lynnspiration

Gratitude list 2011

2012-02-11T22:35:00.000-05:00

From my "I am grateful for" tool bar:
new dreams. sleep. 5 days off in a row. shrimp. sign language. text messages. smoothies. sleep. mornings. driving the 4 wheel drive this time. relief. errands. sewing projects. internet. sleeping at night. netflix watch instantly. andrea pun. music to prepare. new england connections. change. butterflies. a new house. my sewing machine. the yw program of the church. my niephews. living in the dc area. great friends who are great people. capitol bike share. the internet. skype that works. free meals from drug reps. uhaul. free furniture. books about communication. other people who like to take pictures. byu football in my own house. byu football in byu's house- lavell edwards stadium! new babies. random family get togethers, even across the country. friends with similar experiences. my passport. babies. christmas music. shepherds. gracious hosts. family nearby. twinkle lights and live trees. sweet roommates. parking spots. "you're a nurse" phone calls. long distance phone calls.

Babies! Part II

2012-02-11T18:34:00.001-05:00

I got to meet these boys today!!!

Michael - 6 weeks Ethan - 3 weeks

Tia Fafa holding Michael so he and Paulo could play

Buds napping together

Today was Paulo's baby shower, hosted by the fabulous Wendy. He'll be here in less than a month! Since I already gave the blanky when we all got together last, today I made a matching baby hat for it so his mom would have something to open at her baby shower. Being with these babies and looking forward to one more coming soon was such a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Oh, and I still think their moms are fabulous too!

Babies!

2012-01-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

Early in December i got to hang out with this cool cat while his parents went on a date for their Anniversary.

This is Reed.

He's my special buddy. I got to meet him in the hospital the day after he was born (and ultimately was his only IN HOSPITAL visitor.)

We met again in the hospital after his heart surgery. Mine had recently been broken as well so it was a good bonding experience for us.

And then there was this year, chillin- eating some mashed potatoes and apple sauce, playing with magazines, and getting cozy for bed.

Discovering mashed potatoes are one of life's greatest pleasures

Look mom- All gone!

Such a sweet little squishy man.

Thanks for always cheering my heart, little man. I love you!

Then there are THESE cool cats- My treasured lady friends from when I taught school in the district.

I have made each of them (plus Betsy's Robby- pictured in another post) a baby blanket. Michael (tummy second from the left) has already arrived to try out his "capitals" blanket, but Ethan and Paulo are still waiting to make their appearance. Holy moly, that's a lot of little boys! Wendy (far left) is the only one who got a girl blanky which was given to her at a previous baby shower in this exact location, but she's already had another baby since then and it's a man cub, too!

Working in the new year

2011-12-31T11:35:00.000-05:00

I don't look at the "new year" the way most people do. I've thought a lot about it and realized it's because I don't find it to be a cause for celebration. I didn't do anything, it's just another day that turns into the next. Also, I hate staying up late for no reason, but staying up late FOR a reason is even worse!

This year I'm going to bed.

BUT-

I do like the idea of gathering thoughts in retrospect and planning for the next season of life. I love plans. And I love lists. I just don't usually manage to feel inspired by the time Dec 31st turns into Jan 1st.

Sorry.

Since I can't offer much Lynnspiration on this subject/tradition/habit/ritual... please be stunned and amazed by my awesome friend Maggie as she explains how the past year went for her.

Also, i feel as though I have very little clue as to what the focus of my life is going to be this year, and as such have not come up with any way of defining it or creating points of focus for making it happen. I need some inspiration.

Happy new blog background for now.

Christmas Pictures

2011-12-29T21:49:00.002-05:00

I think one of the most magical images I've ever seen is that of a family in their cozy home together celebrating Christmas. Let's take a peak through the "window" of my Christmas this year...

Thanksgiving, actually. But Holiday sunrise sunshine, nonetheless.

My own personal holiday tradition of loading a 5 ft tree in the back of my car.

...and then carrying it myself into the house!

Me did it!

This cool tree is in Georgetown.

These three are in my living room.

We were asked to wrap presents for a secret santa project in our community.

It was festive, merry, and bright. Rob helped too- those are his scissors!

Christmas Duck! I call him Percy, the penguin duck.

Super cool glowing snowman my secret santa at work gave me. It created world peace. I'm serious.

This is my tree, in the basement living room. Same as last year but with vertical ribbons and no popcorn.

When I got to the parents' house, my mom had made my bed for me up like this. :)

Me and the boys christmas morning on the way to church.

Christmas morning sunshine. It was much brighter orange in real life.

And there you have it. Christmas through the front window.

Merry Christmas from my house to yours!

2011-12-19T07:13:00.000-05:00

Rachel, me, Melissa, Domineau, Milan, Ginette, and Corinne

Don't take it seriously please. It was an ugly sweater party.

Shepherds

2011-12-18T10:34:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago I had my official kick-off to the Christmas season by attending the Messiah Sing-along held at the chapel right next to the DC Temple Visitors' center (all lit up for Christmas) followed by watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional broadcast from Salt Lake.

I love singing The Messiah. I always feel like I shouldn't really be allowed to do so- I mean, I can't really actually sing all those notes in the runs the way they are written, my range is rusty, and I haven't looked at the music since last year, much less REHEARSED it- but sing it, I do. And with confidence!

My favorite of the solos has always been He Shall Feed His Flock:

The imagery of the Savior paying such tender attention to those with little ones, leading them gently, and giving us that same care and "rest" is a theme I find special at Christmas time.

This year I have been particularly touched by the Shepherds. How did I miss it before? Is it not obvious that the Savior's use of shepherds in His teaching, and the name He is given as the Good Shepherd are inseparably connected to the fact that THEY were the ones chosen to witness His coming?

Every time I see them* approaching the stable, the fact that they kneel upon seeing the baby makes my heart swell. How did they know? Who are they to even approach the scene? How did Mary feel to see the prophesy fulfilled, and to finally not be the only one to recognize what was happening? And Joseph- to have spent the previous hours searching for comfort and understanding from anyone- no longer alone in his duty to stand watch. . .

I love those shepherds for the immediate obedience they showed to not be afraid when they had every reason to be. For worshipping because they had been told the truth and they were not ashamed. And for the powerful simplicity of their reverence. So humble and teachable, but made bold in a cause of truth.

*If you missed it, this is a link to a video depicting this part of the story from Luke 2.

Happy Sunday before Christmas!

2011-12-18T08:50:00.000-05:00

I've loved listening to this song, and this video is actually quite touching. It follows the theme I started earlier. Enjoy!

I'll be playing the flute this evening at our church's Christmas program. My go-to oboe player can't make it, so I'm playing that part when I can. It's my favorite arrangement of one of my favorite Christmas songs. This is pretty much what it sounds like. ;)

Number 88,461

2011-12-09T19:26:00.001-05:00

Rule of life: never attempt to eat anything that caused the fire alarm/smoke detector to go off.

This one is courtesy of G. And my own foolish behavior.

for unto us. . .

2011-12-01T20:48:00.002-05:00

For some reason, the last little while I've been thinking about the line from Isaiah a lot: "For unto us a child is born."

I've been struck by the passiveness of this prophetic statement- as if ANYTHING about having a baby is passive.

Rob's best friend and his wife just had their first baby. Hearing all about the experience for these first time parents and first time "uncle" (an adopted position we take very seriously around here) it was amazing to me how blessed I've been to become familiar, at least in some way, with the birth process.

The fear, the pain, the way a mother is completely alone in that responsibility, the endurance it takes, the absolute unknown that permeates every single step...the relief, the sudden change of pace, the overwhelming tenderness that flows into the room the instant everything else ceases...

In Mary's case all that happened like it does for most mothers. But it also happened for us.

Unto us.

I'm grateful for a heart that is touched easily by the sweet special spirit of Christmas. Maybe it is because I am also very easily moved by the miracle of birth. The same part of me is amazed and fulfilled at the same time.

Last year at this time I was just starting my job at the hospital on the Mother/Baby Unit. I spent a lot of time with sweet newborns, wrapped up tight in blankets, with small voices that cry. At the same time, as a choir we were preparing for the Christmas Program at church and this song was IMPOSSIBLE for me to get through without weeping. That line still gets me.

no need to watch the video- just hit play to listen:

To die, to live, and not alone for me. . .for us.

A little overdue

2011-11-30T12:46:00.001-05:00

So remember that one time how my work had a Halloween Costume contest -

and the prize was a paid day off-

and I WON?

It's pretty much an inside joke, but I recreated the new paperwork that we hand patients as they are leaving the office, and on my back it says, "Don't forget me!"

Guess all those years (4, thank you) as most spirited band member, winning the junior student council election because I dressed up and sang in my speech, the year my roommates and I won the Halloween apartment decorating contest because we decorated our apartment for Christmas and went as the Nativity, and the countless times I changed my clothes playing dress up growing up...all just came together in this one moment of pure victory!

Turkey in November

2011-11-28T20:18:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I can't get enough of the pun.

As your dorky tour guide, I'll be walking you through a step by step recounting of the entire trip (or so it may seem).

I flew to Turkey after work on Wednesday, November 2. My sweet friend and coworker, Heidi, offered to drop me off since the airport is way closer to work than home. I got some Potbelly sandwich goodness as a farewell to American cuisine and boarded my all night flight to Munich. I had a lovely seat buddy, a grandma from Virginia going to see her grown son in Germany. We chatted lightly for a while, I watched a movie, got ready for bed and then tried to sleep for the next 5 hours without much success. But breakfast was good. I was never hungry once on the way there and ended up keeping some of my goodies for later.

Trip tip: I picked this up on my flight to South Africa. WEAR PJs on overnight flights! But I also brought a wash cloth to wash my face (priceless) and the full teeth brushing/take out contacts/take out earrings routine to get myself into sleep mode. It was great. It was even better when I got to Munich and repeated the process in reverse, getting completely changed into new clothes and putting my face on/contacts in/earrings back on for the "morning routine" even though it was still pretty much the middle of the night to my body.

I slept more on the 3 hour trip from Munich to Ankara, but man, I looked good. The lack of sleep on the flight actually proved only to help me sleep better the first night and I didn't have trouble with jet lag at all. It hit me a little later the next day but was essentially inconsequential.

Anyway, I got there. Customs is easy- you should go to Turkey. $20 (US) for a Visa and you're good to go. Rob was at the airport to escort me on the bus/metro/bus to my first residence with the Hale family. We had a fun time in Ankara seeing stuff around, playing with the kiddos at the Hales', going to the Ballet, (Wendy, if you thought Hunchback was bad as a Disney movie, it gets worse. . .) and going to church on Sunday.

Then we went to Istanbul.

It's awesome. You should go. But make sure you have a really cute travel companion who speaks two languages really well, in addition to his native English, that aren't helpful and very little of the one language that is. I promise, it's way better that way.

Also, the mosque closest to the spice bazaar, on the other side of the bridge over the Bosporus has the prettiest sounding call to prayer. I should have recorded it. I didn't take any pictures of the Palace we toured, but that's ok because I'm going to live there some day and you'll see plenty of it then. We wore ourselves pretty much to the core by the time we left. We ate some baklava, I bought a painted plate, and we both managed to survive another earthquake without noticing it. (This is number three, if you're counting.)

Then we came back to Ankara where I switched residence to be with the Hansens. This time around we did just chill everyday type stuff. I rode the bus by myself to see if I could do it. A minor emotional breakdown complete with tears and 3 American girls magically placed in my path later, I made it. We went grocery shopping and I cooked dinner. You know, normal stuff. But funner. I love food in Europe (or in this case, Asia) because it's the same but purer. Less choices of the exact same thing with different brand names- unless you're talking olives- really good cereal, and even better fresh produce. Ahhhhhh. Take me back.

We figured out how to use our new apple products to capture images,

And there were some pictures taken...

A- Cisterns under the city. Super unexpected. When asked, Rob described this as my favorite part of Istanbul based on my reaction.
B- Eating a fish sandwich by the water, under the bridge. I liked it.
C- The city of Ankara from the top of the Citadel (a castle/fortress type ruin thingy.)
D- Being cheesy. And laughing at how outrageous* Rob's hair is because he doesn't know enough Turkish to give specifications for a hair cut. We're working on the art of bringing a picture with you to the barber.
E- Cute little kids I stayed with. I LUFF them.
F,G- The Blue Mosque. Fully functional and gorgeous inside. I finally got to use the scarf I brought with me everywhere "just in case" I needed to have my head covered.
H, I, J- Aya Sofia. Museum status now, and it'll cost you a pretty penny, but definitely worth it to see what people did in the time Christianity made it to Turkey. Phenomenal.
K- Ankara again.

To sum it up: I'm so glad I went, it was more fun, more naturally endearing, and more pleasantly encouraging than I expected. It must have been the timing.

*Two parts Riley Nelson, one part Justin Bieber.

Alive and back home

2011-11-20T07:24:00.001-05:00

Oh, You were wondering when I was going to say something about turkey?

I will.

Promise.

A true story.

2011-10-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time a boy moved to Turkey, leaving behind a little girl who missed him very much. One day, there was an earthquake in the place where the little girl lived. It was very unusual for that part of the country and made the news. The boy, though thousands and thousands of miles away, found out and called the girl in the middle of what should have been his night to make sure she was ok. She liked knowing that he was thinking about her. They talked for a long time that night about important things.

About a week later, the boy showed up at the little girl's house to surprise her. He was home- early! They had a lot of fun, including playing in the rain of a hurricane. Then he left again for Turkey, this time for a long, long, LONG visit.

A month went by and the little girl got an iPhone* so she could talk to him more frequently. Things carried on and they both got busy with their lives, while making time for each other. Soon enough, it was almost time for the little girl to fly to Turkey to visit the boy. In fact, it was just about to be a week before her trip when...

There was a 7.2 earthquake in Turkey!

You know what they say about faith moving mountains? Well this thing we've got going on is moving continental plates! We've officially dubbed it "seismic love," which is sure to be a fabulous first track when we make the album to launch our rock and roll careers.

As fate would have it, both of these incidents occurred on the heels of conversations I had just had with amazing women in our lives who have done the international long distance thing, saying exactly what I needed to hear, and filling me with motivation and a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. Maybe it's them? Maybe it's us? But I think we'd better figure out what continent we're going to live on because this is putting too many people at risk.

*

10 years- an addendum.

2011-10-17T23:43:00.000-04:00

Cake decorating. disciplining toddlers. laser hair removal. dealing with in-laws. raising other people's children. content communicating. cancer. junk food. baby names. depression. masters degrees and PhDs. prank calls. standards for teenage girls. boys (some things never change!). fitness. shopping. temple covenants. missions. funny things kids say. grammar. buying a house. selling a house. moves and jobs. what makes it all work. family. sacrifice. faith. love. endurance. hope. womanhood.

After 10 years, what is there to talk about?

EVERYTHING!

The hap's of late

2011-10-11T11:36:00.000-04:00

October already.

With the boy back in Turkey, and life almost finally settled into a routine, I spent the weekend in Utah catching up with some deliciously fascinating girlfriends from my freshman year of college. Yep- that was 10 years ago, kids. We've recently reconnected through our blogs, me most of all because I didn't live with them after freshman year the way most of them have. I loved hearing their updates about kids and places their husbands' jobs have taken them. Four are currently pregnant, so we threw a baby shower one night. BYU football game, morning aerobics led by Alissa- the professional instructor, and some family time of my own along with MUCH CHATTING INTO THE WEE HOURS, and it was a splendid, albeit exhausting, weekend.

I'm so glad I went.

Support, advice, love, and encouragement from girlfriends is a miraculous part of being a woman.

Thanks, ladies, for being mine!

A season for change.

2011-10-01T00:05:00.001-04:00

Alright, let's get serious here. BYU is kind of ruffling my feathers with all this lack of scoring by offense. I'm glad they pulled it out, and so proud of my real life TV Husband* Brandon Doman.

Let's talk about the victory dress. It's retired. It's a new era for BYU football, what with the not showing up to the Utah game and being on ESPN all the time in my basement, so we're making a change. I have victory scrubs now.

Only there's this one thing- on Fridays at work we wear red in support of the Troops. Not wearing my alma mater's colors on game day Fridays is one thing, but wearing RED? I had to just pretend it wasn't happening. The final verdict: we're doing it victory dress style. I shall wear my BYU scrubs the Monday after the game if they win.

I love not having to decide what to wear any day. Now, if we can keep these boys on the road to victory, I'll have outfits for 2 out of 5 of my working days decided before I even wake up.

At any rate, you know what I'll be in on Monday. Oh, and I'm wearing my official 2011 BYU football t-shirt during the game, today and next week when I'll be THERE. Aw yeah.

*I saw Brandon Doman on campus once as a freshman walking to class. I was giddy and giggled under my breath for about 30 minutes after. I'm so proud of him and everything he's chosen to do with his life. I love him for reinstating the art of the quarterback keep and what it does for momentum in tense moments. He is so much more than the new offensive coordinator to me. I feel like we have a special connection, albeit, one-sided. :)

The boy is back in town

2011-08-31T20:06:00.001-04:00

The Verizon workers going strike during an earthquake with a hurricane on its heels would be plenty of an excuse not to be online much, but that's not really my excuse. Said special someone in Turkey (who incidently took the picture atop this blog during our trip to New England this summer) decided to come home a week early and NOT TELL ME so all the things I was in the middle of trying to get finished before he got back are now strewn in a half-way-strewnness mess, he never got his welcome home treat that I had planned for when he walked in the door, and I keep hitting him a lot to make sure he's still here. Most of my life went on hold so I could stare at him all day for the whole weekend. Oh well.

;)

He was supposed to get back tonight, so we're finally coming back down to reality and currently hashing out plans for his limited time here. Catch ya in three weeks when he goes back for good.

And speaking of reality- the strike is over, nothing in my life was damaged by either natural disaster, and we only lost power for a few wee hours while we slept. Toto, we're not in Parkside anymore!

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

2011-08-24T19:58:00.001-04:00

Well, there's the young man who stopped on his way past me while I was carrying several large bottles of water to ask if I needed any help. And the older gent who stopped to welcome us into the neighborhood, claiming he's watched it build up over the last 20 years and it's "still a wonderful place to live!"

Since I don't have internet in my house, I find myself out and about. For example, I walk past the volunteer fire department everyday on my way to the library. It's so neighborhoody. I have these visions of learning all their names and waving at them as I pass. When the library isn't open, I can get wifi from the picnic table right out in front of it. It only lasts as long as my dying battery, but I've really enjoyed the fresh air and people walking by.

The other day I was sitting there trying to get a little face time with a certain someone in Turkey and a neighbor, surprised by the fact that I was getting internet, shared with me how he had lived in Turkey and Iran in the 1970s as part of the Peace Corps. Then he walked by on his way home and dropped me a little note with the address online I could find the pictures he took when he was there. I loved them!

Oh, and I can walk to church, too. And the mall. I went to Borders books to check out the close out sale and then hop skipped and jumped home. I don't anticipate being there a lot, but it's nice when something like that pops up.

So it's been a great ride. Oh, and since I'm a resident of Virginia and all, yeah- WE had an earthquake. It was an experience.

We've Moved!

2011-08-20T13:49:00.000-04:00

...and we still don't have internet. So I've been scarce. But it's going well and the library is only a block away so I can get on when I really need to.

What I really wanted to get on here to say is that I found a wal-mart today. Am I a terrible person because I love wal-mart? I mean, I love the idea of buying fresh bread and produce every day (except Sunday) on the corner too. I want to do that. But I also love getting organizational and house cleaning supplies for the absolute cheapest price, all in one spot.

Having a house = being grateful for wal-mart.

2011-07-23T11:12:00.002-04:00

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen. I love it!

I get paid to be a MOM.

2011-07-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

Lately I've found myself doing things at work that I realize are the kinds of repeated tasks that make motherhood- especially with small children- so exhausting. At that point, I gained a greater appreciation for Nurses who also have small children. They never get a break!

1) I pick up other people's dirty laundry and put it in the hamper
2) I clean up body fluids
3) I instruct people in where to put their body fluids
4) I go back in and clean the room
5) I pick up more dirty laundry and put it in the hamper
6) I listen to complaints
7) I fetch cups of water
8) Clean the room again, more dirty laundry
9) More body fluids.
10) Do the dishes (instruments) before lunch and dinner
11) Call people by name and don't get a response.
12) Cleaning ears. Seriously- who else does this but nurses and moms?
13) making kids cry
14) making kids trust you and smile again after making them cry.
15) clean the room again, real good this time, and grab the dirty laundry on your way out.
16) Put your own body fluids needs, and hunger, and fatigue, and headache, and anything else after what they need. ALL. DAY. LONG.

. . . And love it.

Once upon an intersection in Rockville.

2011-07-17T07:46:00.001-04:00

Lately my down time has me thinking about decisions and possibilities. You know, I'm in that age bracket. Interestingly enough, I feel like I have a pretty good hold on the keys to lasting happiness. I mean, that's what knowing God has a plan for me is all about. I feel reassured from time to time as I try to keep in line with what He expects from me.

But yesterday I was at a stop light, no doubt thinking about finances, or moving or something when a little white butterfly I had caught a brief glimpse of in the distance suddenly appeared fluttering right into my car through the window. He danced along the windshield for a while and then took cover landing right behind my shoulder. He held on tight as the wind in the car picked up, and there he stayed until the next intersection where he left as sweetly as he had come. All I could think of was the line in You've got Mail... "where I presume he was off to Bloomingdale's to buy a hat which will be a mistake." Or something like that.

I don't know what it was but I was just giggling and cheesing the whole time. It just tickled me to have a little flutter buddy in my car. Yay for a God who provides tiny little bursts of happiness unexpectedly as well as the promised lasting blessing kind.

My theme song.

2011-07-15T19:01:00.000-04:00

Remember how I love change? I came home today wanting to chop off my hair and be spunky for summer.

Everything new sounds really good!

And one from the Spring

2011-07-10T20:02:00.000-04:00

I totally forgot! Before the beach...

I sang in the Garden. It was an AWESOME experience. I loved it all.

They put this brittany spears microphone thing on my face. It was muy uncomfortable, but awesome to have.

My broskis came to see me perform. Just like in that one commercial for the Church.

The whole cast.

Fan Club! Melissa took the pictures and Rob took care of my sore throat/rumbling tummy the whole weekend. What a pal!

I made this sad face for most of the show...until the end when I got to "bloom" and be happy!

The summer in review....

2011-07-10T18:41:00.000-04:00

It all started with Duck Beach for Memorial Day. I hadn't been planning on it this year, but when I found out Rob had never been, it was a no brainer. We drove my car- without AC- and all three of us survived. This is where we stayed. Swoon.

those are my roommates

I LOVE this neighborhood. There was a swing on the deck below this. And a hot tub. And a pool. Awwww yeah.

There is this awesome look out place called the "ship's watch" that just had two cozy seat and a big window, pictured top center here. Sarah and Melissa are preparing for the dinner prayer.

And here's the beach! And me hiding from a camera. But isn't it poetic?

In June we got free tickets to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform at Wolftrap, which is incidently 4.2 miles from my place of employment, so Rob met me there after and we just popped on over and were there in plenty of time. It was a great performance, and a perfect miracle to be outside on a summer evening. One of my all time favorite things to do! I also loved that I wasn't at work!!!!

Another fun June event was my friend Kendra came through town and graced me with her awesomeness. We met on the mall (the day after MoTab, actually) and had another perfect evening. We took her to my favorite pizza place in Chinatown. I love her a lot!

We took a trip to Frederick to visit with Michael and Emma who were in town, but spent the morning hiking Sugarloaf mountain since it's on the way. I got another victory picture at the top for my side bar. :)

We had crabs and chilean style hot dogs because my mom loves her guests and she had a son visiting from the west and a daughter and her boyfriend who both served missions in Chile. How cute is she?

For the fourth, we took an impromptu trip to Boston/Portsmouth/Windham/Boston again/Rhode Island. It was awesome. I've always wanted a picture of the sign that says "Welcome to Lynn" near Boston. I wasn't driving but we still missed it. This is close though. The car was brave and diligent. The weather cooperated. We survived a much more arduous journey than NC and back, and ended the trip feeling as though there's nothing he can't handle. (Yes, my car is a he.)

We stopped by the old homestead on our way into P-town. It's still looking good. They added a sweet play set out back and got rid of the big pine trees by the garage. The front walk way is completely rerouted to the side and looks really good. It was nice to be there, and smell it again. You know what I mean?

Then we went downtown and ate Moe's at Prescott Park.

Behold: the gardens. Swoon again.

Man, I look like a tourist.

I had to do a little family history trip to "the chair" out at New Castle beach. Luckily, tide was out and we found it right away. From there you can see TWO lighthouses.

Rob had two goals for the trip. 1) See a light house. CHECK. 2) Eat a Lobster.

CHECK!

That night we stayed with my Mom's sister Janie. It was so fun to catch up with her and chat like adults, or something. :) The next morning we went to church where I attended while I was in High School and then drove by the coast again. Look, there's the beach!

We headed up to Maine to see my dad's sister and her fam. They showered us with amazing food, awesome company, relaxation, and even a canoe ride across the lake. We got distracted by a nesting loon and lost track of enough time to worry our hosts sufficiently that they took out on the ski boat to search for us. Ooops!

Me and Annie

Back to Boston for the actual Fourth of July. BBQ with Andrea's neighbors. I'm eating and my mouth is completely full in this picture. If I look mad, it's because I was. :)

Andrea had the genius idea to rent canoes from which we could watch the fireworks on the Charles River. Steph had to wrap her injury and we had about 3 miles worth of rowing to get to the spot, but it was nearly perfection.

Here's the city. Sort of. But we're on the water and the fireworks shot off from right THERE.

See?

Loved it. Severely.

We took off the next morning for home, but made a stop in Providence, for a little family history on Rob's side- he's totally related to Roger Williams- and Newport so we could look rich and famous.

The rest of the time I spend enjoying my job - where I have now been 7/7 in a row successful blood draws on the first try, visiting my neighborhood pool, and watching So You Think You Can Dance.

THE END! So far, anyway.

Just been busy loving life.

2011-06-27T20:59:00.000-04:00

I need to blog.

Has it seriously been two months?

I need to get food ready for tomorrow even more. I'll be at work late and I can't afford (emotionally) to be hungry. I mean, I love my job, but that's just asking too much.

Pictures of the last two months coming soon. I PROMISE!

Hoping to kick of July with a bang, so stay tuned for that as well.

In Bloom

2011-04-30T09:05:00.000-04:00

I've been writing this post in my head for a long time. I saw it as a multi-part series for a while. Now I think it has simmered long enough to be evaporated down to a simple reduction sauce. I'll just give you the highlights.

When I found out about the possibility of singing in The Garden this spring, my heart jumped at the chance to immerse myself in the figurative illustration of progressing and growing in the Spirit.

Not too long after that our relief society adopted the theme of Blooming for our group of fabulous ladies to determine what that means to them and how we can grow in potential, beauty, and bringing joy to others, among other things.

I spent time at the tidal basin during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

There is NOTHING like DC in the spring. As soon as the cherries are done, the dogwoods and redbuds go crazy. I spent DAYS just soaking it all in. My commute to work was like something out of Anne of Green Gables. I'm pretty sure I was smiling like an idiot for weeks.

I went to another friend's wedding here the day of Wendy's which took place in Salt Lake City. The tulips were exploding everywhere.

General Conference, Easter, time with family, great friends, earlier sunrises, walks during my lunch break, windows open, spring cleaning... Every energizing, renewing, inspiring or motivating element ever- all at once.

I have been keeping more flowers around lately to remind me of that process, and the simple joy that comes from recognizing it in our daily lives.

I love my new job. I'm doing well, and progressing to the appropriate scope of practice within my license. I am loving all the music I get to be involved with this spring. It's a beautiful time in my life and I'm so grateful for the promise, hope and renewal that comes every year at this time, in conjunction with the celebration of Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection. I see it EVERYWHERE, but especially in my life.

It's that time again.

2011-04-02T08:07:00.002-04:00

I'm really excited to spend my weekend doing this. Today I'm up doing chores and then it is non-stop spiritual pick me ups until Sunday evening.

Wooohooooo!

Remember how I spent the inauguration grading math papers with my friend?

2011-04-01T18:30:00.000-04:00

I totally know her.

;)

World's Lamest Update

2011-03-27T09:56:00.000-04:00

Life is full again, busy enough that blog posts have only been written as far as my head. It's good that way.

1) New Job: Everything I hoped for. Commute is not that bad, and I enjoy the quiet time in the morning and singing my guts out on the way home. Nice people, and get this- I have an hour lunch break, EVERY DAY!

2) Birthday: I was going to do a top ten list complete with pictures, but the beautiful flowers my siblings all sent to me are now dead. It was a pretty uneventful birthday this year, but my favorite part was getting myself a new job. (see #1)

3) In general: Things move a lot faster when you're busy all day every day. It's the end of March already. I've been keeping things simple deliberately and it is paying off. I love going to bed at 10:30 so much!

4) I almost forgot! A friend of mine from church is organizing a musical production of The Garden to be presented at the Visitors' Center at the DC temple in mid-May and I get to be in it! I've been listening to the CD and playing the piano music for years and years and years, and just the other day I was singing along to it and wondered to myself, "Gee, this part is practically written for my voice...I wonder if I'll ever have a chance to perform it..." And the very next day, there was a notice about auditions! So I tried out and I'm going to be the Seedling. As I've listened to the music in the car and practiced in my room and at the piano, I can't get over how deeply relevant the message is to me right now. It is so far beyond a singing opportunity to me, though in itself it's always fun to have something to work towards. The thoughts and feelings I have as I prepare are sinking deeper than ever before. It is SUCH a blessing for me right now to have this in my life. I am SO EXCITED! (Have you seen those Disneyland commercials where the little kids squeal? It's just like that.)

5) Recently: Yesterday I went to the temple and ran into the parents of one of my best friends from middle school. That was fun. And the sister in law of another one of those girls from the same time. And four or five people from my current ward. And one of the guys who is also singing a part in the The Garden. I guess it's the place to be! :)

Happy Sabbath

2011-03-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

Things I love about Mortality:

meals that include beans and milk
a good night's sleep
satisfying hunger
relief society
socks
finding out you're not alone
this quote:

Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. . . .

Life is like an old-time rail journey--delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride. ~Jenkin Lloyd Jones

Punch Line

2011-03-03T16:29:00.002-05:00

Not for much longer!

(I think this one is really funny too)

February

2011-02-28T15:00:00.000-05:00

I always end up getting rescued in February. Last year, you remember I had my break down during the snow storm and had to be airlifted from my igloo of an apartment and thawed out with warm water and a blow dryer. The same four wheel drive vehicle that made that rescue mission possible came into play again this year.

We knew it was going to snow. I was scheduled to go to work that evening, and I had to go. No exceptions. I had previously arranged to meet Mike at his work, swap my car for the Explorer and be on my way, fully equipped to manage getting myself home in the morning after the damage had been done. But it came earlier. During rush hour. While the rest of DC had been sent home early in "anticipation" of the storm. So it took me 2 1/2 hours to get just to his house (normally 10 minutes) since he was already on his way home where we then made the switch, and another 3 hours to get up the Pike to the hospital (3 U turns later) which usually takes 18 minutes. Sure, I could get over the snow drifts and managed not to slide around while making left turns, but the cars in the middle of the road in front of me couldn't, so there I sat. I did finally make it back to Mike's the next morning to give him back his car so he could go to work.

And then the transmission died.

Completely. Gave up the ghost. Abandon all hope, surrender, start looking for another one on Craigslist, I ain't coming back- dead.

So of course I felt miserably responsible. What do I know about using a car in 4-wheel drive? I probably gave it a personality disorder or something.

But the fact remains, I was personally rescued (and probably avoided death this year) by that little champion of my heart. May he rest in peace.

But that's not all!!!!

Shortly after that brush with death, I realized my soul was being crushed beyond repair. This time it wasn't the transmission, but rather the transition back and forth between staying up all night and trying to be a normal functioning person. So I reached out to the world of facebook with some silly comment about wanting to just give shots all day in an office.

Enter Andrea, the angel:

Long story short, she took me seriously, called to verify (and found out things were worse for me than she could have imagined), and then committed me to sending her my resume.

The rest is history.

Two friends, one month, one mission: Operation Rescue Lynn.

Thanks, loves.

I'm Back

2011-02-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

We were without internet for a week. It was like not having power, except we were warm, took showers, and could use the food in the fridge. We did things like read books, talk to each other, watch movies on actual DVDs, and in my case, discover awesome games on my computer.

So I'm back online.

During my week long cyber-absence I was interviewed and hired by a doctor's office in northern VA, accepted the position, and gave my two weeks notice at work. I never have to work another Sunday again. I get to sleep at night. I'm going to be wasted every evening, eat dinner, and crash. Just like the rest of the world. I only have to eat ONE meal at work. The extra commute time, pay cut, and starting all over with the learning curve are so worth it in comparison to what I've been dealing with. Yesterday I had some lovely friends over for dinner, we had a blast, I went to the visitors' center to see Alex Boye sing and share his story about how he found the gospel and joined the Church, and came home to chat with my roommates and their men until it was time for bed. I was myself. At one point, I was standing at the sink washing up from dinner and Melissa said, "Lynn, I feel like you're back!"

It's sinking in, I'm starting to notice the rays of sun that have sneaked back into my life as two very significant dark clouds are being blown on their merry way. Thanks for everything, rain clouds. You certainly do help with making things grow, but I'm ready for a little dry season.

It's so good to be back.

Oh, and this guy is fabulous.

e-mail

2011-02-27T01:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Blog,

I love you. Let's get together and talk soon.

Lynn

Ok, Mel.

2011-02-17T11:32:00.001-05:00

Snow's off.

It's going to be 70* tomorrow.

Bam.

The Holiday Spirit

2011-02-16T13:45:00.001-05:00

I think if life ever got so overwhelming for me that I couldn't keep up with blogging (which would only be a blessing, I feel) I could very well keep track of things in an organized fashion simply by documenting holidays.

Check it

New year's
Valentine's
My birthday
Easter
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
First Day of School/Labor Day
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas.

Really- I mean, we take pictures of these things anyway, it would be simple and not require any more effort or stress to do it. Currently, I simply have too much to say to give this schedule a go, but in the future, it's at least comforting to know it would work well.

Now about holidays in general and their documentation. I think it's important to celebrate the little things. that's why I have a blog. Heaven-and my audience- know that I haven't got big news or big deals going on in this little life of mine. But I'm gonna let it shine anyway in the details that inspire me and make me smile. Sometimes I think of them in time to do something about it. You get the documentation. Sometimes I have ideas I want to save for later. This is one of them:

Recently someone confessed that Valentine's Day is really for the children. They are the ones who get so excited about it. All the work that goes into making individual cards for classmates, the parties, complete with woven heart "mail boxes" to put the loot in. I loved it then too. I also love wearing colors together that are normally rule breakers. It's fun to be extreme for a unified cause. I love that insight about myself.

My Mom always made Valentine's Day special by putting on the red table cloth at dinner, candies scattered all over with lace doilies as place mats and heart shaped chocolate boxes on our plates. I don't remember if there was a traditional meal associated with it- likely something italian with red sauce because she's cute like that. We also got a card from the two of them. In later years she always sent that card in the mail. Sometimes with a little present like festive socks or something.

This year she didn't send me a card because she was sensitive to the thought that it might be too depressing to only get a valentine from one's mother. I love that she thought of that. Turns out, I still would have appreciated it. Now we know. :)

So what I really wanted to say about this whole thing is that I want to make Valentine's day as much about the "holiday spirit" as the other ones are- gratitude, giving and sacrificing to show others you care, making treats for neighbors and friends, and keeping the focus on delighting other people's hearts instead of my own.

Like I said, I thought of it a little too late this year, but I think it's a key that will unlock some otherwise undiscovered potential happy memories.

Happy February!

My response.

2011-02-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. . .

Romans 8:28

Life is hard. Get over it.

I honestly can't think of anyone I know who would benefit from this article more than me right now, but just in case I'm forgetting someone, this is worth reading.

There have been a lot of "responses" to a few articles circulating the electronic news channels lately. It all has to do with the fact that Mormons live differently than the rest of the world. Some people have made it their business to figure out WHY. I appreciate those who have stepped up to the plate to explain their own personal reasons. It strengthens me in my own. This blogger was one of them. Read her response here. (I found this one through CJane's post.)

I was talking to the Bishop's wife yesterday. She assured me that she still feels lonely in her happy marriage, that she feels overwhelming anxiety about her children, she cries to her friends about stupid things, and that everyone everywhere needs a Savior. She insisted that I would need the Atonement just as much as I do right now if I was already married, and I will even more when I have kids. She gently invited me to dig deep and get that firmly established NOW, while I'm young, while I'm struggling with this part of my life. She promised that when you are filled with the Spirit, you never feel alone.

I believe her.

And just in case you're wondering why being married and having a family doesn't make everything perfect, when you thought it was supposed to, it's not. Life is supposed to lead you to the Savior. He'll have you no matter what it takes to get you there. That's why He asks us to "come" unto Him.

My life would be better if I got to sleep for 8 hours every night. But most Moms don't. It would be great if I had the one person in the world who thought I was great to come home to every night. But getting there is half the fun. It would be awesome if I worked 9-5 at a job I loved. But then I wouldn't get 4 days off a week. And no one loves their job as much as they want to! It would earth-shatteringly wonderful to teach children how to tie shoes and read and learn about the Savior and what He's done for them. But how can I be the one to teach them, if I don't know it for myself? If I can't radiate the truth of how all encompassing His love is, and how it can literally cause you to change who you are and what you thought you could be? How can I learn that if He doesn't give me reasons to need Him? How could I ever do or cherish any of those things well enough on my own to truly be happy once I did have them? I couldn't do it without Him.

It all works. It does.

Things that are making me smile today

2011-02-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

The sun came out yesterday.

It did it again this morning.

Spring really is going to come. I forgot how that works.

I want to bake cookies.

I like the way a room smells after someone has blow dried their hair in it.

Wendy picked out a wedding dress.
_____________________________________________________________________

Last week was supermodel week. I didn't do this on purpose, but my dentist wanted to fill in a dent in my front tooth so it doesn't get stained. He didn't charge me for it since it was so small. That was Tuesday. Thursday I got my first massage ever in my life. It was a full hour Swedish massage that I got for a Christmas present. It felt pretty great [understatement]. Let's try that again. It changed my life. I was in a lot of pain before I went and didn't take another ibuprofen after I left.

The next day I had time, so I went to a salon and got my hair cut. She massaged my scalp when she washed my hair. Two in two days. YES PLEASE. I just ordered a pair of glasses (oh dear.) I'm embracing the fact that I have no desire to shop for clothes, except that I have two gift certificates to use so it wouldn't be actual money exchanged. I just don't want to have to put anything else in my closet/drawers. Thank you EFY summer of constant travel and wishing I owned nothing. It still hasn't worn off.

Now that it's February

2011-01-31T23:11:00.000-05:00

Still no sign of new year's resolutions. Still working on finding something other than eat, sleep, work that I can/want to sustain in my life.

But I thought of a one time deal something I should try to do better at this year.

VOTING.

Want to know something? The only vote I've ever cast in my life as an adult was the Presidential race of 2008. I didn't actually know that there were consistent yearly campaigns to be won until like two years ago.

I gotta start somewhere. So here goes. I'll report back in November.

Until then it seems I've only been able to land big projects like taxes and buying a car. And returning phone calls. I love you Em. I promise I will talk to you before we're both 40.

Good News Minute

2011-01-17T16:17:00.001-05:00

We do this thing where we all share good news from the week during the time before we start the lesson on Sundays. I look forward to it. Some people kind of shy away from it. You'll see why.

So it was Wendy's turn to conduct the meeting and as she was scurrying about the room getting things set up, moving a grand piano into place, saving the world, things like that...a few astute observers might have noticed a little glimmer coming from her general direction. Others might have heard through the grapevine, or been there at institute on Tuesday when she came out in public for the first time after having been asked a particular question, but no matter how it was deduced, by the time she called for the good news minute someone somewhere let it out that, "Wendy is engaged!" to which she slumped her head down, mumbled something asserting its truthfulness, smiled gleefully, and asked desperately for someone to take the attention off of her.

I shot my hand up in the air, always quick to her rescue.

"Lynn!" Relief overwhelmed her as she called on me to do what she had so sincerely asked. I could see it on her face- Please, Lynnie, please make it stop. What is your good news minute?

I yelled, "My roommate got engaged!"

Bwahahahahahahahahaha!

Good news indeed. April 16th. Salt Lake City. Good news.

Dear Morning, I miss you.

2011-01-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

I just read this really awesome quote on my sister in law's blog. "Exercise in the morning before your brain figures out what you are doing."

That made me think, "Gee, I miss mornings." Like it's some foreign concept, or too much to ask -To wake up at the beginning of the day with the rest of the world and work until it's over and then go to sleep and start over. You want to know the last time I did that? I'll tell you. It was yesterday. But that was the first time in 4 weeks.

I got up at 5:30 because my 4 hour "nap" was all my body could handle that night. I got right to it setting up dentist and eye doctor appointments. I went to the bank and MVA to replace the contents of my lost wallet. I ate lunch with my friend Meagan. I chatted with Wendy and rested in the afternoon (remember that?) and then went to dinner. It was good. Shrimp. Mmmmm. Then I finally saw Dispicable Me. It was weirder than I thought it would be. But definitely had its moments. And then I fell asleep on Mike's couch. At 10:30. Asleep asleep. Not just drowsy, oh I'm too tired to move so I won't. Like he was talking to me- no answer, a few minutes later I managed to groan in response, can't open my eyes, can't feel my limbs DEAD asleep.

This "morning" I'm so tired I can feel my body actually trying to keep my heart pumping. Good thing my purpose in life is to get as much sleep as I can during the day so being tired is actually a blessing that means I'll have a more productive nap this afternoon. Too bad it makes me feel like a bum.

Like what the minions are photocopying.

Stuck

2011-01-12T18:12:00.000-05:00

I woke up a few different times today (because I sleep during the day) with this thought resounding in my head:

Some times the right thing is working hard for something. Sometimes it's about deciding to let go.

Hmmm. And then you factor in agency, the ability to choose, and you're right back where you started. So which one do I pick?

I want to do what's "right" and "best" so I pray for guidance. And then I get answers like that. . .and I still have to figure it out.

I lost my wallet two days ago. So, do I keep scouring the universe, giving myself an ulcer all night at work, straining to squeak out any sort of faint memory of if I had it in my pocket there, or there...

Or just go to work replacing everything right away and get it done? Choose to let go?

I guess I'll do what I always do in these situations. Just give it more time. Blegh.

Where credit is due

2011-01-11T01:38:00.000-05:00

I love football. Did you know that? Especially college football.

What makes it better?

National Championship winning coaches who praise God on television.

I need to move to the South. Yes ma'am.

This inspires me.

2011-01-05T17:19:00.000-05:00

I was listening to this song on my way about town this afternoon. It is impossible not to feel the absolute truth of it. It helps that I am so small...

One of the things I learned in abundance this summer at EFY is the true power of womanhood and where it comes from. The world teaches, and it is true, that a woman can influence men by how she presents her body, and in doing so, get him to go against his better judgement, even make him lose control because of the power she has over him. It comes from how she looks. But that's all the world teaches.

The truth is, there is an even greater influence that women have to console, support, uplift, enable, and inspire others and simultaneously glorify who they are. Being true to the deepest parts of herself, knowing who she really is, and being willing to share that selflessly, a woman builds those around her. She fosters integrity and self confidence, lending her confidence when it is in short supply. It is divine. It comes from within. It comes from God, who is her Father.

Speaking of Gratitude...

2011-01-04T11:31:00.000-05:00

Here's my "I am grateful for" list from my sidebar for 2010.

lists of successes. vanilla soy milk. free groceries. west campus parking garage. being comfortable due to my familiarity with SGAH. heat. michael squires. temple trip buddies. car prayers. ten years of prophetic counsel. 5 mile races that end too soon. fresh starts. truth tar. cherry blossom petals in the air. school friend jeremy. revealed truth. general conference. the basics. my sweet friends. spring. the law of tithing. musical numbers to prepare for. flowers. regulating to get things done. being DONE! summer job. sunshine. shopping in roommate closets. speaking at baptisms. meredith davis (burt)-like stealth. fitted sheets. peanut butter pretzel sandwiches. target. NAME TAGS. shirts in my size. real meals (especially prepared by someone else when I don't have time to make it). sunny days in the pacific northwest (god loves me). Not having to wear a cap at graduation. cooler weather. bright colored cardigans. finding lost items! friends who share their experience in a way that changes me. House guests. Being a welcomed house guest. People who can read my mind/needs. MOTRIN. days off. kept promises. employers who can't get enough of me. sunshine through autumn leaves. my JOB (with benefits!). suitcases with 4 wheels. new babies. Sissel's voice.

New Year, New . . . ?

2011-01-04T11:28:00.000-05:00

Change is good. I love it. I crave it so much I even force it at times. Christmas decorations means rearranging furniture (and cleaning underneath it!). Christmas undecorating means fresh, uncluttered, simplicity in fuller appreciation. I love that too.

But the blog is currently something begging me to hold on to a bit of consistency. Not to push too much too hard too fast.

Remember that post I just said I was working on? You'll likely never read it. I haven't been back to it and I don't think I know what to say. Remember all those posts I claimed I've been writing in my head? They get erased in my sleep, which consequently has become the center of my universe. Sleeping, not erasing posts.

I count hours of sleep like new moms count poopy diapers. Let's see... in the last 24 hours, what has been the total? Enough is relieving, more is great! But takes more work.

And then there's the eating. Still a constant question in my mind- "What am I supposed to do, NOW?" I had pancakes and sausage last night at 1 am. It was just what I wanted. I think it helped me sleep through the night (doesn't usually happen). Well, that and the antihistamine I took with it. Good thing they are installing something requiring long, loud, incessant banging next door, or I might never have woken up.

And finally, the whole year in review phenomenon. My life is so utterly absorbed in the day to day, here and now I don't even know if I could remember what I did this year, but for the sake of my one and only resolution (which is indeed not for the YEAR, but for my current situation and greatest immediate personal need) to push myself to see beyond the basic functions of life, let's give it a try.

Let's see... the year would have started in January. Home from visiting family out west for the Holidays. Emily Butler was in town visiting. Back to school for the first half of my last semester. My friend, now roommate, Melissa and I carpooled to Children's National Medical Center once a week for my pediatrics clinical. We were just reminiscing the other day that I would tell her things about my boy situations then. Oh the drama. Anything else?

It snowed in February. Most of that went undocumented because the power went out and three days later I had a nervous breakdown which resulted in a desperate plea for help that very well may have changed the course of human history. That part is still being worked out. Review, Lynn. Not Preview. I made the most spontaneous trip of my life to Philadelphia for the day to drop off a stranded traveler. We visited the Medical Anomalies museum. AWESOME.

March would have included my birthday. It usually does. We had breakfast together. My sweet dears all got up early. What kind of a person asks for something like that? Sheesh. They got me a GPS which has been a blessing to me ever since. Also, it started the year of really awesome expensive birthday presents that we all pitch in for. March...Spring Break. I'm thinking that was a staycation this year, yes?

April brought my OB clinicals, warmer weather, the race I ran in Charlottesville, and Wendy's Toaster Oven. It was a good month. I wish I could remember when it was, but the guy I got to help teach the gospel to in February got baptized and I spoke about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It was one of my most favorite baptisms ever. He's a rock star. Not literally. He is, however, literally a Golf star. Professionally.

May. Now that I do remember. I sang at my graduation. DRAMA. No piano, we can't do it. Oh well. What if I make a recording and then play it over the PA and sing to it? Genius! Let's do it! All the while I'm trying to pass my final exams, study for NCLEX, make sure the college is actually going to let me graduate (still don't have a diploma, by the way) and not go completely insane in the boy department. THAT was fun. Someday when it's all been panned out, I really do need to write about that. I got beautiful flowers, and Silver Diner after. Swoon.

June. I studied for and took the NCLEX which lasted about 2 minutes, packed up my life and went to EFY for the summer. The only thing I "forgot" was a warm blanket and sweaters. Sorry, wasn't I writing about JUNE?

July. More EFY. Visited Utah during my week off. Spent the fourth of july under the covers in my bed at the University of Puget Sound watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, which it pretty much was outside. It was freezing. I spent most of my free time (which was rather minimal) asleep or on the phone. ;) I got a new one while I was in Utah. The most basic, cheapest phone T-Mobile has. I love it.

August. The end of an era. I stayed with friends back in DC, all of whom are now either married or engaged, until Andrea moved to Boston. Booooooo. It was a special time for me to spend with those girls before they all moved on. I looked for a job. Oh. My. Goodness. How did I forget about that?

September. Temped at Polinger, gave flu shots, moved back into the Manor, spent Labor Day at the lake with the fam (swoon), and royally enjoyed the free time I had. Went to Virgina Beach to celebrate the end of summer. Double swoon.

October. Got a job. WEEEEEEEEE! Hung out with my sister and her fam after baby Gabe made his appearance. Tried not to go crazy again. Same issue, different reasons. Happily, I was quite successful. Most of you probably hadn't a clue.

November. Started said job. Spent Thanksgiving completely alone on my couch watching Friday Night Lights, with the one exception of going out to buy myself an individual platter at Boston Market at which time I locked myself out of my car. So I walked the three blocks to Mike's house and hung out on his couch intending to just sit and watch TV until Wendy got back that night because he was gone for a week. However, his roommate found me and offered to drive me home so I could fetch my spare key, and back to my car. The miracle of all of this is I hadn't locked the back door of my house. My goal was to have the lamest Thanksgiving ever, just to get it out of my system. I think that was the stuffing on the turkey in that department. I didn't have any stuffing though. Just corn.

December. Roll out the decoration routine for the third time in this apartment. It's getting pretty easy. The job consumes me as I make the switch to nights. Things don't look so good for a while. It jacked me up pretty bad. Roommate selflessly offers to let me switch into her room- which becomes the most magical sleeping lair known to man. I sleep for 8 hours for the first time in 2 weeks, and all is well again. Really good Christmas Eve, Eve gift exchange. Even better Christmas Eve post gift exchange by my tree. Spent Christmas with the fam, two weekends in a row. Played the closing hymn for the Christmas program at church per tradition. It's so good to have those. New Year's Eve in Baltimore at the Harbor. Swoon.

Bangarang.

Gratitude is a powerful thing. That much I know. I also know that I have witnessed miracles this year, especially in my life. I'm actually really looking forward to how things are going to turn out in 2011. Mostly because for the first time in a really long time, I haven't got a sweet clue! No plans, no deadlines, no calendar dates to work towards, around, after, or through. As mentioned, I feel the desire and a need to turn myself outward more this month. I've got my physical schedule down to something manageable. Last night Melissa and I ate dinner together and I said, "It's so nice to have my personality back!" So it's time to put that part of me back to work. I guess this year really is about that. Making things work. The dreams and schemes I've had for so long in progress, now getting it done. Working. My job, my finances, my life in general.

Stay tuned.

HA........ppy New Yea-ah!

2011-01-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a post that explains what New Year's celebrations mean to me. For now, this is great enough on its own.

I'm here

2010-12-31T01:18:00.001-05:00

No point in trying to catch up. I've written several lovely posts in my head over the past few weeks, and can't even remember now what they would have been about.

Christmas came, and I loved it, I just had a different rhythm this year being asleep during the day and gone all night. It is going well now. I thought I was going to physically perish after the first week, but now I'm feeling good about it.

Working nights means I don't ever know what day it is. They all run together. Literally. I have to change the date on my flowsheets halfway through my shift. Date I can handle, but day of the week? Forget it. No clue. Ever.

It means I'm not sure what to eat when. I'm hungry before during and after work and when I get up from sleeping. But am I supposed to eat breakfast when I get home at 8 am or when I wake up at 4 pm? What is the point of what we eat when? I don't get it.

It means I'm never sure if I brushed my teeth. You'd think you'd be able to remember the last time, but with no reference (before bed, when you wake up...) it just gets lost on me.

It means I get to snuggle more babies. Don't tell anyone, but when my patients are all taken care of I sneak in the nursery and cuddle the ones who are crying.

It means it took some rearranging, some personal sacrifice on behalf of my sweet roommate, and an online purchase because I wasn't finding it in stores, but I have the greatest little cave of a sleeping space now. It's sound proof, and light proof, and adorable.

It means that when I go to a movie at 9pm with a friend who worked all day I'm just barely getting started and have to remind myself that the rest of the world has every right to be sleepy. (Tangled is great, by the way.)

I'm going to try to sleep tonight, but if I can't I can do some cleaning. That's all for now.

After last year, are we really ready for this?

2010-12-03T22:27:00.000-05:00

It is time.

Behold the blogsnow.

(We're decorating our home this weekend. It was only fitting.)

The concert was fabulous. Perfect, really. Mmmmm. I'll tell you more about it later. Just Mmmm for now.

Joy to the World.

2010-11-29T19:46:00.000-05:00

Remember last year when all I wanted for Christmas was to go to the Jon Schmidt Christmas Concert in Utah?

And then my sister flew me out there for my present and I got to go? With Kendra, of music/art club fame?

Remember that?

I just got an email from "Jon" inviting me to the concert again this year. That would be nice and all, but I think I'll go see the King Singers down the street instead.

Thanks though!

I live .2 miles from the Strathmore Music and Arts Center. The King Singers live in England. But we'll all be in the same place for one magical evening on Wednesday. (how much do you love that their promo is a video from their Christmas Concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?)

Remember how I went to see them in concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth with my friend Courtney in High School? And how we spied on our choir director the whole show because she was on a date seated directly across from us in the upper tier?

Remember how Courtney and I even knew who they were because when we were at Drum Major Academy the previous summer George N. Parks played us "You Are the New Day" on the second to last day and challenged us to change the world and we cried?

I remember that.

Happy December!

FAQ

2010-11-20T09:17:00.001-05:00

Q: So how's work going?
A: Great! I have class once a week, and I'm on the floor with my trainer twice-ish a week. I do real nurse things like get my meds from the med room and chart and do assessments and get babies to stop crying after I have to make them cry. The only thing that doesn't make me official is I don't have my own pager thingy yet.

Q: What about the schedule?
A: I just got it. I don't have to work on Holidays because they'd have to pay 2 people time and a half since I require a trainer still. Nor have I started working nights yet. My first night shift is Dec 13. I'm nervous, but I'll be ok.

Q: What do you do with your off days?
A: So far, SLEEP. It's incredible how tired my body is. But it's important to note that I'm still smiling at 6:30 when I'm an hour from going home. I just like it there. But yes, it's exhausting. I've done some Christmas shopping and gotten my oil changed. Things like that. It's similar to the routine that I loved while I was in school with p-days for cooking and chores and stuff. Except this time I don't have any homework! Bam.

Happy Weekend!

Good Tunes

2010-11-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

Day Off!

I was going to put these on my secret blog that's just for me, but I thought I'd share just in case it does someone some good. If not, that's cool too. ;)

{Jackie- the third one is in the movie Fireproof.}

These songs are recent finds. I started listening to the family friendly Christian station on the radio when I'm in the car and it has made a big impression on my attitude at times when I needed it. Here are some of my current favs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MniOtRnCO9I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnAq0o2Xl8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb7TSGptd3Y

I heard this one night when I was driving home. I saw a shooting star, a HUGE one, right when he was singing about obedience. Only thing is, I didn't remember it being so punk rocker. It's probably a different version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl6szsGsE1s

Enjoying the clouds.

2010-11-11T16:28:00.002-05:00

I've been rather absorbed in my own little world for what feels like a long time now. I'm not intentionally neglecting things like my niece's baptism, or veterans' day (thanks Dad!) or the fact that I'm missing the bridal shower I'm co-hosting this weekend. I feel like I'm kind of just on hold- but in a really good way.

I'm grateful to report on my job. We spent a week and a day in classes and workshops. I got to scavenge my unit for frequently needed supplies Monday afternoon. Yesterday I spent the entire day shadowing a superb nurse. That was my first time on the floor for 12 hours, and it wasn't mind or body numbing. I left really happy. But that's because I have the greatest job at the best hospital in the world. And I get to wear real scrubs. And park in the garage I've been using my student pass in for 2 years. Now I'm an EMPLOYEE. The nurses on the unit were all very attentive and welcoming to me. I was actually surprised and quite overwhelmed. I guess I expected to lay low entering their territory but they all made a big deal of me being there and wanted to get to know me.

I've bumped into professors and seen students and been reintroduced staff I knew from my clinical experiences almost every day. Mother Baby is very much the sweet happy environment you think it is, for the most part. There are other important roles I'll get to play as well that will take sensitivity and expertise.

It was a great start. I'm on Sat/Sun this weekend. Wish me luck!

Enjoying the clouds.

2010-11-11T15:26:00.000-05:00

The rest of the story

2010-10-27T12:02:00.002-04:00

So far my favorite comment to me about my new job was from my 8 year old niece Beth who said, "I thought your good news was going to be 'Aunt Lynn got married!' but it was that you finished your job."

Uh... Let's make a deal, Beth. I'll be sure to let you know that good news before I get married so you can come, ok?

I had a fun time explaining to her that I need a job so I can get married someday. Then we talked about how expensive weddings are and everything you have to buy. I think that made it seem less of a let down for her.

Right now I'm cozying her little brother on the couch where I anticipate us being for quite some time because it's SNOWING outside. Welcome to Utah near Halloween. It's 70 in DC. Have I mentioned I love where I live?

Right then, let's get to the story
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Way back when I was at EFY I was feeling caught between wanting to make progress in the job search, and not being in the area. I was able to find out about, apply to, and be hired by one agency that does seasonal flu shot clinics while I was still gone. Miracle #1- Income, Nurse experience, part time work that leaves day time hours for interviews, etc.

When I got back, my friend Mike's Mom was looking for someone to temp at their real estate firm. That was the organizational thing I did for a month in September. Miracle #2- working one on one with the head of HR who gave me tons of job search advice, flexible schedule, steady income, even an easy commute, and more money than I had expected.

Then I really started feeling the burn. I was busier than I had planned so I really didn't get much else done. As soon as my project was completed I knew I needed to go full steam ahead and WORK on getting a job.My Dad and I had set Oct 1 as a deadline because of my financial resources and when my student loan payments would be kicking in. I had submitted a few online applications one random Wednesday I stayed home from temping, but everyone knows that's a drop in the bucket. I had to get moving!

So I did everything I could to come up with ideas and people I knew and how I could get the ball rolling. In the middle of that I got a phone call from a Dr's office that they wanted to interview me. Cold. Just off my resume and online application. Thank you flu shot clinic experience! The interview went really well.

Then I didn't hear anything back from them for over 2 weeks. I sent her an email to thank her for the interview and ask for feedback. I was sincere in wanting to know what I could do better. I mean, that was my first one ever!

In the mean time a sweet friend of mine from school had sent me a message out of the blue on facebook saying she thought I might be interested in an opening on her unit at the hospital, and to contact the manager directly because the only way anyone gets a job is by word of mouth. I did so, and didn't hear anything back.

The manager at the dr's office responded to my email by asking me to call her. I did so one morning on my way to give flu shots. She told me the team had decided 90% that I was a no- not enough experience. I totally understood. BUT, she said, she really liked me and wanted to see if I could just be trained in what I'd need to know. She wanted me to come by the office to shadow the nurse and reinterview. I went that afternoon. I was already in scrubs, after all. It went well, but I had a head cold and didn't really feel like myself. The actual nursing skills were not over my head, but I did feel the pressure of being evaluated and for the first time in the process I didn't feel like I did my best. I knew it would just depend on them and what they thought...

Then, I'm not sure which day, I had the thought to check the email I had sent the unit manager at the hospital. Turns out, I never attached my resume. I quickly did so, sent it again, and I heard back from her that day. A few days later I finally caught the job posting online -which she had encourage me to watch for- and filled out the online application. As soon as I had completed that, I let the manager know, and called my recruiter at HR. They both responded immediately, and had been in touch with each other as well.

At this point I was planning to go visit my sister in Utah since she was having her fourth baby. Then she told me she didn't need me the first week because her hubby was able to stay home. I was planning on leaving Monday the 18th to take the load off during week two.

It was that weekend that our ward fasted (a week late because of general conference). I asked Mike to join me since he's been involved in the process from the beginning. Plus, he has rock solid faith so I was pretty sure he'd take care of the bulk of meriting any blessings I needed and I could just ride off of that.

A few days later I got a phone call, expecting it to be the manager at the Dr's office with their final decision, when in fact it was the recruiter at the hospital. She had received my application and resume and they wanted me to come in the next day for an interview. I couldn't because of a flu shot conflict, and the next time she could see me was the following Monday. So I called my sister, told her my travel plans were on hold, and then squealed. At this point I had been kind of blowing off the hospital, since the office was so obviously investing confidence in me and cutting me so much slack. Plus, no nights, no weekends, no holidays right out of nursing school? No contest, right? It had taken a long time to hear back from my first interview, so I just thought that was the usual pace, and it would be a while before I heard anything.

I was shocked by how excited I was to hear from the hospital. I couldn't explain where it was coming from, other than I feel like I'm at Disneyland when I'm there. I love that place. Even when I just went by HR to drop off my resume when I first got back from EFY, I left practically skipping.

Monday I went in and met with the recruiter where she explained the new hire packet to me. (Good sign number one). Then she took me up to the mother/baby unit where I met the manager, Monica, for the first time. We chatted and then she interviewed me. You know, the "tell me about at time when..." kinds of questions. I totally cried. She is amazing and exactly the kind of manager everyone should have, focused on team work, requires everyone to join at least one focus group, doesn't take herself too seriously, but expects stewardship from everyone at every level. I went into the interview thinking it would be a good experience for my job search and I left wanting to work there more than anything.

The next morning (Tuesday) there was an email in my inbox from the Dr's office. "We're reviewing your references and running a background check. We'll be in touch."

Three hours later, Susan from the Hospital called to offer me the job.

We both squealed.

I took it.

I spent the rest of the week getting my pre-employment physical screening, filling out paperwork, nailing the nursing assessment exams, getting my free flu shot (SCORE!) and getting my employee badge. I spent the weekend spreading the good news and enjoying my last bit of unemployment. Early Monday morning I flew out to spend the week with my sister's family since there was still exactly one week before my start date.

And guess what else.

The day I flew out here to Utah, while I was on the plane, the Dr's office called to offer me the position.

Two job offers, two weeks, one fast.

It works, people. It really does.

So far, the hospital being the right job for me is based on the more personal and longer orientation process (12 weeks) the better pay, and the days off. I will have to work weekends and holidays, but I'm doing 3 12s so I get 4 days off a week. I do better with that schedule. I love having P-days at home to cook and do laundry. I'll have more chances to take vacation in the first year, and I'm going to love what I do. Happy moms, happy babies. And lots of teaching! I've had a career path up my sleeve in this direction since before I started nursing school. Lots and lots of options- home health, new mom phone lines, prenatal classes, or just the occasional night here and there that moms do to keep up their certification. I couldn't do that at a doctor's office. And they'll pay for me to get my RN to BSN. But let's not think about that right now, please!

So now you know the rest of the story.

Official News

2010-10-19T15:31:00.001-04:00

I got the news we've all been waiting for today. I've been offered a full time position on the Mother/Baby unit at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. I squealed a little and then called my mom and Mike. Then I posted it on Facebook and squealed a lot. But it didn't hit me until I got this in my inbox:

Message for Lynn E. Smart, RN

WAY TO GO! We are proud of you! I'm glad everything worked out so you
can work at Shady Grove.

Love,

Dad

I got a JOB! I'll write all about the miracles that transpired to make it possible and what a great fit it is for me in a little while. For now, just know I'm extremely grateful and excited to use my hard earned skills.

I like fall too, Nie.

2010-10-13T12:01:00.000-04:00

Nienie blogged the other day about things that make her happy. Since then, driving has become a little more delightful. I hope that I can add a little brightness to another's day by mentioning some things that I've enjoyed lately. Things that give me a little tickle in my tummy, the beginnings of a squeal.

You know when you're thinking about someone and you go to grab the phone to let them know, and you have a message from them? I love that.

I get a kick out of taking things back to a store. Take THAT temptation to consume more and buy more than I really need. Ha! And I get my money back, too!

So you already know I love general conference. But I just found something else that rocked my socks. When you watch a video on the new website, it automatically sets up a link for you to share it. So awesome. The Church is true.

I'm dying

2010-10-08T09:06:00.000-04:00

Which is OK because, like I said, I'm on vacation from life this week. I can stay in bed and blog about whatever I want with the heat cranked up (because it came on two days ago) and wish I had been able to sleep past 7:30 this morning.

My sister is on her way to go get pumped full of fluids before her scheduled induction; epidural anesthesias require pre-hydration because of what they do to your blood pressure. Standard procedure.

I hit the I-feel-worthless point of long term job searching yesterday. It ended in tears. So, as we learned several years ago in South Africa- wait, I wasn't blogging back then- that is why I woke up congested and sore throaty today. When I cry, I get sick. Unless it's happy cry, or just because of a movie. It has to be actual downer type emotion.

But my sweet brother John called last night when I was on my way to get some carry out BBQ and said very nice things to make me feel better. Which worked almost as well as the mashed potatoes and cornbread.

It's going to be a great weekend, and I have more flu shots to administer next week which gives my life just enough structure and excitement to increase job searching productivity. Plus it gets me out of the house, and that's always a winning situation.

The post where I tell you what I dreamed last night. Hi Mom!

2010-10-05T09:23:00.001-04:00

Since I have the week off from life this week, I've had some very deep sleeps and therefore extremely vivid dreams. I just woke up from a never before told chapter of Anne of Green Gables wherein there's an earthquake in Avonlea and each of the characters figures out how to hang out of a window at precisely the right time so that they are gently lowered to the ground by the falling building. Later, Anne and Gilbert flew away from danger in a tiny war plane and kissed.

But before that, something, some kind of Italian celebration/graduation was taking place in the Marriott Center and I was dating James Franco so naturally we were traveling in a black limo together. When I got inside, I noted that everyone was wearing black and red, in the manner of a wedding party. They played music to entertain the guests as they were seated, and when a particular song came on, EVERYONE started doing a line dance to it that I had never seen but loved. I got my camera and videoed it for my blog.

So that's what was supposed to be on here.

Sorry guys. You just had to be there I guess.

PS I started to tell James at one point that he reminded me of a guy from Spiderman, and then I totally giggled and said, "Oops. That's you." Dating famous people is confusing sometimes.

PPS Everyone across my blogger nation has made the same comment in the last few days: It finally feels like fall. I concur. In fact, I'm freezing my bippy off. But oh the sweaters! I pulled them out yesterday :)

I think I missed my calling in life

2010-10-04T12:49:00.000-04:00

I could totally spend 8 hours a day singing and yelling to a song like this... in tights.

Hip, hip, hip, hip. Ha, Ha! Rrrrrrrrrrraow! Bap bah!

You have to watch the whole thing.

Thanks to the ever lovely Ms. B, and your sister.

Because I love you

2010-10-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

. . .I'm reminding you how this is one of my two favorite weekends of the year, and I'm providing you with the link so it can be yours TOO!

My favorite

Happy Weekend!

Good Advice

2010-09-29T08:17:00.002-04:00

Especially right now...

"A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it."

Richard G. Scott

Did you know, the "G" is for Gordon? That makes me happy.

PS

2010-09-25T13:47:00.000-04:00

I love the way hair looks when the sun shines on it while you are seated in the passenger seat of a car.

Like this.

Especially mine.

what? Did you think I'd have a picture? Are you crazy?

Just Plain Awesome

2010-09-25T13:21:00.000-04:00

{pretend there's a picture of the sunrise at VA Beach here}

You know how you find yourself looking back at a phase of life that has passed and you wish you hadn't been so dissatisfied with it, because it looks pretty great from where you're now standing?

For some reason, for the past two months, I've been ridiculously content with my lot. It's been NUTS. I've been nomadic, I have no job, and zero stability. I don't know what I'm doing with myself. But it's great. I'm loving it. I have tons of free time and I love what it is turning into. I love not having homework. The summer flew, but it decided to make a few brief reappearances for me to be able to get some wish list items checked off. Lake for the day with my family. CHECK! Virginia Beach for the weekend (I didn't bring my camera). CHECK! Doing an outdoor corporate health fair. CHECK!

I have work while I'm looking for a job. I am grateful for that blessing every day. These days the hard parts are the most fulfilling kind, and I'm learning so much. The kind of learning I just didn't have time for while I was in school. I'm busy, but not over scheduled.

I know I have it good. And I'm enjoying it.

How to avoid Lynnmergency: Fiber helps me not feel hungry

2010-09-16T12:57:00.002-04:00

The world's easiest, fastest, sweetest, SUGAR-FREE, high fructose corn syrup-free, Lactose-free, (possibly also gluten?) Smoothie EVER!

So my roommate Andrea moved out and left a huge bag of frozen strawberries.

I can only eat half a banana in one sitting. But what do you do with half a banana? They get gross. So I put it in the freezer* one time.

*It's much better to peel the banana before freezing.

I bought orange juice at the store.

So you just put it all together in one of these.

And since our one of these is actually a mini one, you can use the cup to drink from. Easy peasy.

Yeah, it's pretty much gone in the picture. I was hungry!

Variations: Any other whole fruit, a drop of vanilla, or frozen juice concentrate and ice cubes, but I think this is way easier.

A Picture!

2010-09-15T12:03:00.002-04:00

I just found this on Tia's blog. Here we are, just the girlies, this summer. Featuring the green sweatshirt of my heart. I'm wearing it currently.

Robyn, Amanda, Tia, Joanna and Me, Emily, Mallory

Update. [No pictures]

2010-09-15T09:34:00.001-04:00

Ok, ok, ok, OK! As is common, at least in cycles, I'm in one of those too-much-living-to-spend-time-blogging-about-it times. I count those as very blessed moments. And I've had about a month of them, straight!

Also, in those times I'm much less likely to have/use/think about my camera, and the great motivator for blog posts is pictures -both reading and writing them (be honest). So I'll have to be creative in the approach I take here.

Fact: I got handed a temp job that is perfectly suited to my personality, a blessing to my financial needs, and has absolutely nothing to do with my career. I am dejunking an HR director's office. I actually completed the 120 hours yesterday but she can't bear to part with me so I'm back tomorrow and Friday for more.

Feeling: It obviously came at a time when I needed relief, and I feel it. The people are awesome, one of whom is my ROOMMATE. I have had lovely experiences chatting with the Benefits Manager, Afua. She is the mother of 2 under 3 and has the kind of voice that makes the back of your neck tingle and relax. She's originally from Ghana. I will miss her.

Fact: I am also filling my schedule flu shot clinics in the which I administer the immunization on location as organized by the agency that hired me.

Feeling: IT ROCKS. I love every second of it. I LOVE wearing real people scrubs. [if you really need a picture right now, scroll down to the image of all the ones I bought last month and picture me in the purple top. That's what I wore to the first one and should have taken a picture.] I love talking to people to make them feel better. I love drawing up the meds and flicking it to get bubbles out. I love saying, "That's it! You're all done!" and them looking at me relieved. I love all the little pieces of band-aid wrapper, alcohol swabs and gloves that stack up and go in the trash, which is a visual measure of how much I'm doing as the hour draws to a close. I love my boss and the fabulous chica who does the scheduling. They come with me and handle the paperwork. And we crack each other up.

Fact: On the way home from my first flu shot clinic, I bypassed the beltway at rush hour -thank you very much- and went South Dakota to Eastern. I then hooked up with two of my old commutes and passed the school I used to teach at, and then the school I got my nursing skills from.

Feeling: All I could think was, "Look at how far I've come!" Literally. It felt amazing. Each step of that process was difficult and worthwhile and I have so much to show for it. I love that. What a special "drive" down memory lane.

Fact: Today is the first day off I've had with no specific plans to be anywhere at a given time since I got back.

Also Fact: I need a job.

Feeling: I better get crackin!

a little lynnspiration

2010-09-15T08:41:00.005-04:00

In addition to the update- a nugget.

As a result of being so perpetually nomadic this summer - I moved every week for 11 weeks - I lost track of a few items which I of course didn't notice at the time. Last week I was finally getting settled back down into life in enough detail that I noticed. Hey, where's that green hoodie I just got at target when I was freezing my bippy off everyday in Washington? I know the bag my sweet sister in law gave me for my birthday was in the closet before I left, but where is it now? What in the WORLD did I do with that travel size toothpaste? How far could it have gone? The skirts I wore all summer and then put somewhere "safe" are starting to make me nervous. I got one of them in Chile and it's not going to be an easy thing to replace...

A mess six weeks in the making took three days to resolve. After scouring the county, sending out search request emails as far as Boston, and looking through every box in the storage unit, I finally got to the hall closet. On the floor, under a deflated inflatable pool toy I'd never seen before, was the little box- the only one I couldn't find in the storage unit- that had my two skirts, the green hoodie, and my blue crocs and the little scarf Robyn and I each got for a dollar for our fourth of July church outfits. I screamed in delight, "I FOUND IT!" Not a day went by before our neighbor, who I had also contacted about the possibility, knocked on the door and handed me the bag.

Yesterday I took an extra bag with me to work to carry the scrubs I needed to change into after lunch. As I set it on the desk I noticed a little white tube in the side pocket. Toothpaste.

Now, I had prayed rather fervently, for a few days that that could find that last little box of clothing. I even asked that they might be found somewhere they shouldn't have been. That they would just be returned to me. I get it with the irreplaceable skirt from my mission, and the handmade bag from my sister. Even the newly purchased sweatshirt, though I checked and they still have them at Target. I could have gotten a new one. But right down to the toothpaste? Really?

And just think. I've been praying much harder for much longer to "find" a job.

I think we all better fasten our seatbelts, folks.

It's back.

2010-09-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm ready. I'M READY

2010-08-28T16:45:00.001-04:00

Do you ever get that feeling that something big is coming?

I'm still trying to get used to not having to study (or save lives) on Saturdays, so this next bit will likely not make an impression on anyone but me, but I'm feeling ready for something...anything.

This coming week I move back into my apartment for the forseeable future. That means I'll have more than 4 square feet to my name. Actual cupboards for food and a spot in the bathroom for my soap again. A closet. My BED!!!!

And that's enough for me to be perfectly perched for adventure. Once I get that part of my life reorganized and settled, I feel like I can launch into practically anything. And I very well might need to if I can get someone to interview me for a job. We're talking almost definite night shifts here, people.

So why is it that I'm day dreaming about a new apartment? And a night stand with drawers in it, and carpeting and matching plates and cups and nothing else that doesn't match, and turquoise bath mats and staining my bed frame to match the rest of my wood furniture?

It's like no matter what I have to work with, my mind wants to create in fresh spaces. I'm leaping out of my own skin (again) because I'm on the brink of something unseen. I think it might be an unconcious attempt to control things. I want to spray paint my lamp too.

So I keep telling myself- JOB, INSURANCE, PAY OFF LOANS. . .then I can dream about stuff. Heck, then I can DO stuff. I'm just getting ready.

Looking up.

2010-08-20T18:56:00.000-04:00

I like that phrase- "looking up". I feel like that's what I've been doing lately. Just the simple decision to turn my face (and thoughts) upward has allowed me to see so many more blessings as they make their way from Heaven

So where am I going to be wearing these delightful scrubs I just purchased, you ask?

Certainly not the real estate firm I'm temping for during the next three weeks! What a blessing, though. I get to help the HR director de-junk her office. It's like a neat freak's dream. And they're paying me (well, I might add).

I have been hired to work for two different agencies who send nurses to perform nursey type tasks such as health fairs, flu shot clinics, etc. I have a gig at the end of September, but after I finish my online training tonight, I can start scheduling more!

So that's what's up- For now!

My first scrubs shopping adventure.

2010-08-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

It all started when I tried to find something cheap at wal-mart and they only had two items in my size, for $12.99 each. I bought them both. But they weren't exactly what I was looking for.

Yesterday I went to a uniform store (much closer to me than Wal-mart) to see if they had any scrub tops I could get to match the bottoms I already have (thanks, EM!). You know, just look around. See what's out there.

Uh, yeah. I did ok.

I decided that this is the equivalent of going school shopping. And maybe I'll have to make it a tradition to get a new set every year in late August so I can get that new supplies refreshing feeling along with all the students.

Oh, and not a single item was over 11 dollars.

I'm home (and now I have super powers)

2010-08-09T02:18:00.000-04:00

Words of Wisdom

2010-07-28T14:03:00.001-04:00

1. Do it while you're thinking of it.

Like blogging.

2. Wear a helmet. I have heard about several accidents lately (little girl on a bike, young man on a motorcycle, etc) that would have had very different endings if they hadn't been wearing a properly fitting helmet. Call me a Nurse (oh, wait, I am one) but I think it's always great to be reminded.

There you have it. Carry on.

I looked out the window...

2010-07-25T19:51:00.001-04:00

So I was climbing the steps this afternoon to the room I'm staying in this week and I thought, "You know, I bet I can see Mt. Rainier out my window."

So I decided to investigate.

Huh! There she blows!

Last week I was staying with my brother and I tried to capture another cool vista- just down the street. It's blurry and not at all as awesome as it was in real life, but the moon was very bright and so was the temple.

Don't give up

2010-07-21T15:27:00.002-04:00

I'm enjoying my week off with the fam. I went outside with the cute boys this afternoon and the big huge blue smiling sky sent us a happy breeze to stay cool. I love their sweet little voices.

Lately I've been increasingly more aware of some of the very real struggles and losses many of us face daily- sometimes even more than one at a time. I came across this article this morning and thought I would share it.

Here's the main point:
If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. “Hold on thy way” (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. We are promised that we will “suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ” (Alma 31:38). Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually.

Read the rest here

This is what we do.

2010-07-12T15:25:00.000-04:00

Behold: Check in. Our busiest, most official time of the week. And yes, that's a sweater. It's cold. We are currently in the middle of doing this same thing. Just that this picture is from last week.

As promised.

2010-07-06T01:32:00.001-04:00

Our Northwest Team, left to right- (midair) Ryan, Kelson, Emily, Robyn, (on the ground) Amanda, Mallory, Joanna, Mikee, me, (midair) Tyler.

Picture via BROTHER PALMER!!!

What I see every day

2010-07-05T01:24:00.000-04:00

I took some pictures of the campus where we're staying. It's pretty much amazing.

I saw one firework tonight as we were walking back to the dorm. Since it's 50 degrees, cloudy, and breezy, that was good enough for me. I'm much too devoted to getting to sleep to mind what I'm missing. Happy celebration of our fine nation. Here's to many, many more.

I AM

2010-07-04T16:57:00.002-04:00

During one of his messages this past week, Brother Palmer shared a video with this song. This isn't the same slide show, but it is the song. I loved it. Please enjoy.

Week 2

2010-07-03T13:11:00.002-04:00

It's 53* today in Tacoma, WA. I'm wearing the world's greatest sweatshirt, and trying to come up with something to do besides laundry that sounds better than sleeping. I am so grateful for weekends.

This week we had the most wonderful session directors. That means the married adult couple who come and speak to the children everyday and keep us all motivated. They stayed late and got here early, came to all of our meetings, hung out with us, danced with us at our secret dance parties- after all the kids head back with their counselors and we are cleaning up the speakers. Last night, after the final dance we all came back to the office to have our last meeting of the week. We all laid on the floor in a big pile, listening to a song that can only be described as "chill." It was the most appropriate activity. Just together, breathe, relax, enjoy the feeling of being a family that only took us a week to create.

Sorry, this one's really blurry. So here's one I took for Mikee that turned out way better.

Brother Palmer took some sweet shots of me in my health counselor glory with his fancy camera. As soon as I get them, I'll hook ya'll up.

I have a blog?

2010-06-28T03:02:00.001-04:00

Week one of the EFY adventure is over. I drove from Forest Grove OR to Tacoma WA yesterday in one of the greatest independent road trips of all time. It is absolutely soul-stoppingly gorgeous here right now. The wild flowers are mind blowing. And I was listening to last year's EFY CD which I had never heard before.

I love my people.

The kids are fabulous.

The dancing is plentiful and pleases my personality.

I've had non-stop searing insights into my life, my goals, my motivations, and my weaknesses. I love talking to friends at the end of the day about what we've learned, and finding that each one of us is sharing something COMPLETELY different. I spent the whole weekend compiling my copious notes which I'd scribbled in various notebooks, manuals, loose leaf papers and receipts into one excellent green spiral bound notebook made entirely from recycled materials. (Yes, the northwest really is THAT weird.) It was a wonderful opportunity to review the insights I had written, and focused my thoughts for this evening's meeting with the session director and his wife. As he spoke about his family, our responsibilities, and our position as servants - not celebrities, I got the part II of a lot of thoughts I had just copied hours before. Some that I then shared with a good friend and was able to find some part III applications. Yeah, this is my job.

It's freezing cold. But the sun has made an appearance everyday, just to keep me from going insane.

No serious injuries or complaints last week. We'll see what the group of 400+ who shows up tomorrow has to offer. Wish me luck!

And just for the record, Mikale was right. I'm wiped!

PS We're staying at Hogwarts.

Deliverance

2010-06-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

Even though I'm not there to join with my sweet friend April in teaching it, I'm grateful that this month the Visiting Teaching message focuses on the Sacrament.
A while ago, while preparing for a Sunday School lesson I didn't actually end up teaching, I came across this thought by Jeffrey R Holland of the Quorum of the 12.

“Do we see [the sacrament] as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption?
“With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment. It should encourage spiritual feelings and impressions” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68).

I appreciate the comparison and the intensity that this insight brings to a consistent, and there for dangerously close to repetitive practice. I am excited today to participate in that commemorative ordinance- of the atonement, of the resurrection, of deliverance from personal egypts, and of starting over.

EFY is going to be great, guys.

Turns out you CAN find out in just 48 hours

2010-06-18T14:02:00.001-04:00

My friend Jeremy texted me this morning to see if I had check my results. Hadn't even crossed my mind. I was watching USA come back to tie Slovenia (spoiler alert) and happened to be right at the computer so I tried out the plan I came up with to check for my license on the state website.

My reaction?

Bawl, sob, cry, sniff, BREATHE, repeat.

Call Mom

Cry more.

Start posting it on every medium I have.

Now that I'm done with that, I think I'll pack up my whole life and go to EFY for the summer. :)

The end has come!

2010-06-17T12:13:00.000-04:00

I took the boards yesterday. I really did. I won't know for a while if I passed. But since I can finally think about anything else ever, I will attempt to finally document the pinning ceremony that served as my graduation. I sang twice, sat on the stand with my buddy Jeremy (who gave the address) and got to share in the glory of the moment with sweet school friends, my fam, and my other fam - with whom I live. :)

Here's what my pin looks like- My sister gave it to me.

Later we had a dinner where I pinned all my people with merit badges for their incredible skill and talent in getting me through school. A lot of people who made it to dinner weren't able to come to the ceremony so they are combined in my head.

Eric, Andrea, G, Wendy, Dad, Tiff, Melissa, Annalee (and Jeremy)

By the way, this should answer the whose shoes are whose question from last month. :)

Confession

2010-06-12T20:05:00.001-04:00

I once seriously considered starting an entire blog devoted to kissing - The Art of Kissing, I believe it was called in my head. See for sometime, OK all the time, I spent my life mystified by why people would smoosh their lips together repeatedly, not to mention that spit is like my all time worst enemy. Really. As a nurse I fear sputum and suctioning the absolute most over any other body fluid or expulsion there of. Gag. Right now.

So I had this idea to educate myself in hopes that it would either desensitize me, or inspire me. I had a little mental list- some sweet pictures, a top ten best lip gloss flavor poll idea, maybe even some "Hollywood's best kisses" clips. Kind of brings new meaning to the term "graphic design."And turns out there's quite a bit of literature about kissing. In fact, this became one of my all time favorite quotes, and believe you me - it was sure to have featured prominently in the layout of my unborn blog-child's decor. (Can't you just see it in the corner in a swirly font?)

"No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." -Rhett Butler

So I never made the blog as you might have picked up on. But I have been thinking about a few things.

What I've learned so far:

1. I can kiss a boy even when I'm hungry. And smile about it. (Read: only thing ever in the universe that has that distinction)
2. Kissing makes me extremely thirsty (TMI?)
3. There's a whole lot more to it than smooshing your lips together, which I had always hoped but had no concept of what else there could be. Just like everything else in life, I feel like there's this whole untapped wealth of knowledge that no one has ever attempted to share with me. Like how missions are really hard. And how nursing school makes you want to die rather than actually be a real nurse. And how getting insurance and paying bills doesn't make you any more financially responsible than painting your toenails does.

So why didn't anybody ever tell me that kissing is just another level of communication? That when you can't say what you mean it fills in the gaps? And that when you're stressed it makes you feel better. Or when you're tired, or hungry (see #1) or excited or sad or worried or really really {incandescently} happy. . .that it does that too? I may be the only one who thinks so, but I think it's like the feeling that happens when you're in the zone during a musical performance, or rehearsal for that matter, and you can feel everything just resonating together perfectly and it's better than you thought you knew how to make it, and you kind of feel your guts swell inside you as you try to expand your body to contain all the awesomeness that you're feeling. I've always thought that making music is one of the most magical things on earth. Why didn't anyone try to explain that kissing has the same depth to it?

So I am. I'm blogging about the so-much-more that there is beyond the stupid movie screen version of what the unkissed are expecting it to be like. Those people are faking it. Just in case you didn't know that either. It's WAY better than that.

I think we could all do a lot better at celebrating the big fat great juicy goodness that is kissing.

Back at it

2010-06-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling a need to blog this week. It's a little strange, but it is generally refreshing for me so I'm happy to oblige myself.

First off, I have some how reached my blog's quota for uploading - I guess just pictures- which explains the trouble I've had for the last couple of months. I can usually cut and paste them if I'm sneaky enough, but there may be a shocking lack of photos for the next little while, unless any of you has any information as to how to correct such an issue.

Second, I'm studying for the NCLEX (and hate it) so I have lots to occupy my mind and keep me busy. . . and tempt me to blog.

Third, life is good and it's great to have summer this year. Last year it was cold and rainy and miserable for many many many days in a row. (knock on wood)

Fourth, it's good to have a deadline (june 19) to have to finish everything. What's not good about it is that everything has to be finished all at once. Exam, packing, tax paperwork hassles, accounts settled, more packing, plans for when I get back, job search, and everything else like laundry and eating the food in the fridge and seeing my roommates who are going to move to boston two weeks after I return (ANDREA).

I can do it. It's going to fly. EFY is going to be really fun. My week off trip to visit fam in Salt Lake is going to be perfect, and coming back is going to be an interesting transition.

But it'll be good.

Time to get productive up in he-ah!

Remember.

2010-05-31T11:46:00.000-04:00

2 World War 2 Veteran Grandfathers.

1 Retired LTC Dad

1 very grateful and uber-patriotic little girl.
(picture won't load)

God bless our troops.

Sometimes songs just say it best

2010-05-29T19:36:00.000-04:00

In case you don't know it, this is the weekend everyone I know and love flocks to the shores of North Carolina's outer banks to celebrate being young, single, and LDS...and free.

I didn't go this year because I have too many (financial) reasons not to. But I miss them and the beach real bad.

I'm with you in spirit guys, and there in my mind.

Where's Lynn-o?

2010-05-24T23:30:00.001-04:00

Can you find me?

so NOW what?

2010-05-21T11:11:00.001-04:00

Oh just sitting here pretending to have things to do. Thinking that if I slow down, maybe June's arrival will too. I kid you not. EVERY year May slips past me. It's the 21st!

You know that feeling when you just have so much to do you're only thinking about what you're working on and what's next, and then anything after that will just have to wait its turn? I was in the thick of that for 3 weeks. It ended early this week as I went out with a bang - running on pure adrenaline from Sunday morning at 11am until Monday night at 9:30pm. I couldn't even think when my head finally hit the pillow. I think that might be the only time in my life my mind has been as dark on the inside as it was in my room as I turned out the light.

morning during the snowpocalypse

So now I'm on the other side. You know how when you finally catch a break in life it takes you a little while to tune down the gallop, slow to a trot, and then walk and finally stand still? You know how you start to see things like clouds and the designs on fabric and the notebook you left on the table again? You know how then you remember how much you love being in charge of the littlest things about your own life- like cooking and taking someone some soup when they are sick, or taking something to the post office, or picking up a birthday present for your roommate because everyone else is at work? You know how when you get there you start to catch yourself feeling the littlest tiniest bit antsy for the next big wave of craziness, but then you realize you're just enjoying the peace inside your own head?

I'm there.

My life in pictures.

2010-05-18T17:04:00.002-04:00

Paperwork listed on a brand new to do list that has nothing to do with school, because I graduated last night- from whence came the most beautiful flowers in the whole world.

Melissa took a bunch at the actual ceremony. Should be more to come.

Today: Part III

2010-05-07T12:49:00.000-04:00

Last Final Ever.

I PASSED!!!!!

Wanna guess what I got?

EFY Update

2010-05-06T08:42:00.000-04:00

The sessions in Idaho have been cancelled so they reassigned me to Oregon and Washington. Pretty sweet. I've never been there. Is it humid and rainy in the summer? Oh no. What if I die?

I'd still like to hit Utah during my week off, which I still need to confirm, but sounds like it's the week leading up to July 24th.

Today: Reprise

2010-05-05T08:35:00.002-04:00

Last lecture ever. I haven't been studying my brains out, per say. But it's constantly on my mind if that counts. I was just getting ready for school when I had the thought, "You know? I really ought to make a serious effort to pass this class. It would be quite awkward to sing at a ceremony I wasn't actually graduating in because I bombed the exam in the final hour."

So that's my goal.

Prayers are most welcome.

Today.

2010-04-26T23:05:00.000-04:00

Last clinical ever. Next time I go in a hospital to provide care for patients I'll be an RN.

And I got sent home early because I sound sick, even though I feel fine. Cool with me! I just got tons of computer modules done and did some reading. (No TV week = success so far). Now I'm going to bed at a totally decent hour.

Boom.

I think I'm going to do it.

2010-04-24T10:26:00.000-04:00

About a million years ago, in my past life as a teacher, we did a social experiment that involved limiting our media consumption. Since I'm losing the constant battle against myself (and currently sick as a result) this week I'm biting the big one, joining my good friend Laura, and repeating the experience - nursing student style.

No TV week is going to mean the following:

No facebook
No hulu
No reading blogs
No movies
No mindlessness.

I can watch or listen to conference talks, add to my own blog (because it keeps my mind clear), and check my email.

That's it.

We'll see how it goes. By the way, I have two weeks of school left. Ever.

For now.

lynnspiration

Gratitude list 2011

Babies! Part II

Babies!

Working in the new year

Christmas Pictures

Merry Christmas from my house to yours!

Shepherds

Happy Sunday before Christmas!

Number 88,461

for unto us. . .

A little overdue

Turkey in November

Alive and back home

A true story.

10 years- an addendum.

The hap's of late

A season for change.

The boy is back in town

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

We've Moved!

I get paid to be a MOM.

Once upon an intersection in Rockville.

My theme song.

And one from the Spring

The summer in review....

Just been busy loving life.

In Bloom

It's that time again.

Remember how I spent the inauguration grading math papers with my friend?

World's Lamest Update

Happy Sabbath

Punch Line

February

I'm Back

e-mail

Ok, Mel.

The Holiday Spirit

My response.

Things that are making me smile today

Now that it's February

Good News Minute

Dear Morning, I miss you.

More answers

Stuck

Where credit is due

This inspires me.

Speaking of Gratitude...

New Year, New . . . ?

HA........ppy New Yea-ah!

I'm here

After last year, are we really ready for this?

Joy to the World.

FAQ

Good Tunes

Enjoying the clouds.

Enjoying the clouds.

The rest of the story

Official News

Message for Lynn E. Smart, RN

I like fall too, Nie.

I'm dying

The post where I tell you what I dreamed last night. Hi Mom!

I think I missed my calling in life

Because I love you

Good Advice

PS

Just Plain Awesome

How to avoid Lynnmergency: Fiber helps me not feel hungry

A Picture!

Update. [No pictures]

a little lynnspiration

It's back.

I'm ready. I'M READY

Looking up.

My first scrubs shopping adventure.

I'm home (and now I have super powers)

Words of Wisdom

I looked out the window...

Don't give up