Wednesday, May 11, 2011

10 Things

Some things you may or may not know about me!

1) I was a bit of tomboy growing up. I'd play street hockey with the boys and I wore hideous clothing. I had no idea what fashion was even when I was in middle school! I wore boys boxer shorts as regular shorts!

2) If I knew how to, I would love to work on an old car. I don't care what kind of car, just as long as the frame has clean design lines, I am alright with any model.

3) Secretly I am a good cook. Deep, deep down. If I had an amazing kitchen with fresh ingredients stocked in my fridge and pantry, I would go to town. It's the artist inside of me, I love to create! I have a secret recipe for Strawberry shakes and French Toast. I am also great at baking pies- just ask my Mom.

4) I love the idea of keeping family traditions. My family has some great traditions such as Christmas stockings, Christmas ornaments, Easter baskets, a costume box, and when I was in school, special colored lunches which corresponded to the Holiday- such as Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day. I will carry these on.

5) My room has always been messy. One day I will be super organized since that's what I like- a simple, modern home. But for now, I am taking baby steps... IKEA I love you.

6) One of my favorite websites for years has been m-w.com. I love playing their game of the day and challenging myself with new words.

7) I bite my lower lip when I am nervous or uncomfortable. Adam also says I get this distinct laugh, almost like it is faked or forced.

8) One of my best and worst qualities is that I am sensitive. Before, I allowed myself to be easily offended, but it is definitely something I have learned to overcome and something that I am consciously aware of. On a more positive side, it's a blessing because I am innately considerate of others. I seek to help people feel comfortable and I want them to have their needs and wants.

9) It's like a game for me to look good. I love fashion and I love to creat something new on my body. Fashion is an art project for me. Sometimes it's hard to find a balance between fashion and comfort but that is the fun in the game.

10) One of my most life changing experiences I had was studying for a month in Meso America. Seeing the way the world works in those countries was life defining for me. I found myself there. I remember a specific moment when we were in the airport coming home. I literally felt optimism permeate my soul and I was never the same. Since that time, optimism has been one of my best friends.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Merry Happy

"You are never given a dream without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however." Richard Bach

Oh Saturday, our Young Single Adult wards had a farewell party. We went to Adam's in the morning, and mine later that night. As we were leaving my ward's party, my Bishop commented that he has never seen me happier than in that moment as he turned to Adam. It's true, Adam is the light of my life. We spend a lot of time together, so when we are apart, I can tell something is different. It's good that we are both self sufficient, but when we are together, I feel more harmony and more peace in my life. I don't worry when I am with Adam. He never allows me to be sad, something I appreciate very much. I can take anything to Adam and if he cannot understand, he will seek a path where he can come to an understanding.

So yes, I am happy. My life is actually really good, I have it pretty easy. Considering the 180 degree turn my life has taken, it's been a full 360 in the past few years. I feel renewed and back on track! Would you like to know one of my secrets? Paying it forward. I kinda sorta dislike that phrase, but it's effective. In other words, helping others. I find my problems dissolve and resolutions are found faster when I forget myself by helping others. This is not to say shirk your duties, it's to say, there is beauty in being selfless.

Last week, I walked from my work to meet up with Adam at his work (we work 3 blocks away from each other). Feeling like I should walk a very particular way to his office, I cut through a parking lot. I reached the top of the stairs just in time to see an elderly woman with one crutch attempting to climb the steps. Oh, this and she had a briefcase, a purse and a box in her arms. How was she carrying all of that? I looked at her and asked, "Do you need any help?" I could see she was thinking about whether or not I would grab her purse and run. She decided I was ok and smiled and said, "Why yes, I do think I need some help." I have said this before, but whenever I do something nice for someone else like this, I really can feel the pure love of Christ wash over me and it nearly brings me to tears. It only took me an extra 3 minutes to help this sweet woman to her car and I can't imagine how much time and energy I must have saved her. She sprained her ankle and I was reminded of when I sprained mine last December. I was miserable and I needed a lot of help in the beginning. I am glad I was there to help her.

I know these situations are preparing me for great things. I know blessings are there for me, but I must put in the effort in order to make my dreams come true. And they are definitely coming true.

Do you see me?
http://www.utahphotobooth.com/april30

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Some People Worry

Some people worry about their hair. Others worry if anyone will notice the gap between their teeth. Some worry whether their child will wake from a coma or not. Some worry if they will have friends to sit with at lunch. What are my worries? Everything can be a stressor for me, but the key is to let things go. If there is one recurring lesson that I am learning right now, it's patience. That and to always be confident in myself. So many people are confident in me. Why? I can name a few things, but people always surprise me. And then again, I surprise myself.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

One of the Many Reasons Why I Love my Mr. Twede

One of my pet peeves are people who are inconsiderate. This can range from people who won't stop talking about themselves to people who "forget" to hold open the door for me. I'm sorry, were you too busy worrying about yourself that you forgot your manners? Excuse me for living and getting in your way.

The one person who gives everyone consideration and goes beyond that by trying to understand everyone is... drum roll please, bet you'll never guess... Adam! This is one of the biggest reasons why I love my Mr. Twede. Not only is he kind, but he cares about everyone, and he is sooo not judgemental. I have many examples of how Adam best exemplifies the state of being considerate, so I shall share one of them.


Adam is constantly looking out for my well being. He is always supportive of what I want, what I need, and what I want to accomplish. For example, today Adam asked me if I wanted to start eating gluten free based on an article I sent him. I told him I didn't want to necessarily start, but I am conscious of it and I try to keep away from gluten when I can. He said, "we can do as much or as little as you want, if it will make you feel better, I'm all for it". It's the small, but profound actions on Adam's part that make him a great person and our relationship successful. Obviously it takes two people to make a relationship, but with Adam, he makes me look good.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Destiny

Do you ever feel like you are destined for something great? Like you are on the cusp of greatness?


In my post "Romancing Amy" I said, I knew I was being prepared for something great." Let me explain:


I knew I was supposed to be in SLC after I graduated in April 2009. I had an obligation to move to NC for the summer, but after that, my plans were to come to SLC. It had always been my dream to live in downtown SLC, especially the Avenues. I remember driving thru the streets as a kid and knowing that my future would intertwine with downtown. I never questioned how.


Once I moved to the Avenues in December 2009, I knew that was the place I needed to stay. I know that destiny is something we have a choice in, and in my case, it's what ultimately led me to the point where I am at now- my choices. But I cannot deny the irresistible power that appealled to me. Destiny is my friend, not my parent and ultimately, not my creator.


I know this is only the beginning of something great for me. I am not disillusioned into thinking Adam is perfect, I just know that he is perfect for me.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

What I Want in a Husband

A list I made in 2009 and Adam encompasses and surpasses all of these... except #18 because I haven't put him to the test there yet...

1) Be a worthy Priesthood holder
2) Faithful
3) Trusting
4) Obedient to the Lord
5) Intimate (in thoughts and actions)
6) Prays with intensity
7) Reads and searches the Scriptures daily
8) Committed to live a life of happiness
9) Willing to influence his children's lives daily
10) Supportive of me and my goals and dreams
11) Will create a house of love
12) Knows how to sacrifice and will do so for his family and for God
13) Will honor his Baptismal and Temple Covenants
14) Will give all his love to me and never let his passion for me die
15) Willing to take me out on dates even after we have children
16) Takes me to the Temple on a regular basis
17) Likes to be active/works out
18) Likes to play card/board games
19) My family likes him
20) Someone who thinks I am gorgeous on the inside as well as the outside
21) Someone who is a bold- a risk taker
22) I want to travel with him
23) I never want our kisses to get old
24) Someone who isn't jealous of stupid things/people
25) Dedicated
26) Loyal
27) Courageous
28) Makes me want to be better
29) Truthful
30) Always makes me feel good
31) Unselfish
32) Supports our family
33) Willing to communicate everything with my effectively
34) Able to confide in me as a best friend
35) Makes good decisions
36) Able to save money effectively
37) Sees himself as I do (as handsome and intelligent)
38) Confident
39) High self-esteem
40) Loves his mom and dad
41) Has gratitude
42) Respectful

And Adam, happy three months. I can't imagine a happier, more peaceful time for me.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Remnant

Has there ever been a person you cannot rid your memory of? I believe the cause of this particular attachment is due to one of two things: either the connection you had was true love, or the connection you think you had is now a fantasy burned into your mind and you are allowing it to haunt you until you decide to act and think differently. Most of the time, the fantasy, the remnant of once was, is not better than reality. Sometimes it's hard to remember that fact in the midst of swirling emotions.