Reasons to Celebrate 05.23.2011

1. I'm dropping off my first roll of expired PROFESSIONAL film tonight. Eek!

2. 40-hour work week. Bam.

3. The weekend. A simple sigh just doesn't cut it.

4. Straight hair. (Whaaaaat?)

5. Clorox wipes.

6. Horses.

7. Dinner and Glee.

8. My mother.

9. I'm an adult.

10. Amazing coworkers.

11. Sleeping until 4:30 PM yesterday afternoon.

12. Friends.

13. Someone left his Blink-182 CD in my car. (Thank you.) (Collateral.)

Twenty One

"What am I if not ridiculous?"

I got flowers.

See?

And they're even prettier in real life.

Believe me, I'd know. This is just a phone-shot.

I'm celebrating.

Thanks.

America, America...

Osama bin Laden.

Here's how people are "celebrating".

Yes, he was an awful, awful, horrible terrorist.

Yes, it's a huge deal that he's gone.

Yes, I'm just as relieved as you.
Yes, I'm completely and absolutely grateful for our brave troops who have fought for us.

But must we stoop so low?

I'd like to think America has more class than this.

I'd like to think that we're above this.

That we're better than this.

Wouldn't you?

And frankly, I'm more than a little disgusted and ashamed that Americans act like this.

We are not petty.

We are not small.

We are proud.

We have honor.

And we are better than this.

I'm proud to be American.

And I'm certainly relieved that bin Laden is finally gone from this world.

But I'm not proud of this exhibition.

Stand taller. Show more poise. Have more dignity.

Prov. 24:17-18 "Do not gloat when your enemy fails; when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice, lest the Lord see it and it displease Him..."

God bless America. 

picture source: here 

Oh, you little BYU folks

"So. You single?" he leaned over the desk seductively.

"Ah, no, actually," I replied. "I'm not."

He glanced quickly at my left hand resting on the keyboard, attempting to be discreet but making it totally obvious.

"I don't see a ring," he accused.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "That doesn't mean I'm available," Just stop, please. Can't you tell I'm not interested?

"Oh. Are you just waiting for it, then?" He leaned closer. I could see the the gel clumped in his stiff hair.

"No," I huffed, trying hard to not look annoyed. "I'm just not single." I turned my attention back to my computer.

He paused for a second, debating on whether to keep prying.

He did.

"So, when will you get it?" He smirked.

I gaped at him, my mouth hanging open. This kid was unbelievable. Before I could answer, the elevator door opened.

"Your ride is here." I stood and gestured towards the doors.

"Can I get your number? You know, just in case?" He said the last three words in a sing-song voice as he backed into the elevator. The confident yet hopeful smile he flashed was almost too much.

My irritation flared and I took a deep breath to cool it off. I watched him as the elevator doors closed slowly. With one eyebrow raised and my arms folded I answered, smiling icily, "No. Thank you."

He asked again when he left.

I pretended to be caught up on the phone.

What is it with those crazed BYU RMs?

And I had Hagermann's for lunch. Just thought you should know that.

Beauty

I've been captivated by beauty lately.

In art. People. Words. Nature. Color.

In life.

 It takes my breath away.

And makes me want to search for it even more.

Truly, there is beauty all around.

Take a second.

See it.

Reasons to Celebrate 4.5.2011

1. I'm alive.

2. Gummy penguins.

3. Rockin' curls.

4. Friends.

5. School is almost out.

6. New ideas. Seriously, I'm a freaking genius.

7. And it's time to break out the sewing machine. Anthropologie is too expensive, but fabric can be pretty cheap.

8. Burt's Bees.

9. Summer's coming. Summer = more light = more playing with my camera.

10. The gym. I'm quite content. (And tan.)

Is Chivalry Dead?

I was walking out of the store, cradling my drink and trying to keep from spilling it as I shoved my wallet back into my purse.

A group of siblings had just reached the entrance as I opened the first set of doors. Their mother trailed a few feet behind. I held the heavy door open so the kids wouldn't have to struggle with it.

Four little girls skipped in ahead of their brother - he couldn't have been older than five. The little boy politely held the outer door open for his mother. He smiled up at her earnestly as she thanked him. I held the other door open for him, expecting him to hurry through behind his mom.

He waited. I waited.

I looked at him. He looked at me.

For a few seconds we both stood there, still holding the doors for each other.

"Go ahead," I encouraged. "It's okay--"

He cut me off with a shake of his head and a shy smile.

"Nope," he said, opening the door a little wider.

He was determined.

I grinned, unable to hide my pride and delight in the little gentleman. This child was actually going to hold the door for me. Already a sweet gentleman at such a young age.

I thanked him on my way out. He gave me a high five.

Here's to the hardworking moms who teach their sons kindness, respect, and courtesy.

To the sons who listen.

To the daughters who are grateful.

And to the little stranger who reminded me:

Chivalry is most definitely not dead.

Don't worry, little ladies.

The future is looking pretty bright.