Dear Potential Dates,
Where in the "rule" book is it written that a date must cost a fortune, be a huge activity, take all day long, and ultimately conclude with "let's just be friends"?
Let me take a moment to list a few dates that would mean the world to me, won't cost you much, only require you to spend (at most) a few hours with me, and don't need a thought of forethought to be really cool experiences. That way, if we do end with "let's just be friends" neither of us has lost a bundle of money or oodles of time. Sound good?
Why not make arrangements to clean the side of a freeway/highway? Pack a picnic lunch for us and let's work together to make something better. Maybe we could go for lemonade when we're all done sweating.
How about if we bake cupcakes together and arrange to take them to a nursing home and visit with the residents there? That would be lots of fun! Think how much we'd learn from the older generations. And if you have a nice voice, we could totally sing to them. Awesome!
What if we went to a local pediatric unit and held the babies whose parents needed a rest? Or visit kids in the cancer ward and read them stories or play board games with them? It would definitely be an emotional date, but totally worth it.
Speaking of board games, how about we just stay home and use food storage to make something for dinner and play board games? We could have a "contest" to see who could come up with the most creative meal with the food ingredients we have. And you could kick my butt at Scrabble. I don't mind losing, especially if we have a good time together.
It would also be fun to play at a park. We could slide and swing and have a grand time! Each of us could bring something for lunch and share what we brought. We could even bring a ball for kickball or play Frisbee.
The Wii. There's nothing quite as fun as competing on the Wii! Let's compete and see who comes out winner in tennis or bowling or baseball. And whoever loses treats to a shaved ice or ice cream treat. It's only fair that the loser buy. This date might actually cost you.
We could also make tinfoil dinners. Then, we could go up the canyon, cook our meals, eat, and roast marshmallows or fix S'mores. That might give us energy for a hike or a walk in the woods. Ah, how romantic! We could have a contest to see who finds the best walking stick. Just don't make this date too long because I'm fond of real toilets.
Those are just a few suggestions, Mr. Potential Date. Please, please don't stress out over making it a big event that I'll never forget. The truth is, I might forget the date, but I'll never forget how you made me feel. And if you're not stressed out, then I won't be stressed out. Plus, if I've agreed to go out with you, that already means I think highly of you, so don't worry about trying to impress me. Just be yourself and I guarantee it will be enough.
Sincerely,
Katie
6/29/10
6/24/10
My Dad
Since last Sunday was Father's Day, I've been thinking about what makes my dad so great. Truthfully, there's not enough web space available to say the good things I need to say about my parents. However, I would like to share something I've not shared with many people.
See, I've had four dads in my lifetime. The first dad was the guy who let me comb his (non-existent) hair and put barrettes in it while he watched TV. He would also make eggs, laugh when I ate margarine, and try to convince his mother that telling me I had "rats" instead of "snarls" in my hair was a bad idea. This dad also rescued me from many a sleepover when I got scared and wanted to come home. He lasted until I was 11.
When I was 11, dad #2 entered the picture. This was the dad that was busy with work all the time. He was sick then, but I didn't realize how sick or understand the ramifications of that stupid disease called "Diabetes" that was ravaging his body. This was also the dad that had me working at age 14 every day after school to keep me out of trouble - and paid me for it so I would have money to do the things I wanted.
Around age 17 or 18 (the timeline isn't clear on this one), dad #3 showed up. This was the unpleasant, unhappy, mean dad who instilled fear in us every time we heard the garage door go up. He stayed up late at night to finish work and got up early to get out of the house. In his defense, we think the other stupid disease called "Parkinson's" was just arriving. Thus, we don't blame him for his mean and ornery self; we just wish we had known sooner what was happening so we could do something about it.
Then, at about age 25 (timeline here is fuzzy, too), dad #4 was diagnosed with Parkinson's. This is the dad I've known since. There have been tears, laughter, anger, regret, and prayers. And this has been the dad that has wished he could return to his heavenly home sooner rather than later so he can be rid of his physical body that doesn't do him much good now. Perhaps of all the dads, this is the one I look up to most.
See, it's not a tragedy when someone dies if they have lived a good life. Dad has done that - he has lived a very good life. He was the best Gospel Doctrine teacher. He was the best Sunday School teacher. He was a hard worker. He was a defender of all that was good. And he is mine - eternally. What a wonderful thing to know. So, a week later and still thinking about it, my dad is by far the greatest one I'll ever know. Until I meet my Heavenly Father, and even then I know Dad will be right there waiting to greet me and defend me and love me. When you have parents like that, you learn to expect a lot out of others and hopefully end up with an eternal mate as good as or better than (if that's possible) your very own dad.
See, I've had four dads in my lifetime. The first dad was the guy who let me comb his (non-existent) hair and put barrettes in it while he watched TV. He would also make eggs, laugh when I ate margarine, and try to convince his mother that telling me I had "rats" instead of "snarls" in my hair was a bad idea. This dad also rescued me from many a sleepover when I got scared and wanted to come home. He lasted until I was 11.
When I was 11, dad #2 entered the picture. This was the dad that was busy with work all the time. He was sick then, but I didn't realize how sick or understand the ramifications of that stupid disease called "Diabetes" that was ravaging his body. This was also the dad that had me working at age 14 every day after school to keep me out of trouble - and paid me for it so I would have money to do the things I wanted.
Around age 17 or 18 (the timeline isn't clear on this one), dad #3 showed up. This was the unpleasant, unhappy, mean dad who instilled fear in us every time we heard the garage door go up. He stayed up late at night to finish work and got up early to get out of the house. In his defense, we think the other stupid disease called "Parkinson's" was just arriving. Thus, we don't blame him for his mean and ornery self; we just wish we had known sooner what was happening so we could do something about it.
Then, at about age 25 (timeline here is fuzzy, too), dad #4 was diagnosed with Parkinson's. This is the dad I've known since. There have been tears, laughter, anger, regret, and prayers. And this has been the dad that has wished he could return to his heavenly home sooner rather than later so he can be rid of his physical body that doesn't do him much good now. Perhaps of all the dads, this is the one I look up to most.
See, it's not a tragedy when someone dies if they have lived a good life. Dad has done that - he has lived a very good life. He was the best Gospel Doctrine teacher. He was the best Sunday School teacher. He was a hard worker. He was a defender of all that was good. And he is mine - eternally. What a wonderful thing to know. So, a week later and still thinking about it, my dad is by far the greatest one I'll ever know. Until I meet my Heavenly Father, and even then I know Dad will be right there waiting to greet me and defend me and love me. When you have parents like that, you learn to expect a lot out of others and hopefully end up with an eternal mate as good as or better than (if that's possible) your very own dad.
6/22/10
Roman
You have to know my sister Lisa in order to appreciate this story. She would do anything for anyone. If you needed a shirt, she'd pull the one off her back and hand it to you. She's not wealthy by any means, but she's generous with what she has.
On Sunday, we got together as a family to celebrate Father's Day. Mom left Lisa a message telling her we'd eat around 4:30. A little later, Lisa called to get a ride to the house and told Mom that a man had stopped by her house and asked for directions to the Beehive Home in Salem. They talked for quite a while, and Lisa wondered if it was okay to bring him to dinner, too. Mom said sure. Because that's how Mom is - roll with life's punches and enjoy the ride.
Enter Roman. A Russian, from Estonia (I think), who is a nurse and was looking for the Beehive House so he could apply for a job. He was very nice. Thirty-five, single, a twin (whose brother and parents still live in Russia), loves to travel, worked for Tahitian Noni, not a member of the LDS church, and a vegetarian. In conversation with him, Mom found out he was renting a room at the Hare Krishna temple. Andrea swears he was "taking notes" on a notepad, but I sat next to him during dinner and didn't see him writing anything.
As much as things like this make me leery, I also find them somewhat amusing. I don't know any other family that invites strangers into their home and feeds them all while teasing and taunting each other and making fools of themselves. Andrea couldn't even bless the food without the kids laughing. Probably not the best representation of the LDS Church one could have on a first-time basis. Besides that, we knew nothing about Roman. What if he's a con man or a killer? Well, come on in! We accept all kinds at the Miller house!
I will say this: it's nice to be part of a trusting, loving, kind, caring family - even if we're not that way with each other all the time. Let's just hope that was the impression Roman was left with, and pray his supposed "notebook" was filled with only good things instead of addresses, names, and occupations. We wouldn't do well under KGB rules.
On Sunday, we got together as a family to celebrate Father's Day. Mom left Lisa a message telling her we'd eat around 4:30. A little later, Lisa called to get a ride to the house and told Mom that a man had stopped by her house and asked for directions to the Beehive Home in Salem. They talked for quite a while, and Lisa wondered if it was okay to bring him to dinner, too. Mom said sure. Because that's how Mom is - roll with life's punches and enjoy the ride.
Enter Roman. A Russian, from Estonia (I think), who is a nurse and was looking for the Beehive House so he could apply for a job. He was very nice. Thirty-five, single, a twin (whose brother and parents still live in Russia), loves to travel, worked for Tahitian Noni, not a member of the LDS church, and a vegetarian. In conversation with him, Mom found out he was renting a room at the Hare Krishna temple. Andrea swears he was "taking notes" on a notepad, but I sat next to him during dinner and didn't see him writing anything.
As much as things like this make me leery, I also find them somewhat amusing. I don't know any other family that invites strangers into their home and feeds them all while teasing and taunting each other and making fools of themselves. Andrea couldn't even bless the food without the kids laughing. Probably not the best representation of the LDS Church one could have on a first-time basis. Besides that, we knew nothing about Roman. What if he's a con man or a killer? Well, come on in! We accept all kinds at the Miller house!
I will say this: it's nice to be part of a trusting, loving, kind, caring family - even if we're not that way with each other all the time. Let's just hope that was the impression Roman was left with, and pray his supposed "notebook" was filled with only good things instead of addresses, names, and occupations. We wouldn't do well under KGB rules.
6/15/10
Could it be?
Mom and I sat out on the front porch and talked tonight. And I had a major thought. MAJOR.
Could it be that the reason people my age and younger don't date is that for YEARS we have been told to group date, group date, group date? It was never encouraged to "pair off" and date just one person. There was safety in numbers, right?
I think that's part of the problem with older single people. We're good, obedient people, and we listened to the prophets and our parents (not at all bad things to do, so children still need to listen to their parents and the prophet).
But seriously, think about it. Not once in high school did I go on a date alone with a boy. Well, actually, I take that back. There were a few times, but they were just that - FEW. Mostly, we did things in large groups. Kind of what "hanging out" is now. That's why we're all still single! We didn't get the memo that it's okay to date without a hundred friends around.
Hey, I figured out the why. Someone else needs to come up with the solution to fix it. Good luck!
Could it be that the reason people my age and younger don't date is that for YEARS we have been told to group date, group date, group date? It was never encouraged to "pair off" and date just one person. There was safety in numbers, right?
I think that's part of the problem with older single people. We're good, obedient people, and we listened to the prophets and our parents (not at all bad things to do, so children still need to listen to their parents and the prophet).
But seriously, think about it. Not once in high school did I go on a date alone with a boy. Well, actually, I take that back. There were a few times, but they were just that - FEW. Mostly, we did things in large groups. Kind of what "hanging out" is now. That's why we're all still single! We didn't get the memo that it's okay to date without a hundred friends around.
Hey, I figured out the why. Someone else needs to come up with the solution to fix it. Good luck!
6/13/10
Gratitude
Sometimes things just don't work out.
And sometimes it's actually better that they didn't work out.
I really love my ward. And I love the people in it. They are great. They love me.
That was a preface to what I'm about to divulge. It's disturbing. Young children should now go to bed.
One lady (several months ago) asked me how old I was. "Thirty-three." I responded with confidence. She then proceeded to tell me she had a 22-year-old grandson she'd like to set me up with because I'd "be good for him." Red flag! I politely declined.
The same lady (a few weeks later) asked me again how old I was. "Still thirty-three." I said, with even more confidence. She then advertised her 45-year-old recently divorced son who, by her own admission, "is a former ass" who "called all his sisters on Mother's Day to wish them well." Great! Nothing like being set up with a reformed ass.
In the last few weeks, a 77-year-old widow (whom I dearly love) got engaged to a 72-year-old widower. While out shopping one day, she was introduced to a young man by her fiancee and they decided to play matchmaker. They asked this young man if he would like to go out with me. "Sure," was his response (according to what I've been told). The "date of all dates" was supposed to take place last night. We had plans to put dinner in the oven, go for a walk on the trail where the newly engaged couple met, and then eat dinner at this lovely lady's home. A night to remember, right? Until the young man "forgot" about the date and arranged to be at a "work thing" instead.
Therefore, the title of this post is gratitude. Why?
Well, first of all, the best part of blind dates is the story you get to tell when it's over.
Second, the story leading up to this one was pretty good, so the date itself would have had to be over the top ridiculous to beat out the story about how the date was arranged.
Third, blind dates are enormously uncomfortable, so my night was actually relaxing.
Fourth, Heavenly Father really knows us. The timing obviously wasn't right on this one.
Fifth, who has a 77-year-old friend that feels so bad things didn't work out that she calls and invites you to watch a movie and have popcorn with her and her fiancee and listen to the rain because she's worried you might feel dejected? That's pretty cool.
Basically, I have a lot of gratitude for where I'm at in life right now. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father is aware of me and watching out for me. There are a lot worse things in life than being single and being set up on blind dates by ladies in your ward that love you and want you to be happy. I'm just grateful to have people like that in my life who want me to be happy, even if it means going to the outer reaches of reality to get me there. :D
Yep, gratitude fills me up.
And sometimes it's actually better that they didn't work out.
I really love my ward. And I love the people in it. They are great. They love me.
That was a preface to what I'm about to divulge. It's disturbing. Young children should now go to bed.
One lady (several months ago) asked me how old I was. "Thirty-three." I responded with confidence. She then proceeded to tell me she had a 22-year-old grandson she'd like to set me up with because I'd "be good for him." Red flag! I politely declined.
The same lady (a few weeks later) asked me again how old I was. "Still thirty-three." I said, with even more confidence. She then advertised her 45-year-old recently divorced son who, by her own admission, "is a former ass" who "called all his sisters on Mother's Day to wish them well." Great! Nothing like being set up with a reformed ass.
In the last few weeks, a 77-year-old widow (whom I dearly love) got engaged to a 72-year-old widower. While out shopping one day, she was introduced to a young man by her fiancee and they decided to play matchmaker. They asked this young man if he would like to go out with me. "Sure," was his response (according to what I've been told). The "date of all dates" was supposed to take place last night. We had plans to put dinner in the oven, go for a walk on the trail where the newly engaged couple met, and then eat dinner at this lovely lady's home. A night to remember, right? Until the young man "forgot" about the date and arranged to be at a "work thing" instead.
Therefore, the title of this post is gratitude. Why?
Well, first of all, the best part of blind dates is the story you get to tell when it's over.
Second, the story leading up to this one was pretty good, so the date itself would have had to be over the top ridiculous to beat out the story about how the date was arranged.
Third, blind dates are enormously uncomfortable, so my night was actually relaxing.
Fourth, Heavenly Father really knows us. The timing obviously wasn't right on this one.
Fifth, who has a 77-year-old friend that feels so bad things didn't work out that she calls and invites you to watch a movie and have popcorn with her and her fiancee and listen to the rain because she's worried you might feel dejected? That's pretty cool.
Basically, I have a lot of gratitude for where I'm at in life right now. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father is aware of me and watching out for me. There are a lot worse things in life than being single and being set up on blind dates by ladies in your ward that love you and want you to be happy. I'm just grateful to have people like that in my life who want me to be happy, even if it means going to the outer reaches of reality to get me there. :D
Yep, gratitude fills me up.
6/8/10
Grow up and get over it
Some people are intent on being idiots. Those people are actually great at being idiots already and need no further intent to make it happen. I can't mention these people by name (for legal reasons, obviously), but suffice it to say they have accomplished their life work of idiocy and I give them full credit for it. *Insert applause here*
I can't even mention what these idiots have done (again, for legal reasons, obviously), but, mind you, it has been enough to give them Darwin Awards in the "Book of Idiots Katie Knows" and the sequel "Book of Idiots Who Remain Idiots."
There's just one thing I have to say to the idiots: Grow up and get over it!
To the rest of the non-idiot population I know and love, please don't give in to idiocy. Please! Avoid it like the plague. It will destroy you. And it will destroy those who love you. Don't do the idiot things you might regret. Don't post things on Facebook for others to read and find out what an idiot you are. Don't share your innermost thoughts and feelings in public where you will surely be found an idiot. Don't, by any means, ruin someone else's life or reputation with your verbal messes of idiocy. And last of all, don't wish for what you'll never have because of the idiot choices you've already made.
It's just that simple. Grow up and get over it!
(Is it legal to post the word "idiot" that many times in a blog post? I may need a lawyer ....)
I can't even mention what these idiots have done (again, for legal reasons, obviously), but, mind you, it has been enough to give them Darwin Awards in the "Book of Idiots Katie Knows" and the sequel "Book of Idiots Who Remain Idiots."
There's just one thing I have to say to the idiots: Grow up and get over it!
To the rest of the non-idiot population I know and love, please don't give in to idiocy. Please! Avoid it like the plague. It will destroy you. And it will destroy those who love you. Don't do the idiot things you might regret. Don't post things on Facebook for others to read and find out what an idiot you are. Don't share your innermost thoughts and feelings in public where you will surely be found an idiot. Don't, by any means, ruin someone else's life or reputation with your verbal messes of idiocy. And last of all, don't wish for what you'll never have because of the idiot choices you've already made.
It's just that simple. Grow up and get over it!
(Is it legal to post the word "idiot" that many times in a blog post? I may need a lawyer ....)
6/3/10
Fixated on Netflix
Years ago, when Netflix first started, I was a member. I loved getting my two DVDs a week and watching movies to my heart's content. At the time, I remember thinking how much more I would love Netflix if I could watch specific TV series on DVD. Shortly after that, I canceled my monthly subscription and decided there was more to life than watching movies.
Well, what do you know?! Netflix now has TV series on DVD. Not only that, they offer instant watch on your computer AND you can watch movies and TV through the Wii. How cool is that?! Technology rocks! So, I subscribed again and for $8.99 a month I can watch all the TV series I want and still get a DVD in the mail. Woot!
Now, I'm not advertising for Netflix by any means. It's just amazing that they have obviously listened to their subscribers and other consumers and made some really great changes. I've already found a new favorite TV series ("Lie To Me") that is incredible. It's so fascinating! And kind of disturbing in some ways.
Next in my queue is a whole slew of other TV shows. Instead of buying them on DVD and spending a small fortune (there are some shows that merit the expense - like "The Office", "Spongebob Squarepants", "CSI", and "House") I can now view a TV series through Netflix for a small fee every month and figure out if there are any other series worth having in my DVD collection.
I have become a fan of Netflix again! They do have a free trial, so if you're interested, check it out. If you're not, I won't be offended. It's just nice to have entertainment again, especially when I need a break from school work, exercise, family life, and work. Besides, everyone needs a break sometimes, right? And having as many as you want for $8.99 a month makes Netflix worth it!
Well, what do you know?! Netflix now has TV series on DVD. Not only that, they offer instant watch on your computer AND you can watch movies and TV through the Wii. How cool is that?! Technology rocks! So, I subscribed again and for $8.99 a month I can watch all the TV series I want and still get a DVD in the mail. Woot!
Now, I'm not advertising for Netflix by any means. It's just amazing that they have obviously listened to their subscribers and other consumers and made some really great changes. I've already found a new favorite TV series ("Lie To Me") that is incredible. It's so fascinating! And kind of disturbing in some ways.
Next in my queue is a whole slew of other TV shows. Instead of buying them on DVD and spending a small fortune (there are some shows that merit the expense - like "The Office", "Spongebob Squarepants", "CSI", and "House") I can now view a TV series through Netflix for a small fee every month and figure out if there are any other series worth having in my DVD collection.
I have become a fan of Netflix again! They do have a free trial, so if you're interested, check it out. If you're not, I won't be offended. It's just nice to have entertainment again, especially when I need a break from school work, exercise, family life, and work. Besides, everyone needs a break sometimes, right? And having as many as you want for $8.99 a month makes Netflix worth it!
6/1/10
Things I've Recently Learned
The more you try not to focus on something important, the more the Lord will MAKE you focus on it. This weekend I learned a lot. Some of it is stuff I probably knew in part, but situations occur to solidify what you need to know.
The first thing I learned is that running away only leads to running toward something else - and usually that something else is more problems. If you are going to run away, it's sometimes appropriate to take someone you love with you. They might know how to help you solve the problems you're running from. If they don't, they will at least be good company.
The second thing I learned is that we all value different things. What someone else values, I might see as silly or a waste of time. But I would bet good money that most of the things I value are meaningless to others. Never knock what is of value to someone else.
The third thing I learned is that when there is a possible emergency, I maintain a pretty cool head. This is a good thing, especially if I ever have the chance to be a mom. Most likely, I won't freak out if/when the kid bleeds, gets in an accident, or (like their mother) is completely accident prone, breaks bones, and needs stitches.
The fourth thing I learned was perhaps the most profound. I'm still digesting most of it. This might be where I get comments about stupidity. Oh well. I'll take that chance. This section of what I learned also has parts. It can't really be lumped into ONE learned thing. It's just that they pertain to the same thing.
Part one: according to Elder Bednar, if you have fears about marriage you don't understand the fullness of the plan of happiness. This means I have a LOT more to learn.
Part two: pride is about WHO is right; humility is about WHAT is right. I hope to remember that until I die. Simple phrase. Extremely profound.
Part three: no two marriages are alike, so you shouldn't compare your thoughts or ideals about marriage or your marriage itself to any other marriage. It's asking for trouble and you fill find unhappiness every time.
Part four: Heavenly Father loves us so much that He provided the opposite sex with complementary characteristics so we could perfect each other.
Part five: everything we do in life, from infancy to death, prepares us for an eternal marriage.
Part six: until a marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise it is probationary. This means there is a lot of time and opportunity for growth.
The fifth thing I learned is that, no matter how prepared you think you are, dealing with the death (slow or sudden) of a parent is really hard. Even if you know the basics of how it will happen, it's still not easy and there will still be lots of tears.
The sixth thing I learned (not to make light of the others) is that $.98 strawberries and a family size bag of Cheetos from Walmart can put a smile on this girl's face. I believe that means I know how to enjoy the simple things in life. And simple is good.
The first thing I learned is that running away only leads to running toward something else - and usually that something else is more problems. If you are going to run away, it's sometimes appropriate to take someone you love with you. They might know how to help you solve the problems you're running from. If they don't, they will at least be good company.
The second thing I learned is that we all value different things. What someone else values, I might see as silly or a waste of time. But I would bet good money that most of the things I value are meaningless to others. Never knock what is of value to someone else.
The third thing I learned is that when there is a possible emergency, I maintain a pretty cool head. This is a good thing, especially if I ever have the chance to be a mom. Most likely, I won't freak out if/when the kid bleeds, gets in an accident, or (like their mother) is completely accident prone, breaks bones, and needs stitches.
The fourth thing I learned was perhaps the most profound. I'm still digesting most of it. This might be where I get comments about stupidity. Oh well. I'll take that chance. This section of what I learned also has parts. It can't really be lumped into ONE learned thing. It's just that they pertain to the same thing.
Part one: according to Elder Bednar, if you have fears about marriage you don't understand the fullness of the plan of happiness. This means I have a LOT more to learn.
Part two: pride is about WHO is right; humility is about WHAT is right. I hope to remember that until I die. Simple phrase. Extremely profound.
Part three: no two marriages are alike, so you shouldn't compare your thoughts or ideals about marriage or your marriage itself to any other marriage. It's asking for trouble and you fill find unhappiness every time.
Part four: Heavenly Father loves us so much that He provided the opposite sex with complementary characteristics so we could perfect each other.
Part five: everything we do in life, from infancy to death, prepares us for an eternal marriage.
Part six: until a marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise it is probationary. This means there is a lot of time and opportunity for growth.
The fifth thing I learned is that, no matter how prepared you think you are, dealing with the death (slow or sudden) of a parent is really hard. Even if you know the basics of how it will happen, it's still not easy and there will still be lots of tears.
The sixth thing I learned (not to make light of the others) is that $.98 strawberries and a family size bag of Cheetos from Walmart can put a smile on this girl's face. I believe that means I know how to enjoy the simple things in life. And simple is good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)