Elderisms

I could not help but get a good chuckle over one of the pictures Josh sent me this week. So hilarious. Why is it that missionaries have this innate desire to take strange pictures to send to their families? I have a theory....there

are so many rules as a missionary and very little time to do what the world would call, fun things. And so these elders and sisters come up with ideas to take humorous photos to entertain not only themselves but those who faithfully write to them. The part of this picture that makes me laugh most is that I happen to have one eerily similar...

Running and running....and...running..........

I am well underway with my training for the relay race. Today was a fairly easy workout. I was supposed to run straight for 20 min. I managed, but I really had to encourage myself near the end. There is light at the end of the tunnel because my brother Jacob assures me that once I get past the 20-25 min point of running, your body passes a barrier of being uncomfortable to one of running with ease. I look forward to cresting that because right now my body seems to be protesting a bit.

Ragnar Relay Series

Yesterday my brother Jacob emailed me with an invitation to join their 12 man team to run in a relay race this coming February. I was a bit hesitant at the idea, but it slowly sunk in that this could be a really good opportunity for me. And so I said I would do it. I have a long road ahead of me, but I am excited for the challenge.

A New Acronym

Today at work I was looking up websites that contain the name(s) of business titles I've thought of for a design company. I stumbled across an article titled "What CATIE Did: Some Thoughts on Implications Deep and Wide" I thought this was quite flattering to have an article with my name in it. What was even more thrilling was to find out what "CATIE" stood for...."Clinical Antispsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness". Who could ask for a more interesting acronym than that? I think I win.

Elder Findlay

Here are some of the latest photos of Elder Findlay currently serving in the

city of Elgin Scotland.

Dressing UP

I love dressing up. This is no secret. I even have my own collection of dress-up clothing as mentioned in my previous post. Halloween is a perfect time for me to dress up and go out in public instead of just hiding out in my room. This year's beauty is a lovely combination of old and new. The dress is the newest acquisition. The cape comes from the Scottish Festival in Payson. My favorite accessory is the hat. When I was a freshman at USU I was in the interior design program. One of our assignments for History of Furnishings and Architecture was to design a hat based on historical architecture. I chose ionic columns of Greece. My hat is dubbed the "Ionic Bonnet". I have never had the chance to wear it until this costume came to be. I could not be more pleased with how well it turned out. And so let the Halloween season commence! I am ready!

The Crate

For the past month I have been working on a project for my brother James. A wooden crate to contain historical artifacts of Salt Lake City to be taken around and shown to students in conjunction with an upcoming film. The irony of the project is that just weeks before, I was considering the idea of constructing a trunk to hold my dress-up collection. My mother talked me out of it saying I'd be much happier just buying something instead. I found the perfect item at Ross. Problem solved!

And here comes the irony. Now I had the task to build a trunk anyway. And what a project it has been! At least I am getting paid for it, I don't think I would've pushed through with it if that weren't the case. However, I am relieved to see that it is turning out quite well. Its been a difficult project to put together, but there is light at the end of the long dark tunnel. Here are some production photos for your visual enjoyment.

Addiction to hair color...well, to change

I have blogged before about my constant change in hair style, cut and color, but I have been at it again, so I thought I'd present a picture of my current look. Its dark . . . but its fall so it works right? I suppose I may be labeled "high maintenance" for such habits, but if I spend $7.99 for a box of hair color from Sally Beauty Supply every six weeks or so and that's about the extent of my pampering, that's livable right?

A Tribute to Alison

About a year ago I decided to change wards. I had been attending my family ward serving happily. But I felt like a change was in order. There was a student ward meeting in my stake that I had attended previously a couple of times. I decided that I would turn from my family ward and immerse myself in this new ward.

I knew I had to work hard to make friends because I really didn't know a single person in the ward, no pun intended. Close to the very first Sunday there I met a lovely girl who was injured and having to wear a big boot on her leg. It took me forever to remember her name. I just referred to her as the girl on crutches. At length I finally remembered the name and engrained it into my head. Alison.

She is such an amazing individual. Her positive influence in my life has had a huge impact. More so than I think she will ever realize.

I believe the biggest example to me from her has been a love of the scriptures and personal scripture study. She often shares thoughts she gained from her personal study that day. I longed to have a similar experience. And only just recently have I re-evaluated my own efforts to study and it has been a wonderful blessing. I owe it all to Alison.

She recently started dating someone. After our many talks about life and dating, I can't help but smile every time I see them together. She is a very significant blessing in my life. I thank my Heavenly Father that I have met her.

Happiness

Sometimes at work I get to be there by myself and be my own boss. I love it! It does get a little lonely, but other times I just find myself being goofy as you can see by this self portrait that I snapped while having fun belting out to my favorite songs just before I opened. What can I say? I am slightly crazy when I'm by myself. I can let down all barriers and just have fun.

Nostalgia

It was about 3 years ago, September 5, 2006 to be exact that this picture was taken. I was finished with my time at the Provo Missionary Training Center and I was about to board a bus to the airport then board a jet to Chicago. I was extremely nervous. I had no idea what to expect. I was going to a place I'd never been to before about to be assigned a companion I'd never met before. It was scary, but I made it. Looking back three years later I feel like I am quite the different girl I was back then. I learned so much from serving a mission. It is the best life training I could ever have. It was the best decision I made.

Yesterday we received an exciting phone call from a nervous 19 year old in Provo. Josh had finally received his visa and was heading to Scotland that very day. Though he was quite scared, he was also very excited. I know he will be an outstanding missionary. The growth and learning he will obtain will be priceless. The Lord knew what he was doing when he asked his young people to serve missions.

I Promise, the Story below really happened...

Rain

I LOVE thunderstorms. There's something magical and romantic about a loud boisterous thunderstorm with lightening dancing about. It brings me back to the downpours I experienced on my mission in Illinois. I remember one particular muggy day during the summer of 2007, my companion and I returned home after a long day of missionary work. The rain was soaking the city to soggyness. We looked at each other and got the most wonderful idea...PLAY TIME! Without even changing out of our skirts and blouses we ran out into the parking lot which was flooded with 6 inches of water, and danced all about. It was such a happy time! The rain in Utah is so rare that whenever it comes I revel in it and dance about and soak myself whenever I can. Long live the rain!

I Love to See the Temple

Yesterday I attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for the first time since it has been dedicated. I love this temple. It is minutes from my home. Rachel Teran and I did some initiatories for some of my family names that have been entrusted to me to complete. It was a wonderfully spiritual experience. I intend to return often. I can already see the blessings flowing in from having another temple in our midst.

Ah to be young again...

I had to share this video for my family and friends to see just how darn cute my nieces and nephews are when they play together.

Interesting Read

As I stated in a previous post, I am now installed at my new location of Jordan Credit Union. This week I have had much downtime, so I read a book recommended by a friend of mine called: "Howl's Moving Castle". I was a bit skeptical at first. I haven't read a children's book of this nature for many years, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was riveted on the book near the end agonizing to find out how the story would resolve. I would recommend it to anyone who would like a good easy, yet intriguing read.

BYU or bust!

Do you ever wish that you could turn back time and or at least pause it for a while? I don't believe anyone lives the life that they planned from start to finish. Mine is no exception.

When I was in elementary school this dreaded question first began to appear: "What do you want to be when you grow up?". I loathed this question. Why must I worry about such things at the age of 8? Thus the procrastination of career choices began.

During my senior year of high school I applied for two schools of higher education: Snow College and Utah State University. I was accepted to both and decided to attend USU. I was encouraged to select an area of study, so as I browsed through the list of possible choices, I selected the one that sounded the most fun: Interior Design.

Long story short, I began my degree at USU and completed my Associate of Science in Interior Design at LDS Business College.

By this time I was 21 years old and had decided to go on a mission. I was going to serve, but also to seek out inspiration to know what I should do next with my life. Eighteen months went by and I still had no idea what I wanted to "be when I grow up". I loved Interior Design, but it wasn't my career of choice.

Today I find myself working full-time at Jordan Credit Union. I love my job, but I feel like I am lacking in fulfilling my potential. Therefore, I have made the decision to attend Brigham Young University beginning Summer or Fall 2010.

This choice has given me excitement and anxiety. The idea of going back to school and living on my own is thrilling, but I am still back to the issue I dealt with clear back in my days at Terra Linda Elementary..."what do you want to be when you grow up?"

And so I must venture out into the unknown and put my faith in the Lord relying on his wisdom. I know this is the right thing to do, but it will not be easy. But then, nothing that is worth anything in life is.

Changes

Since the end of May 2009 I have been anticipating a change of location for my job. I was told that this change would take place July 1st...however, that did not happen. The date was pushed back and forth several agonizing times, but at long last its here. This week I finally moved into my new office in West Jordan. It is fabulous! I work more fixed hours and with wonderful people. And, there are amazing benefits! The first was realized today....sweet roll Friday. Life is good.

THE MISSION CALL

Updates

It has been about two months since I posted. I feel it is time to begin again. Life is crazy, but good. I am almost done with my class for this semester. I have been taking Sociology of Marriage and Family at LDS Business College.
The class has been amazing! I have learned so many helpful tips and practices that will help me now and in the future with regards to marriage and family.
I am thrilled with the news that my brother Justin is engaged to be married to Karen McKnight May 9, 2009. It will be a joyous occasion indeed.
Adam, my eldest nephew was baptized this month. He is growing up to be such a wonderful young man. He is a good leader and role model to his younger siblings.


My job continues to go well at the Credit Union. I have no idea how long I will work there, but for now it suits me well. I feel lucky to be so happily employed.
The house is getting more and more quiet. With Justin leaving in May and Josh preparing for a mission this summer, it will just be me and the folks left at the old family home. It's strange how things have worked out that way. I love living with my parents. They are so good to let me stay with them.
The future is blurry, but I shall continue to press forward. Life has been good to me.

Joshua Evan Findlay

Josh is my youngest of 6 brothers. He and I have grown up together and shared much time together over the past 18 years. He is my best friend in the whole world. He is smart, funny, handsome and such a gentleman. I feel incredibly indebted to him for being so good to me. I couldn't ask for a better little brother. We are so alike it's almost scary. When we're together our conversation can hardly be understood unless one has seen the hundreds of movies that we have. Almost every bit of conversation sparks a movie quote. When I left to serve my mission I tried desparately for people to understand my movie quotes and nobody got it. I was in quote starvation for 18 months. I thought I'd lost my touch until Josh and I got together again. I got right back into it and I love every bit of it! It will be very hard for me to let him go this summer as he prepares to serve a mission himself. It's kind of interesting to me that he'll leave so shortly after I've returned. He is more than five years my junior but we are as close as siblings can be. Long live sibling frienships!