FHE

The YSA FHE lesson tonight was taught by the missionaries assigned to that YSA ward. No surprise, the lesson was on missionary work. They started out talking about member missionaries are far more effective than cold contacts done by the missionaries themselves, about fellowshipping new members and those investigating the Church...

...and then they talked about the Holy Spirit and its role in converting members to the Church. The Elder asked if anyone could quote Moroni 10:5...and I belted it out automatically: "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." He had me repeat it so that everyone heard it, and after giving me a compliment, I said "We learned it in primary yesterday." :)

It was true, we had to put the words of that scripture in the correct order during sharing time. But considering the fact that I said it in front of a bunch of YSA, this was quite amusing and I got a good roar of laughter...:)

First Impressions on my Grand Return to Facebook...

Good: getting back in touch with old friends, obviously, and being in closer contact with family, such as a number of my cousins. I am pretty close with nearly all of my Raisor cousins, but the Madsen cousins it's about half and half or a little less. And getting in touch with a colleague of mine who may end up being a big help with my future career, so there are some bonus points for that.

Bad: learning things/seeing things about people that I did not want to know in the first place. This is one of the myriad of reasons why I got off of Facebook in the first place. It's been 2 days, and already I go back and forth about whether this was a wise decision or not. I was just fine without it in the first place. Ah me...

If I haven't found you yet on Facebook, I profusely apologize...I am trying to go through my lists of people (family, friends, etc.) and if you know me at all you know that I forget names easily...even family names. So PLEASE forgive me.

Happy Facebooking...

Facebook

I'm on it. Find me. Don't be offended if I don't find you first...it's been YEARS since I have been on here...will take me a bit to get back into 'I know everything I need to know mode' on it...

Don't have a picture up yet...just look up my email...most of you have it...it hasn't changed since high school...how many of you can say that? :)

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wait a minute, what!?!?!?!

Anybody else a bit miffed with the refs down in South Africa, or is it just me? I didn't even watch the game, just the highlights, and the USA almost didn't make it into the next round yet again due to a major reffing blunder...

***fuming***

Anyways, we won, and we made it into the next round along with England. Yay for another 2 weeks (at least) of USA soccer...World Cup Fever certainly has arrived.

You know, I bet the World Series would be a much bigger deal if it only came around every 4 years...like the World Cup and the Olympics...just a thought...

A few things...

I have discovered that the scanner on my printer is pretty dang good. Not perfect, but it does a very decent job. I have also recently discovered Walmart's photo print website...and I am loving it. I have been scanning pictures of Emily and I when we were kiddos, my parents when they got married, etc....and then I get onto Walmart.com, upload some pictures (for example, a bunch of pictures of my Dad and Emily and I), put them into a collage, hit 'shuffle' a couple of times until the pictures are all in spots that I like, pick a background color, and for $2.84 I have a personalized Father's Day gift. I just have to get a frame to go with it. I did the same for my parents anniversary of their wedding pictures, and again for Emily's birthday, except for her I only did a picture of her and I when we were little. Eventually I will scan in all of the pictures that we can find and put them onto a disk for Emily and I to keep. It's my way of doing genealogy at the moment. :)

On another note, I think I was inspired to visit the YSA ward that I am visiting. I went in the first place because I ran into a girl I know at the store and she put the thought in my head. I am glad she did, I should probably mention it to her at some point. Anyways, I won't be able to go on Sundays now because I just got a couple of callings in my family ward, but I will be able to attend activities during the week, which is great. I have already made a really good group of friends, and we are swapping numbers now and hopefully we will get to hang out while we are here for the summer. Most of us are summer dwellers in NM. In fact, pretty much all of them attend BYU and are doing internships (NOT bug or security or what-have-you sellers) here in NM. Anyways, it's nice.

Thursday we are doing a night hike. Pray for me. The elevation here is killing me...I went for a walk this morning...a walk, not a run, not the elliptical, not anything truly intense, and I was having a hard time breathing. In Alabama, I was averaging 650 ft above sea level...here in NM, I am at 5200 feet above sea level...that is a HUGE difference. No wonder girls camp in Alabama was so much more enjoyable...the hikes were NOTHING compared to what I had to do when I was a young woman here in NM...I am having to work really hard to suck O2 out of the air here. If I take an oxygen mask with me Thursday, I bet I would do much better...but then I would look like an idiot...so hopefully after doing a couple more 'intense' walks, I (I mean, my poor lungs) will be up for the night hike.

On yet another note, my wonderful bro-in-law gave me his projector! I mentioned to my sister a week or so ago that when they decide to upgrade their projector, that I want their old one...well guess what! They upgraded to a very large HDTV, and after Emily passed along the info to her hubby, I get a text from Ison asking if I wanted the projector. Hello! Yes, of course! So I have my own personal movie theater in my room right now. :) I LOVE IT!!! The only thing I don't like is that it runs really hot and so it's like have a space heater in the room. But other than that, it is awesome. It even has a speaker on it, and since the speakers on my laptop suck, it's even more awesome! :)

That's all folks...

Papa's Day

Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful menfolk out there! I hope you all take your roles as father/husband/son/brother/etc. seriously. And I hope you know how much I appreciate all of you, whether you are family or not. You are my examples for me of what to look for in my future husband...so act your best! :)

Thanks for all that you do...and to my daddy...I love you...thanks for taking care of me all these years. :)

(that picture is of me on my Dad's first day as a Daddy...yep, that's me on my actual birthday in the hospital...pretty sweet picture, I think).

Yes I did, No I didn't...

I never followed up on the singles ward attendance thing...I have visited the 'older' YSA ward twice for Church, and went to a couple of their activities and already made a good group of friends. The dance last night was pretty fun for a change, mostly due to the fact that the group I knew were people who actually danced at the dance. YSA dances are strange things...some people go, but don't dance, complain about people who do dance or laugh about how they dance and then leave unhappy. Not my crowd of people, for sure. I even Viennese Waltzed! That was almost the highlight of the night!!! My Dad taught me a long time ago how to do that, and this guy happened to be a ballroom dancer at BYU, so voila. Very fun.

I am glad I decided to visit that ward. I won't be attending every Sunday, though. Tomorrow being Father's Day will be spent at my ward with my Daddy, so no singles ward for me this weekend. Also the YSA unit meets on the other side of Albuquerque...my gas tank is kinda feeling it...

One of the presidency for the YSA branch that I could move my records to called me today and invited me to move my records to the branch...but I kindly said no. I have gotten used to belonging to a family ward, and attending YSA stuff on the side. I like being a part of a family ward...the callings I get in a family ward are FAR more rewarding. Singles wards are so transient, and I like the stability that comes from a family ward. Unless the Bishop or someone with authority tells me to move my records, I am sticking with the family ward. I can visit the singles ward or this YSA branch whenever time allows for it. I won't go every Sunday of course, since my records are in this ward...I hope I get a calling that will allow me to attend the singles ward at times though.

As for the blind date, I stuck with my guns and said no thank you. I think I disappointed my brother-in-law...evidently he was excited about setting it up, but I am pretty sure I had a much better time that night having dinner with my sister, bro-in-law and another couple than I would've with some other guy there. And I went to the dance right after and met a bunch of people, including some guys.

And there is your update on the life and times of Elizabeth.

Shall I, Shall I Not...

My sister called me today and invited me to dinner Friday...and to set me up on a blind date. I haven't said yes to the invitation yet.

I really hate blind dates. I mean really really hate them. It doesn't matter whether the guy is all right or not. 15 minutes into it I can't wait to be home, and when I get home every time I have sworn that I will never go on another blind date again. I haven't been on one in a LONG time...I think the last one was when I was doing my undergrad...I don't know who set me up, but we went to a Diamondbacks game, and poor guy, I was more interested in the game and the other couple than him...and it was SOOOO awkward. Probably my fault...I become an idiot around any guy in that kind of a situation. Ask any former date...or any guy I have ever liked...

The guy sounds decent enough. Tall, funny, good enough that my sister thinks to set me up with him, which I hope means he meets my high standards, but still...I would rather be invited to a party this guy was also invited to it and meet there. If we hit it off, great. If not, there are other people there, I won't leave the party feeling awful, and neither of us will be any worse for the wear.

I think I am going to stick with my guns and say no. I hate to hurt her feelings, but seriously...how many people actually hit it off on a blind date? Besides, Friday night there is a YSA dance. I don't remember the last time I actually attended one...

Birthday and Anniversary...

June is a busy month in this family. Emily's birthday was yesterday, my parent's anniversary is today, and then there is Father's Day on the 20th. Busy busy. I will talk about Father's day later on, but I will talk about my sister and my parents.

First of all, Emily. She is my baby sister. I refuse to really believe that she is 26 because I still see her as my little baby sister...even though she's married and has a career going for her and such, she is still my little baby sister. She inherited the organized gene and the keep it clean gene. I am still working on those talents...but to her, they came pretty much naturally. She loves me no matter what, she knows more about me than most people, she is an expert at pushing my buttons (which I am as well to her), but she knows exactly what I need to hear and isn't afraid to say it to me, which I really love and appreciate. She is incredibly talented...anything she draws looks like a professional's work (you can see her deviantart profile and some of her work HERE). She is very thoughtful about her gifts. She was my best friend growing up, and she still is one of my best friends. I love her so much. Happy Birthday, little sister. I am so glad I was able to be here for your birthday!

Now for my parents. I found a photo album with a bunch of their wedding pictures...it's fun to see what my parents looked like back then. It's easy for me to figure out how many years they have been married...I was born a little less than 10 months after they were married, so I just add 1 to my age. 29 years of marriage and still going strong.

I am so glad my parents have kept their covenants and stayed faithful to each other and the gospel. It's a great example to show Emily and I. I feel really lucky that they married in the temple and that I was born in the covenant. I am not sure what I did to deserve that, but I am glad that Heavenly Father sent me to a family where I would have the gospel in my life. They taught my sister and I the gospel, took us to Church every Sunday, taught me to love reading, and taught and encouraged me to continue with music. I couldn't have asked for more than that.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Since I am without a working digital camera...

...I am taking advantage of being home and around photo albums and collections of photographs popping up in random places...AND having a wonderful scanner on hand...

For your viewing pleasure (only two, sorry!)

 Above is a picture of me that I had never seen before until today. I am sitting on my Grandpa Raisor's lap. The man on the left is my Great-Uncle Lloyd, and on the right is Barron being held by Aunt Dianne (at least, we are pretty sure it's Aunt Dianne...). I instantly fell in love with this picture. I lived with Grandpa for 1 1/2 years before he died, and so any picture which included me and him I would probably have the same reaction too. Anyways. So that was me before I grew up.

Now this is a great example of what it was like for me growing up. Obviously, I am the one a full head and neck taller than the other two standing. We are ALL the same age...in fact, I know Regina (on the left) was older than me, and I believe Sara (on the right) was as well. Letitia I believe was a little taller than the two of them. We were on a science camp out in 4th grade. 4th grade, and I was a giant. The funny thing is that I was the one that was picked in elementary school and even in middle school, although after looking at this picture I easily could've been the bully. I was SOOOO passive aggressive back then, and very much an introvert. My how things can change.

I hope you enjoyed this episode of 'The Past-Times of Elizabeth'.

Continuing with the Nightmare Theme...

...I am thinking about attending one of the local YSA units tomorrow.

But I feel as though I am between a rock and a hard place...I really don't want to go to a YSA unit. They were great...when I was younger. But I am 28. Attending a unit for the 18-30 year old crowd just doesn't thrill me like it used to. Well, maybe 'thrill' isn't exactly the right word for it...anyways. And seriously, I would love to not have to date anymore...the idea of starting over again, getting my hopes up just to get them dashed, finding someone who I am interested in who isn't in me, having the 'weird' one stand within my bubble, finding someone who I am interested in and who is interested in me but won't do anything about it, OR who does do something about it and turns out to be a player, OR who does do something about it, it goes great for a while, and then he totally flakes out on me...not exactly a positive outlook. Perhaps I am shooting myself in the foot for thinking that way, but I mean...that's been my life so far, so what other personal experience do I have to base it on?

On the other hand, it would be nice to meet someone close to my age that I could be friends with, even if it is just for the summer, that doesn't have a husband plus kids plus whatever that entails their time away. Yes, a summer romance would be lovely too, I am HUMAN, but I am really not looking for anything to tie me down here, so why even bother? I am planning on finally giving my music teaching career a jump start...just as soon as a job offer comes in. And it will not be in the Land of Enchantment.

I need to go see a doctor and get of shot of optimism...what do you think? 

Evidently one of the units in the area is an 'older' YSA ward...one that for whatever reason the age level gravitated more towards the 30...that would be lovely if it turns out to be true. I attended one for a few years in Arizona and LOVED it, just for the sake of the slightly higher level of maturity in the ward.

Anyways...pray for me. I will report, I promise.

Nightmare after nightmare...

Geesh...you would think that I would have happy dreams coming home, but I sure am not...nightmare after nightmare. I haven't had this many nightmares in a row since I was a kid and was tormented by 3 witches in my dreams...

Not all of them are nightmares, but most of them are, or they turn into them. They are bad enough that I am not going to share them on here...

Wish I could find the off switch...ideas anyone?

Speaking of nightmares, I am pretty put off about this oil spill...I mean, are they all idiots over there? Did they think to hire a plumber, or someone who actually specializes in leaks?!? I was pretty forgiving for the first week, because it sounds like the equipment they were depending on malfunctioned, so it's not exactly BP's fault...but now I am peeved. The oil is hitting those beautiful Florida beaches, is killing off those beautiful pelicans that live down there, along with all the rest of the wildlife over there, and is now headed straight for the east coast and out into the Atlantic. Come on people! There are experts on this sort of thing. Get rid of the loopholes that are holding off the real fix and get it done! And then get anyone who has a boat out there, hire them, and clean up the freaking mess. It's their recreation and jobs that are on the line, and I am sure they would be willing to do whatever they need to to help.

They should've hired me. I would've gotten the job done quickly.

I have no idea what to do with pipes, but I know how to find someone who does. I mean, clog the freaking pipe! They are trying to put a cap on it...put some freaking cement down in there to clog it, put the cap on, get it so that you can filter the oil, and then get the cement out. It is not hard to break up cement, and it would be a temporary fix.

I can't drive a boat (although I know it isn't difficult), but I would be amazing at getting people who have shrimp boats, fishing boats, tour boats, personally owned boats fired up about the massive clean up job that HAS to be done...get the national guard and the coast guard down there and get moving!!

Yeah, I am a bit heated about this.

Summer Line-Up

Well, my summer shows are back! So You Think You Can Dance, which has already gotten to the Vegas portion of the show, and I tell you what there are some AMAZING dancers!! Luckily my Mom also likes this show, so we will be owning the TV while it is on. :)

And then there is Royal Pains. It's a USA Network show that started last year. It's about a doctor who is basically an on call doctor to the rich in the Hamptons, although he does take care of others in the area who just can't afford medical attention. I really liked it last year, and it has started the year with a decent season opener. Although I am upset with USA for advertising the wrong time for the show...all this time it advertised it was coming on at 10/9 central...it came on at 11PM...So I had to wait an entire hour...I watched bits and pieces of Burn Notice...I like that show sometimes, but all the guns and explosions and back-stabbing and such...eh, not my cup of tea. Happily, 27 Dresses was on another channel so I watched that instead, and it ended a few minutes before 11! Hoorah.

That is my summer line up. Looking forward to the upcoming months of SYTYCD...I just love to see what the choreographers come up with...I still remember some of the dance numbers from last season...they were wonderful!!

Reorganizing...

I moved into my old bedroom...and I believe I have removed pretty much everything my parents decided to store in here, minus one desk that there really isn't a home for elsewhere in this house...yet. I mean, this is still my room! At the very least, it should be kept as a guest bedroom in my opinion. But I digress. In this process, I decided to move the room around to make more wall space. It makes more sense. And it feels better. I definitely needed a change...

I am not done yet...the closet will officially be tackled tomorrow, and I am not looking forward to it. I put it off for last. But I have dusted, washed, swept, sterilized, stain-removed everything that I have touched so far, including the floorboards. Now to figure out where to put all these blasted clothes I own. I did toss some of my old shoes before moving back here, which is great! (It's partially an excuse to go buy new shoes, but that won't happen for a few weeks...also gives me a chance to wear my sexy red heels that I usually only pull out for special occasions...they need some exercise).

I think I am finally going to get rid of some pieces of my childhood...toys, cards, things like that. Important things, like trophies, heirlooms and such I will keep. I had a good time throwing away old high school assignments. (wasn't hanging on to those, I am surprised they didn't hit the dumpster the day of graduation!) I looked at my old math assignments and there is NO way I could ever do those assignments today. Good thing I went with music...

Found some pictures of me as a toddler...once I get my printer out and set up, I will scan them and show y'all a few...