The joys of running

Usually running is a great thing. Like the Tater Trot, for example. While it wasn't my best race ever, it was good.

This morning's run was not good. I don't know what the problem is. My body seems to be telling me that it doesn't want me running. And, to make me stop my stomach decides it is time to throw up. Yes, it is really disgusting, but this now officially brings the total to three. Three times in the last six months that barfing has interrupted my running.

How am I supposed to do well in the Scoresby Scamper if I can't even make it a mile without barfing?

Co-Workers

During one of my first days of work at Kirkland's, someone said, "Everyone here has their own personality." Boy is that true! Tonight I had an awesome (and by awesome I mean the I-seriously-cannot-believe-there is-anyone-so-immature-as-you awesome) experience working with my co-workers. One is for sure going to give me lots of practice in being more patient. But, I have been quite satisfied with my co-workers.

After having worked at BYU and then going straight on my mission I was used to being around people who, for the most part, shared similar beliefs, ideas, standards, etc. Not any more! While they might not be my ideal choice of people to spend 4-8 hours a day with, the majority of my co-workers are great! They have been patient as I continue to learn every single item of merchandise in the store, where it all goes, and what all the codes mean. They have been respectful of me not working on Sundays. They have let me work over 20 hours each week.

When I eventually leave Kirkland's I will miss those co-workers. But, until it happens, I guess I'll be trying really hard to NOT tell my co-worker to grow up and act her age.

Sisters

I love my sisters (and the in-laws, too)!

I love them even more when they leave me special surprises and go through my stuff. You know what I am talking about...

Super Cute Sundriness

Back when school was starting and everyone was beginning life in new wards, Super Cute Sunday became a major topic of discussion. You can read more here, here, and here. After all the stress of finding the most SCS appropriate outfit, I decided on this one.


No one at church commented on how cute I looked in this outfit. I didn't care. I knew I was looking cute.

So, why does this all matter now, seven and a half weeks later?

Yesterday, I went to the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra. I wore a similar outfit except I had on some khakis and brown shoes with brown accessories. This is the response I got: "Hi! You look super cute!"

Yes! Success!! Super Cute Sunday really does pay off!

Joanna's got talent

There are lots of talent-based shows on TV these days. But, who needs a TV show to tell you what your talents are when you can go to church and have a lesson on talents? The Gospel Principles lesson was on Talents this week and part of the activity included making a list of our talents. Here is what I came up with:

1. Making food. Pretty much I could be The Next Food Network Star because of my awesomeness in cooking. Mom, Dad, and Janet can vouch for me since they ate my food every week this summer.

2. Listening and understanding others needs/feelings. I had lots of practice with this one on my mission. People still turn to me to when they need to talk and someone to listen.

3. Doing things with my hands. Whether it is crafting or hair cutting or anything in between, my hands are a very useful tool.

4. I can teach. I guess that is why people think I should be a history teacher.

5. I can jump over couches and slide across floors. My roommates informed this was a talent my sophomore year.

6. I can whistle. After my freshman year, Mom said that she missed my whistling. I guess Sas and Jan just weren't good enough.

This, of course, is just the beginning of all the wonderful talents I possess. We also had to make a list of talents we wanted to develop. Here is a brief list of those:

1. Learn to really play the piano.

2. Learn to sing alto. This one could be difficult because my voice just doesn't reach the lowest notes.

3. Improve my running. I want to be where I was before my mission.

4. Be the First Lady or the next Martha Stewart. This might be more of a goal than a talent, but talent is definitely necessary for both.

So, that's what you'll find me working on. One day I might just develop these talents.

The Weather Report for October 12, 2009

I don't know what I was thinking when I made the decision to come to Minneapolis. It's only the middle of October!!

Sunday's Editorial Cartoon

Good laughs were had by all on the reading of this cartoon.

My Best Friend's Birthday

Happy Birthday, Nikki!

You are such a great friend!
I'd shrivel up and die without your sparkling personality around :)

Dream Big

For some reason, my dreams lately have been quite wild and ridiculous. I don't know whether it is because I have been going to bed later than usual or eating late at night, but it has been really fun waking up in the morning thinking, "Did I seriously just dream that?"

Here are a few of my favorites.

Everyone in the family was going on a trip to see Joseph get some sort of award. We stopped for a break at a church building and it just so happened that it was Zone Conference day for a zone in my mission. I was taken into the room and everyone there fawned over me. President Summerhays said I was the best missionary ever and one of his favorites. We never made it to Joseph's thing. This one wasn't that far-fetched since most of it was pretty much true.

This one is 100 times crazier.

I was walking along a dirt road with someone (not sure who) thinking "This journey is going to take forever if I'm supposed to make it home. How in the world did Odysseus ever complete his Odyssey?" As I was wondering that, we came to a field that had cows in it and had to get them to a different field surrounded by a fence. Using all of my muscles, I started throwing the cows over the fence. Then we continued on our merry way. I don't know if I ever made it "home", but I really had become the female version of Homer's hero. Now I just have to figure out whether the cows represented the sirens or cyclops.