I'm goin' back to Cali...

I went to California for work again this week. I thought I'd share a few of the highlights.

On my first leg of the trip out to Cali I got bumped up to First Class....just because. They served me my Sierra Mist in a glass! No plastic cups for first class - we're too good for that. However, I paid for it on the next leg. On the longer flight, I sat next to a larger gentleman who took up a little more than his seat. He was in the middle. He didn't smell my favorite....and although he slept for three out of the four hours, he was a big time snorer. No thanks. I was glad to get to L.A.

The weather in SoCal was perfect. We ate lunch outside everyday. Our workshop went well. We even finished early. I was super happy to get to use the hot tub - because I long for one when I'm home. Everyday on our way home from the base we passed this section of purple flower ground cover. I thought it was so amazingly beautiful every day. The pictures just don't do it justice (warning: pictures taken while driving).

Unfortunately as soon as I got here I felt a cold coming on. That was not my favorite part of the trip. Luckily, we had quite a bit of time on Thursday so I was able to relax a little. I even made it to the beach


and chased these little guys around for a while



and then it was back to the hotel for dinner. I feel lucky to have business trips in such great places. This is the second time I've been in SoCal for work and it won't be the last. I wish we were rich enough to live there.

Next stop....Utah!!!

Good at life...

A dear, sweet friend emailed me the other day and said, "Hi Callie, You are so good at life."

Well, Tasha, some days are definitely better than others...but thank you for such a wonderful compliment and I'm so glad you've seen more of my 'better' days than the 'others'.

I seem to be surrounded lately with women who are "good at life". I am constantly inspired by the things I'm hearing that these women are working on. Women who are trying to be better. Women who are trying to have more faith, to better their relationships with their children and their husbands. Women who are trying to learn new skills and change their attitudes. And these things are WORKING FOR THEM! They blow me away.

Last night I got together with some friends to discuss a book we just read and we always talk about life. I am inspired by the choices some of these women have made. I am uplifted by their words of encouragement and their bravery. Many trickled out the door but, as usual, I was the last to leave. I chatted with two women I admire - both for different reasons - late into the night. We laughed and cried...there on the doorstep. They have figured some things out about life that I have not yet come to understand. I am lucky to have them in my life.

On a similar vein, I have had many conversations or experiences with the LDS church lately. I loosely followed the Big Love scandal about our temple. I have been touched by lessons I have heard at church. My heart has been softened by articles I read in the Ensign lately. I watched a video about the "Pioneers of Africa" that made me realize the incredible faith of those who waited so long to receive the gospel. And I watched this video (below) from a girl at Harvard, younger than me, who was grilled with tough questions about the LDS religion and I was so proud of her. She was brave and strong and seemed to be...."good at life".

So, I am happy for the attention of the church. I am realizing how important it is to be a good example because apparently a lot of people are watching. But...at the end of the day...alone in my own little world - in my own little apartment, I am thankful to have the gospel in my life. I am grateful to know that no matter how hard things get, I will always have someone to turn to. I am grateful for the focus on the family and how it is so important because it is Eternal. I am grateful for modern revelation that helps us to cope in current times and know that we are still loved by God - just as the people were back when Christ walked the Earth. I am grateful for words of wisdom by our church leaders that seem to come just when you need it the most. I am especially grateful for those incredible women I've met here in Maryland through the church and their examples.

My heart is so full....I just wish I could express it better.


Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

3.14159

I made an oatmeal pie for Pi Day (3/14). It was yummy. Especially yummy served warm, ala mode, and with friends....but isn't everything better that way?

Oatmeal Pie

¾ c. sugar
1/3 c. Butter or margarine
1 t. cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
¾ c. dark corn syrup
1 t. vanilla
1 c. rolled oats
1 T. coconut (optional)
1 unbaked pie shell
Whipped cream or ice cream for topping (optional)

Cream sugar and butter. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. This pie is delicious served as it is, or you may wish to top it with whipped cream or ice cream.

Thanks for the recipe, Ash.

Not Edward Cullen....

Oh, it's so sad that these two can never be together. If you've read the fourth book then you'll quite enjoy the baby reference. ha!

HELP

Okay, Folks, I've got a big decision to make this week. I have tried out a new office for a few days to see if the commute was better and I need your advice. I am going to list the pros of each office and I need to know which one I should choose. I'll need to give my decision by the end of the week...so leave a comment or email me what you think.

Alexandria:

An actual office with 2 windows, a whiteboard, cork board, bookshelf
Covered parking
Endless supply of hot chocolate and tea
Privacy (office)
I already had business cards printed with this address and phone number
I have speakers that I can plug my iPod into
Cool scanner
Free gym access/membership across the street (which I've been using)
I have a couple of friends (who are they guys I work out with - ha!)

Vienna:

Commute is only 45-50 minutes (as opposed to 60-70)
They have a stocked beverage fridge


Including beer! (what?!)


Very nice people
People in this office seem to be younger
Seems to be more business casual than the Alexandria office
Stocked drawer of microwave popcorn
Sylvia has a big bowl of candy on her desk (office manager)
There is a cafe on the 1st floor of the building
I don't have to close here (as far as I know. In Alexandria I had to close the office about twice a month)
**My boss is not here - which means working at home without having to tell him every time.
Not a pro: I have a cubicle here. Not private. No door. I am hyper-aware of my 'neighbors'. I worry when I am snacking (big snacker) that they can hear me crunching and are annoyed.


So...what do YOU think?

Fruit Pizza

I made this.

It was delicious.

Proud?

Thanks.

The End.

Oh, Harry

I. Am. Excited.

Man! I feel like a woman...

Sometimes being a woman is hard. We have all sorts of social pressures to be thin and beautiful and perky. We are the only ones that have to go through the pain of childbirth ("get to" - blah blah blah). We are emotional and crazy. When we work, we still come home and clean the house and cook the dinner.

HOWEVER...there are some perks.

One time my sub woofer wasn't working in my car and so I took it to RC Willy where I batted my eyes a little and told the guy that it was my birthday (true) and he diagnosed the problem - no charge. I was ordering a cake (for another boy) at Baskin Robbins and with a boy cashier - I got a discount. People hold doors open for me. And today... in my hoodie, jeans, hair in a messy braid, no makeup and glasses...without trying... I got a FREE oil change.

And today, I am glad to be a woman.

Rooooaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrr!