Giving Thanks

This past week was Thanksgiving break. The week that Daren FINALLY came down to Palmdale. Several months ago, Daren and I walked and talked in Tremonton Utah. We were on our way back up to Idaho after visiting his family and spending the Fourth of July with them. We stopped to visit some more of Daren's family in the small town in Utah and decided to take a walk in the early evening. We explored an abondoned wheat tower-thing, and fooled around and talked. If I remember right, it was on this walk that we first spoke of the future in any way shape or form. We had both previously expressed distaste for long distance relationships, but as we walked, we shared our desires to continue our courtship during the fall; a time when we would be separated. It may have been on this walk, or perhaps another, that I casually mentioned Thanksgiving break, just planting the idea that we might spend it together. And that night, all those months ago, lit the long fuse for what has been an emotionally explosive week.
Daren drove down last Saturday. I had been preparing for his arrival for days, finishing up homework, decorating, cleaning, and working on the plans I had for the week. I can't believe after all the waiting and anticipation, he's already back in Idaho, but anyway, he arrived Saturday night and shortly thereafter joined my family and I for Stake Conference. I must say, it is extremely difficult to concentrate when your sweetheart, whom you haven't seen for two months, is sitting right next to you all handsome-like and smooch-able. Sunday was another session of Stake Conference and we spent the rest of the day relaxing together. Monday may have been my favorite day of the whole break. It was Daren's birthday celebration, despite the fact that his actual birthday was 6 weeks earlier. That evening, we made dinner together and got all gussied up for the occasion. Before we ate, I insisted on giving him his birthday gift. I played and sang for him a song that I had prepared just for the occasion; one that he knows means a great deal to me. After that we sat down to eat, but only managed a few bites. We danced together, talked together, and celebrated together. I can't imagine a more perfect evening. Tuesday was a part of Daren's Christmas present, despite the face that Christmas isn't for another four weeks. After Daren went to bed I picked up a few friends (Thanks again Natalie and Tyler!) and we busted a Christmas mission. We decorated my house for Christmas, tree and all to surprise Daren.
The next day was, for all intents and purposes, Christmas. I showed Daren my family's traditions, and my family, being wonderful, as they are, were happy to participate. We played Danish games, made Danish chocolate, and tree decorations. We had a real Christmas dinner, went caroling, and watched a Muppet's Christmas Carol. At the end of the day, Daren and I say around the fire with hot chocolate and Christmas music playing quietly in the background. It was a fantastic day. The rest of the week we spent just enjoying eachother's company.
We even got to go to the Los Angeles Temple together on Saturday morning before Daren left for Idaho. It was his first time there, but it won't be his last ;) All in all, this week was the highlight of the season hands down.
Perhaps I should also mention the fun talk Daren and I had with both my parents. He requested a one on one with my Dad, but my mother, being my mother bless her heart, insisted on sitting in. After their talk, they called me down and we all had a fun chat about our future, and both of our families. It feels good to take steps towards making things official. Now all I need is the rock. Ha. Kidding, of course.

Song of the Moment X3

These three songs have been blowin UP my headphones. LOVE them! There is so much amazing music out there. I just want to take a moment to appreciate some of it...
This last video makes me laugh. Makes me want to kick some ninja BUTT!

1:54:56

Thousands have gathered. There has been months of preparation: sweat, tears, pushing to the point of exhaustion, countless hours dedicated to a single event.Saturday November 6, 2010. A day that seemed as though it would never come, and here it is. Three thousand people crowded together at 6:30 AM from all over the state, squinting into a bright light, all preparing their minds for the moment of truth. The announcement is made, "One minute!" then "Thirty seconds!" The mob begins to move forward, slow and steady. Nerves churning in the stomach's of every person in the throng. I step on the thick plastic starting mat shoulder to shoulder with those around me. We soon spread out and then it hits me. I'm finally doing it! The cool ocean air rushes past as I speed up, passing person after person, watching others pass me. I take a moment to soak it in, tears of joy burn in my chest, but do not come to my eyes. I have never felt so free. Determination takes over and I charge forward. I feel as though I'm part of something. Something important. Those around me are not competitors, but comrades all fighting for greatness. Battling the odds and pushing past physical pain to reach a higher existence. A noble cause to me it seems, although I realize that this whole affair will only take us thirteen miles from where we began. Just thirteen miles, and yet I know that when I cross that finish line, I will be so far from where I started. We are runners. We are exceptional: doing things most people scoff at, things that most people couldn't imagine doing, or enjoying for that matter and yet as I run down that street surrounded by three thousand strangers, I find it impossible to keep my lips from stretching into a liberated smile. I'm flying! Time passes. Still running. Weariness hits like a train, head on and crippling. I begin to slow down. I see a mile marker. Seven miles, less than an hour has passed, I've never been this fast. A new possibility blossoms in my mind. A new goal is anchored in my bosom. A new determination pours into my fading limbs. New energy, new life. Miles eight and nine pass fueled by resolution. Then I see it. I stare up at what I knew was coming, but I almost hoped wouldn't. Lean forward. Pump arms. Climb higher and higher. Don't stop, can't stop. Burning muscles, dripping sweat, eyes on the top. Runners pour over the top of the hill and there suddenly seems to be more air. I stretch out my legs and let gravity whisk me away. Three miles left. Two miles. One mile and I'm suddenly nervous again. How can one last mile be more intimidating than all the others? But there it is, one never ending mile. People appear at the sidelines with signs and shouts of encouragement. My eyes search for the end, and then it appears. Speed speed speed! And suddenly I'm walking...it's over. I have done it. I'VE DONE IT! I have to let it sink in. Stiff and tired and smiling I wait for my sister and dear friend to join me at the end of our journey. A sense of pride and fulfillment lift me off the ground and I float into cloud of euphoria. Who knew 13 miles could take me so far?