"It's The End of the World as We Know It"

Disclaimer: I am very passionate tonight, so if you are a feminist, sorry if I offend you, but read this.

I have always considered myself the antifeminist. I would love to just be home, raising kids, chilling in the kitchen. Just call me Donna Reed.

I recently had a conversation with a friend who told me I had no ambition because I have no desire to go to school. Thanks. Rude. My ambition in life is to be a mom. I don't care to get a degree, because I just want to have kids, I have not now, nor ever had any desire to have a career. My mom is my hero, not because she is some high standing lawyer, or because she runs a business, but because she is first and foremost, my mom. That woman has raised 10 children side by side with my dad. He works hard out in the world while she works hard at home. You push 10 human beings out of your body after being pregnant for a collective 90 months, feed them, change their diapers, heal their hearts, clean their wounds, and teach them morals and values and say your job is harder.

http://fox13now.com/2012/12/11/group-encourages-lds-women-to-wear-pants-to-church/

This post however is not about my dream of being a mom, it's about the importance of women. The link above leads to a story about a group of women in the church who are protesting for equality in the church by wearing pants this Sunday to their meetings. Nevermind how completely inappropriate that is, but how sad it is to me that these women don't recognize their value. Earlier tonight I participated in one of those pointless facebook posts arguing my point (have you met my mother?) and I saw a lot of people arguing the degradation and oppression of women in the LDS church...hmm...

"The Relief Society is the oldest and largest women's organization in the world. Relief Society was established in 1842 for women 18 years of age and older. Its purpose is to build faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need."

Really? We are oppressing women, but we have the oldest, largest woman's organization in the world? Good call. I was called a few weeks ago to be a secretary in my ward's Relief Society, and neither in this nor any other calling I have had, have I felt insignificant as a woman. The amount of service we do (not just in my ward, but as sisters) is incredible. We provide charity. Such an act is unsurpassable in this church, as stated in the scriptures. The women may not hold the priesthood or be prophets, but that's because we don't need to. Just like we are not charged with the duty of serving a mission the same as the boys, but we do have that ability. President Hinckley almost never gave talks that didn't at one point or another acknowledge the importance of women, and how special we should be treated. Men and women do have gender roles as defined in this church by The Family: A Proclamation to the World. But neither is superior. Merely different. I don't know if y'all have noticed by now, but men and women are different. Physically, mentally, spiritually. We are simply not built to do the same things or perform the same duties. Women think and feel differently than men. There's a divine reason we as women of this church are asked to stay home and have and raise and nurture children. There's a divine reason men are asked to go out and provide for their families. There's a reason they hold the priesthood.

Gordon B. Hinckley, prior President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said:
“Women do not hold the priesthood because the Lord has put it that way. It is part of His program. Women have a very prominent place in this Church. Men hold the priesthood offices of the Church. But women have a tremendous place in this Church. They have their own organization. It was started in 1842 by the Prophet Joseph Smith, called the Relief Society, because its initial purpose was to administer help to those in need. It has grown to be, I think, the largest women’s organization in the world... They have their own offices, their own presidency, their own board. That reaches down to the smallest unit of the Church everywhere in the world...
“The men hold the priesthood, yes. But my wife is my companion. In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are co-equals in this life in a great enterprise.”

Joseph Fielding Smith explains further:

"Women do not hold the priesthood, but if they are faithful and true they will become priestesses and queens in the kingdom of God, and that implies that they will be given authority. The women do not hold the priesthood with their husbands, but they do reap the benefits coming from that priesthood."

The priesthood is bestowed upon men by God. Once they receive the priesthood, it is their sacred calling and duty to honor and magnify it. Women have been given a different calling. They are chosen by God to be the mothers of men. Is one greater than the other? No, both are equally as important but each has its own responsibilities and tasks.

A man cannot receive exaltation without being married and sealed to a woman. And vice versa. "Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 11:11. Those feminists who don't agree with this and feel the need to protest this Sunday obviously do not understand the principles of this gospel. If the Lord ordained men to have the priesthood, He has His reasoning, so who are we to even question that? I have always felt precious in this church, like a daughter of God, like a princess. Because we all are. Even the feminists.

Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles!

Story time. I spent the last week in Colorado with my family for Thanksgiving (which was beyond wonderful, by the way.) Then, sadly, Sunday comes around and it's time to drive back to Provo. dragging our feet, begrudgingly we packed up our stuff and hugged our family goodbye. Two hours into the 6 hour drive, the car starts shaking and dies in the middle of an intersection in po-dunk Monticello, Utah. Let's be real for a hot second: the only redeeming thing about Monticello is the temple there. And down part of one road it has some really cute street lamps. That's pretty much it.

So the car is dead, and my sister Angela and I get out and push the car to the shoulder as my sister Rachel steers. (I really thought pushing a car would be harder. I knew all those years (not) of working out would pay off one day!) Side note: those who know me know I rarely wear shoes unless I need to. bad day to choose to pack all your boots in the suitcase. Anyways, we all get in the car, Rachel is calling our dad, trying to come up with any solution, not even knowing what was wrong with the car, when a large white suburban pulls up in front of us. An older man in a suit (he was just getting back from a stake presidency meeting) gets out and asks if we need any help. He then precedes to check out the car, trying to see what the issue is. When he discovers the transmission had blown(?), he goes home, changes, brings back a truck with a trailer on the back, and tows our car to a lot he owns, where he says we can keep it until we come back down for Christmas. As if that wasn't enough, then that kind man offers to A. drive us back to Cortez to meet my parents (a little town about an hour from my house), 2. drive us to Moab or Green River, (21-2 hours closer to Provo) to meet up with someone who could take us the rest of the way, and D. let us drive his suburban the rest of the way to Provo. (+ 10 points to whoever understands my movie reference.) When he saw my sister's uncertainty about driving his vehicle, he assured her that it is just a thing and that we are treasured daughters of God and we are what's important, not his car. My eyes tear up just typing this. Sweetest man in the entire world! So after conferring with my father, we decided to take the man's car, so his wife brings it over, full of gas, and they tell us they will just come pick it up later this week on their way to Idaho. Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles. My heart is so full with gratitude for this man and his family and their kindness.

As we are driving back, Rachel is discussing how the cost of fixing the car ought to be a minimum of $2,000 dollars (so said the man) and how stressed that made her, because obviously she needs a car. Then today, she tells me the man had his mechanic friend look over it and it was only in fact going to cost $200 dollars. He is driving it up to switch with his car this week. The most Christ-like people can be found in even the most remote places. I am so incredibly thankful for his compassion. Let us all keep in mind what's important. Things come and go. They break and often eventually stop working. But the impression you can make on a person's life can last forever. I know God is watching over all of us, and I know that He sends us miracles when we need them.

Another One Bites the Dust

http://m.nbcdfw.com/nbcdfw/pm_117591/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=fs1dB5zn


Okay, I try to avoid posting political stuff as to not offend people, seeing as so many of my friends have opposite views than me, (sometimes I still do though. eh. whatever,) but this is devastating. NO MORE TWINKIES?!! Good thing we elected Obama so he could help our economy and create more jobs for the American people....oh...wait. I have a feeling, I'm going to be finding more and more of these gems:

 

 

on my way home from work, asking for a handout. Good. I always wanted to just give away my hard earned money to those who won't walk and extra ten feet and apply for a job. By the way, he's probably filed for unemployment. And is on welfare. So by standing there, he probably makes more money than me, and gets more benefits. (Yes, I am assuming. Yes, I know what they say when you assume. And if this offends you...well, you don't really have to read my blog.)

ANDDDDD, if all the twinkies are gone, how are we going to keep having such entertaining videos on youtube?! Viewer discretion is advised, some of the material in this video may be offensive to some viewers, and if you just had lunch, I don't recommend watching for at least an hour. I also have not watched it all the way through so...I take no responsibility, I just trust the title:  http://youtu.be/L8Ilpm5n4iU

I guess there's still McDonald's. Dancing fat people. Ha.

My Fellow Americans...

There is no doubt a division in this country tonight. Democrats elated at their victory, Republicans distraught over their loss. Both sides slinging mud and disparaging comments. And while I am on the "losing" end of this election, I hoped and prayed and voted for Romney to win this run, I am forced to face the reality that: Obama is once again our president. Now it's time to move forward. So, here's a list of the top ten reasons to hold on to hope, to unite as a country, and not to move to Canada.

1. No matter how bad things get here, Canada is always worse. 'Merica! Eh?

2. Resilience. How many wars have we fought? We claimed our freedom from the Brits, we ended slavery, and we came back flourishing after the Great Depression. This is a great country. We were the victims of terrorist attacks--an event that the hearts of the American people will not forget; an event that I personally feel brought this nation closer together than any tragedy or devastation or even victory since the Depression. We fought back. I know we can make it through the next 4 years

3. It is Better to Look Up. I implore you to read this talk. I have nothing more to add.

4. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. Truer words cannot be spoken. So let's come together as a country, as a people, as a nation, and pick up the pieces and stand together to strengthen these United States. The Founding Fathers established a land worth fighting for. "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." So let's stand together.

5. You must be the change you want to see in the world. I don't believe in being a victim of circumstance. This country was established by the people, for the people. Don't sit idly by on your disinterested/unattached butts and complain that the economy, government, whatever is not what you want. If you feel strongly, do something. If you aren't making an effort to better your life, your country, your world, you aren't passionate enough. And if you aren't living passionately, you aren't really living.

6. This is what the leaders of the LDS Church have to say on the matter:

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement today:

"We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.

After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations. We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of our democratic process which, by its nature, demands so much of those who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family every success in their future endeavors."

See the statement on MormonNewsroom.org: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/statement-on-election-result

And who are you to argue?

7. The true and living prophet President Thomas S Monson. He leads and guides us not only in this country, but to the far reaches of the earth. Put your faith and trust in him, because he is the Lord's mouthpiece, and he will not lead you astray.

8. Republicans maintain the majority in the House, so at least there is some balance.

9. A friend of mine (whom has a remarkable resemblance to Bradly Cooper. Babe.) had this status, and it's definitely some food for thought:

‎"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical."

THOMAS JEFFERSON, letter to James Madison, Jan. 30, 1787

10. Obama=Batman. Nuff said.

SIDE NOTE:

Helaman 5:2 "For as their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted."---coincidence?? At the very least, if the Second Coming does come about, for all of us single people, my wise father pointed out "at least all the telestial people (boys) will be weeded out, so all the prospects that remain are the good picks."

"That dweam, wifin a dweam"

It all started with a brisk fall run. Nothing too hard or crazy. I stop by the Japanese restaurant my sister Rachel works at to say hi, then my best friend Kassie picks me up and we decide to drive to the local music hall, movie club/casino...thing as the night falls. However, when we park, we notice police men with some sort of ski masks, as well as Spongebob characters enter the club, and they start chasing everyone out. I pull out my phone and start to take pictures of everyone and record everything. We all realize that these "police" were there to take control of this casino. They get on the roof, take off their masks shooting and I notice a large elderly man being given a particularly hard time. I record faces, names and voices. Then, one of them catches me, and starts running after me to get my camera. I scream at Kassie to drive, drive, DRIVE!! She throws her car in reverse, but before she can drive off, the man, (who also happened to be a Chinese ninja) caught the door and climbed his way in. I'm frantically trying to fight him off me while call the police. Finally, Kassie turns some sharp corners and I manage to kick him out of my open door. Yet somehow, we end up back in front of the casino. Where these criminals are all on the lookout for us! And as we realize this and peel out as fast as the car will go, a black man among the criminals starts running alongside our car (because black people are so fast!) He tries to get in, but we've locked the doors and windows. He hangs on, and we just can't shake him, so Kassie hits the gas and we ramp up a pile of cars, off a building, and the car is rolling and spinning as it comes crashing down to the ground. Our black pursuer is dead, and Kassie breaks out of the car, unaffected by the accident. She has to dig me out, and we continue to try to find the authorities on foot. I have sustained a massive concussion though, and I pass out. Luckily a friend of mine witnessed this, and threw me into his truck and drove me to the emergency room. He and Kassie left me there, and the team of doctors get to work. I have regained consciousness, and realize, my doctors are evil war lords, and the elderly man I noticed getting driven out of the casino was the criminal mastermind behind it all. They all spoke their plans in front of me, thinking I was helpless in this situation. When I told them I was going to turn them in, and informed them that I have secretly placed information incriminating all of them, they tried to give me pills to knock me out. I pretended to take them and pass out, and I somehow was able to tap into the man behind it all's head. I saw him back in the casino, deviously setting his plan into motion as he prostituted my friends. I found out what he was after. The doctors soon figured out I was pretending, and tried to force me to take the pills. I knew these pills would be my demise, and I had to get out of there and stop this plan. I fought my way out of the room, only to discover that it was in the casino, which housed a dragon family. I come face to face with the male dragon, and I look down to discover I am equipped with armour and a sword. And we battle. As I grow tired, I look up to see a passageway that might just be my way out. I scale the walls and narrowly escape the dragon's fiery breath. I make my way to the chamber that housed the wife dragon. I stop dead in my tracks when I see that I've caught her gaze. She speaks to me, tells me to take my friends and the girl with the sparkling hair and get out. Myself, Kassie, and my friend with the truck look around and see water ways that have long since dried up, that lead down and out of this dreary layer. The male is coming, and he's coming fast. We know there's no way we can make it down fast enough, until the girl with the sparkling hair let's her hair down, and from it flows rushing water, fast enough to carry us out, and protect us from the dragon. We ride down the water ways, and in what seems like seconds, we are dumped out at the floor of the Japanese restaurant! Apparently the family that owned it had been harboring the secret to controlling the dragons for generations, and that's what the criminal mastermind guy was trying to discover. My friends and I discussed with the Japanese family what our plan of action should be. They informed us that they wanted to sue the war lords and their leader, and asked if I knew anyone who could be their lawyer. It was at that point that I introduced them to Jeff Winger, and all went dark.

I don't know what Sierra puts in those oreo cookies, but man, my dream was nutso!

Use the Force, Nephi

DISCLAIMER: This may in fact be the nerdiest thing you'll ever read.

I know I've talked about this to some people before, but I was just reading my scriptures, and I came across this part in Nephi 17: 53-54
And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thine hand  again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before thee, but I will shock them, saith the Lord, and this will I do, that they may know that I am the Lord their God.
And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which he had spoken.

The priesthood=the force. Nephi totally just forced shocked his brothers.

Obi-Wan, Yoda, Qui-Gan-Jin, all appear as "force ghosts" to Luke to help him on his merry way, Moroni, Mormon, Elijah, etc. all appear to help people and prophets out...like Joseph Smith, they helped him out right?

There is the light side, and the dark side of the force. The priesthood, given by God, provides worthy young men that hold it, the ability to perform miracles and healing. I've had friends tell me stories about things they've done, like running faster than they ever have before, ((force run)) and they only knew that it was by the power of the Lord that they were able to do it for a righteous cause. (light side) "A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense. Never for attack." Yoda
---"The light side of the Force was concerned with the ideals of good, benevolence, and healing. Followers of the light side strove to live in harmony with the world around them, acting out of wisdom and logic rather than anger and hasty judgment. In order to achieve harmony with the light side of the Force, its practitioners would often meditate to clear themselves of emotion; particularly negative emotions such as aggression, fear, anger, and hatred, since these were thought to bring on acceptance of the dark side." Men must always be worthy of their priesthood. How can they exercise their power if they are angry or have anything in their heart but love, compassion, and righteousness. The Holy Ghost cannot grant the power of the priesthood and all its abilities otherwise.

Satan has a counter for everything...however, I won't go into that for the sake of not offending people...(dark side) "The strength of the dark side lies with the power of the individual. The Force comes from within. You must learn to draw on it yourself." Darth Bane
--Satan doesn't want us to rely on the Lord, he tries to get you to indulge in self pleasures and to be self serving, never thinking of others. Even Anakin says "The Sith rely on their passion for their strength. They think inward, only about themselves." That's what the followers of Satan do.

Force sense/enlightenment/comprehension=revelation

Force heal=priesthood blessing

Force stealth=Nephi was inspired to put on the clothes of Laban to get the plates from Zoram
(1 Nephi 4: 19-26
19 And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword, I took the garments of Laban and put them upon mine own body; yea, even every whit; and I did gird on his armor about my loins.

20 And after I had done this, I went forth unto the treasury of Laban. And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the ^aservant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury. And I commanded him in the voice of Laban, that he should go with me into the treasury.

21 And he supposed me to be his master, Laban, for he beheld the garments and also the sword girded about my loins.

22 And he spake unto me concerning the ^aelders of the Jews, he knowing that his master, Laban, had been out by night among them.

23 And I spake unto him as if it had been Laban.

24 And I also spake unto him that I should carry the engravings, which were upon the ^aplates of brass, to my elder brethren, who were without the walls.

25 And I also bade him that he should follow me.

26 And he, supposing that I spake of the ^abrethren of the ^bchurch, and that I was truly that Laban whom I had slain, wherefore he did follow me.)

Obviously they aren't exactly the same, or else everyone would have been suspicious of George Lucas but...force, priesthood...force, priesthood...force, priesthood....is there some kind of similarity there? I think maybe there is...(50 points to whoever gets that reference).




Also, Rachel is the greatest.

If We'd All Just Listen a Little Closer

My friend just posted this video: http://youtu.be/a1uPf5O-on0

I clicked on it, thinking it would be some cute story about an Autistic girl learning to sing or something like that. For those of you who don't know, my youngest brother has Down Syndrome, so special needs kids have such a hold on my heart. I have also worked with them as a substitute teacher and through a program when I was in middle school, and I can honestly say no child or person will love you more, or accept you without hesitation or expectation than those with special needs. I remember teaching in a special needs class, and the moment one of the little boys rolled himself in on his wheelchair, he took one look at me, his eyes lit up, and he asked "do you want to be my friend?" My heart instantly just melted. I also worked on a train in Durango--every winter we would put on the Polar Express, and I would work as a chef, serving hot chocolate, singing songs, and getting everyone excited about Christmas--and one night, I had a group of disabled adults. Among those, I had a Down Syndrome couple sitting at a table for two. I usually go around and ask the passengers about their lives and their Christmas experience thus far, etc. and this night was different only for the fact that I had far less passengers, so I got more time to talk to each of them. So, as I was talking to this couple, I asked how their Christmas season was going. The girl responded that it was going to be the greatest Christmas of her life, because she was finally getting exactly what she wanted. When I asked her what that was, the man sitting with her grabbed her hand and said "I just asked her to be my sweetheart for the rest of my life." My eyes tear up just writing this.

So I watched that video, and I cannot possibly express how it touched me. As much as I love those kids, I will be the first to admit I'm pretty ignorant about their conditions. I know that my brother, having Down Syndrome, meant he had one extra chromosome, and I know common mannerisms and tendencies, but I have never really understood just how that effects him. I had a couple kids in my class all through school that I worked with and talked to and knew as a presence, but never took the time to try to understand. I never knew why one of the Autistic girls could never look at me, or why one of the boys would sometimes cover his ears, I just thought it was a body function that they couldn't control or something. I never would have guessed that it was because they needed to block out sensory overload. The girl in this video is completely aware when she is being asked a question. She knows what's going on around her, and because her parents didn't give up on her, didn't write her off, and loved her so much, she is able to communicate exactly what she is thinking or what she wants. So often I think society disregards these kids because they don't out rightly show that they understand this world around them, but that is evidently so far from the truth. How much would these kids have to tell us if everyone took the time to really, genuinely listen?

"As Long as There is Hope, There Can Never Be True Despair"

Yes, the title of this blog is off The Dark Knight Rises. And although the original context this is used in is awful and haunting, the sentiment is true. (Trev, I disagree that there aren't any good one-liners from that movie.)
For a while now, the messages of hope seem to be coming at me from all sides. Admittedly, I was needing to hear a lot of them, but this post is for some people that I hold very dear to my heart, people that I know are struggling and need some light at the end of that tunnel. I love Mormon Messages, because they are all so inspiring, and they're short and don't take a lot of time to watch, so here's one about the Infinite Power of Hope. If you'd like to read the entire talk, I'd direct you to the LDS website, General Conference section, which I highly recommend because it's beautiful and so powerful.
I am a firm believer that no one has harder trials than anyone else. We are all tested, and we all go through trials that are hard for us individually. We all hurt the same, just from different circumstances. I know that the Lord will never throw anything at us that we cannot overcome. So we have simply to endure, and to persevere. I want to echo what my brother said this morning, that "to give up, achieves nothing." So press forward through the pain and the hardships, and look with optimism to the future, and know that Jesus, our Lord and Savior is there to guide you and help you. Said President Gordon B. Hinckley "life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." Life isn't supposed to be easy, it's not supposed to be fair, but no matter how dark everything seems to be around you, I implore you to never give up. Never stop fighting. You are never truly alone.
For those of you who don't know or haven't read it, there is a book of divine revelations written in the latter days called the Doctrine and Covenants. It begins with Joseph Smith recounting his Vision, and is passed along by prophets until 1918. In section 122, the Prophet Joseph Smith is in jail at Liberty, Missouri, and this poor, wonderful man, had been through so much grief and pain, being tarred and feathered, watching his friends and children die, being betrayed, persecuted, and eventually murdered, I cannot imagine the kind of despair I would have slipped into were I in his position. But, while in this prison, the Lord speaks to him, and tells him that all these perils and trials will give him experience and be for his good. Essentially, Heavenly Father tells Joseph, that even if he is betrayed, killed, even if the very jaws of hell open up to swallow him, "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way...for God shall be with you forever and ever." So don't despair. The Lord knows exactly what you're going through, and He wants to help. 3 Nephi 15:9 says "Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life."

http://youtu.be/j2Ll28f60f4

Hope is the abiding trust that the Lord will keep his promises

"YOLO"

'"Seize the day" in Latin is "Carpe Diem"—"Seize the day" in douchebag is "YOLO."'--funniest status I've ever seen.

I was listening to Ke$ha, because I love her, and I was listening to a song where she is actually singing, and she doesn't sound too bad right? See she has talent, she's just usually too drunk to use it. But you know, she's not everyone's cup of tea...Glozell thinks she has some issues apparently. Haters gonna hate. Then again, other little girls just aspire to be what she is. Also, sometimes I think I spend far too much time on the internet.

Then, I put on my country pandora station, and came across the sweetest country song. I'm obsessed.


Sometimes, my thoughts are really scattered. So for those reading this, the previous two paragraphs were just a side note. Sorry. I think that happens a lot in my blog. In any case, my life has been pretty awesome recently, so I thought I'd just brag about it.

For the past couple weeks, I've been celebrating my roommate/best friend Kassie's birthday. We went to dinner, and I made her get on the birthday saddle:

Hahahahahahaha she hated me.

Then we went to a couple dance parties, made mocktini margaritas...


Went to dinner again, got all dressed up and hit up LMFAO in concert


Which was seriously one of the raddest things I have ever done. And, since it was my first concert and Kassie's birthday, we decided that the seats we paid for, so far away from Redfoo and SkyBlu, were not sufficient, so Kass used that feminine charm of hers on the poor teenage bouncer who really didn't stand a chance, and got us into General Admissions. Best. Plan. Ever. It was like one huge, outrageous dance party! First concert experience=win. Then of course, my brother asks me if I'll help him move into his new house the next morning, and I was so exhausted, I didn't really have a chance to shower. So, I felt gross, smelled like booze, and proceeded to move crap for the next 9 hours. It's as close to a hangover as I ever want to get. I felt like Lindsay Lohan...


I've accepted recently that since moving away from home, I've tapped into my country girl side more than ever. Last Saturday, I went to a Chris Cagle concert with some friends, and I looooved it. More than anything. Country people are such nice, friendly, genuine people. And they have such big hearts. I need to find me a country boy. It was so so much fun.


But most recently, and most impressively, I have a couple friends that have been going through some hard stuff lately, so yesterday I fasted for them. As I am fasting and praying, and thinking about them, I started wondering "what can fasting really do for someone? It seems such a simple, insignificant gesture, how can it really help?" Almost immediately after I had that thought, one of those friends let me know that what he had been struggling with had been resolved, and everything was going to be ok. My heart was so touched and so full of gratitude. My testimony grew so much in that moment, I don't really even have words to express it. I testify of the effectiveness of fasting and prayer.

CARPE DIEM

"God Be With You Til We Meet Again"

Today, May 2, 2012, I said goodbye to my cousin Levi Harris, as he dedicates the next 2 years of his life to the Lord. He's leaving to Bogota, Colombia North Mission, to share the beautiful message of the gospel to all the people there.

   Such a goof. Levi was my very first best friend. We've lived across the street from each other basically my whole life. We have grown up together, and we've always been close. Even times when we didn't see each other for a while, once we got together again, it was just like old times.

    We made movies, caused some mischief, hung out, and we were always on the same team whenever our families would play games together such as Capture the Flag...apparently it was one of the great injustices of his life to always be paired with me...but I was always really shrimpy and bad at those games, so that's understandable. Haha. I used to call him Wubbies, because that was obviously much easier to say than Levi....

    Levi and I have had countless adventures. Of course, when we hung out right before I moved to Utah, he told me we couldn't do anything too crazy because he has really bad luck, and always gets caught, and I have a knack for getting other people in trouble, so he'd get super busted, which for some reason he wasn't cool with...I don't know. He'd had been getting in trouble a lot. One of my favorite memories is one of my most recent trips to Durango, and he, Jacob, and I were just walking around and we see this guy with a bowstaff, doing flips and tricks and stuff: WP_20120312_205657Z.mp4
Ain't no thing. Yes people in Durango are like that. Anyways, then we plotted this whole scenario to walk up to the guy and tell him we were there to complete his training. Jacob was Zeus, Levi was Thor, and I was Jazellda, the forrest sprite. Unfortunately the guy left as we were approaching him. Had we not been laughing so hard we probably would have made it to him before he peaced. We're weird.

     I can't even tell you guys how much I'm going to miss that kid. I know he's going to be such a great missionary. The gospel has always been so important to him. He sees every experience in relation to the gospel and the Plan, and I really am looking forward to hearing about everything that's going to happen in the mission field. He's going to love it!

   For as long as I can remember, he has loved Captain Moroni, and looked up to him, and idolized him. Just before we dropped him off, he was talking about the Title of Liberty. Captain Moroni is a Book of Mormon hero. My sister just blogged about this and told the story, so if you're curious: http://adventuresindisneyworld.blogspot.com/2012/04/stripling-warriors.html I couldn't have said it better myself. So I won't. But raeding that, I'm sure you can see where Levi gets his admiration. Even the scriptures say "17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto ^aMoroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the ^bdevil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." -Alma 48:17. Well, in all honesty, I can say, Levi is like unto Moroni. He has always strived to live his life in a way that he shines as an example of our Savior. He has always had a strong testimony. He has always had the biggest, kindest heart. My little brother looks up to him in every way, and I love that. Levi is crazy and funny, and one of my best friends. Even though I know he's doing exactly what he's supposed to be doing, I've been feeling a little sad about saying goodbye, until I was reading my scriptures and I came across 3 Nephi 5:13 "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." And that's what Levi is doing. I am so proud of him. I couldn't be happier for him. I love that guy! Be sure to keep him in your prayers while he's out there serving. I pray that the Lord keeps him safe.

GRADUATING!

When Jacob was getting set apart...Levi forgot to change out of his Robin costume...everything about this picture is ridiculous.

No we didn't go to prom together, he took my friend that's falling there in the front in the blue dress.

And this is us hiding at a surprise party. I got stuck under that bench.

I LOVE YOU WUBBIES!!! I WILL MISS YOU!!!

"Live Like You Were Dying"

Basically, I just had one of the single most fabulous week and a half's of my life.

First of all, my family came into town for a visit last Wednesday. We went to Tucano's, and ate til we were all going to throw up, went to xtreme air sports, which hands down, is the greatest place of my life, played some laser tag, and I got to go to my roommate Megan's going away party--which was sad because I'm going to miss that lady with my whole heart, but I really did nothing but laugh all night because her family is so funny. I almost died.

Yes. We were all plotting to throw foam at my littlest brother^^                     Got him.

There really was no getting out of that foam....


Then, I said goodbye to my family, and the rest of this crazy week happened

Monday: I started my new job at Spoon it Up, which I absolutely adore. One of my best friends FINALLY came back from California after like a million years. I missed her. My life was especially void of dance parties in this time period....but our reunion was glorious!

Tuesday: My roommates and I decided to color our hair with pastels like we saw on pinterest. We looked like rockstars. Then, Kira and I went to our first "party" together since at least last December. We made new friends. With people and this bunny:) I also got to see my friend Jenny on her last night before she headed out to the MTC. She's such a sweetheart. She's going to convert everyone she even looks at--that's how spiritual/caring and compassionate this girl is.

Wednesday: ...I went out with this model/actor I met at the gym. He was in Twilight, High School Musical 2, and some other stuff I can't remember. I schooled him in laser tagging. And yes, when he told me he was an actor and a professional dancer I told him he was full of crap. But then I looked him up online...

He's legit. He left to film a movie. I'm never going to see him again.

Thursday: I did a little modeling. NBD. For Cris and Kate's. With my friend Brittany Molina.

I haven't seen the pictures yet, but if they're fabulous I can use them for when I try out for ANTM again. We'll see. One day I'll be a model.

Friday: I went to work, had one Kindergartner tell me he would never shoot me because I was too gorgeous, and another group tell me I looked like a cowgirl queen. I take what I can get. Then I spent some time with my main girl Kassie, dyed my hair black, and went to work. Now, I had made arrangements to be picked up from work, so I didn't have to walk home so far in the dark, but my phone died. But luckily Kassie was bored and took me home. Where we proceeded to eat tons of sugar, call and text many people, tried to get pizza, and the night ended at about 5 in the morning with "whoops. I threw my computer because I didn't want my eggs to die! Sorry. Good night. I loveeee you♥♥♥♥" I swear we weren't drunk....

"whadda think of my new hurrrr?"

Saturday: Got up, drove to Ogden, went SKY DIVING. Literally, probably the most thrilling, crazy, fun things I've ever done in my life. Such an adrenaline rush! I still can't even get over how freaking awesome that was!!! I COULD HAVE DIED!!! And actually, I was pretty convinced I was going to, because I'm a spaz, and the guy I was jumping with had a really heavy accent, so I didn't understand half of what he said to me. I was positive I was going to arc my back wrong or something and kill us both. Luckily, I just had the time of my life instead. The rest of the day I just thought of that experience and had this song stuck in my head: http://youtu.be/6xSGLZd9Vg4 I NEVER FELT SO ALIVE!!!!!!! Then, my roommate and I proceeded to drive to Colorado to hear my cousins' farewell/homecoming talks.

Sunday: I listened to my closest cousin Levi give his farewell talk. I grew up with that kid. I can't possibly tell you guys how much I'm going to miss him. And pray for him 24/7 because he keeps telling everyone he's going to die on his mission. Then I dreamed he would. Not cool. I am really proud of him, and he seriously gave one of the best talks I've ever heard. He's a great public speaker. Stick that kid up on Samuel the Lamenite's wall. He's going to the Bogota, Colombia--coincidentally where my sister in law just sent her brother off to. I hope and pray they are mission companions. Hahahaha. You'd have to know them. Also, I got to hear my other closest cousin Jacob give his homecoming talk. Which was also really powerful, and so spiritual. I'm really glad to see him again, and I'm so glad he got to see Levi off. They are like the same person. Then the two of them sang a song together, it was like the cutest thing I ever heard. It even brought little tears to my eyes. I love those guys. I couldn't ask for better friends or family. After church (because anywhere besides Utah, members go to more than just Sacrament when its a special occasion,) we all just hung out at my cousin's. It was so much fun. I got to see a lot of friends and spend time with such quality people that made me feel so good, and just made me laugh. I love home. I love my friends, and I love my family. I literally am feeling so incredibly blessed and happy right now. I'm grateful for all my experiences in life. Live every moment, because you'll never get it back. Life is never perfect, but it certainly is wonderful:) "And someday I hope you get the chance, to live like you were dying."

<3

"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1GXdeqizBU this song makes me tear up every time. My sister in law and her brother are so talented. And at 00:20, you'll notice a picture of firemen holding a portrait  that is burned entirely around Christ. Here's the story if you're curious... http://www.heraldextra.com/tabernacle/article_db328b06-0b0f-11e0-a131-001cc4c03286.html
I have such a testimony of Jesus Christ. I want everyone to know, that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he lived and died for us, and that he was resurrected. I'm positive, that were he to appear to me in person, right now, I couldn't believe in him more than I do now, because the Holy Ghost has touched my heart and proclaimed of that truth to me. For those of you still searching, I implore you to pray earnestly, read the scriptures, and I promise you, that you will receive the knowledge and truth that I have come to know and love. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and I'm thankful for this opportunity at Easter to not only hear that beautiful, incredible story once again, but to share with anyone and everyone my testimony. I love this gospel. I can only imagine what my life would be like without it, and it's empty. Nothing brings me more joy or peace than being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love my Savior. I feel his presence in my life every single day. I know that Christ is the only way, and that by him and through him, no matter where this crazy life takes us, we have the opportunity to reach our full potential, to be all that we can possibly be. I pray that I can be such an example, that by knowing me, people will want to know Christ. No matter your religion, or the lack thereof, I hope everyone takes just a moment at the very least, to just ponder the message of Easter today.

I posted this on my profile already, I know, but here it is again. Just watch, and really listen:
http://youtu.be/bAuaSpJ7zGs

"Try Dodging all the D-bag Guys.."

First: http://youtu.be/D4cIIuSBGbQ the chorus is like the theme song to my life right now...

I love meeting new people. I'm very social, and albeit often times I can be kind of a flirt, and that is why I like to go hang out at King Henry, because people there are pretty chill, and I like most of them a lot. But sometimes, I meet boys that are...less than gentlemanly, to say the least.

So today, I'm at the pool, talking to a friend, tanning, having a gay old time, and I meet this guy. He is super good looking, so at first I'm like "alright!" ...Then he started talking to me. This guy, that I just met mind you, starts being just mean to me, and calls me a ho. Now granted, I'm sure he was just messing around, trying to flirt, and usually I'm pretty easy going, and I just brush it off, but this guy was just on one. And calling me a ho, in any circumstance, not cool. Honestly though, where does he get off? So I say something about how I think he is super rude, and he has the nerve to tell me "I just know what's up. Treat a girl like dirt, and she'll stick like mud." I told him he sucks. Like seriously. What? What kind of person thinks they can just talk to people and treat them like that? My daddy raised me to be a lady, and that is not how ladies are talked to. I'm so peeved. And he's old. That my friends, is the very essence of a Provo Allstar. I need to move:(

The Hunger Games

All I can think about is the Hunger Games...

HUNGER GAMES
HUNGER GAMES
HUNGER GAMES
HUNGER GAMES
HUNGER GAMES
love.


also, we watched the previews for Titanic, and I realized, it's not much of a love story, because Rose is a liar and she is selfish. 1. She promises never to let go, then when Jack is dead, she pries his hand off hers so she can be saved. 2. There was totally room for him on her plank of wood.


but really...HUNGER GAMES WAS THE BEST!!! And I will never stop loving it. The movie was so close to what I pictured while I was reading the book--(which by the way, is my favorite book of all time. I would read it every single day if I could. And if you knew how much I hate reading, you'd know how significant that really is.) Such a good story. I'm obsessed.

"When the Time Comes, Baby Don't Run"

March 20th, 1964--48 years ago today, my beautiful, wonderful mother was born. She is my hero in so many ways. That woman got married in the temple to my dad, birthed and raised 10 children, and she is a published author; and she did it all with such magnanimity, that it's all I can do to pray that one day I'll live up to be half the person she is. I couldn't possibly asked for another woman to be such a wonderful mother. I am so blessed.

This week also marks about a year that I kind of figure my Utah adventure began. It's incredible how much things have changed since them...and how much things have stayed the same. At this time last year, I had graduated early from high school, and was working at home as a substitute teacher. My family came up here to celebrate my mom's birthday all together and so she could do an author signing...

My family then went back, and I stayed in Utah for a few weeks, sleeping on my sisters' couch. I met some of their friends, went hot tubbing, did all kinds of fun stuff with them. Then in May, we all planned a Harry Potter surprise birthday party for my oldest sister Angela, (which was absolutely ridiculous, and she ended up getting mad at me because I spent the entire day and over an hour pretending to sleep to get away from her.) In my experience, surprise parties usually result in a great deal of rage...(Jocelyn--http://lilgeorgiapeach.blogspot.com/2012/01/21-babyy-yeahh.html). But, despite her anger and so many people almost blowing it, I think the party turned out pretty awesome:

Good times. Haha. Then I went back home for a while, officially did the graduation thing, and packed my stuff up and moved here in June. Looking at it now, it might appear that only my location has changed. I'm not in school, working as a substitute teacher, going to dance parties. But in the past year, I've done quite a bit of..."ghost hunting," jumped down a waterfall,

and the Mona rope swings,

auditioned for America's Next Top Model,

worked for Satan at a dress boutique, rode a motorcycle, and countless other adventure I never even imagined I'd go on. I discovered what a pazookie is, went wake boarding for the first time, saw a fair amount of rodeos, and had the greatest summer ward of all time!

...and lit some of the biggest sparklers you will ever see.

I moved away from my family, I've had 10 different roommates, including one from England, (which was such a party hanging out with the Brits:)) and I have changed in so many ways. I made some of the best friends in the world, and to some I said goodbye. I've fallen hard, my heart has been broken, and I've certainly met more than my fair share of tools. But because of everything that has happened--good, bad, and in between, I am such a different person now than I was a year ago. I've grown in so many ways, and I've learned so many things. I've learned that to be independent includes dependency on the Lord. I've learned that life is hard, and tragedies happen, but despite it all, this life is beautiful, and there is so much to be happy about. I'm thankful for this gospel, and the ability to turn it all over to my Father in Heaven, I'm thankful for my family and friends that love me, support me, and are there to pick up the pieces when I'm broken. I want to say sorry to those I have hurt, and I pray to be a better person and friend to everyone I know. You all mean so much to me, regardless of how much or how long it's been since we've talked, or if we don't at all anymore. Whether you know it or not, you've all touched my life in some way, and in doing so you've taken a piece of my heart forever. Every experience I've had has affected and changed me in some way, and I'm thankful for that. This is such a wonderful life<3

"Now, Remember, It Is Better To Look Up"

My attention was called back today, on a talk given in the last General Conference by Elder Carl B. Cook, called "It Is Better To Look Up." If you haven't read/heard it, or it's been a while, I suggest reading it today--http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/it-is-better-to-look-up?lang=eng. The message is so wonderful. Our Savior loves us, and is simply waiting for us to reach out to Him for help and guidance. In Relief Society, we were asked to think first, "what makes you discouraged?" There are so many things in life that are hard, so many things that get us down, and it happens to everyone. We all face trials. Everyone is fighting a hard battle.

The point was made that when people have issues with praying, it is because they have forgotten or do not fully comprehend their relationship with the Lord. We need to constantly and actively be seeking Him. Elder Cook says, when President Monson told him to look up, it was symbolic for remembering Christ. The only perspective that gives us hope, is up. When we are sad and feeling discouraged, when our hearts are heavy and we feel burdened, it is easy to hang your head, and look to the floor. But, think of the limitations. A sister pointed out, when you look to the ground, that's it, you can see everything, you see where it ends; there is no depth. But when you look up towards the sky, towards heaven, your perspective reaches up into infinity--a perspective eternal. It reminds us that we as humans, can't see how it ends, that there is so much more that the Lord has in store for us. The sky is bright, and when we are constantly looking up, it directs the attention of those who know us and see us to look up as well.

My roommate stated that "we know we can look to Christ, and with that knowledge comes the responsibility to do so." Christ suffered in Gethsemane for the very purpose of taking on Himself our every hurt, our every struggle or disappointment, that He can relate to us and comfort us in a way that no one else can, because He felt exactly the same. I so often forget that. Things have been hard, and I'll admit, I've felt like I have lost some direction in my life. But I was reminded again, that my Savior knows. He has felt what I've been feeling, and I need to let Him help me. Another girl quoted her grandma in saying "the only time to look down, is to raise someone else up." That's what the Lord does for us. He raises us and carries us. As I'm writing this, the poem comes to mind that my parents always had hanging in their bedroom:

The church is so true. I love it with all my heart, and I love my Savior. MATTHEW 11:28-30:
--"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"

"Grab Somebody Sexyyy, Tell Them Hey"

Yesterday, I could go for a walk outside in a t-shirt. Today, it was snowing. Curse this tricky bipolar weather!! All it really does is make me anxious for summer, which makes me nostalgic of last summer. The theme of last summer? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPo5wWmKEaI I love that song.

So, browsing good ol' YouTube for that song, I went a lot of places, listened to a lot of songs, and eventually ended at Ke$ha's new album. If you know anything about me, you ought to know I am basically in love with her. I even go out and buy her cd's. She's so fierce. And she reminds me of spending the summer partying with my sister. I even did a "Ke$ha photoshoot" one day with all my older sisters, and I dressed up as her for Halloween...

Fabulous I know. My roommate also dressed as her, because she loves Ke$ha as much as me. That's just fate.

Now, this next bit may seem unrelated, but it ties in. I think. That being said, I have millions of things running through my head lately, and I've realized, I think I'm kind of a hopeless romantic. That in and of itself is a long story, but in short, sometimes I have these...irrational(?) crushes, and it kind of takes over my thoughts. Which is crazy because I have a super short attention span for basically everything, and am never really in the same place or interested in the same things for long. But either way, every once in a while, there comes along someone that sticks in my head and my heart for a long time, and I can't seem to shake them, because in all reality, that's not something I should be pursuing for various reasons. They even make appearances in my dreams from time to time. And there's just really nothing I can do about it, but wait for enough time to pass to let them become just another faint memory. I'm not really one to tell people how I'm feeling when it comes to matters of the heart, because I'm a big weenie. I let opportunites and people pass me by, because breaking down that wall is too hard, and I don't handle rejection well. But I do realize that we need to fall for people, and our hearts need to be broken, because that's how we get back up, and become stronger. And, despite my best efforts, I have had my heart broken, but I don't regret it, because I learned something, and I was changed. But, while I work on that, and try to be more open, I'll keep writing blogs, (they really are theraputic,) letting my mind run a mile a minute about people that I can't seem to block out, and listen to Ke$ha. This song in particular has been playing as the theme to this blog: http://youtu.be/_u29qK84uvI (and yes I realize the video is girly and lame, and the song is slightly sappy, but I don't care. Ke$ha is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Besides Jesus.)

"All the Other Kids With the Pumped Up Kicks"

Today, I'm feeling a little senimental, a little nostalgic. Finally, after years and years, I must retire my tennis shoes...

Beauties huh? I wore these babies for P.E./Yoga all through middle and high school. I also used them when I built sets during the plays I was in, (hence the paint) and running outside during the summers. And now, I use them every day to work out and run here in Utah. Of course, I don't know which is more sad, the fact that in close to 8 years, I didn't wear out a single pair of tennis shoes, or the fact that I've had the same size teeny, tiny, baby feet since I was 12. Good makin' Reebok. Unfortunately, I have the worst shin splints of all time, which really throws off my running schedule, so I had to finally break down and buy a new pair yesterday. Or, my parents were kind enough to buy them for me...

I'm pretty much stoked on them. They were the prettiest ones I could find...this is why I don't wear tennis shoes unless I have to. But, I'm thankful for new shoes and I'm pumped to try out my new kicks. Hopefully, these will get me through another 8 years! I really wish I could make heels last that long...

                                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, my shoes were cute and all, but the real reason I'm feeling all sentimental, is that I can finally tell everyone that my brother Clayton and his wife Malae are going to have a baby!!!! I finally get to be an aunt!! I am so excited for this I can't even handle it. I love babies. In fact, through all of Stake Conference today, I was making faces at the most adorable little girl with the fattest cheeks, making her giggle and drool. So. Cute. Clayton and Malae are going to be such wonderful parents. Having him as my big brother, and watching him with all of my many siblings, and the fact that he loves working with kids, which in fact is his job now, I know he's going to be such a great father. (Even if it is super weird to think about the fact that now we're all grown up to the age that he is starting his own family, and the fact that my littlest sister will be an aunt, especially when I'm pretty convinced she's slightly insane and may or may not one day have a psychotic break.) Also, Malae has the biggest, most tender heart of anyone I've ever met. She loves all things cute and fluffy, and is incredibly endearing and caring. Her children will be lucky to be blessed into a home with such an amazing mother. Words cannot even describe how happy I am for them. They will do so wonderful. I can't wait to meet little ginger baby!! Also, I sincerely hope all of their children have red, curly hair and fat cheeks. I will show them all that South Park as well as the angry kid on YouTube who got super offended by it. Haha

BABY TALLEY IS THE SIZE OF A LIME!

"I Love Love!" (for real this time)

So, in light of Valentine's Day, I am inspired to actually write the post I started a couple weeks ago. Now I have church every Sunday morning at 9 am, which proves to be very difficult sometimes, because I like staying out late on Saturday nights as much as the next girl. Actually, probably more. As a result, there are many mornings that going to church is hard, and paying attention is even harder, and sometimes, to keep myself awake, I draw pictures....

But, I have found that on days that I am actually awake and really praying to be touched by the Spirit, I have the most amazing lessons. A couple weeks ago, it was Fast and Testimony meeting, which is always my favorite. Pretty much half my ward gets up and bears beautiful testimonies about our Heavenly Father and his love for each and every one of us, and the point that stood out the most the day was when someone said "when we try our best, God will pick up the slack." I then went to Sunday school and learned some good points about happiness, how we all have the capability to choose the good, to choose to be happy, and how God will never set us up to fail, so put your trust in him. The church is so true!

Afterwards, I head to Relief Society, and we had this incredible lesson about love. Not necessarily the "I love you let's get married and have babies" kind of love, but the kind that we ought to have for everyone.

Over the course of the lesson, points were made about reserving our judgements about people until we get to know them, because that leaves room for love to grow, and towards the end, my bishop stands and says "why do we love Christ? Because he loves us first." This got me to thinking, how many of us hold back on loving people, because we don't know them or we think they don't deserve it, or we think they don't love us back? The fact of the matter is, everyone not only deserves love, but we all require it. As human beings, we have to have love, tenderness, affection, or we won't make it. Like a newborn baby will die if it isn't immediately and constantly in contact with another human's touch, I think we also will wither away and stop living if we aren't loved. God doesn't make mistakes. He has never made a single person that he hasn't loved, and expected others to love as well. It's not our duty to pick and try to discern who is entitled to it, but rather to give that love freely and without limitations, because don't we want that in return? "We love Christ because he loves us first"--Jesus didn't wait for us to prove ourselves, to see if we were worthy of his love, he just gave it to us. Who are we to hold back? You can't choose who to love, because everyone deserves it. And what a difference that would make in our lives, in society, in the world, if we loved without hesitation. That being said, how can we expect to be loved if we don't? So love without fear, live without regret, and realize that everyone is fighting a hard battle--we all just need a little tender loving care.