So today I am grateful for opposable thumbs and how, when functioning properly, they are extremely useful.
Yesterday while cutting up potatoes for my dinner, I sliced my thumb. (yes...shake of the head..hurting myself again--my poor body. thank goodness it's pretty good at healing itself quickly)
Not too much damage, just a small cut really, but you know how much even small cuts can interrupt your life....especially in your thumb.
Washing my hair, zipping up a jacket, putting on my tights, opening a jar....all of these things were a bit more difficult this morning with my thumb bandaged. And don't get me started on washing my hands! I try not to get it wet so I don't have to replace the current form of protection for my small wound, but that is harder than it sounds. And I guess it's probably good that I've had to replace it often as it always seems to be red tinged every time still.....
On a less blood-centric, positive note: one of the metro train drivers was extremely chipper this morning and I almost responded out loud when he boomed over the speaker "good morning!" as I boarded the train and similarly wished us all "a very good day" as people exited. I wish he could have heard my silent thanks and reciprocated wishes for a good morning and remainder of the day. Most of the time the drivers sound tired (which they probably are), bored (which they might well be also...except I wouldn't be--I mean, they're driving a metro train all day!), or just plain don't care. I very much appreciated my happy conductor this morning. I love happy people.
Last night had peppermint custard at dairy godmother (yes that is the name of a frozen custard place here) and it was delish. I LOVE winter time flavors. Mint, peppermint, dark chocolate....a few of my favorite things! Almost makes cold of winter bearable....almost. :)
Another favorite thing: my outfit today. I actually had another outfit all planned last night, but thought of another option this morning and as I was putting all the pieces on, I got all excited. Is it strange how much I love wearing a great outfit and how happy it makes me?? not too sure....ill try to reconcile that one with my current attempt to keep my priorities/thoughts on things of eternal consequence....although: that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. (Book of Mormon, Moroni, Chapter 7). Happy = good right?....But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (New Testament, Galatians, Chapter 5)
Conclusion: joy = spirit = good
(ps: thank you to whoever invented warm tights...I am glad they were born on a day like today with a morning temp of 34 degrees when I get inspiration to wear a skirt)
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
conclusion: i love this city
I have now been at USAID for 3 months...here are some of the things I have learned:
words, words, words...all I hear is words---I feel like the government just makes a lot of reports, holds a lot of meetings, and talks about of abstract plans/goals that don't make much sense
I hate bureaucracy. the end.
it takes forever to get things done
just because people are educated and employed does not mean they are necessarily intelligent or have common sense.
the government is way too big for not actually doing that much
I have also discovered some pet peeves of mine....
first of all, I don't understand why people get mad if you open the door at the same time as them from the other side ....how would I ever know you are on the other side of the door? sorry I can't see thru walls or doors. (if you are wondering why i bring it up, this happens all the time here)
second of all, why is it so difficult for people to leave bathrooms clean? especially women.....really it's gross
third of all, people: respond to emails please. i don't just email people cuz I feel like it, I have a question and I need an answer. it's not really that difficult.
fourth of all, I very much dislike working at a desk with no windows near by. no good my friends, no good.
......but on the upside, I have met some amazing people that want to do some good in the world
AND I have learned ...well more remembered really, how much I love this city. I really do. I love DC.
it has been unseasonably warm for the beginning of December and I am milking it for all it's worth while I can. (my dislike of cold knows no bounds) so I have been taking brief strolls during my lunch breaks to escape my dungeon office and absolutely relishing in the awesomeness that is DC. don't believe me? here's proof:
(ps: I'm not that bugged by my pet peeves....I'm over it really.. :) )
words, words, words...all I hear is words---I feel like the government just makes a lot of reports, holds a lot of meetings, and talks about of abstract plans/goals that don't make much sense
I hate bureaucracy. the end.
it takes forever to get things done
just because people are educated and employed does not mean they are necessarily intelligent or have common sense.
the government is way too big for not actually doing that much
I have also discovered some pet peeves of mine....
first of all, I don't understand why people get mad if you open the door at the same time as them from the other side ....how would I ever know you are on the other side of the door? sorry I can't see thru walls or doors. (if you are wondering why i bring it up, this happens all the time here)
second of all, why is it so difficult for people to leave bathrooms clean? especially women.....really it's gross
third of all, people: respond to emails please. i don't just email people cuz I feel like it, I have a question and I need an answer. it's not really that difficult.
fourth of all, I very much dislike working at a desk with no windows near by. no good my friends, no good.
......but on the upside, I have met some amazing people that want to do some good in the world
AND I have learned ...well more remembered really, how much I love this city. I really do. I love DC.
it has been unseasonably warm for the beginning of December and I am milking it for all it's worth while I can. (my dislike of cold knows no bounds) so I have been taking brief strolls during my lunch breaks to escape my dungeon office and absolutely relishing in the awesomeness that is DC. don't believe me? here's proof:
(ps: I'm not that bugged by my pet peeves....I'm over it really.. :) )
Friday, November 30, 2012
morning present
those who know me know how much I dislike waking up early. I like my sleep. A lot. And i am something of the opposite of a morning person. So when I had to be at work an hour early this morning...I was not super excited about it. But I got up and miraculously made it to the bus on time. Somehow I actually get up on time better when I have to wake up earlier...perhaps my mind worries that I won't get up on time and thus does not allow my body to even entertain the idea of snoozing past my alarm.
So I was less than thrilled to be a part of the early morning commuters, which were few, especially given that today is Friday. As I got on the yellow line I actually was grateful for the lack of commuters as it meant I could sit down on the metro, which never happens, thus saving me from another mishap like last week in which I was standing between the wall of the train and 3 other bodies on one side and a sitting passenger on the other...and when the train lurched to a sudden stop, in my tired haze I lost my footing and fell on the sitting passenger....add that to the list of embarrassing DC moments. Somehow they happen here more often.
Anyhow, back to this morning....as the train came out of the tunnel to go over the bridge across the Potomac, I looked over my fellow commuters' heads to see the most beautiful sunrise over the Potomac. The cold morning sky was streaked with thin, ice-laden wisps of clouds all running parallel to the horizon, bending the light from the rising sun to cast pink and yellow and orange rays on the calm waters of the river. It was beautiful! I wish I could've taken a pic but at the risk of looking like a tourist (when I have clearly departed from that group :) I opted to just sit back and soaked in the gorgeous view. It was like a little morning present at 7:15am for this non-morning-lover.
In other good thoughts...I just recently noticed how good are the lyrics to the not-so-new song by Katy Perry, "Firework." I actually don't like most of her music as it is very overplayed and sometimes contains questionable material. However, I heard "Firework"the other day after shunning it for quite sometime as it was played a bagillion times a year or so ago, and actually listened to the lyrics. Here's a sample:
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightening bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know
Ok I know it's not Emerson or Thoreau, but I liked it. It made me wish I had a teenage daughter to inspire with the message, cuz I know I would have loved hearing this as a teenage girl.
So let your colors and light shine! We are unique and that is perfect. And good things are always on the horizon...just can't see them yet.
So I was less than thrilled to be a part of the early morning commuters, which were few, especially given that today is Friday. As I got on the yellow line I actually was grateful for the lack of commuters as it meant I could sit down on the metro, which never happens, thus saving me from another mishap like last week in which I was standing between the wall of the train and 3 other bodies on one side and a sitting passenger on the other...and when the train lurched to a sudden stop, in my tired haze I lost my footing and fell on the sitting passenger....add that to the list of embarrassing DC moments. Somehow they happen here more often.
Anyhow, back to this morning....as the train came out of the tunnel to go over the bridge across the Potomac, I looked over my fellow commuters' heads to see the most beautiful sunrise over the Potomac. The cold morning sky was streaked with thin, ice-laden wisps of clouds all running parallel to the horizon, bending the light from the rising sun to cast pink and yellow and orange rays on the calm waters of the river. It was beautiful! I wish I could've taken a pic but at the risk of looking like a tourist (when I have clearly departed from that group :) I opted to just sit back and soaked in the gorgeous view. It was like a little morning present at 7:15am for this non-morning-lover.
In other good thoughts...I just recently noticed how good are the lyrics to the not-so-new song by Katy Perry, "Firework." I actually don't like most of her music as it is very overplayed and sometimes contains questionable material. However, I heard "Firework"the other day after shunning it for quite sometime as it was played a bagillion times a year or so ago, and actually listened to the lyrics. Here's a sample:
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightening bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know
Ok I know it's not Emerson or Thoreau, but I liked it. It made me wish I had a teenage daughter to inspire with the message, cuz I know I would have loved hearing this as a teenage girl.
So let your colors and light shine! We are unique and that is perfect. And good things are always on the horizon...just can't see them yet.
Monday, November 26, 2012
i want to go to italy
I learned something this morning:
Pitigliano, Italy is also called 'little Jerusalem' for its Jewish history, Semitic architecture, and rich culture. In Pitigliano, a local delicacy is called Sfratti. Sfratti is a stick-shaped biscuit filled with walnuts, honey, nutmeg, and orange peel. (Sounds delish!) The word sfratti comes from the Italian word sfratto, meaning eviction. The story is told that police used to hit Jews with rods to force them into the ghettos of the town starting in the 1600's, where they were segregated continuing through the 20th century until they were almost eradicated from the city during WWII; the Jews transformed their pain into something edible.
What an amazing example! It has made me think.....What causes you pain, and how could you transform it into something positive, even the actual reminder/representation of this pain?
Pitigliano, Italy is also called 'little Jerusalem' for its Jewish history, Semitic architecture, and rich culture. In Pitigliano, a local delicacy is called Sfratti. Sfratti is a stick-shaped biscuit filled with walnuts, honey, nutmeg, and orange peel. (Sounds delish!) The word sfratti comes from the Italian word sfratto, meaning eviction. The story is told that police used to hit Jews with rods to force them into the ghettos of the town starting in the 1600's, where they were segregated continuing through the 20th century until they were almost eradicated from the city during WWII; the Jews transformed their pain into something edible.
What an amazing example! It has made me think.....What causes you pain, and how could you transform it into something positive, even the actual reminder/representation of this pain?
Sunday, November 25, 2012
warning: cheesy-gratitude post alert
As much as it has become a bit cliche to count your blessings during this time of year and many have scoffed at those who plaster social media with expressions of gratitude, I will venture to do so as I reflect on this statement from President Thomas S. Monson (prophet, seer, revelator, and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints):
I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness....I would recommend this same exercise to you—namely, that you take an inventory of your life and look specifically for the blessings, large and small, you have received.
Since I always welcome more happiness in my life, I thought I would follow President Monson's advice, and since I also enjoy sharing what happiness I find with others, I thought I would post what I find from my life inventory of blessings here.
Blessings:
knowledge of, faith in, love of God, our Heavenly Father
similarly, His Son, Jesus Christ and the miraculous atonement He gave us
the gift of the Holy Ghost...the ultimate comforter, teacher, testifier
the priesthood...God's power and authority that he has bestowed on worthy men, and those men who hold it/exercise it worthily to bless those around them
similarly, His Son, Jesus Christ and the miraculous atonement He gave us
the gift of the Holy Ghost...the ultimate comforter, teacher, testifier
the priesthood...God's power and authority that he has bestowed on worthy men, and those men who hold it/exercise it worthily to bless those around them
living, modern prophets and apostles
temples...the House of the Lord
living close to a temple so I can enter frequently
saving ordinances... that cleanse us from sin, seal upon us blessings, and bind us together for all eternity
family
sisters....fun, craziness, long talks, inside jokes, traditions, short arguments
parents...who showed me good examples, taught me eternal truths, and loved me always
friends...so many wonderful friends who have blessed my life in so many ways!
scriptures and words of living prophets...bringing the spirit into my life and teaching me how to be better
Christ's true church restored to the earth
laughter...i LOVE to laugh! at myself, at movies, with friends, with family. the day is not complete without moments of spontaneous bouts of laughter
music...for when I'm happy, sad, angry, lonely, excited, energized, spiritual..music is always there and always knows how I feel :)
education
the ability to read/write
books
hot chocolate
dark chocolate
mint and chocolate...together they are amazing
sunshine
seasons...although I don't really like winter, I'll admit it helps me appreciate my beloved summer more
water...to drink, to shower, to clean, to swim
mountains
beaches
my car
shelter..warm/dry/comfortable place to live
hobbies
entertainment
a job
clothing
cute, colorful clothes (there are clothes to cover your body/keep you warm, but then there is more...)
shoes
boots
scarves
electricity
technology
living close to a temple so I can enter frequently
saving ordinances... that cleanse us from sin, seal upon us blessings, and bind us together for all eternity
family
sisters....fun, craziness, long talks, inside jokes, traditions, short arguments
parents...who showed me good examples, taught me eternal truths, and loved me always
friends...so many wonderful friends who have blessed my life in so many ways!
scriptures and words of living prophets...bringing the spirit into my life and teaching me how to be better
Christ's true church restored to the earth
laughter...i LOVE to laugh! at myself, at movies, with friends, with family. the day is not complete without moments of spontaneous bouts of laughter
music...for when I'm happy, sad, angry, lonely, excited, energized, spiritual..music is always there and always knows how I feel :)
education
the ability to read/write
books
hot chocolate
dark chocolate
mint and chocolate...together they are amazing
sunshine
seasons...although I don't really like winter, I'll admit it helps me appreciate my beloved summer more
water...to drink, to shower, to clean, to swim
mountains
beaches
my car
shelter..warm/dry/comfortable place to live
hobbies
entertainment
a job
clothing
cute, colorful clothes (there are clothes to cover your body/keep you warm, but then there is more...)
shoes
boots
scarves
electricity
technology
the Sabbath day
holidays
traditions
food
tasty food!
heaters
water heaters
football
a strong/healthy body
access to medicine/health care
computers
phones....and smart phones most especially :)
communication
movies
Disney movies (yes I am a sucker for a really good/funny Disney movie, thank you Walt Disney for bringing wholesome entertainment to the world)
art...in various forms
mentors
teachers
holidays
traditions
food
tasty food!
heaters
water heaters
football
a strong/healthy body
access to medicine/health care
computers
phones....and smart phones most especially :)
communication
movies
Disney movies (yes I am a sucker for a really good/funny Disney movie, thank you Walt Disney for bringing wholesome entertainment to the world)
art...in various forms
mentors
teachers
opportunities for learning/growth
talents
shampoo/soap
bleach....mold be gone!
GPS
people who are more intelligent than myself
Relief Society
visiting teaching
girls' nights
vacuums
washer/dryer
talents
shampoo/soap
bleach....mold be gone!
GPS
people who are more intelligent than myself
Relief Society
visiting teaching
girls' nights
vacuums
washer/dryer
language
hair.....yes I might be a bit prideful of my healthy, thick, honey-colored locks. I now go to repent.
repentance
chapstick
travel
variety...in everything!
working senses...sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell
color
men...I'm a woman and I love men. so sue me.
being a woman...I love feeling pretty!
hiking
camping
rivers
waterfalls
nature...brings me peace/joy, reminds me of my Father in Heaven
sugar...makes everything better
pizza
pictures...to remember good times
patience
examples of strong/wise people
sleep
running...it kills my knees but feels so good!...don't ask me how
dancing
fun
memories
my bed
blankets
service
living in the United States of America
freedom
agency
the metro
opportunitites to serve/reach out to others
innovation
intelligence
time to be still and think
progression
goals
work
commandments
happiness
I know this is a really long list...and I honestly could have kept going, but you get the idea and the exercise has fulfilled its purpose. I have been so incredibly blessed. I have SO much that others do not and have everything that I need to live. I have never lacked for any of the necessities of life. How I got to be so blessed I will never know.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
onward, ever onward
Today I am finding great joy and peace in the true principle of progression and its best friend and constant companion: repentance. I have been extremely busy of late and thus perhaps this has damped my usual fire for goal setting and improving. But I recently made my typical supplication to the Lord to find out where I can improve and what areas of my life needed refining.
Disclaimer: if you are not feeling humble or ambitious I do not recommend doing this as He really will answer your prayer and help you identify areas needing improvement and then you will feel guilty until you work on them. :)
But what an amazing opportunity we have to do this and to change ourselves as we turn our will over to the Lord and become as he would have us be. To see yourself in a fresh light and through His eyes.
Sometimes I get a bit stubborn (yes i am slightly...ok maybe a bit more than slightly..strong-willed) about some things and resist the gentle promptings until they become blaring/flashing warning signs and I realize that he was trying to prod me in one direction for a while. Luckily though, I have yet to ignore Him completely thanks to His great love and knowledge of me better than I know myself, and thanks to the Holy Ghost who is my constant friend. I am then able to make course corrections and know that it is in line with His will, not mine. I am eternally grateful for a Father in Heaven who is unfailing patient and loving as we stumble and struggle to be what he wants us to be. And more than anything for the atonement that makes this progression possible.
I am also finding joy in patience....which, ill admit, is at times hard to find joy in. I think as humans we can all relate to the easy trap of impatience. Time is such a huge and defining part of this life, however we are not temporal beings. We are eternal beings and will not always be defined by time. In fact more of our existence is not defined by time than that which is. Time is but a function of man's desire to control his world around him, when in reality he has almost no control whatsoever. Ironic....so remember that time is temporary. We do not, and cannot, be perfect over night or really ever in this life. But we can begin to try...and keep trying.
Also ironic, but not at all a coincidence in my book, I just received an email with a quote by Elder Bednar: "Continuing Conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received - with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons." I'll let you connect the dots and let the spirit teach you about that. :)
On a lighter, less eternal note...I recently had a 3-day weekend due to the Veterans Day holiday. So what did I do? Go hiking of course....twice in those 3 days of course. I won't say I'm not predictable. And of course it was a gorgeous fall weekend to do so. I still get a bit tripped up that it is the middle of November and still very pleasant outside every now and then. My time in Utah/Colorado has accustomed me to fierce, cold fall weather...well lets be honest, it's not fall weather but simply early winter. (As they currently recover from massive snow fall)
I retract my former statement, recalling the words of the Lord: "all things unto me are spiritual"..and "all things bear record of me." Methinks, therefore, that He knew I needed my double hiking time this weekend and that it would administer to my whole being. Isn't our Heavenly Father amazing? And isn't life wonderful? If you don't really think so right now, take a step back and pray, ask your Father to feel of His Spirit, love and see things in His perspective...then I guarantee you will agree. Tell yourself: I can do this! God loves me, Jesus will help me, and that's all that matters!
Sometimes I make up little mantras like this to motivate myself to face big challenges and then repeat it in my mind over and over...don't laugh cuz it totally works!....thanks mom for teaching me about positive thinking. :)
Disclaimer: if you are not feeling humble or ambitious I do not recommend doing this as He really will answer your prayer and help you identify areas needing improvement and then you will feel guilty until you work on them. :)
But what an amazing opportunity we have to do this and to change ourselves as we turn our will over to the Lord and become as he would have us be. To see yourself in a fresh light and through His eyes.
Sometimes I get a bit stubborn (yes i am slightly...ok maybe a bit more than slightly..strong-willed) about some things and resist the gentle promptings until they become blaring/flashing warning signs and I realize that he was trying to prod me in one direction for a while. Luckily though, I have yet to ignore Him completely thanks to His great love and knowledge of me better than I know myself, and thanks to the Holy Ghost who is my constant friend. I am then able to make course corrections and know that it is in line with His will, not mine. I am eternally grateful for a Father in Heaven who is unfailing patient and loving as we stumble and struggle to be what he wants us to be. And more than anything for the atonement that makes this progression possible.
I am also finding joy in patience....which, ill admit, is at times hard to find joy in. I think as humans we can all relate to the easy trap of impatience. Time is such a huge and defining part of this life, however we are not temporal beings. We are eternal beings and will not always be defined by time. In fact more of our existence is not defined by time than that which is. Time is but a function of man's desire to control his world around him, when in reality he has almost no control whatsoever. Ironic....so remember that time is temporary. We do not, and cannot, be perfect over night or really ever in this life. But we can begin to try...and keep trying.
Also ironic, but not at all a coincidence in my book, I just received an email with a quote by Elder Bednar: "Continuing Conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received - with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons." I'll let you connect the dots and let the spirit teach you about that. :)
On a lighter, less eternal note...I recently had a 3-day weekend due to the Veterans Day holiday. So what did I do? Go hiking of course....twice in those 3 days of course. I won't say I'm not predictable. And of course it was a gorgeous fall weekend to do so. I still get a bit tripped up that it is the middle of November and still very pleasant outside every now and then. My time in Utah/Colorado has accustomed me to fierce, cold fall weather...well lets be honest, it's not fall weather but simply early winter. (As they currently recover from massive snow fall)
I retract my former statement, recalling the words of the Lord: "all things unto me are spiritual"..and "all things bear record of me." Methinks, therefore, that He knew I needed my double hiking time this weekend and that it would administer to my whole being. Isn't our Heavenly Father amazing? And isn't life wonderful? If you don't really think so right now, take a step back and pray, ask your Father to feel of His Spirit, love and see things in His perspective...then I guarantee you will agree. Tell yourself: I can do this! God loves me, Jesus will help me, and that's all that matters!
Sometimes I make up little mantras like this to motivate myself to face big challenges and then repeat it in my mind over and over...don't laugh cuz it totally works!....thanks mom for teaching me about positive thinking. :)
Monday, November 5, 2012
storm quote wall
Meredith: yeah, i just did more whipped cream
caitlyn: let me pick up the cheez-its i spilled..
meredith: i ate them...problem solved...
Meredith: you're not with us! get over here!
Caitlyn: well, if i stay up, i'll just keep eating!
Meredith: i wonder what would happen if you were riding a bike right now or rollerblading?
caitlyn: let me pick up the cheez-its i spilled..
meredith: i ate them...problem solved...
Meredith: you're not with us! get over here!
Caitlyn: well, if i stay up, i'll just keep eating!
Caitlyn: frankenstorm turns us into 3 giggly girls
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