RIP Matthew Crawley

I knew it was happening. I mean, my sister did send me the link to the article that Dan Stevens, otherwise known as Matthew Crawley wasn't coming  back to the show before the first episode even premiered. I was prepared for this moment, to say the least.

But I can't help it. The last 2 minutes of the final season 3 episode of Downton Abbey I cried, yelled, grunted and many other unearthly noises were heard. I'm just sad that Matthew, the one character that I really liked from Downton is now gone. Oh well, at least we know he loved Mary forever...bleh.

So here's to you, Matthew.  I miss you already.

Celebrating love in all of its forms.

Happy Valentine's Day! I have to keep with tradition as this is my 5th year of writing on Valentine's Day. I don't really have anything substantial to say except that this year I am celebrating love in all of its various forms. 

Here are a few things that I love right now:

1. Talking to this group of 3-4 girls in my 4th period class about the latest Downton Abbey episode. Priceless.

2. Dressing up as a flapper at school to celebrate the Roaring 20s and dancing to the Charleston.

3. Growing my hair out and wearing red lipstick. See recent profile pic.

4. Living in DC. I have been here for almost 4 years and this city steals my heart. I love the monuments, history, museums, culture, and beauty. I am so blessed.

5. On that same token, having so many friends who I readily rely on. I love going to a gathering and catching up with someone that I have known since birth (shout out to S-dog) then chatting it up with my old mission pals, then reminiscing about the BYU days with some wardees. I have an incredible support system. Thank you all for being my friend!

6. Embracing the bull by its horns. I feel so empowered in my life to become my best self, to be happy in the present, and to embrace opportunities that come my way.

7. My family and their enduring and eternal love. I don't always talk with them, but I think of them often and love them so much.

8. Reading and becoming more cultured. Ok, so I've only really read 2.5 books lately but the culture is starting to flow...

9. Salads with pears, feta cheese, golden raisins, and poppy seed dressing.

10. The overwhelming feeling that the Lord loves me, He has my back, and he is orchestrating some great things in the near future.

What do you love right now? (Audience participation appreciated!)

The January un-funk

In the past I have posted about the midwinter funk that I find myself in come the New Year. Just see here and here for some "for realsies" examples. It normally happens that I feel bored, depressed, sad, pathetic, untalented or any other melancholy thought in the midst of winter gloom. But this year has been different so far (who knows, the winter can be long and come February things can change).

So why has this year been different? I think because I have formulated my most recent mantra. You know I'm full of them. Here it is:

Control the Controllables

As I've come to focus on the things that I can control I have gained so much peace. Life is still hard and things are not always what I want them to be. But there are things I can control. This month I have focused on training for my half marathon, spending quality time with friends, reading some good literature, letting go of things I can't control at work, eating better, and embracing January for what it is: a cold, lazy,
nothing-too-exciting-month. As a result, I have been happy. I also know that I have power to change my circumstances. I am an agent unto myself. I can be anxiously engaged in lots of good causes (yes, I'm paraphrasing some D&C in here). I choose to be happy each day. And I can choose to trust the Lord.

So if you're having one of those days or funks, here's my advice: Set goals and embrace the things you can control. You'll be happier. I hope I can remember that come Valentine's Day! :)

My Anna Karenina Book Affair

Has anyone ever read the classic, Anna Karenina? Being a non-reader, this book has completely rocked my world (in a good way). It has allowed me to see and think about relationships from a completely different perspective; relationships based on passion and lust vs. prosaic relationships. I have been overwhelmed with how much I can see myself in the various characters of the book. Am I a crazy, clingy, love starved Anna? Do I doubt myself like Levin? Do I get jealous like Kitty? Do I want to take people away from their core values and connections like Vronsky? Kind of scary, but it has definitely caused me to reflect on my relationships with those I love and it gives me the motivation to act differently and to be secure in my own self.

To those of you who haven't read it, this is all just a bunch of random ramblings. But has anyone else read it and want to share their thoughts? Does anyone even read my blog? Oh well. If you're in the mood for an 800+ page classic, Anna Karenina won't let you down! Read it!

It's not every day you get to sit behind an apostle of the Lord...

But I did. And that's my hair to show for it! (luckily my hair was having a good day!). And no, I did not encourage said friend to take a picture in the chapel. But she did...and now there's documented proof that I sat behind, sang behind, and shook hands with Elder Cook, one of the members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What an incredible experience and surprise!! The church is true. See mormon.org for more information.

Are you down with Downton?

You know, sometimes I really don't like to get into the popular TV fads. In fact, I am really not much of a TV watcher at all. But with winter time upon us, who wouldn't want to cozy in with some Downton Abbey? It involves history, fashion, drama, love, and England! Seriously, it's my happy place!

With the drama of Matthew and Mary, the antics of O'Brien and Thomas, the criminal case of Mr. Bates, and my ongoing empathy for poor Edith (did you see last night's episode? :/) it's a wondrous Sunday evening event. I can't get enough of it right now as I am re-watching the 1st and 2nd seasons. This is a great way to pass the winter doldrums. 

So, I'm on the Downton bandwagon. Are you? And yes, I even entered to win a free trip to England on the pbs website. I'll be sure to tell you if I get it! (which is a 1 in a million chance, but you never know).

ps. If you're a real nerd like me, check out this link to a fake facebook page someone made up based on the season 3 premier. Pretty clever, I'd say!

So long 2012, hello 2013!

Wow! 2012 was quite a year! I am so happy to be gone with it and start afresh.

2012 was a year of heartbreak, recovery, first broken bone, Alaskan cruise, student teachers, crazy students, awesome missionary experiences, traveling miracles, power outages, professional development, first major ER experience, developing friendships, thoughts about grad school, family time, trips to the lake and beach with friends, Hurricane Sandy, presidential debates, epic road trips, tears, laughs, dance parties, purging, cooking, walks, and the hopes of moving forward.

I am looking forward to what 2013 will bring. I don't know if I dare post my New Year's resolutions yet, but I definitely have a few things on my mind that I want to improve. First thing that is planned for 2013 is the Rock and Roll DC half marathon March 16th. Looking forward to getting this bod back in running shape. What else will transpire? Who knows! But I have high hopes that this year will be better than last!

I welcome you with open arms, 2013! (cue, Journey)