Is that how the universe works?

We went out to Pei Wei for dinner tonight. (Pad Thai with Chicken, no scallions is always a winner!) We got talking about silly things people say. Like when I say I don't really like dogs, people say- what if you marry a guy who loves dogs? My brother doesn't like to travel, people say- what if you marry a woman who loves to travel? My brother hoped he wouldn't go on a foreign mission, people would say- well that is just what you are going to get. I don't think the universe works that way. I said maybe I should try it though, like start saying- I never want to get married, ever! Devin said, great- you will either get married or it will come true but you'll believe you didn't want to and be okay with it. Ha!

Sometimes Less IS More

Sometimes less IS more, and sometimes you CAN get too much of a good thing. I thought of this twice this weekend.

I used to teach Body Flow (a class combining Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi) at Gold's Gym. I loved taking the class about 3 years ago. I would walk out of class feeling rejuvenated and walking taller. Then I randomly decided to go to an open audition, tried out to be an instructor, then got certified in it. I taught it all while going back to school. I loved teaching, but the last year or so I just kind of went through the motions. Then every quarter when new music and choreography came out that I had to learn, I wore myself out doing a lot of Body Flow to get it all down. I can't say I felt rejuvenated or taller. Well the past two weeks, after a two month break, I re-introduced myself to Body Flow. One day I popped in a DVD that I learned off from, and then yesterday I went to a class taught by one of my favorite instructors. She said at the end of class something about feeling great and walking taller...well as I walked to my car I thought- YES, I do feel taller and calmer, and stronger! When I was just a participant I actually got to get into the zone that I lost as an instructor. I was doing too much Body Flow for awhile. Less is more!

The second lesson of less IS more came in two separate instances with friends this week where quality time hanging out was just what this worn out girl needed. One friend and I simply watched a favorite TV show together and then chatted next to the glow of her tinsel Christmas tree. The other time a friend surprised me by making dinner and then chatted for hours in a practically furniture-less apartment. Big groups can be fun, but more often it is the small simple settings one on one that bring me the most satisfaction. Less is more!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake-Off 2010

Four contestants (Desiree, John, Joni, Tamara)

Four recipes (aka Egos)

Three judges (Matt, Abraham, Phillip)

One auditor (Kevin)

One kind of cookie (Chocolate Chip)

One winner.... Desiree!

One absolutely brilliant evening!


Thanks to everyone who came to play, eat, watch, enjoy, and share a fun night!

My Friend Beth

This is my friend Beth. She is one of the sweetest people I know. She likes to come across as tough (she will only play football if it ISN'T flag, what fun is it if you can't tackle?), but she is really a softie. Beth remembers details and numbers like no other. If you have an event going on in your life, big or small, she will remember. She loves being around people. Beth is genuinely happy to see everyone, she greets you with a smile and if you're lucky, a hug. She loves Chicago, the mafia, wrestling, talking on the phone, Facebook, hanging out at the Institute, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and has excellent taste in men.




I sure do love this girl a lot. She has taught me a lot about being more Christ-like. Thanks Beth for being such a great and loving friend.