Blooming Where She Is Planted

The One Where Tamara Gets Stopped At Airport Security

2012-02-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

You've seen this picture before. I love this pic!
I mean look at those cool goggles, the sweet jean jacket,
and the awesome 22 rifle in my hand!

I recently came back from a trip to Utah with my mom.
At the Salt Lake Airport I got stopped at security.
My bag went through the x-ray machine and they pulled it off the conveyor belt.
The security guard went straight for my wallet and started sifting through it.
He opened up the coin compartment and I knew what was going on.
He pulled out a bullet. It was a 22.
He held it up and said- "What is this doing in here?"
I told him I kept it after the shooting range as a souvenir.
I had forgotten it was in there.
I was asked to show my boarding pass, my I.D, and those along with my bullet
were taken and the man walked away.
Knowing it was purely innocent mistake, I didn't stand there scared or nervous.
Honestly my thought was this-

"Crap! He is going to take away my bullet! "

Luckily he returned, sternly told me that it was a prohibited item
and put it in a yellow safe and locked it up. I was told I could continue on.

Guess I was lucky nothing more happened.
I suppose I should have been more worried and more careful.
But like I said,it was an innocent mistake.

I'm still saying to myself-

"Crap! He took away my bullet!"

My Love/Hate Relationship with Valentines Day

2012-02-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentines Day.

On one end I'm too much of a romantic to hate the made up holiday of Valentines.
I know it is commercial. I know tons of money gets spent on ridiculously priced chocolates, fancy dinners, and roses that will die.

But there is something about the idea of homemade Valentine cards, baking favorite treats, cooking a special meal, and surprising someone with flowers they might not have expected that just screams the kind of girlie/lovey stuff
Tamara Christine Kelm enjoys!

So every year I make some cards, bake some treats, and have this silly bit of hope that says- Maybe you'll get flowers.

But here is the "hate" part of my Valentines Day relationship...I have NEVER been in a relationship on Valentines, therefore the only Valentines I have ever enjoyed are friends and family. Not a bad thing, I'm not complaining about that.

But darn it, I have all these Valentines Day ideas just stacking up, waiting to burst open and shower on the "Love of My Life". I just wish he'd show up!

At least I have my 83 year old patient to make me smile. He asked if I was married, and my response was no, nobody has decided to fall for me yet. He said this- "Anyone who lets you go is dumber than dumb!"

Until the love of my life shows up, or stops being dumb (which ever it is) I listen to songs like "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, make cute homemade cards for my loving parents, decorate a silly kindergarten style Valentine box for work, and go out to eat with great friends and eat delicious desserts!

Christina Perri- A Thousand Years

"True love is a process. True love requires personal action. Love must be continuing to be real. Love takes time. ...Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not passing fancy. Love is not expediency. Love is not convenience. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments and if ye love me feed my sheep' are God-given proclamations that should remind us we can often best show our love through the processes of feeding and keeping." (Elder Marvin J. Ashton)

Three Lessons

2012-01-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

I learned three lessons this week.

First lesson...

Our bodies are beautiful. They are uniquely ours. They are constantly changing. My massage therapist helped remind me of this. She has a healers touch and I not only walk out of a massage feeling fantastic and relaxed, but I leave with an awareness of the great gift that God gave me...my body. It is beautiful. Tere has helped me see this no matter the "size" I am. Plus, I've started a new fitness challenge this year and can see changes in my arms and abs. It is cool to see the changes I am making!

Second lesson...

Forgiveness brings peace. It brings peace when you forgive, and when you ask for forgiveness. I experienced both this week. President Thomas S. Monson, prophet of God for these days, once said the following in a talk titled "Charity Never Faileth":

"Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to becoming offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are."

Third lesson...

Everyone deserves kindness and compassion. I had two experiences with patients this week where I choose compassion.

First was a 93 year old lady with dementia. She wanted to keep using her cane instead of using a rolling walker, even though she was terribly unsafe with the cane. Her daughter showed no patience for her and seemed to only provoke her. The lady was hard of hearing and couldn't remember what exercise we had just finished. I remember looking in her eyes and thinking- patience and compassion Tamara! It was a long hour and I felt like I was yelling half the time just to be heard, and demonstrating exercises over and over again, but this lady needed compassion and patience, and I could give it to her. On Friday we found out this lady had passed away suddenly. I am so glad I go to see the light in her eyes that last time I treated her. Even people with dementia, or perhaps especially people with dementia need compassion and kindness.

My second patient came in with a lot of pain, a lot of frustration, and she was basically fed up with therapy and her body. She got angry over a mis-communication in her chart and was ready to storm out after 5 minutes into her treatment. I thought- oh no, I am not letting a patient walk out of here angry on my watch! We had a heated discussion with the supervising therapist, figured out the mis-communication, and then she and I both cried. She cried over frustration and pain, I cried over the adrenaline rush of the confrontation. We both calmed down, and then tackled the problem she was having. Her pain was down and her spirits were up when she left. Even angry patients deserve compassion and kindness.

And now it is time to start a new week. New lessons, new experiences, here I come!

Rainbow of Emotions Part II

2012-01-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

I posted this blog November 13, 2009-

Rainbow of Emotions

You can say that story continues on in my heart still.

I painted again tonight. It has been awhile since I painted something just for me. I got this fairly large canvas back in September. My grandma was with me and asked what I was going to paint. Is said jokingly- "the canvas will speak to me". I knew I wanted to paint something emotional.

Here is how it went...

The colors represent the emotions mentioned in my blog:

giddy, happy, doubtful, flirty, mad, dreamy, pretty, excited, confident, scared, bold, fear, on-top-of-the-world, faithful, hopeful, sad, and discouraged.

The yellow and blue are tear drops- blue being sad tears, yellow being happy tears.

Looking Forward in Faith

2012-01-11T18:57:00.001-08:00

Why do we sometimes love people who can't love us back the same?

Why do we have to go through missing something we never had?

Why do jobs sometimes take unexpected turns?

Why do we get sick when we just had a great weekend full of inspiration?

Why do we have to watch others get the desires of YOUR heart and not appreciate it?

Roman 5:1-5
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; By whom also we have access by faith into his grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only so but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulations worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

We are justified by faith..which brings peace...we rejoice in hope...glory in tribulations...which bring patience...which gives us experience...which builds hope. So hope is an expectation based on experience.

So that is what it means when we hear all these things shall be for our good
(D&C 98:3)!

Okay, now I'm back on track!

How to finish off 2011

2011-12-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

My real live tree!

Sofia...in a pretty dress from her khala!

Watching A Muppet Christmas Carol by an open fire the eve before Christmas Eve.

Annual Kelm Kandy Houses. Gummy Army men this year,
instead of gummy dinosaurs.

And the even more traditional...the destroying of the candy houses!!!
This year, throwing them off the roof in style with our visiting Arizona Kelms. The grandparents scored each throw.

Jacob's Toss...

Jayden's Toss

Jessica's Toss.

Jocelyn's Toss.

Tamara's toss.

Jocelyn Darling herself with the Gorgeous Tamara. Twins...can you tell?

Kelm Band, featuring the Arizona and Texas Kelms.

We sang the "Happy Song", "Sad Song", "Excited Song", and "Loud & Quiet Song"

Then we played our instruments to Christmas songs.

Grandpa and Grandma Kelm eventually decided if you can't beat them, join them!

And after a long day of adventure, Jayden was all worn out and declared-
"I'm done!", and sat down.

I agree with Jayden, 2011 has been a long year....

Can't wait to see what adventures 2012 holds! Here we come...

The One Where A Kelm Gets Married

2011-12-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

Meet the new Mrs. Kelm...Emily Jane Kelm. She married and was sealed to my brother
Michael Wolfgang on December 28, 2011 in the San Antonio, Texas Temple.

Here is the grooms cake my mom and I made. It had crushed Heath bar in the middle with a border of snickers bars.

Coming out of the temple.

With their parents.

Downloading this picture from my phone to the computer did funny things to this picture. Too bad, it was a cute one.

How many people get to have both sets of grandparents attend their wedding? We are blessed.

We didn't match on purpose. Well, we planned the purple, but didn't know we would both show up with our China pearls.

The day was great. Nothing we couldn't handle.

Best quote of the day was by my 10 year old cousin- "So Tamara, how come your younger brother is getting married before you?" Good thing she is adorable!

Congrats to the happy couple.

New Year's Eve Eve Pity Party

2011-12-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

Pity Party

Throwing myself a 5 minute pity party.
I will return to my normal, happy, positive self shortly.
I really have no good reason to complain.
But here is the thing...

I hate New Year's Eve.

I don't want to hate it. I want to celebrate it big.
I want to dance my heart out to good music with lots of friends.
I want to count down loudly, and cheer at the top of my lungs.
I want to sing that song I don't know the words to.
But really, I want the kiss at midnight by a man who is crazy about me.
Never had that chance, so everything else seems to be a disappointment.

That is why I hate New Year's Eve.

My second best option is a small group of close friends,
and a glass of Martinelli's Sparkling cider.
Not so bad. It will have to do.

So really my life is not all that bad.

Maybe I need to follow this advice from the San Diego Zoo.

"Tigers usually live alone, but communicate up to a mile away by roaring. A mother roars to call her wandering cubs. Adults roar after catching food. They also roar "I'm looking for a mate." Sometimes a roar means "Don't bother me. Stay away".
Tigers know the difference. "

Rooooooooaaaaarrrrr!!!!!!!
(and that doesn't mean "Don't bother me. Stay away".)

Christmas Letter 2011

2011-12-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

I decided rather than a Christmas letter, I'd do a Christmas Blog.

I have much to be grateful for and proud of this year.

I did not get what I wanted for Christmas, but that is not anybody's fault. Hearts desires are not to be granted upon demand. And I had an experience this month I anticipated that would break my heart, but it just left it tender. What I have learned this year is that my life is too full and rich to sit and boo-hoo about what I do not have! Here are my top 10 Riches of 2011!

Richness #1
I got my very own apartment! See the table I bought and put together all by myself?

Richness #2
Made a new record in running a 5K- 26:30.
Could not have done it that fast without my friend by my side.

Richness #3
Built up my "mommy resume". Went to Six Flags and Sea World with Amanda. We rode roller coasters so that one day we will be super cool moms.

Richness #4
Added 4 new temple to my list of temples attended. Travelled to see old college roommates, dear friends, precious family, and create new memories in new places.

Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Easter Sunday

Hutchison Family after an Easter Egg Hunt.

Mesa Temple

Cousin Jessica and her cute kiddo DJ

More cousins, Jessica and Jocelyn, and my aunt JoAnn

D.C Temple

Aunt T and Linnea, she helped me bake cookies.

On to Nashville where I sang at the Grand Ole Opry with famous Shaleen Weston.

Mission Beach, San Diego with Michelle Clements.

San Diego Temple...as beautiful as I imagined it would be!

Richness #5
Dared to continue to love with courage and bravery!

Richness #6
The Kelm family was back together again in June, 2011 when Michael returned from Australia.

Richness #7
Learned to make new food, including Korean BBQ and virgin pina coladas!

Melissa (center) thinks she is Asian. So for her birthday I made several Korean dishes.

Richness #8
Went shooting! LOVED it!

Richness #9
Completed my first year as a PTA, in a profession I really love!

Richness #10
Next week will be the wedding of my youngest brother to his sweet heart Emily Jane. I'm going to have a sister for the first time ever!

Merry Christmas all! And a most Happy New Year!

Shooting, Mariachi, and Salsa Dancing!

2011-12-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

December December...where have you gone? Already the 20th really?
Yikes! Time flies.

Here are a few things I did this month...

That is me with a 22 pistol!

I got some lessons on how to load and safety from the good friend who lent them to me, and then took another friend shooting for his birthday. I borrowed three pistols, a 22, 9mm, and 45mm. Wow, talk about kickback, the 9 and 45 were a bit much for me but so fun to shoot! I totally looked like I knew what I was doing!

Then there were two rifles we borrowed. Semi-automatics are fun! The guy next to us let us shoot a few rounds with his rifle that had a scope. We shot from 100 yards away and just about got a bulls eye!

I can't believe how much I really enjoyed shooting!

Then later in the month I went to a wedding of a family friend - Mariano Ruiz.

America Forster (Ruiz) and I at the reception. She is Mariano's sister, and one of my best/longest friends. It was fun getting all pretty for the night.

America's girls Faith and Angel with their Tia Tamara!

Mariano was Paul's counselor in the Elder's Quorum Presidency at one point, so I got to hang out with him at the reception for a bit as well.

What I don't have a picture of is the salsa dancing I did with a complete stranger from Mexico. Some young guy named Jesus. He spun me around and it was a blast!

I also sang some mariachi songs with Jose Ruiz (Mariano's dad) and danced to the mariachi band with my dad.

Life is good. Oh to be young and Me!

UT Brazilian Ensemble at Jovita's - Asa Branca

2011-12-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

Gente! Meu Pai....Orlando R. Kelm..once again, back by popular demand! Isn't this awesome?

Sisters

2011-11-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

I don't have a sister.

It's okay.
Look at these handsome men I have for brothers...

And one of them is going to get me a sister-in-law soon!
(The other better find me another one in the future.)

But I've had something just as special since 1992.
Yep, that is 21 years!
We have been friends since riding the bus together in
6th grade to Westview Middle School.

I lovingly call them Nadiaandnatasha...they get lumped together.
(For some reason I have always put Nadia's name first,
although I love Natasha just as much.)
They are pretty much my sisters.

Yesterday I got to spend hours and hours with my sisters.
We did what we have always done:
talked about boys,
went shopping (see the fun hats and headbands?),
and ate delicious food together.

I sure do love them!

I Love My Job!

2011-11-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants those moments in their career that reminds you- yes, this is why I do what I do! I had one such moment last week. I was in this very pool...

(Reavis Rehab pool in Round Rock, Texas)

I had a patient with back pain. She had been in pain for 2 years, and had back surgery a year ago. Her doctor decided to send her to us for aquatic therapy, meaning physical therapy in the pool. Guess what? She can't swim and is scared of the water. Well, we took it slow. First we started walking in the 3 1/2 foot section while holding on tightly to a noodle and walking very slow. Then we moved on to the 4 foot section (which is more buoyancy assisted unloading of body weight), but we were still using the noodle. Last Monday she came in for her 4th visit and announced- "I've been pain free for 6 days! I haven't been pain free for 2 years!" Last Friday I decided to test her confidence and suggest taking away the noodle while walking. She arrived (still pain-free) and we got in and started walking. Five minutes into the session she said- did you notice I am not using a noodle? I said, yes and I was wondering if you had noticed, I wasn't going to say a thing!

This sweet, southern, Christian lady chats the whole time in the pool about how great she feels, how much she loves the water, and how God put me as her therapist. I look forward to my hour with her. She is picking up old hobbies she left behind, can't wait to come get in the pool each session, and says she will be 16 years old by the time I am done with her!

Those are moments that help me say, I love my job!

"My friends call me Wolf, but that doesn't mean a thing."

2011-11-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share a wonderfully romantic story. Today my grandparents celebrated their 55th anniversary of the day they met! How cute is that? To remember the exact date when you met your eternal companion? Here is my grandma's account...

"Sunday the 20th is the 55th anniversary of the day your dad/grandpa Kelm met. It was a snowy, cold evening. I had been wrangled into being in this speech competition in Mutual. To make things interesting I missed my bus so I walked in just as they were announcing the names of the speakers and lo and behold my name was first. As I was up there doing my talk there sat this guy down front with a great big grin on his face. When the meeting was over by the time I got down from the stand he stood there and said, "my friends call me Wolf, but it doesn't mean a thing." I looked at him and thought geesh, this guy thinks a lot of himself. I went to class and sat down and who comes in and sits beside me, this same guy! By the time the class was over I was going to a fireside on Sunday with this guy. When the class ended I waited for a friend when these two guys come up to me and say, "where do you think your going?" There's a dance practice down stairs for the Gold and Green Ball. We three go down to the scout room and there are several people waiting. The dance instructor says," who is you partner? " and before any one could say anything Wolf says", I am." That left Bob standing there with his mouth open. (It was Bob that got me talked into the speech competition). Sunday the saga continues after 55 years of with everything you can think of happening and then some!
AIN'T LIFE GRAND!!!"

My grandma wore a white shirt and a red skirt today, which she said was the same kind of outfit she had on that November 20th 55 years ago. Now wonder I believe in romance stories in real life. It is genetic!

Thank you Wolf and Aline for an example of a lifetime of love! Grandpa says they don't make men like him anymore...I sure hope he is wrong!

Dad's Brazil Ensemble!

2011-11-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

My dad is in a Brazil Ensemble group at the University of Texas. It is for students, faculty, and people in the community. Each Tuesday night they meet and make all kinds of fun noise with a variety of musical instruments. Last Wednesday night was their first performance. It was at the Bates Recital hall.

I invited a few friends who know my dad and know his love of music. The audience was invited to come up on stage and dance and sing along if we wanted to. We wanted to! I evenwore a Brasil shirt and jewelery.

One of my friends said,"that was more fun then I expected it to be!"

Yes, it was a blast. See why Brazil and my dad rock?

LEGAL! Te amo Pai, obrigada por tudo.

Kelm Pumpkins 2012

2011-10-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sweet Success!

Grrr, Arrrg! Dad's twin pirates and my homemade patch for him to match.

How cute is this one! Love these two...aren't they just adorable!

Tamar the beautiful...yep, I'm vain. Peace out yo and Happy Halloween!

Rain is a Miracle

2011-10-09T11:07:00.001-07:00

I believe in miracles.

The Bible dictionary says..

"Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power...Miracles were and are response to faith and its best encouragement. They were never wrought without prayer, felt need, and faith."

I woke up at 5:30 am to a sound I did not recognize. Turns out, it was pouring rain! Yes, it rained for a few hours in Austin, Texas.

That was a miracle.

The Austin, Texas Stake of Zion fasted for rain on the first Sunday of September.

And in God's own time, the rain finally came.

Makes me stop to pause.

Today is fast Sunday once again.

If my faith and prayers were heard from an act of faith a month ago, and today is fast Sunday again...I have every reason to trust that the Most Powerful Being in the Universe will hear my prayers yet again. Makes me want to pay a little more attention to the condition of my heart and the substance of my prayers on this new Sabbath day. And in His own time, my prayers will again be answered.

Fills me with hope. Just in the nick of time...

Welcome to Mesa

2011-10-02T16:35:00.001-07:00

Where did Tamara go now?

Mesa, Arizona! Since I love the temple, my Aunt JoAnn and I were able to attend a session there. It was the 7th Temple Built in the Latter-Days!

I also got to see my cousin Jessica Kubie and her adorable kiddos DJ. He make look cute, but he chucked that lemon wedge and hit me right on the forehead!

And then we went to the park. I taught Jessica and old elementary school trick with the swings. She caught on real quick!

So glad I am blessed to be able to travel and see family. Jessica is part of the FAB 4 with me. (The first 4 super cool grandkids on the Hutchison side. Myself, Beth, Tyler, and Jessica. Then so many cool cousins kept coming, we had to expand the club...When there are over 20 grandkids and almost a dozen great-grandkids, the what do you call the club?)

Here are Jacob and Jayden, my 4 (almost 5) year old cousins. They couldn't say Tamara very well. It came out Tanner. So I told them to call me "T". That worked well. They were super excited to put up all the Halloween decorations.

Then there is my 10 year old cousin Jocelyn. She is adorable and gosh darn it, she knows it! She is a girlie girl after my own heart. We enjoyed our photo shoot.

Then we got her super cute sister Jessica involved.

And then we pulled in there fabulous mom. Look, we all wore pink!

Boys don't wear pink though.

And finally, this is what the twins taught me...

Standing on your sister helps her do her homework better.

And standing on your dad is just plain fun!

I hope to have adorable kiddos myself one day!

Thanks Arizona, I had a great time!

I Choose Happiness!

2011-10-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

"You

Are

Absolutely

Brilliant!"

(quote by Jay the DJ from the cruise karaoke, and recently reminded by
the lovely Larissa Stalinsky)

I was driving home from watching General Conference today (mormon.org) and thought to myself- I am happy! Do I have all my hearts desires? No, but that doesn't change the fact that I am happy. We are ultimately responsible for our happiness. We choose how we react to what life throws at us.

This is me being happy on the escalator in the middle of the San Diego Zoo.

To choose happiness I have to ...

Love God

Love others

Love myself

The rest in life will then fall into place.

SAN DIEGO!

2011-09-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Temple. (In La Jolla) It was a miracle making it here on time.

There is the Lovely Michelle Clements! My fabulous traveling partner!

Ask us, we learned a lesson in not loosing hope as we barely made it inside!

Lunch in La Jolla. That is the ocean behind me.
Yep, been to both coasts in the past 3 months.
(A friend recently pointed out just how much I flex in pics,
so I decided to make it my theme this trip!)

Visiting the California Kelms. Warren and Misty (aunt and uncle) and their kids Halle, Conan, and Maddie.
Nothing says I love you like a goofy pose!

In honor of Star Wars!

Two sexy chicks!

Lion's "Chuffle" vs "Growl" vs "Roar". A "Roar" means "I'm looking for a mate." Hmmm, maybe I need to practice my roar!

Who doesn't like seeing the Pandas?

Father and son, just chilling. The baby was actually really playful, when he ran around he would do some random spins. It was cool.

Reminds me of another Paul I know, handsome, flirtatious, and charismatic!

Michelle's first every ride on a tram. It was way higher than Lagoon's and fast. Wow, San Diego Zoo is huge! We spent three hours there and saw almost all of it. We were told it could not be done, but then again, we are young and single...
no kids to drag around!

Yep, I'm tough and I know it !

Koala Bears! So cute and cuddly looking. They actually looked really fake.

Shout out to Physical Therapy! The pond in Balboa Park was used in WWII for wounded soldiers.

And finally...on to the beach!

Our toes at Del Mar Beach!

Michelle deciding how to conquer the ocean.

Tamara saying- I think that is as far as I want to go.

Michelle at Mission Beach. She looked at the water and said- Bring it!

Yep, we are awesome!

And tough!

Searching for the world's best burrito... Roberto's was pretty dang good!

Carne Asada and Shrimp- Mar Tierra, with a yummy tomatillo sauce!

And as if the burrito wasn't enough, we decided on topping lunch off with a monster waffle cone!
...which ended in one final adventure...the seagulls. I couldn't finish my cone, so I tossed it in the sand. I figured a bird would eat it. Little did I know, they were watching and instantly they attacked! Then, before Michelle could toss hers a seagull grabbed it right out of her hand. Yikes! Thank goodness we made it out alive to tell the tale.

So San Diego was awesome! Now on to Mesa, Arizona! ...

7 year old wisdom- "He was eaten by a fish!"

2011-09-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

Conversation that occurred in the pool during a physical therapy session with a 7 year old boy.

Boy: Do you have kids?
Me: No, I am not married.
Boy: You aren't married? I know a 17 year old who is married and has a baby.
Me: Nope, not married. The love of my life is lost.
Boy: Really? What happened to him?
Me: Well he hasn't showed up yet, so he must be lost somewhere.
Boy: I know what happened to him.
Me: What?
Boy: He got eaten by a big fish!
Me: Really, eaten by a fish?
Boy: Yep, my dad and I went fishing and we saw a really big catfish. And you know what? One time a man was swimming and a catfish came and swallowed him up.

There you have it folks. The love of my life is lost because he was eaten by a really big catfish. I sure hope he has learned his lesson and gets spit out soon!

Heaps of Love!

2011-09-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

"Makes me that much strongerMakes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarterSo thanks for making me a fighter"

Warrior Pose!

I am not one for change. I lived in the same apartment complex at BYU for 3 years! Then I lived at home for a very long time before moving into my own apartment. I've been in the same ward in Austin, Texas for 9 years. This past weekend, I made a change. It was time to switch things up, and I am now attending the Walnut Creek ward, a family ward, meaning it is not made up with just LDS singles. I anticipated a very rough day. Turns out, I'm a bit more dramatic then I need to be. (surprise surprise!) A friend told me- "you are not going to be any different of a person Sunday then you are today!". He was wise, thanks! I am in a ward where my dad is Bishop. Now let's think about this. I get to attend church where the man who loves me more than any other man is this world is. AND, I got to sit by my mom and got a back scratch! Can I be any more blessed then that?

This blog is an expression of gratitude. Gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the richness that is my life. Gratitude for the heaps and heaps of love and support I have around me. These are people who specifically thought of me or checked in on me yesterday, and I know prayed for me. I felt all of your prayers. It gave me strength! Thank you so much!

And Now I am an Artist!

2011-09-03T18:37:00.001-07:00

I call it Foz de Iguacu! It is my ode to Brasil.

My first attempt at using acrylic paint and canvas. So much fun, I totally recommend it.

Pavlova revisited

2011-09-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

Michael is returning to Rexburg, ID on Saturday. I decided before he left I'd try the Australian dessert Pavlova again.

You top the meringue with whipped cream.

Then with fruit of your choice.

And most importantly, lick the whipped cream off the beaters.

Hope it tastes delicious!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2011-09-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

Last week was their 32nd anniversary. As of August 24, 2011, Tonia and Orlando Kelm figured they have been married 11, 688 days. Dad also calculated that if he has kissed his wife every morning and every night, one his way out the door to work, and when he returns home, then he has kissed her at least 60, 000 times. How adorable is that? Yep, that's what I am holding out for!

Sing it Colbie!

2011-08-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

"I Won't", Colbie Caillat

Well, maybe you're not right for me
Maybe it's just hard to see
I get lost in your beauty
Then I just start questioning

'Cause when you took my heart you took it all
When you gave it back it feel apart so

I won't do what you told me
I won't do what you said, no
I'm not gonna stop feeling
I'm not gonna forget it

I don't wanna start over
I don't wanna pretend that you are not my lover
That you're only my friend
Friend, I won't

Anxious!

2011-08-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

As seen in my recent posts, life is great. I've got adventure, I've got happiness, I have a fabulous family and friends. My life is rich, and full, and amazing. Yet this weekend I spent a good part being anxious. I can tell I am anxious because I get SUPER busy.

Friday-
Work all day, run 3 miles, dinner with mom and Michael, laundry, and clean the apartment top to bottom for 2 hours.

Saturday-
Work out, get new tires, take a friend birthday present shopping, pool, grocery shop, make chicken curry to freeze for meals, Chinese wedding and reception, movie and ice cream with mom and Michael.

I'm exhausted. I'm anxious. Life is going to have a subtle change in the next few weeks...joining the family ward relm of the world (a ward is a congregation at church, currently I attend one for singles ages 18-31...my birthday is in September, so time to move on). I have been full of hope for the future, an excited anticipation! But this weekend I am anxious.

Step one, turn off the computer and get a full night's rest! Anxiety, you will not get the best of me!

Adventure #3, Nashville, TN

2011-08-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Adventure #3, Nashville, TN

“This is George Strait, welcome to Nashville.”

Wow, George Strait was the first to greet me! Ok, so he greeted me from the overhead paging system in the airport. The second person to greet me was Chanda Vaniman, health coach and (coachchanda.com) yoga instructor extraordinaire!

Nashville was cooler than Austin. Thank goodness, I needed a break from 107 degrees!

Friday night we attended the Nashville Temple. Dang it, I didn’t get a picture. It is a small one, but very pretty! No wonder I have been in a great mood all of July and August, I’ve been to 3 temples, 5 times.

Saturday morning I attended my first hot yoga class. The room was between 100 and 102 with 30% humidity. It actually felt pretty good. Chanda was an awesome instructor. The only thing I couldn’t do was the rabbit pose. Can’t believe how much I sweat!

The fun continued with a nice hike. We hiked around a lake and through the woods. I saw a few deer, including foals! I found it cute, Shaleen made cocking shotgun sounds.

Saturday afternoon we toured the Grand Ole Opry. It has the 2nd best acoustics in the world, do you know what is #1? Last year it was flooded, they have it restored it and it is up and running. I didn’t really know anything about the history. The tour was cool. Part of it was a video with country singer Blake Shelton talking, (I think I am sold on a man with a good southern accent!) We saw the dressing rooms, all themed, the mailboxes for the Opry members. If you want to send an Opry member mail, just put their name, and Grand Ole Opry USA. I learned all about Minnie Pearl and Little Jimmy Dickens. Ever heard of the song "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose"?

The end of the tour you get to stand on the famous circle on stage. So the circle is made from the stage of the old theater (Rinehart?) where the Opry started. The idea is that everyone who every performed there walked on this spot. During the flood the wooden circle was found floating in the theater, recovered, and restored.

Too bad I am not brave enough to really sing. I was singing “At Last” loudly in my head! (and later realized that isn't a country song at all. Oops!)

Saturday night we went to Centennial park in downtown Nashville. They had free dance lessons, followed by a few hours of big band music and dancing. I danced with strangers, men old and young. It was pretty cool actually!

Sunday was good hanging out time and attending church of course. Shaleen works in the nursery. I had fun reading 2 and 3 year olds books and teaching the girls how to skip!

Another former Austin resident, Sarah Compton, stopped in. Chanda made us a delicious pot roast, there was arm wrestling, and a good time by all!

Thank you Nashville! I had a great time.

Lesson learned? Life is rich and full and has a lot to offer! Chanda and Shaleen approach life with grace and happiness.

30 and Single, and Look what I can do. Adventure #2

2011-08-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Who is tired of seeing my icky packed wound on this blog? I am, I am!

I’m sitting here in the Austin Airport, waiting for adventure #3 of the summer of

“I’m 30 and single, and look what I get to do!”.

Adventure #1 will be blogged about when I get the pictures,

because what fun is a blog without pictures?

Adventure #2…Maryland/Washington D.C to see my former BYU roommate Lisa Creer.

I decided earlier this summer that when you are 30 and single, you get to do things like take 4-day trips to visit friends. First trip was to Maryland to visit Lisa.

She was my roommate for two years at BYU.

We went to the D.C temple the first night I was there, thanks to her husband who stayed home with her two cute kiddos Linnea and Connor.

The next morning I treated Lisa to a pedicure as a late birthday present. Funny how we are in different stages of life, she read Family Circle and looked at recipes, while I looked at gossip magazines. While we were there her husband packed lunches and the 5 of us got in the car and headed to D.C.

We ate lunch with the Washington monument on one side, and the Capitol on the other.

We visited the Natural History Museum were Linnea and I went through the butterfly exhibit. Too bad that cute four-year old couldn’t stay still enough and giggled every time a butterfly tried to land on her. One landed on me though. It was cool to have butterflies flying all around you, so many varieties!

Sunday I shared my greatest talent, I made chocolate chip cookies. Lisa napped on the couch while Linnea and I made cookies. She suggested we add M&M’s. I thought that was brilliant. They were delicious!

Sunday evening we went to the boardwalk at Cheseapeake Beach. I did manage to get one picture of Lisa and I.

Here is the unexpected lesson learned on this trip. There is so much I have to learn, so much I can prepare for, so much to get excited for when it comes to my future family. I had a great time watching a young family. I picked up yummy recipes, got read to by a smart 4 year old, got sang to, and caught up with a dear friend. I came home blessed with this gem…although I don’t view being single as a punishment , I certainly never thought of it as an amazing blessing of time. Time to become even that much more prepared for my eventual role as a wife and mother. This time of my life is a very special blessing!

Thank you Creer family for a wonderful time!

Warning, picture of my wound!

2011-08-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

WARNING, SOME GROSS PICS! NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

I just came back from a fabulously wonderful try to Maryland/D.C. It was just what I needed right now. I am going to blog about that very soon. But first I am going to get the complaining out of the way....

On my way home Monday at 5:30pm my plane was grounded for over an hour on the runway. Thunderstorms were moving in over Baltimore and in our pathway to Memphis, TN. I didn't bring anything to eat. Luckily the man next to me gave me his extra granola bar. We arrived in Memphis an hour and half late, by then my plane to Austin was long gone. Nothing else was going to Austin and they had a flight for me on a different airline the next morning. Delta put me up in a DoubleTree hotel. A shuttle would take me there, I shuttle would bring me back the next morning, I got a $100 credit to a future flight, and I had a voucher for a dinner and breakfast at the hotel. Sounds good right? Well, the shuttle was a 10 passenger van and there were 30 of us heading to the hotel which was 15 minutes away. It took me an hour to get to the hotel. I arrived at 10:00pm...the restaurant was closed, including room service, and would not open till 6:00am...my flight left at 6:50...and the hotel shuttle didn't start until 6:00am, so I had to call up a taxi. Good thing I had an extra package of cookies from the plane as my dinner. My bed at least was comfy and had internet. I was at the curb waiting for my taxi at 5:30, sharing it with another girl. I almost had a heart attack when he arrived at 5:50am, but luckily I arrived to a short security line and made my flight to Dallas. My breakfast was my second granola bar. Finally I arrived in Austin by 10:00am and in to work by 1:00pm.

To top it all off...this is what I came home with...

It is an infection on the back of my thigh. Possibly a staph infection (lab results pending). No clue how I got it. (Maryland friends not to blame, it started Friday before I arrived) It started as a tender bump on Friday. By Monday my was red, tender, swollen, and really really hurt after sitting on planes. After work I went to the urgent care clinic. Here they numbed me up, drained the wound, packed it, dressed it, and put me on antibiotics.

I can't remember the last time I wanted my mom so bad. I'm 30 for goodness sake! When they were about to put the needle in that would "pinch and burn" I wanted my mom next to me. And then my second thought was I wanted to call my favorite guy friend to have him distract me on the phone. But my mom is in Argentina, and my guy friend would probably have thought I was being a silly girl. I asked the nurse on a scale of 0-10 how bad was it going to hurt? She said, a lot. Gee thanks! It did hurt, a lot!

This is Day 1 right after it was drained. That is packing strips hanging out.

Today I had to return to have it looked at again. The doctor thinks the redness around it has not gone down, but I think it has. He repacked it and it really hurt again! I wanted to cry, and I still wanted to cry in the car on the way home. Let's pray it heals, and heals quickly! Come on antibiotics, do your thing!

Day Two before the re-packing ... the square is the print of the dressing put on it.

Day 2 with the new packing in and an outline to watch the redness.

True Love

2011-07-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

True Love! Last night in a class I am taking through the church education system called "Preparing for an Eternal Marriage", we talked about what true love is. The instructor used a quote by some guy named Bennion (sorry, lousy at citing!) who determined that there are 6 keys to building a relationship. The first is FRIENDSHIP, followed by TIME, then in less of an order RESPECT, UNDERSTANDING,and RESTRAINT, and lastly ROMANCE.

So you want to know what true love is? ..... they got it...

This is my parents in Argentina, playing in a park. My mom arrived a week after my dad. She was so nervous to fly to Chile where she doesn't speak the language, then waited 6 hours to change planes to fly to Argentina. But it was all worth it she said, because she got to be with my dad. While my dad waiting for mom to arrive, he found a pastry bakery nearby their apartment. He knows what makes his wife happy! Now that is love! They are each others best friends; they spend a lot of time together (5 weeks in Argentina); there is the utmost respect for one another; they clearly understand each other (mom brought a box of cereal and a jar of peanut butter to Argentina for dad) . Do they every disagree? Sure, but never have I seen them fight or argue...so restraint- check! And Romance? Totally, on a skype chat with them the other night, mom had her arms draped around my dad's neck and they looked as giddy as teenagers. So sweet!

"True love is a process. True love requires personal action. Love must be continuing to be real. Love takes time. ...Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not passing fancy. Love is not an expediency. Love is not convenience. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments and if ye love me feed my sheep' are God-given proclamations that should remind us we can often best show our love through the processes of feeding and keeping." (Elder Marvin J. Ashton)

"Perfect love is perfectly patient...Unlike our love, Jesus' love consists of active restraint as well as pressing encouragement. His perfect love of each and all spares Him the need to accept us as we now are, for He knows perfectly what we have the possibility to become." (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

I can't wait for my true love to find his way into my life. Until then, I will keep practicing loving. Seems a good place to start. I got a few people I can practice on...

Mothers

2011-06-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Mothers

Aline Mae Vaile Kelm, mother of Orlando, Trisha, Jared, and Warren

Teresa Ann Lees, mother of Brianna, McKayla, Savannah, and Skylar

I have been thinking about mother's this week. I read the following quote in a book by Sheri Dew.

"President J. Reuben Clark Jr. declared motherhood to be as divinely called and as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood itself. More recently, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland put motherhood in historical as well as spiritual perspective: Mothers, "Yours is the grand tradition of Eve, the mother of all the human family...Yours is the grand tradition of Sarah and Rebekah and Rachel, without whom there could not have been those magnificent partriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob...Yours is the grand tradition of Lois and Eunice and the mothers of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Yours is the grand tradition of Mary, chosen and foreordained from before this world was, to conceive, carry, and bear the Son of God Himself. We thank all of you...and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God...Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been as you try to make an honest effort, however feeble you may sometimes feel that to be." (Sheri Dew, If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard, 106-107)

I have found joy in thinking about my mom and other mothers this week.

I texted a friend who recently had her very first baby girl and asked how mommyhood was treating her. She said, "it is great, but hard!"

I had a cousin become a father this week and although she was born with Down's Syndrome, both parents are as proud as can be and the news of her diagnosis it seems is not going to overshadow their joy. Just as it should be!

I went to a friend's daughter's birthday party yesterday. Her daughters are not just cute, but sweet and loving to everyone around then. They learned from the best!

I have a wonderful mother myself. We work out together. She offers to pick up stuff at Costco for me while I"m at work and even drops it off at my apartment. She rubs my feet while we watch TV. She invited me over for bacon and eggs this morning. She would do pretty much anything for me I am certain.

Michelle Stenquist- mother of Maddie and Ellie

I have many, many friends and cousins that have the sacred calling to be mothers, and they do a great job. One cousin I want to highlight is Michelle Stenquist. She is the proud mother of twin girls who recently celebrated their 1st birthday. She has probably posted 100's of pictures of her girls on her blog over the past year. Michelle announced this week on her blog that she is expecting baby #3 in January and expressed her excitement. It just struck me when I read her blog that there are so many woman in the world choosing not to have children for whatever reason. One might look at the Stenquist family and say- are you insane, you'll have 3 kids under 2 years old? But I look at Michelle and say- now that is a woman I respect. She is choosing a selfless path. Joseph F. Smith said, " the love of a true mother comes nearer to being like the love of God than any other kind of love".

I hope I am working on the characteristics now in my single years that will help be one day an outstanding mom. I've got a lot of great ones to look up to and follow their example. Here are just a few of the many I love! (Sorry I don't have everyone on here!!!)

the late Vanessa Adorno, mother of Jelly and Beth Ann

Vera Hutchison-mother of Tonia, Alan, Boyd, Teresa, and Brad.
Tonia Kelm- mother of Tamara, Devin, and Michael.

Elizabeth Lisonbee- mother of Clark and Anna

Karen Jacobs- mother of Sarah and Sam; Jana Israel, mother of two

America Forster, mother of Angel and Faith

Trisha, mother of Darian and Alisha

Lisa Creer, mother of Linnea and Conner

Joann Kelm, mother of Jessica, Jocelyn, Jacob, Jayden

Kelms got Lost

2011-06-26T08:43:00.001-07:00

This is why the Kelms are awesome.

A few years ago Devin printed pictures of the Star Wars characters and put their heads over ours in a family photo over the fireplace. I tried to re-create it the day Michael got back from his mission. He noticed it right away. Devin noticed it when he joined us a few days later.

Michael caught up on the final season of Lost over the next few weeks. I went over one night to my parents house and this is what I saw over the fireplace...

"Jack" (Michael), "Kate" (Tamara), "Sawyer" (Devin)

Front row: "Jin and Sun" (Tonia and Orlando)
Middle: "Juliette" (Tamara)
Back row: "Ben" (Devin), and "Hurley" (Michael)

I think perhaps Hurley is my favorite, that big hair and head on a small body.

Oh Kelms, you sure are funny!

Confidence

2011-06-20T21:06:00.001-07:00

My confidence took a leave of absence for while. I am not sure where it went, but it sure left me feeling anxious and lacking hope. Then this weekend a few things happened....

1.) I went to the San Antonio temple with my family. That's right, Dad, Mom, Devin, and Michael. We then had a delightful lunch at mom's favorite Italian place and walked around in cave that are suppose to be millions of years old.

2.) A friend dropped by just to give me a hug. Just a 3 minute interaction, but worth far greater then she realizes.

3.) I got to hear my brother speak in church. He is someone I look up to. He reminded me that I need to be praying more sincerely for other people instead of for my own woes.

4.) I got to hear my dad speak. It was father's day. What a treat to hear my father speak on father's day. The man who loves me more than any other man on this earth! He spoke wisdom and reminded me that just because life can be tough sometimes doesn't mean I am doing anything wrong!

5.) I was reminded just how much my parents love me and pray for my well-being and success. I have all the support one would possibly need between my family, my friends, and most importantly my God.

6.) I had a good chat with a friend that I was missing on the phone. We talked briefly about confidence. What an important attribute to possess- both to have it and to be able to give it!

I woke up in a great mood. I felt a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I could see clearly again, and the woman looking back at me in the mirror was a more confident one. I appreciate the gift of confidence. The thing is you got to fight for it though. I want to fight for it! Today felt too good to let that confidence fall by the wayside.

Dua

2011-06-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

In Islam a Dua is an act of supplication to God. According to the handy wikipedia:

The term is derived from an Arabic word meaning to 'call out' or to 'summon', and Muslims regard this as a profound act of worship. This is when Muslim people from all over connect with God and ask him for forgiveness and favors. The Islamic prophet Muhammad is reported to have said "Dua is the very essence of worship," while one of Allah's commands expressed through the Qur'an is for them to call out to Him:

"And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)!" ^[1]

A few weeks ago one of my best friends, Nadia, texted me and asked what I thought of cemeteries. It is interesting, her text came the day after I attended a funeral for a friend. I told her cemeteries didn't freak me out or anything. Turns out there is a special dua that Muslim's are to perform on behalf of the dead.

This website will show you the details of the dua itself. www.duas.org/visitgraves.htm

Nadia had never been to a cemetery, but Austin has an Islamic section at Cook-Walden, and she wanted to go serve her fellow faithful believers and perform this dua. We donned scarves to cover our hair out of respect and visited the graves of people we didn't even know. Her mom came with us. Nadia read a few duas in English. Then her mom read them in Arabic. There was one that was read seven times. Nadia explained to me that if that dua is read, the deceased would then have a light appear with them in their grave, with the idea that they would have light until the resurrection.

When we left there was a nice peaceful feeling. Nadia experienced the joy that comes from selfless service.

I was trying to think of what might be similar in my own faith. While reading the last conference address by President Thomas S. Monson, I came across a quote by Joseph F. Smith. The address was on temple work. As a Latter-Day Saint I believe in performing service for the deceased that did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in life. President Smith said,

"Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in performance of these duties."

What stuck out to me was the mention of a light shining upon the dead.

Is it any wonder similarities are found across the religions? We are all children of a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants nothing more than our eternal happiness.

I Call It Hope

2011-05-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures with Michelle Clements. We both happen to be admiring a good looking man in the pool that is in front of us. Ha! But that is not the subject of this blog. What I like is how it captures the expressions on our faces. You can just see in this frame we are both very happy. Not only does it capture happiness, I think it also captures hope.

I am happy today. No one particular reason or event. It is the result of a process. I call it hope. Hope takes a lot of prayer to obtain, and a lot of work to hold on to.

I have hope that there will be many more frames like this, looking out on the world with a smile on my face!

Today, I am just grateful to feel so happy.

Light of hte World

2011-05-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is the painting "Pool of Bethesda" by Carl Bloch. BYU has it on exhibit. I got to see it back when I was a student at BYU taking human civilizations class. I saw it again last weekend, Easter weekend. I not only love the story, but I love the painting. I think Bloch captures the emotion and the magnitude of the miracle performed by Jesus Christ at the pool side. From the commentary I listened to on the iPad during my tour of the exhibit, I heard a very interesting point. The man with the red cap is looking towards the still waters, when right behind him is the Living Waters. There is also a distinct contrast of light and dark.

Yesterday I was kayaking on Lady Bird Lake with a good friend. He was talking science as he always does, and I was enjoying listening as we paddled along. He talked about how the energy to do everything in this world comes from the sun and the sun setting off electric activity. It is how things are powered, even how we have energy to move muscles and power a kayak down the river. (Although he used much more correct terms for the specifics.) Then he linked it to how the Savior is the light and life of this world. What a great comparison!

I was sitting here preparing my temple prep Sunday school lesson, reading about the word of wisdom and staring outside at the plants, the flowers, the wind, the birds, and the sunlight...the light...and yesterday's conversation came back to me.

I am grateful for the Light of the World! I am grateful for the Savior's ability to reach out to the one, the man at the pool of Bethesda, the blind man on the street, the lepers, the woman with an issue of blood, the families and friends of David Anaman and Christine Ball, the lonely, the heartbroken, the oppressed...the Light of the World truly does have power to effect and strengthen all of us as we paddle down the Lady Bird Lakes of our life.

Spring 2011 Utah Trip Part I

2011-04-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

My brother graduated this weekend. Which means the Texas Kelms are in Utah! Here is part 1 of the trip....

1st set of grandparents. Wolfgang, Orlando, Aline, Tamara- good looking group!

My other grandma Vera, my mom Tonia, and me again.

Good looking group with the handsome graduate! Love Mt. Timp in the background.

Check out the guns on that gorgeous girl!

Just missing Michael. But he will be home soon!

Graduation lunch at Tucanos. Love me some suco de abacaxi! (pineappele juice)

Showing off the guns again with Cosmo the Cougar at a BYU baseball game. Gooooo cougars!

Sunday morning "Music and the Spoken Word", broadcast featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Symphony. What a great way to spend Easter Sunday morning. And, President Monson was in the crowd.

Garden at Temple Square. Gorgeous! We took an hour tour. Now I appreciate it so much more. They have over 80,000 tulips!

Não Tenho Lágrimas

2011-04-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

Irony of ironies... last night I practiced learning this song with my dad. I love the song, so much passion and emotion in it. Then I went on and had a much needed, but heart wrenching conversation. I drove home waiting for the tears to come...and this song popped into my head, and actually made me smile. Oh how I love Brasil, Portuguese, singing with my dad, and finding comfort because of the richness that is my life. Don't worry, my heart may be a bit bruised, but really don't feel quite as dramatic as this song portrays!

Quero chorar, não tenho lágrimas
Que me rolem na face
Pra me socorrer
(I want to cry, but I don't have tears to run down my face to save me)

Se eu chorasse talvez desabafasse
O que sinto no peito
E não posso dizer
(If I cried, maybe I could let all the emotions that I feel and can't say out of my chest)

Só porque não sei chorar
Eu vivo triste a sofrer
(But because I can't cry, I life to suffer. )

Estou certo que o riso não tem nenhum valor
A lágrima sentida é o retrato de uma dor
O destino assim quis
De mim te separar
(It's true that a smile isn't worth the same, a tear felt is a portrait of pain. Destiny wanted to seperate me from you)

Quero chorar não posso
Vivo a implorar
(I want to cry, but I can't, I live begging)

It has EVERYTHING to do with me!

2011-04-03T16:27:00.001-07:00

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we have a conference twice a year. These conferences are a world wide gathering (the WHOLE world) that is broadcast for all to see and consists of talks given by apostle, prophets, seers, and revelators. It consists of 5 two-hour sessions. The Saturday night session is just for the men, priesthood holders, to attend. Of course the talks are avalible later for anybody to hear.

I love conference. I love the personal revelation that comes. I love the call to be better, work harder, and serve more deeply.

In the past few years I have tried harder to read the priesthood session talks. I had a conversation last night that almost got me fired up. A woman said to me in reference to the priesthood session- it doesn't have anything to do with me anyways. I immediately said- "It has EVERYTHING to do with you!" She then said that the men don't read the Relief Society talks from RS meetings. I said- "they should!" I do not have the power of the priesthood. I do not have to attend the meeting. The priesthood meeting is focused on the men and how they can better act in the name of God with the power which they hold. However, it still has EVERYTHING to do with me. If I am to sustain the priesthood leaders, then I should know what they have been commanded to do. The power of the priesthood has daily effect on my life, or at least it should. And what I learn in Relief Society, the organization for woman patterned after the priesthood, has EVERYTHING to do with the lives of the men, because one day those men will marry women who will be their equal, and they need to know how to support them.

I am grateful for my testimony of these things. I know that God has set up ways for men and women to grow and progress so that we can be together in families forever.

Operation Hedgehog

2011-03-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

As often happens, I am spending a lot of energy in places that should not and I am worn out! I love my job, but I am so tired every day. My back is flared up again and I am trying hard to get that under control. There is one particular area that involves a man, a most handsome man (shocking I know!), who has been a blessing in my life, but at the same time I have put way more energy into than I should. I am worn down and it is time to make some changes. As I talked with a friend this weekend she told me I need to be more like a hedgehog. As per wikipedia, they curl up in a tight ball and their spines protect them as a defense. Now she was not suggesting I curl up and hide, but rather that tightly put on some armor and conserve some energy. So Operation Hedgehog is underway! I am under way to be more refreshed, enthusiastic, happy, and a more useful instrument in the hands of God.

Just in time, I was 5 minutes from my home this morning and on my way to work. I got a call saying my 9am patient cancelled and I didn't have anyone till this afternoon. Wahoo! I turned around and came home. I needed a break! I was able to spend time decorating my apartment. My fabulous aunt JoAnn sent me a link to lacybella.com...they make vinyl wall decor. She saw the wall decal "Bloom Where You Are Planted" (hello, look at the name of this blog!) and thought of me. This website will also let you submit a personalized saying. Well, I was so on it! I also ordered "Take Action" and "Absolutely Brilliant".

I have them up and looking just as I envisioned.

This is how they were packaged. So girlie, I love it!

"Bloom Where You Are Planted"- I first felt inspired by this quote when Elder David A. Bednar visited Austin,TX. Although my life is not exactly how I had planned, I am AMAZINGLY blessed. I would be very ungrateful if I do not bloom in the spot that God has put me in. I took the photos that surround the quote on the wall.

"Absolutely Brilliant"- thanks to the hilarious DJ Jay on the cruise last year, four of my friends and I know what it means to be brilliant, and we inspire each other frequently with this saying! On this wall is a collection of first sunrises of 2010 and 2011, and a sunset from the cruise in 2010 to remind me that each day is new, and the end of the day is also filled with beauty if we seek it.

"Take Action" - what can I say more? Don't wait for life to happen. Take Action! Faith requires action, and then the power to accomplish all things will follow! I add, Take Action Fearlessly.

I saw this greeting card a few weeks ago. I liked it. Not that I am terrified, but I am at this point afraid of what it is going to take to patiently wait upon God for the things I want in my life. But, being fearless means I press forward anyways!

Operation Hedgehog, roger that, over and out...

Three Words

2011-03-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

When someone says these three words how do you react? Do you react different when your mom says it? When your dad says it? What about your best friend from middle school? Your 9 year old nephew? The boy who took your heart without knowing and you can't seem to get it back, but he is just a friend? Stop right there- just a friend? Just? Friends, especially good, special, sincere, stick-by-you friends, are anything but Just.

When he tells me he loves me, my heart wants to scream- BUT NOT THE WAY I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME! But you know what? It is not fair for me to decide the value of those three words. I believe the sincerity of them. I am a better (that is beTTer with the T's annunciated) person because of it.

From my heart flow
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
There's no other way
To better say
I love you I love you

These words are my own
They're from my heart
I love you, I love you
That's all I got to say, can't think of a better way

And that's all I got to say
I love you, is that okay...?

There is Beauty All Around

2011-03-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

I made my first attempt at beautifying the outside of my apartment this weekend.

I got this lovely shelf when I moved in from the gorgeous Virginia and her super strong husband Nick...now it has pretty things growing on it!

That is the wind chime I got in Venezuela when I was 14. It still needs to be hung appropriately, but for now it works right there.

Gerbera daisies, petunias, and others I don't remember the names for. That is why the tags are still in the pots I planted them in.

Cilantro, Serrano Peppers, and Jalapeno Peppers

Yellow squash at the bottom.

I'm pretty pleased. Now I have to keep them alive!

I Must Appear Very Beautiful

2011-03-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

I rate English proficiency tests online. I came across a classic tonight. The prompt she was answering was to describe a problem she had making an appointment, for a hairstylist, doctor, dentist, etc…What steps were taken to solve it? She must have thought it was a role playing prompt, but see following transcription I typed of what she said.

Text:

Hello

I have a very important appointment, now I am a single and I have to marry this year. So, after 5 hours I will go to meet my new boyfriend. So I must , must , so I must appear very beautiful, so hair designer please make me like a young girl, and makeup artist make me more younger and shiny. Please help me , please change me more beautiful and more cute, because I really have to married because I old, please change me more beautiful. I trust you, thank you.

Ha ha ha, loved it!

Enduring the Mortal Experience for God

2011-03-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I gave a talk in church. Unlike in most other churches, In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, members of the congregation speak instead of a pastor or priest. I was assigned the topic of Enduring for God. Since there were a few people I invited to come listen to me but were unable to attend, I thought I'd post my talk blog style.

Enduring the Mortal Experience for God

I was asked to speak on "persevering/enduring ______ for God". I chose to insert "the mortal experience". Persevering/enduring the mortal experience for God. The most logical place for me to start was going to the topical guide in the back of the Book of Mormon. Under "endure" are the words bear, continue, diligence, faith, firmness, obedience, perseverance, probation, and steadfast.

In the margin of page I highlighted 12 scriptures and wrote the following statement:

"Endurance is not suffering, but loyalty to Christ."

I like that. There are four scriptures that really stood out.

2 Nephi 31:20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a ^asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of ^bhope, and a ^clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and ^dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have ^eeternal life.

Moroni 8:26 And the remission of sins bringeth ^ameekne ss, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the ^bHoly Ghost, which ^cComforter ^dfilleth with hope and perfect ^elove, which love endureth by ^fdiligence unto ^gprayer, until the end shall come, when all the ^hsaints shall dwell with God.

Omni 1:26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should ^acome unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and ^boffer your whole souls as an ^coffering unto him, and continue in ^dfasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

D&C 24:8 Be ^apatient in ^bafflictions, for thou shalt have many; but ^cendure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the ^dend of thy days.

Some of the common themes I see are obedience to the commandments, hope and faith in Christ, and especially enduring to the end. The end? The end of what? We are eternal beings, and this mortal probation is but a small moment in eternity. If we are to endure to the end, it must be the end of this mortal experience.

So how is enduring the mortal experience FOR God?

Moses 1:39 says- For behold, this is my ^awork and my ^bglory—to bring to pass the ^cimmortality and ^deternal ^elife of man.

God wants to give us eternal life, but it can only be given if we continue in faith, endure, all the days of our life.

To say life is to endured is not to say that we cannot have joy.

Last fall I was working on something that I really wanted. I was very happy. One crisp fall morning my dad was weeding the flowerbed and I was keeping him company. I said to him that I was so happy but knew at any moment it would fall apart and I was going to miss being so happy. My dad pointed out that Adam and Eve were commanded to have joy. Joy is part of life and we should not expect it to just go away.

2 Nephi 2:25-26 says...25^aAdam ^bfell that men might be; and men ^care, that they might have ^djoy.

26And the ^aMessiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may ^bredeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are ^credeemed from the fall they have become ^dfree forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the ^elaw at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

The fall was harsh, living in the world outside the garden was hard...but we are to have joy and an important factor in that is choosing happiness.

Things didn't go according to MY plan after all last fall, and I had moments were joy was not part of the mix of emotions I was feeling, but my dad reminded me that I said all along I was going to enjoy the moment while it lasted. I had to do what 2 Nephi 2:26 says, I had to act for myself, take action, and endure- happily!

So how do we endure? I have 3 things that I'll discuss.

1.) Surround yourself with good friends, other covenant keeping people. There are a few friends in particular that I feel a special connection with. We rally together, have the take action attitude, support, strengthen, encourage, cheer lead, and cry together when boys break our hearts. Always persevering and reminding each other of hope and faith in Christ.

2.) Hope. Hope is essential to enduring to the end. Hope is knowing that with faith and patience, all promises will be fulfilled. Hebrews 6:10-20..

10For God is not ^aunrighteous to forget your work and ^blabour of ^clove, which ye have shewed toward his ^dname, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same ^adiligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

12That ye be not ^aslothful, but followers of them who through ^bfaith and ^cpatience inherit the ^dpromises.

13For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could ^aswear by no greater, he ^bsware by himself,

14Saying, Surely blessing I will ^abless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

15And so, after he had patiently ^aendured, he obtained the promise.

16For men verily swear by the greater: and an ^aoath for confirmation is to them an end of all ^bstrife.

17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his ^acounsel, ^bconfirmed it by an ^coath:

18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to ^alie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for ^brefuge to lay hold upon the ^chope set before us:

19Which hope we have as an ^aanchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the ^bveil;

20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an ^ahigh priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Abraham certainly had to endure. I love these verses. They teach so much about hope. I especially like how it teaches that with hope all strife can cease.

3.) We endure by utilizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Alma chapter 7 teaches us this about the Atonement:

11And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and ^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

13Now the Spirit ^aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the ^bflesh that he might ^ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

The Atonement helps us or rather is essential to enduring because we are not perfect for one, and have need of repentance as we fall short of keeping the commandments, and two life hurts sometimes and the Atonement can heal our hearts.

I have a testimony in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have a testimony that this is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and if we can endure to the end and do all that He has asked of us, we will obtain Eternal Life.

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to ^aseparate us from the ^blove of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timonthy 4: 7 I have fought a good ^afight, I have ^bfinished my course, I have kept the faith:

8Henceforth there is laid up for me a ^acrown of ^brighteousness, which the Lord, the righteous ^cjudge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Canadian Again Ehhhhhh!

2011-02-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

It was silly, it was cheesy, it was all fun, it was a surprise!

My dad recently received proof of his Canadian Citizenship. He is Canadian again! So, we threw him a party.

Hockey...very Canadian ehh?

Good food and great guests. On the silly side we had pizza with Canadian bacon. But we also had split pea soup and some very authentic desserts.

How do you find a flag with a week's notice? Well, you make one. I must say, my maple leaf looks fantastic!

This is my Great-Grandma Olive Vaile's recipe. Don't get all red and embarrassed now...it is called "Sex in a Pan". It is delicious!

Aero candy bars with toothpicks, and naniamo bars- a dessert originating from B.C.

Sorry if the Canadian relatives are offended, but we had ourselves a great time!

Perfect Moment

2011-02-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

Can you have a perfect moment? Yes, yes you can. If not for perfect moments that build upon each other, we could not learn the attribute of hope...hope that one day obtaining perfection and realizing that all that God has promised us and wants for us (immortality and eternal life) will be ours one day.

I had a one of those perfect moments this past weekend. It was a moment where I was my smiling self, enjoying some of life's simple joys. I say "moment" but it did last several hours and centered around a silly Institute dance- the Pink Dance, with my handsome friend as my date. It included good company, dancing like crazy, being spun, and spun, and spun, and then dipped. It involved a chance to serve, ice cream with a group of friends and a gentleman who paid. It involved singing, laughing, compliments, and hugs.

Some moments you get so you know life is full of joy and just as it should be.

I love perfect moments.

Angels Among Us

2011-01-31T20:55:00.000-08:00

I have a few angels...

They were answers to a prayer...literally...

One came an hour after I prayed.

One gave me encouraging words in texts and chatting online.

One dropped off cheesecake bites at my apartment tonight.

One dropped off a sweet roll.

Another answered her phone when I had a minor-meltdown that felt like the world was ending.

One came by just to say hello, and then I realized what a beautiful day it was outside yesterday so I opened the blinds and windows and my mood was changed.

The list could go on.

I had a need.

I asked God for some support and love.

He answered me with my angels.

Willing to Mourn With Those That Mourn

2011-01-23T17:17:00.000-08:00

My heart has been a bit achey the past week or so. There are three of friends of mine that are struggling. Some with some giant things, other small things, and some will probably never overcome the challenges they face in this life. Big or small, they are all hurting.

In the Book of Mormon, Mosiah chapter 18, verses 8-13 we learn of what is promised to us and what we promise (a covenant) when we are baptized. Among other things, we promise to be "willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;...to mourn with those that mourn; yeah, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort".

I was thinking about my friends today, I realize that it is not expected of me to "fix" their problems, or to make it all better. That is what the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for. His job is to heal. My job is bring others to Christ if I can, and love and serve. I'm not trying to fix. I just want to do well whatever it is that is actually in my power to do. So why so sad today? Today I think I am just doing what I have covenanted to be willing to do..to mourn, bear burdens, and comfort.

So I press on...

Welcome To My Apartment!

2011-01-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my apartment...

"Spice a dish with Love and it pleases every Palate." My rack of Indian Spices from Nadia and Natasha. Made with LOVE! Just need some American ones now...

Small, but big enough for me.

Yep, I put it together all by myself! Thank goodness my tool box has an allen wrench attachment for my power tool! It would have taken me forever! I love this table, love, love, love it. I have never been a coaster person, but now that I have a table I spend good money on and built, I am reconsidering!

My neighbors surprised me with flowers. Perfect way to cheer up a dining room!

The sorting of the knick knacks began Sunday morning. All this has been in storage since high school. These are all from Canada, England, or Germany, given to me by my Grandma Kelm or Great-Grandma Vaile. Random keepsakes, I just had to take a picture.

My fridge is properly stocked. My brother LOVES me!

The living room still waiting for a couch.

I love that I can walk around my bedroom and not just walk around my bed.

Nice big counter. It also has its own large closet.

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Flying

2011-01-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

I did it, moved into my own apartment.

I've been telling my dreams to the scarecrow
About the places that I'd like to see
I say, "friend do you think I'll ever get there?"
Oh, but he just stands there smilin' back at me
So I confessed my sins to the preacher
About the love I've been prayin' to find
Is there a brown-eyed boy in my future, yeah
And he says, "girl, you've got nothin' but time."

But how do you wait for heaven?
And who has that much time?
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know that you were born,
You were born to fly

My daddy he is grounded like the oak tree
My momma she is steady as the sun
Oh, you know I love my folks
But I keep starin' down the road
Just lookin' for my one chance to run
Hey, cause I will soar away like a blackbird
I will blow in the wind like a seed
I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams
And I will grow up where I wander wild and free

Oh, How do you wait for heaven?
And who has that much time?
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know, that you were born?
You were born, yeah, you were born to fly

So how do you wait for heaven?
And who has that much time?
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know, that you were born
You were born to fly, yeah

You were born to fly, fly, fly, fly, hey

Ooo,Ooo,Ooo

Plan A

2011-01-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me what I was planning on for New Year's Eve. She said she hoped I'd found someone cute to smooch at midnight. Well, that was plan A. However, Plan A has been postponed yet one more year. I replied to her email feeling kinda down, like Plan B was a lesser options. Shame on me! Here is what Plan B entailed...

I celebrated New Year's just how I wanted...The first decision I made was to NOT attend the New Year's Eve Dance. I can't remember the last time I did not attend it. I didn't miss it one bit! I celebrated by hanging out with my family, the Konkles, and the Princes, eating waffles, milk duds, chips and salsa and playing doubles ping-pong with my brother, a trivia game by the funny Dallan Prince, and socializing til 11 pm when some of the adults wanted to go to bed. Then I went to Desiree's apt and toasted in the new year with her and a glass of Martinelli's sparking cider. I was in bed just after 1:11 on 1/11/11. I got up at 6:30 am to go meet a nice big group of about 20 of us at Mt Bonnell to see the 1st sunrise of the year followed by Kerby Lane for breakfast where Abraham Martinez ended up paying for our table (4 girls). Then, I made black eyed peas and collard green soup for good luck and prosperity. Chanda Vaniman used to make it for us but since she moved to TN, I had to take matters into my own hands. In the afternoon Dad, Mom, Devin, and I headed to the Blanton Museum to see the Monet exhibit. We like to pretend we are cultured, although Devin says that is just a fancy word for something that is boring.

Although I hope soon I have a magical New Year's Eve with a kiss that sends sparks flying at the stroke of midnight, do I really have room for complaining?

I loved watching the first sunrise. (Patience Part II Blog Entry) There is something monumental about it. Just another morning perhaps, but I learned a great lesson last year that stuck with me. I stood there in anticipation doubting it was really going to happen, like I missed it somehow. It just seemed too bright outside for the sun not to have come out already. Then there it was, perfectly peaking up over the horizon. This year there was no doubt, I knew it was coming and I would know I had not missed it. This year I could rely on the faith and hope. Much like my life....

Last year I started with the desire to be more patient, dare to dream, dare to love, dare to be fearless. I still have HUGE desires of my heart I am longing for. There are things that did come to pass in 2010-a fabulous cruise with friends, academic achievement, graduation, became a licensed therapist, got a great job, won an award, turned 30 and survived, got my heart broken and survived, and tried my darndest to strengthen relationships in many areas of my life. I was patient, I was fearless, I did love, and I dreamed. The sunrise was beautiful. I accomplished much good and there is still so much I can do. Because of what I know happened last year, I can continue in the faith and hope of a great new year.

To quote Connie Summers. "If you are living righteously and striving daily to follow God's will for you, you are still on plan A." So maybe was I wanted in my head for New Year's was really plan B, instead I lived plan A...and what a wonderful plan that and the rest of this year can be!

Step one, moving into my very own apartment January 7th. Yep, that seems like an excellent place to start.

Is that how the universe works?

2010-12-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-12T08:51:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

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.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-11-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well we did it, we decided it was time to start looking like Christmas, even thought it is still November for a few more days. Even the pumpkins busted out the Christmas Spirit....

...and so did the Canadian moose...

Then I went to an "Elf" party, based on the movie. Here is Nice...

...and naughty. Saw a great shirt. It said "Dear Santa, let me explain..."...

Melissa and Ivy had the place all decked out. We had to walk through the candy cane forest and dress like an Elf. We ate the four food groups- candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup!

Mom picked out this years tree. It was an 8.5 footer. They only charged us for 7.5 feet though because the top foot was just the trunk and would be cut off. It is so big and heavy it is being held to the wall by string. I love the randomness of our decorations, makes me happy. Now it needs some presents underneath.

Both of these teams got embarrassed by the rivals this year, but we are not fair-weather fans and will stick by them! Hook'em Horns and Goooo Cougars...now come fall of 2011 this house might be a bit divided...

Those paper decorations were made by my parents when they first got married. They are old and "ugly" as mom said, but 30 years later they still find a place on the tree!

And the Christmas decorations would not be complete without mom's nativity scenes. They come from all over the world.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts...

2010-11-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

I thought I would follow up on my last post, "Surviving Disappointment". Item #13 refers to learn to express love regardless of how I felt. Well, at the time I wrote it I knew it needed to be on the list, but I didn't know how to do it.

Last Sunday after being miserable for two weeks, I decided that enough was enough. I needed to figure out how to move forward. The answer is and always will be LOVE. I was re-reading some notes I wrote down earlier in the year and came across this scripture:

Colossians 3
12 Put on therefore, as the ^aelect of God, holy and beloved, ^bbowels of ^cmercies, ^dkindness, ^ehumbleness of mind, ^fmeekness, longsuffering;

13 ^aForbearing one another, and ^bforgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on ^acharity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the ^apeace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye ^bthankful.

I figured out what I needed to do personally, and once the decision was made and prayed over, I woke up to a much happier and peaceful countenance on Monday (still bruised, still wishing and longing for more, but MUCH happier). I had a great week, which included

*being flashed by a patient,
*rescuing a lost 2 year old,
*treating two patients at work who have requested me specifically and that the front desk describes as my "boyfriends",
*learning about the mafia,
*teaching a patient to say "homomenous hemianopsia"
*putting a 60 year old woman on the skateboard and seeing her face light up and become as giddy as a teenage girl,
*dinner with Flor and laughing our heads off
*touring the new beautiful building my work is moving to and being so excited for it!
*receiving a kind letter in the mail
*celebrating a friend's upcoming wedding with a classy Bridal Shower
*apartment hunting with my mom
*being completely exhausted everyday after being in the pool with a bizzilion patients

All of the enjoyment from this might have been missed had I not decided to focus on charity and kindness, and allowing "the peace of God rule in [my] heart". I put into action the knowledge I gained from Colossians this weekend I am so glad that I did.

Surviving Disappointment

2010-11-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I suffered what I'll call a bump in the road that has left my heart bruised and has led to more more tears then I want falling from these eyes.

They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Personally I think that is a bit dramatic, but then again, sometimes so am I. I'm definitely not dead, but right now I do NOT feel stronger. It's probably one of those things that down the road I'll see the purpose and be grateful for this growing pain. I'm not looking for compliments or sympathy. I'm trying to find some of that purpose sooner rather than later.

So how do you "survive" when you are handed a big dose of disappointment?

1.) You pound the conga's with your dad before heading to work in the morning.

2.) You go to that "dumb dance where they are encouraging dates" with a date, you dress up, you dance like crazy, and you have a good time!

3.) You teach Sunday School with your glasses on even when you've been crying all morning long and can't wear your contacts because your eyes hurt.

4.) You graciously accept flowers from your best girl friends who know the condition of your heart, and you laugh when the vase says "Prescription- Get Well Soon" and all your co-workers wonder what in the world happened to you.

5.) You tell angry thoughts towards the one who squished your heart they are not invited and give no room for them.

6.) You go kick a soccer ball!

7.) You become the crying shoulder for a patient who is having a hard day, because you understand how good a crying shoulder feels.

8.) You try to enjoy the bizarre dreams your subconscious throws at you instead of being shaken by them!

9.) You go eat at Pappasito's just for that delicious ice cream dessert with a friend visiting from out of town.

10.) You find ways to serve, and serve, and serve.

11.) You watch several conference talks and remember what the real purpose of life is.

12.) You go to a few Les Mills classes at the gym, "Because we need more hard core!" You can't feel sad when your shoulders are burning after the Body Pump shoulder track!

13.) You learn to ignore all the voices of the world and try to figure out how to keep on loving that person because that's the only way to heal-LOVE! You remember that you were a friend and still are a friend.

14.) You go apartment hunting and make grand plans!

15.) You remember that even though it might not feel that way, you KNOW that life is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT and you have to keep moving forward, relying upon they One who will heal this disappointment. You keep hope alive!

TPTA Student Physical Therapist Assistant

2010-10-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we have to toot our own horn, and a blog is great way to do that!

I won the Student Physical Therapist Assistant Award from the TPTA- Texas Physical Therapy Association. My friend who accompanined me to the awards reception dinner in Arlington, Texas Saturday said, "you're kinda hot stuff". So yes, I, Miss Hot Stuff, was proud to accept the award for the Student PTA in the whole state of Texas. I also got to share the evening with the instructors who nominated me, and other great PTA's/future PTA's.

On my way to the stage...even though they said my name wrong. Oh well!

ACC's Finest! I am holding my award, can you see it?

Two ACC grads and a second year student represented the profession proudly!

Miss Hot Stuff herself! I mean check that award out, kind cool!

Love those women! Thank you Jana and Karen, I suspect the kind words from some of nominators where your very own!

Other winners of other awards, don't know which ones. Again, can you see my award? I am holding it.

Symbols

2010-10-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is a Maori Carving called "Hei Matau", a Fish Hook. It represents Determination, Strength, Abundance, Prosperity and Peace, and Good luck. That's all well and good. I think it looks cool. But for me, it symbolizes a friendship. It symbolizes someone who remembered a request I made after 5 months...remembered me!

This weekend I had a little bump in the road. No, nothing with an actual bump or a vehicle or the road. The kind where something just didn't go as hoped for. I don't need a necklace to be determined, strong, prosper, have peace, or be lucky...but it sure was a nice reminder when I looked at it today.

Because of my testimony of God and my relationship with Him and Jesus Christ that I strive to have, I am strong, I am determined, I am living an abundant and prosperous life, and had peace today.

Plethora of Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-10-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

"Be ye therefore perfect" (Matthew 5:48)

If I claimed to be perfect, I would be sinfully prideful and I would be lying.

However, there is one thing I do perfectly...

Aren't those just beautiful?

10 Items, at 10:10, on 10/10/10

2010-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

I love being a Kelm.
This is how we celebrated...
the 10 event of the century

10 Items... brownie, bananas, strawberries, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, whip cream, mint chocolate pieces, sprinkles, and crushed peanuts, accompanied with a chilled glass of almond milk.

Eaten at 10:10, on 10/10/10!

And finished by 10:15. Too bad we didn't take 10 minutes to eat.

The Past Fabulous Month of my Life!

2010-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

The beginning of September I obtained this.... a temporary license to be able to practice as a PTA until I took my exam and got my permanent license.

Then I got a job at Reavis Rehab. On September 24th, the day after my 30th Birthday, I took the licensure exam. After a minor freak out in the morning and needing a last minute hug from a great friend, I arrived at 7:30am at the testing center. It took me 3 hours, 3 snack breaks, metal detector scans every time I stepped in and out of the room, and 48 hours of waiting...but I learned on Sunday the 26th that I passed. Less than a week later...this arrived in the mail....

(just a copy, the actual one is not bent up, but framed prominently at my work)

Then Friday I was told my business cards arrived. A business card? Really? Cool! I didn't know I'd have one.

Wait, there's more! Saturday I received a letter in the mail from the TPTA- Texas Physical Therapy Association. "It is our honor to inform you that you have been selected as a 2010 recipient of the PTA Student Award"...the award will be given at the Annual Conference/Student Conclave on October 23rd. The award "was established to recognize an outstanding physical therapist assistant student in Texas who has demonstrated personal and professional growth through service to patients, classmates, school, and profession". I was shocked and thrilled, and so happy. What a blessing!

Turning 30 was a piece of cake! I was surrounded by a ton of friends. Here are a few pics from the fabulous Zumba party I had. Not the most flattering pictures, but hey, we were dancing away for an hour with Ena! We earned our chips and queso, and delightful cake cups made by the wonderful Michelle.

My cup runneth over! My life is extremely blessed! I am overjoyed with the hope in my heart right now. Life is not perfect, but right now, it's close. Saying I am grateful just doesn't seem like it scratches the surface. But I'll say it, I am so grateful. So grateful... now how to give back more...now that I don't spend my evenings studying. Yep, life is good.

30 and Flirty and Thriving!

2010-09-23T10:45:00.001-07:00

30 Reasons to be Happy today!

1.) Treated myself to Pok-e-Joe's and learned they have wireless! Wahoo!

2.) Got up and ran 3 miles before work today.

3.) I have a great job, I help people feel better!

4.) Spanish-Speaking patient from Guatemala today. That was fun!

5.) Facebook makes me feel so popular! Love all the birthday wishes on my wall. I feel famous.

6.) Anticipating the pile of presents at home, mom went crazy and I love it!

7.) I'm in the best shape of my life!

8.) I have a cool green bruise from playing soccer last weekend. Battle wounds rock!

9.) Tonia and Orland are my parents, Jack and Vera & Aline and Wolf are my grandparents!

10.) Tomorrow I'll prove to the Federation that I deserve more than a temporary license!

11.) Handsome man calls me beautiful!

12.) I'm the proud Khala of Raza and Sofia.

13.) My body reminded me of my youth with a big fat zit today.

14.) I get to Zumba with Ena and my friends tomorrow.

15.) Colbie Caillat playing over and over again in my car.

16.) Chuy's creamy jalapeno!

17.) Get to ride in a car on Saturday for 2 hours with my dear sister so we can go see our other sister.

18.) Text messages.

19.) Cheesecake and flowers delivered to the office from Nadia!

20.) Still got my dad wrapped around my finger. "Pai, te amo", she yells from her bedroom...and dad comes running!

21.) Surviving 5 hours in the pool yesterday.

22.) The sun decided to come out a little today.

23.) I confess...new Vampire Diaries tonight!

24.) shoes with good pronation support.

25.) Co-workers thinking of me when they want to set someone up with a doctor friend in Marble Falls. Not interested, but happy I was thought of.

26.) Letter from my younger self. She was actually pretty wise!

27.) Voicemail messages of friends singing "Happy Birthday".

28.) My survival kit from Shaleen-suckers, kleenex, and a massage!

29.) Hugs

30.) Today is Happy Tamara Day!

Effortless

2010-09-21T21:40:00.001-07:00

"You left a mark,
I wear it proudly on my chest,
Above my heart,
To remind me that I'm my best when I'm with you,
And everything is effortless..."

UTAH!

2010-09-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting the airport in Salt Lake City (love airports with free Wi-Fi). I took a break from studying for my licensure exam and decided to go visit a bunch of relatives in Utah. Life was getting a bit overwhelming and I needed a break before starting work on the 13th.

I saw lots of babies...

(Jack Boyd- named after his great-grandpa and grandpa)

(Ellie- sound asleep, it was hard work playing and eating!)

(Maddie- also asleep after her grandma calmed her down)

(Anna- another precious sleeper, soothes the soul to hold a sleeping baby)

I played in the mountains, even hiked up to Bridal Veil Falls.

I was in a talent show with St. George's finest!

I saw grandparents...

I went to a BYU football game...

(45 yard line, 8 rows up...Cassi and I had sweet tickets!)

(Half-time show featured Lavell Edwards and his all-start QBs)

On my last day I went to the Draper Temple. I went back in January and fell in love with it. I had a great experience. I have been studying a talk by Elder Jeffery R. Holland, "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence". He uses Hebrews 10:35-39 to teach.

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of ^apatience, that, after ye have done the ^bwill of God, ye might receive the ^cpromise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man ^adraw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who ^adraw back unto ^bperdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

I think it is just beautiful. Anybody seen the movie 13 Going on 30? At the end teenage Jenna takes Matty's hand and goes running up the stairs ready to take on the future. That's how I felt when I left the temple. I wanted to run out the doors ready to take on all that awaits me in Austin. I was just filled with excitement, confidence, and love. Thanks for the good time Utah. Here I come Austin...

Reflections

2010-09-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've noticed the past few days that as I have glanced in a mirror, I see a slight change in my reflection. The woman in the reflection seems more confident, more comfortable in her own skin, and beautiful. I give the credit to a few things.

First, I am just happy right now. I am abundantly blessed, so abundantly so that my cup runneth over. The changes coming are not going to be easy- I've got a scary examination ahead of me, I have a huge learning curve zooming towards me at full speed with a new career, and I'll soon move into my own place....however I can see the hand of God in it all and can't wait to get started! All this gives me confidence that I see in my reflection.

Second, I had a great weekend last week. Sorry I am going to be vague. It involved a friend, who is a boy..I mean a man!...who I got to spend a lot of time with. I got to experience being totally myself around a guy. Just a few subtle compliments is all it took for me to not only feel beautiful, but to believe it! Several days later, I still see it in my reflection.

I like the girl I see looking back at me. I hope she sticks around....

Song Lyric Wisdom

2010-08-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

The wisdom of Jack Johnson and Colbie Caillat...

Slow down everyone you’re moving to fast

Frames can’t catch you when you’re moving like that

Move like a jellyfish,

Rhythm don't mean nothing,

You go with the flow, you don't stop.

If you would only listen,

You might just realize what you’re missing,

You’re missing me.

You left a mark

I wear it proudly on my chest

Above my heart,

To remind me that I’m my best

When I’m with you

Everything seems effortless

You’re making me weak with the way you look through those eyes.

Back up, back up, take another chance

Don’t you mess up, mess up

I don’t want to lose you

Wake up, wake up,

This ain’t a thing that you give up, give up

Don’t’ just leave me hanging on!

I found a boy who had a dream, making everyone smile.

He was sunshine, I fell over, my feet like bricks, under water

And how am I suppose to tell you how I feel? I need oxygen!

Oh I just can’t get enough,

How much do I need to fill me up?

It feels so good it must be love!

…My heart is filled with you!

Born to Fly!

2010-08-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday...job interview
Saturday...graduate!
Monday...job offer
Tuesday...accept job offer!

Abundantly blessed! I am so excited. This summer has had one event after another fall into place. Here is one of my favorite songs again... it about sums it up! I'll start work mid-September, and then in a few months possible get an apartment. Add in a brown-eyed boy in my future and I'll be ready to fly!

Born to Fly- Sara Evans

I've been tellin' my dreams to the scarecrow
'Bout the places that I'd like to see
I said, friend do you think I'll ever get there
Ah, but he just stands there smilin' back at me

So I confessed my sins to the preacher
About the love I've been prayin' to find
Is there a brown eyed boy in my future, yeah
He says. girl you've got nothin' but time

But how do you wait for heaven
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know, that you were born, you were born to fly

My daddy, he's grounded like the oak tree
My momma, she is steady as the sun
Oh you know I love my folks
But I keep starin' down the road
Just lookin' for my one chance to run

Yeah, 'cause I will soar away like the blackbird
I will blow in the wind like a seed
I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams
And I will grow up where I'll wander wild and free

Oh, how do you wait for heaven
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know, that you were born
You were born yeah
You were born to fly

Graduation!!!

2010-08-14T18:28:00.001-07:00

Class of 2010, 18 of the newest Physical Therapist Assistant Graduates!

I graduated today. Wahoo!!!!

Last night I had a party with friends. Pizza and volleyball! Good times!
(Nadia and Crissy, friends from middle school)

Today I looked at my countdown on my laptop. Notice the number of days remaining.

My parents gave me a fabulously clever graduation present. Can you tell what it is?

I feel on top of the world. Job opportunities around the corner, the future is BRIGHT, and I can't wait to be part of it. Bring it!

Four Weddings in One Month

2010-08-09T11:44:00.001-07:00

July 1-August 1 was filled with weddings, receptions, bridal showers, and going away parties. Here is the variety of looks of the four different brides. All were beautiful and very happy. I was happy to be part of all of these celebrations of love, commitment, and covenants.

Can't Save The World!

2010-08-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but my cape is at the dry cleaners and my tiara is being polished, so I am unavailable to save the world at this time. Check back with me after I recover from my long month of July and my soon to be career-prep busy August is over!

FEARLESS, You'd better Believe I'm FEARLESS!

2010-07-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about FEAR lately. I am sure I have blogged about this before. FEAR is the opposite of FAITH.

I told my dad today that I am very happy right now, and just waiting to see when it will end. What? Waiting to see when it ends? That is ridiculous. We were outside, he was weeding. He said," you know, Adam and Eve were commanded to till the earth, and they were also commanded to be happy." "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). Being happy can be a consequence, but it is also a choice. I choose to be happy. Anticipating not being happy is giving FEAR too much power.

This week I read an article by President James E. Faust called "Be Not Afraid". I love it!

"Let us not take counsel from our fears. May we remember always to be of good cheer, put our faith in God, and live worthy for Him to direct us. We are each entitled to receive personal inspiration to guide us through our mortal probation. May we so live that our hearts are open at all times to the whisperings and comfort of the Spirit."

I also downloaded Colbie Caillat's most recent album this week. Her song "Fearless" has been rolling through my head ever since. Now, I am not experiencing a heartbreak right now, so don't be confused. However I still love this song-" there's nothing you can do to me that's ever going to bury me, I'm fearless, you better believe I'm fearless!" Linking it back to more spiritual matters, putting faith in God and not taking counsel from fears is what will keep us from going under!

FEARLESS!

Personal Revelation

2010-07-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Julie B. Beck, General President of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said,

"The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life."

I have now learned a great lesson in personal revelation, two weeks in a row. Last week I was struggling with a decision I had made. I made my mind up that I would not do something. I was sticking to my guns and trying to blaze ahead. However all that day I was miserable. I finally had a conversation with my wonderful father who helped me see that my choice was perhaps not really the best one. I had been listening to too many opinions on the matter, and I had lost sight of listening to just one voice.

Sister Beck also said,

"It requires a conscious effort to diminish distractions, but having the Spirit of revelation makes it possible to prevail over opposition and persist in faith through difficult days...We are also told that this Spirit will enlighten our minds, fill our souls with joy, and help us to know all things we should do."

I had to sort through all the chatter and decided that I needed to change my decision. Once I did that, the frustration and anxiety I had been feeling went away.

This morning I had the same lesson again. I guess I hadn't learned it well enough last week. I woke up feeling like I needed to do something I did not want to do. I tried filling my time with others things, it is Sunday for goodness sake, plenty of time to do good. I couldn't shake it. I finally humbled myself and said, ok, I'll do it. I needed to trust I'd know how to go about what I needed to do.

"Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith, trusting that it will be poured out upon us."

I did what I needed to do and again, I felt great peace from it.

I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I have no doubt that I am blessed when I seek to do what God wants me to do.

"Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the
right things."

*click on any of the quotes for a link to the talk by Sister Beck.

Sorry, I shouldn't say that to a Mormon

2010-07-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

In casual conversation with a patient I mentioned that my brother is a missionary in Australia. He has some association with "mormons" in Arizona where he learned to grind his own wheat. He owns a pasta manufacturing company. Anyways...all week he keeps starting to make a comment or tell a story and stops himself saying, "Sorry, I shouldn't say that to a Mormon". Sometimes it is an inappropriate comment, but once it was as simple as not recommending cooking with wine to make the mushrooms taste better. I am actually very pleased at how respectful he is trying to be.

Another patient I started with my first week tried to swear around me, or would say- " you probably think that I'm a **bleep**. My first response was, "I don't use that kind of language". It took 2 more times till he caught himself and he has not sworn around me since.

It is amazing how little effort it takes sometimes to be an example.

It's Amazing

2010-07-14T04:28:00.000-07:00

"It's Amazing" by Jem

Do it now
You know you who you are
You feel it in your heart
And your burning and wishin

At first wait, won't get it on a plate
Your gonna have to work for it harder and harder
And I know cause I've been there before
Knockin on door the doors with rejection (rejection)
And you'll see cause if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

[Chorus]
It's amazing, it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing, makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Patience now frustrations in the air
And people who don't care
Well it's gonna get you down
And you'll (you'll) fall (fall)
Yes you will hit a wall
But get back on your feet
And you'll be stronger and smarter

And I know 'cuz I've been there before
Knockin down the doors wont take no for an answer
And you'll see cause if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

[Chorus]
It's amazing it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you