She's Got the L-word

This post is dedicated to my sister, who, for the record, does not have leprosy or lice (as far as I know...).

I'm soooooo excited for you, sis! Let the crazy times begin!!!

P.S. When I saw this movie in the theaters with Patty and her daughters Ella and Daizha, the four of us started cracking up at this line. What pushed me over the edge to crying was when Ella, who was laughing very exuberantly, stopped and said quietly, "What is leprosy?" She was laughing but didn't know why it was funny. That's Ella for you. She's the best! :)

Sometimes A Girl Just Needs Her Best Friend

BFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Today my story is... I miss by best friend (or BFF, best friend forever, as I often say). Judy married the incredible Scott earlier this year, and they moved to At-lan-uh. I haven't seen Judy since May, and  we don't know when we will see each other again--maybe not until next July. This is the longest we've been apart since we met.

Because of e-mail, text, mobile phones, and Google chat, we are able to stay in touch. (Hooray!)

But sometimes, a girl just needs her best friend in person.

Like today.

Judy and me in Honolulu

I miss Judy every day, but I've grown accustomed to her being away, and to us not being in the same city, state, or region. And that's fine. Our friendship has survived so much, a few (thousand) miles doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Except on a day like today.

Today I just needed my best friend, someone who knows all of the back story without me needing to explain why something upset me or why I'm worried about such-and-such--or why something someone said was so hilarious, because she'd already know the inside joke.

Someone who, figuratively speaking, knows where all the bodies are buried (even has the map, haha) and will never use that information against me.

Someone who knows the words I need to hear because she's sung that song 3 7,000 times before.

Someone with whom no words are needed: we can sit in silence, our hearts doing all of the talking needed.

Someone I could wake up when I had an incredible "a-ha" and learned something really cool...and with whom I could talk it through and learn so much more.

Someone with whom I belong.

I miss you, Judy. You are indeed a "good-job" best friend.

Having fun in the kitchen

Awesome Characters in My Story: JOler and Kerry

JOler (aka The Giver) and Kerry

Today started out with a dash--and not the kind I like to use when I'm writing. More of a harried, dash-to-get-ready-and-then-catch-the-train kind of dash. The kind where I can't even remember if I'm wearing matching shoes so I need to check...several times.

Add to that some big issues weighing on my mind and I was kind of in a funk this morning when I got to the office--the grouchy kind of funk, unfortunately. So it was good that I had spreadsheets to concentrate on and New Kids on the Block music on my iPod to drown out everything else.

Then "adult recess" time came (aka lunch); after having lunch with two of my favoritest people in the world, JOler and Kerry, and some good-natured teasing all around, I felt more like Happy Adele again.

Hooray!

I am tremendously blessed with good people in my life who are kind, generous, and hilarious; who help me in myriad situations, happy or otherwise; and who make me laugh ("Marco..."), especially when I need it most; and who love me for being the crazy person that I am, shame, fears, quirkiness, and all.

As I contemplate the story of my life and those people who are cast in various scenes and situations with me, I feel grateful for a fabulous, divine Casting Director who brings these amazing people into my life.

Who are the main and supporting characters in YOUR story? What roles do they play? What are you learning from them? When was the last time you thanked them for being in your life?

My New NYC BFFs

For youth conference, my girls and I stayed at the Orton's house up north in Inwood (close to the Bronx). They were so kind and very hospitable, especially considering that each night we arrived late and left early the next morning.

The first night we arrived, 3 of the Orton children greeted us as we exited the elevator on their floor and wanted to know everything about us. Sister O (who, btw, is 3 years older than I am...again, feeling old!) met us with Lily, their young daughter with Down syndrome, and welcomed us into their home. And guess who became my first best friend forever (BFF) in that house? Yep. Lily! She sat on my lap, tugged on my hand to follow her to play in her room, got angry when any of the other children started to talk to me, and so on. I was enamored with her, and she with me.

Later, however, I had another new BFF in SJ, a bright, talented, 10-yr-old girl with lots of energy. She sat next to me at the table during a brief time when Lily had wandered off. SJ saw my claddagh ring and asked if it was a different kind of CTR ring. I told her about the symbols of the claddagh and what it meant worn on the right hand versus the left. When I mentioned it being worn on the left hand and that someday when I get married I would like to have that as my wedding ring, she asked me seriously, "But aren't you too young to get married?" Her comment made my day! I laughed and told her that it was very sweet of her to think that I was one of the youth, but that I was actually their leader and was her mom's age. SJ told me I didn't "look as old as a mom" (LOL). How old are moms supposed to look?, I wonder.

SJ then asked if I'd like to see the drawings in the room she shares with her siblings. Wow! That little girl is very talented! What impressed me more than even her drawings (which were awesome) was what she had on her wall: pictures from The Friend magazine, sayings from inspiring leaders, and short paragraphs of stories she read in The Friend that she rereads to herself every day so she can remember to be kind to her siblings and other people. And this girl is only 10 years old!

The last night we stayed with the Orton family, we arrived too late and left too early the next morning to see the kids (they'd already gone to bed), so we didn't get to say goodbye. But SJ left us a drawing! Isn't it great?

SJ's picture for us

The Fountain of Youth

I spent most of last week as the "ma" (i.e., female leader) of a group of about 7 young people who attended the New York LDS stake's youth conference.

Youth conference was awesome. And exhausting. And fun. And did I mention tiring? I don't have the stamina of teenagers: all of the late nights, VERY early mornings, and lots of trekking all over Manhattan is too much for an old person like me. Yet, I was blessed with the strength to keep going...until I could stop. And then I slept for a LONG time.

There were about 70 young people who attended, split into 10 "families" each with a female leader (aka "ma") and a male leader (aka "pa"). Except for Friday night when we camped out at Inwood Hills park, we stayed over at other homes--all the boys going with the "pa" to one apartment, and all the girls in the family going with the "ma" to another place. I'll share with you in another post some of my experiences staying with my girls at the Orton family's apartment in Inwood.

Me with David (my 1st partner) and all the "kids"

Some interesting bits from the past week ('cuz there is too much, lemme sum up):

• Being around all of the youth (ages 13 to 17) made me feel young again. And as I focused on serving them, I forgot about my problems. What job search? What diminishing bank account?
• Seeing so much of Manhattan! Roosevelt Island, Times Square, Union Station, Central Park, Inwood Hills park (the place where the Hudson and the East rivers meet--which looks like it should be in upstate New York, not in Manhattan), Grand Central Station, Wall Street, and so on.
• Assisting the youth in my family as we did baptisms for the dead in the Manhattan temple. I got to be the towel girl and provide towels to each of the youth as they exited the font--and I received quite a few wet hugs. Very special.
• Providing the content for genealogy classes (including the handouts and Power Point presentations) and then seeing the 5 youth facilitators teach the others about how to research their ancestors. Incredible!
• Helping my group register to use new.FamilySearch.org...and noticing that most of them were born the year I graduated from high school. (That made me feel VERY old!)
• Associating with the other leaders and finding some kindred spirits and other quirky people like me.
• Dancing on a boat cruise around the East River. 'Nuff said.

Sunset from the deck of the boat. You can see the Statue of Liberty and other boats in the river. Pic taken by Christian, one of my "kids."

O, Canadian Jason!

And who could forget this classic coming-of-age tale of a young Canuck? Riveting. I was on the edge of my seat as we waited for the Village Elders to make their decision. A nail-biter!

Love ya, JOler!

My First Visitor in NYC

And speaking of Jenga...she was my first visitor in NYC! She and her sister AJ came down to NYC for the ballet, and the 4 of us (Jenga, AJ, me, and KShum) had dinner at a cute little Mediterranean hummus bar near Lincoln Center called Nanoosh. I had a bowl of their uh-maze-ing, organic, locally-grown tomato soup and the hummus tahini plate. Soooo delish!

Seeing Jenga was so wonderful; I heart her very much! Talking with her about our friends (that includes you Suz, Mel, and JenE!) made me miss the familiar things in Utah and my friends there...but I know I need to be here in NYC and "give the Lord a chance" to show me why. So, here I am!

Good job, thankyouverymuch, amen.

For KShum

You make "27" look good!

#JustSayin'...!

It's All Fun and Games until Someone Sues

KShum introduced me to a new television show: Drop Dead Diva. Over the last few weeks, we've watched all 3 seasons on Netflix. When I see Jane (the main character) in action as a lawyer, I imagine that that's how JenE is in the courtroom--brilliant, sassy, compassionate, and innovative.

Here's to JenE, the coolest lawyer in school, as she studies for (and will pass!) the bar in yet another state! Whoo-hoo! You can do it!!! (Would I lie to you?)

My New "Friend"

It's been hot and muggy in NYC lately, and I haven't wanted to turn on the gas range to cook anything. So KShum and I have frequented our local Halal food truck (I can't figure out if it's Greek food or some other Mediterranean mix...but that's a topic for another post)--as in we ate there "every day" during the last 2 days (haha). One of the workers (unfortunately not pictured here) took to calling me "my friend" when he saw me and even remembered my order when I came back for the second day. It's probably easy to remember the White Girl's order!

I was a little worried about cross-contamination (I do pay attention, Treeshka!) but I've watched them and they never put any bread on the stovetop. And I haven't been sick, so that's a good sign.

I tell you what, their chicken over rice is spectactular! And for $5...! In fact, maybe I'll go see my "friend" tonight and have him cook for me again--you know, since he's already up and cooking....

Missing Miss Olivia

Today I really miss Olivia. I know she's in a better place (not suffering any more, and "running around like a young dog," as my cousin Alex said in her eulogy) and that having her here in NYC would've complicated things. But she was my friend, as much as a dog can be friends with a human and vice versa, and I miss her.

I was going through my BlackBerry photos tonight deleting a bunch because they were taking up too much memory -- and taking up too many of my memories by looking at them and remembering what I left behind in Utah, especially when I'm here in NYC trying to start over. When I saw Olivia's pictures, I just started to cry.

I miss her. A lot.

That is my report.

I miss you, Livy. And all of your Gilmore Girls "Paul Anka" dog neuroses, too.

I Love...Family!

My family is dysfunctional, crazy, and sometimes unbearable. But we're also a pretty great bunch of people when we get together.

4 generations of head-strong, German women: Great Grandma (Bertie), me, Grandma (Audrey), and Mom

Holding my cousin Peter whilst my Dad holds me. (And yes, it's okay to say it: I *am* adorable, aren't I?!)

I heart my Dad. Always will.

Mom, me, and my sister (who has somehow seen fit to forgive me for teasing her that she was adopted).

Celebrating the opening of my sister's LDS mission call with our lovely grandmother.

My Dad's side of the family. A crazy bunch we are!

With my parents, grandpa, and sister at the airport before I left for my LDS mission to Colorado/Wyoming.

I Love...My Sister

I only have one official, biological sister (unless there's something my mother and father haven't told me, haha). That is much to my great disappointment. But even though I begged and pleaded, prayed to Heavenly Father and petitioned Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, all I got was the one sibling.

Which actually turned out just fine because my sister is amaze-balls!

We've always been close, despite the 7 years, 7 months, and 7 days difference in age.

With my sister when she returned from her LDS mission.

Holding my sister just after she was born (8 weeks premature).

Together in front of the Idaho Falls LDS temple before she left on her LDS mission.

At the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo. See the orange "dork dot" on her black name tag? I had one of those too when I entered the MTC. Ah, the memories!

Just chillin'.

Chillin' some more...

I Love...People with Down syndrome!

There's such a tender place in my heart for those who are perceived as "different" and/or "unwanted" or "unlovable."  Two of my cousins (one from each side of my family) are autistic, which has brought this issue very close to home for me.

When I was at university, I had the privilege of directing a group called Unified Sports. The volunteer-led organization provided a weekly activity for people with Down syndrome and their families. It was during this wonderful time of service that my love for people with Down syndrome blossomed. Some of my fondest memories are from this special time.

Orphans with Down syndrome harrow my heart with a great force. Someday I will bring (at least) one of those precious children home to live with me. And someday I will be in a financially abundant position to enable other families to do the same.

Until those somedays...

At the Special Olympics when Dustin won (another) gold medal!

With Dustin as my "date" to a dance. (Love my crimped hair, eh?)

With Eli Rios, a previous "boyfriend" with Down syndrome. (I break the hearts of these poor boys, huh? Haha.)

With Dustin at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. So proud of you, Dust!

I Love...Children

...Probably because I act like one most of the time, haha!

My "niece" Brooke. Love her!!!

Hangin' out on the 4-wheeler. Sooooo much fun!

Despite the "head-butt hello" from Sammy here, he's super fun to hang out with!

Holding a sleeping Jackson Keith. He smelled soooo good!

With Maddy

Happy Birthday, Poppy!

Adele with Poppy

I love you, Poppy!

I Love...NKOTB

I was converted to Blockism in 1988 with the first strains of little Joey Joe singing "Please...don't go, girrrl." From then until 1991-ish, I was a Blockhead fanatic: I wore the t-shirts and tour jackets (covered in myriad of buttons, of course); NKOTB posters, especially of Donnie, my favorite New Kid, were hung on every available wall space; my parents allowed me to camp out over night to get a good spot in line for concert tickets; I religiously watched MTV and other television programs and diligently checked newsstands for any sign of new NKOTB information or pictures; and I had the blankets, CDs, the sleeping bag, the dolls, the cartoons, the trading cards, home videos, recordings of their pay-per-view specials, etc etc etc.

When the group cancelled their July 5, 1991 (or 1992...I can't remember now) concert at Alpine Valley Amphitheater (in Wisconsin), I was devastated. And when I learned that they'd disbanded after their Face the Music album had come out, I was certain I would never recover. (LOL. Talk about being melodramatic, Anne Shirley!) Thankfully, I survived. :-D

Even if the group had not reunited in 2008, I would've continued to be a lifelong fan. Over the moves of many years, I've made the tough decisions to give away much of my NKOTB paraphernalia. However, one thing I WILL NOT EVER give away: my faded, pink NKOTB blanket. As I write this, I sit curled up with it on my bed. Maybe it's a Linus-like security blanket. Certainly, it brings great comfort and sense of security when I wrap myself in it, especially when I'm sick. All I know is that when I see the faded faces of Danny, Donnie, Joey, Jordan, and Jon on that blanket, I feel happy and remember the joy of being a 13-year-old Blockhead, dreaming of the day when I'd be BFFs with NKOTB. Oh yeah, and when Donnie Wahlberg would fall in love with me. (Still waiting on both of those, come to think of it! LOL.) It's my Happy Blanket...and that's all I need to know.

I Love...The Kickstand Queen!

I love me wee puppy, Olivia (aka The Kickstand Queen). As I've mentioned before, I never really considered myself a "dog person" (or even a "pet person"). I like animals...but I never imagined myself with a pet in my house as an adult.

Cue Olivia stage left.

Following the preparation by Simon "You are My Human" Geilman, a Maltese dog who ruled his domain and trained me to love being his human (LOL), all Olivia had to do was look at me with those yittle puppy dog eyes and it was over. And after seeing her "kickstand" leg and hearing about her previous life PM (pre-Me) where she was abused (one of her owners kicked her in the face and broke her jaw, so now her snout it crooked) and then abandoned with 31 other dogs in a house where she had to fend for herself... yeah, I didn't stand a chance!

It's been an adventure (which I love) having Olivia live with me. She's training me well. Wish I could say the same thing about training her!

Over the last 10 months, her health has declined dramatically, thanks to an autoimmune disease that attacks her joints, the arthritis in her hips, and the cancer growing in her stomach (which is a side effect to the strong pain meds I give her every morning). "Going for a walk" means I pick her up in my arms and carry her outside to a grassy area in my townhome area so she can "do her job" something she does with much difficulty and pain. I worry everyday about her--how much pain she's enduring and whether I'll come home from my office or wake up in the morning to find her expired. And there is much anxiety I feel as I try to make her life as comfortable and as happy as possible.

But there is much joy. I love Miss Olivia.

I love her little waggy tail greeting me when I get home in the evenings.  

I love that she will scurry behind my leg during a fireworks display or a thunderstorm--that she knows I will protect her.

I love that she will lick my hand (or face...or foot...or ankle...or arm...or face...or...) and wag her tail at me when we get up in the morning.

I love the way she sounds like Wilbur the pig when she's sniffing around on the floor for extra bits of food.

I love that she follows me around the house and that she just wants to be near me (not too close, mind you, but within a few feet--just to make sure that I'm not going anywhere.)

I love that she rolls over onto her back so I can "do MY job," i.e. rub her belly.

I love her gumption: even now, when she's in excruciating pain, she still tries sometimes to get up or down a few stairs, something that is extremely painful and difficult for The Kickstand Queen.

I love how when she "runs," it looks like she's doing the bunny hop.

I love that I can always tell when she's asleep because she snores. Loudly. (grin)

I love that she allowed (imperfect) me to bring her home and attempt to take care of her.

I love that she's taught me what it's like to love something/someone sooooo much that all I want to do is do what's best for her--what will bring her happiness (if dogs feel that...?) and will help her feel safe and comfortable.

Yeah...I'd say I'm whooped! LOL.

I Love...Aloha!

One of my mission companions, Sister Selu, used to say, "Girl, you soooo brown on the inside!" I think it's true. I have a deep affinity for all things Polynesian. (Maybe that is why I also love flip flops, yeah?) From the shaking my hips doing the traditional dances of Polynesia...to vacationing in beautiful Hawai'i...to wearing Island apparel...to wishing I could play the uke'le'le...to some of my favorite people in the world (they are brown, haha).

Teaching some young women how to hula at Girls' Camp

With Amy and Judy at BYU-Hawai'i

Talofa!

At Sam Choy's in Honolulu with Auntie Ipo and Judy

Malo e lelei, indeed!

At "home" (according to Sister Selu...) 'cuz my skin is "so dark" -- LOL

Oh we're go-ing, to a Hukilau. A Huki-, Huki-, Huki-, Huki-, Hukilau!

Surprised by the wave. (Don't know if you can see, but I'm totally drenched!)

With my Mom at PCC in Laie

I Am...A Little Bit Ghetto

Pretty fly for a white girl, huh?

Most people wouldn't know it, but underneath this attractive, conservative exterior is a hip hop honey waiting to get unleashed! One of my favorite things is to get out on the dance floor and watch the jaws drop as they realize that a white girl can move like that! LOL.

I don't know if it's because I lived for many years as one of the few Caucasian people in my neighborhood in South Milwaukee (pronounced Muh-wah-key, thankyouverymuch), or if I was just born this way...but this is how I am.

(Needless to say, the peeps in the Idaho and Utah weren't sure what to do with me. I'm used to that by now!)

With Dave Spencer at a Halloween par-tay

The Hip Hop HoneyZ with Betty Crocker

Holla!