An Update ...

Since many of you have been requesting more blog posts, and more updates, I decided I would acquiesce the request :)

The last month has been totally crazy--- right after I got engaged, I spent some time in Utah, and then went to VEGAS for my moms' first TRIATHALON! Yes, she is officially an IRONGIRL! I was so proud of her!! I totally ran her in the last 2 miles and felt like that was my contribution to the event :) From there I went home to Bakersfield for Mothers Day, and then spent the week at home beginning to plan the wedding. Then, I flew out to Miami and went on THE BEST CRUISE EVER! With a few fabulous girls from school (shout-out here to Katie, Heidi and Geneva!) The Bahamas will never be the same now that we have spent time on those islands ... After the cruise I flew to Minneapolis to see Ryan for the FIRST TIME since we got engaged!! We had such a great time!! We looked at homes (we are looking to buy), explored the countryside, went for walks to the lake, and so much more. That trip made me all the more excited to move there this summer!

After the trip to Minneapolis, I came home, and really got to work on wedding plans. My mom offered to make my dress, so we headed to LA and got the fabric and lace for that. We began our plans for the reception here in Bakersfield, and also started perusing the St. George options for flowers and dinner after the ceremony. Mom and I also took a trip to SF with my dad and found my shoes, perfume, mother of the bride dress, Ryans suit, and so much more! It was such a productive trip! And so fun to spend some time in the city!! After San Francisco, mom and I drove to Utah to get some things going for the wedding in St. George, and then we headed to Provo to pack up my apartment. While I was there I got to see a few of my favorite Provo people, which was so wonderful.

Now, I'm back in California. I spent most of last week spending time with my favorite people in Orange County-- I stayed with Debbie on Balboa Island which was amazing, as well as with Miss Anna Montoya!! I love love Orange County and will miss living and visiting there ... sigh. Now I just have 2 weeks until I'm back in Utah again taking Matthew to the MTC and picking up Ashley from the airport. And THEN I will be MOVING to Minnesota!! Eeek!! Its coming up so fast. A few bridal showers in between, a few more wedding planning to do lists to take care of, and I'll be with my Fiance living in the Mid West!

Phew. So there's my update. And below are a few pics.





The Lake.

I'M ENGAGED!!!

I know its been forever since I've blogged, but a lot has been going on. I don't love blogging my personal life, but I had to finally make it public. I will be Mrs. Ryan T. Merrill on September 10, 2009!

Graduation.

I am so loved!! My entire family drove, long distances (and some endured many trials) to attend my graduation and share this special moment with me. I can't believe my graduate experience at BYU is finished, and that 2 years have gone by. Its been an incredible experience, and one that has definitely shaped my life. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for enlightening me to take this opportunity, and also to my Father, who introduced me to the option of an MPA :) Thank you to everyone for your support and love throughout this stage in my life. WE DID IT! :)

My Birthday.

So this is a bit over-due, but its been a BUSY week for me this last week! So, this is me catching up. Last Monday was my Birthday, and it was such a fabulous day. It started off with flowers from Ryan :) And then a mani/pedi with my roommate, and then a PICNIC at the park with my favorite friends. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Great weather, great activities, great friends, and LOVE from my family and loved ones. Thank you all for being a part of my big day! :)

Waiting for my candles.

So, its my birthday ... and my mom blogged about me. Check it out here.

I just want to take this chance to say THANK YOU for all of you who have put up with me for the last 24 years. I can honestly say I wouldn't be the woman I am today without each of you, and your influence for good in my life. I am so so so blessed with wonderful family and friends who LOVE me and show me that love every single day. What a glorious day to look back on my life and realize how truly blessed I am.

Thank you.

I've learned that in Utah APRIL = SNOW.

We got 6 inches--- 6 INCHES! Last night alone.



This is a view from my house this morning.

An Ode to my brother, Matthew

I guess I'm behind in my blogging since my family has already blogged about this, but it's my turn to brag-- My little brother got his MISSION CALL!!

The whole thing was quite ironic-- I was able to attend conference on Saturday, and as I turned my phone on after the afternoon session, I had a few texts from my parents saying:

Mom: Guess what came today!
Dad: We are conference calling at 4:15 your time

[Note: Matthew lives in Hawaii as he is attending BYU-H, and the call was sent to my parents house. So mom and dad actually scanned his call to him in an email for him to read, without them looking at it themselves]

Well, good thing it was exactly 4:09 my time, and I was in the chaos of the conference center with 20,000 other people!! Once I got outside (which was actually much quieter than the inside of the conference center) I stood between the temple and the conference center, and intently waited for my brother to read his call.

He began ... Elder Hunt, you have been called to serve in the "wait... I can't read it" (we all begin thinking he can't pronounce his own mission call when he says) Salt Lake City, Utah--- uhhh silence. We can't believe what we just heard, and he can't believe what he just read!

"Dad, is this an April Fools joke?"

After all the commotion had died down, and we realized this was indeed his call, I told him "Hey Matthew, I'm walking the streets of your mission field!" I'm not sure if that helped.

Needless to say, Matthew is very excited to serve the Lord and the people of the Salt Lake City Mission. He will serve well, and we are so proud of him!

Oh, another piece of irony. We just found out Ashley gets released July 9. Matthew enters July 8.

An Ode to my Nephew, Nicolaus

So I was running out of the house this morning, wanting breakfast, and so naturally, I grabbed a bag of Cheerios and sliced Strawberries to eat in class. As I sat in class with my cheerios and strawberries in hand, I couldn't help but think of Nic -- who loves cheerios and LOVES strawberries. Maybe I'm a child today... and I'm totally ok with that.

LOVE YOU NIC

March Madness

This is a momentous day--- the first time I have ever filled out a March Madness Bracket. Too bad I'm loyal to BYU, and am already losing :(

Question of the Day

For those of you who were around me at this time last year, I began what I like to call, Question of the Day. It's really as simple as it sounds. I wanted to get to know my friends by asking them random questions each day---to see how they would respond. So, for those of you who don't gchat me daily, feel free to respond to the question below with a comment :)

What would you describe as your perfect day?

Feed My Starving Children



Last weekend Ryan and I had the opportunity to put together dry-packed meals for starving children in developing countries. This non-profit, based in Minneapolis, collaborates with local CPGs, like Cargill and General Mills, to create these meals and send them out to over 60 countries throughout the world.

Volunteers are invited to come to one of the FMSC packing locations, and put together the meals. The hairnets, pictures in front of the map (coming soon to this post), and working side by side with friends and strangers, eating a sample of the meal after; are all part of the FMSC experience. We had a great time, and heard some great Minnesota accents :)

PIZZA! FRENCH FRIES! PIZZA!!

Although these words usually connote lunch ... for me on Saturday they were my only saving grace to get me safely down the mountain.

My roommates and I decided to teach ourselves how to ski. Or at least that's what they told me. In reality, they had all at least grown up going skiing at least a few times---so I was the true novice at the sport. You can notice in the pictures how comfortable I feel with two 5' pieces of wood strapped to my feet on the side of a mountain.

In all reality, we had a FANTASTIC time. The weather was gorgeous. The company was incredible and luckily I was able to offer some entertainment as I screamed down the mountain and occasionally found myself stuck in a bush, or face planted in the snow (see pictures below). I look forward to future skiing adventures where I can actually show off the skills I gained after just one day at Park City Ski Resort.

Too excited -- we can barely contain ourselves!


Ok, Here Come The Individual Shots:
Jess


Holls


Janelle


ME


Brookie


First time on Skiis


Ready to Rock and Roll


Look at that Form!


And there's me ... face-planted on the side of the mountain. The girls LOVED this. (It made the picture of the day)


These are the "Beginners" I was with:


We Love Skiing!




On the Lift


Pizza was only appropriate for lunch


Such a great day.

Belize Travel Log...

The purpose of this trip was to observe a medical training for my field study project. Ponseti International is a non-profit who trains doctors throughout the world on a non-surgical approach to treating club-feet. This is an amazing method, and I have found myself becoming a 'missionary' for it. Go to www.ponseti.info/ for more information.

So here's what I was doing in Belize:

Observing.


Helping children (observing).


This is #1 of 5 casts to make her feet normal.


By now she should have had all of her casting, and her feet are NORMAL. She will be able to run, jump, play, walk--everything.


Daily Living.


Fresh Coconut.

After the medical aspect of the trip, we were invited to go to Ambergris Island (also known as San Pedro) and live the resort life:

Which included a boat ride to the island at sunset.


The Island.


Our "villa".


Morning Kayaking rendezvous off our dock.


Yup that's me, lying in a hammock.


Church.


Our last picture on the island.

We had a valentines party. It was a huge success. I'm going to let Kristin tell the story:


Kristin's Blog

UNBELIZEABLE

Totally unbelievable that I got invited to go to Belize for a school project. Note: I found out about this on a Saturday, booked my flight Monday evening and left early Wednesday morning. CRAZZZY!

Since I was in CA (for meggies wedding and some interviews) and my passport was in Utah (where I live) -- I had to enlist the help of a friend to Fedex it to me. Isnt it amazing what FedEx can do for us? 24 hours later -- passport in hand, I head to LAX. I stayed the night in LA and woke up at 3am in order to catch my 6am flight. Who knew that LAX doesn't even open until 4:15? I spent my few minutes of downtime after checking in to read the newspaper...something that doesn't always happen in Provo.

After that I hopped on a plane to Dallas, grab lunch in Dallas and catch a 3 hour flight to Belize. Such a quick flight. So as I land in Belize -- it just looks like jungle down there. The airport is tiny and the best part is when we landed...and then turned around on the airstrip to head back and park. I walked off the plane (where do you get to do that anymore?) and into warm humid paradise (kinda). My group met me there at the airport and we headed to the hotel.

As we pull up to the hotel, we realize we are located on the ocean. It is beautiful! (see below). Our room looked over the Caribbean Sea and we were pretty sure we landed in paradise.

Meggies Wedding!!

So there was the first... and her name is Megan. The first of my girlfriends from High School to get married. Now, here is just a little shout out for my girlfriends from Stockdale High. I moved back to Bakersfield my senior year of High School, and became fast friends with a group of amazing girls. Megan is such a gem and the sweetheart of our group. She is so kind and giving and caring of others -- you can't find a person that doesn't adore her. So we weren't surprised when an amazing man fell in love with her and wanted to take her to the chapel.

Luckily I was able to travel home to attend her wedding and dance the night away with Brooke, Karah and Nicole. The ceremony was beautiful (her dad presided), and we loved the video Artie (meggies husband) made for her---especially since we saw ourselves in a few of the pictures :)

Here are some pictures of the event...

MIA

I know, its been a while since I've blogged, or been on g-chat, let alone in class or called any of you. I'm sorry things got a little crazy over the last few weeks.

I took off to CA for my girlfriends' wedding, then I got sick, then was traveling with pops for some networking/interviews/meetings, and THEN I got invited to go to Belize! Crazy, right? So between the logistics of getting ready to leave the country, and being out of the country, I've been MIA. I can't wait to catch you all up on my excursions---esp the pictures of tropical paradise.

FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!

So I've had my laptop for 4 years now. A good stint for a computer, I think. Although I've faced many computer woes in the last few months, luckily I have some great friends who have helped me and helped my computer hang in there until I'm done with school and (hopefully) get a job, and can afford a beautiful new piece appendage of my body... aka a new computer.

In addition to the wear and tear my computer itself has taken over the last few years, also my laptop cord has also suffered some normal wear and tear damages. I noticed on Tuesday that the cord wire was frayed. I remembered this happened a few months ago to my brothers computer, and that my dad had fixed it. Assuming that "fixed it" = slapped some electrical tape around the fray, I asked my friend Spencer to wrap some electrical tape around the wound.

As I held the cord steady, smoke seeped out of the cord. A small stream of smoke quickly lead into more and more smoke, which lead to a FLAME. Yes, folks, a FLAME. Of course I screamed, threw the cord across the room, and then proceeded to be mocked by my friends. It was a great time.

Needless to say I'm taking the cord back to my Dad to fix (apparently fix=more than electrical tape) and if he can't fix it, I'll pay the $80 for a new cord.

Sigh.

I almost don't know what to say to this:

http://sev.prnewswire.com/entertainment/20090107/LAW03007012009-1.html

Apparently everyone is jumping on the congress bailout bandwagon?!

WEATHER REPORT: SNOW

Pretty sure it hasn't stopped snowing since 1:00pm yesterday afternoon. I've had to scrape the snow off my car at least 3 times now. And when I say scrape snow, I mean at least 4" each time. This morning was the worst.

After spending 10 minutes getting the snow off my car, I tried backing out of the parking spot and GOT STUCK. Like seriously, stuck. This nice man got out of his car and taught me how to get out of the mess I had gotten myself into.

After finally getting out of my parking lot, it took me 30 minutes to go the 3 miles to school. Needless to say I regretted getting out of bed at 7am for class this morning.

I thus declare it a SNOW DAY. (oh did I mention it hasn't stopped snowing?)

Deliberating over the perfect gift? No need to look further: The Keyboard for Blondes (click on picture for larger image)



Click Here to purchase.

Watch an incredible video about this season and sending joy to everyone throughout the world.

Joy to Everyone

CLICK HERE to see momma on local tv for dustins diner...

For any of you that think it's cold where you live right now...just look at this forecast and know that I'm in the tundra.



note: keywords -- "dangerous" and "bitterly"

DUSTIN'S DINER

When people ask me about where I'm from, or what my neighborhood is like, I often tell them it's like a neighborhood you see in a movie---but that no one thinks exist anymore. The Haggin Oaks Neighborhood includes 4th of July block parties, Halloween parades and DUSTIN'S DINER.

I'm pretty sure Dustin and Daniel Kilpatrick didn't realize when they were 9 and 11 years old that their simple idea would become a tradition for next 15 years--- and raise over $140,000 (nearly $20,000 each year for the last few years). Although it originated at the Kilpatrick's beautiful home on St. Cloud, as of a few years ago, it has been held at my parents house on Haggin Oaks Blvd/St Cloud.

I feel so blessed to be part of DUSTIN'S DINER each year, and since I've been away at school, I always look forward to coming home and helping sell cookies and hot chocolate--it isn't Christmas without Dustin's Diner.

E. B. White said it perfectly:

"I arise in the morning torn between the desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."

Papa.

13 Years ago today my Papa passed away. Needless to say I miss him--especially his humor, and all of the fun adventures we went on. I have fond memories of vacationing in Utah as a young young girl (4 years old) with Papa and Grandma Barbara. Those few weeks I stayed in Utah, I remember Papa teaching me how to catch butterflies and pester animals at the zoo. I also remember going on camping trips, and my only recollection of going fishing was with my Papa (again, as a very young girl). It wasn't too long after that that Papa got really sick. Although I didn't quite understand how the cancer was taking my grandpa from me, I still remember distinctly the day that he left us. Every year on December 5th, I think of him. The years that I'm not living in Bakersfield, I wish I was so I could take some flowers by his resting place.

Although he's not here now, my Papa will always be a part of my life, and I'm grateful for the memories I have with him.

Purchasing my First Christmas Tree.

Monumental! My roommate, Holly, and I purchased our first real Christmas Tree. I never realized what an investment this would be. There are so many issues that have to be settled before making a deal. And not to mention that those tree lot guys are at a total advantage that it is COLD outside---therefore, buyers just want to make a purchase and get their tree home already. Also, most of us haven't brushed up on our current market research on trees... so negotiating is pretty tricky too.

After asking about 300 questions, we bought our tree. I'm pretty sure we got fully taken advantage of, but we are confident it will be the most beautiful tree ever.

Merry Chrsitmas!

(as always...pictures to come)

Probably the most fantastic thing I've seen this season.

An attitude of Gratitude

Especially after reading my humble sisters' post on gratitude (if you haven't read it yet, click here), I feel like it is my turn to express my appreciation for the many many blessings I have receieved.

Love

From my Family. Coming home for Thanksgiving and spending time with my Mom and Dad and the little ways that they show their love for me; My Love. Funny text messages, emails and visits, the many sweet reminders of why I love Ryan so much; and Friends. I am so so blessed with so many wonderful friends. Friends in Bakersfield, Orange County, San Diego, DC, Minot, Provo ... and everywhere else. Friends that lift me up, inspire me and make me want to be a better person every day.

The Gospel

The peace that the knowledge of the gospel brings, the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the impact that it has on my daily life.

Temples

The ability to attend, feel the peace, be inspired and do The Lord's Work.

Missionary Work

My sister who is working so hard on a mission to bring others to the gospel, and all of the opportunities I have to share the gospel.

Opportunity

Opportunity to learn, opportunity to work, and although I am currently jobless after graduation, I know that I am in a position of opportunity and will end up in the 'right' place.

Innovation

Have you seen the new Google Themes?? Ok so maybe not the best example, but I am also grateful for incredibly innovative people that solve the worlds' problems in new and exciting ways.

COLDPLAY

Is amazing. Period.

The concert last night renewed my soul of the aching that it felt yesterday afternoon.

Pictures to come soon.

Boston Red Sox Second Baseman, Dustin Pedroia wins Most Valuable Player award

My brother likes to tell me I should have been nicer to this guy in high school. I rebutted that we are two peas from a different pod. But at any rate, it's still awesome to see someone from Woodland High, be the best in the nation.

Apparently Rookie of the Year and MVP back to back is a big deal?

Congrats to Pedroia.

Read the full article HERE.

I DID IT!!!

30 Days Clean

and it feels so good I may just keep going. Seriously, who knew I could last with out DP, or V.DP even, for 30 days?! Surprisingly it really wasnt that hard, but perhaps it was the vision of accomplishing such an arduous goal that kept me going?

Not sure.

I'm also not sure what my "next steps" are. Do I create another goal and keep going? Or do I fall off the wagon and slowly implement it back into my life? I have to admit, I miss the sweet taste but not much else. Luckily my body hasn't reacted too strongly without it.

If you have a strong opinion on this, please let it be known.

The Christmas Season has Officially Begun!

I have now heard "Where are you Christmas" and Manheim Steamrollers on the radio. I dont know any better way to kick off the Christmas season!! Yayy.

Tag from Danielle

8 TV Shows I like to watch: (in no specific order)

1. Project Runway
2. FRIENDS
3. What Not to Wear
4. The Office
5. Desperate Housewives (ok so I've actually given this one up)
6. Psych (Matthew's got me hooked)
7. Arrested Development
8. So You Think You Can Dance

8 things that happened yesterday:

1. Read in 1 Nephi and from the Conference Issue of the Ensign
2. Tuesday Lunch group -- Perhaps my favorite part of the week :)
3. Solicited my classmates (during class --shhh don't tell my professor!) to take the wii survey for the MPA lounge
4. Worked on my Christmas list ... yayy for buying Christmas presents!
5. Watched The Office in HR Law
6. Sonic Run/delivered to me... don't worry I totally got a Strawberry Limeade
7. Talked to Ry-Guy on the phone
8. Homework/prepped for a presentation/attended class...as much as I hate to admit it, this was the bulk of my day.

8 favorite places to eat:

1. Yoasis, frozen yogurt in Provo
2. Glorias Little Italy in Provo
3. El Pueblo in Bakersfield (ok so really, Lamont)
4. Wonderland Bakery in Newport Beach
5. Woolgrowers in Bakersfield
6. Borough Market in London
7. Dewars in Bakersfield California
8. Chocolate by the Bald Man in New York, New York

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. Thanksgiving and hanging out with Mom, Dad, Grandma & the whole Musick Fam-- oh and of course T Girl and her cute family + seeing The Girls (nicole, megs, brookie, karah, michelle)
2. November 28 --when i finally get to see Ry again
3. Everything CHRISTMAS (ie: music, lights, trees, pine smells, gifts, treats, the christmas feeling, the nutcracker, and tons of christmas parties and festivities)
4. Getting settled in my ward
5. Cooking dinner this week ... and actually using my favorite cookbook "The Little Black Apron - A Single Girl's Guide to Cooking with Style and Grace"
6. Having a job and not stressing about what I'm going to do after graduation (and not having to answer "I dont know" or "Looking for a job" when people ask)
7. Getting married one day ...becoming a mom and having my decisions of the day be "what snack should I make for the kids and which pool should we go play at?" oh and living out my life plans ...
8. Serving a mission.

8 things on my wish list:

1. more time with my love
2. more time with my nieces & nephew
3. vaca to Tahiti
4. a new winter wardrobe...and all the time it takes to buy a new wardrobe
5. having a world without poverty and pain... and being a part of it
6. a job (for after I graduate)
7. iPod Nano + running device (so my motivation to run will increase)
8. not to have to take sampsons class

8 people that I tag:

1. Kelsie
2. Tarin
3. Brittany
4. Amy
5. Caleb
6. Jared
7. Chris
8. Jessamyn

Young @ Heart

so cute right?!

I think we all like to say we are young at heart, but how many of us really are, or better yet, how many of us really

act

like it?? Pretty sure I need to first start acting my age ... let alone acting

younger

than I am. So here's to some people that not only act YOUNG at HEART, but also broadcast it to the the US & The World.

So go rent the movie, take notes and let's start

singing

(Hey, I'm just trying to spread a little happyness into our lives here)

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Our own Billiam has been advocating relentlessly for a Wii in the MPA lounge for months now. Thanks to the MPAA we are one step closer to accomplishing this goal!! Please take the survey and support this glorious cause:

Click here to take the survey.

My Travels in 2008

January:
Orange County, California/San Diego, California

February:
Washington, D.C.

March:
Denver, Colorado

April:
St. George, Utah/Zions/Kolab Canyon

May:
Duck, North Carolina
Alexandria, VA
Washington DC
Rockville, Maryland (Ok I worked there)

June:
Utah (yes I came back to visit)
Baltimore, Maryland

July:
NY, NY
Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia
Rehobeth, Delaware

August:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Oahu, Hawaii

September:
Provo, Utah (*I moved BACK to Provo)
Minneapolis, Minnesota

October:
Monterrey, Mexico
Chicago, Illinois
St. Joseph, Michigan

Future Travels...

November:
HOME :)

December:
Any ideas?

Hi my name is Kiley and I love me a Dr. Pepper

I used to think that I had my addiction under control. I would always always drink water (with lemon of course), until a paper would be due, midterms, or some other stressful time in my life when I would begin to indulge in my favorite drink. Often, I would frequent Sonic or Crest to take this addiction to the highest level of quality with a little Vanilla in my Dr. Pepper. Seriously, could life get any better than this?

Upon my return to the fateful Tanner Building this fall, the C4C (caffeine for cougars) was back in full effect and began to drink DPs daily. However, as time when on one drink turned into 2-3 drinks/day. A bit excessive? Perhaps. However, the true expression of this addiction came when my loving boyfriend had a 44oz V.D.P ready for me in the car when he picked me up for our date. So sweet, but totally made me realize: I have an addiction.

So, I made an executive decision to QUIT. Yes, my friends, I said QUIT. It has now been 19 days and I am not only clean from DP, but also from my other love/lust ... starbucks java chip ice cream. Sigh. I'm such a good person.

I have 11 more days to reach my goal.

First Day of Snow.

It started snowing/flurry-ing last night. However, when I awoke to snowcapped rooftops, I knew it was official.

11/5 = First Day of Snow

Luckily my car was parked outside .... which means lucky me, I get to scrape the snow off my car before I can drive to school. So I get out the door a few minutes early, and I brace myself for numbing hands and snowflakes on my eyelashes. However, when I get to my car, it was brought to my attention that someone, some saintly neighbor, decided to do a good deed this morning, scraped the snow off my windows for me!! Seriously, could he/she have made my morning any better?!!

So, here is a Shout Out to my annonymous neighbor:

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Election Day ... almost as good as Christmas Day :)

Anticipation is 90% of the fun... dont worry I already have my races identified on CNN.COM for when the polls start coming in.

YES ON PROP 8

Now, please understand that this issue has nothing to do with disciminating against homosexuals and taking away their rights-- it is a matter of principle and defining what I believe marriage to be: between a man and a woman.

I realize that in the last 24 hours, opponents to this proposition have increased their efforts and decided to take on celebrity buy-in, incudling not only Brad Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres, but also our very own Steve Young and even The Terminator!!

The persecution that proponents of Proposition 8 have recieved is disheartening, and it saddens me to hear of the treatment people recieve for standing up for what they believe to be true. I thought we lived in a country with freedom of speech?

Tomorrow will prove to be one fateful day. Please evaluate your basic principles and where your heart truly stands on the issue before going to the polls tomorrow.

So ... needless to say I am back in Provo.

Something I have realized upon returning to Happy Valley is that this place sucks the life out of me. Or maybe its not so much Happy Valley as it is the Tanner Building. My life turns into such a short term view of day to day (or minute to minute) survival-mode. Any words of wisdom to escape me from my current state?

I had 2 classes on Balance yesterday--- although let's be honest, the first one was just "teaching" us how to be a good housewife to a successful businessman or for men, how to not be a crappy husband/dad The second lecture did hold more relevance as we discusses how each of us prioritize our time between work(school), physical/personal needs, family and relationships, and spiritual growth/service to others. As I reflected on this, I realized that my personal needs and growth seem to be the first to go. (which is not a great sign when I am still yet single and have the "time" to look out for "me"). At any rate, I have decided to come up with a plan to put my life back into balance. It started with an evening to myself last night, and a lil bit of Legally Blonde to inspire me :)

I think I might be on the right track...