint clamor of voices in the back of my mind about the inferiority of the gift I had prepared that year: an emailed collection of personal Christmas stories, handcrafted over weeks, sure, but easily duplicated. If this friend had been in it for gift reciprocation, she would have dumped me years ago! ;) When the package arrived, I called her so that we could be on the phone together while I opened the gift from her. I was delighted. I squealed. I was still impressed with talents she has developed that I have not, but mostly I just felt so much love from her and so much love for her. The giving and receiving of gifts, at best, should multiply love so I am happy to report that I am getting better at receiving.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chocolate Tour NYC
For my dear friend's birthday myself and several ladies were instructed to dress spring flirty and meet for a limo tour of New York's sweetest chocolate spots. We didn't make it everywhere and I must admit that being with friends was absolutely the sweetest part, but if you get a chance you may want to check out some of the following locations.
p.s.
I'll upload a picture when iPhoto stops crashing.
New York Chocolate Tour
Martine’s Chocolates 82nd and 1st
These exceptionally rich Belgian creations can take up to three days to make.
What to try: Chocolate “Butterfly” filled with hazelnut praline and fresh whipped cream.
Maison du Chocolat 1018 Madison Ave., nr. 78th St.; 212-744-7117
Long worshipped as one of the premier Paris chocolatiers, thanks to its combination of luxe ingredients.
What to try: Tennis ball size, just-crunchy-enough Rocher pralines.
Teuscher 25 E. 61st St., nr. Madison Ave.: 800-554-0624
The ne plus ultra of Swiss chocolate companies, thanks to its simple but rich and incredibly smooth creations.
What to try: World-famous champagne truffles.
Jacques Torres Chocolates 250 Hudson (at King Street)
Redefines decadent with everything from delicate bonbons to giant kid-friendly bars.
What to try: Pistachio marzipan dark-chocolate bonbons; “Mom’s” peanut brittle
Li-Lac 120 Christopher St., nr. Hudson St.; 212-242-7374
This West Village institution has been turning out small batches of handmade confections for more than 80 years.
What to try: Scrumptious dark-chocolate almond bark, butter crunch almond toffee. Pecan almond chews
MarieBelle Fine Treats and Chocolates 25 Prince St., nr. Mott St.; 212-925-8800
Maribel Lieberman owns two cute shops, supplying them (and Bergdorf’s) with whimsically painted bonbons packed with exotic flavors like chipotle and cardamom.
What to try: Decadent, thick “Azteck Hot Chocolate
Chistopher Norman Chocolates 60 New St., nr. Beaver St.; 212-402-1243
Paris old-world methods with a modern aesthetic to create unexpected tastes that never seem forced.
What to try: A whimsical chocolate walnut shell filled with banana-nut-cream truffles, butter crunch almond toffee.
Vosques Haut Chocolat 132 Spring St., nr. Greene St.; 212-625-2929
Just over a year old, Vosges specializes in exquisite truffles infused with odd ingredients: Jamaican beer, wasabi and wild-fennel pollen
What to try: The “Rooster Truffle” –dark chocolate with Taleggio cheese, Naga Truffle, Red Fire Truffle and Balsamico.
Kee’s Chocolates 80 Thompson St., nr. Spring St.; 212-334-3284
Chocoholics swear by the exceptionally creamy truffles made daily at this Soho boutique, inspired by flavors like green tea and ginger
What to try: Vanilla custard-filled Crème Brulee Truffle”, Passion Fruit Truffle and Ginger Truffel
p.s.
I'll upload a picture when iPhoto stops crashing.
New York Chocolate Tour
Martine’s Chocolates 82nd and 1st
These exceptionally rich Belgian creations can take up to three days to make.
What to try: Chocolate “Butterfly” filled with hazelnut praline and fresh whipped cream.
Maison du Chocolat 1018 Madison Ave., nr. 78th St.; 212-744-7117
Long worshipped as one of the premier Paris chocolatiers, thanks to its combination of luxe ingredients.
What to try: Tennis ball size, just-crunchy-enough Rocher pralines.
Teuscher 25 E. 61st St., nr. Madison Ave.: 800-554-0624
The ne plus ultra of Swiss chocolate companies, thanks to its simple but rich and incredibly smooth creations.
What to try: World-famous champagne truffles.
Jacques Torres Chocolates 250 Hudson (at King Street)
Redefines decadent with everything from delicate bonbons to giant kid-friendly bars.
What to try: Pistachio marzipan dark-chocolate bonbons; “Mom’s” peanut brittle
Li-Lac 120 Christopher St., nr. Hudson St.; 212-242-7374
This West Village institution has been turning out small batches of handmade confections for more than 80 years.
What to try: Scrumptious dark-chocolate almond bark, butter crunch almond toffee. Pecan almond chews
MarieBelle Fine Treats and Chocolates 25 Prince St., nr. Mott St.; 212-925-8800
Maribel Lieberman owns two cute shops, supplying them (and Bergdorf’s) with whimsically painted bonbons packed with exotic flavors like chipotle and cardamom.
What to try: Decadent, thick “Azteck Hot Chocolate
Chistopher Norman Chocolates 60 New St., nr. Beaver St.; 212-402-1243
Paris old-world methods with a modern aesthetic to create unexpected tastes that never seem forced.
What to try: A whimsical chocolate walnut shell filled with banana-nut-cream truffles, butter crunch almond toffee.
Vosques Haut Chocolat 132 Spring St., nr. Greene St.; 212-625-2929
Just over a year old, Vosges specializes in exquisite truffles infused with odd ingredients: Jamaican beer, wasabi and wild-fennel pollen
What to try: The “Rooster Truffle” –dark chocolate with Taleggio cheese, Naga Truffle, Red Fire Truffle and Balsamico.
Kee’s Chocolates 80 Thompson St., nr. Spring St.; 212-334-3284
Chocoholics swear by the exceptionally creamy truffles made daily at this Soho boutique, inspired by flavors like green tea and ginger
What to try: Vanilla custard-filled Crème Brulee Truffle”, Passion Fruit Truffle and Ginger Truffel
Friday, April 18, 2008
Cover Fort Easter
We celebrated Easter with family on Saturday evening and hit the road after church on Sunday. As luck would have it, the Days, were traveling along the same road and we were able to meet up at Cove Fort that evening. Three cheers for good friends!!!
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