I don't like Susan's almond puffs

I don't like my coworker's almond puffs. But the woman is a self-proclaimed gourmet chef and those are her specialty. Everyone else seems to LOVE them. I can't figure out why. They're GROSS. But, I'm the oddity. That got me thinking. There are a LOT of scenarios like this in my life. Things I like or don't like that are outside of the majority ... quirks that I have that I can't really explain ... here are a few others that have come to mind.

I HATE shopping carts. I won't touch them. I'll use a basket if it's available, but they have no baskets at WinCo. This helps me limit impulse buys, as I have to stack and balance everything I'm buying on top of my box of Crispix (which I purchase, whether I need it or not, because it creates a good base.) If I need both milk AND juice in the same trip, I'm hosed. So far, this method has worked for me. I know I'll eventually be in trouble if I'm grocery shopping for a family, but that's what husbands are for, right? He'll have to push the cart.

I hate remote controls. We lost ours when I was about 7. We never replaced it. I'm much more content getting up and changing the channel on the TV. Those things are complicated. Channel surfing is a BIG pet peeve. I hate getting into a show (or even a commercial) and my roommate changes it. We have 3 remotes at my house right now. I can't work them. My roommates have to help me out every time NCIS comes on. I panic.

I spit in the shower. I think I already wrote about this. In Mexico, I was trained to not ingest the water. It became a habit. Shower water is not welcome in my mouth!

I can't have naked wrists. My wrists are SCRAWNY and weak-looking. Some may call that small-boned and elegant, but I see wussy. I have to cover them. Plus, jewelry is fun. I have a killer tan line on my left wrist because I NEVER go without my watch. And lately, I've had a thing for keeping 4 bracelets on my right wrist. I think it's fun! Tacky, and mismatched, but fun!

Speaking of tacky, I can't do "elegant." Up hair-do's, wearing black and white, shiny jewelry, high heels, crisp lines ... I can't do any of that. I try and I kind of panic. I need to throw in a crazy scarf or even a pair of Tevas to throw it off.

One thing that makes me happier than it should are SHORT fingernails. It's a GOOD day when I can chop my fingernails down to the skin. I love them short. I love when I can type without my nails getting in the way. Fingernails are GROSS. I don't want them.

I don't understand hair products. I don't even own hair spray, mousse, gel ... nothing. I wouldn't know what to do with it. It's all too high-maintenance for me.

I'm not taking advice from song lyrics

I LOVE music. I get song stuck in my head and they play over and over again. They speak to me. So often, I'll find a song that says exactly what I'm feeling. They're words to live by. Sometimes, I've even had confirmations/answers come to me through a song that comes on the radio. That's not always the case. I've got some things on my mind, and a really good song came on my music playlist that grabbed my attention. I looked up the lyrics. I don't want to take that advice. Sometimes the lyrics miss. But I still love them. Here are a few one-liners that have spoken to me recently:

I have confidence in SUNSHINE!
How beautifully blue the sky, the glass is rising very high, continue fine, I hope it may, and yet it rained but yesterday
I wished I loved Jesus the way my wife does
I've got a golden chance to make my way
More patience in suffering, more sorrow for sin
Sunshine, I'd really like to tell you
there ain't no talkin' to this man, he's been trying to tell me so
it's so beautiful when the boy smiles, wanna hold him. Maybe i'll just sing about it.
it's a cold and it is a broken Hallelujah
one small sideways look and I feel so ungood
I can cry in front of you 'cause you're not afraid to face my weakness
Besides what you see, I have confidence in me!
I'm always going to want to blow your mind
when Earth collides with all the space between
I can feel so ignorant for someone of sound mind
lies will lock you up with truth the only key
I'm only here for awhile but patience is not my style. And I'm so tired and I gotta go.
I never thought my life could be anything but catastrophe but suddenly I begin to see a bit of good luck for me.
So give me your hand and let's jump out the window.

I need a big sister

I've been nominated

So, this blog was just nominated by my dear roommate's blog http://theginabean2.blogspot.com/

What an honor, because I'm kinda sure she rocks the blogging world. Which is why I'm gonna nominate her BACK! (that makes for double-nomination, since someone else had to nominate her to even start this whole cycle. Gina, does that mean you gotta do it again?)

So, apparently because Gina thinks I'm "... random and says it like it is. And I like that." I gotta now nominate 7 blogs that I love and then share 7 random facts about me. This, I can do.

#1 The aforementioned Ginabean. And not just because she nominated me, nor because she's my roommate and I'm trying to do a good deed by her, but because she's also pretty dang random herself. She puts her own voice into every post. And I love the world as shared through Gina's voice.

#2 The Turleys. I'm pretty sure Spencer doesn't do much posting, but that Kylie girl is so stinkin' cute! She's an amazing photographer, with a fun positive style and view of life! AND she's a triplet which adds a whole new level of adorable and amusing.

#3 kylie.brianne. There may be a theme of the Kylie's. If my friend Kylee had a blog, I'm sure hers would be on this list, too. But, Kylie Brianne is my cute, senior-in-high-school cousin who's a flippin' artist-of-all-trades. Even her whines are artful.

#4 then there's Enlarged to Show Detail. I started following this blog to keep tabs on my old roommate's infant niece's battle with a brain tumor. Now, that infant is a thriving, cancer-free toddler. Truthfully, I don't know her parents all that well. But, her mama, Annie is hilarious and I still love to stalk them and read her unique take on things. Oh, and that Lila girl is A-freaking-dorable.

#5 Another almost-stranger's blog happens to belong to Annie's best friend, Valerie, who seems to be pretty Smart for a Girl. She's a New York-y type with an LDS-liberal-marathon-runner-thespian-candy-craving and FRESH perspective.

#6 The Grovers. I've known Andrea since CTR-6's, (wasn't it Star-6's back then?) and Seth since 8th grade PAWS class. Now they have three offspring. They're nerds and they're funny about it. That's why we love them. That's why we've ALWAYS loved them.

#7 MattandAmanda what's not to love about a super pregnant, tree-hugging, homemade ketchup-making sarcastic cousin? And then throw her bird-watching husband and a toddler named "Silvester" into the mix. Can't top that.

#6

So, now I'm supposed to list 10 random facts about me. Here goes:

I can’t figure out the neighborhood watch signs. My whole life, I’ve had a hard time identifying the dark shape. Is it a rabbit? Is it a duck? Is it a beautiful young woman or an old hag? Those things I recognize! But that neighborhood watch guy … I mean really, He kinda looks like a cross between the Cookie Monster and PacMan. Note: I’ve never actually looked at one of these signs for longer than the 1.7 second glance as I drive past, but still … what is that?

I can’t ingest shower water. Even since I did study abroad in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, and they warned us of the joys of Monteczuma’s revenge, I’ve taken this precaution. When my face is directly in the stream of water, I make sure to exhale the whole time, so no water can make its way in. Even then, I spit a LOT in the shower to make sure none of it makes its way inside me. I know my Idaho shower isn’t likely to make me sick, but it’s a habit I can’t seem to break.

My brain holds onto things. Most often, it holds onto the song "I've got a Golden Ticket" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There’s something annoying about my brain and memorizing. Some stuff just doesn’t leave. Thank you, Mrs. Bateman, my 8^th grade English teacher for making us memorize the entire list of prepositions. About, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, but, by, concerning, despite, down, during, except, for, from, like, near, of, off, on, onto, over, past, since, through, till, to, toward, under, underneath, until, with, within, without.

When I was younger, I was a well-loved babysitter for many families in our ward. I was busy every weekend, and many week nights watching kids. Some of my close friends from those days were the mothers of these kids, and I’m still in touch with many of them. Babysitting was my life growing up, and I loved playing with those kids. That’s all changed. Now, I can’t handle children. They drive me crazy. I’ve gotten old and I don’t want to play with them like I used to. I don’t have the patience for their CONSTANT need for attention! They’re not my kids, why should I have to be involved with their every demand? I really hope this changes when I’m ready for my own family; because I DO want my own family.

I LOVE riding my bike. I’ll go on 20-something-mile bike rides at least once a week when the weather’s good. In middle school and high school, I’d clock 20 miles a day just cruising the neighborhood and am a pro at riding with no hands, carrying things, standing up … all that fun stuff. BUT, I was a slow learner. I’m pretty sure I had training wheels until I was 7. I remember my friend’s 4-year-old brother making fun of me. Austin Hoopes was a little bully.

I’ve got a thing for water. I love rivers, lakes, streams, and climbing on rocks in them. I seriously can’t stay away. I think it’s gotta be some sort of sport to see how far upstream I can get just by going from rock to rock. I’ve fallen in a few times. Some of those rocks are farther apart than they look and kind of slippery. Because of my love for natural bodies of water (it’s more than a coincidence that my name is Brooke, by the way) I’ve lost various electronics to water. Not LOST-lost. Just … drowned. Rivers and lakes have claimed the lives of 3 cameras and two cell phones. I now have a waterproof camera. I need to spray my phone with scotch guard.

I have two rings on my fingers at all times. One of them I got from Playa del Carmen, Mexico on my birthday in 2004. It’s made of Taxco silver (we spent a few days in Taxco, where it was mined and it claimed a small piece of my heart) and dyed opals. The opals are lime green and royal blue. Classy, eh? It’s on my left index finger and has molded to my finger. It only comes off occasional during a volleyball game. The other ring is sterling silver with a horizontal oval attached. Engraved on the oval is some sort of wannabe Quiksilver triangle logo thing. I say it’s a mountain because I love mountains. I bought it at least 4 years ago at a craft/artisan bazaar in Midway, Utah. I bought it for my right pinky finger, but spent two hours while watching Roman Holiday with my cousins squeezing it onto my right ring finger. I haven’t been able to get it off since.

I Hope You're Happy!!

Glinda: "Elphaba, why couldn't you have stayed calm for once? Instead of flying off the handle?? I hope you're happy!"

to hear this song, go here.

So, this is my little tribute to Lisa. MY Glinda. We always joked that she was Glinda and I was Elphaba from Wicked. SO many characteristics are so fitting. Our dynamic has been so much fun. Never have two opposites been so good for each other. From Lisa, I learned how to trust, allow myself to be guided, listen to council, ask for help (sometimes), be a ministering angel, wax my eyebrows, let my guard down, accept weaknesses and support others through theirs, and give myself a pedicure.

I'd like to think I taught her a few things, too.

Lisa came into my life just when I needed her. She's been such a HUGE catalyst for change. I don't know where I'd be right now without Lisa's love, support and friendship.

I LOVE the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda (and in reflection, that between me and Lisa.) I think this video is an excellent portrayal of that. This is kinda like OUR story--Broadway-style!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LISA!

I love you.

Steps to Success

Life is full of tender mercies--little ways to make your day go better--reminders that life is good, even though things don't seem to ALL be going the way you'd like them to. I'm learning and trying to acknowledge these things in my life. I thought I'd share a few secrets I've discovered:

Tips for success:

Acknowledge the influence of others: I have so many people in my life, and I think about them all the time. Little things will remind me of one person or another and I'll find myself smiling about it, and then moving on with my day. But, what effect has that had on me, or the other person? Lately, when I think of a fun memory or just have a warm thought about someone, I've made an effort to reach out and tell that person. Today, I'm wearing a pink plaid shirt that I bought last year when I lived in Salt Lake. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought it. When I brought it home, my roommate Sarah told me it was ugly and I should return it. I didn't. I've only worn it once because I really don't like it. Today, I thought I'd give the shirt a second chance. It failed. But, realizing that Shmarah was right made me laugh. I told her so. We both got a good laugh about it and have enjoyed our little conversation that's gone along with it. I also try to comment on blogs and pictures as much as I can. I know I appreciate acknowledgment from others, so I want to give it and spread the love! Last night, I got a random phone call from a friend whom I see all the time. Kylee and I are involved in a lot of the same activities and we hang out a lot. But it felt good to just chat openly about life, being open about plans, situations, concerns; not worrying about how to say things, just talking for real because that's what friends do! Phone conversations with long-last friends are usually something to celebrate. But what about the good, hour-long discussion with someone you see every day but rarely get a chance to REALLY talk to? That phone call made my day.

Do something scary: As I posted last, I recently went through the temple. I love it, but I'm not totally secure with what I'm supposed to be doing. The whole process kind of makes me anxious. Our ward has a temple trip planned for tonight. I signed up to do sealings. I'm new to this whole thing, but I know it's a good thing to be doing, so I can dive in to the unknown and know it's good.

Let go: There are so many things that I want to have happen in my life. Some are pressing, others may not happen for awhile ... but I don't have as much control over these situations as I'd like. Recently, I had a HUGE answer to a prayer. Nothing happened, really. Heavenly Father just gave me a glimpse of what He has in store for me. My problem? It's not happening yet. And I don't know how to make it happen. I'm learning to trust and have faith that Heavenly Father will bring about His blessings and promises in His own time, if I am just faithful and patient. I need to live my life and do what I know is right and know that He will take care of me. I'm not in control.

I also need to learn to let go in other areas. In my phone conversation last night, I told Kylee about being anxious. She laughed. She knows how I get. She's had to deal with the frustrating end of my anxiety! I've realized that I need to learn to let go there, too. There's no reason to get anxious about other people. I can't control situations, and what I think I may want isn't always going to be the best thing. When I can let go and find peace, I find that the course is much happier. I don't have to direct the course "my way." I can be happy with the natural direction it takes. 

Hold on: In direct contrast, there's also a time to hold on. Even though we may not always want to deal with it, there are times in our lives when we just have to endure something while we seek the change needed. Struggles in our lives don't always go away immediately. And we can't always run away from them. We just gotta deal with it and pray for the strength to live with it until it's time to move on.

We gotta hold on to good things, too. TIGHT, if need be. Sometimes, important things slip through our fingers when we're not looking. I have a wonderful family, and I want to FIGHT to keep them in my life forever. That's what families are for. I realize the value of that, but I don't always act on it. When my family came to visit from Utah, I actually had the chance to spend time with my uncle Curtis and his three boys who are 17, 15 and 11. We wrestled, laughed, ate and saw a movie together. It's rare that I get to bond with just us and that opportunity was such a blessing. When I know something is important, I need to work hard to hold on and maintain that. And I need to be ready to turn my knuckles white when the road gets bumpy. Cuz it's all worth it.

Nah. This is more fun!

The days/events/chaos keeps rolling by without much attention to the blog. Not fair, huh, blog? Well, I think about you often. I actually think I need some sort of intervention. While you may think I neglect you, I definitely haven't forgotten you. I often think to myself: I gotta blog about this! And then, as I'm driving, I'll even plot an excellent and captivating monologue, detailing said event. The problem? I can't blog while I drive. I can't blog while I sit entering tickets at work. I can't blog at a volleyball game, or while hanging out with friends. So, those moments and great blog intentions pass me by. I don't even write stuff down. I should. Then those captivating and witty thoughts may actually end up on here.

As I stand, I've forgotten everything I wanted to say. I'm tired and I've gotten way behind on this thing. So, how 'bout I just say stuff about stuff and stop mourning the loss of great blogging ideas.

Stuff I want to say stuff about:

Desirae's HOME!!!

Yes, she's been home for a few weeks now. Whatever. NOT old news! My girl's HOME and we're still excited about it! Desirae served a 19 month mission for the LDS Church in Knoxville, TN. On her way home, she got to attend the temple when one of her first converts received his endowment. She had a rough, amazing experience in Tennessee and is a much better person for it. But, she's still my same Des, and I love that! It's been fun having her around and getting to hang out like old times. She's living with her brother and his family across town, so I don't see her nearly as much as we used to when we lived just down the street from each other. I guess that's what comes when you grow up, get jobs and separate lives. But, Des has been able to come x-country skiing, to volleyball and game nights with me and my friends and we're doing great at merging worlds. I love this girl, and I'm proud of who she is.

I had my own exciting event last weekend. I finally was able to go to the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and receive my own endowment. It's been a long time coming, but I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing for the right reason and was fully prepared. It's been an enlightening and spiritual process and I'm SO grateful that I have such an excellent support system. I meant to avoid making this into a huge event, and wanted only to invite those closest to me, who had been a part of this journey for me. What I didn't take into consideration was the vast number of AMAZING people I have in my life. It was a real eye opener to see my loved ones show up to support me in this important step in my life. We filled that session pretty well! Roll call: Grandma Ruby and Grandpa Jay from Cedar Hills, Utah; Aunt Vicki and Uncle Keith from Saratoga Springs, Utah; Uncle Curtis from American Fork, Utah; Cousin Kim from Sandy, Utah; Kimball Madsen and her sister Lacey and Lacey's husband, Michael came from Rexburg. Kimball's parents Mark and Laurel Madsen came from Spokane, Washington. Desirae Rowberry; and then my dear friends from my branch: Kylee Dayton, Brooke Stoddard, Gina Orgill, Lisa John, Nicole Holmes and Brother and Sister Schwieder. The temple is AMAZING. I'm so grateful that I am able to make the covenants and receive the blessings of the temple. and I'm so grateful for the people in my life who have all helped, loved and supported me.

That's what I have to say for now.

Now for some pictures:

Nicole got married! Chennelle, me, Nicole and Kylee at the reception. Cruise buddies reunited! Hmm. Where's the groom?

Desirae and her little sister Paige at the airport when Des got home. They're both wearing Sister Rowberry name tags. That's their little Momma Lisa in the background.

Desirae, Kristine, Kelly and I x-country skiing at Harriman Park.

Of course, my dad would go for a snowball at such a tender occassion. I freaking LOVE my parents!!

Me and my Madsen Family outside the Temple after my first endowment session. Mom Laurel, Dad Mark, Kimball, me, Lacey and Michael. Kimball was my roommate, but her family has brought me in and claimed me as their own. Thank heavens for inclusive families! I'm so blessed to be a part of this one.

My girls at the lunch thingy at my parents' house after the temple. Nicole, Kylee, me, Gina and Lisa. Man, I've got some good ones in my life! They don't get better than this.

Have I mentioned that I FREAKING LOVE my parents? Yeah, they're pretty awesome! And it's rare that we can get dad to smile for a picture. Good one, Daddy!

Cousin Kimmy and Uncle Curtis. Kim isn't really that tall. Curt just wanted to show off ... and annoy. So, he picked her up!

MAN, I love this crazy family of mine!! Back row: Uncle Keith, Cousin Dallin, Cousin Makay (hiding), Uncle Curtis. Middle row: Cousin Kimmy, Aunt Vicki (hiding), Cousin Matthew, Dad Mark, Mom Brenda, Grandma Ruby. Front row: me and Grandpa Jay. The whole lot of them drove from Utah to be there. QUICK trip, but holy cow, I love the support!

How can you not love this man? There's no doubt, I have the best Grandpa in the world.