perhaps a little bit of random...

I have this new friend Megan. She's a pretty funny girl, and I like her a lot. A few weeks ago she issued a challenge to me to go to Huntsville Utah of all places and visit one of the State's oldest Saloon. The more detailed part of that challenge was to get a picture by the stuffed St. Bernard on the wall. Who stuffs St. Bernard's? Also I was challenged to eat the famous burger at the Saloon which had not one but two hamburger patties and a hot dog. I am still waiting to go into cardiac arrest. On our way, we stopped at The Monestary in Huntsville and bought honey. I don't have pictures because we got kicked out by the monks. Rudeness...kicked out by a Monk? Honestly! I did buy some maple honey though and I am just waiting for the time to bake bread so I can try it. That might happen by 2013. No promises. Thanks to my mom and sisters, this little excursion turned out to be a very fun memory. The scenery was beautiful, we even found a lake that I am determined to swim in this summer!

because I can't think of anything else to post at the moment...

I give you, the official 2010 Blog Quiz. I vow to come up with some more creative posts in the future, but I am a little bogged down with lesson plans, meal plans and life plans at the moment. love it!

2010 GETTING TO KNOW YOU

1. Tennis shoes or boots? Most definitely tennis shoes.
2. What time did you get up this morning? Supposed to be up at 6am. Rolled out of bed at 7am. Made it to work with 5 minutes to spare.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Oceans
4. What is your maiden name? Harris
5. What is your favorite TV show? The Office or 24
6. What do you usually have for breakfast? A granola bar
7. What is your middle name? Ruth
8. What food do you dislike? Spam and anything that says "low fat"
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? My Travel Mix (it's got a lil bit of everything stellar)
10. What characteristic do you despise? Rudeness
11. Favorite Clothing? My Cashmere Sweater. I love anything warm and super soft.
12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? EVERYWHERE, including but not limited to India, Hawaii, Australia, Greece, Brazil, Peru, Kenya, or Fiji.
13. Are you an organized person? Mostly.
14. Where would you retire to? An Island. Any Island.
15. Whats your most recent memorable birthday? Spending my Birthday in South Africa having a Braai and watching people "Jive".
16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Fall fast asleep.
17. Furthest place you are sending this? It's the World Wide Web isn't it? I'm sending it to anywhere on Earth.
18. Person you expect to send it back first? Who wants a treat?
19. When is your birthday? This Summer.
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night for sure!
21. What is your shoe size? 9
22. Do you own any animals? No, but I totally wish I had a dog.
23. Any news you'd like to share?
24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher
25. What is your favorite flower? Tulips or Orchids.
26. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? June 16th
27. How is the weather right now? Snow in April=poop
28. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Sam
30. Favorite drink? Strawberry Water
31. Favorite restaurant? The Dodo
32. Hair color? Brown
33. What was your favorite toy as a child? He-Man Master of the Universe action figures. I played with boys until I was 7.
34. Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter? Summer/Fall
35. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, is that even a question?
36. Coffee or tea? Herbal Rooibos Tea
37. Wish you were still young? Totally
38. Do you want your friends to post this to their blogs? Absolutely
41. What did you do last night? Ate Taco Soup at my parents and swam laps.
42. What are you afraid of? Disappointing people
43. Salty or sweet? Salty
44. Best quality you have? My honesty and loyalty to the things that I love. I will never say I love you if I don't mean it and my friend Amanda says I am fiercely loyal to my passions, dreams and friendships.
45. How many years at your current job? 2 weeks
46. Favorite day of the week? Sunday, who doesn't love that afternoon nap and Sunday dinner?
47. How many people will you send this to? Again, whoever takes the time to read.
48. How many will respond? Like 47
49. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? Why not?

spring cleaning

Along with the blossoms and blooming flowers, there have been a number of changes in my little life. I moved back to Salt Lake. For those who have stayed with this blog for a while, you know that I move...a lot. Maybe this is because I like change, or the chance to renew myself through the refining process of change, or it could just be that when an opportunity presents itself, I take it? Haven't figured out which yet.

I was nervous to quit my job in Connecticut in this economy, but I have to say that it was a great decision. I came back to Salt Lake and decided that I would not take a job unless I was 100% sure it's what I wanted and would benefit my career as a teacher in the future. After interviewing for several jobs in my field, and turning down a couple of offers my patience paid off. I begin working as a Teacher/Parent Consultant for Head Start on Monday. Finally, the degree I earned at the University of Utah will be used, an I will get Health insurance and all of that good stuff. I figure if I am going to teach teenagers in a high school how to be Early Childhood Educators, I should probably get more practice myself. Head Start is a government funded program which provides Early Childhood Education opportunities to low income families. I like that part of it, because I believe that much of what we learn and come to understand about our world happens in our Early years (0-5). I anticipate that my job will be a challenge, but it's important and I believe in it.

Next month I will continue with my Masters in Secondary Education and expect to graduate after student teaching next spring.

Because my job at Head Start is only for the school year and I have summers off (which is the best thing about being a teacher in my opinion), I decided that I would like to spend July-August doing something else I am very passionate about which is cooking. I am going to be the Chef at an International Summer Camp in New York. I have a deep love for the campers who come from all over the world. They are teenagers who come on scholarship to seek leadership opportunities within the camp. Camp Rising Sun also has a humanitarian element, which I love, and it is the reason I was able to travel to South Africa and have so many opportunities to travel all over the world. I owe them! Mostly I am excited to get back into the kitchen and cook for the boys! I get to plan all of the menu's and create cuisine from every region with a variety of spices, what's better than that? I can't think of anything else I rather do for a job. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity.

It's going to be a busy year, but I am happy with the opportunities that have come my way! I am going to get my bum off the couch and my hands off the computer and go enjoy the sunshine! Happy Spring!

baby animal festival

Yesterday I went with some friends to the baby animal festival in Logan. How cute can you get? Last year I went to something similar and brought home a baby chick and baby duck. Yeah um, they lasted about a week. I did not repeat the offense this year, although I seriously wanted to bring home that baby goat. This is my new means of discipline for kids. Instead of a time out, why don't we just take them out for a little Mutton Bustin? So hilarious!
It's doesn't take much to please sweet Heather, just a lil Rock Candy!




These baby bears were the cutest things I have ever seen. I could have watched them all day.


Megan and I enjoying some Bustin.
My favorite red shoes.
Emily and I, starting the day off with some country food.
Group Shot. We had such a delightful time!

channeling fear and confusion into faith and confidence

I haven't blogged for a while because I have had quite an eventful month. March Madness really lives up to it's name. Over the past couple of weeks I have had a number of changes occur, some of which I had control over and others that happened as a result of others choices. To say the least I have been deeply humbled. This post is for all of my readers, who I know may not all share my faith, but perhaps share some of my feelings.

I'd like to compare what I been feeling the past couple of weeks to hall of mirrors. Several reflections of myself looking back at me, but I am confused about how to get out of the hallway and which path to take once I get out. It's not til someone shatters one of the mirrors that I can see where I came from and where I should be. When we are faced with heartache, fear, confusion it often can lead us to questioning how we got there, and what we could have done differently, and sometimes leads us to feeling inadequate. The fear and confusion creep in and the mind chatter wont stop.

So what do we do? We can stay there for a while, looking only at that reflection, or we can look in another mirror. We can see ourselves a different way. This requires faith. This requires believing in something that we may not see in ourselves or for ourselves. Faith in turn gives us confidence to face our fears and also our desires. This is not to say we shouldn't feel or question. But we do have a choice as to the paths we take in our lives. The scriptures tell us,

"Cast not away therefor your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward"
(Hebrews 10:35)

On a more personal level I went to the Salt Lake Temple with my mother on Saturday. I went there with a heavy heart, grieving a loss in a sense. I had so much chatter that I could hardly concentrate but all of the sudden within the walls of that quiet temple I had a profound thought. My tears subsided and my mind stopped racing. The thought was, "Holly, sometimes you are not supposed to understand. But your faith will get you through this and I will take care of you!" I believe this thought was directly from my Heavenly Father, His way of getting it through to my head that I am not going to always have the answers and understanding I am searching for, but I must believe in His Plan of Happiness and go forward with Faith that He knows all things and wants the best for each of His children, which fortunately includes Me.

There are still a lot of uncertainties in my life, but I can not begin to tell you what a difference it has made to know that as I remain faithful I will achieve what this life has in store for me. I have to believe that in order to cast away the fear and anxiety that come from feeling inadequate. I literally feel like that confusion is being channeled into confidence as I pray to God for help and look to Him for direction. I have stopped trying to find the reasons why and that one thing alone has given me the opportunity and energy to move forward. The reflection I looked at today was one of hope and opportunity. I feel like I write this over and over, but I am truly lucky to have had the experiences I have had, and relationships that I treasure. My family and friends are amazing darlings and I hold all of them close to my heart. I will write more often and keep you posted on how this faith and confidence lead into my future.

I am so looking forward to General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints this weekend. I know I will be enlightened further and gain much from the wisdom of those who speak.

I am also delighted that it is Easter, and that I can turn my thoughts toward the Savior and His incredible sacrifice.

Have a lovely Easter Weekend!

snow.

So I have mixed feelings about today...

The first image here is me, early this morning and how I was feeling when I woke up. There was about eighteen inches of snow outside my door and I knew it would be a snow day for the three kids I nanny. For those of you who don't know...snow days=nanny cleaning up four times the messes and entertains three couped up children for thirteen hours straight. On top of it, I have been fighting a ridiculous cold this week and worst of all, David was supposed to arrive this evening and I had a rockin weekend planned in Manhattan for the two of us. His flight was completely cancelled due to the weather. Needless to say, I may have not been the most positive about how this day would turn out.



However, around noon I started feeling like I might actually make it through. Afternoon came around and I took a moment to look at my surroundings and realized how stunning the snow can actually be. Here are some of the images I took with my measly camera. Notice, the orchid from December still in bloom. I love looking at this plant every day. Heavenly Fathers creations, whether they come in forms of precipitation or flowers are truly amazing. Maybe today was just a reminder that I need to stop and look around and count my blessings!

thoughts about haiti

It's taken me a couple of days to really catch up on what has happened in Haiti. After church today I finally took the opportunity to watch some footage and my heart is heavy, and my mind is racing.

I also read my friend Andrea's blog, and I want to echo some of her thoughts. She is living with her husband in Kenya right now and has had some similar experiences to what I have had in Africa. As I watched the footage of Haiti my mind drifted to the townships I lived in South Africa and the villiages of Zambia, where although not suffering from earthquake at this time, the images of homeless, starving children are burned in my mind. That same feeling of helplessness I felt daily while working in orphanges encompasses me. That same desire to do something, anything at all is there. Even having seen those images in person, everyday for months I can never truely grasp what the people of Haiti are going through. I have been hungry, but never starving. I have never slept on dirt in the street. I have never had a broken bone. I have never wanted for water, or wondered where my family was or if they are alive. I have not experienced earthquake or poverty or disease. I have never wondered if God had forsaken me.

I don't even know really what I want to say with this post except there are a few things I know to be true when things like this happen in the world.

-When we experience or watch others experience tradgedy it leads us to count our blessings. I am truely grateful for my mattress and the water bottle sitting on my night stand. I am grateful to have a family, and to know that they are safe, well and thriving. I am grateful for my health.

-God Loves Us. And He knows of every individual on the Planet because He created and added details to every individual on the earth. He has not forgotton the people of Haiti and he will take care of them, in His own way. He knew of this earthquake, and He knows what each of us is supposed to be taught by it. Our choice is to recognize the blessing of compassion, or the desire to be compassionate.

=I am grateful for The Plan of Salvation. As the death toll rises in Haiti I realize that I am lucky to know exactly what would happen to me if I were among the dying. I am privelages to know of "The Plan" and that I can live with my loved ones forever in Eternity.

-The meek and the humble shall inherit the earth. I can not tell you how many times this ran through my mind when I would see children without clothing, or hear that some of the orphans I was taking care of in Africa were rescued from garbage cans and sricken with AIDS. This statement offers comfort and leaves me no opportunity to let my pride get in the way.

Anyway, just a few thoughts. I am pretty sure this post and what I have learned is more for me than my readers, but I wanted to share. My heart and prayers go out to Haiti, and all of those there trying to lift the burdons of those people.

get your kicks

I spent last weekend in Rolla, Missouri visiting David and meeting more of His family. It was wonderful to spend more time with him since we have so little and to meet Lisa, His older Sister. I had met his other older sister Heather and cousin Megan in Salt Lake a couple of weeks ago. Pic below. I have to say thank you to these ladies for making me feel so welcome. It's not easy to let someone be in your little brother's life. I know because I am a big sister too...but I am glad I am the one they are letting in. Besides that, I totally like them. I have had so much fun corresponding with Lisa and Heather. I am totally lucky that David was practically raised by them and they taught him how to treat a lady!



I was also happy to meet David's mother who doesn't know how much it meant to me to have beat her at the card game of speed. I never beat anyone at speed. I am still on cloud nine from that!

And finally, the sole picture I took while on my trip. This is me by a Route 66 sign. We didn't actually see the road, but I suppose it is the claim to fame in Rolla. The bottle in my hand is rootbeer kids, so no need to worry. I guess was too preoccupied to notice I hadn't taken any pictures. I don't even have any of David's mom, sister, or him and I together. Next time I will take more mom I promise!

my word for 2010

Last year I started a new tradition. Instead of setting New Year's Resolutions, I decided to pick a word to work on for the entire year. My word for 2009 was "learn". It was the perfect word for last year because I did learn so much, about so many things.

This year I have chosen, (drum roll please)...

patience

OK, so this one might seem boring, common, etc. but I chose it because it requires me actively working on it in small moments, hours, days. There is much that I have to work on when it comes to patience. I am required to have it in almost every area of my life right now and it is not something that always comes easily. I work with children, so naturally I am constantly needing to exercise patience although I have to say I really enjoy the children I get to spend time with everyday and it is good practice for when I have my own. I am in a long distance relationship, which requires patience and waiting but luckily and dauntingly I am dating the most incredible man on the planet and He's worth every moment I spend waiting til we can be together next. I am having to be patient with my dreams, which I have so many of always, and they are sometimes put on hold due to career and life decisions.

To help me as I go along, I found this talk by President Monson.

I am totally excited to see what 2010 brings. Let's hope I learn a little more patience by the time 2011 rolls around!

all is calm, all is bright

I have been trying to think of ways to encorperate the "real meaning" of Christmas into my daily life as I celebrate this glorious holiday.

David came up with the idea to share e-mails with each other encompassing "What I would give Christ for His Birthday" each day in December. As we read the Christmas Story out of the the Bible on Sunday, I think the story of Christ's birth had new meaning, more meaning to both of us because we had already been focusing on the Savior for the past few weeks. I am so grateful for such an incredible man in my life who inspires me and encourages me to focus on what is important this time of year. David you are the BEST!

Speaking of David, aside from spoiling me with umteen gifts...today the delivery truck arrived with one last gift, Red Converse Shoes! Ladies, if you don't have a man who listens to you enough to first, know you've wanted converse shoes for years...second, to know your favorite color is red...and third to be insightful enough to e-mail your friend and find out your shoe size and then have them delivered...I suggest you get one! I'm keeping David around for sure, but not because he sends me gifts...because he is Amazing!

WISHING YOU A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AND FANTASTIC NEW YEAR! HAPPY EVERYTHING!

city sidewalks, pretty sidewalks

There is no more exciting place to be at Christmas time than in the heart of New York City! From the window display's on fifth avenue, to the tree in Rockerfellar Center I totally fall in love with Manhattan each December.

This year however, I had some special visitors (wink). The first being Aunt Janene and Uncle Warren, who I don't have many pictures of but...we went to dinner for meat loaf at a local restaurant and then to see Billie Elliot on Broadway. BEST BROADWAY AROUND right now in my opinion. Aunt Janene and Uncle Warren are a hoot and I am so lucky to have such awesome family who come all the way from Texas to Enjoy Manhattan.

To make the season particularly special, my boyfriend David (yes family and friends...I did say boyfriend) came to New York for a visit this past weekend. It was his first time in this part of the country. Although nearly all of our plans fell through to do a gigantic snowstorm, we had a delightful time and loved just being together. It was *Magical*

Here's a few pics to capture our wonderful time in the city!

holiday frosting

Every year, the day after Thanksgiving is the day I put up my Christmas Tree. I anticipate this day every year. This year my tree is small, but it smells like pine and gingerbread and is perfect for my little cottage here in New England. I wanted the children I nanny to help me decorate it. All three of them helped me make the ornaments out of gingerbread cookies and yarn. We dressed the tree with lights and ribbons and Madeline drew and cut out a star. Because the children are Jewish and aren't accustomed to trees in thier home this time of year, this was a fun activity for them...just as lighting the Manorah will be for me in a couple of weeks at Hanukkah time.

I completed my decorating with a Christmas Blanket and pillow and I have to say I am loving every minute I get to spend retreating and wrapping presents while listening to my holiday playlist on iTUNES in this room.





Tonight I helped the kids I nanny decorate Gingerbread Houses, also a holiday tradition for me. It's been so fun to see the wonder in thier eyes and the creativity each of them possess. I heart these kids, I heart my job and I especially heart Christmas and all that comes with it.




Hope your season has been as Merry and Bright as mine so far!