Magic Shell (Wednesday's Wisdom on Thursday Part II)

Is the best stuff ever invented. Where else can one tap into a chocolaty shell only to discover more delicious goodness hidden underneath-- namely Cherry Garcia? That's right-- no where. The creators of Magic Shell got it right when they created Magic Shell. While Magic Shell is meant to cover ice cream, I believe that life in general has several versions of Magic Shell of its own that, every once in a while, I have been able to tap into and relish the goodness hidden underneath.

We have all been blessed with a family. I am hoping that yours is a wonderful as mine. Because, I'll tell you what, it only takes a few taps on my family to start enjoying the oozing goodness that comes out. I can't think of a group of people more willing to listen when you need to talk (I have the fondest memories of laying on my parents bed at night talking to my mom and feeling completely safe and loved), or a group of people that make me laugh until I snort (seriously, there is nothing more funny than watching my family watch America's Funniest Home videos), or more fun to go shopping with (sometimes I think I use shopping as an excuse to just spend time with my sisters), or a better neighbor (my dad is wonderful neighbor because he is also your friend.) Luckily, the "magic" in the shell that holds us together is the incredible amount of love and respect we have for each other and for those around us.

Another shell in my life are my friends. I have wonderful friends and they are living wonderful lives. I love it when I am invited tap into their worlds and enjoy the goodness flowing out that comes from marriage announcements (Sharon!), kids (I may not have any of my own, but let me just tell you, my friends kids are the cutest ever. EVER.), their talents, and most importantly, their time. My friends are the most genuine, loving, fun group of people. I could, and hope, that I get to lick the bowl clean with all the goodness that oozes out from their shell. So, okay, not literally lick clean, I mean really, that is gross, and maybe I have taken this metaphor a little further than I should've, but you get my point. My friends are great.

Finally, I am grateful for the magic shell of the Gospel. All of us have tapped into it, at one time or another, and tasted of the perfection that lies underneath. Serving a mission, going through the temple, helping a loved one pass on, have all been experiences where I have been covered in the goodness of the Gospel and the power of the Spirit. I am able to tap into this shell everyday and feel of the love and power that is contained in the Gospel. It truly is sweet.

I hope I never stop tapping into shells-- you never do know what is underneath, but from my experience, I have nothing to loose. Goodness, and love, and happiness always are tucked underneath.

Mmmm, Cherry Garcia is calling my name....

Her Name is Rio...

This past weekend I went to Vegas with a few friends. We had lofty goals for the weekend-- tickets to two shows, time for swimming and bronzing our beautiful bodies, shopping, scoring, mastering the slots and blackjack tables, and eating and laughing like no other.

Friday night we totally scored free tickets to Le Reve-- a Cirque-de-Soliel type of aqua show that was great. I was impressed by strength and physiques of the cast. (Notice how I did not say that I loved their rock hard bodies and have never seen a more beautiful bootie than that on the leather speedo wearing men?)

Saturday we slept in, lounged by the pool, shopped at the outlets, and then headed off to Tony n' Tina's Wedding at The Rio-- which I am convinced is a brothel in disguise. By the way the "free" entertainment there is NOT family friendly. Seriously, the girls are prancing around dressed in lingerie dancing to "Sexyback!" It was just sad. Anyway, I thought the show was great-- not the free show, the paid one! It is about Tony and Tina's wedding were the audience plays the part of their guests. Personally, the best part of the whole thing was the wedding singer and dancing-- mostly because I was able to do the chicken dance, AND sing along to Sweet Caroline. I would've made Neil proud! After the show went headed back to the hotel and spent some time at the casino.

Sunday we got up and headed home. It was a great weekend full of fun and laughter. I am so thankful to have such great friends! I believe the weekend was such a success not because of what I did, but because of who I was with. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for such a great time!

~B

I am Regressing

Movie Reviews

So, apparently, my blog is meant to read by those in love with Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers. I should be a bit offended, or at least motivated to improve my writing level, but, let's be honest here, I am in love with Hannah, and have you seen the Jonas Brothers? I have no qualms (how's that for a junior high vocabulary?) meeting the reading needs of those in their tween years-- especially when it seems that we have so much in common.

Oh, I am just a wee bit pathetic....

~B

Wednesday's Wisdom

Hi! Hope that everyone's week is going well. I can't believe that we are almost half way through June--- and it was only 60 degrees today. Crazy! So, during this past week I have noticed a few things:

1. Going to bed just 20 minutes earlier makes all the difference. I only hit snooze half as many times this morning before finally realizing that I wasn't tired anymore. I think I might try that again tonight :). However, one thing that doesn't change, no matter how much sleep I get, is my need to be left alone for about 30 minutes when I get to work. If you need to know what happens if I don't get my 30 minutes just ask my team. It isn't a pretty site.

2. I love my new hair. New hair makes you-- well, at least me-- forget the past and start fresh.

3. Watching the Bachelorette this summer is going to be my saving grace. I love Deanna's freak out this past week. This is high class TV, people. I am rooting for the single dad-- I can't remember his name, but man, he is HO-OT! Check him out on Mondays.

Well, that's about it. I wish life was a bit more exciting right now, but am also grateful for the peace and quite for as long as it lasts.

Enjoy your week!
B

24 Is The New 34

Mom went in for her fourth chemo treatment this past Wednesday, and we found out her new CA-125 count is down to 24-- well within the normal range! So, while the chemo is still kicking her trash, it is also kickin' cancer's trash, too. I can't say enough about how grateful I am to the doctors that have been taking care of my mom. I know that Heavenly Father has had a hand in every step of her treatment. I also owe a huge shout out to my family. I don't know what life would be like right now if it weren't for my dad and my two sisters. If you are ever sick you will want those three by your side. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

~B

Wednesday's Wisdom on Thursday

Ha! You thought I forgot, huh? Nope, just got busy and didn't have time until now to write. So, this week's wisdom is little epiphanies I have had over the past few days.

1. Making my bed daily motivates me to keep the rest of my bedroom-- and home, for that matter-- clean. Kim, my sister, can back me up on this one. It just seems that a made bed invites cleanliness. I feel guilty throwing clothes on the floor when the bed is made. Oh, on a side note, I also learned that a made bed is more inviting than a unmade bed. I tend to sleep better when I crawl into a made bed.

2. I make a dang good banana bread. I really don't know what got into me. I haven't made anything without the assistance of good ol' Betty Crocker for years-- yes, years. But, this past Monday I finally used those frozen bananas that had been sitting in my freezer for the last, oh, 2-3 months. The result was fabulous. I got the recipe from the Food Network. Heaven bless Sandra Lee and the rest of the gang!

3. Celebrating an other's success helps you to forget your own failures. I have had a few failures over the past few weeks, and knowing that I have friends that succeed where I have failed, gives me hope that someday I will also succeed.

There you go-- your weekly dose of wisdom :)! Man, that sounded really arrogant. Sorry. Hope you all have a good week. I know I will-- I get a new hairdo tomorrow. Snaps for new hairdos!

Hasta-
B