Happy Halloween!

Yes, a happy halloween to all. There was a pumpkin my mom had that would squeel this phrase when you squeezed its hand. My niece Makhail loved this sound and soon after began imitating the phrase. I think of her on halloween and both those little voices!

I am not a big halloween fan. Those higher up who are in charge of me seemed to know this and my work schedule is late today! Wahoo. I get to avoid the whole mess. Besides, its rainy right now, so I just want to curl up with hot cocoa and a good flick tonight!

I am posting a brief update regarding my prop 8 calls. Thank you to Sara - you are sweet to read & comment. I didnt know you were checking this blog out & I am glad that my words were of some value to you!

This morning on the phone was pretty busy! I actually spoke with quite a few people.  My fave phrase for the day is:

"It takes two to tango, do you know what I mean?"

-an older woman named Doris (please, please Doris, I dont need that visual...and I hope you were referencing heterosexual couples....yikes!)

To catch up on the days prior....last night was very uneventful. Wait, wait, I take that back! How could I forget being called.....

"You're a bigot. A bigot. Enjoy it." *snarl*

-some middle aged man. (Oh, I will enjoy it sir. Thank you for telling me what I am. Please put that on the list of being a tree, a celebrity look-a-like, a crazy, a shrimp, well you get the idea.)

And then the night before. Oh yes, my most memorable call yet. 

First this woman insulted me for not having enough education (a BA is apparently not high enough on the qualification scale), not being intellectual, not being open minded, and the last (my personal favorite), not having any children. Yep. I dont lie folks. Thats truly what happened.  Nevermind the fact that all of her gay friends dont have children, or that she is being cynical and narrow minded by judging me for all of the things I apparently lack. Nope. That would be rational folks. And most of those arguing for the "civil rights" of homosexuals arent using logic or reason. 

They are playing the same cards over & over again!!!!! Please, get some new arguments. I am very tired of the same, limp rhetoric that you are laying out on the table. Freshen up the produce people. Get some new meat - whats laid out is so so STALE!

She ended the call by yelling:

"You're an idiot!"

Well, and idiot I am not. I actually thank her for her conversation. It bolstered my argument that the opposition is weak, irrational and attack seeking.

Happy Halloween friends. Dont get scared by the opposition. 

Shannon

Read more...

More Prop 8 Phoning moments

Okay, my dear blog friends-- I just finished my daily dose of prop 8 roulette. For those of you unfamiliar with this activity, its simple. Just pick up the phone, log into the calling program and you're in the game. You just never know what the hour will bring....

I didnt actually speak to a lot of people - its lunchtime on a Tuesday. But, the few I did speak with left some lasting words.

"I'm a staunch supporter of homosexuals. I love everything gay. I think they should be able to have homosexual marriage, have homosexual sex..." (after that my mind went into shock mode and all I could say was 'thank you for your opinion, have a nice day.')

-Beth (thank you for reminding me of what I dont want to have happen...)

"Do you know how many calls i've gotten this week? Prop this, prop that, Republican, Democrat, its a nuisance! This is not why I have a telephone. Goodbye!"

-Older man (I am not sure why he picked up the phone. He may want to invest in caller id to help screen his calls.)

There you have it. A daily dose of the real voting population. I couldnt make these quotes up if I tried. From my ears to your eyes. Have a great day & remember to vote yes on Prop 8. 

Read more...

Prop 8 Jewels

For those of you fair readers who are interested in the progress of prop 8 - I have some jewels to share. As you may be aware, the young single adults in California have been issued a responsibility by the first presidency to reach 1 million voters by election day. Each ysa is to call for at least an hour on the phones each day. I have been blessed to be a part of this challenge and have had the added responsibility to lead some of the ward members in this goal.

Below are some fantastic quotes from those who I have already called - it definitely is entertaining and amazing all at the same time!

"The bible dont say nothin' about Adam & Steve..."

-Ken (Nope. It doesnt. whatever helps you to vote yes Ken!)

"Is that [prop8] them one about gays? Marriage is between a man, a woman and God. Thats all you need. Thats what God wants."

-Billy (truly his name was Billy - I wish we had a few more rednecks around - they are good, simple people!!)

"Well, now you have made me reconsider. You seem like a very upstanding young lady. Regardless of how I vote, thank you for your efforts. Even if you have saved one person like me you have done you job."

-Alice (originally a no vote, but now may vote yes. She is going to go over to her neighbor who has a yes sign in his yard and ask him why he's voting yes)

Just in case you ever wonder if one person can make a difference consider our efforts on Prop 8. I dont say this to aggrandize myself - but as each person does their duty, standing shoulder to shoulder with the next- our individual efforts add up to a great force of good. 

Keep it up California YSA's, keep it up. We'll win this yet!

Shannon

Read more...

Bumps & Blessings

In a recent conversation with my parents (via Skype - a fantastic technological advancement) my father mentioned the above phrase - reminding me that life is full of bumps and blessings. That certainly is the case. 

So often it is easy to be overwhelmed by the bumps - to become spiritually "carsick" so to speak. Often when there are multiple bumps in a row, our mortal journey becomes more like an "E -ticket" ride and less like a Sunday drive through the country. Its easy to forget to look out the window and enjoy the view. Our adversary would have us become so focused on the spiritual nausea that we stop our drive - too sick or too dizzy to continue forward. But, our Heavenly Father wants us to continue even amidst the bumps. Just as any good E- ticket ride has a definite end - our spiritual and mortal journey will not always be bumpy and there will be great vistas along the way - the "blessings."

I certainly have been enjoying (I say that a bit tongue in cheek since I enjoy this type of discomfort about as much as a trip to the dentist) the bumps and blessings of my current leg of my life journey.

There have been some present bumps - work is definitely not going the direction I thought I wanted it to go. Now, I have to go and assert myself and get my "creative aggressive speak on" with the boss. Thats always a good time. In recent months my housing has been a bit "mobile." I am learning to be nimble with my ability to move. (3 moves in 6 months is certainly a lesson in flexibility and organization!).  A lot of my friends are having baby #1 or #2 - very exciting indeed to welcome a bundle of tiny proportions into the world - but also a small reminder of what I thought I wanted right now. And, God and I have had the same conversation regarding marriage (but this time i listened better - it only took 3 or 4 tries!). It just not time. As a result of all of this, I am feeling a bit wander-lost.

Ah, I can hear you few readers asking at this point "the blessings, the blessings - you promised there would be blessings." Yes, there are perhaps more blessings than bumps (which is partially my present realization.)

I have had the opportunity to live with my Aunt. Up to this point in my life I havent taken the opportunity to get to know her. What a lady. I didn't get to know my grandma Simmons very well - she passed away before I was old enough to retain too many memories. But, I think in a lot of ways my Aunt is like her. She is strong, kind, thoughtful, generous and safe. This has been a safe place to land - an important blessing in my life. She feeds me, makes sure I am sleeping and helps me stay sane. She has shared some of her strength with me as we have chatted about spiritual matters, temporal activities and just life in general. We have baked cookies (well, she bakes & I eat the dough) and packed boxes for my parents in Russia. She has shared family history jewels - and perhaps the crown of it all was when she suggested I try on Grandma's wedding dress.

***It fit.*****

What a tender moment between Simmons women. As I stood in that beautiful dress in front of the mirror, I could almost see my grandma looking back. I certainly was reminded that we are not alone in this journey. It was a precious moment with a few tears had by all.

Another fantastic blessing occured at work.  I was able to ring up a young lady and the conversation turned to Utah, BYU and the eventual "oh, your LDS" commentary. She told me that she was planning on going on a mission. I told her that I loved future sister missionaries and I would love to hear where she was going! I gave her my number and she agreed.  I didnt think much about it until she came in again, this time with her mom. We all shared a smile and she told me she would call and that she still had my number. Well, Saturday was the day of the call. And guess where she is going? ASL speaking on Temple Square. Yes. You heard that right. Coincidence? Not at all! Tender mercy for both of us? Of course, yes!

Well, thats just a snippet of my blessings - I am in the midst of prop 22 calls - another blessing. I was feeling uninvolved and felt the need to be doing more with the campaign. About  2 days after this prayer and wish, I was asked to be a group leader in this calling campaign the first presidency has issued to the YSA's of CA. Yep, the Lord is good.

My conclusion? Keep on doing what the Lord needs me to do. Also - dont get caught up in the world. Those things are not of lasting value or happiness. Those issues, pleasures, goals, successes, big bucks, hot shots - none of that is really of a lot of substance. The gospel, family, friends and service are where its at!

Shannon 

Read more...

Liberty & Tolerance - my thoughts on Prop 8

I wish to express some of my thoughts and opinions regarding my generation, the current world condition and the importance of a yes vote on Prop 8. Most importantly I hope to share my passion and fire to help others take a stand and take action.

Some of the things I say may be considered bold. I wish to be bold as I feel the time for quiet, passive observation is well past.  In any fight, there are sides that must be taken, as sitting in the middle will surely destroy or at least neutralize any impact that middle person may have had on the outcome of the fight. 

I do wish to be clear that I am a tolerant person. I accept all people - no matter their color, gender, sexual orientation, economic standing or religious persuasion. I have friends that fit into all types of categories.  However, I do not tolerate all actions, beliefs or conditions. This is my liberty. This is each Americans liberty - that same liberty our Founding Fathers fought for and the same liberty that was exacted at an excruciating price. This is the liberty to believe how I choose and the liberty to then fight to maintain that belief.

Part 1

Many years ago, Californians gathered together and as a collective voice, voted yes for Prop. 22. This proposition maintained marriage to be between a man and a woman.  Just this year, 4 judges overturned the voice of the people and established prop 22 unconstitutional.  While they have that authority, the decision they made was wrong. Prop 8 gives us, the people, an opportunity to exercise our right and responsibility to vote and reclaim the voice we established with prop 22.

Part 2

Now for the issue these judges overturned. I am concerned regarding this issue.  You should be as well.  The majority of California wants to maintain marriage to be between a man and woman. That was what DOMA and Prop 22 were all about. Many social and religious organizations were and are in support of that definition. There is a minority that wishes for the opposite view. They have that right to feel differently.  But, just as the courts wrongly declared prop 22 as unconstitutional, the opposition wants to wrongly convince us that same-gender marriage is right.

My belief is that marriage is between a man and a woman. Prop 8 would change the California constitution to include that wording.

Currently, those who are in a domestic partnership (homosexual) receive all the same legal, financial (including tax benefits) and social benefits that a married couple would receive.  I am not fighting to change that. There is no added benefit to homosexual marriage, but there are ramifications. With the legalization of homosexual marriage, there are a few major doors that are opened.

 

1. Curriculum in schools would be changed to include a new definition of marriage. Additionally, children would be taught sex Ed regarding homosexuality as early as grade school.
2. Religious adoption agencies could be sued for not placing children with same sex parents – regardless of their religious views. This has already happened in other states and the Catholic Church shut down their adoption agency because they would not comply.
3. Religious tax-exempt status would be challenged and revoked if churches spoke against homosexual marriages or against homosexuality, or refused to perform homosexual marriages. These actions would be considered hate speech and hate crimes.

 

Does this sound right? Does this sound tolerant? A religious organization being sued, or their tax status revoked because they preach their beliefs? This is not tolerance my friends.  This is not liberty. This is injustice!

Please stand with me to support traditional marriage. Please stand with me to support liberty.  A yes vote on Prop 8 will not revoke or hurt our homosexual friends – we will still be maintaining their liberty and maintaining tolerant behavior. But, a no passage will hurt so many people and organizations and will perpetuate intolerant behavior.

We must not be fooled into apathy. We must not be diminished by fear or feelings of inadequacy.  This is our time. This is our fight.  These are not the wars of our fathers, but the current battles of our generation and the outcome will shape our future.  Mark my words, we must do something or we will be neutralized, standing in the middle with our hands to our side.

There is much social talk of global warming, world peace, green energy, social responsibility, finding a cure, stopping violence, bringing our troops home, etc. These are tumultuous times. There is much commotion and much chaos. We can make a difference. If we, the younger generation, stand together we can create positive change. We can make a difference and we must. We must look to our future and bear the responsibility and liberty that is ours.

Please comment on this post and post it to your facebook or other networking site If you support these views.

Thank you & may God support us as we maintain His law of traditional marriage,

 

Shannon Simmons

Read more...

Liberty & Tolerance - my thoughts on Prop 8

Read more...

Gender Proclamation

With the deluge of information via the internet, we as a society can keep up on the many details on many peoples lives. Most of it doest matter. A lot of it is a waste of time. Additionally, it is hard to say what information reported is true and what is posted for pure entertainment. However, the situation I am about to deliberate on unfortunately is true. 

The pregnant "man" had his baby this week. 

Thomas Beatie was born a woman. He then decided to have a transgender operation to become a man, but he kept all his lady parts. (so, in the technical sense, isn't he still a woman with just a man exterior?) He then married a woman (does that make their relationship homosexual, lesbian, or what?) and she was unable to bear children - so, she had a hysterectomy. Then, through artificial donation - Thomas was impregnated. He just had a baby girl. In case you ever think your identity has been stolen or somehow is in jeopardy just think about this small baby girl just brought into the most confusing  "family" you could possibly imagine. 

This is our reality. 

Our world is one where gender is confused, sexuality is exploited and reversed, families are incomplete and unstable and where the lines of truth and morality are blurred. 

No wonder the Proclamation was such an inspired document - written over 12 years ago- prior to the tide of homosexual & lesbian marriages, trans-gender operations and artificial insemination. It maintains validity.

In an age where the voices of truth and righteousness are being shut down & silenced, we must speak up. There is a right way and we dont need to be ashamed of it. Just because something is popular, comfortable or even possibly attractive does not mean it is correct. God has established a plan and a role for each of us, His children. We must share the sanctity of these roles and help to clarify and educate those around us.

To quote directly from The Family: A Proclamation to the World: "All human beings-male and female-are created in the image of God.  Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.  Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."

We dont need to be confused. Gender is given to us from God and with our gender and our individual souls, we have a unique purpose.  Men and women have specific roles and abilities. These individual roles and abilities do not need to compete with each other, but rather they are complimentary. Differences in our individual natures and propensities breed success not weakness or a need to feel weak. When we can confidently assume our individual roles as men and women - embracing our gender and our true selves, we inherit and attract light, happiness and success.

Mr. Beatie is obviously confused with his identity.  Being born one gender, changing part of his anatomy to switch genders but maintaining part of his original gender and then giving birth as a heshe is all very complex emotionally and physically. Not to mention being married, being sterile, and then artificially inseminating yourself to procure a child. Its all so complex and creates such a haze as to what is right and what is wrong. And many people would say that if you can achieve it- it is right. 

But, that is not so. 

Just because something can be manipulated, transformed or even brought together against social norms and odds, doesnt mean it is right. 

When asked about the birthing process, Mr. Beatie said "I see pregnancy as a process and it doesn't define who I am. Ironically, being pregnant doesn't make me feel any more female or feminine."

This is a very interesting statement.

If the body that you have and the actions you pursue do not define you as a person - what does? Let me say that your actions and your body do define you as a person. If you have boobs, you are a girl. Men have other parts that establish them as males. Your actions are your choices and that defines you. One cannot excuse specific actions with a campaign flag of gender neutrality and social liberation. It doesn't work that way. You get the whole kit and caboodle. You cant be pregnant and then say it doesnt define you. It does.  Unfortunately its hard to say what gender Mr. Beatie is physically because of his part changes and recent pregnancy. But, he was born a woman and that gender gives "him" essential premortal, mortal and eternal purpose.

And I dont buy the whole line of "being pregnant doesnt make me feel any more female or feminine." 

1. First off - he is claiming his gender is a woman by stating he doesnt feel "more" like a woman.
2. How can you go through the birthing and pregnancy process and walk away so removed emotionally that you dont feel the wonder and the womanly power of carrying a small child in your womb for 9 months? It seems preposterous to me to make such a claim.

We are in the throws of gender wars, ladies and gentlemen. Again, I repeat, this is our reality. And we MUST be vocal about the lines of truth and the definitions of identity. We cannot be silent and we must not be fooled.  This is yet another tactic of the adversary to destroy souls, dissuade families from starting, and disassemble current families. Make no mistake. Make no mistake. 

Read more...

Are we really that inept?

I wanted to make a short note about technology...

I just purchased a new phone. You see, my 2-year old cell phone is past its prime. I could wait until it stops working all together - that would be the risky, adventurous thing to do. Part of me wanted to hang on to the phone even longer just to beat the cell phone creators system. But, I broke down. You see, my current phone only works intermittently. So, I decided to stop the madness and purchase a new phone. *gasp*

Its a process I dislike. Contracts, rate plans, upgrades, fees, rebates, models, etc. After much research and chatting it up for almost my whole lunch hour withe the ATT retail guy, I made a choice. It seems like a nice basic phone (after my rebate, it will be $50 - perhaps the most inexpensive reliable phone available) and I like the way it looks. I think I could drop it a couple times and it will hold up. I am not naive enough to think I could go without dropping my phone. Additionally, it is nice, new and stable. Hopefully it wont freeze randomly or just decide to stop and turn off. (I didn't even have voice activation set with my old phone and yet, it would just follow these type of commands from an unknown source.)

Tonight, while charging my new phone and I decided to take a little gander at the instruction book which came along in the package. Note that the book weighs more than my old and new cell phone put together. A small tree was sacrificed so I could have my little instruction book. 

And what happened next is what spawned this whole blog entry. Remember that my phone is blue tooth enabled and you can listen to mp3 sound files on it as well.

I couldn't really believe that our society has come to this level of need and stupidity. Really. 

Are you ready?

This is a direct quote from my little manuel:

"If you are listening to music whilst out and about, please ensure that the volume is at a reasonable level so that you are aware of your surroundings.  This is particularly imperative when attempting to cross the street."

Yes, stupid. Take your earplugs out of your head to avoid becoming road kill. That would be the smart thing to do. 

This daily "DUH!" moment was co-sponsored by LG & at&t. 

Seriously though, who writes those manuals? And better yet, who was the idiot that filed the lawsuit which made it necessary to include that little suggestion. You know it happened somewhere.

(Pretty soon the editor will write "avoid placing phone in mouth to eat to avoid destroying your digestive system" and "to avoid cauliflower ear do not talk on the phone for more than 10 hours a day")

That quote alone almost motivates me to read the rest of the 100 pages to find more quality, life saving tips and instructions. And, for those of us with short term memories, dont worry. There is a section at the very end of the book to take notes. Yes. You can take notes about how to save your life whilst crossing the street. 

Read more...

American Idol - Take Two!

Yep. Somehow I got suckered into the auditions yet again. Round one wasnt enough and I am a glutton for a strange time.  This year it was AI auditions in SF. And, joining me were two cohorts - Tommy (now Dr Tommy since he passed his dental boards) and Holadai. She is a mutual friend. We all crowded into the cow palace with the other thousands of unsuspecting folks and waited. And waited some more. They lined us up outside at 5am and didnt let us in the palace (why is it a palace? it certainly isnt warm, beautiful or cozy. Just a large ugly space) until 8:30. Then we waited. And waited. Seeing a theme? Its a good thing I had friends there, and we had a good time together. I had my 30 second shot at lifelong fame around 4:30 in the afternoon. Yep - and after all that waiting, it was over. Good thing I have a day job. And I didnt hang my hat on this audition. 'Cuz I was one of the many "cows" set on the chopping block to get cut. Its very arbitrary how they select the "golden ticket" recipients. 

You are set in front of a panel of 2 judges - if you are lucky, they may be older than you and may have some musical experience. Most of them just barely fit under the heading of "American Idol Staff." They line you up in a row of 4. Each person steps out of line, one at a time, and is asked to sing. When they feel you have sung sufficiently to their taste (usually about 30 seconds) they ask you to step back into line. If they like you, they may have you sing again, or they may have a discussion with you. If they really like you, you get a golden ticket. For those they dont like (but not those they strongly dislike - if they dislike you enough, you go through for pure entertainment value) they tell you thanks and better luck next time. The canned line is "your vocals arent strong enough. go home and practice that." At least that is what our line of four was told. You then step around the table and your wristband is chopped off and you are free to go back into the real world.

Now, let me say a few words about the line up process. And it is a process. You first must get a wristband and ticket (like a concert ticket) which is obtained after you sign a waiver of privacy and showing two forms of ID. This is done for 2-3 days before the actual audition day. The number on the ticket tells you when you will audition on the real day.  So, some people camp out allllll night prior to day one of registration. Its funny because they say camping out is not allowed, but people do it any way without any fall out. 

Once you are there on audition day, after your number is called, you line up in the four across formation. Keep in mind that there are thousands of people in the venue. So, to keep the pace going, they have about 12 audition booths an keep the lines of 4 about 5 lines deep at all times. The booths are right next to each other and the only sound barrier in tact is a thin sheet like drape. 

It is truly a cattle call. 

Its not a talent competition. Its an entertainment program. And money & ratings are at the heart of the agenda. Never forget that. Sometimes as a viewer, we get caught up in the "magic & mystique" of certain shows. But, we must never forget what is always on the forefront of the producers mind. 

Money.

Its not personal, they dont ask for your name, they dont care about you or your family. They dont even care what you did to get there. They simply size you up in 30 seconds or less and with a roll of the dice, you are in or out. Simple and succinct. Its numbers and luck. And luck, ladies and gentlemen is rarely a lady. 

For those lucky folks who are liked by their panel judges, they receive a golden ticket. Its really just a goldenrod colored 8 1/2 piece of paper with their number on it. They will then go at a later time to audition in front of Nigel Lithgo (the exec producer of the show) and a second producer. At this point in time you sign more paperwork excluding your agency to discuss your proceedings with the media and disallowing you to post your success on any websites, blogs, etc. You also are not allowed to get paid for any shows or gigs you may have scheduled. In short, AI owns you. Body and soul. (remember the show doesnt begin live tapings until Jan, so you are bound to these rules until then). If you pass the double producer audition, you are then sent in front of Simon, Paula and Randy. Thats the part everyone sees. 

And thats the process. And I took part in it. Wierd, crazy and typical hollywood. Thank heavens I'm not the next American Idol (or even in the running for it). I am though, forever YOUR Sacramento idol :)

--Shannon 

Read more...

Ode to Tradition

Tradition comes in many ways! One of the more recent, but tasty traditions in the Simmons house is "Grandpa Dougs" root beer. Its delicious. Its a part of many celebrations. Unfortunately we drank up the last of the stash before dad went to Siberia.  In hindsight we should have made a new brew (when I say we, I mean dad) and put it in someones wine cellar. That would have been great. But, since that didnt happen, I bought the next best thing. Henry Wienharts root beer. I made it a part of my Fourth of July Celebration!

On the Fourth, I woke up relatively early and attended the stake celebration at Mission North park. It was packed! There was a pancake & sausage breakfast. (great for me - one less meal to cook). All the bishops we on the griddles! The kids ran around and the parents sat on blankets and talked while watching their broods. It was quite nice. I really like community "small town" type events. There was even a little parade. So cute. Jonah was a part of it.

On my way out, I decided to shortcut by crossing the little stream. As I looked for the most narrow part of the stream, a group of children (9yrs and younger) spotted me and I was an instant audience! It was so wonderful.  Young people have such a world of their own - and they have so much knowledge - soaked in like a sponge.  I learned a very valuable lesson that I am going to pass on.  I think they would want me to.

"How to catch a craw-dad"

first, you get a stick.  And some string.  You tie the string to the stick. The you need a paperclip. You put the paperclip at the other end of the string.  Then you can use bits of hot dog to put as bait.  When the craw-dad eats at the bait, you pull him up and put him in a bucket. If you have a net, that is cool too because its easier to catch. Once you get the craw-dad in the bucket, you dump the bucket out. You dont really need to keep the craw-dad.

Yes, there it is. Pure genius! They shared other secrets of the stream and such, but its best to leave those by the water.  They will save for another day and another passerby.

I also attended the Arden Park parade. I went to my friend April's house for a BBQ. After that I went to Cal Expo for the fireworks. That was  a lot of fun! It was there that I broke out the root beer and toasted to good times! Love ya dad!!!!

All in all it was a great day and I feel so blessed to be in this great land with great freedoms. 

Shannon

Read more...

I just have to say I have a great family! I came home today after a good, but long day at work and Michelle had made dinner for me.  It was delicious! How generous & sweet of her to do that.  I loved coming home to a meal. It was so, well, homey!

She & Nick are so cute. I love them! They are often together (a good thing since they are engaged) but, it isnt ever awkward to be around them. Its just nice.  Sometimes engaged couples drift into their own world and lose touch with their family & friends, and I am so glad this isnt the case with them. I am glad to call them friends:) They are fun to be around.

I took their engagement photos on Saturday.  That was fun.  We had to shoot early in the morning, not just for the light but also to avoid the heat! I will post their website where you can see the pics - I just dont have that address at the present time. Check back soon:)

Shan

Read more...

My New Worklife!

Greetings.  Tonight has been blog night.  Trish - thanks for reading:)

Its a little after 10pm on Sunday night and I am about to go to bed. Hooray - I have been so sleepy lately.  I think its because my body is getting used to standing on my feet for 8 hours a day. 

On Monday I started my job AT Anthropologie (not to be confused with starting a job IN Anthropologie - no bones here...) I love it! Its a very creative and upbeat company.  The people I work with are fun and I am learning a lot of new things.  It has been so interesting to build a store- the store opens officially on June 30th. 

I am the Manager In Training for the store.  There are multiple managers - a visual manager, selling manager, operations manager - and I am somewhat of an assistant to them.  I help manage our team of associates under their direction.  I am learning all the operations - how to manage the floor, be the manager on duty, open, close and a lot more!  We also have had visiting management from corporate to help us with the store opening process. The two person team who has been with us is actually the official store opening team.  They have worked together for the past 6 years refining the most efficient way to open a store - its been great to work side by side with them and learn best practices. I am way excited.

I have received positive feedback from my managers and from Danielle (one of the traveling duo) in regards to my skills and work.  That has been really great to hear as I want to do a good job and it feels great to have a head honcho say I am doing really well! :)

The goal is to move from being a MIT in the operations department to a position on the visual team.  I want to be a part of setting displays and creating the environment for the store.  I am charting a course in that direction!

Good times!

love,

Shan

Read more...

Back to the present...

Two moves, one stalker, a missionary couple, and a lot of sweat later - I am back to the present and I am excited.

I just ate lunch.

Now, that isnt news for or to most, except I cooked.  And created the recipe. It's really yummy. (although I was really hungry-so that may have made a difference.)

For any interested - here it is:

Afternoon Curry Delight

1 can black beans (drained)

baby carrots (a handful)

one potato (white or red, diced)

chicken broth (maybe half a can - you decide)

curry powder (to taste)

Combine all ingredients and boil on the stovetop.  Pour over cooked rice. YUM!

There it is.  I am back to reality from a very busy and tiring two weeks.  And I am determined to be a better cook. There is no time like the present.

Read more...

Everyday Miracles

In a day when many may say that God is silent, or that he doesn't care for His children, I would like to site two recent experiences to the contrary. These are only two of many, but as I have thought about it, truly God is great.

Yesterday I was at Bel Air with mom & dad. This is nothing new. Mom loves the Bel-Air. All of her friends there will miss her over the next two years and she will miss it. You can be sure that there is not a grocery store like the Bel Air in Siberia. I could be wrong, but I am probably right. But, on to the story. As we were there, we ran into Sister Heimburg. Unfortunately she had lost her cane in the store and was trying to find it. This was difficult as she is old and cant run around the store looking. But, she asked some of the clerks to help her. She then saw us and started to talk to us. She was upset about the cane and about her and Karls physical and emotional condition. Mom and dad were able to give her some comfort and we all were able to share our love. By this time, a clerk came back with the cane and Analise was so happy! If she hadnt lost the cane, she may not have ran into us and would have missed the connection she needed with Dad especially. Its all about timing, you know? Sometimes we have to lose things to find the greater treasure!

Next experience. As most people know, I have struggled most of my life to make decisions. I get so nervous about making the right one and chosing the best part. However, this causes me a lot of concern and unnecessary grief. Currently, the big choice on the table is my work situation. In short, I have been offered the Manger in Training position at Anthro in Roseville. I have wanted to work at Anthro for the last 6 months, but on their visual team. This position is on their operations team. It would and can very easily turn into that. However, its a commute and they are paying me less than the rate I am receiving at the boutique I am working at currently. I like where I am at now because the pay is more, I meet really great and somewhat influential people and I can walk to work. I thought that I would stay where I am at. But everytime I go to say no to Anthro, I cant do it. I stall out. Yet, I havent been able to say yes.

So, today was the final day to give my final answer. As I struggled this morning, I told the Lord that I needed to be done with this sruggle I have had with decisions. That I needed to take back my life and own it. I was finished sitting in the corner of the stage of my life. It was time to perform and to be alive. I knew I needed help to overcome the obstacles of decision making. I had thought about it, and re negotiated my decision - I wanted to work for Anthro, but I didnt know how it was all going to work - especially making a clean exit from my job now, the paycut etc. Well, this afternoon at work the Lord gave me a helping hand. I ended up having a discussion with one of the gals I work with, who is pretty much a manager (if we even have one). In short, after that discussion it became very clear to me that the job I am at isnt the best fit for me and my future. It also was a great way to express my exit.

The Lord provides a way for our escape - Nephi speaks about that In 2 Ne. I taught a seminary lesson yesterday about Jonah. Jonah failed to complete his mission on the first try because he was afraid and he didnt see how such a wicked people would accept the gospel message. But, he repented of his weakness when the Lord asked him to preach to the people of Nineveh the second time. And, the people readily accepted the gospel message. God always provides a way for us when he establishes a plan for our lives. When he asks us to do something or even sanctions our actions, he will mark the path and illuminate the darkness. He will not leave us alone or trick us or forget us. All things are possible with Him.

Sometimes I am slow like Jonah, but I am grateful to a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who are patient and allow me room to recover from my mortal frailties.

Read more...