Day 7

Christmas

 -          William Cullen Bryant

As shadows cast by cloud and sun

Flit o’ver the summer grass,
So, in thy slight, almighty one,
Earth’s generations pass,
And as the years, and endless host,
Come swiftly pressing on,
The brightest names that earth can boast
Just glisten and are gone.

Yet doth the star of Bethlehem shed

A luster pure and sweet;
And still it leads, as once it led,
To the Messiah’s feet.
O Father, may that Holy Star
Grow every year more bright,
And send its glorious beams afar
To fill the world with light

Day 6

As With Gladness Men Of Old

-          William Chatterton Dix

As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped

To that lowly manger-bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare,

At that manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

Holy Jesus, every day

Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they needed no star to guide,
Where no clouds They glory ride.

Day 5

A Soldier's Christmas
 

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan

Day 4

A Masonic Christmas

Twas the Night before Christmas

And down at the lodge
Not a gavel was stirring,
And in the hodge podge
Of Aprons and jewels
And Chairs East and West

You could savor the silence,
Most gladly divest
All metal and mineral,
It mattered not,
Since Christmas was nigh

And the coals were still hot

In the hearth of your home place
All Masons abed,
As vision of trestleboards
Danced in their head;

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter
Our Tyler jumped up to see what was the matter!
He picked up his sword and ran fast to the door,
Three knocks shook the panels – he wondered “What for?”
He answered the knocking with raps of his own,
And once the door opened he saw, with a moan
Of delight, it was Santa, all jolly and red
Except for one notable feature instead!

Upon his large finger he wore what we knew

Was compass and square on a background of blue!
“Why Santa!” he shouted and lowered his blade,
“I see you’re a Mason!” the Tyler relayed.

He looked toward the Master’s most dignified chair

And said, voice near trembling, “Most Worshipful there
Is a Gentleman properly clothed at the gate!”
The Master replied, “Let’s allow him – but wait!
You tell me a Gentleman, but I don’t see
His apron beneath that red suit. Can it be
Our visitor hasn’t been properly raised?”
Must we offer a test that is suitably phrased?”

“I do beg your pardon,” ol’ Santa said quick

As he pulled up his coat and display not a stick
Nut a cane with engraving, two balls did appear
And oh, what and apron, he wore and held dear!

Adorned like the Master’s, complete with a sign

Of “Lodge Number One, the North Pole” on one line!
“Now let this man enter,” the Master declared,

And once in the Lodge room, the Brethren all stared,

For Santa was wearing a jewel not seen
For many a century – there in between
The fur of his coat and the splendid red collar
Gleamed two golden reindeer that shone line a dollar!

“It’s Donner and Blizten, who I must confess

Are actually images brought from the West
By my Warden, a craftsman like none in the world!”

And with a great laugh from his bag he unfuried

An ear of fine corn, and some oil from the East,
“My friend I have plenty.  Tonight we will feast
On all that is good! We are Masons, kind sir!”

As presents and promises flew from his sack!

This Santa, a Mason, showed he had a knack
For making this Christmas the best you could glean,

And soon even Deacons were laughing. They’d seen

On this very night only happiness reigned!
This jolly Saint Nicholas quickly explained
That only a Mason could be so inclined
To make all kids happy, make all people find
A Chistmas so special. Yes, Santa was right!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a god night!

Arthur – Clayton L Wright

Day 3

A Christmas Story

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it. Overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma. The gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son, Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner city church, mostly black. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. But as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn’t acknowledge defeat. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.”

Mike loved kids, all kids, and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church.

On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.

For each Christmas, I followed the tradition, one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn’t end there.  You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more.  Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the three for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope.

Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.

“There is nothing so healing to oneself as to heal another.”

Author Unknown

Day 2

A Candy Maker’s Witness

A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.

The candy maker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like sheep have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat lain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the scouring Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the bloodshed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became know as the Candy Cane – a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who “have eyes to see and ears to hear.” I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness the Wonder of Jesus and His Great Love that came down at Christmas and remains the ultimate and sominate force in the universe today.

-          Author Unknown

Sorry this is a little late

Christmas Stories Day 1

12 Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffles us. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

 
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

 
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now you know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone 

A Gluten Free Blog

I recently discovered a great website / blog for gluten free items. Receipes, guidance, etc.

http://glutenfreerecipebox.com/

OES Community Sale Today

So for my first booth of my own doing, it went pretty well. I have worked other peoples' booths many times over but never one of my own work. I have 1 table split in half. 1 part was crafts I have been making over time and the other part was Brownies.

I sold small pieces of home made brownies of my own recipes. 1 was white chocolate, macadamia nut, cranberry brownie. Another was rainbow sprinkles with almond flavoring. 1 was cinnamon with espresso. Another was was white chocolate, macadamia nut with hazelnut frosting. The one I sold out of was S'more: vanilla wafers, walnuts with chocolate marshmallow frosting.

The next OES Community Sale is March 24th, 2012. It is a Saturday and will be at the same place: Mt Morah Lodge, Henderson Masonic Lodge, 480 Greenway, Henderson, NV 89015.

It was a lot of fun and exhausting working a booth on your own. No help setting up the canopy or table but a friend did help me take down the canopy which was nice. They had a raffle for the vendors who signed up today for the next community sale, their spot would be free and I won!! So I will be doing the same thing again but between now and then I will get another table (so the brownies could be on their own table). I will do the S'mores one again and I will work on some others people might enjoy more.

Cemetery Watchman

-      Author Unknown



My friend Kevin and I are volunteers at a national cemetery in Oklahoma and put in a few days a month in a slightly larger uniform.

Today had been a long, long day and I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey’s and have a cold one. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 16:55, five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun, Oklahoma summertime was a bad as ever – the heat and humidity at the same level – both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, ’69 or ’70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail’s pace. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a can and sheaf of flowers – about four or five bunches as best as I could tell.

I couldn’t help myself. The though came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: ‘She’s going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I’m ready to get out of here right now!’ But for this day my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the ‘In’ gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey’s in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in Marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began this watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk; she looked up at me with an old woman’s squint.

Ma’am, may I assist you in any way? She took long enough to answer.

‘Yes, Son, Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.’

‘My pleasure, Ma’am, (well, it wasn’t too much of a lie).

She looked again, ‘Marine, Where were you stationed?’

‘Vietnam, Ma’am, ground pounder, ’69 to ’71.’

She looked at me closer. ‘Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine, I’ll be quick as I can.’

I lied a little bigger, ‘No hurry, Ma’am.’

She smiled and winked at me. ‘Son, I’m 85 years old and I can tell a lie from a long way off, let’s get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name’s Joanna Wieserman, and I’ve a few Marines I’d like to see one more time.’

‘Yes, Ma’am, at your service.’

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flower bunches out of my arm, and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn’t quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X. Davidson, USMC: 1943.

She went up to the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC: 1944.

She paused for a second and more tears flowed. ‘Two more Son, and we’ll be done.’

I almost didn’t say anything but ‘Yes Ma’am, take your time.’ came out.

She looked confused, ‘Where’s the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.’

I pointed with my chin, ‘That way, Ma’am.’

‘Oh!’ she chuckled quietly. ‘Son, me and old age ain’t too friendly.’

She headed down the walk I’d pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC: 1968 and the last on, Darrel Wieserman, USMC: 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn’t make out and more tears flowed.

‘Ok, Son, I’m finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.’

‘Yes, Ma’am, if I may ask, were those your kinfolk?’

She paused, ‘Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband, Larry and Darrel were my sons. All killed in action, all Marines.’

She stopped. Whether she had finished, or couldn’t finish, I don’t know. She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully.

I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting  by the car.

‘Get to the ‘Out’ gate quick. I have something I’ve got to do.’

Kevin started to day something but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get is there, down the service road fast. We need to beat her. She hadn’t made it around the rotunda yet.

‘Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost, follow my lead.’ I humped across the drive to the other post.

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate. I called in my best gunny’s voice: ‘Tehenhut! Present Haarms!’

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye – full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.

She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice far beyond the realm o most.

I am not sure but I think I saw a salute returned from the Cadillac.

As a final thought on my part let me share a favorite prayer:
          ‘Lord, keep our service men and women safe whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.’

Let’s all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy. Amen.

America's New War

“America’s New War”
On the T.V. I hear
For my children’s lives
I’m starting to fear.
May GOD protect them
And keep them from harm.
As I keep them close
And clutched in my arms.
If for some reason
Our freedom is gone.
With GOD in out hearts
We will still be strong.
“In GOD we trust”
Isn’t just something we say.
It’s what we live by
Each and everyday.
So no matter what happens
Or what the future may bring.
We are Believers
And FREEDOM WILL RING!

-     By Shannon Mancha, PM NV Sunrise #28

Order of the Eastern Star Grand Chapter Week

The Order of the Eastern Star Nevada Grand Chapter started today. It will go till Wednesday, October 5th. It is being held at The Eastside Cannery in Las Vegas, NV.

I'm excited it has finally started. Ended up going to the airport 5 times yesterday (a least). Almost a whole tank of gas was used taking people from the airport to the hotel. Everyone was very nice and patient with me when I drove. I didn't have the best patience yesterday and I felt bad about it.

I made the alter cloth, the fern applique and the memorial cloth. The alter and memorial cloth are too big. I don't know if I can't measure right or if I was given the wrong measurements, either way it's not noticeable. The memorial cloth, I put the fern on the wrong corner. I don't know if I just completely forgot or what but it too isn't really noticeable and both items look good. I altered some clothes a for someone for this week and so far she looks good in my alterations.

I'm not staying at the hotel, which would make life easier but I do have a key to my Grandparents room for outfit changes etc.

My Grandmother is Grand Chaplain this year. Today was her Vespers & Memorial services. It was very well done. The youth groups (Rainbow Girls, Job's Daughters & Demoly) did and amazing job! My Grandmother used a friend's military boots and helmet. She also borrowed a lighted cross. It is a very pretty cross but I had to paint it because a lot of the marks wouldn't come off. I did kind of seal it with clear spray paint and it looked good during the service.

There were many Masonic organizations represented today. I didn't realize how many there were and I know there are more out there. Everyone was so pretty or handsome and really nice today. Even though I was exhausted I had a great day.

I did forget my camera today but hopefully I will pictures tomorrow.

Here is a link to the Nevada Eastern Star Grand Chapter http://www.nevadaoes.org/

OES Community Sale

Hello Everyone,

My Order of the Eastern Star chapter, Sunrise #28 Henderson, NV will be having our next community sale October 15, 2011. Sale is 9 AM - 2 PM, breakfast 8 AM - 11 AM. Location: 480 Greenway Ave, Henerdson, NV 89002 (this is Mt. Mariah Lodge).

The radio station KSHP will be there!

There are going to be tons of other vendors from different companies going to be there. Like Mary Kay, Avon, Candy Maker and many many more . . .

I have a table and will be selling the many things I have been making. I hope you come & check out my work!

If you want a space they are 10 X 20. Each space is $20 unless you have a canopy then it is $30. You get a free breakfast with each space.

Mt. Mariah Lodge's phone # is 702-564-2867

The community sale chairman's email address is stonebarger@centurylink.net

The next Community Sale is scheduled for March 24, 2012.

Looking For Work Again

Looking for work again is very exhausting. Here are some sites I visit daily for work:

LDS Jobs.org  (Non-LDS People can have profiles on this site).

Review Journal.com (I've gotten lots of leads from this site).

Craigslist.com

I hope this helps someone else.

Job Seekers FYI

For all those out there looking for work, Do Not Look into this place. They charge you to help you find a job. There is way too many other places to find a job. You should pay anyone to help you. It is a rip off.

http://centurytemporaryservices.com/

Loving Life

So life is fine. I'm feeling better. Still feeling alone but that's life right.

I Need To Change Something

I need to do something different with my life. I am tired of always being in pain. And I mean in physical pain which hurts my social. I am tired of being alone. I am tired of roommates who do not clean up after themselves. I warn them that it drives me crazy people who don't clean up after themselves and that I can be hard to live with some time. They convince me it will be fine, I believe them and it all goes to crap. I feel so alone. I feel like no on wants me. I feel like there is something wrong with me because I have a hard time with roommates. I feel ugly. I want to make a change but I don't know what to do. Sometimes I want to be like the people on TV or in the movies that can make things better in 2 hours. I often wonder why I am here and if I am actually making a difference in any one's life. If I would actually be missed if I was gone. If any one's life would actually be any different if I never meet them. Sometimes I feel worthless because I'm not married and I don't have any kids. I don't own anything. I'm not anything marketable. No one wants to pay for homemade items anymore, specially when you can go to Walmart and get a factory made version super cheap. I want to travel but I barely have enough money just for gas to get to work. I also barely have enough clothes for work. It's also hard to travel with no passport and with all of my food allergies. I used to dye my hair crazy colors but my current job won't allow that. I've also thought about shaving my head but that won't help anything either. I've thought about those dating websites but I don't have any money for that. I've done the free dating websites but all that's on there are people looking for 1 night stands or to rob me blind. I just don't know what to do anymore.

Recently

At the end of June I ended up in the hospital with a migraine and severe pain in my adombine. It looked like I have an enlarged pancreaus and swollen liph nodes. I had an infection some where in my body that they didn't know where it was.

I left work early on a Friday. Went to Quick Care who gave me a very large dose of a pain killer that I ended up having an allergic reaction to and was sent to the Emergence Room. After 3 hours in the Quick Care I spent 12 hours in the ER. Drugged up the whole time. It was no fun.

I have been dealing with stomach cramps, pains and other issues. I have had several tests, exams, x-rays, etc. One doctor after another all coming up with something different. So far I have been told I have Chrons, Allergies-R-Us. Now I am looking at Celaic disease and diabetes.

I am on a very special diet now and have been doing a lot of research on Vegan-Gluten Free Recipes. I can have meat in general but no eggs and no dairy.

As I do have more energy now then I have in the past few years which is nice. I still get tired easily. I know I come across mean, snobbish and rude. I don't mean to be but it is usually from being in pain and/or really tired.

After several prayers, temple visits, etc. I appreciate the concerns of others although I will admit I don't always understand it. I do find the advise of others who have never had my issues fusrating at times. Specially when they tell me I need to eat more fruit and vegetables. Little do most people know I do eat healthy and I have done so for years. I know my size doesn't always show it and can through people off but I don't watch what I eat. I wish people would just be patient and understanding with me.

My New Goals

My new Goals for the year:

1. Figure out what I can eat
2. Get out of debt
3. Figure out what I want to be when I grow up
4. Stop drinking soda
5. Be Positive
6. Go to the Temple at least once a month
7. Full fill my church callings to best of my ability
8. Try really really hard not to watch rated R movies.
9. Actually have something in my savings account.
10. Not allow the stress of being single get to me.
11. Remind myself how good my life really is (specially on the bad days).
12. Remeber who I am
13. Work on finishing things on time

My Latest Adventure In Life

I had a blood test done to see what foods I was allergic too. This did not include environmental things like perfumes, flowers, etc. This is only for food.

My new list is:

All dairy (cow, goat, etc)
Eggs
Wheat
Gluten
Sunflower Seeds
Spelt
Tritcate (it's a grain)
Navy Beans
Pinto Beans'
Kidney Beans
Pineapple
Green Beans
Green Peppers
Mushrooms
Corn
Grapefruit
Strawberries
Spinach

Other thing's I am allergic to:

Pencilin
Steroids
Some Perfumes
Some Pollens
Pewter

Next to figure out, what can I eat???

Look At What I Did . . .

I finally opened an Etsy account. I will let you all know as soon as I start posting things.

www.etsy.com

Single Adult Conference

So this weekend was the Las Vegas Area Annual Singles Conference.

Now mind you if you go to this singles conference, you shouldn't have the goal of meeting an eternal spouse. You should be happy attending for the spiritual aspect and the pure entertainment value.

Having this attitude, I had a great time. I meet several people because I had my friend / roommate. She was a great comfort zone and helped me a lot get out of my comfort zone.

There was a fireside Friday night, a dance Friday night & Saturday night. There was workshops & another fireside on Saturday. On Sunday was Sacrament meeting, lunch & devotional.

Some of the workshops, firesides & devotionals were done by artist, Area 70 Priesthood leaders, Temple Presidency leaders, Brad Wilcox, etc.

There was entertainment by Sam Payne and Marvin Goldstein (both very good entertainers & good men). I am now friends and/or fans of them on facebook.

There is a website for the local Single Adults:

www.ldssingleslv.org

This site will mentions the next conference, FHE's (Family Home Evenings), Dances etc.

There is also well known Single Adult Conference in Huntington Beach, CA that I know several people will be going to. It is sometime the end of April.

http://www.hbmidsinglesconference.com

My roommate & some of my friends want to attend. I hope to see you all there.

My Current Goals

1. To weight between 150 - 160 pounds (loose 30 - 40 pounds).
2. Stop drinking soda
3. Be Positive
4. Go to the Temple at least once a month
5. Full fill my church callings to best of my ability
6. Try really really hard not to watch rated R movies.
7. Actually have something in my savings account.
8. Get out of debt
9. Not allow the stress of being single get to me.
10. Remind myself how good my life really is (specially on the bad days).

Happy New Year

I hope everyone is having a Happy New Year so far. It has been almost a whole week in the new year.

My goals this year:

Be positive
Stay Temple Worthy
Stay Organized
Be On Time Everywhere I Go
Loose Weight

Oh wait, these have been my goals for some time now. I don't really believe in New Years resolutions. I think if you want to make a change to just do it. Like I know I need to stop drinking soda. I just don't want to yet.

I still haven't gotten a kiss for the new year. Doubt it will happen anytime soon.

My latest goal is to keep up on this blog better this year. 2009 wasn't a good year for me to keep on this blog, sorry.

I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all.