25 Random Things

So not going to lie. The creative juices just aren't a-flowing tonight. And so I am lifting this idea from one of those facebook fads that went around a few years ago. The idea? Say twenty-five random things about yourself. Like things you are loving, doing, hating, thinking, etc. I actually love reading lists like this about people. I think it gives you a good snap shot of who they are at the very moment that they write it. And months or years later, the same person will say very different things. Here goes:

1. I can't stop thinking about moving to Utah. And I can't believe I'm doing it. It's pretty much on my mind all the time. Although I am really sad to leave Texas, I'm pretty excited about the change.

2. I think life is all about ebb and flow. Sometimes you have seasons of peace and comfort. Sometimes you have seasons of work, work, work. But in time, all things change. While this past year has been hard for some particular reasons, it has also been a blessing because I've been able to grow spiritually in ways I've never believed I could.

3. Pity parties are useless. And self-pity is a monster. It's not just useless; it's detrimental to your well-being.

4. God loves us, His children. So it's much easier to trust Him knowing that He loves me.

5. I think about becoming a writer all the time. I love to write. LOVE it. Need it. Want to do it.

6. My hair rocks. I sometimes get down on myself and I don't always have the healthiest self-esteem. But I have awesome hair. And the gal who does it here in Texas. Oh I'll miss Bethany!

7. I can't wait to go running in Utah. It's too hot to run here right now. So I can't wait for the routine again - especially in the morning in the cool mountain air. I mean, it has been sooooo entirely too hot here. Over 100 degrees for the past week or so that I know of and counting. I'm not sure I can stand it!

8. I'm going to miss soooooooooo many things about Texas. Obviously not the hot summer weather. BUT...I'll miss the friends I've made in the Rockwall ward. I'll miss my family. I'll miss getting Julia out of bed in the morning and Audrey's infectious laugh. I'll miss the mild winter and the beautiful spring. I'll miss Claire and Hallie playing together so peacefully. I'll miss Zeb saying silly Zeb things and Leah's giving example. I'll miss teasing Cora and Jess, Emmett calling me Princess Parky Pant and Maren singing her scriptures. I'll miss Josh and his kind and logical encouragement and Carol's banter. We are always teasing each other. I'll miss going to San Antonio to see Abe and Meredith and the kids, laughing at Ethan and all his Ethan-ness and smiling at how cute and smart little Taylor is becoming. It will be a sad thing to say good-bye to all the good things. And I'll miss Texans. They are kind, good folks, those Texans. Don't let anyone tell you different.

9. I have days where I miss law school. That is my dirty little secret. I mean, who would miss that? There must be something wrong with me. But first year was so awesome. Hard and complete torture. Still, it was awesome. And perhaps I miss the structure. There is something to be said for routines, purpose, work.

10. I love learning about the women in the Old Testament. I admire them. I am glad I don't have to experience life in ancient times. It was rough for women. Well, it was rough all around. Who am I kidding. But I think it was particularly difficult for women.

11. I can do a pretty mean pedicure. It takes forever and isn't nearly as relaxing as a pedicure at a salon or spa. But I can do one myself for a lot less cash. So home pedicures it is!

12. I am impatient. But I am learning to wait. It can take it's toll, this waiting thing.

13. Speaking of learning to wait, I learned something yesterday as I sat in the temple. It occurred to me that while I may have to wait, I make the Lord wait for me. Sometimes I think things like, "Oh, the Lord knows I'll get around to doing X." Like paying my tithing or fast offerings or going to the temple or whatever. Because it is true. I will get around to it. But all too often it is in my own time. I'm pretty sure, however, that when the Lord makes me wait, it is for a purpose, not because He just doesn't feel like it at the moment. And that helps me to recognize that I need to be more patient.

14. It's best to be humble.

15. I love dry shampoo. I love it because my hair can still look pretty good, even if I haven't washed it.

16. My friends Michelle and Cindy have these delightfully fat and adorable babies. I mean, these guys are big ole chunks of chub and love. And they are very happy and content babies. I love me a fat baby! When I see them, it makes me actually want to have one of my own.

17. It feels good to take good care of your body. Running, lifting, exercising, eating right. It just feels good. And when I over eat, I feel like garbage.

18. I can't wait to have a place of my own. I really really want that. I think about it a lot. I especially think about the couch from Restoration Hardware that I cannot afford. And a library. Where would I put this library? In my fictional mansion. A girl can dream and hope.

19. More good people, the people who say, "I would never," should run for office. I would never run for a public office. I know I shouldn't say that. I know that every time I say things like that, I end up doing them. Like moving back to Utah. But then, if more people who would never seek public office because they have no desire for power or to run things, then maybe, just maybe, we could get something done for the people of this country. We need a revolution. Not a bloody one, mind you. But a voting revolution. Where people go out and vote out the old and ring in the new! And the new...well, those folks need to be the people who "would never."

20. I own a lot of books that I haven't read. It's a sickness. If I own it, I won't read it. If it came from the library, I will read it. Why? Because I tell myself that I can read that book I own any time, but I have to get this other book back to the library. But really, I can read the library book later, too. I mean, it's a library. You can check out books any time.

21. Speaking of libraries, I'll miss the library here in Rockwall. It is a really fantastic library.

22. I can't get over Harry Potter. I don't think there should be another book in the series. I've heard what Rowling herself has to say about another book, and I agree that at some point, the story has to end. She outdid herself with that series. And I would hate for it all to be ruined by a book that didn't meet up to the conflict in the first seven. How can you write another conflict for the HP franchise that would match it? And why should she? Like I said, she outdid herself. She can write something else, and I am sure I will love it, too. Still, in spite of that, I feel sort of devastated that the last movie is out and that it's all done. Oh I must find myself a new HP...a new LOTR!

23. Failure isn't a curse. Failure can be a really big blessing if we allow it to be. I'm learning a lot from my own failures.

24. Gratitude can really be a cure for what ails you. If you focus for a while one what you have, you start to see the abundance of good in your life.

25. There is an abundance of good things in life. I am grateful.