Earth Hour 2010: Don't forget to turn out the lights.

Since its inception three years ago, Earth Hour’s non-partisan approach has captured the world’s imagination and became a global phenomenon. Nearly one billion people turned out for Earth Hour 2009 – involving 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents.

Last year, 80 million Americans and 318 U.S. cities officially voted for action with their light switch, joining iconic landmarks from around the world that went dark for Earth Hour, including:

Empire State Building
Brooklyn Bridge
Broadway Theater Marquees
Las Vegas Strip
United Nations Headquarters
Golden Gate Bridge
Seattle’s Space Needle
Church of Latter-Day Saints Temple
Gateway Arch in St. Louis
Great Pyramids of Giza
Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens
Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London
Elysee Palace and Eiffel Tower in Paris
Beijing’s Birds Nest and Water Cube
Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong
Sydney’s Opera House
~myearthhour.org

Join the movement and don't forget to turn out the lights tonight from 8:30pm - 9:30pm local time. The main purpose of Earth Hour, as I see it, is to create awareness around climate change. If the changes we make to participate in Earth Hour were sustained through the year, the benefits would be significant.

The Lovely Bones. The book AND the movie.

"Reading is a means of thinking with another person's mind; it forces you to stretch your own."
~Charles Scribner, Jr.

As you may have seen from a photo in my Christmas post, I read The Lovely Bones over the holidays. I figure, now is as good a time as any to post my review.

Set in the 1970s, the book is narrated by Susie Salmon, a young teenage girl who announces in the first sentence of the book that she was murdered. We also soon find out that she was brutally raped prior to the murder, but I don't think Susie ever says the word "rape," except for once later in the book, not even referring to her own experience.

Susie narrates from her own version of heaven, but since she, herself, has not yet come to terms with her own death, she spends the majority of her days watching her family and friends grieve, wishing to console them. She follows their daily activities, hoping for a chance to let them know she is okay. She also follows her killer, a neighbor, who she simply knew as Mr. Harvey, learning the deep ugly truth about this quiet, solitary man.

Susie, not yet ready to let go of her life, lives the milestone moments of life vicariously through her younger sister. She watches her father's never-ceasing struggle to find her killer and discover what really happened to her the night she was murdered. She watches her baby brother grow up, her mother estrange herself from the family, and her grandmother move in to help run the household. Susie might learn more about life than her 14-year old mind really wanted to know.

The book was certainly intriguing. The rape and murder told in the first chapter held my attention and left me wanting to know how it all ended, hoping for justice. Seeing the scene and the years following from the eyes of a 14-year old who knew what happened, was interesting, but at times frustrating. I wanted the detective and her family to figure things out more quickly. I wanted the rapist -- who, we find out, is in fact a serial rapist and killer -- to be caught, be humiliated, to suffer, and die. I guess I just needed to be patient...

Shortly after I read the book, Katie and I went to see the movie version, which came out in mid-January. As you know, generally I dislike reading a book before seeing the movie (if there is one) because I'm usually disappointed by the movie. I prefer to end the whole experience with the part I enjoy the most -- the book. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the movie portrayed even the most minute of details from the book. Certainly some things were left out and a couple of minor things were changed, but overall, it may have been the best adaptation of a book I've ever seen. (At least, that I can think of, right now.) I thought they did an excellent job bringing the story to life.

The actors were well cast. Stanley Tucci was convincingly creepy as Mr. Harvey, which I found a impressive since earlier in 2009, he was so wonderfully charming as Julia Child's husband in Julie & Julia. Though Mark Wahlberg would not have been my first choice for Susie's father, he did a fine job. And by the end of the movie, Susan Sarandon also won me over as the grandmother.

Alice Sebold's gripping story seems, somehow, delicate when told from Susie's more innocent 14-year old point of view. The pain and grief, which are requisite in a story like this and ever-present, ultimately evolve into hope. Sebold's writing is lovely, yet appropriately disturbing, and Peter Jackson's skill in film adaptation is to be praised.

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Siblings.

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters.
We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts.
We share private family jokes.
We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys.
We live outside the touch of time."
~Clara Ortega

Spring Has Sprung.

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."
~Charles Dickens

Today was the first official day of Spring, and I'm so glad that it actually felt like it. For some unknown reason, I woke up at 5:30am and was WIDE awake for about an hour or so. Just me. Alone with my thoughts.

Mercifully, it being Saturday and all - the only day I really do get to sleep in, I fell back asleep for a couple of hours.

Shortly before nine, and much happier about the hour, I awoke and started my day with blueberry cornflake cereal, got dressed, went to the gym, worked out (HARD), then went to the grocery store and successfully stuck to my monetary limit while still buying lots of delicious fresh produce.

The middle of the day brought a rousing rendition of "Tradition," when I saw a great local production of Fiddler on the Roof. I must say that the fact that the fiddler was actually a woman, really threw me. I never really got over it. They're all double cast and her MWF counterpart was male... but she most certainly wasn't and it was a little distracting. But overall, the show was quite enjoyable.

The middle of the day also brought the warm sun. My steering wheel was actually hot when I got in the car. Nice change, as long as it doesn't continue to get hotter.

The first official day of spring ended with an indoor picnic. Yes, indoors. Yes, a picnic. In March. But the abundance of delicious salads quickly took my mind off the fact that it might have been a little weird to be having a picnic indoors in March. :) Mmmm... I love salad.

Beautiful weather. Spring, oh Spring, please stay. For. A. Good. Long. Time.

Photos courtesy of me.
(The first one was taken in May 2008 on the Manti Temple grounds after my friends Andrea and Mark got married. The second one was taken in April 2006 at the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.)

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So, I fired someone the other day.

"To whom it may concern: I can't begin to count the number of people I've fired. So many that I've forgotten what it's like to actually hire someone."
~Ryan Bingham (played by George Clooney) in Up in the Air

It's what I do. People often ask me if I hate that part of my job. Is it awful to say that I don't? Call it what you want: firing, releasing, letting go, or terminating someone. I mean, it's never fun to let someone go, but it's part of my job and although I handle it very delicately and tactfully when I speak to each person, it's something I'm incredibly accustomed to and it doesn't bother me much at all anymore. In fact, many times I feel like it's a favor, a blessing in disguise for the individual. If you think about it, when someone is being released from a position, there is obviously a reason and that reason is that they did something wrong or it's simply not the right job fit. I'm giving them the opportunity to move on to something that fits them better.

You'd be surprised by how smoothly most of these types of meetings go. If you handle it correctly, generally the termination ends peacefully with a shake of hands and wishes of good luck. My mom says I was made for HR because I have the ability to be very straightforward, expressing just enough emotion to sympathize, but remaining stern enough to "let people know who's boss" and avoid any backlash or unwanted scenes.

It just is what it is. When I'm letting someone go, I point out that the behavior in question was brought to their attention several times (you always have to have documented warnings and improvement plans) and so this may just not be the right job or industry for them. So while I'm letting them know that we will no longer be able to employ them, I take the opportunity to discuss what their possible next steps could be and I typically offer a hefty dose of "friendly advice" to help them be more successful next time - not the least of which includes things like "Next time, don't lie to me," or "Next time, losing your temper and telling a customer to 'F*$! off' is not a wise decision," or "Maybe it would be good for you to tell yourself that your shift starts at 730am, instead of 8am. You may have a better chance of being on time." For better or worse, I generally never know if they move on to be more successful or repeat the same mistakes. I'd like to think that something I say helps them make at least one wiser choice next time.

You know, just trying to make the world a better place... one fired employee at a time.

Photo found here.

Bronson Staker on NBC's Today Show.

"Our loving Heavenly Father divinely intervened with the course of nature and allowed our son to be healed. Not only to survive, but to be restored. Fully. He allowed Bronson to be brought back under the worthy hands of his father's Priesthood blessing and then repaired by the capable hands of doctors and nurses who saw unprecedented and expedited results to their procedures. We could not be more grateful. We stand as fervent witnesses that He is a God of miracles. We do not wish to overstate, but we know that a true and utter miracle was certainly granted in Bronson's life and in behalf of our family. We know that miracles are given as a benefit to all mankind. This is much, much bigger than we are. We feel the weight of this solemn responsibility. An obligation coupled with a true and heartfelt desire to share his story in hopes of strengthening the faith of others and cementing our own."
~Sara Staker

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Discoveries of 2009.

Here's my list of discoveries or rediscoveries from 2009 from Amber's party. Remember last year?

Emery’s Discoveries of 2009

1. Skype – Skype is a communication tool, which includes features such as: instant messaging, video conferencing, and telephone calling. You can transfer files directly, as well as share your computer desktop, meaning you can essentially show the other person via video conferencing, everything that you see on your computer screen. Computer-to-computer calls are free. Yes, I said free. Instant messaging is free. Video is free. The video conferencing is the best. With a few hiccups here and there, based on your Internet speed, it really is a great way to keep in touch and truly feel like you're just sitting next to the person on the other end. So, have you started thinking about all the people you wish you could see more often? Do you live far away from family and you just want to see them or they want to see you... or see your babies? Just download the software at www.skype.com. It's easy to get started and quite user-friendly once you get going. Just make sure you have a webcam.
2. Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs – These snack packs hit the spot perfectly when your sweet tooth's got a craving. They don't have trans-fat or partially hydrogenated oils, so for pre-packaged snacks, they're pretty good!
3. Tylenol Cold and Sinus – In 2009, I endured six weeks of the worst combination of colds, bronchitis, sinus infection, and the flu that I've ever had in my life. I learned that Tylenol Cold and Sinus works wonders.
4. Ziploc – snack size bags – Trying to keep your portion sizes under control? Use Ziploc snack size bags, exclusively, for all snacks. All you need at any snack or meal, for that matter, can fit into a Ziploc snack size bag.
5. Long Gloves – No, I didn't just discover gloves this year, but I did discover that the key to a good pair of gloves is length. Try wearing gloves that keep you warm, well beyond your wrist.
6. Utah Book of Lists – Looking for a job? The Book of Lists is a fabulous resource for the biggest and best businesses in Utah.
7. Giving Blood – Did you know that every donation of blood could save up to three lives? The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™ And it takes less than an hour. Find the Red Cross near you and donate today!
8. Safety Pins – I've learned that safety pins always come in handy! You should always have a stash in your purse, your car, and your drawer at work. Often, I come across a need that a safety pin will fix. The need may not be your own, and if it's someone else in need, they will thank you 100 times over and openly praise your resourcefulness. Be prepared.
9. See's Butterscotch Lollipops – Just taste one. Say no more.
10. Traveling Candles – Traveling is fun, we'd all agree, but staying in a stuffy hotel room is the pits. Bring a traveling candle in a tin and your room will smell like home in minutes.

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Whatever.

Funny "Whatever" Baby @ Yahoo! Video

Šiandien, aš pasiilgau Lietuvos.

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose."
~Tennessee Williams

Šiandien yra Lietuvos nepriklausomybės diena. Kaip aš norėčiau būti ten, tarp savo draugų. Pasiilgstu draugų. Pasiilgstu Lietuvos. Tik pažiūrėkite į šias nuotraukas... Ar galite mane kaltinti?

All photos à la moi.

Baby Bronson: Truly a Miracle.

Main Entry: mir·a·cle
Pronunciation: \ˈmir-i-kəl\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin miraculum, from Latin, a wonder, marvel, from mirari to wonder at
Date: 12th century
1 : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

Welcome home, Bronson! Watch this video. It's long, but the last few minutes are worth it. I can't explain it, but watching that little boy walk out of the hospital, just two weeks after he was pronounced dead on arrival, brings a lump to my throat. Our Father in Heaven is a God of miracles. That, I know. And I know that our faith and our prayers can call upon God to bring about a miracle, even change the course of an event entirely. And bring about a miracle, He did. Prayer is powerful. Just take a look.

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Love One Another.

"Love is the answer and you know that for sure."
~John Lennon

Salt Lake Choral Artists: Beatlemania!

"I think people who truly can live a life in music are telling the world, 'You can have my love, you can have my smiles. Forget the bad parts, you don't need them. Just take the music, the goodness, because it's the very best, and it's the part I give most willingly.'"
~George Harrison

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫ We're singing again, as well as introducing The Young Choral Artists! ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

The Salt Lake Choral Artists' next concert will be like nothing you've ever heard from us before: Beatlemania!

John, Paul, George, and Ringo: those four iconic names that changed the face of pop music forever. Experience the British Invasion all over again as the Salt Lake Choral Artists sing the classic music of Lennon and McCartney as well as music by artists that both influenced and were influenced by the Beatles. With Get Back, a live Beatles cover band, and the award-winning vocal ensemble T minus 5, this is sure to be a night to remember!

You'll hear many of your favorites, including "Hey Jude," "All You Need is Love," "Here Comes the Sun," "Blackbird," and more.

Due to overwhelming demand for tickets, there are two performances!

Option 1:
February 20, 2010
Libby Gardner Concert Hall
7:30 PM
Tickets for this performance are sold out at the box office. There may be a small handful left. Call and ask, but don't count on getting in at the door!

Option 2:
For the first time ever, SLCA is offering a matinee performance!
February 20, 2010
Libby Gardner Concert Hall
2:00 PM
Tickets for this performance are still available! They are $15 and can only be purchased through our website.

Don't miss it! It will be an extravaganza like none other! See you there!

Content of this post taken directly from The Salt Lake Choral Artists' blog.

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Baby Bronson Update: Awake, Alert, Moving, and Smiling!

"The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."
~Pablo Casals

I've been following Sara Staker's blog updates on her baby boy Bronson since his drowning and near death on January 30th. (Story here.) A current resident of the PICU, he's been up and down over the last week and a half, but today, TODAY, he is back! Just thought you'd like an update. Though we have mutual friends, I don't know the Stakers personally, but I was so drawn to their story and have been sending my positive energy, thoughts, and prayers their way ever since I heard of the accident. Bronson now seems to be on the upswing! I'm thrilled. I started smiling, laughing, and crying all at once when I read today's first update. You can read Sara's updates and see new pictures here. So good to see that little boy smiling again!

Sara: Bronson, you, and your family are still in my prayers! Thanks for sharing the good news today!
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Random Photos: I'm a Goofball. The end.

"I also found child's play - stuff that was not considered serious, but goofy - was the stuff I liked to do, so I still do it as an adult."
~Matt Groening

Please laugh. Yes, at my expense. It's funny. Laugh. :)
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Life's fun.
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Baby Bronson: Prayers Needed.

"Take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight [our] battles, [our] children's battles, and [the battles of our] children's children' (Doctrine and Covenants 98:37)."
~Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Ministry of Angels, Ensign," Nov. 2008, 30

On Thursday, on Facebook, a friend tipped me off to a family desperately in need of prayers and good thoughts being sent their way. On Saturday January 30th, their 16-month-old baby boy Bronson, youngest of four boys, drowned in the master bathtub. Sara, the mom, performed CPR until the paramedics arrived, but by the time he arrived at the ER, he was in full cardiac arrest. He was intubated en route to the hospital, but it was entirely ineffective because the tube was mistakenly placed in his esophagus instead of his trachea. All resuscitation efforts were futile up to that point. He was DOA. But miraculously he was revived when his heart started beating spontaneously in the ER. He is alive. In the PICU, but alive.

Sara started blogging again, after a 16-month hiatus to keep family and friends apprised of their situation. Her last blog post had been the day after Bronson's birth. Ironic, she said, that her very next one was the day after they nearly lost him. Whether she intended it or not, the link to her blog has been forwarded to thousands, like me, who now are aware of their immediate need for prayers on behalf of their son and family. You can find her blog here. Sara very openly and candidly is sharing what happened and giving an update each day. In reading her initial post after the accident, I cried and cried. I'm not a mother, but I could so easily relate to her feelings and anguish. Her words are powerful and helped me to remember how fragile life is. She urged us to focus on what's most important and leave other things to be done later. This is what's most important to her right now:

Please take a look at her blog. If you don't have time to read, please say a prayer. I know I don't know this family personally. We have mutual friends, but I don't know the Stakers. But a prayer said is a prayer heard, in my book. And baby Bronson needs a miracle. If not just for him, for his mom. She needs a miracle.

Photo of Bronson borrowed from Sara Staker's blog.

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Groundhog Day.

Rita: "Do you ever have déjà vu?"
Phil: "Didn't you just ask me that?"
~Rita (Andie McDowell) and Phil (Bill Murray) in the film Groundhog Day

For the last several years, in celebration of Groundhog Day, I've had a tradition of inviting a few friends over to watch the 1993 film Groundhog Day. I've found that every time I watch the movie, I just like it more and more. This time, I found myself laughing out loud almost non-stop, it seemed. You see, as I may have mentioned before, I have this keen ability to forget details of movies (and books), which allows me to watch them again and again ALMOST like it's the first time. I'd forgotten SO many details and nuances since last year's viewing, so it had me wheeze-laughing at times. It really is a very funny movie. Bill Murray is one funny guy.

So, the other funny thing is this... on the way to work today, the radio station I had switched to started playing Sonny and Cher's "I've Got You Babe" and jokingly began to recreate the recurring 6am scene from the movie. Now if you haven't seen Groundhog Day recently, then you may not remember, but this is the song that Phil wakes up to again and again and again. Hearing it on the radio this morning brought a huge smile to my face. Good job radio peeps!

Happy Groundhog Day to you!

Oh, and if you're interested in knowing if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, he did. According to him, there will be six more weeks of winter. But apparently, not all groundhogs think alike. Read here to learn the some other groundhogs predicted winter ending much more quickly. Hmmm. I think they need to band together and provide a much more unified front. What do you think? haha...
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Indulgence.

"Of all the diversions of life, there is none so proper to fill up its empty spaces as the reading of useful and entertaining authors."
~Joseph Addison

Today is Friday. Thank the heavens! I am so incredibly tired (or at least I was when I was at work... now I can't fall asleep and take that much needed and intended Friday evening nap). On my way home from work I stopped off at Costco. I kinda like that place. So much to look at and generally good prices. Although, when you buy at Costco, it may seem like they have good prices until you realize that you are buying fifty of whatever it is you need and therefore it's 50x more expensive. But anyway. I love it all the same. Today, I love Costco for its books and their discount prices. In a rare moment of true indulgence, I treated myself to four books. Yes. Count them. One. Two. Three. Four. Wanna see?

All came recommended. Which one should I start with?

I promise I'll read my school books, too.
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I'm a Winner!

"Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is."
~Vince Lombardi

So if you've been around the block in the blogosphere, then you've certainly seen (and possibly entered) your fair share of giveaways. Yes, you know the type... jewelry giveaways, book giveaways, cupcake giveaways, ticket giveaways. Well, I've entered a few giveaways here and there, but have never won.

Well my friends, the tides have turned. That's right, I won my first blog giveaway. I was the first to "enter" this giveaway for Purity 12 Power Green Tea supplement from the beautiful Natalie Hill's blog. And then on Friday, she posted the winner. Sure enough, eclaires won!

I'm a winner! I'll be sure to let you know what I think of the product.
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Random Photo: Once was home.

"There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again."
~Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

This was once my front door.

Good memories.

Make the most of each day.

Death eventually comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life's journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny.

Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life's feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

The darkness of death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. "I am the resurrection, and the life," spoke the Master. "He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."

This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
~Thomas S. Monson

Heaven's been a busy place this week, it seems. A lot of people have died.

Miep Gies, who sheltered and protected Anne Frank and family during WWII, died at age 100 on Monday.

My cousin's mother-in-law collapsed from a massive heart attack on Wednesday at only 63.

Tens of thousands died this week, as a result of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.

Death is sobering. Death uproots your sense of well-being. Even with a knowledge and belief that there is a life after this, death is still sad and hard to cope with. It's a change that is hard for us to comprehend. Especially, when it's unexpected or when you feel the person was so young and still had so much life to live.

But I guess with any tragedy or struggle in life, there is peace to be found. Hope to be had. With time. Comfort comes. It comes in many forms. From friends, family, and in the loving arms of God.

Life is fragile. These deaths have caused me to think about where I am in life and if I died tomorrow, what legacy I would leave, or what unfinished business. After reading this talk by President Thomas S. Monson, current President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I just keep thinking that life is too short to fill it with anything but positive thoughts, loving feelings, and charitable actions. Be kind. Enjoy life. Love each other. Be happy. Decide what's most important in life and then focus on achieving a balance that allows you to spend your thoughts, energy, and time with those important pursuits. This is my resolve.

As President Monson said, "May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we '[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad.' May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.'"

May we all continue to cultivate Hope and allow this Hope to heal.