Yup, that was me.

This journey of "finding myself" is starting to become kind of fun. Looking back at things I've done that really say "that is me" are starting to come back into my mind. So here you go, a fun list of silly things that make me ME.

I was blasting David Archuleta in my car. 

In 2002 I walked down the freezing streets of Salt Lake City singing "That's Amore"

I used to do a pretty good impression of Snow White (so I've been told) can't do it anymore.
I've been told I actually have a good singing voice.

I really like talking like a "cheerleader"

In my senior year of high school I volunteered to read for Eliza Doolittle when we read Pygmalion. I rocked it.

I like to brag that my mom is a clown just to see how people will react

I love hot pink

I used to have over 100 stuffed animals (when I was a teenager)

I like to jump from project to project because I tend to get bored before I finish.

My box of "unfinished" or "abandoned" projects is very large

When I was 13 I landed on my face in gym class (while trying to show off for a cute boy) and I was laughing so hard no one knew if I was crying or not.

I can't run long distances, but I used to be able to run pretty quickly for short distances

I kind of wish I could hang upside down from the monkey bars when we go to the park

I love to dance

I have an odd sense of humor, I usually laugh when others aren't and don't laugh when they are.

I'm trying not to take life too seriously, because honestly it's just downright funny sometimes.

I always wanted to be a ballerina, but I am pretty clumsy and uncoordinated (though now I kind of want to try it)

I'm a terrible liar

Sometimes I get stuck in accents and can't get out of them (the worse was when I got stuck in my Larry the Cucumber voice)

I'll admit I've had Lady Gaga or Katy Perry songs stuck in my head

I used to play my boy band music on repeat pretty much all day and night

I'm a hopeless romantic

I really like it when the "child in me" comes out, but I don't think other people appreciate it (besides the kids)

When I "played" Barbie, I spent more time accessorizing than anything else

I've been having a lot of dreams (more like nightmares) lately where I am back in high school, or middle school. I guess that's my subconscious telling me I want to go back to simpler times?

I get excited when I see my "view" count and it makes me want to write more, so thank you to all my readers out there!! I hope you don't think I'm crazy. Then again, aren't we all a little crazy?

If you can't say anything nice. . .

I believe that if everyone followed the advice of Thumper's father the world would be a much quieter place, on the other hand, not addressing issues may lead to more hostility.

I've always tried to live by this advice, which is perhaps one of the reasons I have a difficult time making my case, or explaining my emotions.

These days it seems everyone is up in arms over something, ranging from "what not to name your child" to "if you should be allowed to have children." That't not to say that these things an unimportant, but I fear oft times people get too caught up in "who's right?" and forget the bigger picture.

I believe we are all connected. There are unknown similarities to all "mankind." In the past, present, and surely the future, our differences have and may always cloud our judgement. I think all of us are prejudice in one form or another, and it all stems down to not knowing what the similarities are and only seeing the differences.

It's amazing to see how easily someone can be offended by someone who looks, acts, or believes differently than they do. I guess we all have this complex that makes us believe "everyone should be like me." Even those who proclaim EQUALITY FOR ALL are still in this mindset. Anyone who doesn't believe (for whatever reason) that what they're saying is true is being judged by them.

I personally have always been a bit of a fence dweller. Rarely venturing to one side or the other. It has become increasingly difficult to be "complacent" about things these days. Everyone wants to know "where you stand" on every issue. For me, some issues don't directly affect me so I don't really think about them too much, but the ones that do affect me scare me. It's like, what if I am on the wrong side? Is there a wrong side?  I have a hard time with the latter. Is there a wrong side? My religion has always taught that there is in fact a wrong side, but sometimes it's hard to see it. Even when others are telling you it is completely obvious, I still have a hard time taking sides.

For instance, gay rights. I don't know. It doesn't directly affect me. I know some gay people, sure, but what they do is their business. How will it affect me? I don't know. Abortion? Never had one, never needed one. I personally don't think I could do it, but in some cases maybe it is for the best. If someone is strung out on drugs or in some other way incapable being a parent then perhaps getting an abortion is actually merciful not cruel. And so on.

I've always believed one of my most prominent "spiritual gifts" is empathy. In some ways it's a blessing, in other ways it's a curse. If someone feels pain, I feel it too. So when people are arguing, I can't take sides. I can see how both people make good points. I guess that's why I've been told I'm a very agreeable person.  I go out of my way to avoid contention when I can.

Going through this last year I've learned that I have to stop being so agreeable. I have to take a stand. I hate it. I don't want to do it, but I must. I must take a stand if I am ever going to find out who I am and what I . . .well, stand for. 

My new mantra

man·tra   [man-truh, mahn-, muhn-] Show IPA noun 1. Hinduism . a word or formula, as from the Veda, chanted or sung as an incantation or prayer. 2. an often repeated word, formula, or phrase, often a truism: If I hear the “less is more” mantra one more time, I'll scream. So I just decided, right here right now. This is will be my new mantra: I would rather be single than settle. And for your listening pleasure, I've attached a great song to go with my new mantra.
My "old" mantra is still completely applicable: I can do better. (ever seen Stepford Wives?)

I hope you are having a great day!

Today has been a good day so far (though it's only noon). Grace woke up a little earlier today and we snuggled on the couch for maybe 2 hours before David got up. We are planning on going to the library later. I went to bed feeling pretty good last night, and the kids didn't put up too much of a fight before bed. It is so cute that they like to sleep in the same bed now. David loves his new bed, and apparently so does Grace :)