Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Best Husband EVER!

David Joseph Lopez is quite possibly the most wonderful man alive.  

Yesterday, after getting some bad news, I was pretty down and out.  It was the third piece of bad news I've had in the last two weeks, and it really bummed me out.  Instead of going to yoga, I went home and tried to take my dog for a walk, but it was freezing and muddy from all the rain we've had, so the walk didn't last long. 

I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. 

When David got home about a half hour later, he gave me a big hug and told me everything was going to be okay...which was exactly what I needed: he gives the best, warmest, most reassuring hugs.  When he stepped back, he produced a bouquet of beautiful red roses and told me that he wanted me to remember how much he loves me. 
I of course cried like a fool.  It was like something out of a dream I've had... handsome man, flowers, and the words "I love you."  AMAZING!  He earned some serious brownie points with that move.     

Despite having had rough couple of weeks... my husband went out of his way to make me feel like a princess.  He's certainly one of a kind.  I love you David!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Shakin' Things Up

Lately, I've felt just plain uninspired.  Is it the weather?  Today is the first day of sun we've had in at least a week... but its freezing cold!  Tomorrow and the rest of the week its supposed to be in the 60's again, but today we're having this weird cold spell.  But at least its sunny.
View from my office today

The goal of making it to 60 yoga classes in 60 days has not been accomplished... I over estimated both my current fitness level and my schedule... but I can always try again next month.  My fitness level is improving everyday!  I made it to 12 classes in 30 days.  Pretty pathetic, but I'm going to keep at it.  It's amazing how good I feel after class... the best high ever.  But getting my butt to the studio to push, pull, and twist my body into different shapes in a 105 degree room has not been easy.  But I keep showing up... and I'm going to keep chipping away at it until my name is on the 60 in 60 Challenge Wall like the others.

I feel like I need to shake things up a bit in my life... I feel stagnant.  I'm not going pretend that everything is all rosy.  I'm lucky enough to have a fabulous husband (who I am grateful for everyday) and a very loving family (despite the physical distance between us), but I've definitely been in a funk with my job and career path, and I'm feeling like I don't have many options- mainly because I'm not willing to sell my soul for a job... especially one that doesn't pay very well.

I've been seriously pondering going back to school to study something completely different than my current path.  I'm thinking of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist.

If you know me, you're probably saying, "What?!"

I haven't taken a science class since high school and I get grossed out in the bloody scenes in movies.  But I've actually been giving it a lot of thought.  The thing is, having Ulcerative Colitis has really put certain things into perspective for me.  I'm finding the science of the body more and more interesting, and I'd love to have a career where I get to help people.  Plus, it would be great to have a job where I could literally say, "I helped make someone feel better." 

Nursing would also allow David and I to live anywhere... we could make our dream of living in Spain (or China or New Zealand) for a year or two a reality and both have work.  That is a real motivator.  And the pay scale for nurses is great... plus there is a need for nurses across the country, so the job market pretty open.

The thing I'm struggling with is that I tend to have poor follow through.  Yes, even I can admit, that I get really excited about an idea (any idea), and then it fizzles out (60 in 60 was a great idea...but).  If I'm going to do this, I have to be sure.  We can't afford for me to get part way into this and say, "This isn't for me after all."  So I hesitate... can I overcome my aversion to bloody fleshy situations and horrific smells?  I think I can... but how can I be sure?  Any ideas?  On the plus side, I've always liked hospitals.  The other challenge is family.  Can we make it work to balance a family, school and a job all at the same time?  Can I do it?

I spoke with a good friend of mine who was a nurse, and then became a legislator.  She was very encouraging.  Her husband was a general surgeon until he was 50, and then decided he wanted to be a plastic surgeon, so he went back to school for 2 or 3 years to become a Plastic Surgeon.  And he's considered one of the best in Boise.  If I keep on track, I will be through the nursing program in three years (mainly because I have to take Biology and Chemistry because I've never taken them before), and then I'd have to work 1.5-2 years in an ICU or Critical Care facility before entering the Nurse Anesthetists program which is an additional 24-36 months depending on the program... so I'd be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist before I turned 40, which isn't so bad.

I've got to make my decision quickly because I have to sign up for summer classes... maybe this is just what I need to do to shake things up in my life... 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Slut

I never listen to Rush Limbaugh, but you'd have to be living under a rock if you haven't heard about his slanderous statements regarding Georgetown Law Student Sandra Fluke.  Admittedly, on some issues, I am very conservative, but on others I am very liberal... On this particular issue I proudly stand more on the liberal side of the isle.  Go Sandra Go!  Way to stand up for women's rights!
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/entertainment/parody-rush-limbaugh-are-you-slut-flowchart?utm_source=OV+Newsletter+List+2&utm_campaign=fd821fd9c4-OV_Newsletter_March_83_8_2012&utm_medium=email 
 On a separate, but similar note, have you heard about the science teacher in California who was put on administrative leave because she "might" also be a porn star on the side?  Now I know nothing about her teaching skills, but this sounds like a whole lot of conjecture and if they are wrong- they will be ruining a woman's life.  And even if she is a porn star, why should it effect her ability to teach if she is keeping her two lives separate?  Would a male porn star be treated with the same amount of disdain, highly unlikely.  He'd be given a medal of honor.  Now, I've never considered myself a feminist, but I do believe in equality for all, and what I can say here is: Go get 'em Stacie!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

World Religion Series: The Mormon Faith

First I need to apologize for my sparse blog posts.  I've been finding it more difficult to post without my trusty computer... I'm trying to be better about it, I swear!  But either way, I'm so excited about this post.

Dayna and I met through Idaho politics.  She was working on a campaign and I was working for the party.  She and I would exchange stories and gossip between our offices.  She was always helpful and hardworking, so when I was asked by the RNC for help finding someone reliable to work on a campaign in California, I immediately told them about Dayna.  It all happened very quickly if I remember correctly, and off she and her husband went to Palm Springs.
Dayna and Carl Anderson on their Wedding Day
Well, once that campaign ended (successfully), she came back to Boise, deciding that California was not her thing.  And we started growing our friendship outside of work.  I'm trying to remember how it all went down exactly... because in many ways it seems like she's always been a part of my life.

Last June Dayna gave birth to little baby Claire... she's such a delicious baby!  Dayna lets me babysit Claire from time to time and I just can't get enough of her!  David can't either... Last time she was at our house, I gave her to David to hold so I could use the bathroom and when I got back he was having so much fun he wasn't ready to give her back telling me, "I've got her."  It was very sweet, and she's truly the happiest baby I've ever met.
Sweet baby Claire and Dayna
It was actually through chats with Dayna that I decided to do the World Religion Series on my blog.  Dayna has been very patient with all of my questions, comments, and thoughts on her religion, and her openness made me realize that I didn't really know all that much about Mormonism beyond the stories you hear... so I figured, why not clear it up for others as well?!

So, without further ado, I give you my dear friend, Dayna Anderson:


What religion do you practice, and how did you come to practice it?

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was raised LDS, as were my parents. That said, a year ago I was ready to leave, but decided to stay. So even though I was raised LDS, it is definitely my decision to practice it. I am unorthodox in my beliefs though. I'll admit I don't really fit in with most Mormons, either. The wonderful part of this religion, though, is that lots of emphasis is placed on our ability to receive personal revelation from God through prayer. Through prayer, I have been able to find peace and answers to many of my questions and troubles. 

Tell me about your religion.  Describe what the tenants of your religion are in your words.

Wow. So much. Here are some of of our beliefs closest to my heart: 

  • We believe that everyone is a literal son or daughter of our Heavenly Parents (Heavenly Father and Mother). I receive a lot of comfort in this - that a Heavenly Mother is also there for us. I'll admit I am very unorthodox in this. Our Heavenly Mother is acknowledged, but rarely talked about. Generally, we refer to our Heavenly Father only.
  • Marriage and families are the most important. In fact, because I was sealed for time and all eternity to my husband in the temple, we will be still be together after this life. As will my entire family. 
  • Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Parents. Jesus suffered and was crucified for our sins, giving all of us the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. 
  • Prayer is the direct way to speak with God. I have received so much comfort and peace through prayer.  I don't believe God wants us to follow Him blindly - I believe He wants us to exercise intelligent obedience of our own free will. I am able to choose the best path to follow through prayer.
  • Our life didn't begin at birth and it won’t end at death. Our spirits lived with our Heavenly Parents who created us. We came to earth to experience happiness and a physical body. 
What does your religion mean to you?

Most importantly, being LDS means I am with my family forever. It also means that I am saved through Christ. Mormonism is true for me because it works for me.  

What are five things you don’t particularly agree with about your religion?

  • I don't think polygamy was or will be an eternal principle. It actually makes me sick to my stomach. Since Christ is not on Earth today to lead His church, it is, unfortunately, run by imperfect men. I think polygamy was a way for imperfect men to further their desires for power.  We are all human, and as such, fallible.
  • I think there is plenty of room for our homosexual brothers and sisters in our Church. Most members believe it is a sin - I don't. Christ is love, and loves everyone. We should do the same. 
  • It is frustrating to me how patriarchal this church is. I think women are just as capable of men, and deserve equal leadership in this church. I have received a lot of comfort through prayer that this will happen. 
  • I believe truth can be found inside and outside of this church. Most members say "This is the only true church today." I believe it is the truest church on earth. I found inspiration and truth outside of this church in other beliefs and religions.
  • I don't believe in blind obedience to our leaders as most of my fellow members do. I think it is our duty to exercise our gift of free will and right to personal revelation. I have never blindly followed anyone without first searching my heart and praying to God for guidance. 
What are the most common misconceptions about your religion and how do you address them?

That we worship Joseph Smith - nope. A lot of reverence is given to him as the the first Prophet of our church, but we worship Christ, our Redeemer and Savior.

That we are an evil cult. I certainly don't feel like we belong to a cult. But, honestly, if people think that, so what? I follow Christ as closely as I can. I seek to find His love and to love and serve others. I know that makes me a better person.  

That we still practice polygamy. No. Several offshoots of our religion do. But the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not.

How does your religion affect your family life?  Your work life?

As for family life, it puts a lot of potential problems or arguments into perspective for me since I believe I will be with my husband forever. Given that eternal perspective, I definitely feel we are more forgiving and loving to each other.  


Obviously, I don't drink or smoke. I go to church for 3 hours every Sunday. I love children, and want to have lots of them. The more the merrier (but no more than 5)! I stay at home full time with our first child - which I love.

If you could leave people with one idea that most closely describes the way you see and understand your religion, what would that be?

I will always strive to keep the greatest commandment of all, that we love everyone. Christ is love. Therefore, we should love everyone.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

www.mormon.org is a good site for answers to any questions.  



Thanks again Dayna!


To check out the rest of my World Religion Series click on the links below: