Wave Your Hand Like You Just Don't Care

Well, I kinda had to take that to heart in my new calling.
About a month ago, I was given a new calling: Primary Music Leader. I know a lot of you think that would be an easy calling for me. In all honesty, I was rather nervous and a bit apprehensive at taking on this role. But, with faith in every footstep, I accepted and have moved forward.
See, leading music has a lot of different aspects than just singing. Sure, I sing all the time and feel fairly confident doing that...but I prefer to do that in a group, not by myself and not standing in front of other people with the charge to keep everyone together. PLUS, it's teaching music to children. It was one thing for me to teach and play and sing with the nursery kids, but another for a WIDE variety or ages, reading abilities and personalities (not everyone likes to sing). I mean, come on! How intimidating can 1.5-3 year olds be? It's a WHOLE other story with kids who can talk and already have ideas about the world.
So, my first issue was to address the fact that I am not good with waving my hand to the time of the music. I can tap a foot and play a flute or even sing, but waving my hand distracts ME! So, I've had to wave it like I just don't care that I get off beat and that I'm probably looking a bit silly up there anyway. It's okay. Kids forgive you.
Next (and continually) I have to perfect my knowledge of these songs. I have so much studying to do and it always seems to go so much better at my house than it does in front of people. It may not be apparent to others, but I actually get stage fright and typically suffer at some point from a blank brain. No matter how much studying I do, that will always exist in some way. So, it's a matter of being in front of these children and finally feeling confident and that will lead my brain to release the words to me.
I know there is a lot of room for me to grow in this calling and I really am excited about it (now that I'm past the fear...kids don't really bite the music leader). I had a great time today doing music with them. There's a lot more work to go into this calling than what it felt like for my last calling, but I think I'll continue to enjoy it (of course, I'm sure I'll be extra nervous when we roll around to October for the Primary Presentation, but that's still about 8 months away).

No One to Blame but Yourself

One thing I hate hearing is how "fill in your town here" has nothing to offer/nothing to do. WRONG!! This typically reflects to my Grandpa's statement that only boring people get bored.
There is a ton of stuff to do in most places. It's just figuring it out and then remembering about it.
Last night I had so much fun going out with my friend "K". It was so fun to get all dressed up, go to dinner and then attend the local production of "Six Characters in Search of an Author."
I will admit, if your town has a college or university, there is probably a lot more to do than perhaps in rural areas. But, that all comes with perspective...mine being someone who is used to living in a college town (it's been 13 years since I didn't live in a college town).
So, check out what is going on in your own community. And, if you find that things are lacking, get out your gumption and start a group around an interest you have! You are bound to find others in search of something to do as well.
When I was in high school, I was really disappointed that there wasn't a drama club. Guess what I did? I talked to my Mom who was willing to be our adviser/sponsor. We put on two plays that year. As far as I know, after I left that school, the club didn't continue, but it served MY purposes! Then, I was wanting to participate in a book club here. I didn't know how to find one (I'm sure there are plenty going on), so I started one. Then I had a bunch of people talking to me about sewing and decided to start a sewing club. "See a need, fill a need" right?

Modesty and Chastity

As a missionary, I had to QUICKLY get over the uncomfortable feeling of teaching the law of chastity. I got thrown into the deep end when I went on splits one night (meaning, I went with another member of the Church while my missionary companion went with another) and taught a room full (seriously, this guy invited like 6 of his friends...all male, I might add) about the law and importance of chastity.
I think a lot of times we forget and overlook the importance of modesty in connection with chastity. Modesty is so important and keeps our thoughts and the thoughts of others in the correct paths.
I know I've bragged about how wonderful my daughter is, and yes, you are about to hear yet another story of how she makes me a better person.
This morning we got dressed: she for school, the rest of us for a funeral. I don't like to wear black to funerals. I know it is a socially acceptable color choice, but I always think of the newness that death really is. It's a time for that individual to begin the next phase of life. In thinking this way, I only had a few choices on skirts (I also don't go overboard with being the only brightly colored clothing in the mix). I pulled on my old khaki skirt and a top.
Before leaving for our various destinations, we knelt as a family to have prayer. Emily immediately looked down and saw my knees sticking out of my skirt. "Mommy," she says calmly, "that's a little not long 'nough." I quickly tugged the skirt down to where it should have been (clothing really slides around on me, and this was an older skirt, so it's a bit bigger than I need at this time, thus the reason it had climbed up when I knelt down).
I can't tell you how happy I am that my daughter, at such a young age, knows what is correct and doesn't mind helping others to make themselves more modest. I pray that she maintains this through her life instead of becoming a justifier.
It's funny because I once had an individual get upset with me and told me she hoped my child never had a leader like me. At that time, I knew that I hoped that she would have someone who is willing to instruct and teach what is true instead of what is trendy or easy. Little did I know that my daughter would embrace that so early on.
I'm as prone as any mortal to justify and excuse myself (seriously, read my above explanation of why my skirt was inappropriate even for a moment), but I really am working on it and having a daughter like mine helps me to reach those goals of perfection.

Book Junkie

Seriously, I probably am. At least I'm not hoarding them, so no one will come up with some crazy show about it.
I was making a list of books that our book club has read and I was really amazed at how much we've all read. Of course, then I was even more amazed to think about all the additional titles I've read.
People often ask me how many books I read a month. It varies. Really. Sometimes I have my time better organized and have books that I can't wait to read. Sometimes those books end up rather disappointing and take forever to finish. Although, I'm also not afraid of putting a book down because it didn't catch my attention in the first twenty pages.
Yes, that's my rule. It needs to catch my attention in the first 20 pages, or it is doomed to the "Never Going Back There Pile". Sound harsh? Not really considering all the amazing books out there that I want to read in my life. I figure, I don't have a lot of time to mess with junk, so I want to get to the good stuff first. And, there are certain titles that I will be willing to give a second try if someone recommends them.
I've also been contemplating the method to my madness with my book club. The first year I did a LOT of mad reading to be able to give true book recommendations to the club. Then I was told that people didn't like the titles I chose. So, I threw it back to them. They can choose their titles. It's been an interesting collection of titles we have read this year. But, I'm not so sure this is really working out the best, either. SO, now I'm contemplating as a book review club instead of a book club. But, that isn't really what I want from a book club, either. I like to discuss books in depth, not just tell people or listen to people giving titles to read.
So, in the meantime, I'll continue my book junkie fetish and continue devouring books at my own rate and squeeze in whatever titles are chosen for book club along the way.

Sunshine of My Life

We have been blessed with amazingly beautiful weather in our neck of the woods. Seriously beautiful. With it we've enjoyed a lot of outdoors and a lot more family time. We were so happy to have Eric home with us all weekend.
I have a lot of sunshine in my life. First, I have this incredible husband who has made my life so incredibly happy as he is my perfect match and best friend. We have such great discussions from all sorts of subjects. He may be smarter than I am, but we never have a problem communicating. (He'll hate that I said he's smarter, but I am willing to bet his IQ is higher than mine.) Then, we have this amazing daughter who understands so much already and has such a quizzical mind that we are kept on our toes offering her the truths she seeks. Next is the literal sunshine in the house (come on, whose hair is brighter?!). With her smiles and her funny words, who can't help but love and adore her?
There's lots more I could describe, but these are the most important ones to me. I love my sunshine!!

Cycles

Have you noticed that life is made up of a bunch of different cycles? It's interesting to see how different people come in and out of my life at different points of time. It's interesting to see what things hit the highest on my priority list at different points of time. It's interesting to see what foods are the tastiest to me at different points of time.
Things that never change:
Loving my family...I seem to never be able to get enough of them.
Reading...whatever it may be: books, plays, scriptures, records.
Singing...you can tell how happy I am by how much I sing my life (My Life, The Musical is how I usually refer to it...Eric is always entertained by my changed lyrics to other songs...and my kids do it, too)
Organization...I have to have things clean and orderly or I lose my happy place.
So, now that Spring is at my doorstep, I'll get to enjoy the weather (as long as I can keep the allergies at bay) outside and be able to ride bikes more. You know, a different kind of cycle. ;) It's the season for enjoying the sun and fresh air, while simultaneously trying to keep us safe from sunburns. =)

Valentine's Life

As Valentine's Day approaches, I can't but help to remember my roommate Sarah. I'll forever remember her "Single Awareness Day" article. Hilarious. But, I also have never understood this "holiday". Why do we have to set aside ONE day for something we should be doing EVERY day? Sure, make a special occasion out of celebrating your love. Great. Got it. But, isn't that what your anniversary is for?
Eric and I have never noticed Valentine's Day and have never "celebrated" it. Many times his coworkers have questioned why he doesn't do anything special for me and he has to explain.
See, we live a Valentine's Life. Every day is special because we wake up with each other. Sure, we may not get to spend a lot of time together at this point in our lives (see my FB note on "My Hero"), but what time we do have is special. To quote an immigrant (he was on the "Boss Undercover" episode for 7-11), "When we are together, we are like lovers!" It's so true.
I try to keep my house in order so that I don't have to waste quality time with him with the quantity of time it takes to do that chore. I try to give him time to do his studies (this is actually the hardest thing to do b/c he's right here and yet he NEEDS to get those assignments accomplished). I try to share him with the kids instead of dominating all his free time. I stay up later than I think I can because I can't stop talking to him. He's truly my best friend.
So, we may not have the opportunity/time to go OUT, but I assure you, every night IN is fantastic because we live our Valentine's Life.
I love you, Eric! You are the best!!

Musical Memories

Have you noticed how music can instantly take you back or make you think of someone?
When I hear a particular piece (I had to call Sarah and ask and she said she recalls it as being called "etude in e flat" but I can't find the right link for a sample), I think of my older sister. It especially reminds me of sitting in the front room at our piano teacher's house and listening to her play. I always wanted to learn to play, but we moved and I never went back to the piano (so, no asking me to play for anything b/c I never even mastered reading the bass clef).
Another piece of music is the William Tell Overture. Dad would put the record on and we'd all grab our stick horses and ride around in circles in our living room. I can't help but smile thinking of the fun we had doing that as kids.
I ALWAYS think of Mom when I hear the hymn "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" (although, when I think of this hymn, it's a bit more upbeat and peppy). She ALWAYS has a shoulder or two to the wheel...and the wheels have been attached to various good works throughout her life.
I think of my BYU roommie when I hear "Particle Man" by They Might Be Giants. Okay, so I think of her when I hear ANY TMBG.
There are lots more songs that bring me memories, but these are just a few choice ones I wanted to share.

Inspiration

About a year and a-half ago I started a book club. It's had some ups and downs with attendance, but it keeps going. This is one thing that I hope can last a long, long time. Sometimes, though, as with most things, I wonder if it is worth the time and effort to keep on top of it. I've recently been evaluating this and then one of our members, The Beautiful Ms. M, says out of the blue, "Liz, I need you to email me. You have really inspired me to read."
That was my goal: to get people to read (and think about) books. If it happens for one person, then I've met my goal.
I really needed to hear that unsolicited to have the motivation to keep pushing forward with it and writing my reviews of books I've read. It's one thing for me to do that for myself, but I really appreciate hearing from those it has benefited to know that I'm not just being a selfish person going through this life, but that I can share my joy of reading with others.
So, as if keeping up with one club wasn't enough, I am collaborating with another friend to establish a sewing club here, too. Our first meeting will be this coming Thursday and there has already been a lot of interest. We'll just have to see how many people come. Although, selfishly, this one really serves me well as my co-founder is an experienced seamstress and tailor, so even if we are the only two who can come, I'll get a lot out of it.