Walking Contradiction???

Usually when I have this much time away from normal, productive, structured life I start making self-discoveries about myself. I have learned a lot about my personality, likes/dislikes, things that tick me off, and the various roles I play; especially in the last 3 years.

Recently I decided that I am a walking contradiction. Normally I would describe myself as an adventurist person. There's all kinds of examples to prove it-on and off the blog. The fact that I moved to DC without so much as a job could easily prove a pro-adventurist argument.

However, it's weird. Yes, I've done some adventurist and out-of-my-comfort-level things, but when it comes to small day-to-day tasks and decisions I am such a homebody!! Truly. I love just chillin' and popping on some DQ. Like last weekend I had an opportunity to go on a camping/boating trip with the singles in the area and I passed it up. I had no excuse not to go...nothing. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to do something so last minute, even though I am sure it would've been fun. If I was so adventurous I never would've passed it up. But I did.

So I guess what I'm saying is not only am I not a die-hard adventurist, but I am also not super spontaneous. I am a planner. I like to plan my adventures with at least a few weeks in advance to really think them through. Some of you may think, "Duh, Suz, we already knew that." But wow, I really just figured that out. It's fine though. I can be adventurist without being spontaneous. And it's ok.

Here's the bottom line...

Self-discoveries: They can really be enlightening and depressing all at the same time. Depressing in the sense that you have imagined yourself as a person you are really not.

Any walking contradictions out there? Self-discoveries? I would be interested to hear!

The Road Less Traveled

In the last few years, I have been proud of myself for being the one who doesn't live the cookie-cutter LDS girl's life: college, marriage, baby, finish college. You know, the girl who has taken the road less traveled. Not that I have ever refused the cookie-cutter life, as in reality, I have always yearned for it. And not that that life is bad...at all. I would never rat on those of you who are currently married with children. But because of circumstances I have not led that life. So I have focused on the many great things I have done and that I am striving to do with my single life: making friends, enhancing my professional opportunities, and planning fun trips. I have found that fulfilling, though the cookie cutter life still holds a strong smell of desire.

Yes, the road less traveled is exciting. Doing different things with your life than others ever imagined for you. I know that growing up in California, I was always the one predicted to get married first (or at least second) out of my group of friends. In some ways it's nice to say, "See, look what I've done with my life! Different than what you thought, huh?" and grin with a sense of accomplishment.

However, I will honestly admit, the road less traveled is also very lonely.

It means that because I have a different life than many of my friends my age, I don't have a baby to dote on. My husband isn't available to go on family trips or to come to dinner with my friends and I. The house that my spouse and I own consists of the one bedroom that is decorated in my five bedroom townhouse. And, no, there will be no 2nd baby soon...not even a chance.

The road less traveled makes me feel like an oddball; someone that doesn't completely fit with the rest of Mormonia. Going to your home ward with the girl you used to babysit, and her husband, and her bulging stomach doesn't help either.

It's at this point in my life where I am, again, reminded that my life hasn't turned out as planned. Yes, I can make the best of it, I can choose to be happy, and I can do really cool and exotic things. Yet, when push comes to shove, I will admit that I wish I could've taken the road more traveled.

Thanksgiving Point Shenanigans

An afternoon involving my totally hip and cool nieces and nephew plus a golf cart equals tons of good humored mischief.



WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Studmuffins

sexy sexy.

See Adam, I made no promises that this wouldn't be on the blog. heh. heh.

Cuteness

What a stallion

Capturing a dead frog is not hard to do, just fyi.

I love this picture.

"I may have been grossed out, but I still want a picture with me kissing the frog." -Olivia


"This is so confusing." -Long Duck Dong

"Yah, Adam, your idea is crazy." -Nicole
"I don't get this." -Olivia
"Come on guys, you just have to do it like this." -Adam
"Well I'm going to take a picture still." -me

Touching the horse's bum. Naughty me.

Aarrrgh?


A pretty sight...

I just love these peeps.

Here fishy fishy fishy...



Feel the power of the rock.


Look at the picture closely and I think you'll catch my drift.

The best one we got. I took at least ten.


Yes, fun was had at the gardens. Thank you, golf cart...oh and the company too. Muah.

Reminiscing

It's been over a year since I've graduated and though I feel 100% sure that I have moved on, I still can't help but reminisce about the good ole' times at BYU. It has been so good to be back.

CPF (Cougar Pride Forever).

Sister Celebrations

I am thrice blessed to have wonderful, wonderful sisters. Now that I am in Utah for a few weeks...yes, this place here...

I get to see my sisters (and my mom, too of course)! It's a fabulous thing, really.

Los Hermanos, pre-birthday celebration for Kathryn. Nothin' wrong with free specialty drinks when you have 4 t-shirts. Score.

Isaac and Thomas, born ten days apart.

Thomas mauling Aunt Julie

Chrissie with Isaac

The Ice Man


Olive Garden, for actual birthday celebrations

Kath with her creative and non-creative present.

The kids threw her a bit of a surprise party when we got home from dinner.

The Peanut Butter M&M cake I made...my creative skills don't go too far.

Cute Megan with Cute Isaac

It's great to be back. Visit me!

I dream of Sully

This is what happens when you buy a complete series of a TV show:

This man...

starts to appear in your dreams.

Awesome.

line-Upon-line

About 6 months ago, I decided to perform an experiment in my life. No, nothing scientific has been involved (Ha, me scientific? Yah right). Basically this experiment meant that I would have to change some habits and traits that are very familiar and comfortable to me.

It has been a challenge changing some of my normal patters to doing something that is "so not me." As a result of this experiment, I have been hoping and praying that certain things would begin happening. I exercised faith by fasting, praying, attending the temple, and studying the scriptures. Heck, I even recruited some of my family members and close friends to pray for me.

6 months later...I am still not receiving the fruits of my labors (that I have specifically hoped for). It has been a little heart breaking as I have strived so hard to change and to be better. However, what I have gained so far from this experiment is that the Lord truly does work with us. One.piece.at.a.time.


Yah, it can be annoying, when I look at it through my natural eyes. But overall I have seen an increase in revelation. 6 months ago, the Lord gave me specific instructions. 3 months later he was giving me more instructions to add. And now, one week later, he is giving me more instructions to add on to my experiment. All of these are building blocks to aid me in these results. When will they come about? I wish I could say soon, real soon. But I have no idea.

Yet, I do know that Heavenly Father is proud of me and my efforts to do something so un-Susie-like. I also know that my experiment will work as I stay close to the spirit. The results aren't coming all at once, but line-by-line I am feeling happier and more content.

So, if I can stand on my soap box for a second (remember, this is more for my sake than yours), just remember: Answers won't always come all at once, but they do come line upon line and precept upon precept. Eventually those lines will add up to a great big picture. I am excited to see my big picture someday.

Onward with the experiment!

The Complete Series

A while back I was in a Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman phase. Well guess what peeps? It's back. And this time it's serious.

Yah, you heard me. It's serious. I just got the COMPLETE SERIES in the mail today. This means that I have six seasons of pure unadulterated Dr. Quinn goodness.


Why do I justify this? Well, for one, it is summer vacation. And, if DVD's are still around in the next twenty years, my kids WILL totally love this. Lastly, you have to admit: Sully does look good in his buckskin pants.

So if you want to stop on by, you can come partake of the amazingness of Dr. Quinn. Believe me, I already have a following. Or at least Sully does. Ha.

"New York is a sucked orange" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Well if you had 2 months off of work, who wouldn't want to road trip it to NYC??

And...drink Slurpees??

Crazy hair.

NYC bound

Creepy Statue of Liberty peeps. This is as close as I wanted to get. :P

Sar in front of a statue that I do not know the meaning of...

We found this near the Statue of Liberty

Scenery. We thought about doing the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour but didn't...

We didn't go on this but we thought about it.

We met a creepo Mr. Softie machine guy here. At least the ice cream was yummers.

Can't go wrong with NYC pizza. Mmmm...calories.

Or calzones for that matter...


We took the ferry to Staten Island...

Artsy fartsy.

Lady Liberty

Part of the skyline


We landed in Staten Island and had no idea what to do so we went right back on the ferry.

Then headed to the Brooklyn Bridge




We tried to replicate the walking people...Sarah succeeded at it.

I look ridiculous.

Then headed to a Yankees game. Kath and Mark were there too!


The next day we gallivanted around the Plaza Hotel and pretended we were that rich.

I look like I am scared but really I am just that excited. You would think I ran into someone famous, but no...just normal, rich, people.


Sarah wanted to do tea but this is the closest she got.

Carriage ride around Central Park with an Irishman as our guide=priceless.


I love the crazies in NYC.

Just taking a moment to soak it all in...

Ta-Da!
Laughing at something Sarah said.

NYC wouldn't be the same without a Broadway show. We picked West Side Story. I forgot how depressing the show is! Dang.

This was the dude right in front of us who fell asleep. I couldn't help but take a picture of his baldness...haha. I can't stop laughing about it.

"No, Tony. You want to kiss me, not Maria."

"Here, try this..."

"Wow, I am desperate." (chuckle chuckle)

NYC wouldn't be the same without the M&M factory either.

Oh and fyi, my candy flavor is blue because I am stylish and cool. I am so glad a machine could confirm that for me.

Times Square=NUTS

Sarah really likes McDonalds. She can even sing you a song about it.

Reaching up to caress his cheek. Too far away, dang it.

Don't worry, my CTR ring keeps my thoughts in check.

Oh and here's cute little Thomas.

Two wanna-be mothers.

Sisters. Thanks Kath for your hospitality as always!

BFFs who happen to love NY too. (But we love DC more :)

Hooray for summer!!!!

Btw, I have no idea what Ralph Waldo Emerson meant by that statement, so if you have any ideas, please post!