Peacemaker?

On Sunday, I had an interesting conversation with two of my friends concerning how our placement in our family forms who we are. Both Sarah and Jen said they were the middle child of five kids and I am the middle child of three. We all found that in this position as the middle child we fell into the role of peacemaker, which I found to be true. I am not a big fan of conflict and found that I do always try to smooth over situations. I do fit this role as peacemaker as did both Sarah and Jen. It is weird how our placement in our family reflects part of us.

Today, I had this same conversation with John. He agreed that he thought this was true, but he had a different role as he is the second of six siblings. Instead, we talked more about the role of the oldest sibling. He said the oldest always got the high praise and excelled at everything they did. I found this true. My brother is one of the smartest people I know. He deserves everything he has worked for and I am so proud of him, especially because of the the other things he did and continues to do as my older brother. He always was this great protector. He always looked out for Renee and I in some tough situations we were faced with growing up. He did not have to do this, but he did. I do not even know if I ever told him thank you, but I am. He is this great man as I am sure his wife would agree. He always gives it to me straight and tells me when I am overreacting. I love him very much.

After giving props to Nathan, now I have to praise my wonderful sister Renee. She is my best friend and one of the smartest people I know. She can read greek and latin. We have the best conversations about greek tragedies especially in an attempt to locate a story about a sister falling in love with their brother. It is an inside family joke, but we cannot name this greek tragedy. We find it funny. It is a long story. She is my best friend as I tell her everything and she can read me like a book. There are some days when she knows me better than I know myself. I could not ask for a better sister or for better siblings. I love them both very much. Also, I am glad for my sister-in-law, Laurel. She is a wonderful wife and mother and one of the most creative people I know. I am so excited that she finally has a house to put her own stamp on. I love playing Settlers of Catan with Nathan and Laurel because they get so competitive with each other. I think that is half the fun of playing it with them.

On a side note, I tried playing Rock Band today and I am addicted. John's roommate just bought it and we were playing it this morning. He was on the drums and I was playing horribly on the guitar. I had to force myself to stop or I would still be there playing instead of working on a paper for school. I have an incredible boyfriend. There will be more to come on that, including a picture which I am sure my mom is circulating to everyone.

Stake Conference and Mitt Romney???

This weekend is my ward's stake conference and tonight was our first meeting. It was held at the Belmont chapel, which is located right outside of Cambridge and across the street from the temple. So Rebecca and I find a parking spot and make it to the meeting right at 7 and they actually started on time. However, as not everyone could fit into the chapel and as their gym was located downstairs, they wired the church to broadcast the meeting throughout the building. Rebecca and I ended up down in the gym.

We got ourselves and were listening to the Stake President welcome us and all the sudden this group of people walk in. Mind you, our single's ward is part of a stake the includes the Belmont family wards. As the people part to find their seats, there is Mitt Romney and it was this surreal moment. I have seen him on television and in the papers, but there he was in person with his wife. He looked just as he does he television. He is well polished. I did not know what to think. His family has lived in Belmont for a long time so it did not surprise many people that he came to stake conference.

After I got over my shock, I nudged and told Rebecca. Mitt and his wife sat in the back. But as more people came in, the man sitting one seat away from me scooted over one seat so others could sit down. All of the sudden, I see Mitt Romney's wife sitting down three seats away from me and her husband was on the other side of her. I could not believe I was sitting four seats from Mitt Romney at stake conference of all places. How would have thought? Not knowing what to do, I texted Renee who told me to try and touch him. I reframed, but other members in my ward were having surreal moments too as we all traded notes after the meeting ended. I did not shake his hand, but he seemed very friendly. I am sure he is. It was cool. What can you say. The guy ran for President, but he still truly values his Mormon faith. John, my boyfriend for all those who do not know, told me that he knew some of his sons after I relied that whole story to him.

It almost made me feel a little bad that I chose not to vote for him as everyone thought I was crazy when I said John McCain would win the Republican nomination. Though we are both Mormon, that was not enough for me to chose to support him. Oh, well. I sat four seats from him tonight...

Letting Bygones be Bygones

Through previous posts I have touched upon a situation concerning my Aunt Amy, who confessed to me that she smoked pot, but did not want me to tell anyone, especially my mom. After much prayer, as I prayed and prayed, the spirit prompted me to tell my mom. I did and then Amy told my mom I had lied. It was horrible. I was so mad at her. I use "was" because I do not want to be mad anymore. In this journey to forgive her, it has lead to many hurt feelings and fights while exposing Amy for the liar she has always and will continue to be. But I have decided to let bygones be bygones with her though there is no promise of a relationship between us as of now. That is the next step. I am moving on. Hey, I would even spend Christmas with her though it would probably consist of Renee and I engaging in many pot smoking references and jokes. I laugh about it now. I even told Renee that I would not be upset if she wanted to hang out with Amy though Renee did not seem excited about that idea. Let me finally move forward and onward as things are going so well as of right now. I have many good reasons to smile back here in Boston...

Renee's Visit to Boston

This past week, Renee visited me in Boston. Here are some hightlights. Renee and I after celebrating her birthday. We are standing in a T Station. She can tell the hilarious story of what happened afterwards as it involved my shoe and a guy on the train.
I am standing in front of Paul Revere's grave.
Yes, that is the double hamburger Renee ordered at Bartley's Gourmet Burgers in Harvard Square. Yes that is a plastic knife holding it together. She only ate one of the patties and we are pretty sure she left the other in Urban Outfitters.
No, this is not the Coliseum, but Harvard's football stadium.
ONe of the few pictures Renee and I appear in together. Yes, I am that great of a picture taker. That is a bell Paul Revere made.

Fall in New England

Fall has arrived....Need I say anymore...Here are the photos I took to try and capture its beauty before winter comes...

MyPunchbowl

For my technology class, our recent assignment is to evaluate a webware site. I chose this social networking site called Mypunchbowl.com, which called itself the ultimate partyplaning site. I never really write about anything I use online because it seems all the same. I thought this already existed withe evite.com, but I was wrong. Mypunchbowl is the coolest party planning site I have ever used. You can design your own invitations through its newly implemented design studio, which allows you to use your own pictures or your can use one of their designs. You can change colors and fonts. You can poll friends for dates for parties and write down your party's checklist. I love it as it organizes your whole shindig. I used it to create an invitation for Renee's birthday. Plus, I love party planning, so I think this endeared me even more to this site. So check it out. It is easy to use, just register and you can begin planning your next event. People can even post on message boards. I love it. So all your creative types, go check it out.

Let the countdown begin...

I am so excited for this week. On Tuesday, my wonderful sister Renee will be coming to visit me as we have not seen each other since the middle of August. It has been awhile. I am excited to see her and hang out with her. Plus, on Friday we are going out to celebrate her birthday. It will involve Italian food, gelato, and the ballet with who knows what else. We tend to do the most random things, but have a lot of fun in the process. Just a few more days to go. It will be nice to spend time with family.

Also, I hope my dad makes it to his own deadline. He is an accountant and October 15th is one of his favorite days of the year. Well, it is one of his biggest deadlines of the year next to April 15th. He only has a few more days to go so and he will make it. He loves his job. I think you could only do his job if you really loved it. So good luck dad. You will make it and then just go have fun. I am sure mom would love it for you to take her somewhere nice. I love my dad very much. He is the best. He has always encouraged us to follow our dreams and understood the paths we chose to follow. He never has compared any of his children because he know we are all talented in our own ways. I love him very much.

Lately, I have been thinking much about forgiveness. I have been trying to forgive a certain family member, well Amy. I am done tiptoeing around this. She really hurt me when she tried to paint me as a liar to my parents after she told me she smoked pot. However, I have realized that by holding unto my anger towards her that I am becoming like her. Amy is a very angry person and that is why she does the things she do. I do not want to become that and live by my anger. I have seen how it affects othes. In coming to this realization, I have found that forgiving her does not mean I have to have a relationship with her. I just want to move on so we can all move on. But moving on will not involve talking to her or having her be part of my life. She has lost that right. We are done, we are through. I hope she realizes that she needs to make improvements in her own life if she wants family around. Her lies are just to toxic and hurtful. You are no more to me.

Oh the changing weather...

So the weather out here has been crazy of lately. As fall approaches, it rained for days on end and was incredibly cold. I think everyday though is cold as my circulation system still has not adjusted back to normal. Now for the next few days we are getting 70 degree weather with sunshine. it has been delightful...I guess this is one of God's last gifts before the snow.

More Rhode Island Pictures

Here are some more pictures from my weekend trip to Rhode Island. By waterfire, there is this tunnel of tiles that were painted by school children after 911. Most relate to the World Trade Center Towers and having hope. They were inspirational. This was my favorite tile...
This is a picture of the beach from Point Judith. Beyond, you can see Buck? Island. It might be Black Island. I need to double check with Robin.

Another shot of waterfire. Robin hanging with baby Sarah while we watched conference at her friends' house. It was a lot of fun. I am thankful for their hospitality as everyone was so welcoming and kind in Rhode Island. I am already planning my next trip back.

Waterfire

Waterfire occurs in Providence, Rhode Island. It is where they light bonfires on the River. It is beautiful. This is Robin and I standingin front of the river.
This is a blurred view of the fires. I spent like ten minutes trying to figure out how to take pictures on night mode on my camera. It was funny, but frustrating. This is a circle of fire that was light between two bridges. We walked around this whole area.
This is the river reflecting the fires. I tried my best to get the best possible pictures. Some more waterfire.

Narrangansett, Rhode Island

This weekend, my roommate Robin invited me and my roommate Rebecca down to her house for the weekend to watch General Conference. She lives a half hour away from Providence, Rhode Island in the town of Narrangansett. It is a cute little town situated on the beach and across the way from Newport, Rhode Island. Robin literally lives down the street from the beach. This picture above is of the Narrangansett Towers, which are spectacular.
Robin's parents were incredibly kind and sweet. After Rebecca and I got in on an evening train, her mother cooked us spaghetti and meatballs. It was delicious. The next day, we watched conference at their friends' house, the Smiths. They had four children who kept us entertained. Their youngest daugther, Sarah is two and could be Eli's future wife. Just Kidding!!! You never know. On Sunday, between sessions, we had a big pot roast lunch. it was good. I am thankful I got the chance to spend the time in Rhode Island, plus I got my hair done fore free. Robin's mom, Nadine cleaned it up by blending my color and cutting off all the dead ends. Robin and I are standing in front of the lighthouse at Point Judith, which is outside of Narrangansett. There are lighthouses everywhere.
This beach is literally in Robin's backyard. Across is the bridge you take over to the next island and beyond that is Newport, Rhode Island (think Breakers Mansion).
This is me standing on the beach. I just got my hair done and was enjoying my Saturday.
This is the mall in Providence. It is huge. Robin, Rebecca, Robin's mom, Nadine, and I had a girl's night out on Saturday. We ate at the Nordstrom's Cafe before going to see Waterfire, which you can see in this photo. Waterfire is where they light bonfires on the Providence River. It was neat to see.

Update

I am hoping by sometime tonight to post pictures of my trip to Rhode Island this past weekend. My roommate Robin invited us to her house, which is located right by the ocean for conference weekend. We had alot of fun. We went to this event called Waterfire, which was awesome. Wait until you see the pictures (well, I took them so they are okay, but they did turn out).

Finding God Before It's Too Late

Today, a good friend of mine, John Boland sent me this commentary that was written by Ben Stein and recited on the CBS Sunday Morning News regarding our culture and its perception of God. He makes some good points about how many people have forgotten about God.


The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters
celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein

A Bum asked for help with his sign...

I have had the weirdest things happen to me this week. It began Monday with the woman cashier at CVS Pharmacy telling me about the four surgeries she had to fix her bloating problems. Did I really need to know that? She was suffering from a case of indigestion and thought she needed to share this knowledge with me when I asked her if she was alright. Too Much Information!!! THis was a forewarning of what was to come. Then after exiting CVS and crossing Porter Square, a bum was writing on his sign. As I was waiting to cross the street, he asked me if I could help him spell correctly "intellectual" for his sign. He was pretty close as he put an "i" where the first "e" should be. His sign related to politics and the current economic crisis. He was accusing the government of stealing his land. I am glad I could be of service. I hope many people read his sign that day because I was part of it. Who ever thought that I would be helping a homeless person with their sign. At least, he did not ask me for money.

Cambridge is just a very interesting place to live. In Harvard Sqaure, you have to watch out for Obama supporters trying to flag you down to explain why we should vote for him. I avoid them at all costs but they try and hunt you down. I love living here. Something different always happens each day. Now the weather is turning and fall is coming. The leaves are about to change (I promise I will take pictures). Things are going good and Renee will be out here in like two weeks. I am excited to see her and show her around. What more could I ask for. I have plenty of reasons to smile these days. I miss home. I miss seeing my nephew every week and hanging out with Nathan and Laurel. I cannot believe how big Eli is getting. I was glad he talked to me on the phone the other day, but whenever I tell him I am living in Boston, he thinks I am talking about my cat Boston. He tells me that we need to go pet him. We will go pet him when I come home. Nathan and Laurel have one cute kid and another on the way. I am excited about the impending arrival of my second nephew.

Days do get stressful though. I think I hit a point yesterday when I thought, how am I doing this? When I get here, I call my dad. He always knows what to say or he just lets me babble on and on until I feel better. I am blessed with great parents for I would not be out here without them. They want the best for their children and grandchildren. They really do. I love them.