The Glad Game

My cousin Heather did this on her blog, and Jennifer just followed suit. I thought it was a fun idea, so I've decided to play as well! In honor of Thanksgiving, here's the Glad Game. The object is to name all the things, anything, no matter how mundane or bizarre that makes you glad, happy, smile, giggle... for instance. I'll never get to ALL of them, but here are a few current ones!

I'm glad that ...

The Dell commercial plays Colors by Kira Willey, which is how I found my favorite kids' yoga CD. Now, when the commercial comes on, I can sing all the words, "I am green today. I chirp with joy like a cricket's song. I am orange today. Loud and messy like fingerpaint on the wall ..."

I'm glad that ...

Kimball and I have such an amazing bond, even though she's on the other side of the world, we're still sharing thoughts and laughs and funniness ... there's just a time delay on finishing each others' sentences, but it just makes it that much more special. And this girl is a rockin' awesome missionary!

Brimball [Brooke and Kimball] just doin' what we do best!

I'm glad that ...

Gina is now wearing mismatched socks because "The reasons are 3fold. 1 It's easier 2 It's cute 3 it reminds me of you! :)"

I don't have a picture of Gina's feet. So here's Kimball's and mine. Kimball started all this!

I'm glad that ...

Whenever I think of Thanksgiving, I start singing, "Gobble, Gobble, Gobble! Fat turkeys. Fat turkeys! Gobble, Gobble, Gobble! Fat turkeys are we. We're not made for living, we're made for Thanksgiving! Gobble, Gobble, Gobble. Fat turkeys are we." Which, ironically was sung by Andrea, Lauralynn, Becca, Carolyn and me in the middle of the night at Girls' Camp when we went "Holiday caroling" to the other tents. We also sang the Star Spangled Banner, Peter Cottontail, and C-H-A-V-O-N-N-E Woods! [sung to the tune of Saturday Night] I'm also glad for that experience and many other crazy memories with these girls!

I'm glad that ...

That was about as extreme as my teenage rebellion went. We were crazy. The ward feared us. But the biggest fear was that we'd laugh all throughout Sunday School because we were drawing squirrels in the Tree of Life and Santa was stuck in the chimney of the great and spacious building. I'm so glad for those mini-rebellions and the amazing friends that came with them!

Andrea, Lauralynn, Kary and me in our Sunday School class ... when we were like 11?

Brooke, Desirae, Lauralynn and Andrea. Reunion with Cheetos and True Colors.

I'm glad that ...

I found the world's most amazing new friends who all have the same names. I've only known them for a month or two, but I can't imagine what my life would be like without their laughs, smiles, random text messages, support and love. And I'm really glad we all have the same names. That's just fun.


Lisa, Brooke, Gina, Brooke, Lisa and Lisa at Mom's craft show

I'm glad that ...

I get to hug, cuddle, link arms and dog pile with friends. I love friend squooshes. I love giving, getting shoulder massages. I love it when friends come and put their arm around my shoulder. I love being loved and feeling loved and giving love and playing steamroller and tackling and stuff. And I also like to sit on people.

Roommates: Jeniel, Kimball, Alyssa, Alison and me. "And just like that, there's way too much love in the room!"


I'm glad that ...

I don't have to act like I'm twenty-six. There's no rule saying that you can't link arms and spin each other around in the movie theater parking lot past the age of thirteen. I like being silly. I don't want to have to grow up. My grandpa never did. I don't have to, either. Life is more fun this way. I'm sorry if my immaturity bugs some people, but I'm glad that I can be me and that those I love actually love me for that. I'm glad that I have those fun people to be silly with! And I'm glad for peanut butter.

Me, Rachel, David and Chris being festive at Lowes!

I'm glad that ...

I have some totally awesome cousins and I'm part of such an amazing family. I have to second Jen's comment on our web relationships and how good it is to be able to keep in touch this way and get to know each other better. I love my family. I love their witty comments and funny pictures and their love and support and interest in all of our lives.

I'm glad that ...

I get to go to Utah for Thanksgiving and spend time with my mom's side of the family. I have developed such a bond with some of these cousins, and we never cease to make each other laugh! I think the Lord put a whole lot of quirky personalities in one family, but it sure makes holidays a lot of fun! I'm so excited for whatever crazy-fun stuff is going to happen this year, and I'm so glad I get to share that with my amazing family. And guess what?! I get to be a part of this forever!!



I'm glad that ...

There's such an amazing place as Palisades and that my uncle owns an RV park there. I'm glad that I can run away and climb rocks and sing songs and explore the river and even stay overnight under a snow bank if I want to. I'm glad for my home away from home and I'm glad for the friends who appreciate it, too and like to share in that with me! (I wish I had pictures from Sunday when Lisa John and I were there, but she took the pictures and hasn't shared yet!)

Todd and Sarah in Larry [the canoe] going down the river in Palisades.

I'm glad that ...
Shinae and Alan have let me into their lives. I'm glad that I can come and feel comfortable and loved and supported and included. I love the time we get to spend together and our moments of appreciation for each other. I love McKylla and Abby and the smiles and laughter they bring to my life. I'm glad that Abby said, "Burke! [that's me] You're home!" when I came over today and then, "Burke! Watch!" as she does this crazy dance jig all over the living room!

Me and Shinae in Washington

I'm glad that ...

I found a job that I'm really excited about working at BYU-Idaho in the credit transfer department. I'm glad that I get to go back and spend time in familiar territory and kick it in Rexburg every day! I'm glad that, even though this job is only temporary and it doesn't include any insurance benefits, I've prayed about it and I know it's right and I have faith that I'll be taken care of in April when this position ends.

I'm glad that ...

I got to go to Forgotten Carols as is tradition and take Shinae with me. I'm glad that we always meet up with LyDee and Trista and I'm glad that we've been able to stay so close through the years, even though we don't see each other very often. I'm grateful for the Forgotten Carols, and the messages I always learn and the spirit I feel. I'm glad that I am ALWAYS moved by the song "Three Kings," and even though I bawled like a baby, I loved it more this year than ever. I'm also glad that I've finally "found my way" ...

Trista and me after Forgotten Carols

I'm also glad that ...

Trista's my little sister and we got to grow up together and share in our only childness. I'm glad that we like to throw confetti at 11:34 p.m. on New Year's Eve and drop Darby off at neighbors' houses. I'm glad that we're not drunken ballerinas, we only play them on the waterbed. I'm glad that I'm Pam and she's Ernie, no matter what she says about it and that we still have so much fun together and so much to talk and joke about!

I'm glad that ...

I live in Idaho and it's nearly winter and that I have my own snowboard and a job now so I can pay for lift tickets and get to GO PLAY! I'm glad I finally got brave and learned to snowboard. I had no idea how addicting it would be, but I'm grateful for this new hobby and the joy it brings me!

I'm also glad that ...

I remember making fun of Andrea for using words like, "nearly" and now I'm using them.

I'm glad that ...

My Relief Society lesson is over and it wasn't a complete disaster and that I learned so much while preparing and teaching it. I'm glad that I felt the Spirit so strongly then and later that night as Lisa, Megan and I studied. I'm glad I have these amazing resources of the Gospel and great friends who also have such a love for it. I'm glad I can learn and grow with them and be strengthened and influenced by their testimonies.

Full of Crap!!

So, it's that time of year again. Crap season. Mom has a crap booth that she fills full of crap to sell to people who buy that kind of crap. She also has a big show coming up this Saturday. Therefore, we're all living and breathing this crap. My parents and I are at each others' throats and we all have sore fingers from painting, sanding, drilling, tying and twisting wire. I spent the majority of my day today wrapping pine boughs around Grandma signs. I can't wait for this to end!!

I did actually have a lot of fun with it on Saturday when my friend Lisa John came over to help me bag up blocks and price stuff. I wish I'd taken pictures because we had a BLAST! I also had fun crafting a couple of weeks ago when Shinae came to help paint! It's always good with friends. But on my own, I'm NOT a crafter! And poor Targhee doesn't like this season, either. Nobody pays attention to her, so she just sits alone on her pillow and pouts!

Aside from the crafting, I've had an AWESOME week! I've really jumped into my singles' branch and made some wonderful friends! These girls are already some of my very favorite people! We have a weird name thing going on, too. There's an apartment of three girls who I've gotten to know fairly well. Gina, Brooke and Lisa. There are also three other Lisas and a Jeanna. We all like to confuse people. I hung out with these girls every night last week. Lisa John and I have hit it off really fast and really well. I have no doubt that I was meant to attend this branch and make these people a part of my life. I have already learned so much from Lisa and am so excited for this new sociality!

Lisa, Lisa, Brooke and Brooke at a Warren Miller show in Rexburg. The name thing KILLS me!

Jeanna, Lisa and Brooke in the hot tub. We threw Jen off. She came out expecting the OTHER Gina, Lisa and Brooke who are all roommates!

Look, Gina! Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down! Lisa and I snuck into the toy closet to check out the fun and Gina caught us laughing hysterically at this toddler toy!

Man, these girls are fun!

On Thursday, Lisa John and I attended the temple to do baptisms. We'd expected a bigger group, so I was a little anxious when I realized I'd be the only one doing baptisms! Lisa's endowed and wanted to do initiatories. I had made myself pretty anxious over the whole situation, but Lisa ended up being the towel passer-outter at the font. Just before my turn to enter the water, Lisa sat next to me and gave me an amazing hug. It's still so awesome to me how the Lord knows our hearts and our anxieties and He knows what we need and is able to provide that through other people. Lisa has been an answer to prayers on many occasions.

Lisa John and I in the toy closet at Lisa Jenkins' house!

We had Stake Conference this last weekend with some AMAZING speakers. I learned some really impacting lessons about building Zion and learning through affliction. Elder Spencer B. Jones said: "When we turn ourselves over to Him, He can use us. In callings, as a dad or mom, as a brother or sister, whatever the situation may be; whatever growing opportunity might be." President Whitaker emphasized that: "a temple recommend is not a certificate of perfection." We don't have to be perfect. We just have to be trying to do what's right. Oftentimes, we are harder on ourselves than we need to be. Elder Jones also said: "This Church gives us opportunities to develop ourselves; to increase our beauty in every aspect of our lives."

Our stakes were reorganized and a new stake was created. However, they won't split our branch into the new stake because there aren't enough people. So, a strange thing has happened: Although I live at home with my parents, we are now in different stakes. Weird!

After Stake Conference, I was invited to come with Shinae and her family to the Idaho Falls temple visitor's center. It had been over a week since I'd seen Shinae and nearly 2 weeks since I'd played with the girls, so that in itself was just awesome! But the Spirit and the peace of being near the temple was remarkable. It was just an amazing day. It felt so good to share that with them and to share in that spirit and joy!

McKylla, me and Abby in front of their house on Sunday. It'd been nearly two weeks since I'd seen these girls and I just couldn't get enough of them!

And they were pretty happy to see me, too! :^)

I gave McKylla the camera and she took this awesome "album cover" picture!

So, now we just have to start a band! Alan's gotta be our drummer.

Drummer's are never looking at the camera in pictures.

Monday morning, I got to take Shinae to the Dr.'s office for her 2nd ultrasound! Wow! There's totally a baby in there! And I actually saw his feet kicking around on the screen! I love my socialities and the roles I have to play in my life. I'm not always very good at keeping those in balance. I'm not always the best daughter, friend, granddaughter, niece, cousin ... I think I've failed at all of the above just in the last 2 days! But I know that the people in my life love me and will be there for me anyway. I have great people to pick me up when I fall, or give me a shoulder to cry on, or to pull me out of a parking lot when I'm spinning in circles looking for constellations! ;^) I need to do better at these things, but I know that I can. I teach this coming Sunday in Relief Society. I'm scared out of my mind. I'm teaching on Pres. Eyring's talk "The True and Living Church" and Elder Wirthlin's talk "Concern for the One." I've been reading and studying and praying and freaking out. The last part hasn't been helping the situation. Pray for me?
I have a job interview tomorrow at BYU-Idaho. It's for a temporary position (until April) dealing with transferred credits and diploma verifications. This could be an answer to prayers, too! I'll let you all know how that goes!

Thanks for your continued love and support and interest in my sometimes pathetic life! I love you all and am so grateful for good people in my life.

I am not clever.

Nope. I'm not. There's just nothing else to it. I may have a slightly clever "tone" right now but it's only because I've been reading through some of the most all-time entertaining blogs in the world. And like I know I should never do, I've compared myself to them. I also just spent a hilarious evening at a singles' activity at a table with some very clever girls. When it comes to "clever appreciation" I am very skilled. But I just can't dish it!
I also come from a line of genetic cleverness. Want some laughs? Stop by my cousin Amanda's blog. Or go visit Uncle Kelan in Portland. (I just did, and he has a very eery resemlance to my father post-moustache. I never saw it until my daddy shaved. That in itself was entertaining!) More funniness? Seth and Andrea ALWAYS crack me up. Just simple observations of everyday life turned witty. But seriously? I try and it just doesn't happen for me. That's my problem. If you have to TRY to be funny, you just don't get it. Like those people who explain why their jokes are funny. I DO THAT! Or those that get a kick when they make someone laugh, so they push it even further (Brian Regan does this, but I seriously get a kick out of him.) ...
But there's a difference between humor and cleverness. I want to be clever. I want to say something smart with a twist of wit that leaves people laughing and contemplating, while I just continue in my jolly, witty existence. For those of you BYU-Idaho graduates, do you remember Comic Frenzy? Do you remember some of the freakin' hilarious people who piloted that program and continue on in their endlessly humorous lives? My favorites? James and Valerie Best. Ben Parkes. Annie Hurst Howington (mother of Lila), Jon-Peter Lewis (yes, the American Idol guy) ... I've been cruising through their blogs and seriously considered posting some of their stuff as my own. Or, at least mimicking some of their ideas with my own twist ... but whatever. I need to give credit where credit is due. I want to share with you a list that Valerie Best wrote on Jon-Peter's blog. (yes, these witty people run in the same circles and often contribute to each others' witticisms). And, I'm posting this without her permission. Take that, Valerie.

Things Fall is Good For:
1. Eating apples (not these depressing ones from the grocery store, eating apples from farmer's markets, or from one of those farms where you pick your own fruit)
2. Buying sweaters from thrift stores (James just informed me that there's no use buying new sweaters, as they've been making the same three styles of sweaters since the beginning of time. I think he may have a point)
3. Learning to bake a pie
4. Using the word deciduous in conversation
5. Learning to spell the word deciduous (full disclosure: I looked it up)
6. Entering a chili cook-off
7. Starting a scrapbook of that stuff that piles up in your wallet (concert tickets, metro cards from D.C., movie tickets, etc)
8. Cooking something in a crock pot
9. Taking very long walks, and calling them constitutionals
10. Memorizing the Gettysburg Address

Seriously? Funny. That's all I have to say about it. I really can't say anything more, because that would be pointint out the funny in something that's just standalone funny! So, if you'd like to be further entertained, I'd recommend clicking on the links I've given you. Stop looking here. You won't find anything nearly that funny. I may, however, get the gumption to try. But then in "trying" I'll have already failed.

Freakin' Lovely!

I'm home!! And I just had the time of my life! I could not have asked for a better experience in Portland! Even getting lost and frustrated and running 10 blocks to the concert just added to the whole experience! I wouldn't have changed a thing! Although, I would have liked to have found a flea market to top off the whole Oregon experience, but that will just have to happen next time.

First of all, I'm so glad we drove! While we spent a LOT of time in the car, and the last couple hours were rough because we were both SO TIRED, our time in the car was probably my favorite part! I love talking and bonding and sharing with my friends. Shinae and I have really needed that. I love discussing scriptures and experiences and trials and testimonies and just being able to support and learn from each other.

We drove and chatted all day on Wednesday. We stopped in Boise to have lunch with Shinae's brother and then we just kept driving! When we pulled into my aunt & uncle's house in Portland at 11:30 at night, I still wasn't sick of being in the car! It was just an awesome trip! I slept my cousin, Jamison's old room with his basketball flags, sports trophies and drums. Shinae slept in Gentry's bright orange room. I love having family who are so open and willing to accomodate! We got barked at a lot, but Joey and B.J. just have a lot to say!

Thursday, we drove to La Center, Washington where Shinae and Alan lived when they were first married. Everything was so wet and green! In Washington Park, Shinae took a look around and said, "This is freakin' lovely!" I can't think of a better way to describe it! We also shopped in downtown Portland on Thursday. I'm too good at spending money. It's one of my many talents. But we found fun stuff and had a lot of fun! The dogs ate the chocolates I got for my mom and ended up bouncing off the walls all night! We had to learn to keep our doors closed because those dogs get into anything! I didn't learn, though. The next day, I still found the garbage can tipped over and stuff spread all over the room!

We made a lot of U-turns trying to get to Joe's Crab Shack and other places in the city, but I made Shinae drive because I probably would have killed us! I'm really good at getting lost, but I love it!

We had quite the adventure getting to the concert on Thursday night! Google doesn't know what the crack he's talking about. We asked people for directions, called my aunt, and eventually ended up leaving Captain in a parking garage and ran 10 blocks to the concert hall! But that just added to the adventure! The Alanis concert was amazing!! I'd brushed up on my Alanis songs for the last couple months and she played some favorites and some I'd never heard of! This woman is CRAZY but HILARIOUS! She spun in endless circles on the stage and danced around like a goober! That's seriously so awesome to me. She's not one of those pop artists who tries to choreograph to her own songs. She's just free and natural and fun!

After the concert, we just chilled in Gentry's bedroom, played online, talked and gave shoulder massages. It's weird how much I miss those times with roommates. That time in my life was so valuable and real, and I didn't realize how much I loved that bonding time until lately when I've been craving it so badly!

It drizzled the whole time we were there and my hair got crazy frizzy and curly! I have always been drawn to bodies of water. It's just a natural part of me to want to splash and play and swim! I had to keep myself out of the rivers and waterfalls, but when we got to Cannon Beach on Friday, I couldn't resist! My shoes were off, and I was out there in the FREEZING cold ocean! But can you seriously spend time on the beach and not want to PLAY? I don't understand how people do it. Maybe I'm just immature and silly, but that's me and I like it!

I love no-filter friends. Shinae and I have come to the point where we don't filter what we say. We talk about body functions, and song lyrics, and addictions without reservation.

Quotes from the trip:

"This is freakin' lovely!"

"I guess I have to buy that, too! You're good at this!"

"Is this place good for skinny dipping/chunky dunking?"

"Roll the window down!"

"Link up!"

"That's a b**!"

Not a Political post!

Don't expect to see any political tyrades from this girl. I have nothing to say. I'm staying out of that whole mess. That's not what I'm talking about.

You want to know what I AM talking about?

I'm talking about AWESOME CES firesides with hilarious Presiding Bishops who are so inspired and amazing! I'm talking about wonderful new friends who see the new kid sitting by herself and come to sit next to her and then end up talking and laughing and bonding for the next 3-4 hours! I'm talking about perma-grin smiles when things are so good and people are so good, and even the bad experiences bring you whole new insights and you just can't help but smile, even as you're sitting in the dark (because somehow, it got dark while I've been at my computer) typing this blog! I'm talking about BYU TV and Jack Rushton, a quadriplegic on a respirator who says: "I want to be the best quadriplegic on a respirator in the world! I don’t know what it is in each of us that makes us want to do the best we can, regardless of our circumstances. It's a precious gift from our Heavenly Father." Man, if he's going to be the best quadriplegic on a respirator, then I can be the best 26-year-old who's unemployed and living with her parents!

I'm talking about double-duty Family Home Evening dinners at two separate bishop's houses with new acquaintances and old friends. I'm talking about more hugs and love and smiles in one night than I've had in the past month; things I've needed SO MUCH!

I'm talking about crazy friends and drama that puts you both on the front porch, crying in the rain at midnight, but through it all, you reach a breakthrough that was exactly what you both needed.

I'm talking about productivity and oil changes and tire alignment and making sure my Captain is in good working order to drive 1500 miles this week! I'm talking about running into old crushes that you'd given yourself thousands of reasons not to like, but in talking to him, all those reasons disappear and you're left smiling like an idiot again because he's just so dang fun to talk to! (Please don't ever find my blog!)

I'm talking about trips to Portland and a chance to hit the road and have some adventure! I'm talking about dancing with the hippies and finding flea markets and jumping in waterfalls and climbing rocks on the beach and laying it all out with a good friend who deserves a break and deserves to play and be happy and who deserves to talk and be heard and understood!

I'm talking about crazy text messages from 16-year-old cousins, just to call me a weirdo! And I'm talking about having to explain the phrase, "I love your guts" to a deaf sixteen-year-old who takes everything very literally!

I'm talking about super-duper-ultra-mega-huge run-on sentences.

I'm talking about being "so friggin rockin awesome!"

That's what I'm talking about. I'm not talking about politics.

Debra, me and Coralyn: Old roommates at Bishop Smith's house for Family Home Evening. Coralyn came from Oregon to visit before leaving on her mission to California! There's lots of loving here, and it makes me so happy!!

Absolute Adjectives: Best?

So ... I've been a little confused lately about degrees.

Elder Oaks said: "There were three degrees of quality: good, better, and best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."
Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Liahona, Nov 2007, 104–8
But, there are several "good" things ... and probably fewer "better" things ... but is there only one "best"? Who's to say that one "best" isn't just as good as another? And who's to say that you can't choose multiple "bests" and still forego the things that get in the way, that may only be "good"? How do we truly define the one and only "best"?

I've researched a bit into absolute adjectives. You can't be "more perfect" ... something's either perfect, or it's not! Yet, Jefferson wrote the Constitution of the United States "in order to form a more perfect union." So, if Jefferson can say it, why can't we? If there can be a "more perfect," then, I believe there's such a thing as multiple "bests".

Then there's "more unique."
"Unique" is a word that means "unlike any other." Someone or something can either be incomparable (unique) or like someone or something else (not unique). People and things cannot be "very unique" or "more unique" than others. Colloquial speech has developed an alternate meaning of "unique" - "unusual," which is not absolute and can therefore be modified in a comparative manner. However, this usage is not acceptable in standard written English and formal speech. --I can't properly cite this. Joelle found it for me, but didn't give me the source!

But what about when it comes to "Best Friends"? I have friends that I love! I have so many favorite memories, that they've stopped being favorites! (Is "favorite" another qualified word that I need to define?) When I was younger, I always wanted a best friend! Everyone around me always seemed to be partnered up, and I was always a third wheel! I had a "Best Friend" club when I was nine with Heidi Lewis and Melanie Fullmer. We had the necklaces and the matching ... whatever. One day in seventh grade, Melanie Gray and I spent an afternoon together at the mall, and ended up with "Best Friend" rings. Elissa Owens and I had a summer or two with our "Best Friend" notes and adventures. When I was that young, I'd take whatever best friend would have me! I still played and had fun with Lindsay, Andrea, Lauralynn, Krystal, Shantel, Amanda, Nicole, Melissa, Marianne, Tammy, April ... but I'd always looked for that "pairing off" of a best friend!

Brooke & Des

When Desirae came along, we got that. We did EVERYTHING together! The first year we were friends, we were both put through some crazy-rough experiences that bonded us together like glue. Because we went through them together, we learned how to talk, support and share. We explored together and had a lot of adventures, and we still share those good times, even though we're lucky to see each other a few times a year. Desirae has been around the longest and we've really come to rely on each other.

Brimball

So, was I betraying Desirae as my "best friend" when Kimball came along in college? Kimball and I practically shared a brain. We didn't have to explain ourselves, we always knew what the other was thinking and we were able to follow through with the jokes! Kimball was the first to make me feel wanted individually. Everywhere we went, she'd look for me and be by my side. We really enjoyed each others' company and found that we completed each others' senses of humor! Everything was funny with Kimball. We just couldn't get enough of spending time together! We'd play and do things, but most of all, we'd laugh! Kimball hated the term "best friend" because she thought it was a declaration of ownership. We'd never use the term until one day, we were talking and it just slipped out! "I don't know how it happened, but you've become my best friend! You're sneaky like that!" I know the term "best" means there should only be one. But, Desirae has not been replaced! These two "bests" fill different parts of my life! Can't I have more than one best friend?

Me and Shinae

Both Desirae and Kimball are on missions now, and I have a new "best friend." Shinae and I started calling each other our best friends after only knowing each other a week or two. Shinae's "childhood best," Breanna, will never be replaced, as Desirae and Kimball won't be in my own life. But Shinae's sitting pretty with her title of "best friend" in my life! Shinae and I jumped in head first and shared more in the first 1-2 weeks of knowing each other than I think I've ever shared with anyone else in my life. We've come to count on that communication. We've struggled a bit because it's been so intense and seemingly pressured, but we've been able to talk through that, too! Shinae's my supportive, communicative and influencial best friend.
I am so grateful for these three BESTS in my life! They're not in any sort of rivalry. I don't agree that "best" in an absolute adjective. These three are all bests for different reasons, for the different values they add to my life, and for the roles they all play in my happiness, completion, and helping me become a better person.
“Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young. And, hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old. It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other.”
In Virginia H. Pearce, ed., Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley (1999), 254–55.
I've done tributes to my three best friends on my sidebar. I intend to keep them all there for awhile. They each deserve that special place and that recognition!

Clearing up Ambiguity

So, my friend Sarah has informed me that I've been hinting at a lot of stuff without ever clarifying. I didn't realize that I was being misleading until she started asking me questions about kissing!

I've been sharing a lot of thoughts and insights without shedding any light on actual events or applications. So, just to keep you all informed, here's a summary of what's been going on in Brooke's world:

Through Shinae, I've learned a lot about friendships and supporting and uplifting each other. I've studied and gained a strong testimony of doing the right things for the right reasons. I love the sociality we have and the call we have in the Gospel to bear one anothers' burdens. I've seen how good and righteous friendships can help us grow. I've been truly grateful for the things I've learned and for the fellowship I feel in my life with this kind of friendship. As I've referenced "relationships" in my previous blogs, this is usually what I've been referring to.

As for "dating" relationships, there's nothing to report. I have close guy friends that I knew in Rexburg, and I've actually spent some time with Richard, Gary and David all recently. Don't get your hopes up. Nothing's happening. And on a few occasions, I've been really bothered by them! I'm still looking.

I've started attending the singles' branch in my stake. The very first Sunday I was there, my name was submitted to be a Relief Society instructor. I was sustained today. That was the calling I held in Rexburg right before I left. I learned to enjoy it there, and I hope to get to that point here as well. I'm excited, actually! The ward is different from what I'm used to (don't get your hopes up in the dating department with this one!) but they're good people, and I'm keeping an open mind concerning my involvement with the ward. I'm excited to be called to serve and look forward to the development and growth that I know will come from this calling!

I'm currently unemployed. I was met with a few snags with my previous job, and I find myself perusing the Help Wanted ads again. This has been a point of frustration, but seems to be a part of my life as of late. I look forward to the day when I won't have to look for a job for a long time! I'm getting SO tired of this!

I'm still living at my parents' house with no hope of moving out anytime soon.

We're going to Portland!!! This seriously, has become a HUGE matter of excitement! In a week and a half, Shinae and I will take off for 3-4 days of west coast fun! She's leaving McKylla and Abby with Alan, and it'll just be a girls' weekend! And the purpose of this trip?! Here it is, Ashley: We're going to an Alanis Morrisette concert! Now, most of you may laugh. Honestly, I don't blame you. I thought I'd outgrown my Alanis stage several years ago. I've continued to enjoy her music, but never thought I'd be going to her concert! But Shinae introduced me to her latest albums. Shinae loves Alanis and has helped plant that seed again in me as well. Ashley mentioned Alanis Morrisette on her blog recently and I nearly died laughing! I'm glad you like her, too! ;-)

This is one of my FAVORITE pictures of all time!

This is me with Shinae, Abby and McKylla

at a fall festival of sorts in Idaho Falls.

It snowed!