Ayeayeaye; could this Friday trickle by any s.....l.......o.....w......e.......r?
I spent 3 hours delivering things all around campus yesterday--on foot; things that could have been dropped in campus mail instead. Today my walking muscles are sore. Every time I get up from my stupid computer my limbs and muscles feel like they can't do their normal bendy/stretchy motions. And I'm thinking, how in the world am I going to run 3 miles today, and 12 tomorrow?
This week (and last week for that matter) has been the kind of week where I want to say words like suck and crap and stupid, and go out to eat for every meal. You know how the Lord promises that He won't tempt and try us above what we are able (1 Corinthians 10:13)?
Well have you ever felt like you've reached the end of your rope, you've handled all you can....but then the trial doesn't end, so you're thinking "okay, I guess I can handle more than I thought". So then your prayers of "I can't handle this anymore" seem obsolete, and kind of feel like your saying instead, "show me what You got...show me just how much I can handle?"
And then you start making plans to move to Europe.
But then you pray that something will happen to give you some hope, some little thing to hang on to. And then it happens, and you realize you are way past what you can handle; the Savior stepped in long ago. I get myself out of bed and into the shower, and He carries me through the rest of the work day without dying.
Something new is coming my way. I can feel it.
If it doesn't, we're moving to Europe. Seriously.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A Little Bit of Love
Happy Valentine's Day!
I was thinking about how the meaning of Valentine's Day has shifted for me since I got married. It used to be about what romantic thing the boy I was dating would do for me, or it was a torturous reminder that I was single and may end up an old maid. Now, it's about celebrating the people I love. Particularly, my dear Watson.
When we dated in high school I worried myself sick about whether or not we were doing the right thing. I must have said 5,000 prayers that we would make right choices, and that if Heavenly Father didn't want us to be together, then please let me know. We were young and it was against my previous mindset to have a boyfriend in high school. My dear Watson was special though, and when I look back on the way I felt after meeting him for the first time, I know Heavenly Father had a hand in everything. I think the only reason this worked is because of how desperately we both wanted what was right.
In the months leading up to my dear Watson serving a mission, I spent a LOT of time crying and pleading with Heavenly Father to help me let him go. I prayed that I would keep my eyes and options open to the will of the Lord, even if it meant not marrying my dear Watson. But I prayed occasionally as well, that I would be able to marry him. I just wanted to do what was right.
I planned a trip to New Zealand 2 months after he left on his mission. I knew this would be critical in helping me heal and let go. It was critical, and I did heal. In fact, I healed so much that I decided I thought I might want to marry someone else. Not necessarily someone else in particular, but I just didn't think I'd marry my dear Watson anymore. So I wrote him a letter and that infamous song. I made up my mind and regardless of my situation when he came back, I would not try to go after him. He was not my back-up boyfriend.
After I made that decision, the last year of his mission went by very fast for me...and no doubt for him too.
He came home, and when I heard from my good friend and roommate that she had seen my dear Watson at a wedding reception, I immediately felt nervous. My heart started beating faster and a million thoughts flooded into my mind. I decided that I needed to see him. As we spent time together I approached everything very carefully. I needed to know that I would not break his heart again before I began pursuing anything. It didn't take long for me to remember how much I loved him.
The first time we held hands after his mission, I went home, fell to my knees and cried and thanked Heavenly Father for this blessing. I truly felt like I understood in a small way, the principle of compensation as Elder Wirthlin described it. I had cried in pain in that very spot in my bedroom so many, many, times about having to let him go, and now I was there crying because I didn't have to let him go. It was finally our time. Every tear of pain and heartache was replaced by 100 more tears of joy. I was so happy.
I look at him and can't even believe he's the same boy I loved in high school. He's much more than that now and I thank Heavenly Father every day that my dear Watson is my husband. He is the best part of my life and I'm glad to be able to celebrate our love today.
Can you see God's hand in bringing you and your spouse together? Think about it, and write it down if you haven't.
I was thinking about how the meaning of Valentine's Day has shifted for me since I got married. It used to be about what romantic thing the boy I was dating would do for me, or it was a torturous reminder that I was single and may end up an old maid. Now, it's about celebrating the people I love. Particularly, my dear Watson.
When we dated in high school I worried myself sick about whether or not we were doing the right thing. I must have said 5,000 prayers that we would make right choices, and that if Heavenly Father didn't want us to be together, then please let me know. We were young and it was against my previous mindset to have a boyfriend in high school. My dear Watson was special though, and when I look back on the way I felt after meeting him for the first time, I know Heavenly Father had a hand in everything. I think the only reason this worked is because of how desperately we both wanted what was right.
In the months leading up to my dear Watson serving a mission, I spent a LOT of time crying and pleading with Heavenly Father to help me let him go. I prayed that I would keep my eyes and options open to the will of the Lord, even if it meant not marrying my dear Watson. But I prayed occasionally as well, that I would be able to marry him. I just wanted to do what was right.
I planned a trip to New Zealand 2 months after he left on his mission. I knew this would be critical in helping me heal and let go. It was critical, and I did heal. In fact, I healed so much that I decided I thought I might want to marry someone else. Not necessarily someone else in particular, but I just didn't think I'd marry my dear Watson anymore. So I wrote him a letter and that infamous song. I made up my mind and regardless of my situation when he came back, I would not try to go after him. He was not my back-up boyfriend.
After I made that decision, the last year of his mission went by very fast for me...and no doubt for him too.
He came home, and when I heard from my good friend and roommate that she had seen my dear Watson at a wedding reception, I immediately felt nervous. My heart started beating faster and a million thoughts flooded into my mind. I decided that I needed to see him. As we spent time together I approached everything very carefully. I needed to know that I would not break his heart again before I began pursuing anything. It didn't take long for me to remember how much I loved him.
The first time we held hands after his mission, I went home, fell to my knees and cried and thanked Heavenly Father for this blessing. I truly felt like I understood in a small way, the principle of compensation as Elder Wirthlin described it. I had cried in pain in that very spot in my bedroom so many, many, times about having to let him go, and now I was there crying because I didn't have to let him go. It was finally our time. Every tear of pain and heartache was replaced by 100 more tears of joy. I was so happy.
I look at him and can't even believe he's the same boy I loved in high school. He's much more than that now and I thank Heavenly Father every day that my dear Watson is my husband. He is the best part of my life and I'm glad to be able to celebrate our love today.
Can you see God's hand in bringing you and your spouse together? Think about it, and write it down if you haven't.
 |
| This is the birthday cake I made for my niece Megan. She said she was the luckiest because she wanted that exact cake. |
Friday, February 10, 2012
Recipe of the Week: Vanilla Vinaigrette
Vanilla Vinaigrette.
Who would have thought? I love this vinaigrette; it's my new fave. I've been in to making my own salad dressings the last few weeks. It's way easy and it is usually healthier than bottled dressings. The only bad thing is that I haven't made one yet that has lasted very long in the refrigerator. Some of them say you can use them for up to a week, but I don't know. It hasn't really worked for me.
I just try not to make more than I'm going to use the first time. It's easy enough to make that I can just make more next time I have a salad (this is because we don't have salads every day...or every other day...or every week. I'm a bad salad maker, okay?).
Here's the recipe, and probably the best salad I've ever made. In fact, I've made this salad 4 times in the last couple weeks. Feta cheese is what makes it good if you ask me. If it were up to me, I'd probably just leave out the lettuce though.
Vanilla Vinaigrette
2 Tbsp. White Wine Vinegar (guess what, I used red wine vinegar, cause I don't have white)
2 tsp. Dijon mustard (I used spicy brown which works, but I bet Dijon would be better)
1/2 tsp. vanilla (put a little more, please)
1 Tbsp. chives (I used dried chives and just put about tsp)
3 Tbsp. EVOO (that's how Rachel Ray says Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Salt - a dash
Pepper - to taste
Put all the ingredients in a mason jar (or an old spaghetti sauce jar because you don't have mason jars) and, shake, shake, shake! That's the Pioneer Woman way. Makes enough for a salad for 4 people.
I made a salad with romaine lettuce, craisins, feta
cheese, walnuts, and apples. See the walnuts and apples? Okay, I forgot
to put them in until after I took the picture. I also tried this salad
with pears....delish, and I'm sure strawberries and acai berries would
be excellent (but not blueberries, gross).
Yummy.
P.S. I met a lady at a Relief Society activity (what's Relief Society? Check this out and while you're there, look at this too) the other day who introduced herself as Sister Holmes and then said, "as in Sherlock Holmes." I said, funny you should say that, because my last name is Watson. I thought it was cool.... so, um, yeah.
Maybe you had to be there.
Who would have thought? I love this vinaigrette; it's my new fave. I've been in to making my own salad dressings the last few weeks. It's way easy and it is usually healthier than bottled dressings. The only bad thing is that I haven't made one yet that has lasted very long in the refrigerator. Some of them say you can use them for up to a week, but I don't know. It hasn't really worked for me.
I just try not to make more than I'm going to use the first time. It's easy enough to make that I can just make more next time I have a salad (this is because we don't have salads every day...or every other day...or every week. I'm a bad salad maker, okay?).
Here's the recipe, and probably the best salad I've ever made. In fact, I've made this salad 4 times in the last couple weeks. Feta cheese is what makes it good if you ask me. If it were up to me, I'd probably just leave out the lettuce though.
Vanilla Vinaigrette
2 Tbsp. White Wine Vinegar (guess what, I used red wine vinegar, cause I don't have white)
2 tsp. Dijon mustard (I used spicy brown which works, but I bet Dijon would be better)
1/2 tsp. vanilla (put a little more, please)
1 Tbsp. chives (I used dried chives and just put about tsp)
3 Tbsp. EVOO (that's how Rachel Ray says Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Salt - a dash
Pepper - to taste
Put all the ingredients in a mason jar (or an old spaghetti sauce jar because you don't have mason jars) and, shake, shake, shake! That's the Pioneer Woman way. Makes enough for a salad for 4 people.
 |
| This is the shake part. |
 |
| Pour it on and toss it up! |
P.S. I met a lady at a Relief Society activity (what's Relief Society? Check this out and while you're there, look at this too) the other day who introduced herself as Sister Holmes and then said, "as in Sherlock Holmes." I said, funny you should say that, because my last name is Watson. I thought it was cool.... so, um, yeah.
Maybe you had to be there.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Lately and a Thought From the Past
Not much has been going on for us lately. We had a fun Super Bowl party at my mom's - with lot's of treats. I attempted to make pretzel bites, which worked out well except for the cinnamon one's; they were more like charcoal bites.
I've got a really great recipe of the week in mind, but I just need to take some pictures. My dear Watson has been sick with a nasty throat and fever for several days, so I've just been trying to keep up on the house and everything else. I'm so grateful that when he's not sick, he does dishes and laundry and vacuuming. I couldn't do it without his help and I've really become aware of that these last few days. Thank you honey.
Here are some thoughts from the past:
May 3, 2011
I had a really great experience at Women’s Conference this year. I was in charge of room 250 SWKT, and everything went well. One of the presenter’s husbands who I helped with A/V issues said he wanted to adopt me. The Hospitality staff were all shocked and amazed at how young I am. I got a lovely compliment in the form of: “you’re a good little worker.” Why thank you. I learned so much in the classes that I wouldn’t have normally chosen to attend. Especially family history. I learned about finding complete families, not just your direct ancestors but their brothers and sisters etc., who may not have had any descendants. I also learned that even if you have an ancestor with all their temple work done, you could still research that person just to get to know who they are. You may even come to recognize their help during difficult times in your life.
I've got a really great recipe of the week in mind, but I just need to take some pictures. My dear Watson has been sick with a nasty throat and fever for several days, so I've just been trying to keep up on the house and everything else. I'm so grateful that when he's not sick, he does dishes and laundry and vacuuming. I couldn't do it without his help and I've really become aware of that these last few days. Thank you honey.
Here are some thoughts from the past:
May 3, 2011
I had a really great experience at Women’s Conference this year. I was in charge of room 250 SWKT, and everything went well. One of the presenter’s husbands who I helped with A/V issues said he wanted to adopt me. The Hospitality staff were all shocked and amazed at how young I am. I got a lovely compliment in the form of: “you’re a good little worker.” Why thank you. I learned so much in the classes that I wouldn’t have normally chosen to attend. Especially family history. I learned about finding complete families, not just your direct ancestors but their brothers and sisters etc., who may not have had any descendants. I also learned that even if you have an ancestor with all their temple work done, you could still research that person just to get to know who they are. You may even come to recognize their help during difficult times in your life.
Current Note: A common theme in this journal entry is that being young is sometimes hard when thrown in to a world full of more experienced older people. I struggle with that often.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
I had a Dream About You, Mitt
The other night I had a dream that I was in Washington D.C. listening to Mitt Romney give a speech on what looked like the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There were hundreds of people there. Mitt finished his speech and started coming down the stairs. I started going up the stairs and pretty soon was going to get to shake his hand. No one else was around, so I knew he was going to shake MY hand. As I got closer to him I realized I was still wearing my retainer (which I sleep with every night) and I thought it would be embarrassing to shake his hand and smile with an ugly retainer in my mouth. So, right before I shook his hand I reached up and took my retainer out and put it in my pocket. A lot of times when I take my retainer out a little bit of slobber comes with it, like a string, and this case was no exception. I'm sure Mitt saw me do all this before he shook my hand, but he shook it anyway and smiled handsomely, and moved on.
That was nice of you Mitt, I really appreciate it. Romney for President 2012.
My dear Watson got me a sparkly shirt for Christmas (at my request) and this is what it does when I'm sitting in the car with the sun shining through:
Isn't that sooooooo cool? Sparkles rock.
Well, I'm off to make pretzel bites for our Super Bowl celebration. Can't wait for lil' smokies!
That was nice of you Mitt, I really appreciate it. Romney for President 2012.
My dear Watson got me a sparkly shirt for Christmas (at my request) and this is what it does when I'm sitting in the car with the sun shining through:
Isn't that sooooooo cool? Sparkles rock.
Well, I'm off to make pretzel bites for our Super Bowl celebration. Can't wait for lil' smokies!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Good Things to Come
I often catch myself dreaming about someday when we have a nice home and can have this, and this, and this.
Last week I listened to a Forum at BYU given by Mark DeMoss, an Evangelical Christian who started the largest PR firm that deals with Christian organizations in the U.S.. He told the following stories:
I thought a lot about those statements, and how certainly I believe them, yet how quick I am to paint a dream life involving more money, a bigger home, more fabric and cooking supplies, nicer clothing.
Then I think about what we are heading into in the next 2-4 years. Complete poverty is what it feels like. Graduate school that doesn't allow my dear Watson to work, most likely a baby which means I choose not to work, at this point all our savings will have been spent on schooling, plus: student loans, medicaid, how will we afford a place to live? How will we afford groceries? It scares me and I wonder how in the world we'll be happy.
Apparently though, it might actually prove to be some of the truly happiest years of our lives. I used to fantasize about being married and having to scrimp and save and live off nothing but our love for each other. I always said I'd rather marry a poor man than a rich man for that purpose. Now that I live in the world of adulthood bombarded by bills, insurance, providing my own meals, clothing, shelter, you know, all that real world stuff, I find myself wishing I had all the money in the world.
I don't often want lavish things. I just want to feel like I can buy some fabric to make a gift, or buy some sprinkles to make an awesome cake, or to be able to buy the powdered sugar because I need it now, rather than wait until it goes on sale, or to be able to go grocery shopping when I run out of food, instead of after we've eaten ramen and canned soup for a week after we run out of food.
You know?
Right now we don't even really NEED to live this way, but I'm practicing and preparing for when we do. And guess what? It's hard now and we don't have the actual burden and stress of zero income or little income with a big family.
But, I guess
sacrifice brings blessings and happiness. Sacrifice means giving up sprinkles and fabric. It means buying used, it means wearing out. And, it means being happy -- it really does.
Mark DeMoss also spoke about how there's no such thing as a self-made man. If you have ever seen a turtle on a fence post, he explained, you know that turtle didn't get there on its own. Someone or someone(s) placed him there. That's the same with all of us. No matter where we are in life, someone and most likely someone(s) helped us get there.
No matter where our lives are headed, no matter how little we have now, 3 years from now, 6 years from now, 10 years from now; we have each other, and our families, and we have God. There are many good things to come.
Last week I listened to a Forum at BYU given by Mark DeMoss, an Evangelical Christian who started the largest PR firm that deals with Christian organizations in the U.S.. He told the following stories:
A popular comedian hitting his prime at 22, fell off the grid and moved to Africa. When asked why, he said: Because I learned that the higher up I go, the less happy I am.
When asked if there was one thing he wished he would have known many years ago, a rich author replied: I wish I would have known that when you get to the top, there's nothing there.
I thought a lot about those statements, and how certainly I believe them, yet how quick I am to paint a dream life involving more money, a bigger home, more fabric and cooking supplies, nicer clothing.
Then I think about what we are heading into in the next 2-4 years. Complete poverty is what it feels like. Graduate school that doesn't allow my dear Watson to work, most likely a baby which means I choose not to work, at this point all our savings will have been spent on schooling, plus: student loans, medicaid, how will we afford a place to live? How will we afford groceries? It scares me and I wonder how in the world we'll be happy.
Apparently though, it might actually prove to be some of the truly happiest years of our lives. I used to fantasize about being married and having to scrimp and save and live off nothing but our love for each other. I always said I'd rather marry a poor man than a rich man for that purpose. Now that I live in the world of adulthood bombarded by bills, insurance, providing my own meals, clothing, shelter, you know, all that real world stuff, I find myself wishing I had all the money in the world.
I don't often want lavish things. I just want to feel like I can buy some fabric to make a gift, or buy some sprinkles to make an awesome cake, or to be able to buy the powdered sugar because I need it now, rather than wait until it goes on sale, or to be able to go grocery shopping when I run out of food, instead of after we've eaten ramen and canned soup for a week after we run out of food.
You know?
Right now we don't even really NEED to live this way, but I'm practicing and preparing for when we do. And guess what? It's hard now and we don't have the actual burden and stress of zero income or little income with a big family.
But, I guess
sacrifice brings blessings and happiness. Sacrifice means giving up sprinkles and fabric. It means buying used, it means wearing out. And, it means being happy -- it really does.
Mark DeMoss also spoke about how there's no such thing as a self-made man. If you have ever seen a turtle on a fence post, he explained, you know that turtle didn't get there on its own. Someone or someone(s) placed him there. That's the same with all of us. No matter where we are in life, someone and most likely someone(s) helped us get there.
No matter where our lives are headed, no matter how little we have now, 3 years from now, 6 years from now, 10 years from now; we have each other, and our families, and we have God. There are many good things to come.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Teriyaki Chicken Wrap
Ran 6 miles this morning. Brrr.
I think I might be the Queen of all things involving tortillas. My go-to meal is almost always Tacos or Breakfast Burritos. A favorite snack of mine is half a tortilla topped with a little bit of peanut butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Put it in the microwave for 15 seconds....GOLD! (I learned this from some friends during my study abroad in New Zealand).
Anyway, this week's recipe (oops, did I skip last week?) is Teriyaki Chicken Wraps. There used to be a food place around here called New York Burrito. Perhaps what New York Burrito is most famous for, is the other end of the restaurant: a little ice cream place that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream right before your eyes.
Anyway, I always ordered the same thing every time I went, and in fact, I craved it often: Teriyaki Chicken Burrito. Apparently it was the only good thing on the menu, because no one else liked the place and it finally shut down. Now, it is just Sub Zero Ice Cream.
Anyway, this recipe is a mock up of the New York Burrito Teriyaki Chicken Burrito--only I call it a wrap instead. If you don't like tortillas, just cook the chicken and serve it over rice or on a bun or something less cool.
Teriyaki Chicken Wrap
2-3 chicken breasts
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup teriyaki
Drained juice from 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks (you can also put the pineapple chunks in if you like them)
1 tsp dry mustard
1 cup rice
tomatoes
tortillas
black beans
lettuce
sour cream
Put chicken in the crock pot. Mix the brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice and dry mustard in a medium bowl, pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 5 ish hours. Shred the chicken. Build your wrap using the tomatoes, lettuce, black beans, rice, a dollop of sour cream (this is how they did it at New York Burrito...the sour cream is a delicious addition), and a little extra Teriyaki sauce from the crock pot.
In order to REALLY be like New York Burrito, serve chips and salsa on the side.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
