Lessons & Accomplishments of 2011

As the old year passes and the new year approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some lessons and accomplishments from this year.

In 2011, I learned that asking for help, while extremely hard at times, is important. I am still trying to implement this principle in my life. I know that I can't do everything as much as I think I can. My visiting teachers and other friends have come to my aid and rescued me from the "dragons" that I faced. I witnessed the example my brother's family gave me of accepting help. They were probably most influential in teaching me this lesson.

In 2011, I learned the blessings of tithing. I had previously gained a testimony of tithing by not paying it in previous years. This year, I really strived to pay my tithing no matter how hard it felt. Let me tell you, there were a few months where it took every ounce of my faith to write and hand in my check. Because I have religiously paid my tithing, I have witnessed a few financial miracles. I've had a general peace about my finances. I have been able to better manage my money (for the most part) to live off my paychecks.

One miracle that stands out is the day my a headlight on my car burned out. I was down to my last dollar till my next paycheck with nothing to spare. A co-worker purchased a jewelry order from me. As I was driving to the bank to deposit the money from the order, I noticed my headlight was out. I was then able to immediately buy a replacement bulb and resolve the problem. That experience may seem like nothing special to you, but I recognize the timing of that blessing.

In 2011, I overcame a roadblock in my life that I had forgotten was there. It took moving to Utah and meeting an amazing friend to change my life in a way that resolved years of trying to avoid that particular roadblock.

In 2011, I completed my first quilt made entirely by me! I enjoyed that project immensely. I love seeing my quilt appear in pictures posted of the baby recipient on Facebook. I love hearing the compliments about my quilt given to the mother. At one point, the mother teased me that she received more comments on the beautiful quilt than on the cuteness of her baby!

In 2011, I learned the importance of working a job that I enjoy. After going through a bad situation in a job that I dreaded, finding my current job was a God-send... literally. The day after I quit my first job, I met the employment specialist in my ward. I didn't know she was the employment specialist at the time. I told her about my need for a new job, and she promptly helped me revise my resume. She helped me find a job faster than I ever could have on my own. Just as an needless piece of information, I have now worked at this job longer than any other job in my work history!!

In 2011, I experienced the greatest loss in my life so far. However, out of that, I have learned to trust in the Lord's timing and tender mercies.

This last year has been a roller coaster of a ride! Here's to a the year 2012!

Happy New Year my friends!

You Know It is Really Cold When...

1. The radio announcer is looking forward to returning to 30 degree weather.

2. The room temperature pot of water steams as you dump it outside.

3. Your checks feel and look sunburned once you return inside.

4. Wearing two pairs of gloves doesn't keep your fingers warm.

Warm wishes for a safe December!

A Tribute of Gratitude

Like most people, I have pondered gratitude a lot this month. I decided to focus on people I am grateful for this month. While I am grateful for the influence of so many people in my life, I want to dedicate this post to a just few!

Frazzled to Peaceful in 0.2 Moments

Wow... Has it really been almost a month since my last post? I need to jump back into the blog world and keep this updated. Hopefully, I will take the time this week to post pictures of my completed sewing projects.

Laboring to the T

On Labor Day, some of my brother's family and I hiked to the Tooele T. It was a fun, exhausting adventure! We parked in the wrong area, so it was a longer hike than we expected. I almost didn't make it all the way, but I am so glad I did. I really needed to accomplish something so challenging to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind and effort to!

I was SO sore after that hike! I will admit that I fell a few times on the way down, resulting in bruises where I sit! Ah, sitting at work  the next day was quite the task!

Below is a picture of my nieces and nephew with me sitting on the T, and a picture of the view from the T.

Here's to the new adventures ahead!

Alive and Well

I'm BACK!!!

My computer arrived in the mail this morning after being separated from me for nearly a month! (It was having some issues, so I left it in Washington to be fixed back in July.) I felt rather lost without my computer. So, please pardon another short post while I dust off my computer and get back into my usual routine!

A few updates:
-I started a new job a week and a half ago. I absolutely love it!!
-My friend Hungry got married, and I was able to go.
-My Grandpa Don passed away, and I was able to attend the funeral (same trip as the wedding).
-I finished the baby quilt I have been working on for a few months! (I'll have pictures of that soon.)
-I caused my niece to think I am weird! (That's a great story that I'll share later.)

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Paka

My Beautiful Washington

I'm back home this week in my beautiful Washington! It has been a much needed breath of fresh, cooler air. I came out for a jewelry training and to visit friends and family. Oh, how I have missed my dear friends! There is nothing quite like sitting up early in the morning, laughing hysterically over some silly story. I love how silly I become with certain friends around me. There is a voice of reason in my head that rolls its eyes at me when I get this way! But, I love, love, love turning into that crazy 16-year-old self again without a care of what anyone thinks of me!

I am hoping to keep this crazy girl with me long enough to enjoy the upcoming YSA dance and conference next weekend. I haven't yet found a friend who brings this out in me. I'm hoping that spending time with my Washington friends will help loosen me up as I return to Utah. It's hard to explain.

Enjoy your wonderful week!

Here is a post all about the beauties of my beautiful Washington at Mona's Musings!

It's Here!

My terribly missed card reader arrived in the mail this week! I have missed that little thing for two months, with 345 pictures to show for it! (Most of those pictures were from my nieces playing with my camera on the Fourth.)

Next week is going to be a busy and exciting week. I have an audition for an orchestra that I am frantically trying to resurrect my old flute solos for! On top of that, I am leaving for a vacation the same day as the audition. I have a lot of practicing and packing to do this weekend! Oh, the Pioneer Day Parade is Monday, which I am hoping to go see (depending on how my flute solos are coming!)

Here is a collage of highlights from my summer so far to enjoy while I sort out the adventures that merit their own post!

(Click to enlarge)

Have a beautiful weekend!
Paka!

Coming soon: The reveal of two completed quilts!!

Adventures Galore

This summer has been wonderful so far. I participated in a friend's wedding. I went on a road trip with another friend. I attended a baby shower where I showed off the baby quilt I have in the making. I spent a wonderful Fourth of July with two of my nieces! I have tons of pictures to share of all these fun activities, but I can't load them onto my computer until my card reader (that I left in Washington back in May) arrives in the mail.

Until then, have a wonderful week!

Attempting to Juggle

Many things have happened in the last month since moving into my new place. Our ward is functioning now, complete with a Relief Society presidency and soon-to-be Elders Quorum. I, unsurprisingly, have been called as one of the ward organists. I know, big surprise right? I knew that as soon as I opened my mouth and admitted to playing the organ I was in for it! I actually enjoy playing this organ. It is forcing, rather providing an opportunity for me to learn to play the foot pedals.

I am also trying to be involved in many other areas besides music. I feel that this ward will help me discover and develop new talents and gifts. Yesterday, I expressed a desire to be involved in fellowshipping new members of our ward. Right away, this friend thought of a few ways for me to become involved. I am so grateful for the generous people in this ward, especially the bishopric.

This weekend was a bundle of rash decisions. I bought a new phone and changed my number, which has been so nice. I love my new phone! Another decision was trying to find out what was wrong with my knee. As a result of out-of-state health insurance, I ended up visiting the ER to learn that I apparently have tendinitis in my knee. (I'm not sure I agree with that diagnosis, but I'll get a second non-ER opinion soon.) The third and most rash decision is something I have prayed and fasted over. While this decision is not logical at all, I feel it is the right one to make. And I will leave you all guessing as to what that decision is! Aren't I nice?

Have a wonderful week!

This is The Place

It may be corny to quote what Brigham Young said when he saw the Salt Lake Valley, but it portrays my feelings exactly. After being here one month, I found a house to live in and a job (which I accepted the offer yesterday) that is close by. I can't tell you how many times I have felt a confirmation that I am in the right place for my life. Big things are going to happen in the next few years! I know of two off the top of my head: I will finish my education, and I will be financially independent from my parents. At least, those are my goals for the next few years.

I participated in a historic event this last week. Student Wards were done away with and the creation of Young Single Adult Stakes and Wards replaced them. We met in a big regional meeting at the Conference Center to learn what stakes we are in. Last Sunday was our first Stake Conference where we learned the boundaries of our new ward. I am so excited for this new ward. I know it will be wonderful. I will admit that it is foreign to me to have stake leaders who I have never met, but I know they are good men.

I have really enjoyed my three roommates so far. They are all spunky and quirky girls, who love life. I am the oldest, only by nine months, and it is interesting to hear insight come out of my mouth. (It's as if I knew what I was talking about!) I have taken the opportunity of my move to really stay close to my Heavenly Father and the Spirit. I have been surprised on many occasion of what I am led to say and learning that it was exactly what they needed to hear. Words aren't enough to express my gratitude to the Lord for His abundant blessings this last month and in my life.

Okay, now for the fun part. Here is a video tour of my house that I took for my parents. (So, you can ignore the comments to my mom and dad.) Sorry if it is a little wordy. Enjoy!

Life is good; God is great! Paka!!

On the Road Again

I'm moving!!!

I'm leaving the rain, which I love, to live in the desert.  Many new adventures are ahead with school, work and life. Once I am settled, I shall resume my blogging!

So, stay tuned!

Valentine's Day Creations

I had a wonderful Valentine's Day with some close friends. I wanted to share some fun pictures and projects I made for the holiday. Enjoy!

First, I made this Valentine's Day/ Springtime wreath out of cupcake liners of all things! It was pretty simple to make, and I think it looks like carnations!

These are Pie Pops! I used a cookie cutter to cut out hearts from pie crust, added some Nutella inside, and included a stick in the middle. This bouquet turned out splendid. I had an interesting time gluing the red hots candies to cover the foam, but it was a hit with the family to which I presented it.

While at my friends' house, we decorated cookies! I just love the blank canvas a sugar cookie provides. Here are some of the impressive cookies.

 "Sunshine in My Soul" decorated by myself.

 American Flag decorated by the little brother.

 My "Too Pretty to Eat" cookie.

"A Growing Flower" by me. 

"Chocolate Covered Strawberries" by the mom. 

This next Valentine is something I made because they were such a fun idea with suckers! As you will see in the following pictures, we enjoyed them!

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Paka.

P.S. Be on the lookout for this week's Tasty Tuesday post on Thursday.

Tasty Tuesday: Mac 'N' Cheese Soup

I am so excited for this week's post! A week ago, one of the blogs I follow, Tidy Mom, posted an announcement for a celebration next week (other than Valentine's Day). She is holding a

You can read more about it here. I decided to participate, so I found a new soup recipe to try! Drum roll please... Yes, I know the name of the recipe is in the title of this post. Just humor me.

Tasty Tuesday: Apple Pancakes with Cider Syrup

Do you ever get distracted and busy? I sure do- probably more distracted than busy though! That's what happened to my reposting of last week's Tasty Tuesday. Actually, Thursday and Friday flew by after participating in the grade-a-thon at my friends' house. (The mom is a math instructor at the local community college.) I must say, we had quite an entertaining evening that lasted well into the next day. There's nothing like finding a random 27 in the middle of a math problem to keep you thinking! Saturday evening was spent attending a local Amateur Radio Club Awards Banquet, where my dad was presented with the Herb S. Brier ARRL Instructor of the Year  Award. He was a co-recipient of the award; the other recipient was his team instructor in the Ham Radio classes they teach. Anyway, it was a rather neat event and ceremony.

Coming Soon to a Computer Near You

So, I somehow lost this week's Tasty Tuesday post. Luckily I still have the pictures, so you can expect the new post probably Thursday or Friday. It depends on my ability to fit it in tomorrow while preparing for a jewelry show.  See you soon!

-ALB

Birthday Report

Earlier this month, my friends and I celebrated my birthday by having a party of course! It was an adventure just getting to the party. Murphy's Law was in full force that night. In spite of all that worked against me, I made it to my party and helped set up with minutes to spare before the final guests arrived! (Everyone else was helping with the set up.) Whew!

Tasty Tuesday: Lemon Chicken

You'll have to excuse the tardiness of this post; I fell asleep before I could post it. One of my favorite dishes is the lemon chicken you get at a Chinese restaurant. When I started searching for a recipe, I wanted something I didn't have to fry but still had a lemony flavor. I think I found a decent recipe. It turned out to be a little sweeter than I was expecting, however still lemony goodness!

Tasty Tuesday: Deconstructed Shepherd's Pie

After a jam-packed weekend at a Jewelers' Conference in California (more on this to come), I have to admit to being l-a-z-y the last two days. So, when dinner time arrived tonight, I changed what I had planned to cook. That's life and flexibility for you!

This recipe is based on a favorite family recipe that I love, love, love! However, this is different enough to taste like a separate yummy dish.

Tasty Tuesday: Easy Spaghetti Sauce

My challenge for myself this week was to find a recipe for spaghetti sauce that didn't require an hour of stirring. When I stumbled upon this recipe, I was really excited. It was so simple! I didn't follow the exact recipe, but I based what I did on it.

Tasty Tuesday: Hearty Tuna Noodle Casserole

Welcome to the first edition of Tasty Tuesday! 

I am so excited about this post! You have no idea! I am a Mom-in-training. One of my goals this year is to have an arsenal of recipes under my belt, so to speak. Each week, I will share a recipe that I have cooked and probably tweaked a little.


This week's recipe is a comfort food favorite of mine.

New Year, New Beginning

Happy 2011!!!

This year is going to be a great year; I can just tell by all the wonderful things already planned! Many changes will be made this year. Many projects will be completed. I won't give away all the goodies before they happen!

As you can tell by the birthday themed background, my birthday is just over a week away! I have been counting down the days since December 22nd, when there are exactly 22 days till my birthday! More on that celebration in the coming weeks.

I have several goals for this year. One of them involves this blog! I am going to be more than just a Once-a-month blogger this year! I have been greatly inspired by many, many blogs this week. I am really excited about my new ideas for Piano Plinker that will be unveiled as the year continues.

To start the year off, tomorrow evening will be the unveiling of a weekly themed post occurring on Tuesdays. Let me just say, it will wet your appetite! Tune in tomorrow to discover a delicious side of Piano Plinker!

Paka, paka!