I Run to the Bus

I was a little late getting to the bus this morning and ran. I passed some locals and they laughed at me. Is it not normal for someone to run to catch a bus before it leaves here?

Maybe by next term I'll be too cool to run to catch the bus ... or carry a backpack full of books everywhere I go ... or wear my student ID and clicker around campus ... or sweat like a faucet after walking to upper campus to study at the library. Some things you just have to embrace, I guess. I imagine these are probably just a few of many things about me that say, "Look at me! I'm in term 1!"

In other news, this happened last Friday:

Only four more years and I'll actually earn it.

Bachelor Confessions

I have eaten the Grenadian version of Oreos (TeaTime made by Wibisco) and popcorn for dinner because, well, it sounded better than making anything else. **Post-editorial note: I just made the best black bean burgers ever. Don't worry, I do eat real food. And vegetables, too.**

I hang out in my underwear at home because it's just too darn hot and I'm too cheap to use the AC. Luckily I don't get visitors (or if I do I'm not home and on campus, but there have been Sundays when I have irrationally panicked thinking someone would come by).

The whole bed is mine and I use it all, too. This presents a possibly difficult adjustment when Kenz arrives but I have started a readjustment plan that makes use of a rolled comforter that is supposed to keep me on one side of the bed. Hopefully this training works out.

I wash my clothes in the kitchen sink because it's not worth the time or money to go use the washer. I don't iron anything because, hey, the humidity takes care of the wrinkles (either that or sweat).

I go to campus at 7:00 AM and am at home around 10:00 PM. So much for work-life balance.

I check the empty room and the shower for unwelcome visitors (human, insect, or reptile) before I go to bed at night. I have a vivid imagination.

My Saturday night is comprised of study with a few episodes of Bones or House on Netflix, accompanied by TeaTime and popcorn, of course.

I can't wait for my girlies to be here with me.

This Guy

This weekend we spent some time at the cabin. It was fun, especially because I got to spend lots of time with this guy. 

He leaves in less than two weeks and I'm going to miss him like crazy. 

But hey, Grenada or Bust!

Hard Work

Pays off!

First interview invitation! Our first choice!

Patterns of Light

I have been thinking about the message of this video and especially the thought, "Sometimes, receiving inspiration is like a foggy day." It resonates with me. Things are not always immediately clear, but they seem to work out with hard work, faith, and prayer.

I later read in 2 Peter 1: 19-21:

 19 ^aWe have also a more ^bsure word of ^cprophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day ^dstar arise in your hearts:

 20 Knowing this first, that ^ano ^bprophecy of the ^cscripture is of any private ^dinterpretation.

 21 For the ^aprophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God ^bspake as they were ^cmoved by the ^dHoly Ghost.

How grateful I am for living prophets who receive inspiration from God and for the companionship of the Holy Ghost who helps guide my life through foggy days. 

PB Pijo

I've known this for some time. I am a peanut butter pijo.

Yesterday I left the grocery store with my own peanut butter. If I'm going to eat peanut butter, it's gotta be the good stuff (and there's no better mid-day snack than good PB and apples).

Critical Moments

My students have been giving presentations. Quite of few of them have involved food. I was so stalwart until today... 

One of my students talked about her efforts to become a good baker and related it to the job search: Some people don't like peanut butter or chocolate. In other words, not everyone is going to want you. 

Well, I. Wanted. That. Chocolate-covered, rice-crispy treat!

But... Ryan and I have been working hard for the past few days to avoid sweets... so while I really wanted it, in my critical moment, I deferred to my positive peer pressure (Ryan), who happened to be in influencer training...

I'm actually really proud to say that I did give it to Heidi. And apparently it was delicious. But, there are always going to be other opportunities, right?

A Stubborn Man

As an admittedly stubborn man myself, I had to laugh at this.

Friday Letters

Dear Binx, 

I love you so much. 

The sun came out this week and you loved it. (You ran straight to the park from the car before we even had a chance to grab you on multiple occasions.)

I think you would live at the park if we let you. 

Monday I took an impromptu day off, but before we left BYU you met my class.

You were shy, but friendly and even gave them your cheer "Blue and White, Fight, Fight, Fight" in  your BYU cheerleading outfit. Go cougars!

I had book club this week and you charmed all my friends. (I think that quality time is definitely your love language.) 

You are the best little buddy I could ever ask for. 

I love you. 

Love, your bestest buddy.

Dear Ryan, 

You are seriously the most wonderful guy ever. 

I couldn't have asked for a better husband and best friend. 

Thank you for being so loving in every aspect of our marriage! You really do put other men to shame when you cook, clean, take care of Adi, go to work, buy me flowers, paint the walls, study for tests, and other million and one things you do regularly. Thank you. 

You're on call for the Red Cross the next few days. I know you're just waiting to save the day. ;) Don't worry, we'll cheer for you. 

You started writing your second attempt at a personal statement for med school this week. You are going to make one amazing doctor. 

I love you so much. And I'm totally obsessed with you. 

Love, your wifey.

Dear self, 

What a busy week! What a great week!

Teaching is almost over for the semester (oh my goodness)! 

Book club was a success! 

We're almost to spring... almost. 

And you're going to Washington next week. 

Today you heard someone say something not so nice about a former student. You had defensive instincts and you stood up for him. Good for you. 

By the way, you are one lucky girl. Adi and Ryan are the best. 

Don't ever forget it. 

Have fun this weekend and enjoy the little things, especially that little girl. 

Go have fun "running" the Vineyard 5k with Adi. Who knows, you might surprise yourself 

Love, self. 

A week in the life of us...

1) Rootbeer floats
2) Excitement at the mall
3) Feeding the ducks on the Provo River Trail 
4) Snuggle time
5) Play date with Coral and Vinny 
6) The Provo Temple 
7) Grandpa and Adi sharing treats 
8) Nate, Austin, and Adi on the morning Kostia flew to California
9) Lunch at Station 22 with Shiloh 

Thoughts on Evolution

I like the satire of the idea of reverse evolution, even though reverse evolution is technically an erroneous notion.* 

* Evolution is not a movement or progression to any given end goal of an ideal species. It's all about the ability to survive in one's environment. Those who possess traits more suitable for thriving in any given environment will pass along those traits and others will, well, die off. A good contrast to spiritual evolution where there is an end goal of perfection. At least we can take comfort in that the evolution that matters is progression with an end goal. The other, well, is temporary. But I digress ...

Well, I got to thinking about the reverse evolution of the cell phone yesterday when I was handed this sucker to be on-call as a Disaster Action Team Lead for our local American Red Cross.

It was just large and heavy compared to what I usually carry around and I am carrying it around for the next 6 days. 

So, I give you the retro-evolution of the cell phone.

 

And finally ...

It appears that the selective preference for diverse technological capabilities is producing larger phones, but only evolution will tell us whether bigger will be better.

Love Language.

Tomorrow is book club.

I'm hosting. And five minutes ago I finished the book.

Don't worry. This wasn't the first read.

The book is "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, and it is wonderful.

During the read, I correctly concluded that Ryan's primary language had changed to Quality Time, and re-concluded that my primary language is Words of Affirmation.

While nothing really new (that I hadn't gained the first time), five years of marriage have helped me better understand how love languages fit.

It has also helped me further realize how wonderful my husband is.

For example, in the past week...

1) While not his primary love language, he surprised me with flowers.

2) While not his primary love language, he cooked, cleaned, and did laundry.

3) To fill my emotional need for positive words he has complimented my appearance and even expressed concern over how future plans might affect me professionally.

I really could go on, but needless to say, I have a wonderful husband that I am proud of, whom I love, and whom I am lucky enough to get to spend eternity with.

Seems perfect to me. :)

It's in the Lyrics

I'm often critical of lyrics, and believe that bad lyrics are a perfectly good reason for rejecting a song and the integrity of an artist. Let me present a couple of examples:

Exhibit I: Justin Bieber "Baby"

And I was like baby, baby, baby, oh

Like baby, baby, baby, noLike baby, baby, baby, ohI thought you'd always be mine, mine

Baby, baby, baby, oh

Like baby, baby, baby, noLike baby, baby, baby, ohI thought you'd always be mine, mine

Exhibit II: Britney Spears "Til the World Ends"

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh oh-oh

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh oh-oh-oh

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh oh-oh

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh oh-oh-oh

See the sunlight, we ain't stoppin'
Keep on dancing till the world ends
If you feel it, let it happen
Keep on dancing till the world ends
Keep on dancing till the world ends
Keep on dancing till the world ends

See the sunlight, we ain't stoppin'
Keep on dancing till the world ends
If you feel it, let it happen
Keep on dancing till the world ends
Keep on dancing till the world ends
Keep on dancing till the world ends

Exhibit III: Psy "Gangnam Style"

Oppan Gangnam Style
Gangnam Style
Op op op op oppan Gangnam Style
Gangnam Style
Op op op op oppan Gangnam Style

Eh, sexy lady
Op op op op oppan Gangnam Style
Eh, sexy lady
Op op op op
Eh eh eh eh eh eh

Unimaginative, shallow lyrics ruin it for me. How do we sing along without realizing how ridiculous and empty every word sounds as it falls from our tongues? Now, I have been accused of ulterior motives for appreciating Shakira's music. But you have to admit, her lyrics are poetry (especially previous to her sell-out to the U.S. audience).

Exhibit I: Shakira "Moscas en la casa" (translated) 

My days without you are like a sky, 
without silvery moons, 
nor traces of the sun.
My days without you are only an echo
that always repeats
the same song. 

So short of air, 
so filled with nothing.
Useless junk, 
trash on the floor, 
flies in the house. 

Exhibit II: Shakira "Pies descalzos"

You built an exact world

of such perfect finishes

Every little thing calculated

in its own little space and time.

And I'm such a complete mess

the entrances and exits

the names and measurements

can't fit into my brain.

And now you're here

wanting to be happy

when you didn't care in the least

about your destiny.

You belonged to an ancient race

of bare feet and white dreams.
You were dust, dust you are.
Think, because iron 
hat remains under heat is weak.

And I believe the same of the lyrics from this sibling duo from Mexico, Jesse & Joy. 

Lyrics translated here.

Lyrics translated here.

Getting into Heaven

Sometimes I just want to mess with unpleasant people. 

Especially with grumpy and demanding professors who, at their age, should be more concerned about how to get into heaven. 

If you're wondering, this is what I really sent.

The Documentary Binge

Saturday night, while Kenz was preparing her lesson I watched a documentary film, Patagonia Rising, on proposed dams in the Patagonia region of Chile (Netflix junkie).

Image source.

I'm not going to lie, I mostly watched it to listen to Chilean Spanish -- it's during these weeks of Utah-winter inversion when I can't help but dream warmer climates. So, while my body may be here in sub-zero temperatures, my heart is in northern Chile where there is not enough water to build a dam the size of a swimming pool. This may be an exaggeration, but not much of one (see below).

Image source.

Over the course of the documentary, I soon developed an appreciation for southern Chile as a complete antithesis to my beloved north. This was shocking because the south is cold and wet, and wet and cold (which is what we're trying to avoid here, right?)

And that may have been one of several I watched this weekend...

Monseñor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero (inspiring man facing violent opposition - it's about El Salvador's recent civil war)
Which Way Home (I recommend the movie La Misma Luna if this theme interests you.)
The Devil's Miner (I fast forwarded through some parts because the idol in the mine was creepy.)
Emergency Mine Rescue (to offset the other mining documentary)
Inside North Korea (For diversity, right? I can't only watch documentaries on Latin American politics and social issues.)

Next on the list:
They Call it Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain
Living in Emergency
Manda Bala
The Other Side of Immigration

I wonder sometimes if anyone else watches documentaries, or if I am just an especially boring person.

Holiday Break

Last night as Kenz and I both mourned the loss of our time off and return to the grind of daily life I realized that over the next couple of months, I will have more freedom. No obligatory studying, no application essays, no classes. It will be just work (and hopefully we're over the madness that has been the med-school application process).

And to that happy ending, I was happy to see that last semester I pulled an A- in Pathophysiology because it was a beast; a horrible, fascinating beast that I probably should have postponed until med school given my load over the past couple of months. 

So, freedom. I admit, I've become a little obsessed (and perhaps overly ambitious in how much I intend to do with so much free time that I don't have to use worrying if I should be studying more). First, there are books that I have not read because I have been too busy reading what someone else wanted me to read (ie. textbooks). 

It began right after finals with Harry Potter. No, I have not yet read the Harry Potter series. (Who am I, did I grow up under a rock, did I even have a childhood, right?) I devoured the first book. It was like I was regaining my childhood, fulfilling long-lost dreams. 

Speaking of childhood, was anyone else terrified of the animated Hobbit movie as a child? 

To put it lightly, I hated it.

It was like that time when Sherlock first met Kitty in the bathroom. 

It repelled me. 

Unfortunately, I allowed my disgust for ugly lumpy animated characters to deprive me of the written work, which I have been reading during any perceived down time over the past couple of days. 

The movie was pretty good, too. (It didn't hurt that Watson was Bilbo because I'm a little depressed that I have run out of episodes of Sherlock on Netflix.)

But can someone tell me where the white orc comes from? Is it just story embellishment for the sake of making the book into three movies?

And speaking of making books into movies, or musical movies, Les Mis was meh, okay. I got a little tired of seeing angst personified singing to the camera for three hours.

Oh yeah, I'm re-reading that one, too.

A lot has changed since 8th grade when I first read it. We'll see how long it takes to get through the unabridged version.

And this is just because I need to comment on this somewhere and this seems like an appropriate venue and time for a break in this post which has been unrelated to actual exciting events surrounding the holidays.

Cuddle Buns and Snuggle Bunny

Without further ado, I introduce you to... 

little Cuddle Buns...

and his sibling (gender unknown to me), Snuggle Bunny!

These two kittens came to visit our office with the University Veterinarian who had rescued them. Snuggle Bunny has a form of spina bifida, which is why its wearing a diaper. Its back legs were also malformed and it got around by hopping like a bunny, hence the name. While I'm not a cat person, these two definitely made the workday better. Maybe now I can refer to them as the only cats I ever loved.

"Lola, the only dog I ever loved."

I ran across these photos of a pup we named Lola in the pet store about 4 years ago, and had a realization.

Sometimes being responsible stinks. 

Binx has been saying that she is going to ask Santa for a baby dog for Christmas. 

But at this point, a real one is not going to happen any time soon. 

We are just not in a position to be able to care responsibly for an animal and Santa knows it.

Sorry, Binx.

Sorry, Lola.

Sorry, puppy in the Santa hat.

Best $1. Ever.

My husband is pretty amazing.

When we first got married I wanted to buy a fall wreath, but he was unsatisfied with the options available and wanted to make one instead (he's picky). So, he and my mom created a wonderful masterpiece.

The same has been true since. Today at Lowe's he was so very excited to see that fresh garland and wreaths were on clearance for only $1!

He looked at me with those eyes and a "please" expression on his face and we bought some. :) (How couldn't we, it was $1 and the garland was in great shape - still fresh!)

And, while I was at a baby shower for my cute neighbor, he and Adi put it up.
Gorgeous. I wish it had been there the day after Thanksgiving to have enjoyed it longer. But we'll make the most of it in the coming weeks!

Simply chic.

Oh, and the tin stars? 

We made those. 

Older, Fatter, and Wrinklier

Birthdays are not my favorite anymore. I'm getting older, fatter, wrinklier, and I'm not where I necessarily envisioned myself being at this point in my life. That said, I can't complain because life has been good. Speaking of good, this past birthday was good. Low key, that's how I like it.

I took the day off work and spent it with this little munchkin...

Who was Santa and made me sit on her lap and tell her what I wanted for Christmas, even though I didn't quite fit.

She was the cutest telling me the night before my birthday that my happy birthday presents were downstairs. I think she was as excited, if not more, for me to open my presents as I was.

We watched some Christmas shows.

Finished putting up some lights and decorations.

And then took the Frontrunner into Salt Lake for dinner and lights at Temple Square.

We may have stayed up a little past our bedtime, but it was worth it. 

And I realized that feeling tired wasn't just me getting old.

打招呼的朋友!!

More "fan mail" at work. 

If only I could understand it.