Book #9

Did you know that there are 8 books of Mary Poppins? First one was written in the 1930's, last in the 1970's. All by the same author. I learned this when I decided to read it. I picked this book because I started a book club. My book club has a theme "Cultures". Each month we are going to read a book from a different culture. Mary Poppins was Brittish (we had a tea party with tea, scones, and cookies). Next month is "The Help" and we are gonna have fried chicken, biscuits, corn souffle, collard greens, pecan pie, and the like. And, yes, almost every decision I make in life revolves around food....yum!

Another reason we picked Mary Poppins is because its non-exclusionary. It's only 103 pages and people who don't like to read wouldn't struggle with it, or they could still come to our book club without reading it because they could comment on the movie.

As with all books, the movie is not much like the book. But, sadly enough, in all the worst ways. The book didn't flow very well from chapter to chapter. Interestingly enough though, all the chapters ended with "...". There was no chimney sweeping (sadness). No super-calla-fradgalistic-expiala-dosious. There was a bird lady, but she didn't sing, she just called out. There were other parts that were fun, like the pliedes star that came out of the sky to do her christmas shopping. And the chapter about the dog, Andrew. Otherwise, I think the best parts of the book were included in the movie. Mary Poppins is also much harsher in the book. Perhaps it is because no matter how stern she is, Julie Andrews always has a sweetness about her. Overall, I would not likely read the book again, or any of the subsequent books. It is probably an ok book to read to your kids, especially as each chapter begins a new story so you can read a chapter a night. Perhaps it did not keep my attention because it is a child's story and I don't have the imagination for it anymore. I assume I lost that special quality when I got my teeth, just as Barbara and John (the twins that are in the book but not in the movie) did (you'll have to read it if you want to know more about that).

The next book club book: The Help. Yes, I picked this one based on food too (fried chicken, biscuits, corn souffle, pecan/peach pie, collard greens...yum).

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Love, the Cupcake Chicks and Me!

really nothing new to report

I haven't blogged in a while...so I decided I would blog today. But really, there is nothing new to report. I am still plugging away at my job here in Gilbert, AZ. I am enjoying it for the most part (the only thing I would enjoy more at this point is to be able to make my paycheck without really having to work...if I figure it out, I'll be sure to post the steps of how I made it possible). My job treats me well. I got a decent raise after 7 months of working there...yay! I feel really appreciated and really blessed.

I didn't post anything after General Conference. I really liked most of the talks. I did miss Elder Holland's talk...I fell asleep during it. :( But, the other talks I was able to maintain my alert state. I loved Loved LOVED Elder Scott's talk. Not only because he told the boys to get in gear and start finding wives (between his talk and Pres Monson's talk perhaps I'll be able to find me a husband, hehe). I also was very touched by his story of the tender moment he shared with his young son before he had passed away, and then his wife following the death of their son. It made me cry. I was a little disappointed though because Elder Eyring (who is one of my FAVORITE speakers) who always cries in his talks, did not cry! I was a little taken back by it. But, no worries, I'll move on. Also, Elder Richards, he was a surgeon at LDS hospital, and, when he got his knee surgery I happened to be his nurse! Crazy, huh? especially cuz I was a cardiac nurse. I had been pulled to another floor as my floor was over staffed. Leave it to those crazy people to put a nurse who is not familiar with that stuff to take care of a surgeon!!! But, it all worked out ok.

Also, one of the best home teachers I've ever had turned 31 recently and had to leave the ward. He was the coolest guy and I miss him dearly. He did a lot to push me to become a better person. He is a great example to me of a spiritual giant and I want to learn to love the scriptures as he has. He's amazing.

I went to the temple for the 1st time by myself recently. It was great up until the time at the veil. I was being asked questions, and I was on top of answering them (ie not requiring much coaching) when the veil worker whispered a "tip" in my ear, as the guy was asking a question....It through me for a loop! I lost my train of thought. I couldn't remember where I was in the questioning or what I was supposed to say. I was so upset with the veil worker. I had to have her coach me through the rest of it from there on out. Next time, I will try not to be so easily frustrated.

When I look at my life I feel truly blessed. I do have my struggles. One particular one that I am really struggling with right now, but I can overcome, and I will eventually overcome. I will put my trust in the Lord and try to stay on the straight and narrow.

sicky sicky, sickness

This past week I have been in recovery...recovery from a stomach flu. It was horrible. It came on so abruptly, but sneakily. I felt fine Sunday. I went about my day as usual. I even got in a great Sunday nap, which is hard for me to do as I have church from 12:00-15:00, prime napping time. After my nice nap I went to game night (this is a usual Sunday evening occurrence). On the way I could tell my stomach wasn't happy. At game night I did ok. There was one time that I eyed the bathroom and thought "if I could just go in there and puke, I'll be ok". But, that is always a dangerous thing because who knows what sort of chaos that will bring about. And, it was close enough to the majority of the gaming that people would have definitely heard &/or suspected something. So, I just laid low. On the way home, I mentioned to my roommate that I wasn't feeling well, but based on those feelings, I would have never anticipated my night.

I was having episodes of indigestion and vomiting every 1-1.5 hours. I ended up in the bathroom 7-8 times that night. I almost passed out once and afterward spent about 10min on the cool bathroom tile waiting for my head to stop spinning so I could get up and drink something to rehydrate myself (which I later vomited). It was horrible! - and, luckily for you guys, and me, I didn't take pictures! You know your a crazy blogger when...hehe

But, speaking of crazy, I went to work the next day! I know...I'm nuts. I woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed, but still sick. I moved very slowly that morning so as not to wake the easily upset monster in my abdomen. I texted my home teacher to ask for a blessing. He told me I could come right on over. When I got to his house I burst into tears. He is such an awesome guy, and had no problem telling me that I probably shouldn't be going into work. But, he gave me a blessing anyway. My patriarchal blessing tells me that if I become sick, I will be able to receive a blessing and become well. I know that the Lord knew that I was counting on this because my home teacher said specifically in the blessing: I am being inhibited from telling you that you will be healed immediately from this, rather, I bless you that you will be smart enough to listen to your body and treat it how you know you should. This was rotten. It made me cry even more! But, I still thanked him and walked slowly to my car, and drove on to work.

At work, I was moving slowly. I spoke over the phone with the MD I was working with that day and gave him a heads up that I wasn't feeling so hot and might bail early. After I had seen the new consults and 4 other old patients, we met up to review things (around 11:30). Immediately when he saw me he said, "you look sick, you need to go home". So, I did. I went home, I took a phenergan (anti-nausea that will make you sleepy too) and slept for 5 hours. I got up, went to FHE, and came home and slept again. It was beautiful.

The next day I was feeling 85% better. I went to work, ate a semi-normal lunch (I skipped breakfast cuz I was just not feeling it). I think I started to eat solids too soon. I didn't throw up again after I went into work on Monday (although I did feel it strong about 3 times this week and did give it a good effort). I keep getting hungry, and I'll eat, but then afterwards I feel nauseated and I have also been burping TONS this week. I think I had a viral gastroenteritis (stomach/small bowel infection with a virus) which caused an ileus (when part of your stomach/small bowel moves much slower/stops moving because of surgery, or, in my case, infection).

I'm hoping I'm back to normal this next week. I took a week off from the gym last week because I didn't want to upset the monster, but I'm trying to train for a half-marathon. I can't take too much time off because then I will lose all my progress. But I'm optimistic! I'm feeling 98% better today. I think a good nights sleep tonight will be what I need for the other 2%...then...P90 in the AM! Bring it! :)

next week: one major goal accomplished

Disneyland!

Sorry for not posting last week. We got home from California at 7pm, and then there was the ritual Sunday Evening Single's ward game night. But, now you can see all my fun adventures at Disneyland. These pictures are in no particular order.

Space mountain. The first ride we went on. Me and Stacey (the girl next to me) don't like roller coaster rides. I asked a couple of the boys what to expect and they freaked me out. They told me that it only went upside down 3-4 times, there was one loopdy-loop in it, etc. I was all sorts of scared. Come to find out, they lied! They told me the look of terror on my face as they were describing it was worth the eternal damnation. Oh well. It was still fun...despite my look of horror on the ride. You see me...I'm right behind the girl in pink. I do not really look like I'm enjoying myself. Its cuz I'm anticipating the loopdy-loop! hehe :)

This was an awful ride too. Tower of Terror. I've been on the rocket ride on top of the Stratosphere in Vegas. It was better than this. Reason: It is predictable. You go up and down, gradually getting less high until its time to stop. This ride, you go up a floor, and down, two, then up 5, then down 1, then through the roof, then down to the first floor. It was horrifying! I'm in the back row behind the guy in the darker blue, and next to the kid in the light blue. Yes, once again, horror on my face. There were handles next to our seats to grab hold during the fall if you so chose. That was an option I chose. My left hand found the handle no problem. My right hand found my friends leg and grabbed on for dear life. I was mildly afraid I gave him bruises I was holding so tight. Oh well...what do ya do? Come to think of it, he was one of the boys that told me the space mountain lie...he deserved a bruise or two!

My friends Cameron and Amy on the Toy Story ride. Lots of fun!

From the back: Ami & Kimberly (you can't really see them very well), Kevin and Dusty (what a cute couple they make), CJ & Becky (Me), and Seth & Amy (Amy's cut off). This is on the Matterhorn.

Post space mountain...walking it out! L to R: Dusty (Maroon shirt), CJ, Kevin, Cameron, Becky, Kimberly, Ami.

Waiting to get our tickets! CJ, Dusty, Kimberly, Kevin, & I in my awesome Lexus. I've had some fun times in this car. On this trip my odometer reached: 202020. Kinda a milestone I think.

It was after dark and freezing. We went to the bug's world area and found a warm spot underground in the bug's life movie. It was so nice. Love our awesome glasses?

Seth, Stacey, Amy, Kimberly, Becky, Cameron

Amy, Ami, Cameron on the Rapid's ride. We got SOAKED!

Our raft was over a gusher as it went off. We could hear it rumbling under our feet and then bam! It really got Ami, as you can see. Awesomeness! Even more awesome was that I caught it on my camera!!

Yeah, I got a good soaking too. This is CJ and I.

This is on the tea cup ride. Kimberly, Cameron, and I. Of all the rides I went on as a child, I remember, the tea cup, the carousel, and the dumbo ride. Of those, we only did the tea cups.

This is our whole group. Becky, Dusty, Kimberly, Kevin, Ami, Stacy, CJ, Seth, Cameron, and Amy. 10 people, 2 cars. We were packed, but had an awesome time! I can't wait to plan our next trip!

sans-facebook

I almost forgot to blog today. Its not been a spectacularly amazing day, just full of stuff that made me forget. I was able to go to North Phoenix and see one of my high-school friends bless her first baby. That was awesome! But, I always forget how freaking far the drive to North Phoenix is. This is the friend that convinced me to look for a job down here. I found one in Gilbert and told her and she was like, "awesome! That's only an hour away!" It's so crazy! I spent 2 hours on the road today. But, its worth it to support friends in such a good cause. And its the first time I saw her baby, who is such a cute big little man. Both she and her husband are ~6+ feet tall and so this little 2 month old is the size of a 4 month old. But super cute! :)

One quick update too: I am eating normal now. I don't have the appetite for white flour products I used to have. I still try to eat a salad for lunch everyday. And sugar gives me a headache every time I eat it. I should stop eating it right? But, when I go to someone's house for a party (or like today at break-the-fast) I can't help myself...those cinnamon rolls are too tempting. Alas...headache. Thank goodness for tylenol/ibuprofen/aspirin/etc. :)

So, onto my week without facebook. It actually wasn't this last week. It was the week before that. It was harder than I thought it would be. I'm not on facebook a lot...probably about an hour total all week. But, I will check it a lot to keep up with what people are doing. For example: when I'm at work and rounding on patients in the hospital. If I'm on a particular floor to see a patient and that patient is occupied for a min (in the bathroom, with a chaplain, etc) I would check facebook on my smartphone until I could go in. This was more to occupy my mind. When I had committed to no facebook, I got really antsy at these times. But, I solved my problem and downloaded a book onto my phone. Now I perused the pages of my book instead of facebook. This is probably a better activity for my mind too.

One of the funniest things I found with my sans-facebook time was I think a lot in "status updates". Looking back at my postings on facebook, I don't really post a lot of status updates. However, it seemed I was always thinking in terms of what I was doing and how I could make it sound interesting to other people on an update. (and of course, now I can't think of an example! ha!) I still think I will try to spend less time over all on facebook. I really have more important things to do with my time. But it is a great way to keep in touch with old friends. That is the blessing of Facebook. So, even though I have my moments of bashing on it, I will continue to use it for the time being.

I want to tell you all who read this blog one thing: Thank you! Even if you don't post comments, that doesn't really matter all that much to me. I try to read all your blogs too, and I hardly ever post. But I still love you all! :)

Preview of next week: The HAPPIEST place on Earth: DISNEYLAND!!!!

Sugar free, Gluten free, Animal-product free....but I can still eat french fries!

Yes, people! I made it! Today is my 21 day without sugar, without animal-products, and with only a small amount of Gluten (I'll explain later in the post).

So, it all started when I was in Utah. I had returned to SLC after a day of skiing and was vegging on a love sac, watching Oprah, waiting for friends to get ready to go out to eat. It was the episode where they had Michael Pollan and this other lady who is a vegan. They were talking about food and the ills associated with it etc. This lady recommended that everyone should do a 3 week cleanse and avoid sugar, gluten and animal products. I decided I would take on this challenge.

It has been remarkably easier than I thought. I still eat when I'm hungry, I just eat fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It was a little difficult to find foods to make that I could "grab and go". That is why I ate a small amount of gluten too. In the process I've lost 10 lbs. I think my skin is healthier because I feel like it is not producing a lot of excess oil. My bathroom habits are much healthier. And, above all, I've proven to myself that I do have some self-discipline and strength.

Its been great to see other people support me too. I've gone out to eat with friends probably 2-3 times during this 3 weeks. People think it is great what I'm doing, and don't try to pressure me to eat things I shouldn't have (except my roommate, who does it for fun and that's fine). I usually get a salad, no dressing, no cheese, no meat. Cheesecake factory has a great vegetable salad that if you order without cheese and without dressing it works for the cleanse, and...its yummy. However, yesterday, after hiking with friends, we went to a hot-dog stand. Pretty much nothing on the menu was ok for me...except....french fries! Yay! (thank goodness for vegetable oil)

Some of the foods that I have eaten during this week were:

(I can send recipes if anyone is interested, let me know).

Tofu spanikopita (made with tofu and tahini instead of cheese...the real thing is still the best, but this is not a bad vegan alternative). This is where my small amount of gluten came into play.

Vegetarian spring rolls. (this picture is pre-rolled spring roll)

Fruits (usually a banana for breakfast everyday).

Peanut Butter (smuckers natural has no sugar added).

A spinach salad for lunch everyday at work consisting of spinach, cucumbers, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives or beets, sunflower seeds or walnuts sprinkled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a serving of strawberries or watermelon on the side.

Hummus and carrots.

Bryers no sugar added fruit pops.

Vegetable fettuccine alfredo (I didn't get a picture of this one because I ate it all before I started taking pictures). The noodles were made by julienning yellow squash, zucchini, and carrots and flash sauteeing them. Then the sauce was made with macadamia nuts, water, tahini, yeast extract, red pepper flakes, and then I thickened it with cornstarch. I went in hoping for an alfredo taste...very disappointed. The second time I ate it though, I knew what to expect and it was really good. I think they should call it something else because the name is very misleading.

So now the question is, will I stick with it? This is really funny because when I went out to eat at cheesecake factory someone asked me if I was doing it for animal rights/PETA sort of reasons. I responded (I'm sorry if this offends, but its my opinion, it doesn't have to be yours) "I love meat. I love leather coats. If eating more meat meant that I could have more leather coats, I would do it." I was doing this more for the experience and for an experiment, than anything else. I was actually planning to stop the cleanse that night. It would have been 3 days early, but I was going out for a friend's birthday and I was ok with that decision. I came home from work, I made supper yummy delicious looking fruit tart cupcakes to end my cleanse with. I couldn't bring myself to eat one. I couldn't bring myself to stop the cleanse that night.

As I write this I am a little torn (and a little crazy too). I'm having anxiety about eating meat, sugar, and gluten again. I think I may stick with a lot of the habits I have gained during these three weeks. A spinach salad every day. Rarely eating sugary treats. Avoiding a lot of unnecessary gluten. Maybe I'll be able to shed the rest of the weight that I want to shed. That, however, has also come because I have re-started my half marathon training. And, I've started spending time with people who like to hike on the weekends. I went to Peralta trail this weekend with my friends.

It was super fun, but I should have taken a snack cuz I was STARVING by the time I got back. :) Live and learn!

Preview of next week: A week without facebook.

Book # 8

I finally finished this book. It was really quite an interesting read and I can't explain why it took me so long, except I started it around the time I started the Book of Mormon...priorities. It is my first Nookbook. I actually also read the Book of Mormon on my ipad too, but this is my official 1st nookbook. Its a great way to keep a book, or a bunch of books, with you at all times. But, I'm back to reading an "old school" paper book. Mostly because I had this book for a while, and I hadn't read it. Anyway...

This book talks about the food industry and how it tries to merge Salt, Fat, Sugar in the food that we consume to make it irresistible. Our food now melts in our mouths and we don't realize what we are eating or how much. Its really crazy. There is this part in the book where the author was at a food convention and walking around the different booths he came upon one that had a chocolate drink. It was a caramel, cream, chocolate drink. He reported that it was delicious, and then asked how much chocolate was actually in it. Very little, was the response. The extracts and flavorings added can enhance the flavor so much more than the actual product. I think this is scary! It has made me pay more attention to what I am eating. I definitely try to avoid processed foods. They are very convenient, but you loose the experience of eating food.

In the book he also talks about how to avoid overeating...making a plan in advance, etc. The stuff that everyone who has ever had been overweight has always heard. It can work for some people, but I didn't find that part of the book as interesting as I did the first part with all the facts. I'm that sort of girl though. :)

Preview of next weeks posting: My 3 week cleanse: no sugar, no gluten, no animal products...

collage

Ok, so my last post I know was super long ago. Sorry again. I've decided to try to post something every Sunday morning. Especially if my internal alarm continues to wake me up at 7:15 every freaking morning...bah!

This post could potentially be extremely wordy, updating with facts about my job and how I like it here in AZ...but instead, I'm gonna try to use pictures. Let's see how it goes:

The above picture is to represent the job I moved to AZ for. It was in Cardiology. And, because this is now a public blog and I don't want to be accused of slander in anyway, I'm not going to include the MDs name or the name of the clinic (you can look in past posts and find it if your that interested). I worked there for 2 months. The doctor was CRAZY. I found a lot of stuff he was doing borderline. He liked to push a lot of bounds both ethically and in practice (I think morally too, but I never became that close to him, I heard stories though). At the end of my 3rd month were I was having "secret meetings" with the HR people from the hospital where I worked, I decided his practice was not something I wanted my license tied to...so I found another job and quit. Best decision of my life thus far.

This person is the only thing I regret leaving behind at that Cardiology job. She is the other NP at that practice. We became awesome friends. She is an amazing person and someday will break away from the craziness (she joked that it would be as soon as she got vested...I couldn't wait that long).

This is the book that I read from October 15th through December 25th. Yes, I read the entire Book of Mormon. I don't think I have ever been so dedicated in reading it all the way through. Our Bishop challenged us to do it. It was great. I have a Testimony of the truthfullness of the Book of Mormon. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet and was directed by the Lord to build the church. I know the church is True. This is an amazing book. If you haven't read it, read it!

These pictures are some of the fun things I've done here in AZ. During the summer we floated the Salt River...a lot. I think we floated it about 4-5 times in 2 months. It was a lot of fun, of course, the company makes all the difference. In the above picture from R-L these people are: Jamie, Jarom, Jeffery, Mike, Ami, Cameron, and Becky (me). Ami is one of my awesome roommates. Cameron was essentially like our roommate, but then he moved to Mesa. We still hang out sometimes, just not as much.

This is the Mesa AZ temple. After much praying and pondering, I decided to receive my endowments on December 11, 2010. It was an amazing experience. Mom, Dad, and Grandma were able to be with me for it. EJ came too, but is not endowed so stayed at the hotel.

Funny story: Mom forgot her recommend. No big deal in days of computers, right? So on our arrival to the temple (early) she gave them her name and date of birth so they could look it up. After about 5 min they came back and apologized saying "I'm sorry, but we do not have any record of you being a member of the church." All eyes on mom...picture her face...think: shock and surprise. So, they take her ward and stake. They contact Bro Tasker who was Bishop when mom was RS president. He confirms she is a temple worthy member. He also informs that the computer system for the stake dumped all the stake files. They've been inputting them, but hadn't finished yet. Mom's records were some of the last as her maiden name is Young. :s After that though, all was well, she was able to come in and be my escort. Horray!

Disclaimer: this picture is not me. I do not have hairy legs, nor am I constipated. This was found on the internets.

So this picture is to represent my new job. I tried to find our logo on the internet, but alas...nothing. So I found a funny picture. I now work for Arizona Center for Digestive Health. It has been a good transition for me. I actually found out about this job the day I firmly decided to quit my other. I was riding in the elevator with one of the docs and he noticed I was a NP, mentioned they were looking to hire, and said if I know of anyone I should send them his way. I swear I saw the heaven's open, lights come down, and angel's singing...it was a sign anyway. I applied, and within 3 days had a new job. Brilliant. I did hate to leave cardiology, but I couldn't stand to work for that crazy doc anymore...I was starting to hate it. The docs I work for now all used to work at or trained at Mayo. They are nice, laid back, and want me to be gone no later than 5:30 every night. This is a breath of fresh air. I'm slowly but surely learning the GI world of things. There is a lot more to know than with cardiology (Heart, Lungs, veins). GI consists of: esophogus, stomach, duodenum, illeum, jeunum, colon, liver, pancreas...I think that's it. That's enough for sure!

I was a rastafarian for Halloween! disclaimer: wig. not my hair.

Me and another awesome roommate Kim. There was an 80's dance at the church and we rocked it!

I went home 2 times this ski season and skied 5 times with my friends! Its always good to see old friends and get exercise too!

One of my recent trips home was not just for skiing...Shelle came home from her mission to Brasil! Not as fat as she was claiming she would! hehe She looked great, was doing great, and was glad to be home (especially after flight cancellations and delays).

Dad, Shelle, Mom, and I at the Manti temple after a session. I'm in my fabulous Italian leather coat; unfortunately you can't see much of it, but just know it is fabulous! :)

The Stegeby's. Yes, Hans-Erik is wearing a wig. Shelle got a wig from someone and we had to put it on Hans-Erik cuz Gwen wouldn't wear it.

And, last, but definitely not least, good friends! When I was in Utah I was able to catch up with some of my good friends. Its so great when you can go months without talking/seeing/hearing from each other and pick up conversations as if you had never been away. It was great to see everyone!

Bad blogger

I have been slacking. Partly because not many comment; but let's face it, if I want comments I need to post more regularly so people know when to check my blog. Bah! I'm a mess. I will update on my book progress and my life in general in a bit. But, for now I wanted to update on my new year's goals from last year and my birthday goals. I'm doing this in preparation to make my new, new years resolutions.

So here we go....2010 new years goals
1. Read all the books of scripture.
Progress: not completed. I read 1/4 of the old testament, the entire book of Mormon, and the entire pearl of great price. This is better than I have done in the past, so it's still an accomplishment, I think.
2. Get a job.
Progress: Done and done. And, by saying done twice, yes, I got a job quit it, and found a new job. I'll give more details later. Point being, I am employed and paying off my student loans. :)
3. Lear Italian.
Progress: io parlo sono un po. I wish I spoke more, and I'm gonna keep working on it.

And, as for my birthday goals:

1. Complete a half marathon - not yet. I'm not doing great at the training either. But, I just realized that I just put "complete". That means I can walk it! :) yes, I'm sly. I'll try to get my butt back to the gym sometime soon. I try to wait until after the new years rush has ended.
2. Read the book of Mormon - check! Done! :)
3. Develop a new skill for my resume. Done! This comes with the new job too. Details to follow later.
4. Read a book a month. I'm altering this a bit...read 12 books a year. Thus far, I'm on track.
5. Take a scuba class- not done.....yet.
6. Learn how to rock climb - check! I'm not good, but I enjoy doing it.
7. Develop a closer relationship with God and my Savior. Thus far, I'm on track. This one will always be a work in progress.
8. Do 10 military style push-ups. I've back tracked on this, but I have time to repent.
9. Do 5 pull ups. Same as #8.
10. Learn italian (check) & complete Rosetta stone level 1-3 (not check, need to get back on track).
11. Sleep in a hammock. Not yet
12. Do more service. I think so, but there is always more service to be done, so i'm gonna not check this one until my next birthday.
13. Watch the sun rise and set on the same day, by myself. Not yet
14. Go to the temple monthly. No. I didn't go at all 3 months. But, I'm gonna try to increase my time there in the future.
15. Learn about a new culture. Well, I watched Michael Collins today (a movie about the Irish revolution), but I don't know if that counts. I do work with a few docs from India and I'm learning all sorts about that culture...from them and from the show "outsourced" hehe funny!
16. Visit a new continent. I don't know if this one is realistic at this point. It may change to visit a US site i've not been to (ie The Grand Canyon)
17. Write more thank you notes & snail mail them. Not done a one. I need to work on this one.
18. Draw and frame a self portrait. This is definitely a work in progress, but progress is coming and I have been working on it off and on.
19. Grow something. Does mold on cheese in the fridge count? If so...success! If no, I'll work on it.
20. Get a financial advisor - I have talked to one, she just hasn't helped me yet. I may visit her in February when I go to Utah to see shell come home off her mission.
21. Make a budget (just barely done, thanks Aunt Amy) and stick to it...we shall see.
22. Learn a new hobby. I've talked to a friend about teaching me how to play racquetball. :) but, have not learned yet.
23. Take a picture a day. Not even close. I don't think I was very realistic with this one. :s better planning next time.
24. Learn to meditate. I have been taught how, but I haven't learned yet.
25. Become notorious for something. I would say I'm successful at this one.... :)
26. Take a music lesson. Bah! I've been trying for the last month to get this one. But, I think I'm about two to three weeks from completing this. Horray! I'd really like both piano and vocal lessons, but think I may have to stick with just piano for now.
27. Stock a 72 hour kit. Not yet. :s and this is an easy one. I'll try to get on top of this.
28. Become my own muse. Not completed yet. This goal really is so that I can improve my self esteem, it's a work in progress at this point.

I think overall, I'm doing quite well. I hope you all have achieved success. Happy New Year! Good luck to you all in the coming year!