Solving the Grumpies

So I have been suffering from a case of the grumps this weekend. I don't really know why... I've just been in a funk.

So, what can I do about that? A couple of things, as it turns out.

First, I watched this

Then, I decided to write this.

Ten Amazing Things I am Grateful For
1. Knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me.

2. An ever-growing understanding and testimony of the Atonement

3. A family that lives the principle of unconditional love

4. The enormous blessing of serving in the temple each week

5. The trust others have shown in me

6. Friends who, through many years, have lightened my burdens and brightened my days

7. Living in a great neighborhood

8. A job I love that leaves me feeling like what I do matters

9. Daily opportunities to serve

10. Hope

My Goat-Dog

This is Miss Pemberley. She's a dog; sadly Pem believes herself to be a goat.

Here are a few of the poor ingurgitation decisions she's made since she joined my world last July. These are only the highlights of items I'm aware of. Can't begin to imagine what else has traveled through my puppy. Warning: Stop reading now if you don't like descriptions of digestive processes.

1. A knee-high. Twice. Same stocking. (In fact, several other knee-highs have been pulled by me from her esophagus right before fully passing through the upper esophageal sphincter.

2. Deodorant.

3. Half a pair of pantyhose, which we tried to find with endoscopy, but eventually passed through her gastro-intestinal system without surgery, just an overnight stay at the specialty vet and a lot of barium.

4. A band-aid. She actually removed that from my thumb.

5. A trouser sock. About a month ago. Didn't know about that one until she'd lost 5 pounds and regurgitated said sock on my mother's formal couch.

6. The plastic eye from a toy.

7. This morning I found a pair of tights which had been securely in my laundry hamper with about 8 inches of one leg missing. Guess where we found it. The dog's abdominal x-ray. So, what are we doing tonight? Well, she spent the day at the animal hospital being fed barium. I brought her home tonight with instructions to give her an ounce of mineral oil. We're still waiting.

So, at the specialty vet clinic last February, I was told Old English Sheepdogs have a propensity for eating stupid things. I still love the dog to bits, but it would have been great to have that little gem of knowledge when I was doing my internet-based breed research. Thanks, internet.

Things People Should Know How to Spell

College vs. Collage


College: an institution of higher education; usually attended post high-school (where you should have learned to spell collage)


Collage: a piece of art with multiple items displayed; may involve magazines and rubber cement.


Severe vs. Sever


Severe: harsh, having a large impact


Sever: to cut apart or away from, like an arm or a stale pen-pal relationship


Stock vs. Stalk (Thanks Miss Maggie)


Now this one is tricky because there are a multitude of unrelated definitions for both, but let's give it a try.


Stock: 1) Merchandise available for purchase, 2) The act of placing that merchandise on shelves for consumer access, 3) Usual, common or ordinary items, 4) Something involving Wall Street and NASDAQ


Stalk: 1) A single rib of celery, 2) The object climbed by Jack, 3) To obsessively pursue/harass


Please also note:
Stocking: 1) Placing items on a shelf, 2) An article of clothing made from fabric worn on the foot, most often under shoes.
Stalking: 1) A cat waiting and watching prey, 2) Driving by your ex-whatever's house multiple times to see if s/he's home.


Gray vs. Grey
No content-based difference, just dialect.


Gray: American English


Grey: English


Who's vs. Whose


Who's: This is the contracted form of who is.


Whose: Possessive form of whom. (I'll explain whom in grammar post.)


No vs. Know (Sadly, this little gem is not a joke)


No: This powerful little word denotes negation.


Know: To have an understanding or expertise on a topic or subject.


To vs. Too


To: a preposition or part of an infinitive.


Too: Also, in addition, as well.


You're vs. Your
This well may be the one item on the list that most effectively increases my blood pressure. Especially when I see it in professional capacities. Or on facebook.


You're: Contracted form of you are


Your: Possessive.


Bottom Line: If you want me to take you seriously please don't tell me "your making a college to."

Temple Night

Tonight we had a Stake Temple Night at the Salt Lake Temple (even though that isn't our district). We started with a meeting in the chapel with the Temple President and then did a session. It was great! In addition to being able to do some wonderful service for those who have died, I was also able to renew a friendship with a an almost-cousin of mine. Love it!


My morning was spent volunteering at the Bountiful Temple and, boy, did my feet feel it. But even when I don't want to go, I'm always glad that I did once I get there.


Sometimes I forget to be grateful that I live in the midst of so many temples. As I was getting ready to leave I was feeling mildly inconvenienced that the evening was going to take up so much time. Then I remembered that most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have to travel and give much more time to attend the temple than I ever do.


We are SO blessed!

Can't Do It All

Today, I went right to FHE at an assisted living facility (ALF) after leaving a work meeting. I got home at 8:30, when I ate and talked with my parents. Here's the deal, I have so many good things that need to happen, I feel a little frazzled right now.

I'm trying to exercise for improved health. Didn't happen today.
I brought work home with me that NEEDS to get done. Didn't happen today.
I needed to catch up with a friend. That did happen today and I'm glad.
I need to send an email for my calling. That is in the process of happening, but not until I've cleared my brain a little.
My ward is reading the Book of Mormon together. I'm already behind.

How do people fit all this stuff in? It is critical for me to sleep enough. I can't give that up without getting really sick. I have to work full-time and I have to give 100% to my patients while I'm there, even though that often means my days don't turn out as planned.

So, seriously, what do people do?