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How does an ant eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Big problems are composed of smaller, albeit interconnected, problems. Solving the smaller problems will have an implication on the larger problems.

31 March 2011

Image thanks to stephen

"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark. In the hopeless swamps of the not quite, the not yet, and the not at all, do not let the hero in your soul perish and leave only frustration for the life you deserved, but never have been able to reach. The world you desire can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours."
Ayn Rand

24 March 2011

Image thanks to tmcdaily

“We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust... Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.”
e.e. cummings

21 March 2011

N'Orleans and the District

I went on a quick little trip to New Orleans a couple weeks ago with one of my best friends, Scarlett, her boyfriend and their baby. It was such a fun, relaxing weekend and the perfect person to be with when mom called (an hour after landing) to tell me that Grandpa Larsen had passed away. I greatly needed the escape and was okay leaving, knowing he'd go while I was gone. It was really hard to say that last goodbye and I cried the entire way to the airport, full of guilt that I was walking away as he passed and not sitting there right next to him. However, that being said, I had been there straight for almost 2 weeks at that point and I literally could NOT do it, emotionally, any longer! Not to mention there was a lot of family there...not to mention, I think mom and Uncle Harold may have pushed me in the car had I said one more time that I shouldn't go. It was nice to have that support and it was the decision that needed to happen. There were people there when he went and I had done everything I could...that is what really mattered to me. After the first evening, of crying a good portion of the flight to New Orleans, getting the phone call and crying some more, I was able to put the emotions on hold, for the most part, and enjoy my time and the 76 degree weather!

Not the greatest video quality (as it was very dark in there)...but a song everyone must hear in New Orleans!

We spent majority our time eating yummy food, listening to live jazz in little dive bars, wandering the cute streets and shops, and admiring the beautiful homes in the Garden District.
Being attacked!
Jazz Brunch

You can't say this isn't the cutest thing you've ever seen! My baby boyfriend and the little Demon that I have come to love. This is Scarlett's little guy...he LOVES me, as you can see in the video!


Scarlett and I also spent some time together a few weekends ago, in Washington, D.C. I was out there visiting friends, doing some job networking/hunting, and taking a break from things at home, the same time she and Billy were in the area. So we met up at the National Botanical Gardens, the Zoo, and a variety of dinners (figures...FOODIES!).
Spanish Tapas Restaurant...with live music
Our bread sticks that looked like joints. We are so mature.
The National Zoo - baby gorilla!
Despite looking awkward, he's still smiling, that's always a plus! :)
Not sure what's going on here? haha
Oh how I miss see Scarlett everyday of my life - stuck in our dungeon room during grad school. It's been nice to spend more time together lately! I love it! One of my two friends that gets me! She understands me and gives me the best advice and I love her to death!

17 March 2011

Image thanks to yellowbird

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
Dr. Seuss

13 March 2011

Someone Like You

I love Adele's most recent popular tune. I love what she says at the beginning of this clip. I think we have all felt that moment of despair when it comes to relationships. Those moments of despair are always what change us and oftentimes make us better people. I ponder on her exact words a lot! I think about people I've been in love with...how would I treat them down the road if I were to see them again. Would I be able to walk up and carry out a conversation and be cordial? Or would I turn my back and run like hell, hoping that person doesn't see me before I am able to escape? I would like to think that I could take the higher road and be a decent person. However, sometimes people leave you in rotten situation, people do terrible things to you, leaving a bad taste in your mouth and other times it may just be a more simple heartbreak. I often think about running into my ex-fiance. The way things ended left me in a pit of the most awful feelings in the world. I can't even begin to explain the despair I felt and the pain I struggled through to make myself happy. The vast amounts of weight loss, the lakes of tears that were cried, the anxiety and countless hours of lost sleep thinking about it all, not to mention the debt that was left in my name. What would I do if I saw him? I wish I could say that I would be excited to see how he is, how life has been so good to him...but it's the opposite, I feel that I would probably run. I am glad he doesn't live close. However, there are other men that I have fallen for that I do truly wish nothing but the best for! The most recent at the top of the list! Sometimes its something more simple...distance, that keeps you apart. It doesn't discount that he is still one of the most amazing, inspiring, sincere, and wonderful men I have ever met! He is one I would never run from, like my ex-fiance, and one that I would always wish the best for. I think that is where this song has most meaning lately...it will work out sooner or later with him, or I would only want to find another best person...someone else like him and wish him the very, very best in life (because he deserves it)!

I feel occasionally that I relate to Adele, when she describes the feeling of running into that person down the road and they have moved on, with kids and a beautiful wife, and she is still on her own. I am okay being independent and alone. I have listened to my friends battling the depths of a bad relationships and horrifying divorces. I would rather be single forever than to have to go through what some of my closest friends have been through. However, I think about what it's like to be in love, with someone that is wonderful...I wish I had that sometimes. Anyway, just food for thought. Enjoy the song! I love Adele and love this beautiful tune!



I heard that you're settled down.
That you found a girl and you're married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.
Old friend why are you so shy?
It ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light.

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited.
But I couldn't stay away I couldn't fight it.
I'd hoped you'd see my face,
And that you'd be reminded that for me it isn't over.

Nevermind I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me I beg
I remember you said: "Sometimes it lasts in love,
but sometimes it hurts instead"
Sometimes it lasts in love,
but sometimes it hurts instead yeah.

You'd know how the time flies.
Only yesterday was the time of our lives.
We were born and raised in a summery haze.
Bound by the surprise of our glory days.

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited
But I couldn't stay away I couldn't fight it.
I'd hoped you'd see my face & that you'd be reminded
That for me it isn't over yet.

Nevermind I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me I beg
I remember you said: "Sometimes it lasts in love,
but sometimes it hurts instead"

Nothing compares
no worries or cares.
Regrets and mistakes they're memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Nevermind I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me I beg,
I remembered you said: "Sometimes it lasts in love,
but sometimes it hurts instead"

Nevermind I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me I beg,
I remembered you said: "Sometimes it lasts in love,
but sometimes it hurts instead"
Sometimes it lasts in love,
but sometimes it hurts instead

10 March 2011

Image thanks to kelsey

"Dont bend; dont water it down; dont try to make it logical; dont edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly."
Franz Kafka

08 March 2011

Reminds me of ME :) I hope I have little girls that will learn easily like this! ha

24 February 2011

Rest in peace, Grandpa

I have such good brothers, you know that? I have always been very close with my two brothers. I can think of some of the times when I have had very difficult moments, emotionally. My brothers are always there for me. It's soothing. They each have their wife, but they are always standing there, ready to hold me up at just the right time, when I am wishing that I had a significant other, like them, to hold me up for just a minute when I really need it.

Tonight was Grandpa's viewing. I have supressed my feelings, overall, all week. I knew the moment I looked at pictures and waited to see him (which I wasn't really sure I wanted to, since I'm not a fan of open-casket viewings), I would be a goner! Sure enough. I spent a few moments looking at the photo display my mom put together and even though I had seen all the pictures a million times, there was one imparticular...nothing special, just a candid shot, that really got me going. I turned around and my little brother was standing there...almost like he was waiting for my moment of vulnerability to kick in and I collapsed in his embrace. About the time I pulled myself together and he walked away, I walked into the room and for some reason the flood gates opened once again. As they did, my older brother I suppose saw me or could just sense that I needed someone, as I stood there alone. I cried. And cried. And now I am getting teary-eyed, thinking of it. Why is it so hard to let go of someone, when you are glad they have gone and are at peace? So many great memories of Grandpa and it was nice to see him at peace tonight, even though I don't really think it looked much like him.

This song was one I heard numerous times in New Orleans, the weekend my Grandpa passed...it made me tear up every time I heard it!

Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

23 February 2011

In loving memory

Clyde Harold Larsen 1922 ~ 2011 Clyde Harold Larsen (88) born 3 November, 1922; died peacefully at his home in Murray on Saturday 19 February, 2011 due to complications of age.Clyde was the first of five children of Harold Christian Larsen and Ellen Goldia Petersen. He was raised in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake City. He graduated from South High school. Clyde served a mission to the Eastern States Mission before World War II. As a lieutenant in the US Army, he went to Europe right at the end of World War II. Not long following Clyde's return from the service his father passed away in a tragic automobile accident, Clyde assumed the responsibility for the family electrical business and completed all the jobs which his father had commitments for at the time of his death. He also took over his father's responsibilities as Sexton at Elysian Burial Gardens, and has served on the Board of Directors there until his death. Clyde married Katherine Louise Lee on the 11th of September 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with nine beautiful and talented children He worked as a foreman on the construction of many LDS Church buildings, in Mississippi, Florida, Alabama and Utah. On those occasions where he could take his family, he did. He also built visitors facilities at the Hill Cumorah and Peter Whitmer Farm in upstate New York. He was a foreman during the building of the Deseret Gym in Salt Lake City. In 1980 he started his own construction company, "Clyde H. Larsen & Sons Construction". His craftsmanship was so remarkable, that he was also entrusted to remodel several Temples including, Salt Lake, Provo, Washington DC, Ogden, Logan, Atlanta, Manti and the Salt Lake Tabernacle. He built or remodeled every home that his family and all of his children's families have lived in. These houses stand today as a memorial of craftsmanship and love for his family. He served faithfully as a husband, father, home teacher, Young Men's President, High Councilman, Bishopric, and Patriarch. Clyde served a second mission with his wife to the East Houston Texas Mission. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Leland, Keith and Boyd; one son, Wayne and four grandchildren Rachel Larsen and Robbie, Sarah and Brad Birkinshaw. He is survived by his wife Louise, his sister Virginia Moss, and his children: LesLee (Lee) Neal, Joan (Randy) Lunt, Lonnie (Robert) Birkinshaw, Harold (DeAnn) Larsen, Shirl (Elizabeth) Larsen, Leisha (Don) Staley, Wayne (Jana) Larsen, Sterling (Carol) Larsen, O'Lynn (Bob) Elliot. He has 57 grandchildren, 42 great- grandchildren, and five grandchildren now serving full time missions. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jenkins- Soffe Funeral Home at 1007 W. So Jordan Parkway (106th So). Funeral services will be Thursday, Feb. 24, at 11:00 a.m. in the Murray Parkway Stake Center, at 619 W. 5750 So. (off 700 W.) It will be preceded by a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

17 February 2011

A favorite of mine...

For just a while, calm your thoughts. In this moment, simply be.

There is much in your life, and there is much more to come.

Yet you have always been, and you always are, more than enough.
 
For a moment, let go of the way you appear and the things you’ve done. Feel the truth and power of who you are.

In silence, there is much you can know. Beyond thought, there is much you can understand.

Touch the person who always lives inside the person you are. Be immersed in the beauty and wonder of being.

Feel the strength that is always there. And know that whatever may come, all is well.

— Ralph Marston