tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56705323606011469652024-02-07T03:41:09.017-08:00does this count as a journal?rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-77584424466660971202020-12-01T15:13:00.004-08:002020-12-01T15:32:12.308-08:00Memorize<p> Another dream has prompted this post. Before the harsh alarm went off this morning I recall being frustrated and helpless. I was in a group of young to middle-aged people. Maybe we were all dressed in white? Maybe they were sheets or togas? But all were supposed to memorize what seemed to be scripture verses. Only in my waking hours do the words not sound familiar in any verse of scripture I've read. Something about our feet being bathed in his tears is all I can remember. </p><p>We were to memorize and each take turns to recite, in front of a few, these verses before moving on. Almost as actors but strangely with fierce conviction and understanding of what we rehearsed. I was confident I had learned and memorized the part but when it came time to speak, my mind was blank. After a few prompts from the small audience, I still could not recall the words I thought I had been able to visualize. In my state of frustration and maybe a tad bit of embarrassment the alarm blared and I was still struggling to remember. I wanted to remember the verses and then the dream. </p><p>What came next was an immense need to memorize something. The new Young Women Theme popped into mind. I pulled it up on my phone and I began to read, memorize and learn it. The night before I had been wallowing in a mire of mud aimlessly searching for another Christmas movie or romcom to entertain. I was missing Jared who is working so hard to get mom's home half renovated before he returns home in time for Christmas. I thought of Amanda, Jared's daughter, still struggling with the divorce of her parents, learning to be her own person and develop her own understanding of the world at the young age of 17. This theme was for me. It was an empowering recollection of what I had known and promised. It was also for her; even if she didn't want to believe it. I hope one day she does learn and understand its significance. I hope I can always remember and recite this... even just to myself. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> I am a </p><p style="text-align: center;">BELOVED DAUGHTER </p><p style="text-align: center;">of heavenly parents, with a</p><p style="text-align: center;">divine nature and eternal destiny.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I strive to be like Him.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I seek and act upon personal revelation </p><p style="text-align: center;">and minister to others in His holy name. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I will stand as a witness of God</p><p style="text-align: center;">at all times and in all things and in all places.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">As I strive to qualify for exaltation,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I cherish the gift of repentance </p><p style="text-align: center;">and seek to improve each day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">With faith, I will strengthen my home and family, </p><p style="text-align: center;">make and keep sacred covenants,</p><p style="text-align: center;">and receive the ordinances and blessings </p><p style="text-align: center;">of the holy temple.</p>rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-25548407579700628182017-01-22T21:41:00.001-08:002017-01-22T21:54:22.723-08:00This past weekend I drove down to Brian Head to meet Leta and snowboard. I didn't hear or know if snow was in the forecast but the roads seemed pretty clear and I wanted out of the valley of pollution. So I headed south and found smooth, clear roads. Going 80-85 mph I made it down a little before 9. When I turned off the Parowan exit I saw a Family Dollar store and stopped to pick up some snacks for the day on the mountain. The store was about to close so I found my time of arrival perfect. I spent a about 10 mins in the store, left and proceeded up the mountain to the resort. I passed signs that read snow chains required if lights are blinking. The signs remained unlit so I wasn't worried. As I continued to climb, snow was falling and less than 3 miles from my destination there was about an inch of snow on the ground. The cars ahead began to slow. Most pulled over with their hazard lights blinking . In my naivety and bravado I slowly passed the cars on my right and soon found my tires spinning with no traction. I was afraid and nervous that I'd be stuck or worse, start sliding. I pulled over the side of the road as the others had, turned on my hazards and called Leta. She quickly answered. I told her I was scared and stuck on the side of the mountain. She asked where I was and then said that she recognized my car ahead. "I'm gonna rescue you," she said. We made a plan to drive really slow down the mountain to park my car and then drive back up. I turned around cautiously, scared I'd slide off the side of the mountain but never did. I made my way down slowly and parked at the condos at the very bottom of the mountain. Two things were clear to me that evening. The distinct need/want to stop at the dollar store delaying my ascent and the fact that Leta had cell service at the time I called her. She had not had service most of the climb up. Those were tender mercies shown by the Lord.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-66617999335371266062014-11-26T11:18:00.000-08:002020-12-01T15:16:31.684-08:00doors closingi woke up and went about my usual routine this morning. clicked on the pandora app after briefly scanning through new facebook posts. this day was different however. it would be my last day of work with ccla- <a href="http://www.cosco-usa.com/" target="_blank">cosco container lines americas</a>. as i stood by the sink this realization draped over me like a raincoat, stifling but bearable.<br />
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during my somber ride to work, the sun shone brightly, and all was beautiful. tears were near the surface, i never thought this day would come-even when i learned of the office closure in july. i don't believe that 'all good things must come to an end'. must they? is it human nature to put off the inevitable? rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-11260128577878574352014-08-19T11:28:00.000-07:002020-12-01T15:21:48.329-08:00dear single lds men over 30,dear single lds men over 30,<br />
<br />
please keep trying. <br />
please don't give up.<br />
be the person you're looking for and the odds of finding her are hugely in your favor.<br />
pleaserikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-37240238647726206862014-03-22T07:00:00.000-07:002014-03-22T07:26:00.512-07:00a child's prayerabout every sunday i end up hanging out with one of my favorite families. i love it. sometimes dinner, always stories and most of the time delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies. <br />
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over a month ago i helped put six year old aj to bed. he was allowed one bedtime story and was advised by mom to offer up a good prayer. after i read the clever pop-up book 'winter's tale' we chatted a little and i kneeled at his bedside. aj wanted to continue chatting but i asked him to begin his prayer because my knees began to hurt against the wood floor. he quickly started praying (this is from my memory so it's not completely accurate).<br />
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Dear Heavenly Father,<br />
Thank you for this day.<br />
Thank you for my family and friends and presents. (he just had a birthday. but here comes the good part.)<br />
<br />
Please bless that North Korea will be a safe country some day...<br />
and that they will have a good leader.<br />
<br />
Please bless that my car won't get stolen. (he just got a power wheel from mom and dad)<br />
Please bless that no robbers will come into anyone's houses. (i was dying and waited to hear more but not much else came.)<br />
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In the name of Jesus Christ,<br />
Amen. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-54524293537877436752014-03-21T22:00:00.000-07:002014-03-22T07:47:37.812-07:00as of late<div>
wow, it's been over a year, maybe two, since i've posted an entry. life has been good. i cannot complain. i've done a bit of traveling since my last post. however, there is a sense of boredom and a little space of emptiness in the activity as i have yet to find someone with whom i care to share the sights and experiences travel brings. the travel bug comes and goes and right now it has left me. trips will always arise and i'm thankful for that. </div>
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i've been doing a lot of exercise by way of triathlon training. in april i'll be racing for the first time in approximately 6 years. suffering from bunions has limited my ability to run. i don't complain too much as running is my least favorite portion of triathlon. swim training has been fun and necessary. i swim with a great group of people and really enjoy the coaches at the henderson multigeneration pool. i don't want to drown so the more comfortable i feel in the pool will hopefully mean i'm a bit more calm in the open water. i'm doing <a href="http://www.maxtestatraining.com/" target="_blank">max testa</a> training on the bike with some great athletes in town. it's been quite challenging but rewarding as well. </div>
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on a completely different note.. i listen to pandora with one earbud everyday at work. i have to keep the other ear free to hear my co-workers or answer the phone. katy perry and sting are my most listened to stations followed by the killers and temper trap. my favorite musical artist as of late is sara bareilles. i don't care if i sound creeperish but i think we could be kindred spirits. her music and lyrics are genius and beautiful. they are mostly about love, relationships, and heart break. but really, what song isn't? all i know is that she has to be either super sensitive or terrible at choosing her lovers. Her songs of heartache are so sad, deeply feeling and incredibly descriptive. but one song called 'the light' has really appealed to me. it's actually a positive one. and i love it right now because i feel it resembles my current state or more so the state i wish to be in. i'm ready to follow a righteous man into 'the light'... come what may. enjoy!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">in the morning it comes, heaven sent a hurricane</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">not a trace of the sun but I don't even run from rain</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">beating out of my chest, my heart is holding on to you</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">from the moment I knew</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">from the moment I knew</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">you’re the air in my breath filling up my love-soaked lungs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">such a beautiful mess intertwined and overrun</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">nothing better than this, knowing that the storm can come</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">you feel just like the sun</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">just like the sun</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">and if you say, “we’ll be alright”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">i'm gonna trust you, babe</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">i'm gonna look in your eyes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">and if you say, “we’ll be alright”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">i'll follow you into the light</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">never mind what I knew, nothing seems to matter now</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">ooh, who I was without you, I can do without</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">no one knows where it ends, how it may come tumbling down</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">but I'm here with you now</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">i'm with you now</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">and if you say, “we’ll be alright”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">i'm gonna trust you, babe</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">i'm gonna look in your eyes<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />and if you say, “we’ll be alright”<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />i'll follow you into the light<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />let the world come rush in<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />come down hard, come crushing</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">all I need is right here beside me</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">i'm all love i swear it </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">so take my love and and wear it over your shoulders<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />and if you say, “we’ll be alright”<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />i'm gonna trust you, babe<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />i'm gonna look in your eyes<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />and if you say, “we'll be alright”<br style="line-height: 18.933332443237305px;" />i'll follow you into The Light</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">The Light</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">The Light</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DFqmecuBKM"></a>rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-29293638525267107912012-05-27T16:07:00.000-07:002012-05-28T06:36:06.014-07:00memorial weekend 2012for the past 3 days i've been in and out of bed with a cold and flu. i have no idea where it came from as i haven't heard of anyone else having it. at first i thought it was just a bad bout of allergies, going from a more humid southern california for the hb conference and then back to desert dusty las vegas. i've thought of places i could have picked up the virus and just now i recall that one of the last times i've gotten this sick, i was also in a rental car driving hundreds of miles to a singles gathering. i have deduced that i need to sanitize my rental cars and go to these events loaded up on vitamins and hand sanitizer. or figure something else out.<br />
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i am more introspective and pensive when i'm sick. counting of sheep has never worked but this time thinking of how my ailing body works, specifically attempting to visualize how my mucus-obstructed lungs exchange oxygen into my blood as i breathe deeply, finally puts me to sleep. one of my last waking thoughts is one of awe and wonder. how could the human body possibly develop and come to be by chance?<br />
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thursday evening my body was aching all over. even behind my knees. i kept waking up, going to the bathroom and then struggling a bit to fall back asleep. when i couldn't take insomnia any longer, i asked Heavenly Father to please help me sleep. I begged him out loud promising that i wouldn't attempt to make it to duck, nc this weekend for another singles gathering. i felt a little tingle in my upper body and i was out.<br />
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yesterday i had a bit of energy to get out of the house and make a fun purchase at rei. their anniversary sale is going on and i've been meaning to pick up this solar charger for my emergency kit. it was on sale and i had my dividend to use so i made my way to the district at green valley and did a little shopping.<br />
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while in the car, i was listening to npr. they had a special on for this memorial weekend. veterans and people who had close interactions with people in the military were telling stories of their experiences. i found myself shedding tears while listening to a former p.o.w.'s torture and eventual release. the details of his words painted pictures in my mind that i'm certain could not have come close to his reality. his voice sounded like a gentle grandfather but he had been through hell and back. seeing fellow soldiers and p.o.w.'s killed right next to him and losing a close friend in his arms as he fed his emaciated body were a couple of things he shared. <br />
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these people were real. they were alive. some still are. i have not experienced anything like war and it is because of them. i am thankful for them. i am thankful for the men and women who serve in the military. i am humbled by their sacrifice and by their courage. i cannot fathom their griefs nor their struggles but i can <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57437366/with-thousands-of-flags-honoring-fallen-heroes-hes-never-met/?tag=showDoorFlexGridRight;SunMoImageStack" target="_blank">honor</a> them with my gratitude and allegiance to this blessed country. may we ever be worthy of God's blessings.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57437366/with-thousands-of-flags-honoring-fallen-heroes-hes-never-met/?tag=showDoorFlexGridRight;SunMoImageStack">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57437366/with-thousands-of-flags-honoring-fallen-heroes-hes-never-met/?tag=showDoorFlexGridRight;SunMoImageStack</a>
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<br />rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-34377249793559891112012-04-28T21:52:00.000-07:002012-04-28T21:52:05.317-07:00dang kickstand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqWnuRdgZAEx18eBpHNaetyziTWm4ssk3AQIl25qB8JsPcVG9cghXd5lJj88AV1u4D6JVDPamVUcarLPJNLbOz5Uadh3gpl9VjLQ-GbWrcjJvwrmU8PcoLcCcNTAb6FzNyjatHshND_Tb/s1600/kickstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqWnuRdgZAEx18eBpHNaetyziTWm4ssk3AQIl25qB8JsPcVG9cghXd5lJj88AV1u4D6JVDPamVUcarLPJNLbOz5Uadh3gpl9VjLQ-GbWrcjJvwrmU8PcoLcCcNTAb6FzNyjatHshND_Tb/s320/kickstand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
this is my kickstand. it's a pain. when i first got my ride a few years ago, i had no idea how to work the kickstand. my friend j.l. needed to help me. because he wouldn't be around all the time, i had to watch youtube videos and practice on my own.<br />
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as long as i am not barefoot and have some sort of a sturdy sole on my feet i can work the kickstand. however, anytime i deploy the kickstand at a gas station i have a problem. cement + kickstand = embarrassing situation. there is not enough grip on either surface (metal or cement) to allow for the kickstand to pop back up when i forcefully push forward. so, i look like someone lunging or abruptly stalling when i'm done gassing up and try to retract the stand.<br />
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this evening was no different. i went to fill up at the station behind the M casino. when i was done refueling, i couldn't retract the stand. i kept scooting forward but the whole stand went along. to make matters worse, a harley pulled up for fuel at the other side of the same pump. i tried to hide behind the pump and still look somewhat normal as i tried and tried with quick forward thrusts to retract the stand. no luck. all along, the hog rider was watching me on the other side of the pump because as i turned around, i saw him grinning a big santa clause smile. his yellow bandanna and tattooed arms became less threatening with his smile. we exchanged a few words about the stand and the helped me shove off. i thanked him and got outta there as fast as i could. dang kickstand.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-87435367495676744052012-01-13T23:56:00.000-08:002012-01-14T00:00:47.112-08:00he who is without sin, cast the first stonei have a new found respect for humanity. i think that in general, people are good, lenient, and compassionate. i have seen glimpses of the qualities i believe our Maker would possess... and why not? why would we not have within us the goodness, mercy, justice, and light of our Creator?<br />
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it was more apparent to me after serving on a jury for the past 6 days. 14 people (2 alternates) of different backgrounds, races, socioeconomic status, etc. were chosen to serve as jurors. all had empathy and showed it in their own way. i was appreciative of their examples. nobody seemed to judge the other. all were friendly. <br />
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but what struck me the most was how difficult it was for us to find a man guilty of a serious and grievous crime...(guilty or not so much) of first degree murder. the burden of doing so weighed heavy on each of us. many erred on the side of caution for the obvious reason of wrongful conviction but some hoped for a better outcome/chance for the defendant. so we wanted to be extra sure before making a final decision. tears were shed and great emotion was expressed in deliberation. consideration was shown toward a person none of us knew but felt a sadness for, a man found guilty.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-77073063911767172682011-11-20T22:12:00.000-08:002011-11-20T22:12:18.275-08:00again, dreamsi dream a lot. everyone does. but i often remember my dreams for a short while after. the bothersome thing i am finding is that the feelings and emotions i experience while dreaming seem to spill over into my reality after awaking from them. <br />
<br />
when i was married i recall having a dream where i became frustrated with my husband at the time. when i awoke from that dream i shared it with him and continued or began to act in frustration toward him. i now cannot remember the details of the dream but my reaction to it was wacky.<br />
<br />
more recently i have had strange dreams that have left me puzzled. extremely puzzled. i have dreamed of pregnancy. i have never had dreams of pregnancy before. in the past i have had dreams of a little girl and a baby boy who i knew were mine but never about being pregnant with them. so at present, as a single mormon without any children nor courting suitors, i find it strange to be having these dreams.<br />
<br />
the first dream about it also included a hysterectomy or the removal of a vital part of my reproductive plumbing. after having that dream i immediately made a long overdue appointment for a yearly exam. that dream concerned me a little. the second time i dreamt about it is very foggy but i know that i was pregnant. my feelings were of acceptance, and contentment. nothing overly excited nor shocked. <br />
<br />
so i started looking up what dreams of pregnancy mean and they seem to be positive. i don't know how much to really believe what i read but essentially they mean bringing things, ideas, maybe even feelings to life. and i like that. what is it inside of me that i'm trying to give birth to? what is it inside of me that i want to grow and develop? i have yet to figure that out. but i can say that i am glad that i dream. i am glad that i can and am being encouraged to grow, develop, and learn.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-71020919141657263202011-04-25T14:38:00.000-07:002020-12-01T15:20:24.177-08:00does dating have to be a game?curse the 'dating game' for making the phrase even a possibitlity. rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-20624130333248693352011-04-25T13:44:00.000-07:002011-04-25T13:45:04.994-07:00i think it's time to go private...or create another blog for my eyes only and the few i trust to read my thoughts and experiences because i have things i need to vent, share and just plain get out of my system! <br />
<br />
so, if you're THAT interested, please post or text me your email addresses and if i deem you worthy to access the inner workings of my soul, you'll be added to my private blog.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-49438959159999016942011-04-19T14:22:00.000-07:002011-04-20T20:44:58.972-07:00great expectations?when i first became single again a good friend told me this...<br />'you will find that people you don't like will like you and the people who you like won't like you. i don't know what's worse?'<br /><br />i'm finding that the first is probably worse. only because you can control how you react to the fact that someone you find attractive doesn't like you. i mean, i've dealt with that all my life. i have liked boys who don't reciprocate the same feelings. and i've come away Ok and tougher. <div><br /></div><div>i don't think that my list of non-negotiable must-haves is impossible but it IS specific to me. it's almost programmed into me. because try as i may, i can't force myself to be physically attracted to someone i'm not.<br /><br />additionally, if i find a man physically attractive and his feelings for me are mutual, that doesn't mean we're clear for take-off. i must get to know what makes him the man that he is. i need to be able to shoot the breeze with relative ease. i need to know that chivalry is not dead. i want to be pursued and occassionally romanced. i want my hand held, my hair caressed, my cheeks and forehead kissed. i must know that he has a deep abiding love for God and His plan, and that no matter how crappy life may get he's going to stick around.<br /><br />i am still hopeful.</div>rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-37289579989338905292011-04-19T14:05:00.000-07:002011-04-19T14:21:46.585-07:00g g sgroceries, gas, singles activities. <br /><br />this is my new spending policy. i am tired of 'wasting' my hard-earned money on frivilous meals, uninteresting outings with turkeys and spending my precious time with non-e.c. (eternal companion) material. i am sorry but this is how i feel. call me selfish and snobby but i need to take a stand. time is precious and so are my resources. i know what i'm worth and i'm done putting up with turkeys. i'm ready for my eagle.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-11291428604558569832011-04-13T08:01:00.000-07:002011-04-13T14:06:59.690-07:00'29 March 2011 Jordan battles to regain 'priceless' Christian relics'http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12888421<br />(click on the title of this entry to be directed to the above link)<br /><br />why does this find strike me as something important to include in my blog? <br /><br />1) aside from the <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng">book of mormon</a>, i don't ever recall hearing of any record, book, piece of literature written on metal pages.<br /><br />2) these metal books were bound with metal rings and even sealed with rings as well.<br /><br />3) although it doesn't prove the truthfulness of the <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng">book of mormon</a>, of which i have no doubt of it's validity, these books open the world up to the fact that ancient records were in fact made on metal pages or plates. :)<br /><br />"Our religion will not clash with nor contradict the facts of science in any particular." <br />— Brigham Youngrikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-63494633479885017862011-02-14T23:04:00.000-08:002011-02-15T07:00:25.177-08:00secret admirer lostthis being an amorous day, i couldn't help but think of some of the oddest but sweet events of my life. one in particular comes to mind. mind you, this happened over 10 years ago so the details are pretty cloudy. <div><br /></div><div>it was the summer of '99. i was home from byu working 2 jobs. i worked at big canyon country club as a hostess/server and at nbc's dreamcastle marketing in burbank as an intern. by this time, i had met my ex-husband in the el dorado singles ward i was attending and had gone on a few dates with him. </div><div><br /></div><div>one particular morning as i was getting ready to head to work, i went to my car parked on the street in front of the house and found deep red velvet petals sprinkled all over my white '89 honda accord. i had no idea who had placed the rose petals on the car. just rose petals lay all over the hood, roof and trunk of the car, nothing else. i looked at the rose bushes our front yard to see if they had been disturbed. they had not. my mind raced to think of every possible culprit. i wondered if it was one of my brothers many admirers (no worries betsy. kris was in micronesia), a very secret admirer i had never known about, someone whom i had just been introduced to in the home ward, or my ex. </div><div><br /></div><div>to this day i don't know who placed those petals on the car but my ex reaped the rewards of such a sweet and thoughtful act. he was honest in admitting that it was not his doing but was grateful it was done. i still wonder. i wonder if i'll ever find out who the petal sprinkler was... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-71668525418855871022011-02-13T13:01:00.000-08:002011-02-14T23:04:26.018-08:00better late than neveri don't know why i've procrastinated in aiding my grandmother on her <a href="http://doesthiscountasajournal.blogspot.com/2010/01/dream-about-lola.html">journey</a> but i have. i guess i wanted my mother to be able to help her too, if she wanted. but because i started her work and already had the paperwork, i was able to go to the temple once again for lola. <div><br /></div><div>yesterday was a beautiful day. for me it started out with a televised world-wide leadership meeting. from salt lake city, the general authorities and leaders of the lds church had a follow-up meeting regarding the new handbook. our meeting was held in the chapel of my stake meetinghouse. i didn't realize it was a meeting for all the auxiliaries so i showed up in jeans and my black leather riding boots. i was apprehensive to go into the chapel dressed as i was but my bishop assured me i was still welcome. i am glad i stayed as i was able to feast at the feet of great men and women. the church leaders are really in it for the salvation of mankind.</div><div><br /></div><div>i had planned to go to the temple yesterday, i just didn't know when. my tentative plans were to visit the new girls entering into our beehives class. but conflicting schedules with my beehive president and first counselor forced us to make the visits today. the temple was next on my list and i eventually made it there. </div><div><br /></div><div>i ran into a good friend in the changing room and caught up with her life. after which, i proceeded to do more of my grandmother's temple work. i felt extremely happy, at peace, and felt tremendous joy while i was at the temple. i knew lola was thankful. i knew she was aware of what i was doing. and i felt like she was accepting and excited for the fact that i was doing this vicarious work for her. the feeling of peace, joy and warmth that constantly surrounded me while in the temple gave me reason to believe this was the case. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-71048809057477895112010-12-16T22:29:00.000-08:002010-12-16T22:30:13.444-08:00*fingers crossed* please be cute, please be cute, please be cute...rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-48463431595955646822010-11-30T23:11:00.001-08:002010-11-30T23:13:14.103-08:00dear santadear <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">santa</span>,<br /><br />i hope you're well.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">i've</span> been a reasonably good girl.<br />please send me someone righteous, sexy and gainfully employed.<br /><br />i believe!rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-56347751606701936472010-11-27T21:34:00.001-08:002010-11-27T21:39:21.382-08:00can someone please tell me whycan someone please tell me why the love of my life works at checker auto parts? this is getting ridiculous. the most attractive men that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> meeting are employed but am i asking too much to find someone who is likely able to support a family? maybe i am. call me a gold digger, call me materialistic. or just call me realistic. today was the first time in my life that i wish i were a sugar momma.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-39127993000827049722010-11-24T20:55:00.000-08:002010-11-24T21:32:57.692-08:00why canada? why?thanks to canada, i have to work for a few hours tomorrow. tomorrow is thanksgiving. canadians don't celebrate thanksgiving on the same day we do. i guess they had a different set of pilgrims and indians break bread on some other day in october or something. they just had to make it their own didn't they.<br /><br />because our office has acquired canadian accounts i have to be at my desk tomorrow at some ridiculous time in the morning. as an act of defiance, i'll be rolling into the office in my red with white polka dot flannel pajamas. boo. the only thing that i can look forward to is overtime pay.<br />with the fat traffic ticket i got a few months ago, the extra dough is much needed.<br /><br />also, i feel as though i need to address something that has come up in the comments of my readers ;). i love you platt and wilson. you both know that i do. thanks for having my best interest in mind. i think i need to clarify the pot situation. the price tag on top of the pot said something that clearly wasn't an enamel dutch oven pot. it said something like tiered platter holder. i had a tough time fighting for that one. if it were a vague tag then i maybe would have fought for the pot. however, one has to be in a particular mood. and after chatting with mr. costco, i really wasn't in the frame of mind to argue a case where the tags were mistakenly switched. had they not remedied the mistake, you better believe i would be crying foul.<br /><br />happy thanksgiving my loves! that includes all you silent readers.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-29701993118579014592010-11-23T21:45:00.000-08:002010-11-23T23:16:51.988-08:00today's eventswork<br />temple<br />help the beehive prez<br />finish bake and deliver cookies<br />missed a call<br />missed the gym<br />cook<br />eat<br />blog<br /><br /><br />he called.<br /><br /><br /><br />he left a message.<br /><br /><br />other than the sounding like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xos2MnVxe-c&feature=related">doctor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">frankenstein</span></a> on the phone (no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">bueno</span>), he sounds a bit young and quite cheesy.<br /><br />he said i could call him anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... yes, he used that term.<br />and he called me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hun</span>.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-67179809022414855702010-11-22T21:19:00.001-08:002010-11-23T05:42:27.747-08:00missed callnow that i am aware that i have a little audience waiting for any updates (i wish i could provide more), i missed an unknown caller around 6 o'clock this evening. i almost forgot about it but as i drove home from spin class, i remembered.<div><br /></div><div> i was in the shower getting ready for a little visiting teaching action. and even if i was available, with an unfamiliar number, i don't know that i would've answered. well, maybe i would've. </div><div><br />the caller could be 1 of 3 possibilities. 1) a wrong number 2) a friend with a new number or 3) mr. costco. there was no message left on my voicemail and the caller never called back. the popular book 'the rules' says not to call back. have him keep calling to reach you. i don't know if that is sound advice but i feel ok with not calling this number back... yet. he needs to at least leave a message. sorry ladies.</div>rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-61224656724399871622010-11-20T18:58:00.000-08:002010-11-20T23:13:33.734-08:00by popular demand<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span></span> here's the latest update.<br /><br />i never heard from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">mr</span></span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">costco</span></span>. in fact, i wasn't really expecting to. i was happy with the experience because it made me smile. it was fun to flirt with a cute guy (he has a baby face) and i have to admit, i was flattered.<br /><br />BUT, my close friend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">leta</span></span> and her best friend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">kylie</span></span> (visiting from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">utah</span></span>) wanted me to make something happen so they encouraged me to go back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">costco</span></span> today. i wasn't for the idea, it sounded way too <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">stalkerish</span></span> but i had a couple of things to pick up and i was curious to see if he was working. my sister-in-law <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">betsy</span></span> recommended that instead of checking out in his line as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">leta</span></span> had suggested, i should try the next line over so that i could smile and coyly wave instead of forcing myself on him.<br /><br />i thought that was a great idea but when i got there i found him in the last line to the right facing nothing but that caged storage area. oh well, i thought. kind of a bummer, i know. so i went about my shopping and browsing excited to soon bite into that buck-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">fitty</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">hotdog</span></span> and soda.<br /><br />at the entrance i saw this beautiful <a href="http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11588916&whse=BC&Ne=5000000%204000000&eCat=BC9060890599&N=4047323%204294966372%205000012&Mo=0&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price1P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&topnav=">red enameled 6qt dutch oven pot</a> priced at $20. i put it into my cart thinking it was a fabulous buy. when i checked out, and realized that my total was a lot more than i had expected, i asked the checker how much the pot was. she told me it rung up at $49.99. i hesitated but continued on with the purchase because i liked it so much. so i proceeded to the snack bar to get my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">hotdog</span></span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sauerkraut</span></span>. as i sat and ate, i wondered if <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'd</span></span> run into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">mr</span></span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">costco</span></span>. i looked toward his line but couldn't see him. i gave up and continued to enjoy my meal/snack. When i reached the lady at the exit doors and asked for the latest coupon book, i was directed to the customer service desk, i hurried to grab it, and walked back to the exit.<br /><br />still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">a bit</span> troubled by my enamel pot purchase, i made a u-turn to the entrance and asked the lady at the door if i could see the product being showcased. she was very obliging but asked that i leave my cart across the way for her to tend. fair enough. anyway, i glanced at the display and saw that the price tags were switched with the product next to the pot. i wasn't imagining things! right then, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">leta</span></span> called me and asked, 'are you still at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">costco</span></span>?' i told her i was then i proceeded to tell her about the enamel pot situation. 'oh, you need to handle that immediately and return it. we'll meet up and get gas together.'<br /><br />after telling the door greeter the item was marked incorrectly i followed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">leta's</span></span> advice as i could not justify its purchase. i again wheeled that cumbersome cart back to the customer service desk a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> to return an item i had just purchased. while waiting in line, my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">peripheral</span> vision caught someone walking to the exit, making a b-line toward me and standing right outside of the post and retractable ribbon thingy. he was looking at me. i was a little startled but grinned from ear to ear when i realized it was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">mr</span></span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">costco</span></span>.<br /><br />he made his way around the separating post to the wall to chat. we were both smiling. i noticed he almost went in for a hug but i imagine my body language told him not to. awkwardly, it seemed he didn't know whether it was appropriate to or not. he didn't hug me. good call. i would've hugged back but for goodness sake, i don't know this guy from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">adam</span></span> and we had just met in his checkout line a week prior.<br /><br />'why haven't you called?' i said teasingly.<br /><br />'<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">i've</span></span> been busy. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span></span> sorry. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span></span> trying to get a job somewhere else and have been emailing back and forth.' (i don't know if this is a red flag or not but we proceed)<br /><br />'you still have my number?'<br /><br />'yes. i still have your number.'<br /><br />'it's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">kevin</span></span>, right?'<br /><br />'yes. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">rika</span></span> right?<br /><br />'yes'. (mind you, the smiles on our faces have not ceased.)<br /><br />'<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'll</span></span> call you this week.'<br /><br />'<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span></span>. see ya.'<br /><br />'see ya. you're so cute.'<br /><br />we both turn around and go on after that brief stoppage of time.rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5670532360601146965.post-16178741231443900142010-11-18T18:02:00.000-08:002010-11-18T18:19:04.455-08:00fold laundry or blog?i just dumped a basket full of clean clothes on my bed. i should be folding and putting them away but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'd</span> rather blog. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> using the clothes as a mold able stand for my laptop. the position i have the computer, tilted backward against the pile of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">darks</span> on my lap feels quite ergonomic.<br /><br />i have a big long post that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> still working on. yesterday, i was all about writing it, but today, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> not in as a pondering state. so, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> dilly dallying till i get there. i think <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'll</span> put some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">motab</span> on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">pandora</span> and see if that works. here goes...<br /><br />but before i get to that long post, some eventful things that took place today were 1) we had a thanksgiving potluck at work. i brought over a pound of chicken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">caesar</span> salad from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">albertsons</span> along with a pound of 5-bean salad and a half pound of this lemon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">parmesan</span> pasta salad. i had forgotten tha the potluck was today so everything was purchased and not homemade... like it would have been anyways, only presented differently. i was pretty much the only one who dug into my contributions. oh well. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">i'm</span> bummed i got so much salad because that stuff will be nasty tomorrow when we all go for the leftovers. 2) my new phone arrived in the mail today. i like the phone but i have no idea how to use it. i tried to use the calendar function but it wants me to sync it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">up to</span> some other application...huh? why can't i just add a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">friggin</span>' event manually?rikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950805047638136953noreply@blogger.com1