What I think about when I should be at the gym

I'm tired
It's already five, probably won't have time now...of course I'll have time if I leave now.
Totally had to check my email though for work dates.
I need to plan the next three weeks-which would help more, the planning or the gym?
I think I am lactose intolerant, that pizza today was the worst. Maybe I should just let my tummy rest.
"The true Christian is a communicator." I am the worst. What are the desires of my heart? I need to go to the temple. What do I need to focus my prayers on. How do I even approach that? Patience, in what avenue? Done and done.
Just read your scriptures. Go to the temple. Life is good.

"Listen to what I mean, not what I say"

My Mom would often say "Listen to what I mean, not what I say." Often it was said in response to a task I was not completing well or at all. In those moments, I felt rebuked, sheepish, sometimes put out and more often then not, my pride was hurt. I was frustrated that certain expectations were not made more clear or in some cases that so much was expected of me. Those words spoke volumes to me.

It has been said that "actions speak louder than words." I think I may have overlooked what my Mom really meant. In various degrees what my Mom did was what she meant. When she snuck slimey flax seed oil into our barley soup, she meant she wanted us to get all the healthy omega threes. When she said, we just can't afford that now, what she meant is that we were saving up for the trip to Michigan with family or that she was already sacrificing her personal comforts for ours. When we held a family council about hugging more, she meant "I want to hug you to show you that when I say I love you, those words aren't empty." This last week my Mom bought me a housewarming gift for my new apartment-a full frozen salmon. She was also happy to go to my sisters senior choir concert and before hand help me pack up the final details from my sisters wedding. I know what she means, even when nothing has been said.

Truman G Madsen quotes Parley P Pratt saying,
"There is not a more pure and holy principle in existence than the affection which glows in the bosom of a virtuous man for his companion; for his parents, brothers, sisters and children. These pure affections are inspired in our bosoms and interwoven with our nature by an all-wise and benevolent being, who rejoices in the happiness and welfare of his creatures. All his revelations to man, touching this subject, are calculated to approve, encourage, and strengthen these emotions, and to increase and perfect them; that man, enlightened and taught of God, may be more free, more social, cheerful, happy, kind, familiar, and lovely than he was before, that he may fill all the relationships of life, and act in every sphere of usefulness with a greater energy, and with a readier mind, and a more willing heart."

I want to fill the relationships of my life. I am still learning. I love so many of you. Please listen to what I mean, not what I say. Be patient.

Lost and Found

Yesterday Mrs. Gyles, the school librarian, found a lined piece of paper in a book. The following prases were tasteully compiled. I can't remember all of it so this is just a a small smackerel of something for you to smile about:
"I am a ninja. Trip. In disguise."

"Friends are like bras. They are close to your heart and supportive."

"You must be a parking ticket because you have fine written all over you."

"Best friends are those you know you well and still agree to be in public with you."

...and my memory escapes me now. I think I will have to get a copy of that paper.

All things bright and beautiful

I've been in Oregon for nearly 48 hours. Temple sealing-simple and forever. Luncheon-delayed and quaint.
All things are bright and beautiful. My siblings being the brightest. The boys wear green paisley ties and the girls, well we wore flowers and feathers and heels! Yep. I donned heels for the occasion. Granted, I slipped them off under the table just minutes after everyone sat down. I figured it was my prerogative, being the oh so glamorous event coordinator.
I am still processing and there is still a reception to get through tonight. More to come.