It's a Wonderful Life

My Daily Ice Cream Diet

2010-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's summer. I've decided to go on my annual summer ice cream diet. Without fail, no matter what it takes, I need my daily ice cream. Every day. Saturday I had it twice. Ben&Jerry's Milk and Cookies has become a person favorite, either in a cone or a personal carton of it all for myself. Or Edy's chocolate, in a cup with some milk and three oreos. I had that last night and the night before. I'm just excited for my summer curves.

Boredom

2010-06-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

I don't understand the concept of boredom. I don't think I've ever been bored in my life. When I was in college at BYU, I heard students complain that there's nothing to do in Provo. My ESL students here complain that there's nothing to do in Hammond (the suburb of Chicago where our school is). I just wonder, when these people were at home, before coming to college, what they did for "fun"? I mean, what do you need to be entertained? Every town has movie theaters, bowling alleys, clubs. What are they expecting out of life? No matter where I've lived--Russia, Provo, Chicago--I just live my life. I hang out with friends, cook food, work, study, come home, jog, take walks, and enjoy life. Life is about you--not the neighborhood or the skyline.

Rebekah

2010-06-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

I just want to say how wonderful my friend Rebekah is. Even though she hasn't updated her blog since January, I still love her immensely. Every Sunday morning as I put on my makeup, my heavy heavy makeup, caking it on like a mask, I put in my earpiece and chat with her. She tells me about her love life, and I brush and floss and tell her about my Chinese neighbors here in Chinatown. I also tell her about the brownies I made the night before. Nothing beats a Sunday morning like that.

Turkey, Jordan, Israel - January 2010

2010-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

It's better if you just click on the slideshow and watch it in my Picasa Web Album, instead of this tiny version. :-)

Babysitting Matthew: Isn't he adorable!

2009-07-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures from my summer. Mostly my cute nephew, Matthew. And then some by the lake...

Nauvoo

2009-07-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures from last weekend's trip to Nauvoo.

Independence Day

2009-07-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a badly taken photo of the terrific Oak Park fireworks, which was privileged to see with Emily's mom, dad, and little brother. She's off in California.

Happy Birthday Michelle

2009-04-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Last night Michelle, Andy, and Matthew came up from West Lafayette and spent the night in my little apartment. Then, I had fun babysitting Matthew while they went to the temple. Afterwards, we went to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory. Here are some pictures.

At the Conservatory, they had a really beautiful spring flower exhibit with all kinds of beautiful orchids and other exotic flowers, as well as fun snapdragons and the like. I loved the Conservatory a lot more than the animals in the zoo, actually. I could spend forever looking at and smelling the plants.

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

As you know, my spare bottle of engine oil in my trunk leaked and got into my back seat. It has been quite the ordeal to get it clean. Finally, I took the seat out and brought inside. As we all know, dishsoap is the best agent to fight grease. So I soaked and scrubbed it in hot soapy water. But I was largely unsuccessful. It doesn't look as bad as it really is. The dark you see is mostly the water. The oil is pretty much invisible, but wet and oily to the touch.

I finally went to the hardware store and bought some of that stuff we use in the shop to soak up oil spills (that happen each time I change the oil, no matter how careful I am!). So now we'll just wait and see.... I'd been craving no-bakes all week, but was too tired each night to make them. Yesterday I did make them. They are actually in honor of my friend, Melinda, who successfully defended her thesis yesterday! Congrats Melinda! (I don't think she reads my blog.)
These are from last weekend when I went to Michelles. Isn't Mathew so grown up?! He's sitting up and playing and into everything!

TEOSL Convention 2009

2009-03-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

I went to Denver this week to the annual TESOL Convention. It was so nice to see a lot of old BYU people I used to work with. So refreshing. I also gave a presentation on using web-based multimedia and applying the underlying concept behind media-sharing websites for various class activities. I met a lot of interesting people at the conference, so that was nice. I didn't see much of Denver though because we had a blizzard the entire time I was there and so I didn't venture very far from the convention center or my hotel.

Pictures of Me

2009-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

While in Provo on Spring Break, my friend Rebekah took a bunch of pictures of me. Here they are, un-touched-up. No photoshop yet- just my own gorgeousness.

Visiting Teaching

2009-03-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a great video?! My friend Rebekah showed it to me... hopefully I can be a better visiting teacher after this... I don't know.

Mary Poppins

2009-03-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Mary Poppins tonight. I thought it was fabulous! Very fun. It's funny- Auntie Myrna gave me the book Mary Poppins Comes Back, which is the second book in the series. I'm about halfway through it. The musical pulled some stories from the books that weren't part of the movie version, as far as I remember. For instance, last night I was reading about Mr. Banks' stern and mean nanny from his childhood, Miss Andrews, who came back to "visit." They had her in the musical, who blew us away with her wretched, but powerful singing. Of course, when they all went into Bert's painting, Emily and I both were disturbed by the naked statue who started dancing. We thought the penguins were better as waiters, like in the movie.... But other than that, we both enjoyed it! At the end, Mary Poppins, with her "practically perfect" posture, floated up over the audience and into the roof somewhere. Great ending. They added some new songs that were nice too, such as "Anything can happen" or something like that. Definitely more substance, story-wise and musically, than Wicked. We thought anyway.

Getting old!

2009-02-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

I think flowers are the best birthday gift. Fortunately, I got some.

And we forgot to put the candles in the chocolate dessert (which we ate before dinner). In fact, we didn't have any, except this big one. So I stuck it in my slice of homemade pizza. Thanks so Michelly's culinary skill.
And me, myself, and I.
And with Auntie Myrna. How fun it was to have her with us! -Wait, are your eyes closed? I think so. But the other picture, I had mine closed, so that's why I chose this one. :)
And some snuggle time with Matthew before bed.... although I think he fussed all night. Poor kid. Poor Michelly.

Chicago Botanical Gardens

2009-02-08T16:30:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a really warm day for February. Here are some pictures from my excursion to the Botanical Gardens.

This is called the "Island of Everlasting Happiness." There are no bridges or paths getting to it, so I guess they assume that everlasting happiness is unattainable. I'm glad for the gospel.

Growing Up

2009-02-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

My beautifully handsome nephew Matthew. Looking more boyish now.

Quirky Chicagoans

2009-01-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

So, in my neighborhood, people shovel around their car, and then put furniture, buckets, or construction cones down to save their spot on the street. I used to think this was crazy, but after spending hours keeping my spot clear, I see the benefit. Besides, who wouldn't want to reserve a spot by your house? No one dares mess with it, either.

Here's my car, with my equipment.

New Years with Mom and Dad

2009-01-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

We stood in line for over an hour to go skating downtown.... all the holiday crowds, I guess.

As we stood in line, we watched them put the spire on the 2nd highest skyscraper in the US. This is the new Trump Chicago Tower, second highest next to the Sears Tower.

Dad and I in the park downtown.

This is me giving my sister a foot bath / massage. Fun. :-)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-01-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

My apartment. Kind of Christmassy.

Dad (Grandpa T) and Matthew. Playing horsey, like he did with us when we were little kids.

Matthew and me.

Chicago Weather

2008-12-25T14:02:00.001-08:00

My back door to my apartment.
And you can see my beautiful Christmas tree through my living room window.

I parked in the snow on my street and then it turned really cold and became ice. My car was stuck for three days. My really nice maintenance guy came one night and helped me. We spent over 2 hours breaking apart the ice under my car with a crowbar and shovel.

My new look?

2008-12-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

Should I go curly?

Second Week of Christmas

2008-12-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

The giant Christmas tree in Macy's department store. It was quite red this year.
Caroling at the Bean. They had free candlesticks, which were pretty, but in reality didn't keep us very warm.
Out my window. Although, since then, we had a snowstorm and now the streets are all quite messy.
My neighborhood. Actually, this is not a frozen lake or snowcovered meadow. It's just a big industrial lot that has been empty since I moved here. "Hardhat area" though.

Badminton

2008-12-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

Did I tell you I love badminton. It's the only sport I'll play. (Yes, badminton is a sport!) I beat Ross three games in a row yesterday. He won the other four games...but I'm doing better I think. Working on my backhand. We play every week at the church. (There are so many perks to being a member of this church!) I tried to find a city league to play in, but all I could find is GLBT leagues. Tempting, but no.

I can't believe my first week of vacation is almost over. So far I've tentatively thought through my courses for next semester, made some Christmas cards, bought a couple shirts for myself, practiced the organ at the church, finished an article I was writing, started another, worked on my cv, went to the library and got a pile of books I'll probably not get through.

Chilly Chicago Morning

2008-12-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures this morning on my way to the post office. Close to my neighborhood is a slightly industrial area with this part of the river running through it.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

Michael came out to visit me in Chicago. Yay! We had fun, and it was nice showing him my place. As you can see, we were pretty productive.

We put up the Christmas tree. My first, very-own Christmas tree.

And then we also went downtown and went ice skating. It was really crowded downtown.

We also drove down to Michelle and Andy's for Thanksgiving dinner on Friday.

Sisters. Sisters. There were never such devoted sisters. (I'll have to watch that movie again this Christmas (eh, Craig and Michelle!)

Uncle Michael was so good with little Matthew. He's such a happy baby!

Michael took this picture of him looking in the mirror. Isn't it adorable? Especially with the drool.

Testing Embedding Audio

2008-11-06T18:40:00.001-08:00

test mp3

Does this work? Can you see it?

Yeah, so my latest idea is to have my students create their own listening material (i.e. interview a native speaker) and questions, and put it in a blog. I really don't know how anyone taught English as a Second Language before the Internet was developed!

My new Aura

2008-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

So, I actually ended up getting the Saturn. I need to get a picture of mine, but here's a photo off the Internet. My car in real life looks a bit darker red actually. But anyway. It's pretty, eh. I can't think of a good name yet. Any ideas?

Cars

2008-10-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I better put something else up... I really wasn't trying to say anything about my blog by that funny T-shirt picture.

So, what do you think about my getting this car? Hot- just like me. I think we're a good fit.

The sad truth about the blog

2008-09-28T08:03:00.001-07:00

So, my brother sent me this photo of a T-shirt. LOL.

Fieldtrip to the Zoo and Expensive Lunch in Chinatown

2008-09-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

So, I accompanied 45 of my ESL students on their fieldtrip last week to Lincoln Park Zoo, and then we had lunch at an authentic Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. I didn't organize this, but was instructed to just have everyone sit down and order, and then I'd pay with the university credit card. The students had a blast ordering all kinds of dishes to share, and the bill for all of us came to $1639.98 for 47 people! The organizers of the fieldtrip were surprised because most of the dishes on the menu were only $12. However, the Chinese do not do restaurants like we do. We have our own meal for $12. But they order tons of wonderful things and share it. I'm glad one of the student mentors caught a student ordering an $80 shrimp dish. But I did see a $50 goose on the receipt. Yes, someone ordered a whole, roasted goose. Hope they enjoyed that.

More Matthew!

2008-09-27T19:33:00.001-07:00

Four generations. How wonderful.

You just can't get enough of this guy. Hot!

So, mom and I had fun shopping for Matthew. Almost as fun as buying clothes for me. A bit easier though, anything that's definitely boyish. I think he got tired of trying all these outfits on though, as you can tell from his expression.

More of My House

2008-09-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

I bought this table online! It was waiting on my doorstep when I came home from work. Well, in a box. You can buy anything over the Internet.

Graceland Cemetery

2008-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

I love cemeteries. They're so peaceful and spiritual to me. On Saturday, we went to Graceland Cemetery where a lot of well-known Chicago people are buried.

So, this is the grave of Pinkerton, one of President Lincoln's detectives/security agents.

And the founder of the Chicago Cubs. What an appropriate tombstone.

And me by Wrigley Field, where the Cubs play.... not that I care about watching baseball, but I love having my picture taken by famous places.

My Nephew

2008-08-29T16:28:00.001-07:00

I'm here at Michelle and Andy's with my new nephew Matthew Craig. He's such a handsome guy.

No, this is not me holding him. :)

Bridgeport

2008-08-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

And now, here is my new neighborhood. I went on a thorough exploration with Emily this morning and we decided it definitely has character. She actually pointed out that on the edge of my building is a faded old advertisement for the Daily News.

Utah

2008-08-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

I went to Utah last week for a few days for Rebekah's graduation. Congratulations to her on getting her MPA!

Happy Birthday

2008-08-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

to Michael!! He's the most wonderful guy.

On My Own

2008-08-17T17:14:00.001-07:00

Well, I moved into my new apartment last Friday. The moving went pretty smooth and m internet was up and running the same day. We accomplished everything with four great guys in my branch- Ross, Craig, Casey, and Adam. And of course, my good friend Benjamin. He put together my bookshelves, and hung my paintings. Here are some pictures: My living room, with the $30 bookshelves from Walmart. And you can see my Russia paintings. I still need a kitchen table and chairs. I think my apartment smells a bit musty though. Overall, I think I like it. It is nice to have my own place finally! At age 27.

Coming soon: Bridgeport in photos. (That's my neighborhood.) I'd like to capture all my neighbors out barbequeing on the sidewalk, old men mowing lawns without shirts, and kids riding bikes, but I'm a bit shy. Oh, and my neighbor that stands out on his porch across the street and just stares at me, said hi to me today. He seems nice though. The guy upstairs moved in too. I can hear him moving around.

Milwaukee

2008-08-03T08:31:00.001-07:00

So, my friend Emily and I drove up to Milwaukee yesterday. I'm trying to expand my comfort zone and get out of Chicago once in a while. Wait? Am I comfortable here? I don't know.

Anyways, it was really fun. The Milwaukee Art Museum was really neat. The architecture was amazing and the collections had some great installation art, as well as a nice collection of traditional paintings. I loved it! We wandered around downtown, and then rode the free trolley back to the lake. On the way home, we drove through some parks in Franklin, Wisconsin. It's so pretty out here.

Family Vacation to the Ohio

2008-07-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad came out and we all drove out into Indiana and Ohio. We thought the countryside was absolutely beautiful. We had fun talking to Amish people, and photographing their quaint buggies and farms. We even took a buggy tour of a farm. Dad wasn't so keen on the idea, but I think he enjoyed it. We went on to Kirtland and that was neat to experience some church history. I certainly felt the spirit in some of those places.

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

I'm here at Michelle and Andy's. They're feeding me well, and I'm playing on my laptop.

And some other random pictures. Fun in the city.

Embarrassing Moment

2008-06-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever accidentally hit the "reply to all" button instead of just "reply"? So, now my entire Relief Society knows that I couldn't make it to enrichment because I had a date. I'm just glad it didn't go to the entire ward!

Death Maker - I mean, Beth Baker

2008-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

After living here for 10 months, I finally visited my old roommate Beth Given (formerly Beth Baker, aka Death Maker), who lives way out in a western suburb. The first of the Bahama girls (as in the "B" and the first to get married and have kids). She has two adorable little boys, so that was really entertaining. Unfortunately for me, but fortunately for her, she gets to move to Denver soon.

This is me, Beth, and Joshua. Logan was taking the picture... he does a pretty good job with the camera, actually.

Logan. He has the cutest dimples.

Chicago Summer Romping

2008-06-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

We went on a little exploration one evening, and a beautiful, mysterious mist was clouding over the city. I thought it was wonderful.

Gardening in Chicago is such an easy, glamorous affair here. I didn't know there were so many different kinds of flowers, ferns, and other plants. People take gardening pretty seriously here. I love walking through Chicago's different neighborhoods, admiring everyone's front yards.

And, this is better than living on the coast! We have our own little ocean- Lake Michigan. And 57th Street Beach.

This is me and my good friend Emily.

She doesn't really usually let me take her picture. I don't know why. I think she's cute. Check out those big, gorgeous brown eyes...

On Vacation

2008-05-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

I spent a few days in Utah, and hung out with Rebekah. :)

Also, Michael tried to teach me how to make bread and cinnamon rolls. He's the master.

And, now I'm home on the farm! It's so beautiful here.

Friday night at home

2008-05-02T19:18:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's so nice to just stay home. It's 9:18pm, Friday night. My roommate Kit is sitting on the couch with her laptop. I'm sitting in my black armchair with my laptop. The fresh air feels and smells so nice. A far-off siren can be heard, as well as the faint sound of honking traffic. But those sounds are so faint. Mostly, it's just a quiet, wet evening. The rain stopped an hour or so ago. The TV is off. It's nice and quiet. And I feel good.

Nanaimo Bars and an Earthquake

2008-04-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Apparently, there was an earthquake. I slept right through it. That's sad because it could have been my only chance to experience such an event. So many things happen when I'm asleep. But I wouldn't trade my sleep for anything.

On a lighter note, I made some homemade Nanaimo Bars this week, and I thought they were pretty good. Now, they're an addition on to my waistline. I think I need to go "off sugar" for a few days. That's my kind of dieting.

Being a tourist...

2008-04-12T14:27:00.001-07:00

So, Megan Palmer was in town this weekend (from the ELC), so we did a little sightseeing and a lot of walking.... Went to Navy Pier. Not too much was going on there, but it was a beautiful day and we got some good shots.

Eric Torrie in Chicago

2008-03-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

And photographic evidence to prove it.

Don Quixote

2008-03-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

My good friend Rebekah came out to visit me, which was a blast. We went to my favorite ballet of all time- Don Quixote! The State Ballet of Georgia was on tour here in Chicago, and those former Soviet dancers are amazing. The dancing was superb combined with fabulous costumes and scenery (not to mention Minkus' music!). It was the ideal of ballets, in my opinion. I am always so amazed at these guys legs. So muscular and strong, yet graceful.

A New Year

2008-02-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

I turned 27 this past week. It's a good age. Very mature and womanly, yet still young and attractive. I was a bit worried that it would be a disappointment, being alone out here. But the people in my branch were super nice to remember and send me lots of messages. And, at enrichment, they lit a candle on an éclair for me. (We were learning how to make them). I also went to dinner at a cute Italian restaurant with a new friend here in Chicago. So, all in all, I got enough attention. Now, it's just time to pull things together this year.

And, the ballet...

2008-02-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

I went to the ballet last night. It was three short ones by Anthony Tudor, all pretty good. I am just amazed at these dancers. So much strength and gracefulness.

Skating on a Foggy February Evening

2008-02-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

A February Snowstorm

2008-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

Oh the joys of parallel parking. In the city. In the snow.

Classical Music

2008-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

I noticed that they started playing classical music in the lobby of my apartment building. I think I like it. It's nice to come in from the cold to a big open lobby and have classy music playing.

Snow and the City

2008-01-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures I took. The skyscraper ones are from the observation deck of the John Hancock Building. Then, on the way home I took some pictures in my neighborhood.

Good News!

2008-01-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

Well, finally all my bags were delivered. It was kind of weird to get home on Sunday with no bags to unpack. Thankfully, I had another toothbrush here.

Also--they finally got my elevator working! It's right outside my door, so no more struggling with all my packages through the stairway. I only live on the 2nd floor, but it's still wonderful. It only took them 4 months.

Photos from Abroad

2007-12-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures (especially for you Auntie Myrna).

Love, Heather

Merry Christmas from France

2007-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

I must say, the French really know how to decorate for the season. Each town has such beautiful lights and trees and Christmas decorations. Even without the snow, it is definitely charming. So far, we've been walking a lot, looking at a lot of museums, taking pictures, and eating a lot of breads. The cheapest and best way to eat is the croissants and crepes at the little shops around. Although tonight, we broke down and bought a kabab, which actually is just a shwarma. Pictures coming. Although I don't know if anyone out there is even reading this blog. So maybe I won't. :-)

Christmas in Chicago

2007-12-05T16:46:00.001-08:00

Here are my new figure skates. So exciting!Twirling about.
On the skating rink.
Michelle and I in Millennium Park.
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. I guess you can't see the Christmas wreaths and things in this picture, but it was pretty.

Mom and Dad in Chicago

2007-11-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

Playing in the fall leaves behind Michelin's house in the country.In Chicago, we went and got a tour of the Chicago Board of Trade. Here's me on the trading floor.
Busy Christmas shopping at Macy's department store. This expensive couch was actually kind of comfortable.
Mom and Dad waiting for our train in the heated little train station near my house.
At the symphony.
After the symphony.

On the windy shores of Lake Michigan.
The Museum of Science and Industry--beside a captured German submarine from WWII.
And the Christmas store windows downtown. I absolutely adore ballet.

In my room...

2007-11-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's like the Beach Boys song. I love my room.

YSA Service Project

2007-10-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Pictures on my Picasa Web Album

It was fun to get out in nature, although it was a bit rainy and chilly.

First Man on the Moon

2007-10-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

My enthusiasm for space and astronomy was recently rekindled as I watched a documentary on the Apollo 11 mission. I was actually preparing for my reading class, and I wanted to show a clip of Neil Armstrong on the moon. The black-and-white footage really thrilled me. Actually, what thrilled me more was the part about an earlier mission, and how on Christmas Day, one of the astronauts quoted from Genesis, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In the beginning, the earth was void and without form... And God said, 'Let there be light, and there was light.'" It gave me a little chill to hear those words spoken from space, and seeing the views of the distant earth. I can only imagine how exciting it was for them in the 1960's to actually reach space and the moon.

I then started to read a biography of Neil Armstrong and the other astronauts. I can't believe that in 1969, there computer systems actually did allow them to land on the moon, and return home. Although, what a price to pay. I think that Neil Armstrong's dedication to space might have cost him his family. I'm not sure, but it sounds like he was pretty preoccupied with work.

Nevertheless, I could tell the the hand of the Lord was over that space mission. It is His heaven, so I'm sure He was in control.

Sunday night...

2007-10-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

So, this is me right now! In front of my computer.

Adventures at the Zoo

2007-10-21T14:58:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to make the most out of my time here, so on Saturday, I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It was a beautiful day to wander about watching various kinds of animals. We even saw the ape that *starred* in the movie Return to Me, which I found out was set here in Chicago. I have to admit that my favorite part was the conservatory. I have fond memories of looking at plants with you, Mom (and Michelle). Do you remember going to the Calgary Zoo and walking through the gardens, thinking about what we could grow in our yard?

I had a nice time with my friend Emily, from my singles branch. Unfortunately, she declined having her picture taken. So, it's just me. Me and the animals.

No. I am not an animal. But I am standing near a warthog.
A statue. I can't remember who this is. I think someone that was important in Chicago. They just stuck him here, to look over the beautiful flowers.

And, lots of fish.

Cloudy Autumn Days in Hyde Park

2007-10-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

This was a nice, cloudy but warm Friday afternoon.

Beautiful Skies and Storms

2007-10-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

This week has been a rather dramatic one, in terms of the sky. Mom, I know that we both enjoy sky watching. Well, each morning as I drive to work, I always watch the sky. The weather this week has been anything but boring. A lot of rain, but those sunny moments. This morning greeted me quite darkly, with the whole sky blackened with one large mass. However, on the edge was a beautiful, almost lace border. If someone had painted it, they would have needed to use quite an intricate brush.

Well, like most days, I stayed inside all day at work. Driving home in the nice sunshiny afternoon, I was excited to go jogging and get some fresh air. However, suddenly the sky darkened. And I realized that those small navy blue clouds that I saw must have gathered together.

I took this picture out my window before the storm got really bad. Now, it's dark. It's been fun to listen to the thunder and rain pounding on my window. It reminds me of the scripture, "And when the devil shall send forth his might winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you..."

Good Morning

2007-10-12T05:40:00.001-07:00

I love mornings, but especially those unrushed ones when I don't have to go to work. Today, I woke up at 6am, without my alarm. I cleaned my bathroom and bedroom, took a very long shower, and read my scriptures. It's such a nice feeling to have the whole day ahead of you. The sun is up now, peaking through the houses. Breakfast time!

Streets of Chicago

2007-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today was a normal Tuesday afternoon drive home from work. At each main intersection in Chicago, I am helped across by uniformed Traffic Controllers with whistles and batons. I remember hearing about Traffic Police when I was a kid. They really do have them here along with the traffic lights. And it's helpful- at least you know that you'll be able to safely turn left without hitting anyone.

When I got home, I took a little walk down the street for exercise and to take a picture of Flat Stanley for Alexia. I came across a bearded black man standing on the corner yelling obscenities like you wouldn't believe.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

2007-10-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend was quite a treat, as Michelle and Andy and I cooked up a nice turkey to go along with the spiritual feasting. Michelle suggested I add that to my resume of qualifications.

Here are some photos.

Illinois Plates

2007-10-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

And here is my car-- I told you I would show you my new Illinois plates. Fortunately, it only took me an hour and a half to get my plates and my new Illinois Driver's License. I only got one question wrong, by the way. (What does a yellow, round sign mean?)

General Conference

2007-10-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

Wasn't Conference so deliciously wonderful? Today has been a day of spiritual feasting, as well as a wonderful Canadian turkey dinner. We actually ended up eating dinner before conference, at about 11:30am. It was nice to then enjoy the two Saturday sessions from here in Lafayette.

We thought it was amusing how President Eyring looked so happy and was grinning so much. How wonderful. Personally, there were quite a few talks that really touched me, especially Elder Wirthlin's, as he struggled through to the end of that marvelous talk.

I'll post some pictures soon!

My neighborhood.

2007-10-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

The beautiful campus of the University of Chicago.

Another beautiful campus building.

My apartment building.

Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

2007-10-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots from the boat tour.

Finally online--Live From Chicago

2007-10-03T16:25:00.001-07:00

This is my first official posting, since I've come here.

Strange Car this morning. As I was leaving for work this morning, around 6:45am, I noticed something strange. One of the cars parked on my street alongside my building had a potted plant on the trunk, amid broken glass and a big hole in the back windshield. It really did look as if this potted plant had fallen from above and landed on the poor car. I looked up at our 11-story apartment building (which is a restored hotel from the 1930s), but I didn't see any balconys or other signs of plant life. Perhaps someone in their sleep or in a drunken fit through the plant out the window. Or, perhaps I'm being a little too imaginative. Maybe the back window was already broken, and someone temporarily set their plant there. And I am currently parked on that same street now. Hm.

Well, love you all!

My First Entry

2007-05-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd set up a blog, just in case I ever needed one. Maybe one day, I'll be in a foreign country and it'll be interesting. Of course, what is happening to the traditional beautifully penned journal entries, and lengthy letters written by hand?