April was an odd, rainy month, full of new beginnings and celebration. I started my
new job,
went to Disneyland, and played a lot. Life started to slow down and settle down a little. I'm grateful. After three stressful months of unemployment, I needed to find "normal" again.
The month started with General Conference. I was sick in bed on the Saturday, but I moved my laptop into bed with me and listened to quite a bit of it in between naps. I love
General Conference. I listen to the talks every day and continue to draw strength and wisdom from the messages shared by the leaders of my church. I crave the peace of the Holy Spirit. I'd be a different person without it.
I met Wendy six years ago on my very first day in my current ward. She and I were both late to church and walked in together. She introduced me to Sylinda, and the three of us became good friends. Sylinda was married earlier this year, and she and I celebrated Wendy's April Fools Day wedding together. Wendy
designs wedding dresses, so we were both curious "What does a wedding dress designer wear?" Something gorgeous, obviously. She looked so happy and radiant. She gives me hope. I am thrilled for her!
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| We all laughed that of COURSE Wendy had three different desserts at her wedding. Too perfect! |
I was gifted a ticket to see Cowgirls at Pioneer Theatre Company. My friend Angie played a role in this all-girl musical, and I was impressed and proud of her skill. Everyone in the cast played their own instruments, and Angie nailed the fiddling, not to mention the singing, dancing, and acting. The play was at times poignant and other times hilarious. It would be a difficult one for community theaters to do, so I'm glad I had the chance to see the play at least once. It's was an entertaining evening!
Chantryce invited me to join her and a few others for lunch at Chili's on her birthday. Cutie Chantryce and her collection of loved ones. She loves with her whole heart and will protect and fight for the people most important to her. I'm honored that she includes me in the group.
I started my new job, and marveled at the view from my new "front door." At the Gateway, when I had a window, it overlooked the rooftops at the Gateway. Here, I see the mountains and grass and trees. It's glorious! I love living in Utah.
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| My first desk. Pretty sweet setup! |
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Sometimes I write myself helpful notes.
Sometimes I slap in a placeholder and call it good. |
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| Rainy day view. Love the blossoming trees! |
It seems that once in awhile during our team meetings, my new boss likes to give everyone a creative writing assignment and five minutes to explore an idea. Then we all read our stories out loud to each other. I don't remember the last time I did something like this. I enjoyed it. Not an exciting story, but I'm pretty proud of it anyway. #creativewriting #sliceoflife #outofpractice #worktolive #skillz
I finished several books this month:
The Bands of Mourning,
The Way of Kings, and
Stars Above. All fantasy novels from different series. All wonderful. I don't understand how some people can not enjoy reading. I hope they find something someday that catches their imagination -- for me, there are few things more wonderful and relaxing!
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I'm currently addicted to nutella. It's a problem.
No, I won't tell you how many jars I've eaten in the last three months. |
Spent some time with the G-unit while he shot hoops. I admire his skill and tenacity in sports. He loves the activity and cannot wait to finish dinner and run over to the neighbor's house to use their hoop (he always asks them first). I expressed a curiosity if I could shoot a basket, and he went into coach mode, encouraging me to try, and being very impressed (and surprised) when I made 75% of the shots I tried. We talked about books and school. He told me his electives next year are choir and drama and I felt proud and hopeful. He's always loved to sing, so I hope he enjoys it. He's so grown-up all of a sudden.
THIS IS TRUTH!! I feel like every story I tell is terrible. My friends are sweet about it, though, always willing to listen. Someday the telling will match the ideas. Persistence is key!
Liz and I visited the Ogden Temple on a relentlessly rainy day. I'm glad she likes to go with me, and that she's always up for a photo, even if it's an adventure finding a photographer!
Dinner and hanging out with Laura, Theresa, and Shilene, and Theresa's family. We spent some time jumping on the trampoline (trying to get in our FitBit steps) and coloring. Most of the time we talked each other's ears off. Love these long-time friends!
Vanity selfie of a curl usually hidden by the rest of my hair. It's always a perfect ringlet underneath my mane. I'm a little obsessed with it.
Started a new journal. This one was a gift from Larissa. She bought it for me at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter last year. I love that she thought of me, and knew me well enough to know I'd love it. Thank you, darling friend!
Silly Facebook games and random generators. I am always curious and cannot resist trying every one!
This may be the only photo Lindsey allowed while she was pregnant. She's, like 36 weeks here. Tiny! She and Adam are a beautiful couple. I think it's awesome they're best friends. #lifegoals
Never know what I'm going to get when I ask these girls to "Smile!"
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| Note: Grammy and Papa put this new swingset in their yard this month. They are the cutest grandparents. I need a better photo of the set! |
Baby PJ is a baby no more! He's a big, handsome two year old! His mom threw a barnyard-inspired party and we sang and celebrated the implacable, devious, adventurous little boy who has wrapped us all around his little fingers. What would we do without him?
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| With his favorite person, Papa! |
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| Big cousin G teaches PJ how to hit a ball off a tee. The little guy is a natural! |
Judging by all of the rain we got in April, the flowers in May are going to be AMAZING!! Cannot wait to visit the temple grounds and see for myself ;) May will be filled with work and play and auditions and I don't know what else. Should be fun!
