Getting to Know Them

Day 236

I had a great time being able to go to our Relief Society activity. It was a Chocolate Appreciation Night and we took time getting to know each other. What I loved was that of the ~15 sisters there, I knew all but 4 of them. And of those 4, I knew about 2. I felt great knowing that I know more people than I thought I did.

I'm grateful the Lord has given me the opportunities to get to know people in my ward, in spite of my busy schedule.

Today's Smile: I had another smile over the phone. This one was immediate, for as soon as I said hello, the lady on the other end said how much she loved my name and was so glad to finally have a grandchild with it.

Today's Something New: I, the, week+ vacation planner, actually can pack for a trip in one evening. Good thing I'm not going to let that become a habit!

Pureed Beans & Olive Oil

Day 235

Maybe it's odd, but it's so yummy I can't help being grateful for hummus!!

Today's Smile: One truly can hear a smile on the phone. I heard the lady's smile after a long conversation of trying to answer her question and her appreciation for my time and effort. It really is me pleasure.

Today's Something New: I read a book about "fake foods" with the intentions I would learn facts that would disgust me enough to keep away from them for a good long while. It worked.

Go & Do (even if not far)

Day 234

I had a good workout this morning--and all indoors! I know that isn't anything new or profound. But I love having that option when I'm rather inclined to do Least Effort. Or be in public in my exercising disgrace. So when I don't want to venture outside to run, it's nice to be able to run inside. :-)

I'm grateful the Lord helps give me the will to exercise.

Today's Smile: Lots of patrons. Of all ages. It's always nice to see them still smiling.

Today's Something New: A Town Called Alice isn't anything like what I thought it would be about.

Just Let Me Cry

Day 233

Today, I'm just grateful that the Lord has given me the ability to cry when I need to, to alleviate pain and stress and all such things that build up within me.

I believe that everything happens for a reason.
We’re not just tossed by the wind,
or left in the hands of fate.
But sometimes life sends a storm that’s unexpected.
And we’re forced to face our deepest pain.

When I feel the heartache begin to pull me under,
I dig my heels in deep
and I fight to keep my ground.
Still at times the hurt inside grows stronger
And there’s nothing I can do but let out.

Just let me cry.
I know it’s hard to see
But the pain I feel isn’t going away today.
So just let me cry
Till every tear has fallen.
Don’t ask when
and don’t ask why.
Just let me cry.

When I agreed that God could put this heart inside me.
I understood that there would be a chance that it would break.
But I know He knows exactly how I’m feeling
And I know in time He’ll take the pain away.

But for now
Just let me cry.
I know it’s hard to see
But the pain I feel isn’t going away today.
Just let me cry
Till every tear has fallen.
Don’t ask when
and don’t ask why.
Just let me cry.

I have felt joy,
the kind that makes my heart want to sing.
So my tears are not a surrender,
I’ll feel that way again.
But for now,
For this moment...

Just let me cry.
I know it’s hard to see
But the pain I feel
Isn’t going away today.
Just let me cry
Till every tear has fallen.
Don’t ask when
and don’t ask why.
Just let me cry

Today's Smile: My ward choir director's smile for my participation in the choir. He has a nice smile, too. :-)

Today's Something New: I had more of a culmination of a realization/remembrance today. I find myself ever observant of the inside of the Salt Lake temple. The woodwork. The murals. The paintings. Everything. There is always something to look at in every room I enter. As I was looking around in a sealing room the other day, a little thought triggered in the back of my mind that there was more greatness to what I was seeing. That it was exquisite work--the artisans' best. But that they did it quickly. This thought was confirmed when I watched "Mountain of the Lord" this evening. They did all of that in one year. Amazing!

A Friend in Need

Day 232

I did it! I went to a party. I mean, a large party with music way louder than I prefer and rock/80s costumes that I wouldn't have been caught in even in the 80s. (Though, well, I did have a pretty sweet 80s outfit for a Church social when I lip-synched "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" as a YW Presidency.) But I went. I'd contemplated for 2 weeks, knowing it would be after a full day of work (and on a Saturday!). I also faced the inevitable social anxieties that always accompany. It could have been very easy to talk myself out of it, event though I knew I really shouldn't. I really needed to go. I need to take every social opportunity I can, especially in my ward.

After work, I could feel myself faltering when an inspiration came--ask my friend and see if I could carpool with her. For if I could go with someone who I enjoy being with, and someone who understands my social anxieties and doesn't push nor hinder me in them, then I stood a much better chance of getting out of my shell sooner and enjoying myself faster. It worked. And I stayed 3 hours longer than I expected--and had a blast for all of it.

I'm so grateful the Lord inspired me to call on a friend.

Today's Smile: All the families who came to watch "Toy Story 3" at the library. Or all the people I saw at the party. They were all good smiles to give. :-)

Today's Something New: One of the poetry books I read had some little facts about various night creatures. I did not know some of the facts, particularly the one spider that eats its web at the end of the night (after it has caught all its prey).

Facing It

Day 231

I've not been happy about my face lately. Two medical conditions cause itching/peeling/flaking and constant break-outs. While I still feel pretty good about me and don't think I'm ugly, it's still hard for me to look in the mirror with a face like mine. And it's not just that it looks bleh. It is a little painful, too. With "the water" my family (and many others) uses, my parents let me know there was a water regime that helps with break-outs. It may also help with psoriasis. (And it couldn't hurt, considering all of the other things I've tried.)

Now, I have followed the regime a few times. The first time I did, I definitely noticed that the pain was gone. I didn't really see any other effects, but I also did not stick with it for much longer than a week at a time. I am inherently lazy by nature, and I know this. So a regime that asks me to wash my face, then spray with 2.5 water, then put a cloth soaked in 11.5 on my face for 15 minutes, and then spray with 5.5 water.... Well, it gets a bit much. Particularly that 15 minute part. And I'd love a washcloth with mouth and nose holes so I didn't feel like I was suffocating. But I haven't one and after a few days I get lazy and irked and I stop.

But tonight, I was thinking of how much I am really tired of my face looking and feeling this way. And if I have something that can help, well, then, I should stop complaining and do what I can, right? No matter how intricate the regime. So, I decided to try again--with more determination and all. Use that self-discipline that my father talks of me having. I began right away, and I hope to keep up with it.

Tonight I'm grateful the Lord provided some means to help my face be in a little less pain.

Today's Smile: I love the smiles temple workers have when people come in. I know those smiles--for I had them when I was a temple worker. They are sincere smiles, because it always so wonderful to see people come to the temple to serve. So I like it when I can bring those smiles to their faces, too. They are especially prevalent in Initiatory, and it was nice to see them smile.

Today's Something New: Today I learned (from the book I've been listening to) that Emma Smith's second husband brought two daughters into the marriage. One of them was named Zerelda. Not a name I had ever heard before. And then this evening I was reading up a bit on Jesse James. Turns out his mother was named Zerelda. What are the odds?! Learned that Jesse James actually got married. To his cousin. He even has living posterity! Interesting. Not that I like to follow outlaws' histories and such, but I realized for a famous outlaw I knew next to nothing about him.

My Time

Day 230

I got to see the musical Aida tonight! It was a local production, and not bad. Flaws, of course. And the mics were not loud enough so the pit band was drowning out a lot. But for an amateur production in an outdoor theater, it was good. And enjoyable. And I finally got to see a production of a musical whose music I have known for 10 years. Especially one which has my current "theme song" in it.

I'm grateful the Lord has brought me to a place that not only has such musical talent, but uses that talent so that I (and many others) may partake and enjoy it!

Today's Smile: Getting to share another musical with my friend. It is fun to go, but it's also fun to go with a friend. I know what it means for me, and I believe it's the same for her.

Today's Something New: Three colored ink cartridges CAN all be out at the same time.

Soccer Mom Rides Again!

Day 229

It's been a good day. My brother is in the MTC. I stayed awake at work. :-) And I had time in the evening to actually go cheer for my ward/stake in the softball tournament. I'm not good at sports. Especially anything that involved more than just running. I don't think well under pressure--fast pressure, too--and my hand-eye-coordination (not to mention adding in moving feet!) is almost nil. In my college intramural days, I found my calling in the sports life--cheering. I enjoyed watching my friends play. I couldn't help occasionally being a coach and calling out what to do or not do out there on the playing fields. I loved supporting. I loved getting to know names. I loved seeing sportsmanship. I loved seeing skills. And I loved that they loved having me there. Goodness--I even won the Honker Award* for my devotion to cheering for my ward's sports teams (even in a formal dress). I also earned a nickname for it: Soccer Mom.

I am grateful the Lord gives me the ability to understand sports enough to follow what's going on, as well as be a cheerful support to others in fun, simple ways.

Today's Smile: I made fellow ward members smile as I played cheerleader. It helped when my more vocal friend joined me and I didn't feel as silly all alone calling out "Woohoo!!"

Today's Something New: I'm learning some new technology things, as well as places on the Internet to help me figure out how to use that technology to help teens in/and the library. It's been a while (like, since grad school) since I've done so much tech stuff. I've missed it. And I'll never learn it all. But it's fun to learn what I can!


*See Life in the 32nd Ward, Chapter 10.

He's My Brother

Day 228

I had an evening with family--particularly with family I don't get to visit often here. My parents and little-though-very-tall brother came to town. Tomorrow is a big day for him, for my parents, for me. For all of us. But today was family time. Our last hours before he dedicates his life to the Lord for two years. And what fun we had! And what happiness and joy it brought me to be with my little guy. I am close to each sibling in our own ways. And some more than others because of personalities or opportunities to enhance our relationships. But no matter where the world takes us, I believe I will always have a special bond with this brother. For it makes no difference that there are almost 10 years between us. We are still the two youngest children. And he is still the one child that I received the most of my child-raising experience (as I still wait for more of that experience with my own children). And he is the one who taught me most about patience, kindness, gentleness, fun, silliness, being an example, and so much more.  I will never be able to explain to any one just how much my little brother means to me. How much our friendship and sibling relationship means to me. How much I love him. How proud I am of him.

But the Lord knows, and I'm grateful I not only had a few hours to spend with him before he goes on one of the most important journeys of his life, but that I have had him in much of my life.

Today's Smile: I'd have to say it was all the smiles that passed around our family this evening as we spent together. Who could count whose smiles came from or were caused by who? It does not matter. Then the family gets together, there is always much smiling and laughing going on. And those are the smiles and laughs (of others) that I love best.

Today's Something New: My little brother is finally coming into his own in our family. As a child, he made us laugh because he was adorable and cute and sweet and fun and all the things that make us smile at a child. But tonight, he held his own in with, impersonations, story-tellings, joke-tellings, etc. I've waited for this day. I knew when he was younger and felt (and was) so behind us in so many ways, that one day when he was older, he would catch up. And then the distance of years between him and us other kids would not matter. I saw it today. It was such a happy thing for me. And to know that he will just keep making that gap smaller and reaching us through his mission and his upcoming experiences in life makes me even happier.

Born (Able) to Run

Day 227

At last!! No pending headache or sheer exhaustion. I was ready. I went running!! If you read this blog, you know how much that means to me. Especially as I've only run once since moving here--and it was the coldest morning of them all! Crazy. I know. You don't need to tell me. But I resisted because of altitude and all. And I could only remember how much I was in pain during the running instead of remembering how awesome I felt the rest of the day afterwards.

I'm grateful the Lord makes it possible for me to run--whenever I choose, especially this morning.

Today's Smile: There was a mom and her son trying to figure out a book he had read before. We spent 20 minutes trying to figure it out. We never did, though I left them with the option of me checking on the librarian listserv to see if the book sounded familiar to them. Before I could get the post up, the mom came back to say her son did more research and figured it out. The smile was how grateful she was that I put in a lot of effort to try and find the answer. It's my job--and I'm glad I could try to help.

Today's Something New: I'm listening to a book about Emma Smith and Lucy Mack Smith. I learned a bit more about Lucy's background than I knew before. I guess I never learned more about her because I focused on her husband's family. After all, they were my family, too! So it was interesting to hear more of her background.

Not Just For Me Alone

Day 226

I attended a Fireside where Sister E. Smart was the speaker. It was amazing, and one I was grateful to hear. It was not so much that her information was new to me. It was that I could agree to everything she said. That her testimony and use of the Atonement, peace, faith, the Gospel were what I have done and can testify of myself.

Sometimes it is nice to know I'm not alone and that many of us share backgrounds of trials (no matter how great or small, big or little) that are all things we can grow from and let go of the pain because of our Savior--and I am grateful for my Savior's power of that and for the testimony of it from other witnesses.

Today's Smile: The people in the ward that some of YSAs went to and sang a special musical number for them. In spite of our few numbers and the mistakes we made, the Spirit was there, the message was felt, and the members were happy to have us.

Today's Something New: A&E documentaries have given me all sorts of snippets of historical things I did not know about Venice, the Forbidden City, and such. Interesting.

Finding My Home Temple

Day 225

My weekly temple trips have not been as spread out (in location) as they were when I first moved here. I have begun to settle (meaning I'm not always oot and aboot and happen to be near one of the other temples further away). When I choose to go to what I would consider my "home" temple, it has become this temple.

I am grateful that Salt Lake Temple is "my" temple now--still with its historical significance and awe but now also just like any other temple in the spiritual blessings and promises and ordinance and Spirit and work to do.

Today's Smile: The sister in the temple whose family names I helped with in our sealing session. Indeed, it was rather awesome to participate in my first family group sealing. I enjoyed being a part of the sealing work today.

Today's Something New: It's related to Today's Smile. But that's all I'm going to say.

The Ultimate Night

Day 224

I played ULTIMATE!!!! It has been so long. The last time that I can remember, I had a decent-sized headache and was only able to play a few minutes before we decided to go inside. And that was over a year ago. A shame. It was great to have my friends put together a time to play. Even though I had been fighting a headache all week long, I was determined to go. I wanted physical exertion. I wanted to have a social opportunity. I wanted to play my favorite sport! And not only did I get to play (rather blind mind you, as I'm out of contacts) and make a couple of I-can't-believe-I-caught-that! catches, but I also stayed afterwards and visited and played a game and laughed so hard my throat was sore. It was fabulous.

I'm so grateful the Lord gave me an opportunity for such a wonderfully fun evening--and strongly prompted me to go.

Today's Smile: All of the teens who came to the End of Summer Pizza Party. They seemed to enjoy the movie. They definitely loved the pizza. And they liked being able to choose something from the Prize Table. It was nice to give them a fun afternoon as their summer winds up.

Today's Something New: I have begun to add ground flaxseed to my diet. But I was curious as to its claims of health benefits--particularly related to my diseases. So I did some research. Everything I learned was new to me. Interesting. I am curious to see if I will notice any obvious benefits. We'll see!

Anything and Everything

Day 223

So, I've mentioned before how much I love visiting my librarian friend. We get together once a month. Cook/bake/make something edible and enjoy conversation. I have mentioned how much I've mentioned I love being able to talk to someone of my age in my work field who "gets it." But I also love that we can talk about all kinds of things. Tonight included a variety of subjects including politics, child discipline, and house buying.

I'm grateful for the Lord blessing me with friends with whom I never run out of something to converse about!

Today's Smile: My friend's parents were happy to see that I made an effort to find dairy free alternatives for my Fruit Pizza tonight so that their recently-discovered-allergic-to-dairy son could partake of the yummy treat.

Today's Something New: There are 3 (technically 4) books connected to The Good Earth. It took me months to read that book when I was however old. Many painful months. I am not a fan of that book. I couldn't believe that there were 2 sequels! (And a prequel.) I read synopses of the 2 sequels and knew I never wanted to bother reading them. It is no wonder to me that I did not like the original book. I got little out of it personally except a strong dislike for the main male character. However, I know many got something out of it--thus its ascension into "classic" status, so I won't completely berate the book(s).

Wise Choices

Day 222

I went grocery shopping today. That really is always something I'm grateful for. I'm grateful to have food. I'm grateful to have food so readily available at so many stores. I'm grateful that I can be a smart shopper and get better deals. And I'm grateful I have an income and not so many things hanging over me that I can actually afford food! Of course, today had me all over the place getting groceries. I needed to buy a lot of produce, and wanted to go to the most inexpensive place with it. But then I couldn't find particular items I needed, so I tried a couple of other places. Indeed, I was so running around that I skipped the last store I intended to go to and postponed it (and its sale) for the weekend.

I am happy to say I found the items I need, and I now have a new "I love this store!" Whole Foods. No. I'm not going into the stereotype of a vegetarian, vegan, organic, what-not kind of person. (For there is a stereotype, and I've known many and was shopping with them while I was there!) But after having a friend who now has Celiac disease, or a friend whose brother just learned he is allergic to diary, it is nice to have stores that offer the options needed to accommodate these people. But not only did I find dairy free cream cheese, but I also found flaxseed! I've been looking in all the stores I've gone to and could never find it. I also found some fabulously healthy cereal--3 for $5. Happy day! As well as something I can use for healthy treats--on sale--that will last me over 2 weeks even if I were to splurge and have one a day! There was also a kind lady in line behind me who saw I was buying those treats and handed the cashier a coupon for me to use. So nice!!! I just felt so good and happy in that store. And I smiled to think that when finances are even happier, I would do even more of my shopping there (you should have seen all of the cheeses and olives they had there!).

So today I am grateful that I followed the prompting to finally try a store that will give me affordable healthy options when I cannot find them elsewhere.

Today's Smile: The lady I kept passing in one of the stores. Not that it was anything I did to make her smile. But just that every time we walked by each other, we smiled. I love smiling at people when I'm out and about, and I love it when they smile at me!

Today's Something New: I started reading another nonfiction book that is part of my reading challenge. It deals with nine cases throughout history of things that went missing (pharoah's, cities, etc.) I learned little tidbits that I would not have known before, and was fascinated by one group's recreation of a bamboo boat and its voyage across the Pacific Ocean. I don't typically bother myself with "what ever happened to..." mysteries because they are not vital to my salvation. But they are still very interesting and it is nice other people have the curiosity and gumption to research and try to find answers.

Being Myself

Day 221

Today I'm grateful that the Lord gave me a job in which I can--among all of the many other wonderful opportunities--be my occasionally silly, attempts-at-witty self and have it appreciated and enjoyed.

Today's Smile: The couple I helped figure out the spacing on their resume. They were very grateful, especially considering the time they were spending trying to figure out "what went wrong."

Today's Something New: I read a nonfiction book about lizards this evening. (It was part of a reading challenge I've given myself.) I learned a lot more facts about various lizards than I knew before. Some facts were pretty neat. One was neat as well as hilarious to me, because the basilisk lizard can run across water. And the pictures of it... Well, I just couldn't help it. They immediately reminded me of my dear friend who is a runner. While I figured he'd think it was cool, I couldn't help seeing a little bit of him in the lizard! :-) But he'd be right--it is cool.

I made it

Day 220

With the headache threatening to come back for its 3rd day (in spite of much rest and limited jostling of the head), I really wondered if I could make it through the work day.

With the Lord's help, I did, and I am grateful I did not need to take sick leave or leave co-workers short-handed.

Today's Smile: A teen chose a manga book for her summer reading prize. I made sure months ago when I was "choosing" books to have as prizes to include as much manga as I could. Particularly of the more popular ones. It was nice to see how excited she was to have a book she would love to own.

Today's Something New: I made another realization today. This time it was in relation to my reading history, particularly when I was a young adult compared to now. See, my sister-in-law and I have been discussing some recent YA lit stuff and other things in relation to what books are out there and how parents are/aren't involved and how different parents handle things. My realization showed me why some of my current opinions and views may not be the best in applying current books to current teens. Meaning, I never really read YA lit as a teen, since I jumped from BSC to L.M. Montgomery to "the classics" by 8th grade and that I read some great YA books now, only I am an adult who is reading them and my experiences and perspectives, etc will be very different from a teen's. It was, I believe, a very important realization to have in mind not just as a librarian but as an aunt of many avid readers and a one-day mother of children who will read books.

To Him I'll Sing

Day 219

The headache came back halfway through the day. No surprise, considering it is a usual acquaintance on Fast Sundays. But the Lord answered my prayer in keeping it at bay. Indeed, at times I barely felt it. I'm grateful for that. For I wanted to be able to focus on the Fireside as well as sing well in the choir--with a smile on my face. All occurred, and it was a nice culmination of the YSA Summit weekend. I'm excited that I will get one more chance to sing that arrangement of "The Lord is My Light" next week. It is gorgeous and amazing and full of every praise in which that song deserves to be sung.

So many gratitudes, but I guess overall I'm grateful the Lord not only has given me such wonderful opportunities (great speakers, meeting new people, friends meeting me, singing in the Tabernacle!!!) and also allows me to physically be able to take part of them.

Today's Smile: I saw the UT SLC Mission president and his wife after the fireside. They were at Temple Square for something completely different. But I went to say hello and such a smile they both had. I know. It had little to do with anything that I did. Yet it is always nice to see smiles on others because it is long-time acquaintances seeing one another again, and getting to play a little of "Ketchup." They had great smiles to hear of my brother's mission call. And to hear that is well with my family. They are such happy people, that I appreciated the smiles they gave me in turn.

Today's Something New: Not necessarily a new thing to learn so much as a new realization. Last year's study of Isaiah on my part has helped me understand it a bit on my own. Not all of it. But enough to get what is being referenced. At least so far what I've encountered in 2 Nephi. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Isaiah chapter splurge to see if I can apply my new knowledge/skills/etc to what I'm reading. It  is all in preparation to at some point in the near future delve into all of the book of Isaiah. It's such a great realization to know it is possible to have the Spirit with me and the guidance of prophets and leaders to help open my understanding.

Choose to Be Great!

Day 218

What a day! It's been fabulous and amazing! Even the headache I've had for the last few hours cannot diminish how marvelous, amazing, and wonderful this day has been! Today was the Classes/Workshops portion of the YSA Summit (Choose to Be Great). I prayed to know which classes to attend that would be the most profitable for my learning. And were they ever! I'm sure the other classes were great, too, but the Keynote speaker and the subsequent 4 classes I attended were just what I needed. I am on a spiritual high, and like my friend and RS President said at lunch--"I am a spiritual junkie!!" Very true. I could never get enough!

I'm so grateful the Lord made it possible for me to attend the Summit today--I needed such spiritual uplift, comfort, and strength from the speakers and from the all of the young single adults around me.

Today's Smile: At lunch, there was a young man who joined us for a bit. We were talking about the spiritual highs and such. And I talked of how much I love being in huge groups of LDS members, where we all believe the same things and are trying to all be better people. He smiled, for he knew exactly what I meant. And that smile meant a lot to me--knowing I'm not alone in that wonderful feeling I love.

Today's Something New: I couldn't pick just one. There was so much from today's classes that I could take as new. New perspectives. New insights. New ideas. New...much! It was bliss!

A New Friend

Day 217

I love my co-workers. Especially my new one. She is absolutely amazing and I just love her!! I'm so excited that we get to work together. I love that we get along so well. I love that we have many things in common. And I love to just talk with her. I feel kind of bad for only one thing--when I'm scheduled at the desk with her, all I want to do is talk to her and get to know her more, and hear about her baby, and talk books and period dramas, and just chat the hour away. That's not so good when one is at work!

But I love and am grateful for the fast friendship in this wonderful person the Lord has helped me cross paths with.

Today's Smile: I pretty much took over running one of the two game booths our ward was in charge of at the huge YSA Summit tonight. It was the Rubber Ducky race. First, how perfect was that for me!! :-) While it was not the social experience I had been hoping for for weeks now, it turned out really well. Probably better for me in fact. On my own, I would have been my typical quiet self, struggling to try and pretend I had no social issues. In a small group of my very outgoing ward friends, I would have spoken a bit more, but probably would have backed into my quiet, observant self instead of the trying-to-be-more-outgoing me. But give me a responsibility, something left up to me, and I was able to bring forth the outgoing. I was able to smile and chat with everyone who came by. I enjoyed laughs and many squirts from water guns. But I also got to provide many smiles for everyone who came by and took part. And that made it all worth it. I love that the Lord always knows best.

Today's Something New: Some water guns do not fill up by just sticking them in water. I know! What nerve. But some people are geniuses and after much practice were able to teach me that these particular cheap-o water guns had to go in the water upside-down, at an angle, and shaken. Who'd have thought?

In a Book

Day 216

Another late night. And another worthwhile one. I began a book when I came home from work. I intended to read just a bit before I had dinner and then treated myself to the best film version of Emma that exists. But I was instantly hooked. So much that I could not put the book down for anything (save the pizza I splurged to order because, well, I craved it already and then they were eating it in the book and I didn't feel like cooking and I hadn't had pizza in months and well....just because). A fast read. And an unexpected one.

For I never expected my testimony of the Atonement to grow, nor my love for and gratitude towards my Savior to increase--and I'm very grateful that the book gave me so much.

With Friends

Day 215

It is not always wise to hang out with friends in the middle of the week. Because it very likely will lead to a late night. And when everyone in the party has work the following morning, well, we all know how we're going to feel the next day. But it is very much worth it. Especially for me, as I don't have many opportunities to be social right now.

I am grateful for each time the Lord gives me to spend with friends.

Today's Smile: We had another Toddler Play Hour at work. Our last for the summer since storytime will begin in the fall. And much to my sorrow I have been asked to really focus on the teens this fall and not do any storytimes. It makes since, as for another few months we have 3 other children's librarians. By winter or so there will be just the 2 of us and I'll have my chance to work closely with the preschoolers and toddlers again. But what sadness for the few months I'll be separated from them. Especially when one of my favorite little guys came in with his mom (who is expecting #2 in Sept. and which I did not know!), and when he saw me his wonderful, only-he-could-give smile spread across his little face. It made my heart so happy that he remembers me and that he still smiles when he sees me. How I wish I could give such smiles every day and all day.

Today's Something New: I learned how the Aboriginal phone call works! All of those years of knowing it could make the sound, but not knowing the "trick" or science behind it. Now I do. Nifty stuff! Thanks, Mad Science program. I wish I could have stayed in for the rest of it and learned more.

Sweet Invitations

Day 214

I was given a great honor and kindness today. My dearest friend invited me to attend his temple sealing in a few months. I would really, really love to go. But I don't know if I'll be able to make it (schedule-wise, financial-wise, and vacation-wise).

Still, he invited me. I'm the girl who is humbled and grateful to receive a wedding announcement from someone. I am not often invited to sealings since families are large and should be accommodated. I'm not usually the close kind of friend that one thinks of to invite. That is perfectly fine. Indeed, I do not ever expect to be invited to sealings. I understand that it is a small group that can be invited and I don't feel I have much of a "right" to be invited--unless it's my own siblings!!

Outside of my own family, I have been invited to 7 temple sealings. Five I was able to go to--three of them involving me flying on a plane in order to attend. One I was out of town for (though I was the brides temple escort the previous week), and the other I found out the night before and couldn't fit it into my plans. I was honored by each one. But especially by this 8th one.

I'm grateful for dear friends, and for dear friends finding happiness, and for the Lord being at my side all along the way.

Today's Smile: The teens who received a book for their prize. It's nice to see the kids and parents happy. But I just love seeing a teen happy about getting a book!

Today's Something New: Winnie the Pooh is considered to have 2 birthdays. In June, when the toy bear was released for sale. And August 21, when Christopher Robin received his bear on his 1st birthday. Either way. it's 90 years this year.

Priceless gift

Day 213

I just love my life--a gift from my Savior!

Today's Smile: Summer Reading prize hand-outs have begun. That means pandemonium!!! But it is so nice to not have the extreme stress and craziness like I did last year. This year, I can be busy and crazy but only lose 90% of my brain function. :-) But how I love Summer Reading and the fun and smiles it brings to people!

Today's Something New: They're making more Chronicles of Narnia movies. I know that's not a life-changing bit of knowledge or anything. But I have enjoyed the new movies and I'm glad they aren't ending with the Dawn Treader. (Which, by the way, I thought was well done.)