New Friend

Yesterday on my run, I passed a young man going the opposite direction as me. He had a very poorly behaved dog with him. The dog was running in the street and up to strangers and doing whatever it wanted. The owner didn't seem to care what the dog did. I found this odd, but figured, some people just have no consideration for others, and continued on my run. As I came around another loop, I saw the same fellow with the same dog, only the dog promptly turned around and began to tag along with me! "Huh," I thought, "So the dog wasn't his after all." And so the dog suddenly fell under my borrowed responsibility. I wasn't sure what to do, I figured he would soon get bored and trot off and leave me be, but the dog began running out to the street and chasing cars, nearly killing himself. I shouted after him "DOG NO! Come back Dog!!!" Then he would run back to me and chomp on some snow. I couldn't leave him to get killed in the street, so I continued to try to control him as he ran with me. Then, Dog ran out to a big black truck and began threatening it with his barks and snarls. The truck pulled over and a young man shouted out the window,"IS THIS YOUR DOG?" "NO!" I responded with a laugh. The young man, who had a lady friend with him, was willing to take Dog, who obviously belonged to someone, off the streets. We had a difficult time getting him to climb into the back of the truck. He kept wanting to follow me, bless his heart. So finally I picked him up and shoved him into the bed of the truck. I turned with a "THANK YOU!" and continued my run, only to be surprised 5 seconds later by dog right by my side again. I laughed. I liked this crazy dog. OK, time to get down to business, Dog would have to go inSIDE the car this time. I once again lifted his hind quarters off the ground and pushed him into the truck and closed the door. "It's for your own good Dog." I waved and thanked the couple again, and began to run, laughing and shaking my head all the while. I'll miss my new car chasing, snow eating friend. I hope you find your home Dog!

He Put a Ring on it.

Daren and I officially got engaged on December 29, 2010.
I arrived at the SEATAC airport late in the morning on December 29. The flight had been smooth and I anxiously waited as the plane taxied along the runway. I sent Daren an excited text, "WE JUST LANDED!!!!" I scampered through the tunnel into the airport with an extra spring in my step and an anxious smile budding and bursting on from lips. My searching eyes began examining the scenery around me, hunting for a face among the crowds of strangers. My heart began to race, and then I found him. I couldn't contain the smile any longer, it erupted and overflowed, spreading down to me toes. I dropped my suitcase and ran into open arms.
We went about our day, excited that our time apart was finally over. Soon enough it was almost dinner time and Daren's mother asked us to pick up some juice from the store. We made our way to the store and back without anything unusual happening, or at least not that I noticed. I have realized that I am the most oblivious person on the planet. I didn't notice as Daren's family drove right past us on our way home and I certainly didn't notice that the car was gone. I walked into a dim and empty house wondering, "Where is everyone, why is it so dark?" not noticing the decorated table and romantic mood. It took me a second..."OOOH!" I turned and gave Daren, who was waiting for my reaction, a quizzical look. I turned around and my eyes found a curious object that was placed on the coffee table in the living room. Daren asked if we could do our Christmas exchange before dinner, so I sat on the couch near the coffee table and he handed me a letter. The letter explained the gift: it was a mailbox of sorts, a personal one in which I would receive letters from him. Attatched was a light, and when the light was on, I had a new letter. The gift was carved in the shape of a tree, with a space in the trunk for the letters to go. It was beautiful and definitely took a lot of work to make. The last paragraph spoke of the first time we spent time together alone...we walked to Jamba Juice and came back and climbed a tree near my apartment and talked. Then the letter mentioned a question he hoped he would get to ask me since that day. Then, he opened the top of the tree (mailbox) and inside was a ring. He got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. I was blown away and so all I managed was to croak out a yes. We celebrated together the rest of the evening and I'm still jumping for joy.
I love this fella.

"I Don't Want to go with the Pig-Face!"

Bought the soundtrack finally.
I love this movie.

Well Holy Moly, Me-Oh-My

I feel as though I should inform my blog that Daren and I are engaged! I'll reveal that story a little later, but for now I'd like to take a moment to reflect on familiarity.The comfort we feel in our homes, with our families removes the burden of uncertainty that is laden on our shoulders, cures the fear of an unknown future that so often plagues us. We live our longest days yearning to go home, a place we know and we are known. Well, I returned to Rexburg earlier this month where, I once again, am working my 4AM custodial job. I am tired all the time. I spend a good deal of time on campus, walking around bleary eyed, looking into the face of stranger after stranger as I mill about. I'm taking new classes, one in particular more often than not, presents me with new concepts, tremendously difficult for me to grasp. Don't misunderstand, I love being here, I love my classes, roommates, fiancee', but there have already been days when pressure, confusion, doubt, and immense frustration ignite and are fueled to panic levels by weariness. Not too long ago such a day presented itself to me. My last class (the one that is proving itself to be a nuisance) delivered the final measure of frustration and about half way through the class I was near tears, feeling like everything was going over my head and I was doomed to wander in obliviousness and failure all my days (side note: when you're sleep deprived, molehills are mountains). I returned to my apartment in a cloud of mental chaos, contemplating my seemingly endless to-do list. I remained in my miserable fog until, I was home. In one astounding moment, it was alright. Warmth washed over me, and sweet reassurance and clarity of what was real and important. This was something I knew, and would always know, this was certain, this wouldn't change. My apartment although a home for now, couldn't have relieved me this way. No, only the face of my beloved: a familiarity that although is only built on eight months, reflects eternity, could expel the gloom of the day. There is nothing that feels as natural, as right as the time I spend with him. My future husband, whom I will only know better with time, will always be the home I return to. He is and will be, the familiarity that banishes all uncertainty. My comfort. My happiness. My love. Nothing could ever be so wrong that it could not be made right by those reassuring, unbelievable blue eyes.

Silly song, sweet concept.

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?