Take it Easy

Does this not look amazing. I love hammocks. I think I was born that way. I actually purchased one of my own when I went to Ecuador. However, the saddest part is that at the moment there is no safe place to hang it. Today has been a long day at work and I would love nothing more to have this picture be what I came home to. To be able to swing in the greens, relax, and possibly read a book or nap. *sigh*

Picture by Christine Olson Photography

Imagination

So sometimes my roommate/cousin, Amy, thinks it is funny to play tricks on me. Last night for instance I was minding my own business watching--a show that shall not be named due to the pursecution that could possibly follow--when she text me telling me to come outside with her and boyfriend. To be honest I was pretty tired and just wanted to sit so I put off venturing out until after probably about forty minutes.

For any of you who have been to my little basement apartment you know there is a patio with a pool in the backyard. This is where Amy and Gordy (aka boyfriend) were sitting. I'm a little blind in the first place but as I stepped out the darkness and my impaired vision made it impossible to see them. Also, little known fact, Louise is afraid of the dark and did not want to go searching and when I called out they did not respond. As I peered into the darkness I saw and heard nothing that resembled human life. Here is when my imagination takes over. I ran inside and locked the door.

Maybe someone stole Amy's phone and was trying to lure me out into the dark to get me. Because they knew I was home alone I would be an easy target to attack, rape, or kidnap. Is Amy alright? Did they get her first? What do I do if they come through the door? Where is my phone? HELP!

Knock knock knock

Amy and Gordy at the back sliding door. I went and open it with relief. I asked why they didn't answer when I called to them, they had not heard. We all sit down and they are both giggling. What's so funny? Amy had been texting me from Gordy's ice hockey game thinking it would be funny to have me walking around the house trying to find them. Little did she know I had been lazy and only two minutes ago gotten up to go out and say hi. What a little stink! But I love her, and lets be honest I'm glad it was her playing a joke instead of my alternate reality. It is amazing what our minds can do.

Good Tunes

Little Brother

Lately I've been thinking a lot about my little brother, Walter. I've come to realize how much I truely look up to him and admire the person he is. He is a hero to me. When I think of the lessons he has taught me through example I feel extremely humbled. He is a great young man. Although I look up to him in many ways I have always felts very protective of him. I want to guard him from any harm, or pain. I've come to know that is not possible nor is it best. He is serving the Lord in California and facing challenges and having remarkable experiences that I am not directly involved in. Although he is far away and involved in the work I feel we are still very connected. I love him so much and yearn for his happiness. Upon gaining a greater understanding of how much I love him I feel I have come to taste a small sample of what our Savior must feel for each of us, His brothers and sisters. Oh, what love He must have! How much He must desire to guard us from harm and protect us from pain, but yet He knows He cannot always. He knows we must learn and grow. And so I put my trust in Him who loves us perfectly. Through Faith in His love I find comfort in His abilities to perfectly protect and keep my little brother.

Haiku, Bless You

I thought this poem was so good and just to clarify I'm not racist. It is a haiku and makes me happy. It was written by an individual who shall remain anonymous. :)

I pity de foo'
Who done laugh at me talkin'.
You de whitey foo'!

Love for a Daughter

My dad once quoted this poem to
me and it has stuck with me. I love it.

Give all to love;
Obey thy heart;
Friends, kindred, days,
Estate, good fame,
Plans, credit, and the muse;
Nothing refuse.

'Tis a brave master,
Let it have scope,
Follow it utterly,
Hope beyond hope;
High and more high,
It dives into noon,
With wing unspent,
Untold intent;
But 'tis a god,
Knows its own path,
And the outlets of the sky.
'Tis not for the mean,
It requireth courage stout,
Souls above doubt,
Valor unbending;
Such 'twill reward,
They shall return
More than they were,
And ever ascending.

Leave all for love;—
Yet, hear me, yet,
One word more thy heart behoved,
One pulse more of firm endeavor,
Keep thee to-day,
To-morrow, for ever,
Free as an Arab
Of thy beloved.
Cling with life to the maid;
But when the surprise,
Vague shadow of surmise,
Flits across her bosom young
Of a joy apart from thee,
Free be she, fancy-free,
Do not thou detain a hem,
Nor the palest rose she flung
From her summer diadem.

Though thou loved her as thyself,
As a self of purer clay,
Tho' her parting dims the day,
Stealing grace from all alive,
Heartily know,
When half-gods go,
The gods arrive.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yep, 25 Things

Random things, Enjoy:

1. I come from a huge family, ten kids, mom, dad, and at this point 13 nieces and nephews with one on the way. I love them more than anything.
2. I LOVE blankets, especially a beat up small one.
3. This last summer I went to Ecuador and fell in love with the kids I served in orphanages there.
4. I tend to be a little odd in my humor, most people don't get it at first.
5. I wanted to collect something so I decided on Children's Books and I love them!! I think about them too often. My favorite as of late are the Olivia series, she is hilarious.
6. My family thinks it is funny that instead of saying I have to "pee" I use the word "urinate"
7. I was a brat in elementary and junior high... Poor Fernando. I like to hope I've changed.
8. I love being alone regularly, but not constantly.
9. I think I'm funny and often am the only one laughing at my jokes haha
10. I am a tease.
11. I'm left handed.
12. I am a Public Health major with an emphasis in Health Promotion.
13. I'm lactose intolerant.
14. I pretty much enjoy all adventures.
15. I have always driven really "nice" cars... my current one is SPEW, she has a marroon with white lips, Muah!
16. I like to attempt to use large words to sound intelligent but unfortunately it doesn't usually work so well.
17. I love driving without the radio on when I'm alone.
18. I think and analyze things WAY too much.
19. I get overwhelmed when too much is going on at once.
20. I nuzzle my head every time I fall sleep.
21. I love my bed more than anyone probably should love a bed.
22. I squeal when I'm going to sleep. Literally because I get so excited. Even just thinking about it makes me happy!
23. I've had my fair share of car accidents. Yikes.
24. I have a stuffed animal named Uterus.
25. I used to play the Cello when I was younger.

Muah! Adorable.

So this is pretty much one of my favorite pictures of Jacob (my nephew). I had high aspirations for my blog but I have not been able to keep up with it... somewhat by choice but I don't have enough pictures so I am going to post more. Just whenever I feel like it. This one I especially love. Adorable boy.