Blue

Here's another little quiz... I thought it was pretty accurate :) What Color is your Aura?

Blue

Your Aura is Blue!

Personality: Blue’s are very loyal and can be the truest friend any aura could hope to find. On the inside, blues tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that other auras depend on you, so you put on a strong front. They tend to live a quiet but enriching life. Blues are very giving of them and is hard to let go of relationships. They believe the key to living a good life is simple: Be as honest with yourselves and others as possible. They value the truth over everything else.Blue will remain loyal to those who are honest with them, even if their honesty hurts. Compared to most other auras, blues handle the truth very well. They take every event into stride. Blues are the calm spot in a sea of chaos. They think that the solution to most problems is open communication; they wish that people would be more real with each other. A Blue personality uses its five physical senses to access information. An emotionally driven personality, you need to be liked and accepted. It is one of the "needs" that can cause apprehension in your personality. You are a polite, cooperative person who seeks to create conflict-free surroundings. You possess highly developed powers of observation. Family is important to you and you sometimes find yourself in the role of being a caretaker. You are conservative, reliable and trustworthy - you are quite trusting of others although you are very wary in the beginning until you are sure of the other person. You are not impulsive- you always think before you speak and act and do everything at your own pace in your own time. You take time to process and share your feelings. You are genuine and sincere, and you take your responsibilities seriously. You have a deep need for peace and harmony in your everyday life. You appear to be confident and self-controlled, but may be hiding your vulnerable side. You are generally fairly even-tempered, unless your emotions take over - then you can become either moody and over-emotional, or cool and indifferent. You are sensitive to the needs of others. While you are friendly and sociable, you prefer the company of your own close group of friends. You are a rescuer and love to be needed. You can be rigid - you like to stick to what is familiar to you- you stubbornly do things your way even if there is a better way. Untidiness and unpredictability overwhelm you. You don't like to draw attention to yourself. While you don't like to have discord or conflict in your life, you are often the cause of conflict with others; you can be quite manipulative but in a very subtle way.
You make a loyal and faithful marriage partner and you are an honest, trustworthy and sincere friend. You are aware of others feelings and sensitive to the moods of others. You are approachable and friendly, always making people feel welcome in your life. You have a thirst for knowledge in order to gain wisdom and appear knowledgeable in whatever area interests you. You can be too cautious and worry about every little thing.

Life as of late...

Well I wanted to start this post off with "Dr. Phil's Test" You can take it HERE. I like to take little things like this from time to time, I think they are interesting, and like to see what they "reveal" about me. You should try this one... I have no idea how they come up with the points, or how they relate them to the person taking the test but I took this one and scored a 48 .... and here's what that says about me:

41 to 50 points:

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who’s constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who’ll always cheer them up and help them out.

I'd like to this that this is true.. but I probably see myself a little differently than others see me... which reminds me of a funny story. Monday night's FHE was over at our Bishop's house. We had goldfish races. It was hilarious. There were quite a few new people there, some who had recently returned to our ward, and some investigators as well so there was a pretty good turn out. There was a new boy who was quite friendly and chatting with the girls around him. I think I heard he recently returned from a mission, but I'm not sure. Anyway, he started asking the girls around him their ages. (Isn't that the number one thing you don't ask a lady??) So the two girls next to him said they were 20, then he asked me and of course I answered truthfully, I'm 26. His jaw just about hit the floor. I probably should have been flattered but he was so shocked and he said "I thought you were 21" a little disappointed. To which I answered, "I promise, I've graduated from University, and have served a mission, I'm 26." He asked me about my mission then moved back to talking with the other girls. Too funny! I brought that up with the girls I work with today (the oldest one is 20) and they were so funny, they all laughed at my story and then told me that when they first met me, they thought that I was younger as well, but they thought maybe 22. So there you go. 

In other news, I have been able to go to Institute two weeks running. It is so great. :)  Even though I technically graduated from Institute before my mission, I always enjoy going to new classes. The one we've been going to is a Book of Mormon class, and the teacher is great, I'm really enjoying it. My stepmother has changed the schedule so I can go, apparently it is a good thing for me to get out and meet new people... my single status continues to be a topic of conversation.... and my institute teacher did promise us that as we make institute a priority we will know who we need to date. Well what actually happened was he quoted President Monson:

 “ I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you.” (April 21, 2009)

He then went on to make us a few promises of his own, including we would know who we need to date. Our Institute teacher is all about letting love blossom. Good times.

Another good thing that has happened lately is a friend of mine reminded me that I need to do things for me. I started a project a week ago, and hadn't made any progress on it, she asked me about it and the next day I got a move on. It's all set, just need to put pencil to paper. It's been a while since I pursued my interest in that area so I'm excited to get going on it. (Yes I know that was extremely vague, but it has to be until I am finished with the project, as part of it is going to be a gift.) 

Well once again, thanks for reading my ramblings. Have a wonderful day! Peace and Blessings ;)

Orion

One thing you may not know about me is that I love stars. I love going outside at night and seeing stars in the sky. I love finding familiar constellations when I am new places, it makes me feel at home. When I was young, my Dad would point out constellations to me, I loved it.

Here I am in another new place: Arizona. I found the big dipper a while back, but tonight I finally found Orion. After work, I went for a walk with the intent to clear my head and just think - think about my priorities, where I want to be, what I want. A few steps out of the door and there he was. Orion has had a special place in my heart ever since our first major move - from Tacoma, WA to Lytham St. Annes, England. One night in particular I remember caroling with the youth of our ward there in Blackpool, looking up to the sky and seeing Orion and feeling like finally England felt like home. It was quite the transition for the 10 year old me, and little did I know then that, it was just the first of many major moves coming. Throughout all my moves, and all the adventures somehow finding Orion in the sky makes me feel grounded and at home.

I don't know what the near future will bring, but once again Orion brought back a calm and a sense of home.

Conversations with a stranger

So as most of you know, I have been working at my family's Thai Restaurant in Goodyear, AZ. I now have experience in shopping for, and serving in a Thai Restaurant.

As with anywhere in the Restaurant and service industry, I now have a very unique opportunity to meet people. I am sure there are plenty of behavioral studies done on behavior while eating out in a restaurant (especially dates, those are interesting to watch). Then of course the quote floating around Pinterest and FB: "A person who is nice to you but is not nice to the waiter, is not a nice person." Let's just say that even in my short time of working at the restaurant, I have stories to tell. Most of them good - nice, patient people who love the food. But then of course there are those who are impatient, rude, and unpleaseable. I have a few favorite regulars - if you come into our restaurant often enough, you get to know our life story, and vice versa. :) It's amazing how good food can bring people together.

I had a very interesting experience today at lunch time. There was a man who came in by himself. He ordered a Red Curry lunch special and asked for my help to connect to our Wi-Fi. I walked by a little while later to check on him and then we had a pretty lengthy conversation that was quite thought provoking.

After a minute or two, I found out that this man is a Convert to the church as of about 7 years, his wife is a member and goes regularly. He stopped going to church about 4 years ago, mainly in fact to the gross hypocrisy he saw in the men, especially those in leadership positions in his ward. He said many times over the course of our conversation and had lots of examples of their hypocrisy, dishonestly, and irreverence -in his ward in Utah and here in Arizona. On one hand, I can understand where he is coming from. I think we all have experiences with people who have little integrity, or are just plain hypocritical and pull the 'holier than thou', mote and beam bit. That can be frustrating for sure. On the other hand, I pitied him and the blessings he was denying himself and his family. Without me saying anything, he mentioned that 'he had heard it all, that the church is made of imperfect people, that the gospel is perfect, etc etc -I'm sure we've all heard a version of it. I do believe it's true though. We may be frustrated with the behavior of others, but ultimately we are responsible for our own salvation. I need to strive to lift others, but in the end I only have control over my own actions. He was a very honest man with lots of life experiences, and  yet he refuses to attend church seemingly just because of the behavior of others. He did say that whenever he hears someone talking bad about the church, he is the first to defend it - so we shall see what the future brings for him and his family. It was a very interesting conversation - one that I will ponder on for a while I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it.

We talked a lot about relationships, and in a round about way chastity. It was very interesting to hear his experiences with relationships, and infidelity and the like. He asked how long I had been married. He seemed pretty surprised when I told him I was single, being 26 and all- especially just moving here from Utah. He told me I'd find someone. He was shocked again to hear that I don't date much. It'll be nice when I find a job and am a little more settled, right now I am so busy with my family and finding a job, there isn't much time for boys...not that I'm beating any away with a stick by any means. He did say how important it is in a marriage that you are friends. Looks will fade, money may come and go, but if you are friends, you will always be friends. I like that. :)

One piece of advice he gave me was to grow some roots. He was pretty shocked with the number of places that I had lived. He talked a lot about the benefits of a long term relationship, with friends, family and neighbors, being able to be there for one another when things happen. I definitely see the value in that... however I treasure the friends and the experiences that I have all over the world. I have the travel bug, or a 'gypsy soul' as they say, I thrive on travelling around and exploring new places and experiencing new cultures and foods and everything else. So we shall see what the future brings for me. He did seem to think that I should marry a man in the military (I could definitely handle the moving around part.) but, then changed his mind and wanted me to settle in one place. So we'll see ;)

It is amazing the people that come into our lives, if even for a moment. It made me think of this:

Photographer Puts Two Strangers Together For Intimate Photographs, And The Results Are Surprising

I posted this Link on my FB page a few weeks ago, but saw it pop up again. It's nice when we have those experiences that take us out of our "Comfort Zones". We can learn so much from each other.

Apparently my marital status was quite the hot topic of conversation today as the ladies in the kitchen kept asking if I was going to move to Thailand - because then I could find a husband there. Oh mercy.

Thanks for reading the musings of a very single, 26 year old Mormon girl. Hope it gave you some food for thought.

Until next time,
-T

P&P

So last Sunday night there was a Pride and Prejudice(1995) marathon. I am pretty sure that I haven't seen it since we watched it in AP English back in the day... but I was glad that I caught the last few episodes - which are the best parts any way. The whole series is fantastic, it is like watching the book on screen.

Needless to say, I have definitely had P&P on the brain this week. One night after everyone else was home, and most were in bed, I put on a face mask and popped in Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy. It has also been quite a while since I watched this one as well. (Affectionately referred to as 'The Pink Pride and Prejudice') I was only going to watch the beginning, but of course I got sucked in and watched the entire movie.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a girl of a certain age and in a certain situation in life, must be in want of a husband..."

*That awkward moment where you are the same age as Elizabeth* 

~ does that mean I'll find my Mr. Darcy soon? ; )

My DVD has a 'Pink Bible' section to read over. It is so ridiculous!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching it again, there are soo many funny lines! It definitely made me think of Utah, and now that I have been on the UVU campus I recognize where they filmed the beginning of the movie when she is eating lunch by the fountains. Such a fun, quirky movie!

Since I'm on the theme of Pride and Prejudice... I can't finish my post without something from the 2005 version... I found these after a quick search on pinterest for Pride and Prejudice Quotes:

#singlegirlproblems

well.... I am fond of dancing!

Eat Pray Love

Today I finally made time to watch Eat Pray Love again. There is something about that movie that speaks to me. I read the book once but honestly, I like the movie more. (I know, that never happens!) Maybe it's Julia Roberts, maybe it's Bali, maybe it's her journey.

My life has had lots of changes this year. I have been on quite the journey myself lately. I haven't been on a journey to find the meaning of all things, or to find myself. An answer to a prayer lead me to where I am now. I am on a journey to figure out exactly why I should move to Arizona when I did. (Maybe I'll never know the whole reason) At first it didn't feel so real, because every weekend I was in a different state. Then once I came back and moved my things into storage here and really got on the job hunt I am trying to immerse myself in being here. I really do like living in Arizona. Some days are so frustrating, I do feel like I'm waiting a little bit, like I can't start until I have a job and move into a new apt. Other days I am so busy with my responsibilities and opportunities that I do have that there is little time for anything else.

I have always liked Eat Pray Love, but I think it is especially poignant right now while I am still in transition. It's been a great ride so far and I have met some amazing people here. I am trying my best to relax and have faith in His timing. I know things will work out the way they are supposed to.

Fall in Arizona

Confession #1: I LOVE that it's October and we are still in the 90's!
Compared to how hot it was when I first moved down here, I suppose it does feel like Fall, especially when I get up early to go on a bike ride, or go for a walk at night... however with the daily high temperature in the 90's I am loving it, and I can't believe that it is October already!

I have had a couple of people lately ask me if I am moving back to Salt Lake. -and although I do miss it, I am excited for this chapter of my life here in Arizona. It has been quite the ride here so far. I have been here for just over two months now. My first month here was mainly spend playing and travelling! So that was exciting. The last month has mainly been spent working at my family restaurant, and searching for jobs.

I have lost count of how many openings I have applied for. My top two that I am hoping for are: Interior Design Assistant at the VA in Tuscon, and Project Manager Assistant, Interior Design at NAU up in Flagstaff. I am always on the lookout for new openings and opportunities but I think I would LOVE either of these jobs. So fingers crossed!

Confession #2: Even though it doesn't feel like Fall to me (I'm used to Utah Fall) I am super excited for Pumpkin flavored everything aaand Gingerbread! I have tried the Pumpkin Cheesecake at Olive Garden already (and it was delish!) I missed it last year so I had to get a jump on it this season ;)

Confession #3: I love to bake.
Last year for Christmas I baked up a storm! Seriously, I was in the kitchen for days. For my coworkers I made loaves of bread and sweet bread and the fixings for a couple of gingerbread houses. Cinnamon rolls were also made for a company lunch (well I brought cinnamon rolls and cider for breakfast that day).

Then for the family gatherings I made my famous Apple cake, and mini gingerbread house cookies and my new favorite holiday treat the amazing Pumpkin Gingerbread cake with home made caramel sauce. My darling friend Suzy let me try it and then gave me the recipe and I made it for my Grandparents. I have been craving this cake the last couple of days and then got a phone call from Miss Suzy yesterday who has also been craving this cake. I really really want to make it, but I think I will restrain myself until it cools off a little bit more. (This weekend I made the family favorite Hasty Pudding cake, and have plans to try the Famous Dave's Bread Pudding recipe soon)

-T

Conversations...

So today I opened the restaurant, like I have for the past couple of Saturdays. We were off to a running start as a couple of men from Texas called ahead so we opened a few minutes early. Then because our sign was on we had a table, a take out order, and a couple of blended drinks to go all before we actually opened. The kitchen was scrambling a bit to prep but we made it work.

Well in the midst of things the phone rang, so of course I answered it:

Me: Sala Thai Goodyear
Max: Hi this is Max from (Company) I'm calling about your windows computer
Me: Are you sure? This is a Thai restaurant, we have a till, not a computer
Max: I'm calling about your windows computer
Me: This is a business number for a Thai restaurant, we have a cash register but no computer
Max: I have two restaurants in LA, would you be interested in doing business with me?
Me: We don't have a restaurant in LA, just this one here in Arizona
Max: Would you be interested in doing business with me?
Me: I don't understand
Max: I need a receptionist for my restaurant in LA
Me: I just moved here from Salt Lake, I'm not ready to move to LA
Max: Would you be interested in the job?
Me: This is my family's restaurant...
Max: Oh! This is a family restaurant, so sorry! Love you, bye!

That probably wins the prize for the strangest phone call I have ever had! I just had to laugh when I hung up the phone. It was a good morning, busy at the start then empty long enough for me to eat an early lunch, and then picked up for a lunch rush.

I think that is my favorite thing about working at our restaurant. The people I get to meet every day. We have regulars who come in often, or every few months, then the people who have never been in before. It's fun to talk with the regulars who know our story, and also it's great when someone who just found us has a great time and loves the food. There's plenty of crazy moments too, but it has been a great experience overall working at my family restaurant.

PS. If you're in AZ come by and get some Thai Food --> Sala Thai Goodyear

My Happy Place

So with my transition to the Valley of the Sun I was able to travel a little bit before settling into a routine here.
The weekend after I got here we took a weekend whirlwind of a trip to California. The beach really is my happy place. Give me the salty sea breeze, the sand between my toes and the sound of the rolling waves. Throw in a few seagulls and I could be content forever. The ocean speaks to my soul, I love being at the beach.

Here’s a couple of pictures of Huntington Beach:

Basking in the sun

Lovely warm sand!

Liebster Award

I was nominated by the fabulous Keisha to participate in the Liebster Award and pass it on to other bloggers! It couldn't come at a more perfect time. I have pretty much been on radio blog silence for over a year. I even got a new blog page back in July but have yet to post anything. Soo many changes have come, and come quickly lately that I finally decided to make time to get back into blogging, write in my personal journal, and really get back into sketching. I have bit by bit been preparing for this return to these things I love, but now is the time.

So I'm excited to do this and for you to get to know me better and then keep it going. :) Go check out Keisha's blog {here}! She is a sweetheart and I love reading her posts!

"Liebster" means dearest in German, and it's awarded, blogger to blogger, to up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers.  The rules for accepting and giving the award are pretty simple.  Once you accept the award, you just have to do the following in a blog entry:

Answer the 11 questions posted by the nominator on her blog

Give 11 facts about yourself

Nominate 5-11 other new, up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers

Make up 11 more questions to pass on to the bloggers you choose to nominate

Thank your nominator by linking back to her blog

Upon your post going live, contact your nominees about your nomination for them

Here are Keisha's Questions:

1. What's your zodiac sign? And do you read your horoscope? And do you think it fits your personality? 

This is too funny, I was in Barnes & Nobles this morning looking at sketchbooks and journals and found a 'love journal' of sorts, it made me giggle a little bit, but it totally had a section on the  zodiac and of course I read mine. I am an Aries. Sometimes I like to check it out in books, or see Pinterest posts on what I'm supposed to be like. Once in a while I feel they're spot on, and sometimes waay off. I don't follow a daily horoscope though.

In the Chinese Zodiac I am a Rabbit. Sometimes I think that's a little closer to me. I do find it interesting for sure! 

2. First kiss story!

Ah... of course. Hmm I haven't thought about it for a long time... and now I'm scrambling to remember the exact details. It was my senior year at the bottom of the spiral stair case in the dorm. I think?! I honestly can't remember. Oh dear. 

Better story: my next first kiss - Freshman year at USU. I started dating a guy who lived upstairs in the same dorm building. He had never kissed anyone before. One night we went for a fairly long walk. We ended up at a baseball diamond so we walked out to the pitchers mound and talked for a while under the stars... and then we kissed. 

3. Shuffle your Ipod and tell me the first 3 songs that come up. (no lies! ;))

1. Girl on Fire by Alisha Keys

2. Carry on Dancing by Savage Garden(Guilty Pleasure, don't judge)

3. Uncharted by Sara Bareilles

4. What's your favorite website/blog/tumblr?

Well the one I spend the most time on is Pinterest (I know, I know!) but I love to be able to get a quick bit of inspiration, and since I took the Wilton Cake Decorating Classes, I especially love the cake recipes and decorating ideas.

Other honorable mentions are: 

http://bodyunburdened.com/ - Great things to think about as I strive to get away from harsh chemicals and live a healthier life. If you follow on facebook, you'll always know when Amazon has free ebooks daily 

http://www.ourbestbites.com - Great Recipes! Darling site.

http://rasamalaysia.com/ - Asian recipes and great giveaways!

5. Who's your celebrity crush? (you can't have Benedict--sorry, not sorry. ;))

I'm not big into celebrity crushes but Bradley James came to mind first:

He plays Arthur in the BBC Merlin

And of course.... David Tennant

Brilliant in Doctor Who, and I'm liking Broadchurch, can't wait for Wednesday!

6. Top 5 ways to win your heart?

The first thing that came to mind when I saw this question was the 5 Love Languages 

My top two are: Quality time and Acts of Service.

So I would have to say:

1. Spend time with me

2. Be open and honest with me

3. Let's try something new or go on an adventure

4. Cook/bake with me

5. I love flowers... and especially live plants

7. Tell me a joke. 

You know, I'm not big on jokes... except the corny ones my Grandpa loves to tell he's too cute. I prefer true funny stories.

8. No money reservations--where would you live/visit for a month?

Bali, Indonesia. Give me the ocean and a tropical breeze! Since I'd be there for a month, I'd take quick trips up to Malaysia and Singapore too. That would be hebatnya!

9. 3 things that you always have in your purse/backpack/car/pocket?

Phone, wallet, chapstick

10. What book could you read over and over again?

I usually do... haha. I love The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho are the first ones that come to mind :)

11. Your favorite TV series?

Hands down I'd have to say Doctor Who. I started watching it when they brought it back in 2005 with Christopher Eccelson as The Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose, his companion. I've seen all the episodes and specials :) Love it!

That was fun! Now it's my turn: I am nominating: 

Jen, Candice, Chester, Kaylie, Audrey, and Natalie! I know some of you have multiple blogs so I will leave it to you as to where you answer the questions and pass on the Liebster Award!

Here are your questions ladies!

1. One quote that changed your life.

2. Where is your 'Happy Place'?

3. If you could leave tomorrow, where is the first place you would go?

4. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

5. Are you a cat person or a dog person?

6. One song that speaks to you.

7. What is something you want to accomplish before your next milestone birthday?

8. Top 3 favorite movies of all time.

9. If you were a Crayon, what color would you be?

10. What book could you read over and over again?

11. What is the best advice you have every been given?

Can't wait to see your posts!