real-life love story

One of my favorite joys in life is standing on the sidelines and watching the real-life love stories unfold of my friends and those I love best.  

Over the past year, I got to watch one of my dearest friends and cousin’s love story. She and her forever have a story like no other. One that only the Almighty could orchestrate. But they both had to play their parts well and not give up when times got tough. And after the work, prayers, and faith even oceans couldn’t keep them apart. She and I have spent hours through the years talking about life, love, and the day when it would finally happen to us. We both surmised that no matter the timing, circumstances, place, age, or aligning of the stars that brought two people together who will love each other forever, it is nothing short of a miracle. Even the simplest story. Her story is without a doubt evidence of that. It was a good story to watch. Better than the best chick flick.

I am so grateful that I got to be there when this segment of the story wrapped up and when these two amazing people completely committed to love and take care of the other for the rest of eternity. The day was beautiful all around. And she was “the bride of my dreams.” (Do you know that reference? Hint: It’s from a movie and a book.)

The happily-ever-after is still in the making. But it will be a joy to continue watching.

*Picture courtesy of Jared Harlow.

believe in good things to come

change

One of my loves is travel. I love to see and experience the many exotic beauties that this earth holds. However, recently, I’ve been reminded that true beauty of the world lies in the people and relationships. You can’t make it with out them and they are truly precious. I am thankful for all the people that have been brought into my life.
I’ve also been reminded once again of the ever presence of change. I know change is a constant in everyone’s lives. However, it seems in the last few months the changes have been coming closer together in my life and much of the good familiarity that I have come to rely on in the last few years is fading away. I usually embrace change, however, when it affects precious and dear relationships, I wish I could find a pause button.
Resolution: Build relationships with people that will last and make a difference. And work to keep them.
PS. The weekend was a good weekend, full of good friends and good food. Three great finds:
1. Young Victoria. A delightful, pleasant British movie about Queen Victoria. (Also very clean. What a relief.)
2. Himalayan Kitchen in Salt Lake. Good Indian Food for an affordable price.
3. An Israel Flag Italian charm. I like collecting Italian Charms of flags of countries where I have been. They are getting harder to find since the charms aren’t as popular as they once were. I still have about 9 more (and counting) to search for, but Israel was a big one.

never too late

...for resolutions

Some random, yet meaningful, resolutions for 2010.

I totally copied this idea. Happy New Year!

This morning...

Began like any other Monday morning. Woke up, got ready, rode the bus to work. Little did I know that this would be my last morning riding the bus, climbing the stairs to the second floor, clocking in, checking my email. Little did I know that I would be cleaning out my desk and leaving for the last time. This morning I had a plan that I was prepared for. But that all changed when I got a call from BYU offering me a opening in their full time MPA program. Oh and by the way it starts tomorrow. "OMG" (I'm not a big fan of that saying but it seemed to fit.) After a quick discussion with my parents and weighing the pros and cons in my head I decided to go for it. So I am now officially unemployed. (The loss of my regular paycheck was a little twinge in my stomach.) But I am officially a student at BYU in the MPA program. And I feel really good about that. More details to come later. I need to get to bed. This is going to be a big week.