A few days in California

This week I spent some time in Yosemite National Park. We had a leadership conference there and it was so beautiful. Here are just a few pictures.

A Little Embarrassed

Yesterday Haden and I got to hang out for part of the day. He was in his chair and I was attempting to feed him baby food, which he really hates, when someone knocked on the door.

I answered it and it was a man from a mortuary. He explained that he was going door to door in the area, setting up appointments to review with couples their plans for the future. He asked if he could come back when my husband was home.

I don't know why that bugs me so much when people ask if they can come back when my husband is home, but it does. I was annoyed that he would assume that I would have one. I thought of all the things I would have help taking care of - small things like removing a snake from the bedroom floor, shoveling the driveway, taking the car to get fixed, or doing the taxes.

I politely told him that I didn't have a husband and that I really wasn't interested. He was embarrassed, I could tell, and I shut the door, still annoyed at the husband comment. Then I realized I was holding a baby and a jar of baby food. That's why he assumed I had a husband. And I was embarrassed.

One Good Day

I had such a good day today! While I didn't do one thing I'd intended to do, the things I did do where much needed things.

About 10:15 this morning I went over to my parents house. Dre and I were going to do a little shopping for some new shoes for me. I hate to shop! That is no secret. I like to get in, find what I need, and get out. So, it's always better to take her with me. In addition to finding some great shoes, we some some badly needed tops in smaller sizes than those I currently own :).

After that we went to lunch. Haden charmed everyone in the restaurant. He's getting so big and has such a fun personality. He had people falling all over him.

When we got home, we went on a walk/run. I appreciate that she went slower for me. I wish she lived closer so I could do that more often. It would be nice to have someone to go with.

Then we decided to hit a movie - just the girls. We went to see Twilight. Good thing it was in the dollar theater because I would have been mad if regular priced tickets would have been purchased for such an awful movie. We sat on the front row, yes the very front row, and laughed and mocked and shook our heads in disbelief throughout the whole movie.

While I'm now further behind on homework, still have a lesson to finish up for Sunday, and all that other fun stuff to do that normally gets done on my day off, I really needed today.

Honesty - Part II

I suppose I need to clarify some things about the post I did on Sunday about honesty. First of all, I didn't say everything I should have in that short post. Honesty is not the most important characteristic in a future spouse. There are many things I could list. I was having a casual conversation with a man I didn't know and didn't feel it necessary to give him a complete list. Honesty, I thought, was a safe topic, and the intent of my post was to share my amazement at what he considered to be honest or dishonest.

I know it's unrealistic and impractical to expect perfection. We all make mistakes. I'm especially good at them. Part of the reason we're here is to learn and grow and make it back home. But, is it wrong of me to hope that my future spouse would be honest and upfront with me? And, when he's not, that he apologize and we move on?

All I want is a good man, who tries hard to do the best that he can. When he slips and falls, he gets back up, shakes himself off, and continues down the path. Because that's what I try to do.

I was reading the blog tonight of a couple with whom I attended high school. They found out right before the birth of their last child that she had a brain tumor. She delivered the baby early and they proceeded to see what they could do. Today the got word that nothing was really helping. He spent the day consoling his wife as she made mention of the fact that she didn't think she was ready to die.

I moan and groan about my life all the time. Things are too hard or not fun. Someone hurt my feelings. It's hard to be single. Work is a burden. Life's hard. But really, I have it pretty easy. I'm not in a position where I'm trying to figure out what to do without my spouse, or wondering who will take care of my young family when I'm not there to do it anymore.

I wonder a lot why some people have to go through such hard things and others don't really seem to. I know it's all part of Heavenly Father's plan. It's all part of the process that leads us closer to Him so that we can ultimately make it back. I don't like to watch people I care about go through hard things. I suppose, though, that neither did our Father in Heaven as He watched the suffering of His Son. But He did it. He did it so we'd have a way back home to Him. For His sacrifice, I'm grateful.

Honesty

I was talking to a man last night who asked me what I was looking for in a companion. Without hesitation I told him that he had to be honest - completely honest - with me. He said it sounded like I'd had a little experience with this and he asked for some examples. I gave him some big ones - like seriously dating a guy who failed to mention that he was engaged to someone else, but then I also told him that it makes me crazy when people don't do what they say they will. He questioned whether or not that really had to do with honesty.

Seriously? Are you kidding me? It has everything to do with honesty! I was reading an Orson Scott Card article this afternoon which validated my point. The little things have everything to do with honesty.

The article also made me realize that if he's not doing the things he said he'd do, it's because he really doesn't care. Another important thing to be honest about.

Struggling with Juggling

The last couple of weeks have been crazy. I feel like my plate is pretty full and I've found myself having a hard time juggling everything.

As I mentioned before, I went back to school. My first class is halfway through, which is a good thing, because the topic is not one I enjoy, making it harder to study. Since each class is only 5 weeks, it's pretty intense with a lot of reading and a whole bunch of writing. There is something due nearly every night.

In addition to school, one of my callings in my ward is to teach gospel doctrine. I love it, but it scares me to death every time I have to teach. Because of this, I probably over prepare and spend an incredible amount of time studying each week. The study is great. I've learned so much and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Also, last night the Bishop's wife called and asked if I would be on the enrichment committee for March. I think I actually hesitated, which I don't recall ever doing before, as everything I have going on raced through my mind. I told her, though, that I would be happy to do whatever she needed me to do.

Work is always there, adding to my balancing act, as well as a better attempt at a social life (it's true that I actually had a date last week). I've found myself spending time with great people and really enjoying myself. It's good, really good, but puts one more thing on my plate.

I'm not complaining. Really. I asked for more to do. More to consume my suddenly open schedule. I'm sure in a week or so, things will settle down. Actually, I'm kind of hoping they don't. It's good to be busy!