Double Takes.

Okay, can I say, "Hilarious?"

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Post-Valentine's Day Wrap-up.

So it seems that many of you don't like it when a story is started and never finished. Am I right? Well, I can completely relate, so I thought I'd finish off my Valentine's Day "story" and let you know that M was in fact my Valentine. However, when I asked him to be my Valentine, his reply was, "That doesn't count; I already asked you to be mine." :)

M requested that I be ready at 11am on Valentine's Day, when he would come over and together, decide what matinee we wanted to see. But, I was so excited to sleep in on Saturday, that I was behind in getting ready. I texted M at about 1045 am to tell him I was running late. He replied, "No worries. I'll come over 1130 am." That was the perfect thing to hear. I love feeling un-rushed.

I was ready right at 1130 am when M arrived with these in hand.

I love stargazer lilies. They are so deliciously fragrant! And even better, M remembered how much I love them. Then, as we sat down in front of the computer checking out all of our movie options, the doorbell rang. Katie was in the kitchen making herself some lunch and had tuna-covered hands, so she asked, "Will you get that?" Then M said, "Yeah, why don't you get it." A little suspiciously, I walked to the front door to find these tuxedo-clad men.

Yes, they are a barbershop quartet. (M's dad is the tall one in the center.) My jaw dropped as I let them in. They began to sing to me from M. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but I smiled the whole time. I was truly shocked. Happy, but also a little nervous that these four singing men were staring at me and only me for a full five minutes! But SO fun! When M told me I had a few surprises for Valentine's Day, I never would have guessed this one. :)

After my serenaders left, M and I decided on a movie. Confessions of a Shopaholic. We wanted something light and romantically comedic. On our way to the theatre, we stopped off at a new healthy fast food restaurant called Au Naturale. I've been wanting to try it and am happy to report that they do not disappoint! Take a look at their delectable menu here and stop by sometime and check them out. I would love to see them do well and be successful in changing the nature of fast food.

Being that it was Valentine's Day, I decided to wear these all day. (Okay, so I only made it from my house, to lunch, to window shopping, and to the theatre, but it was fun.)

After our movie, M dropped me off at home and I took a nap. How great is that?! He planned a nap for me into our day. Like it or not, I've learned that a woman needs her sleep.

Then dressed up and ready for a night out, M picked me up again at 6 pm and we headed down to this restaurant, where we ate on our first date. It was freezing and very windy outside. I was wearing a cute red and black dress with tall black sassy boots, which coupled with my car-length black wool coat, provided little protection from the cold as we waited to be seated. Good thing I had an "M" with me. They keep you pretty warm. ;)

But just before our food arrived, M disappeared for twenty minutes in the bathroom. I was pretty certain that he was getting my final Valentine's surprise ready to give me. But then he came back and just went about eating. No surprise, yet, I guess. Finally, he sighed saying, "It's not working." "What's not working?" "Your last surprise isn't working the way I had planned." I don't really remember exactly what he said at that point, but he finally asked me to listen to his coat pocket. (I was cold, so he'd given me his coat to put over my legs.) I listened, and heard his recorded voice coming from the pocket. Following the voice's request, I reached into the pocket and pulled out this:

Yes. You saw that right. He bought me a new phone! (Apparently, he and many of my other friends felt it was high time I had a new phone. I thought my little blue Samsung was just fine... I guess I was wrong. haha.) I was in a little bit of shock. I'm not always good with "big" gifts. I got a little overwhelmed, especially when I first started using it. Sensory overload. But isn't it beautiful?! I love it! One of my favorite features, which I'm sure many of you will roll your eyes at, is a four-level Sudoku application! M has me hooked on Challenge Sudoku on Facebook, so he was especially pleased to find out that the phone had my new favorite pastime as well. :) Thank you M!

Valentine's Day was grand. Not necessarily because it was Valentine's Day, but because M planned out the whole day. I generally don't do the whole commercial Valentine trip. You know, buying a lot of stuff that has hearts on it, or is full of tons of sugar, or stuffed animals holding fake velvet hearts. But I DO love sharing love with the people who matter most. And let's be honest, a designated day especially for loving isn't so bad. After all, I love love. Remember?

Thanks for a great day, M!

Golden Birthdays.

I've been remiss in documenting my life lately. So I'm going to backtrack slightly over the next couple of days. At the end of January, Derrick and M celebrated their "golden" birthdays.

Naturally, we had a party. "Golden Birthdays"

The night started with dinner at Buca di Beppo (Look how they're making at eyes at each other!),

followed by ice skating,

and culminated in all kinds of cake and ice cream. M had requested angel food cake with strawberry topping, which was delish, if I do say so myself. I  also made chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. And Katie made a favorite: funfetti cupcakes. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures of our creations. The birthday boys seemed to have a good time, as did we all.

For his birthday, M received a 72-Hour Emergency Backpack from me, 

as well as dinner at The Mandarin, 

where the inside decor really makes you feel like you're in the middle of China,

eating this yummy food: Chicken Soong Imperial Lettuce Wraps,

Char Shu Wonton Soup,

and Five Taste Shrimp.

He also had his first professional massage at Sanctuary. Ah, bliss.

Happy (now, belated) birthday M!

Ridiculously charming! Can I have one of her?

Isn't she delightful!


Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

M, will you be my Valentine?

A bit sappy sometimes, I am.

"I've been feeling all romantic lately," I say to M the other night. He chuckles, (you know that laugh that says, "I just think you're funny, but totally cute and I like when you feel all lovey because I know that you love me.") and says, "You're cute." Then he continues on suggesting that maybe I feel "all romantic lately because Valentine's Day is coming up and you know, you're supposed to feel all romantic this month."

Maybe he's right. But, whatever the reason, I like it. I AM a romantic. Sure, I stay am true to my pragmatic self, but when it comes to love... I admit... I love love. I'm a bit sappy sometimes. To love and be loved is like feeling the sun from both sides. Ah, let me bask in it. :)

"Love is the most powerful force in the world." ~Dallin H. Oaks

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Saturday, we had our annual Chinese New Year party at the end of the traditional two week-long New Year celebration. As I explained to our 14 guests, celebrating Chinese New Year brings a little comfort and piece of home for me, here in a "foreign land." It's probably my tenth or eleventh party. Fun fun. I loved being surrounded by good friends and yummy comfort food reminding me of home. For dinner, we ate potstickers, cashew chicken, orange chicken, and rice with delicious gai may baus for dessert! The gai may baus (coconut buns) were especially delicious. I need to try making them sometime. I remember when I first moved away from home, asking my mom to FedEx overnight me a dozen fresh gai may baus from Imperial Bakery. De-lish!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Running Monoblogue.

Do you ever find yourself blogging in your head throughout the day? You know, where you start thinking of all these great things to post? I call that a monoblogue. I do it a lot. Kind of obsessive-like, at times.

I'm sure that there are scientists and doctors right this very minute researching a cure for Blog-nesia. It's sort of like amnesia, where you forget (or in many cases ignore) other things in your life so you can blog or read blogs. It's a serious problem, people. I must get control of myself. Look at the time!

Did you know?

*Did you know that there is a sack of shoes in my closet that has been waiting to be taken to the shoe repair since October 2007? Yes, that's over a year.

*Did you know that in my basement food storage you will find 19 boxes of cereal and couscous? I clearly have a things with sales and double coupons. Is there a support group for addicted coupon users?

*Did you know that M brought me lunch today because I was a sick girl? (Or a sickie, as he calls it.) He's nice to me. I kinda like that man. It doesn't take much to make my day.

*Did you know that I have boxes of stationery and cards from my days working at "the paper shop," as my friend Kevin used to call it.

*Did you know that I was so sick and out of it that I nearly put the orange juice away in the cupboard the other day? My fever is finally gone today. Phew.

*Did you know that I've gotten 100% on all my tests so far in my math class?

*Did you know my favorite colors are red and blue? Okay, and black.

*Did you know Katie and I are going to Berlin for a week in March to visit these fun peeps? Yup, bought the tickets tonight.

That's all I got, folks.

God's got me covered.

You know that scratchy sore throat, which tells you that getting really sick is imminent? Yeah, well he arrived mid-day on Thursday. By Friday, I sounded like a man (and was in fact mistaken for M when I answered my own phone! Thanks Brian. :)) It got progressively worse Friday and into Saturday recruiting its friends congestion, cough, and fever. All the while, we were celebrating M's golden birthday. With my loins girded, fresh courage I took and ice skated with a fever of 101. Courage or stupidity? I'm not sure. My arm was by no means being twisted. I wanted M to have a terrific birthday celebration. Plus, I own my very own figure skates. How could I pass up the opportunity to don those beauties? And it was fun! Today, however, I stayed home from Church, still nursing my fever (along with a host of other awful symptoms that no meds or herbal remedies seem to touch). And I'm contemplating not going into work tomorrow. Ugh. I hate being sick. I do have to count my many blessings because I haven't been really sick for long time. So I can't really complain.

But can't I complain a little? Being sick as an adult is no fun. You don't really have anyone to take care of you and bring you chicken broth or tea or just wait on you like Mom would. No sick girl presents. No refills on your bedside glass of water. No wet washcloth to break your fever. But why should I mourn or think my lot is hard? When the coughing rages high, I feel no arm around me thrust. But every storm goes rolling by, when I repose in Him my trust. I may not have anyone to physically take care of me when I'm sick, but at least I know Heavenly Father's got me covered. All is well! All is well!

Hmph. Gas is starting to stink.

Gasoline isn't $1.35 a gallon anymore. :( Just a short time ago, I loved the smell of gas. (Okay, I still love the smell of gas, just not the price.)

Hope.

I've had many interesting conversations over the last week or so about the Inauguration and the transfer of power in our country. And quite frankly, I'm surprised at the divide among people in the state in which I live. Some have gawked at the pomp and circumstance that seemed to accompany the Inauguration. Others have overwhelmingly jumped for joy. Others have ranted about how much they keep hearing "Obama this, Obama that."

Might I remind you that every time there is an Inauguration of a President of the United States, there is pomp and circumstance. Eight years have gone by; it's possible you can't remember the last one. And, eight years ago, we did not have the same level of technology to express our views and share them with our best friend's brother's girlfriend's mother. Text messaging, popular online social networks, streaming online video, blogs, etc. were simply not as prevalent as they are today. Hence, we hear a lot more "Obama this and Obama that" because we have the media sources to bring it to us.

M expressed a concern, "The way some people are talking, it's like he has a magic crystal wand that turns everything to gold and ushers in an era of world peace. While that would be nice (having a wizard for a president), it's just not realistic."

I completely agree that it's not realistic to believe President Obama will work magic; we all know he is not some sort of magician. He, himself, spoke of the responsibility of a successful future for our nation lies with us, not just with the President, but with the people. His role is as a leader. Someone to lead and inspire us (the people) to do our best in aiding the nation to progress. He's just a man. Yes, he's a regular President. No, President Obama will not work any magic. He is here to inspire, persuade, and motivate US to action. The leader of any organization cannot bring his organization to a successful position alone. Every member is called to put forth effort.

The Inauguration publicity was grand. And it was that way because "the people" made it that way. People are proud to be involved. But the fact that we see President Barack Obama as a man, a "regular" President, is absolute cause to celebrate! He is an African American man, leading a country who used to enslave people with his same skin color. Keeping the history of our nation in mind, you cannot discount the fact that this is a milestone, an historic Inauguration by mere fact fact that we elected an African American President. I believe there is definitely cause to rejoice and be proud that our nation has made that type of progress.

Now once again, whether we "like" him or not, let's not be openly pessimistic and negative. There is no glory in putting down your fellow men. I am not saying that you need to love him or his policies or his position on controversial issues. I am saying that openly berating the man who swore that he "will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of {his} ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" is simply not appropriate. Vote against him. Be upset with a decision he makes. Fine. But to mock the Inauguration of a President is not appropriate. Be an American. Let's be patriotic, for heaven's sake.

I am hopeful that President Obama will have the courage and tenacity required to lead our country into greater times. My daily prayers include him, and I would encourage all of you to consider doing the same, that he may be guided by God to make wise decisions for us and our country. Let's be hopeful. Let's not be pessimistic. I once heard, "If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought."

Barack is in!

Barack Hussein Obama is in! Read his Inaugural Address here.

You must admit that this Presidential Inauguration has caught your eye more than many others. It has mine. Barack is just a great speaker. Let's hope that his actions during his presidency instill as much hope and confidence in us, as his words do. But as he stated, the responsibility does not lie solely with him. We are responsible to sustain and support him and participate fully in achieving success for our nation.

"For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

"This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

"This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an
uncertain destiny."

Also, did you love the music "Air and Simple Gifts" by John Williams, performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Anthony McGill and Gabriela Montero?!

And, I know I'm a "girl", but I love this photo of Barack and Michelle. Kissing is one of life's many joys!

And now, whether or not you wanted Barack Obama to be President, I hope that, as Americans, we will have the courage to support our new leader and pray for his success in leading our country and for his ability to make wise and good decisions, which will affect all of us. Good luck Mr. President!

One year ago...

One year ago today, I was waking up to this sight

and the sounds of these.

365 Days ago, I was ziplining through the canopy of coffee plantations

at the base of this volcano.

Yes, it was just one year ago that I was relaxing in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, swimming in this

with a view like this,

being mesmerized by clouds like these,

enjoying the sunsets,

and basking in the glow,

with these fine people.

Let's go again. Come on, let's.

Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Nobel Peace Prize Winner.

Last semester, in a class I was able to read the biography of Rigoberta Menchú Tum, (I, Rigoberta Menchú), who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for her work as an advocate for Indian rights and ethno-cultural reconciliation in her native Guatemala and throughout the western hemisphere. Born into a poor family in the Mayan culture, she became active in the resistance to oppression in Guatemala after her family was murdered during the struggle for Indian peasants' rights. Her life story was recounted in the book, and she also narrated the powerful documentary film "When the Mountains Tremble" about the struggles and suffering of the Mayan people.

So obviously, I was thrilled when I saw that the keynote address to kick off the University of Utah's 25th Anniversary Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be given by Rigoberta Menchú Tum on Thursday, 15 January at Kingsbury Hall. The presentation (reviewed here)was quite inspiring. Her story and presence are powerful. As she herself said in the address, "You can read all the books you want, but it's not until you experience another culture firsthand, that you really begin to learn." She spoke of respecting other, of how to live in peace and promote peace. Interestingly, although there was an English translator, I was able to understand much of what she said in Spanish. (I've decided that I need to officially learn to speak Spanish.) I'm glad I heard about this and jumped at the chance to attend.

Paz : Paix : صلح (solh) : Taika : Мир : Friður : Pokój : Miers : Maluhia : Frieden : שלום (Shalom) : Pax

Peace

Discoveries of 2008.

Friday night, I went to a party hosted by my friend Amber. It was a Girls Night with the theme of "What I Learned in 2008." We were asked to bring a favorite dish discovered in 2008 along with the recipe to share with everyone. Next we were to bring a top ten list of what we discovered in 2008 (with copies to hand out to everyone). Possible thoughts included: favorite new book, cool websites, additional recipes, make-up, great buys, favorite music, cooking secrets, trip ideas, diet plans, favorite toilet paper, parenting secrets, or any nugget of knowledge we felt worthy to pass along. The last thing we brought was a little gift basket to give away. The basket consisted of items listed on our top ten list.

I was so excited anticipating this party. What a fun idea! I loved sharing what I've learned and I learned lots of new things, some of which I've already checked out. Very fun, it was!

And I know you're all just dying to know what my top ten list looked like, so here you go:

eclaires's Discoveries of 2008

1. bareMinerals makeup by Bare Escentuals – With bareMinerals, your search for the perfect foundation is over; you’ll never go back to your old stuff again! Made from 100% pure bareMinerals it’s free of preservatives, oil, fragrance, talc and other skin irritants. I have fallen in love with the look of beautifully bare skin.

2. L'Oréal Telescopic® Clean Definition Mascara – I'll admit, I was very skeptical considering the No Clump Brush™ is so thin and long, with few bristles. But I found that the thin brush allows you to easily coat the lashes without weighing them down, resulting in a very natural look. The sparsely placed bristles allow for a combing effect, keeping lashes separated and clump free. And it perfectly lengthens my lashes (up to 60% they say). So I'm sold. Dare I say, I've found a new favorite? I know... hard to believe, but I think it's true.

3. www.Coupons.com – I have become a coupon clipper. Okay, I always have been, but this year I discovered online coupons. And they generally have stuff that I actually buy! Don’t go to the grocery store with checking here first.

4. Curves – The Women’s Only Health Club and Fitness Center with Aerobic and Strength Training Workout. This was actually a discovery of 2007, but worthy to share. No more worrying about people looking you up and down at the gym. Go to Curves and get a great workout in 30 minutes without the uncomfortable “meat market” feel of other co-ed gyms. And you’ll see results!

5. All things Google – I can’t live without my Google calendar, gmail, Blogger, and my iGoogle homepage brings those all together. My life has been made much easier and more fun!

6. www.Pandora.com – Internet Radio. Listen anywhere you have an internet connection and speakers. No commercials. Pick the genres and artists you like. Find out about new artists and songs you haven’t heard before.

7. Winter Squash – Butternut, Spaghetti, Acorn, etc. Delicious! Top puréed cooked winter squash with cinnamon and maple syrup. Steam cubes of winter squash and onion wedges in oven with a little bit of olive oil. Top "strings" of spaghetti squash with pasta sauce. Add cubes of winter squash to your favorite vegetable soup recipe. Slice strips of butternut squash and bake to make Squash Snacks. There are endless ideas for these nutrient-filled vegetables.

8. Salt Lake Choral Artists – I have found my niche once again. I love choral singing and discovered SLCA this summer. I auditioned and am now a member. Salt Lake Choral Artists is one of America’s premier community choirs, delighting audiences with outstanding choral performances for many years. The choir focuses on classical, contemporary, and culturally diverse music and emphasizes collaborations with other performing groups from the community. As Artistic Director and Conductor, Dr. Brady Allred has applied his wealth of choral conducting experience, remarkable range of musical talent, and exceptional leadership to bring the Salt Lake Choral Artists to a higher level of artistic excellence. His skills have generated new enthusiasm among choir members, serious interest from the media, and the attention of donors who recognize the importance of promoting top-quality performing arts in this community.

9. Calcium Chews – One a day increases your daily intake of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K and satisfies your sweet tooth. Costco’s Kirkland Brand tastes the best and are sugar-free!

10. Smart Balance Natural Peanut Butter – Peanut butter with no hydrogenated oils, thus no trans fat, no added refined sugar, and 1000mg of Omega-3s per serving. You can’t pass that up! Plus it tastes great! Check out their butter spread products as well.

100th Blog Post!

So I just realized that I was about to post to my blog for the 100th time and thought... it's 100... I should celebrate. Shouldn't I?

Wahoo!

There. Was that good? Okay, I'm done. Party over. On to regularly scheduled programming. Er, ... blogging.

I'm a fermata. Hold me.

I love touch. I suppose my family is a "touching" family. I grew up like that. I'm used to it. Physical human contact. Lots of it. Hugging, pushing, shoving, holding, sitting-on, lying-on, leaning against, hitting, poking, grabbing, cuddling, hair-brushing, stroking, petting, arm-tickling, wrestling, massaging, boosting, kissing, hand-holding, nuzzling, tagging, squeezing, rocking, snuggling... you get the idea. I'd venture to say that I'm the one in my family who likes/appreciates/needs physical human contact most and is most readily willing to ask for/initiate such touch. Apparently, I have always been a "cuddly" person. As a baby, I'd snuggle up as close as I could into my mom's neck and nuzzle for as long as I could. I think I still do that. I've learned that touch is one major way I feel/give love. I love it, and it's all so wonderfully normal, and comforting, and human.

Social life is a bit different from family life, and there are different acceptable levels of contact for different people. As I grew up and learned about things like "personal space" and "bubbles," there was by simple social necessity less casual invasion of other people's space. Which is fine, I guess, but sometimes strange to try and remember that not everyone is as okay with bodily contact as I or the people I grew up with.

Generally, I am not as "in need" of physical affection, as I was when I was a child. I guess I'm more comfortable with myself and know how to comfort myself. But I won't deny that there are days when I need a hug, a gentle embrace, a pat on the back, a stroke of the neck, or to have my hair played with, be held, or be able to sit close to someone and lean against them, to hug them, to push them, poke them, hold them, touch them, or slide my feet under them as we're lying on the couch. I need it to relax, to calm down, to be comforted—to comfort. It doesn't take much. But some days, I need it to keep my sanity.

Yesterday was one of those days.

Thank you M!