The Lovely Bones

Not exactly sure why this is a best seller... eh. The entire time I read the book, I was just wanting to get to the end. A little too dark and slow moving for me. I hear the movie is a LOT better. Let's hope so. 

Next, I'm taking Courtney's advice, tomorrow I am picking up the book, The Help. 

Hunger Games

Anyone read these books? They are very popular and I highly recommend them. Easy to read and understand, very entertaining, and they have an extra flair in there for some political and social commentary. No wonder every junior high/ elementary school is having student read these. Remember Gary Paulsen's Hatchet? I think these are better than that. They are currently working on the film that looks like it will be out this spring. I'm so excited! 

I almost want to re-read them, but so soon? That could be over kill. 

Yesterday on my lunch I picked up a library card and a new book to read, Lovely Bones. Only three chapters in and the book has be on the edge of my seat. I might watch the movie too, but I didn't hear the greatest reviews. Same with Time Travelers Wife. I really loved that book, but haven't brought myself to actually rent the movie. Maybe I'll have time this week to watch those movies since Isaac is gone (he would never want to sit and watch those, although he would just to make me happy). 

Any other suggestions for good books people have read lately?

Miracle Drug

I don't have the chance to see the specialist until the 25th of this month, in the mean time, I've been in so much pain it just sucks. The thought of me even being in this much pain in my life (other than when pregnant) never crossed my mind. It's all I can do to drag myself out of bed in the morning, stand on my feet all day at work, then feel like death is knocking on my door by the time I'm off work again. 

For a while, when I got home, I would sit and read the "Hunger Games" trilogy because it took my mind off the pain. Now I am finished with those AWESOME books, and the pain reminder is just there. Isaac is such a trouper. I've not been these most ideal newly-wed wife, but he still loves me so much. The pain causes me to have mood swings, just because I am so uncomfortable I become angry at everything and everyone. I don't like that person. 

Earlier this week I called up the doctor's office and begged for something else. The anti inflammatory drug wasn't doing anything to help whatever my condition is. The next day I had a prescription of prednisone waiting for me. A miracle drug! Almost instantly the pain was gone. In fact, I didn't want to go to bed because I felt so darn great! Too bad he only gave me a week's supply. I assume it's because he want's my symptoms to be there when I see the specialist so he can properly diagnose me. I know prednisone can have some nasty side effects (including mood swings), so I hope there is something else that can make me feel this great. As an example, Friday night Isaac and I went swimming, and I swam a full 1000 meters! I haven't felt this good in soooo long! 

While I'm feeling so good this week, I am determined to get things done. Like cleaning the apartment, finishing wedding thank you notes, and most importantly, exercise!! 

What is it?

Went to the doc today... no, I'm not pregnant, I don't think, lol. I've been having lots of pains lately, mostly joint related. My joints started to hurt right around the time I was training on the triathlon team in college, and some before that too. Well, anyway about a week and a half ago I noticed a slightly painful little bump on my arm. No big deal, looked like a pimple, but turned out to be a hard knot. I've had these before and they usually go away in about a week. Quickly, I got more of these little bumps on both my arms, and now one on my leg. Weird. It wouldn't be that big of a deal if there weren't so many and they didn't have the pain to go along with them. My blood was taken today to try to pin-point what the issue might be. Could be several things, maybe just one, but I am freaking out a little. The big thing it might be is rheumatoid arthritis, or worse. Not sure what's worse... but I'd rather not think about it. Of course I freaked myself out by looking up what they symptoms of of this disease is, and where is comes from, and most importantly, what can be done about it. Nothing good came of it since I tend to be a hypochondriac, yet, I can also be in denial that anything is actually ever really wrong with me. I seem to fit just about every symptom. Great. I'm still hoping the blood work comes back negative, and that's it's something far less severe, like a food allergy. I should know more by Tuesday. The point of this blog? Purely selfish, please, keep me in your prayers. It's kind of a scary time for both me and Isaac. 

One Year

So my one year as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has come and gone. The actual one year mark, I went and got my temple recommend. Such a great feeling. 

Yesterday I went through the temple for the first time, what an equally great feeling. I think what really topped it off for me was seeing my grandparents I have not seen for 10 years, and having them meet my fiancé and soon-to-be grandparents-in-law and sister-in-law. It was all too perfect and beautiful and I loved ever minute of it. The only thing that could have possibly made it better would be if my entire family (and Isaac's) was there. *sigh* I am just so happy right now, and so emotional. I feel like I could burst into tears any moment (tears of joy!) My family is driving up here right now and my super close friends. My heart is bursting out of my chest, I feel so loved. Why can't every day be like this? Every moment filled with so much love? With everything good there is an opposite I guess. 

Thank you to all of my friends for being so wonderful! The next time I blog I will be a married woman, wow, never thought I'd actually see this day come, and it will be here in just a short 24 hours. :) 

Sunday Sacrament Talk

Two days ago I was asked to talk in sacrament meeting today. The subject? Mothers of course. I didn't have much time to prepare, but I threw something together a couple hours before church. From what I am told, it turned out good (but I know people can sometimes be nicer, so I'm pretty sure it was just okay). 

This was a particularly touchy subject for me considering my own relationship with my mom. I was talking to a room full of people who grew up in the LDS church... then there is me, I moved out of my home when I was 16 years old and have had a rocky relationship with my mom as far back as I can remember. But still, she has managed to teach me a few good principles in life, manners, and how to just be respectful to other people no matter where they come from. She has also always encouraged me to be my own person. She never once said anything bad about me joining the church. 

I will never publicly talk bad about my mother, she gave life to me, and for the I am completely thankful and grateful for. No matter my relationship with my mother, I will always love her for that simple fact. 

My talk mostly focused on the women throughout my life that were like mothers to me, be it briefly or long lasting. Of course there is my step mom who loves me as if I were her own flesh. I talked about my 3rd grade teacher, my high school theater teacher, my grandmothers, my aunts, my "Wisconsin" mother (who so patiently listens to me as I ramble on and on about the most meaningless things) my friend Katie who will be by my side the first time I go through the temple, Isaac's mother. I wanted to express to people that God puts in our paths people who will help develop our personality and talents. I am so blessed that I have had so many wonderful women in my life to help me grow into a better person. It's not just one person, or one family, that raises an individual, but rather, it's a whole village. Think about it, more than just your family helped you to develop into the person you are now today. 

I thank Heavenly Father for knowing me so well, and putting the right people in my path to make me the person I am today. I am loved by many many mothers all across the United States, and I am so thankful for all the people who I have come across in my life. I am very much looking forward to the day I can be a mother.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Crash Diet

So I don't actually NEED to lose weight before the wedding, the dress fits good. But I've been pigging out a lot the past couple days, and I rally can't gain any weight. It's 3 weeks before the wedding and I just want to look and feel my best. I want to go on a diet for the next 3 weeks and work out every day. Any suggestions? I've got pleanty ideas, but I'm open to suggestions.