Day 91: Chatty Cathy

Aha:

I don't think I had ever met someone who had never met a Mormon until today. I don't remember what started it exactly but my supervisor asked me if swearing bothered me. I told him I personally didn't do it but unless someone was swearing at me I wasn't going to tell them they couldn't. He said he'd noticed I didn't swear and asked me why.

This started a whole Q&A session about my beliefs. I had already told him the day before that I didn't drink coffee, tea or alcohol and so today he asked me why that was. We talked about temples, prophets, modern revelation, the Word of Wisdom, tithing, fasting and fast offerings, covenants and temple recommend interviews. 

The whole thing was kinda neat cause I've never met someone who truly had no clue about Mormons. I told him I'm an open book and if he ever had a question I would give him honest answers. I don't think he has any interest in the church, per se, but it was just a no-pressure (for him or me) information session and I really enjoyed it!

Haha:

At another point during the day I had a completely different kind of conversation with a female coworker that involved words like "periods", "cycle", "doing 'business'", "sperm" and "eggs". Lol

Oh how different conversations can be in just a short period of time. Ha!

Day 65: Clinton's a Pro Mover

Aha:

So glad the work week is over!! This week has been very long and tiring with moving into and cleaning the disasterous mess we rented. It's starting to look like a home instead of a meth house, so that's good. Ha!

Seriously though, Clinton has worked so hard to make this place sanitary and I am so thankful for all of he has done!

Haha:

Clinton and I were commiserating about the wiles of moving and he recalled an experience from his mission that made me laugh out loud.

He said that he was asked to help a member move a washer upstairs. Not only was the stairway very narrow, but each of the steps were extremely shallow--to the point that he was balancing everything on his tiptoes. He said that the machine was the heaviest thing he'd ever carried and that by the time he made it to the top of the stairs he thought his back was going to go out.

Baffled by the weight of the machine he decided to open it cause it felt like something might be in there. Sure enough! It was a quarter of the way full of rocks! Rocks! Why would there be rocks in there? Bwahaha!

He said he was so mad! Oh man, I'm laughing just thinking about what must have been going through his head back then. Who puts rocks in a washing machine anyway, especially when you're having people do you a favour? Ha!

Day 59: I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked...and Peter Pooped

Aha:

You probably didn't know this but we live in the same neighbourhood as the stake centre; it's literally one street away from us. Well, I decided to take Peter for a walk before the second session of General Conference began and as I was on our way home I passed by the church. On the sidewalk across the street I saw two missionaries talking to a couple. I couldn't hear everything but as I was passing one of the elders just started bearing his testimony about how living the gospel has blessed his life.

I didn't stick around to listen but it put a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I love to hear people talk about Jesus; especially in such "out of place" places. In fact, some of my most spiritual discussions have happened in commonplace locations.

A blog isn't necessarily "out of place", but I too love Jesus and am thankful for His gospel in my life. His message is good news! It is one of selflessness and charity and I am thankful for the example He gave me to follow. I love that so many people in the world want to be like Him, regardless of religious affiliation. He is The Good Shepherd and I am so happy to be one of His many sheep trying their best to get back to Him.

Haha:

Now that the weather is improving and much of the snow has melted, I took advantage of the first opportunity I've had to pick up all of the crap Peter has relieved himself of over the winter.

There was only the thin layer of a plastic produce bag between me and the grocery bagful I gathered of cold dog poo. 

It was an interesting bonding moment between mother and pup. Each handful of crap inspiring memories of what he must have eaten that particular day. Every mound reminding me of the special responsibility I have in taking care of my little boy. All of it, a token of love. 

Or at least that's how I tried to see it instead of as the gross job it really was.

When I came back inside and told Clinton how much I had to pick up he said, "Yah, Peter really puts out a lot of poop."

Thanks. I know.

Day 382: Temple Bag

Aha:
Got to go visiting teaching tonight and see all but one of our sisters (unfortunately, one of our three had a puking child and advised us to avoid her home...but I'm praying their cute little girl feels better soon!) One of our sisters is preparing to go through the temple for the first time next month.  This is something she is taking very seriously and wants to make sure she is really ready for it.  My companion (who is a temple worker herself) and I got to talk about the wonderful blessings and feelings that come from the temple.  I got to share with her what I felt the first time I went through the temple and what I strive to feel each time I go now.  I wasn't exactly expecting it, but when I talked to her about how the purpose of the temple is to bless us mentally, physically and spiritually, I couldn't help but feel the spirit.  I had a really sweet moment there and it just reaffirmed my testimony that the work performed in the temples of God is vitally important and real.
She is very excited to go and I can't wait to be there with her next month!

Ha ha:
I ordered a purse online at the beginning of the month--it was basically everything I was looking for in a bag and more.  I was nervous it's wasn't "trendy enough" but after consulting a couple of my more-fashionforward friends, I bought it.

After a much anticipated seven days, my bag arrived today!! (insert triumphant trumpet)
I giggled when I saw the box and quickly ran inside to open it.
I cut the tape, pulled on the tab and opened the lid...(insert fog horn)

(Though it may appear to be okay-looking, trust me it's U-G-L-Y!)

What a piece of crap!  Not anything like pictured online (black scuff marks all over and red rope sticking out of one of purse straps).  Fortunately for me, I can return the bag for free (I'll just have a credit on that website, but that's fine).  Ugh, seriously, this bag is only appropriate for the leathery-tanned, Mary-Kay-caked, poodle-in-a-purse-carryin' old ladies.  I brought it out to Clinton for his opinion and he said, "Um, what are you 90 and getting onto an airplane with your carry-on?"  Yah.  It's that bad.  Ha ha!

Day 341: Unexpected

Aha:
Working in a children's hospital I see a lot of families in sad situations.  As I was walking down the hallway today I saw a family approaching with a handicapped teenage girl in a wheelchair.  She seemed to either have cerebral palsy or some other form of physical handicap because her arms were pulled up at an unusual angle and her neck was craned to the side.  From a distance, my heart broke a little seeing her "stuck" in her position, but as she was wheeled closer I noticed her bright, blue eyes and the huge smile she wore on her happy face - and it made me smile.
I have no idea her mental capacity, but if anything she knows to be happy regardless of whatever limits, setbacks or hard times she may have in life.  What a sweet glimpse into "why we're here" - it was unexpected but will not be soon forgotten!

Ha ha:
Peter was laying on the couch as I was getting ready to walk out the door for work this morning.  Before I left, I walked over to give him some loves.  I bent down, stroked his fur and told him to have a good day.  I asked him to give me kisses (usually a fast lick on the tip of my nose).  He turned his head away.  I asked him again.  This time he looked me right in the face, leaned in and burped.  Not exactly what I was expecting, but I guess in a pinch it'd have to do. Ha!

Day 313: Temple Trip and Marji's Quip

Aha:
I had a GREAT day today.  My previous visiting teaching companion (for the last 2.5 years!), along with our friend's home teacher and I, took our friend to the temple for her first time!  She was able to have baptisms and confirmations performed for her mother and pappy (two very important people in her life).  She is 81 years old and did the baptism for her mother and five other people herself...she was a real trooper!
It was so wonderful being a part of this special day for her!  Each time one of the baptisms or confirmations was done for her family she would bounce up and down a little in her seat, smile a great big grin and say, "Amen, amen, amen!"
I'm smiling just thinking about it.  Thank you Marji, for helping me feel the excitement and pure joy that comes from being in the House of the Lord!  What a sweet day!

(L-R: Brad Roberts, Marji West, Me, Melanie Jackman)

Ha ha:
On our drive down to the temple, I asked Marji a question, but I prefaced it with, "This may be a dumb question but...".  She quickly replied, "Danielle, the only dumb questions are the ones you already know the answer to.  Your's is not a dumb question."
Anyway, a few minutes later, Mel asked her a question to which Marji thought she should/could have already known the answer.  Before responding, Marji turned to me and asked, "Now, Danielle what kind of question is that?"
"A dumb question!"
Marji did this high pitched, squealy sort of laugh, and we all started laughing.  She is such a tease!

Day 307: Whistling and Being In Tune

Aha:
For about the last hour of work yesterday, my coworker and I got to talking about overcoming trials.  We both addressed some of the trials we've faced and how having such wonderful spouses, family and friends can make those experiences so much easier to bear.  We talked about how we know that the Lord knows best for us and if we can just trust in His plan, we will be the better for it.
It was wonderful!  It is so refreshing to have such wonderfully peaceful feelings at work and I'm grateful to have shared them with my coworker today!
When I came home from work I had a client scheduled for a cut/highlights.  Her appointment was two hours, and I would venture to guess that a good hour of that was spent talking about God.  She and I aren't members of the same church either, but it doesn't take two people having a common church to have a common faith or belief.  Our conversation touched on knowing their is a god, the Atonement and the peace and healing it brings to our lives, faith in our trials, and trusting His plan for us.  We both feel/felt that we have grown in knowledge and faith because of our trials.  We both expressed our love for God and encouraged each other to endure.
It was wonderful!  Two uplifting spiritual-conversations in the space of a few hours!  What a lucky and blessed girl I am!

Ha ha:
The hospital I work for has very unique hold-music.  It never changes, there's never a pause to thank you for holding, or to say that some will be with you shortly; it just keeps playing over and over.  Anyway, I had just been on hold for about 15 minutes when I realized I needed to be somewhere.  I hung up the phone, walked over to the hospital, took the steps down to the first floor and reentered the main building.  The hold-music was continuing in my head that whole trip and as I rounded the corner in the main building I saw a group of four providers in deep conversation.  Unbeknownst to me, I started whistling the hold music really loudly.  Every single one of them turned to look at me, as if I was trying to get their attention.  I stopped.  Like a deer in the headlights.  I looked at each of them and said a quick, "Wup!  Sorry."
As soon as my back was turned from them, I broke into a huge grin and laughed to myself.  I had to have totally just looked like a crazy person to them!  Ha ha ha!

Day 291: Handling Crap with Care

Aha:
One of my friends is going through a really hard time right now.  Someone dear to her has been falsely accused of something rather terrible and now her whole family is having a hard time.  She and I talked a lot today it was amazing to feel the spirit during our talks.  We talked about God and how he will never leave us during our trials.  We talked about how sometimes our faith has to be tested but that if we trust in his power and plan for us, we can conquer anything.
She's not a member of my church, but I remembered a talk from this last General Conference and decided to share it with her, because it brought me peace and I knew it could do the same for her.  The talk was given by Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, titled "Mountains to Climb".  Here are a few of my favorites from it...

When hard trials come, the faith to endure them well will be there, built as you may now notice but may have not at the time that you acted on the pure love of Christ, serving and forgiving others as the Savior would have done. You built a foundation of faith from loving as the Savior loved and serving for Him. Your faith in Him led to acts of charity that will bring you hope.

It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel.

I cannot promise an end to your adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop.

There are reasons for that. Knowing those reasons may not give much comfort, but it can give you a feeling of patience. Those reasons come from this one fact: in Their perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with Them to live in families forever. Only those washed perfectly clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there.


If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. And with prophets revealing to us our place in the plan of salvation, we can live with perfect hope and a feeling of peace. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up.¹⁰ And He always keeps His word.

Ha ha:
Took Peter for a walk.  He pooped.  I reached to pick it up with a grocery bag over my hand.  Something made me stop and look to make sure all of my fingers were covered.  Sure enough, my pinky was poking through a hole in the bag and would have become the perfect poo-skewer if I didn't notice in time.  Phew!

Day 144: L.O.L.

Aha:
The Lord has blessed me with an ability to notice lots of funny things in the last couple days.  Laughter is the best medicine!!
If you need some laughs, feel free to join me by reading on!

Ha ha:
1.  I answered the phone at work today and there was a call for one of our brain tumor specialists.
Caller:  Hi is Dr. So-and-so there?
Me:  No actually; he's got brain tumor clinic.
Caller:  What?!
Me:  It's Wednesday, he's in brain tumor clinic.
Caller:  Oh, my gosh!  I didn't hear you say "clinic" and here I was thinking the worst! Oh, my gosh!  I'm so glad to hear he's okay and well!  Oh, my gosh!
Me: (laughing)  That is too funny!  (laughter)
Caller:  (laughter)  If he's alive and well, just let him know I called then. (laughter)
2.  Our new section chief came through the office yesterday.  He passed by my desk, and pointed at me with a quizzical look on his face, like he was trying to remember something.  Don't ask me why, but I thought he was making reference to the last time he had come through and I gave him some dark chocolate after hearing he liked it...anyway, when nothing came out of his mouth I shouted, "dark chocolate!"  To which he said, "Danielle".  I guess he was just trying to remember my name.
3.  Last night before falling asleep I realized my phone wasn't by me.  I got out of bed and headed downstairs to see if I'd left it in the kitchen.  When I couldn't easily see it I thought I might have left it in the car.  Not wanting to go all the way back upstairs to get my robe, I slipped my coat over my upper half, threw on some shoes and was totally prepared to go outside in, basically, my underwear and some shoes.  Luckily, I felt my phone in my coat pocket and didn't have to go outside.  As I was taking off my coat and shoes I laughed out loud at how that would have looked if anyone saw me, and cried a little when I realized how lazy I was that I'd rather go outside in my underwear than walk upstairs to put on some clothes!

Day 108: One Thing Led to Another

Aha:
I happened to mention the "garment diaper" I found myself experiencing at work today (when your garments creep up your legs like a diaper instead of staying put by your knees).  My coworker asked about my garments and 45 minutes later we had discussed what garments symbolize, proxy work in temples, baptisms for the living, the restoration of the Gospel, personal revelation, agency, the structure of the church today (prophet, apostles, etc) and the afterlife!  It was a wonderful opportunity to share my testimony and to hear hers as well.  It is so refreshing to share religious views with someone you know outside of religious settings.  Talking about beliefs and finding commonalities among varying religions is very heartwarming, and feeling the spirit at work is even better!  I loved it!
It wasn't in a public dressing room (see yesterday's post), but my cubicle worked just fine. :)

Ha ha:
Peter is in rare form lately.  On our walk tonight I passed by two gentlemen talking in their driveway.  Peter ran right up to them to say 'hello'.  One of them bent down to pet him; he was holding a coffee or something and Peter wanted it.  Peter kept standing up and putting his paws on the guy's knees.  The guy thought Peter "was so friendly"; he kept saying, "what a good boy".  Little did he know that that's the phrase we use to give Peter permission to have his treat.  Peter thought the guy was offering him his good-smelling drink, so he'd put his paws on the guy's legs to get closer to it; the guy thought Peter was just looking for more 'loves'.  This cycle continued for several minutes.
The guy loved it, but I think Peter was a bit disappointed he didn't "get" anything out of it.  Ha!