"A friend is someone who, upon seeing another friend in immense pain,
would rather be the one experiencing the pain, than to have to watch
their friend suffer."
This was something I planned on posting this nearly 3 weeks ago on Official Stop and Smell the Roses Day. But that - as is apparent - did not happen. So here we are. And I've brought to here to talk about three kinds of people.
First, there are people who treat Stop and Smell the Roses Day as I explained it here. This is how I view the day and how I think it should be treated. Make life less complicated and show gratitude for what we have. The other treatments are not wrong - but to get the most out of the holiday, this is the best route.
Next, there are people who take it literally: Stop. Smell a rose or two. Move on. Done. I approve and you guys make me chuckle.
Lastly, there are those who treat it as a day to do nothing. Until this year's experience, I have argued that this is not how it works. Don't do nothing. However, when a migraine hit and I was down for the count, nothing was exactly what I wanted and exactly what happened.
For the first half of the day, I was barely conscious because when I was awake the nausea hit. So I avoided that. When I was finally aware, I texted MFK to save me from further pain by bringing me some Pepsi, for which I will always be grateful. Once she arrived, the rest of the day was spent watching Stargate.
So for the first time, I did nothing on Official Stop and Smell the Roses Day. I will never again say that doing nothing is against the rules. It was in not having things to do that gave me the opportunity to be sick without added stress. And all things considered, celebrating the day by watching Stargate with MFK was the best way.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Adventure #31: Endings
"There seems to be something inside of us that resists endings.
Why is this? Because we are made of the stuff of eternity." ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Read the quote above.
Read it again.
Read it 3 more times.
Memorize it.
You got it? Me too. Brilliant, isn't it?
I've spent portions of my life arguing with myself...Why do you have such a problem with change? No one else seems to have such issues... I'd asked myself when I faced any good-bye, any move, or any interruption to my life. I'll admit that description makes me sound OCD but I hope I've portrayed the right idea. My mistake then is viewing all of these events as endings.
If I had been paying better attention, I could have learned the lesson of eternity stuff much sooner. When I was facing one of these aforementioned good-byes, I turned to my scriptures and found this:
Read the quote above.
Read it again.
Read it 3 more times.
Memorize it.
You got it? Me too. Brilliant, isn't it?
I've spent portions of my life arguing with myself...Why do you have such a problem with change? No one else seems to have such issues... I'd asked myself when I faced any good-bye, any move, or any interruption to my life. I'll admit that description makes me sound OCD but I hope I've portrayed the right idea. My mistake then is viewing all of these events as endings.
If I had been paying better attention, I could have learned the lesson of eternity stuff much sooner. When I was facing one of these aforementioned good-byes, I turned to my scriptures and found this:
"And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy." (Doctrine and Covenants 130:2)
Even with that being exactly what I wanted to hear, I held on to the doubts that I felt. I continued to emotionally fight change. So the review this weekend during Conference then was absolutely called for. In fact, of all that I could learn in my life, this is the most important - we are made of the stuff of eternity.
And, that leaves me with one more thought: living worthy of eternity. My goal now more than ever is to make my life worth an eternal chance. Using the comfort and direction of President Uchtdorf's words, I may just have a chance. I choose to live up to my potential.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Adventure #30: Wildlife
"The first problem of living is to minimize friction with the crowds that surround you on all sides." ~ Isaac Asimov
He lived two trees down from the busiest pond in the forest. But it didn't have to be this overrun. Apparently, the rivers, springs, and ponds nearer to the invading animals' homes were somehow not satisfactory. They just wouldn't stay home. They came from miles around - traveling for hours and waiting for twice that long in lines to get a sip from this pond.
He did not understand why this pond was so busy. What was it about this pond that attracted this crowd? If he'd known his house would regularly be overtaken, he would have given a second thought to moving in two trees down from it.
Today, just within his sight, there were three deer, a hedgehog couple, and a mountain lion. A mountain lion! What was a mountain lion doing here? She was fraternizing with her prey. How could the mountain lion look the others in the eye, knowing she'd be eating some of them within the week?
"Why are you all standing outside my front door???" he yelled. Several startled animals turned to look at him but most remained ignorant, in their own little worlds. Without a response, he turned his back, stomping inside, determined to avoid being outside at this time of day.
The next day he broke that agreement with himself. He was spending time with one of his friends. Their activities led them back to his house. On the way, not only did they encounter the hordes of animals vying for the coveted pond water but the weather chose to disagree with them. The rain was ferocious as the two friends continued to battle thefans wildlife. Facing a still new environment, rain, and crowds, the two friends finally arrived soaked and irritated after having been lost - just as his roommate was leaving to join the masses. His resolve was renewed to never face these circumstances again.
The following day another friend approached him. "Let's spend some time at the Great Tree and then enjoy some of these amazing berries I found that the bush next to the Great Tree," his friend suggested.
"But what about the crowd around the pond?" he asked.
"If we leave now, we'll be back before the concourses arrive."
Skeptically, he went with his friend anyway. Their afternoon was a pleasant one, well worth the trip. Until their return. Though not as difficult as the rain experience, it still took three times as long on the return trip because oftraffic wildlife.
"Tomorrow, I stay home," he told himself, once again.
Then his sister called. "I need your help gathering some roots. Will you come help me?"
"As long as it's right now. There's a lull in the congregation ofcars animals. I'll be there in five minutes."
The plan was going accordingly until one rabbit passed. Then three bear cubs. Then a herd of moose. And a flock of robins flew overhead. He began to rush the gathering process.
"Where's the fire, brother?"
"We need to beat the rush. The animals are coming."
But as they ended the errand and headed for home, they saw those same animals passing them again in the opposite direction. He began to wonder what had happened. They fought through some large groups and pushed on through lesser numbers but all were headed away from the pond. After dropping off his sister, his journey home was surprisingly smooth for the time of day.
"Where is every-" And then he saw it. Thestadium pond had dried up. It was over - the animals weren't coming back. His smile grew and grew, until he realized after the winter snows came and the sun melted the flurries on the mountain, the animals would be back for the football water.
He lived two trees down from the busiest pond in the forest. But it didn't have to be this overrun. Apparently, the rivers, springs, and ponds nearer to the invading animals' homes were somehow not satisfactory. They just wouldn't stay home. They came from miles around - traveling for hours and waiting for twice that long in lines to get a sip from this pond.
He did not understand why this pond was so busy. What was it about this pond that attracted this crowd? If he'd known his house would regularly be overtaken, he would have given a second thought to moving in two trees down from it.
Today, just within his sight, there were three deer, a hedgehog couple, and a mountain lion. A mountain lion! What was a mountain lion doing here? She was fraternizing with her prey. How could the mountain lion look the others in the eye, knowing she'd be eating some of them within the week?
"Why are you all standing outside my front door???" he yelled. Several startled animals turned to look at him but most remained ignorant, in their own little worlds. Without a response, he turned his back, stomping inside, determined to avoid being outside at this time of day.
The next day he broke that agreement with himself. He was spending time with one of his friends. Their activities led them back to his house. On the way, not only did they encounter the hordes of animals vying for the coveted pond water but the weather chose to disagree with them. The rain was ferocious as the two friends continued to battle the
The following day another friend approached him. "Let's spend some time at the Great Tree and then enjoy some of these amazing berries I found that the bush next to the Great Tree," his friend suggested.
"But what about the crowd around the pond?" he asked.
"If we leave now, we'll be back before the concourses arrive."
Skeptically, he went with his friend anyway. Their afternoon was a pleasant one, well worth the trip. Until their return. Though not as difficult as the rain experience, it still took three times as long on the return trip because of
"Tomorrow, I stay home," he told himself, once again.
Then his sister called. "I need your help gathering some roots. Will you come help me?"
"As long as it's right now. There's a lull in the congregation of
The plan was going accordingly until one rabbit passed. Then three bear cubs. Then a herd of moose. And a flock of robins flew overhead. He began to rush the gathering process.
"Where's the fire, brother?"
"We need to beat the rush. The animals are coming."
But as they ended the errand and headed for home, they saw those same animals passing them again in the opposite direction. He began to wonder what had happened. They fought through some large groups and pushed on through lesser numbers but all were headed away from the pond. After dropping off his sister, his journey home was surprisingly smooth for the time of day.
"Where is every-" And then he saw it. The
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Adventure #29 : Being Out of Luck
“It's hard to believe in coincidence, but it's even harder to believe in anything else.” ~John Green
People don't seem to have an opinion one way or another about luck. At least not many people I've had specific conversations with. Does it exist? Is there such thing as coincidence? Or is everything destined to be exactly as it has turned out? Okay, there are two people I know who are exceptions to not having an opinion on luck and both argue that, "There's no such thing as luck."
Those same people have told me that I'm out of luck when the opportunity has arisen.
My question is then:
Do you have to believe in luck to tell someone they are out of it?
Personally, I believe in luck. I believe in destiny as well. And I believe in God and His hand in my life too. But I don't believe that my dice roll when I play Chicken was designed with me in mind. As if someone said, "Melody has to roll three 6's, two 2's, and a 4 this roll!" No, that is luck. Card games? A shuffle is just that: random and luck of the draw. Maybe most of my belief in luck is just in relation to games but even those times when the lights are all green or finding a quarter on the sidewalk...these cases most of the time = luck. I believe there's much luck in the little every day things of life.
From this I've gathered, I've never been out of luck. I'm the one who has the luck. And for those who don't think it's out there...more for me! You're out of luck!
luck
noun 1. the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities
Those same people have told me that I'm out of luck when the opportunity has arisen.
My question is then:
Do you have to believe in luck to tell someone they are out of it?
Personally, I believe in luck. I believe in destiny as well. And I believe in God and His hand in my life too. But I don't believe that my dice roll when I play Chicken was designed with me in mind. As if someone said, "Melody has to roll three 6's, two 2's, and a 4 this roll!" No, that is luck. Card games? A shuffle is just that: random and luck of the draw. Maybe most of my belief in luck is just in relation to games but even those times when the lights are all green or finding a quarter on the sidewalk...these cases most of the time = luck. I believe there's much luck in the little every day things of life.
From this I've gathered, I've never been out of luck. I'm the one who has the luck. And for those who don't think it's out there...more for me! You're out of luck!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Adventure #28: Children vs. Growing Up
“When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence
leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret
about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.”
~Patrick Rothfuss
I've decided to start a "Children vs." selection of posts. This won't be an every month thing but I have more than one idea in relation to being children, so I felt it was necessary. I've spend so much time with children - teaching, tending, playing, etc - that I have few musings I'd like to share. This world is a better place because of the children in it.
Over the holiday break, I spent some time with my friends Melanie and Chris and their baby boy. The baby was having a cranky sort of day (as we are all likely to have) but a surprising thing distracted him. Winking. He was in his high chair making a pleasant mess and fussing here and there. I'm not sure how we noticed but when I would wink at him, he'd blink back and chuckle. I was so fascinated by this that I continued this "game" for probably 20 minutes. I didn't quit and neither did he. With every wink from me, he would blink right back (I say blink because his "wink" was with both eyes). And, as would be expected for such entertainment, the laughter was continuous for all parties.
How simple is that? I got lost in a world of repetitive exploration. Or perhaps psychological conditioning. Either way, Baby Boy Blinks was as happy to play along as I was. He had just learned a new skill that had a positive and immediate response. If only that type of experience was more frequent in the world.
Additionally, just today I was with My Friend Katie and her niece, lamenting over random drama in my day. When I was holding the adorable, squirmy little one (MFK's niece), I stood her up on my lap and addressed her, asking her about my problems. Before I could even get the first question out, her squishable face lit up like I'd just told her she'd won a million dollars (as a baby though, I don't think she'd care so much about that). I forgot my dilemma in the beam of that radiating smile. She was happy to be talked to, to be held, to be noticed.
How simple is that? I couldn't even finish the question, having encountered that cuteness. But more than that, Sweet Squirmy Smiles found joy in my goofy face and amusing voice. She appreciated a little attention and let you know with a beaming smile. This type of experience is definitely a simple indication but one that we could also use more of in life.
Perhaps my connection to growing up is unclear. Mostly, I just wanted to tell two really great stories. But at the same time, we lose some of this simplicity as we grow up. Learning a little something isn't celebrate-able anymore and a smile means so little after a few years. Something should be done about this. Hold on to the smiles. Don't forget to give a little attention. When you learn something, share it. Always encourage silliness. Channel the simplicity of children as often as you can.
I've decided to start a "Children vs." selection of posts. This won't be an every month thing but I have more than one idea in relation to being children, so I felt it was necessary. I've spend so much time with children - teaching, tending, playing, etc - that I have few musings I'd like to share. This world is a better place because of the children in it.
Over the holiday break, I spent some time with my friends Melanie and Chris and their baby boy. The baby was having a cranky sort of day (as we are all likely to have) but a surprising thing distracted him. Winking. He was in his high chair making a pleasant mess and fussing here and there. I'm not sure how we noticed but when I would wink at him, he'd blink back and chuckle. I was so fascinated by this that I continued this "game" for probably 20 minutes. I didn't quit and neither did he. With every wink from me, he would blink right back (I say blink because his "wink" was with both eyes). And, as would be expected for such entertainment, the laughter was continuous for all parties.
How simple is that? I got lost in a world of repetitive exploration. Or perhaps psychological conditioning. Either way, Baby Boy Blinks was as happy to play along as I was. He had just learned a new skill that had a positive and immediate response. If only that type of experience was more frequent in the world.
Additionally, just today I was with My Friend Katie and her niece, lamenting over random drama in my day. When I was holding the adorable, squirmy little one (MFK's niece), I stood her up on my lap and addressed her, asking her about my problems. Before I could even get the first question out, her squishable face lit up like I'd just told her she'd won a million dollars (as a baby though, I don't think she'd care so much about that). I forgot my dilemma in the beam of that radiating smile. She was happy to be talked to, to be held, to be noticed.
How simple is that? I couldn't even finish the question, having encountered that cuteness. But more than that, Sweet Squirmy Smiles found joy in my goofy face and amusing voice. She appreciated a little attention and let you know with a beaming smile. This type of experience is definitely a simple indication but one that we could also use more of in life.
Perhaps my connection to growing up is unclear. Mostly, I just wanted to tell two really great stories. But at the same time, we lose some of this simplicity as we grow up. Learning a little something isn't celebrate-able anymore and a smile means so little after a few years. Something should be done about this. Hold on to the smiles. Don't forget to give a little attention. When you learn something, share it. Always encourage silliness. Channel the simplicity of children as often as you can.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Adventure #27: Procrastination
“If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done.” ~Rita Mae Brown
I'm hoping this post will provide me with the jump start I need to get my homework done - it's due at midnight. So, to make my homework even closer to the last minute - and potentially late - I've chosen to write my blog on time instead.
My intentions are always good - especially when it comes to my homework and various other projects. But I seem to have lived my whole life thinking "I've got plenty of time." Until finally time's up. The projects get done but even then I wonder, Could I have done better? Could I have done more?
I want to say that I'm on the verge of changing this about myself but that probably won't happen until I've acquired/invented that time machine I've been meaning to get to. (sorry, world, I'll get to it ONE day!) For now, the last minute is when I'll get things done. It is my favorite time of day!
(I think I can write my research paper now! Right after I watch one more episode of some show I've seen a million times!)
Enjoy your Netflix adventures!!!
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Adventure #26: Celebration
“Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even its end.”
~ Joanne Harris,
Chocolat
I celebrate as much as I can. Any reason to have cake, I'm gonna find it. I may not always have cake on those days but they are still cake-worthy days. Here's the short list of days I love to celebrate:
Who wouldn't celebrate a day that changes their life? A day of knowledge and power but also of peace. Going through the temple is exactly what such a day is made of. So today, I'm writing a little about celebrating because we have much to celebrate. And every time I return to the temple as well as often in between, I feel gratitude for the opportunities and promises found in attending.
Whatever life brings, Nov. 10th is a day to celebrate. Enjoy your adventures!
I celebrate as much as I can. Any reason to have cake, I'm gonna find it. I may not always have cake on those days but they are still cake-worthy days. Here's the short list of days I love to celebrate:
- birthdays
- holidays
- popcorn day
- pizza day
- platypus day
- Official Stop and Smell the Roses Day (Apr. 28th, for those who want to join)
- All days that end in "y"
- Just For The Heck Of It Day (which is the same day as Dr. Seuss/Read Across America Day)
- I'm serious...every day I can!
Who wouldn't celebrate a day that changes their life? A day of knowledge and power but also of peace. Going through the temple is exactly what such a day is made of. So today, I'm writing a little about celebrating because we have much to celebrate. And every time I return to the temple as well as often in between, I feel gratitude for the opportunities and promises found in attending.
Whatever life brings, Nov. 10th is a day to celebrate. Enjoy your adventures!
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