The Ride

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. … Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”

- Gordon B. Hinckley

I inherited a tendency towards nostalgic thinking from my father and therefore I like to reminisce a lot.  Today was one of those days when my head was flooded with memories of the past, and as I thought of all the many wonderful experiences I've had in life my mind wandered to the above quote. 

My life isn't always as perfect and sugar coated and rosy as it may appear in photographs and edited blog entries and Instagram posts. Usually days are filled with work and worry and dirty kitchen sinks and piles of laundry to do. More often than not I'm bored of my job and sometimes Nathan and I disagree with each other. But at the same time I've never felt so full or happy or satisfied with my life as I have been today. I think of the abundant scenes of beauty and friendship and adventure and love that I have experienced sandwiched in between the day to day hum drums of my existence. And I am so grateful for the simple fact that I've been fortunate enough to live - truly live. To be here on this earth and experience every aspect of mortality, the good and the bad. 

And even though it hasn't been picture perfect, it's been just right for me, so thank you Lord for allowing me 'the ride'. 

A Vacation Much Needed

Nothing is better than ditching work and hitting the road to greener, warmer pastures. Particularly the variety with palm trees and hot tubs in them. Nathan and I had the lovely opportunity to go to the National Finals Rodeo this weekend in Las Vegas. We had a smashing time with Nathan's brother Jarom and our friend Luke. 

We spent some time atop the Stratosphere, something I had not done previously. Heights such as those make my stomach queasy but I enjoyed the view despite my nauseousness. 

 

Here's us watching the pro cowgirls and boys from the nosebleeds.

This morning we left Sin City behind us and drove out to California. We've been poolside chillin ever since with anticipation for tomorrow's Disneyland festivities. Life is good, my friends.

Mission Complete

At last I have completed all of my Christmas shopping and wrapping! Can I get a woot woot? And I only had to inflict minor damage to the bank this year! Y'all should be proud. Beaming proudness.

I also got a new haircut today. I can honestly say I haven't had a haircut I've loved in years. I can also honestly say that I haven't even had a haircut at all for like 1.5 years. So I was a little overdue for a trim. 

Drumroll please......... Bumdummmmmmmmmmmmmmm

JOY TO THE WORLD!!!!!!!! 

(bonus points to those picking up the Christmas vacation reference)

I am quite pleased to have finally found a stylist who can give me a decent haircut. Let us not remember my Joan Jett hack job of 2011. I have been wary of haircuts ever since then, but I think I'm over my fear now. This, much much better. I feel like a new woman. 

Sunday Musings

Well peeps. I got my very first smart phone yesterday, and I have to say my life has changed and I'm never going back to my old flip phone again. In fact I'm composing this post from my iPhone now! Shveetness. Who da thought. 

So I realize this technology is kind of old news to the modern world but I've always been kinda behind on the techno train. I mean honestly my family didn't even have a computer until I was like 14. It is what it is. 

So anyway I'm pretty psyched about the convenience and wonder that is the smart phone. I've got the whole world in mah hands!!! Yeeee!!! 

In other news I have decided to make Sunday my baking day. I have always considered myself more of a savory person as opposed to the sweet tooth type, but since the invention of Pinterest I haven't been able to resist trying out all the baked goods I've been bombarded with from day to day on that lovely website. 

Here's what I made today: 

BROWNIE PIE 

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Mmm. 

Seriously the recipe is as easy as cake too. Haha that's punny. 

1. Melt together over low heat

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar 

6oz chocolate ( I used chocolate chips)

2. Take off heat and add

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 t. Vanilla 

1/2 t. Baking powder 

Dash o' salt

1 cup flower

3. Pour batter into greased 9 inch pie tin and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

4. Take out of oven and immediately pour  7 oz of sweetened condensed milk over top.

5. Top with 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips and let cool.

Enjoy!