What would YOU do?

I need you to complete the following statement:

If I did not have to work* full-time today I would _______________ .

I fully realize I am in a unique period of life where I have very little to do. Unfortunately I'm running low on ideas. The most exciting thing I did today was buy bread at Great Harvest. And gas at Chevron. And exercise. And listen to Oprah's Best Life podcast. Studying for the CPA exam often does feel like a full-time job, but there's still room to squeeze in whatever else I want. I'm trying to take full advantage of the next 6 weeks before I start working.

But what should I do?

I want your suggestion, I want to know what YOU would do. Because maybe I want to do that too. So give me an idea. (And ask your neighbor to give me an idea too!) I'll do it, and report back.


*Obviously, raising children is full-time work. And so is school. Etc.

Obama's speech to the students.

Have you read it? I really liked it. Uplifting, motivational, encouraging. What was all the fuss about? Lame.

I would've sent my kids to school. Afterall, he is THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and all. That deserves respect.

Our kids should have exposure to leaders of our country. Fifty years ago when asked what they wanted to be when they grew up kids often said "President of the United States." Nowadays, the #1 answer is more along the lines of "Britney Spears." Not awesome.


*This is a comment I left on lovely Lindsay's blog post back in August which I've adapted to include here on my own blog, with the links the comment section wouldn't allow me to include.

*Over the last several years, I have been frustrated and disappointed by the lack of respect for our president that was so widespread in society and especially the media. It was completely socially acceptable to bash on President Bush for ANY and no reason. It got to a really disgusting point in my opinion. (You could not watch 2 minutes of early morning or late-night television without hearing something stupid and rude) And people were, just like you mentioned, HAPPY to see him fail. Failure served as some sort of self-vindication of one’s position. That is sad. I think the fact that we see this same behavior transferring to the other side of the political spectrum is a bit of a tit-for-tat type game, “getting back at each other” so to speak for the Republicans putting up with so much open criticism of the leader affiliated with their party.

I am 100% behind you in the sentiment that we need to teach our children to have respect for authority. Whether criticism is warranted or not, there is a certain level of decorum and respect that is owed to our leaders. As members of the church we should be great examples of showing respect for proper authority, whether that be God, the President of the United States, a Senator, the President of the Church or even the president of our local relief society.

In traditional Asian cultures, they have a great awe and admiration for their older and wiser members of society. This perspective and reverence has been ingrained in children from a very young age. We could learn a major lesson from that culture as it seems a similar respect for elders, wisdom and authority no longer exists in America. (And sadly, it’s fading a bit in those Asian cultures as well… Remember that talk Elder Wirthlin gave about the tsunami coming in Indonesia? The people were saved because the elders of the society knew the signs and got everyone out of the way.)

You’re right that although one may not agree with a position or a decision, there is still a measure of respect due to any human being, let alone the President of our country. I have tried to channel all my frustration with the treatment of President Bush into focusing on speaking respectfully of President Obama, despite the ways I may disagree with his positions or tactics. And hopefully, if/when a Republican holds the office of President again, people will remember to extend the same courtesy back to the other side.

My whole world fits into a 6x7x8 box.

It is finished!! Can you believe it?? I FINALLY loaded all my belongings into this pod which will be magically transported across the country and stored until I am ready for it. I just realized I left out two items: my bike and my tall brown boots in Sarah's basement, both of which I'll add into the tiny spot at the front.

Javier and Victor were immensely helpful. They approached the challenge like a puzzle, working hard to fit everything in. And they were VERY careful with my furniture, which can't be said for the college kids who helped me last week. (I won't post a picture of the top of my red desk because it will make me cry... They put my dresser on top of the desk and slid it all the way across. DEEP gashes. Definitely angry about that...) They also helped mom and dad load and unload tons of stuff at their house and in storage. Seriously, if you need help with that sort of thing, call Javier: 801-953-9147.


It is such a relief to have this task completed. Seriously it was preventing me from thinking, blogging, sleeping, party planning, CPA studying and just general life enjoying. But now it is done.

I still haven't figured out where in DC I will be living, but there is still time and I've got some leads I'm following. Hopefully CZ will join the great Zackrison eastward migration with a winter internship for PwC. Wouldn't that be awesome? Steve, CZ and I would have to have a mini family photo shoot in the office to celebrate.

Over the next 5-6 weeks that I am in Provo I will be studying for and taking 2 more sections of the CPA exam and trying to enjoy life before I begin full-time work. This "enjoying" will include naps and mid-day movies, time with the Wiley children, and hopefully the Utah State Fair. I've been working out with this running/exercise group every morning in Draper for the last 2 months and that will certainly continue until the day I leave. It's great. I've even gotten over the drive.

Anyway, I feel better about life now. I predict that will translate into more posting. Stay tuned.

August 17, 18, 19 - If you don't have anything nice to say...

...Then don't say anything at all.

That's my only explanation for the lack of posting over the last couple days.

August 16 - Nothing newsworthy...

I really wanted to do a post that was not "Today I did..." I was revving up to write a reflection about a recent post on my sister's blog. But I never completed transferring my thoughts to paper so that'll have to wait...

I am happy to report I passed the BEC section of the CPA exam!! It is such a relief to have that behind me forever. I am studying for the Audit exam now which I will take on Friday.

Education Week begins tomorrow but I think I'll have to miss out on most of it to focus on memorizing, which really bums me out. We'll see how much I can squeeze in around the edges.


In other news, work is progressing nicely at my parent's house. Hopefully it will be in good shape for their return to America this weekend.

August 15 - New shoes and a wedding.

Today my best friend from school Logan married long time gf Caitlin. He is one of my favorite people and they are one of my favorite couples and I've spent hours and hours talking over the situation with Logan over the years. It was a delight to finally see them married and go to their wedding up in Log Haven. Such a classy evening.


For their guest book, they had their engagement and bridal pictures made into a photo book with a full-page photo facing a blank page for people to sign. It was the best idea I've seen for a guest book in a long time. Definitely filing that idea away.


I finally had a good excuse to wear my new favorite shows, my souvenir from Nice, France this May. I wore it with a new score of a dress from H&M. Few things make me feel as happy as dressing up in a new outfit.

August 14 - Kids and bridal shower fun!

I had a great time today playing with the Wiley children and celebrating Whitney's upcoming wedding at her bridal shower. It's great to get back into the swing of things in town. Although more than once I thought and openly talked about today being Monday. Umm not quite...

August 13 - Back in Utah.

Today I was loving Utah. Fully and completely.


After spending many long days exposed to full elements in long-term parking my car was in serious need of a washing. With blue skies above I decided a quick pass through the $7 wash was in order. A few hours later, I walked out of Smith's into a glorious downpour, the kind of flash attack rain storms I've only otherwise experienced in Orlando. As ironic and unfortunate as this timing is, I can not be angry. Rain storms of this sort are part of most of my "perfect day" fabrications.

Imagine my further delight (read: my decision to be delighted about the inconvenient turn of events) when my car refused to start , a sort of revolt against the evening's busy-ness, and I was given the excuse to sit and listen and enjoy the storm in full 360 degree reality before walking home with the groceries.

In the evening, I spent much longer than was needed chopping, measuring, preparing with exactness THIS Chicken Pot Pie recipe. Yesterday while stranded on the JFK runway for two. full. hours. our mouths watered as we watched Bobby Flay Throwdown with the Casserole Queens. Testing the recipe made it onto today's to-do list, a decision which proved extremely wise.

I enjoyed being back in Utah's dry, blustery climate so much today. (A very welcome change after too many days fighting the humidity hair frizz of the east coast - ugh!) Days like today clarify just how completely this place has become "home." The transformation from detachment to comfort was slow and slight, but I've settled into such a peace in this place that the thought of change is occasionally (read: constantly) overwhelming.

However, I must remember that just as this place has become a part of me, so can another locale. As long as I have

something to do,
someone to love, and
something to look forward to

I am confident I can create a blissful situation wherever I am.

August 12 - Farewell for now.

Wednesday I bid farewell to the east coast and began the (long) journey back to the mountain west.

It was a very, very long day with many hours spent waiting and being delayed in airports. It was the kind of travel day that makes you re-think one's love of travel altogether. (And truly if I hear the words "ladies and gentlemen we've been asked to divert to a holding pattern" one more time I'm pretty sure I'll lose it for good...)


Overall, the trip was a lovely little excursion and I'm glad I took the time to do it. I finished off another Jane Austen book en route and this quote stuck out to me as a very accurate description of life:

Edward was now fixed at the cottage at least for a week. For whatever other claims might be made on him it was impossible that less than a week should be given up to the enjoyment of his Eleanor's company or suffice to say half that was to be said between them about the past, the present, and the future. For though a very few hours in the hard labor of incessant talking will dispatch more topics than can really be in common between any two rational creatures, yet with lovers it is different. Between them no subject is finished, no communication is even made til it has been made at least 20 times over.

-- Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility.

Don't you find that to be true? Spending extended amounts of time outside of normal daily activities with Ken really puts this quote in clear focus for me. No matter how many times we've talked and laughed and been astonished and surprised and delighted and frustrated by a story or a situation, all the feelings seem anew when we talk it over again and again. How truly fortunate that we never get tired of experiencing (and then talking over) life with each other.

August 11 - Fashion forward.

On Tuesday I ventured out to window shop on my favorite street in the city...

And into my favorite store on the street, Kate Spade!

While browsing H&M I spotted a dress I bought mega on sale in Europe last year confirming my theory that American clothing is exactly one year behind European clothing.

A parting message from Paper Source

August 10 - Phone fixed!

On Monday I took some time to stop into Apple and spend 3 hours getting my new phone all set up. Thank goodness for the help at the Genius Bar!! Isn't this store design neat?

In the afternoon I learned there's only one rooftop pool in Boston. And that it's quite as delightful as it sounds.

August 9 - Dominican Day?

The city was greatly impacted by the annual celebration of Dominican Day, commemorated by a huge city-wide parade.

Despite this inconvenience I enjoyed a lovely run, through a lovely city, with lovely company...

August 8 - And Liberty for all.

Saturday was action packed! With no law school events to subdivide the attention of all those involved, a day full of tourist-y fun was planned.

First we set off on the ferry for Liberty Island. After several days of crushing heat and overcast humidity, I was grateful the weather was PERFECT for a full day outside.

For years people have been able to mount the base of the Statue of Liberty for a great view of the New York skyline. However since 9/11, access to the crown has been completely unavailable. On July 4th of this year they decided to reopen the crown to a few dozen people each day.
It was quite a deluxe experience! They gave us special wristbands and moved us past lines and behind closed doors. And although the climb to the top was hot and a bit treacherous, the inside glimpse was totally worth it!


After soaking in the views we hopped the ferry over to Ellis Island. I love the Immigration Museum oh so much. The museum is housed in the original building with original subway tiled walls and beautiful architectural details all over. I loved all the anecdotal stories from immigrants who passed through this portal on their journey to the new land. They had a gallery full of the treasured artifacts these people carried over from Europe as well as vintage luggage. Anyway, I highly recommend making the stop, even though energy can be low after visiting the statue.
Severin took some time to find his namesake etched on the wall of immigrants. How exciting!
While waiting, I saw what could only be a fantastic wedding being set up around the island. For at least $85,000 you can hold your wedding there too! I didn't get a great picture but it was huge and a seriously dreamy setup.


Back at Battery Park, we next rented bikes and headed over the Brooklyn Bridge for a stop for Grimaldi's and ice cream. The views were really breathtaking. Crossing that bridge is highly enjoyable (although I find Patsy's pizza to be better...).


By the time we got back to Battery Park the sun was setting and we could see the guests of the Rachel Feldberg & Jimmy Levin wedding heading to the ferry decked out in black-tie formal attire. Such great people watching for me!!

August 7 - Day at the Museum.

I was surprised how much more I enjoyed exploring the Natural History Museum after watching Night at the Museum. Is that lame? (By the way, I seem to misspell m-u-s-e-u-m every time I type it. Slightly embarrassing for a college graduate...)


(I took some carefully posed jumping pics around the museum but the skirt I was wearing was a bit too flow-y so I'll have to pass on posting any of them...)

They closed Broadway around Times Square and turned it into a full pedestrian zone complete with beach chairs. It's awesome.

The chandelier and trim in the theatre matched the elegance of the Phantom of the Opera production.

Schnippers is a tasty late-night snack spot. (I should probably do a full, separate post on all the restaurant recommendations... So great!)

August 6 - Buildings that remind me of Europe make me happy.

But I didn't take any photos other than this shot of the original C.O. Bigelow building in Greenwich Village. I really need to spend more time in that neighborhood. Smiles are guaranteed to follow.

By the way, Wicked is still going strong.

August 5 - Music in the Park

Madison Square Park that is.


Followed by Shake Shack. Soooo worth the wait.


Followed by a full-moon trip to the top of the Empire State Building at 11pm (who knew they were open that late!).

August 4 - Over already?

I hate to say I did not accomplish much in this day...

--730-9. Exercise (in Draper)

--9-930. Stall in the parking lot, listening to This American Life, eating Jamba Juice oatmeal, waiting for nail salon to open.

--930-1015. Pedicure... all in an effort to pass the time until Downeast Home opened.

--1015-1030. Search the store (unsuccessfully) for a bed I will love.

--1030-11?. Back to Provo. Boredom begins.

The rest is basically a blur...

I did wrap and prepare a package to send to Haley before her upcoming departure for Brazil. But I failed to put it in the mail as hoped...


Tomorrow will be good, I promise.

August 3 - New project

Today I had to stop by BYU campus (do you know how hard it is to find green chapstick around here??) and was reminded again how lovely they keep the grounds. It makes me happy every time I see it.

I spent the afternoon at the Springville Antique mall scoping out my next project(s).

I have a list of things I'm looking for which I'll get to in a later post but one project in the forefront of my mind is this DIY Headboard. Lovely right?

I think this door I found might work for the project and the price is right. So I need to spend the next little while finalizing my bed plans before pulling the trigger but I'm pretty excited at the prospect!

I'll keep you posted. :-)

P.S. Annee they still have the yo-yo quilt which inspired me to inspire you to save all your quilting scraps. It's a pretty penny but if it's still there at the end of this summer I think I might just have to take it home with me. It makes my heart happy every time I see it. Isn't that weird??

August 2 - Finished product.

Sunday afternoon I finished up the little arrangements for Hillary's shower. For the most part I think they're lovely although I'm always nervous about it. It's always a lot of fun for me so I guess that's what is important.


Today at church Ken and I took a gamble on the relationship class for Sunday School. Sometimes when we go to this class we find ourselves itching to get out with all sorts of over-shares and girls who think this class is therapy/a place to air all their dating discontent. Other times the teacher uses the time as another lesson about really basic principles such as how to get a date and how to date cheaply and how early to be home. Not the kind of relationship topics I find interesting.

This week they talked about financial management which is a topic I enjoy fiercely. It's amazing to see how closely Dave Ramsey's money advice follows the church's published advice - he and Dr Laura should just convert already.

The teacher didn't disappoint stirring controversy though. She said "A lot of people think paying tithing on your net pay is acceptable. But are those people full tithe payers? No they are not. You are to pay one tenth of your gross pay."

Huh? I'm sorry I wasn't aware that the brethren had made a final, declaratory statement on that subject. It is quite a bold statement for her to make. They're NOT full tithe payers? They're NOT temple worthy?

I disagree. And so do a lot people.

Anyway, not really important but it's been on my mind. Here's to tomorrow!

August 1st - Another start.

It's time for me to start blogging again. I think I'm ready. Part of the reason I have avoided it for the last few weeks is I've hit a road block with the blog design... I can't seem to get rid of that annoying 2 inches of nothing at the top of the page. And I can't make the header interesting. Maybe I'll break down and ask Alyssa to help me with one (but how can I ask someone for a favor like that??).


Anyway... I heard today that the person who broke into my car a few months ago has be CAUGHT! SHE (yeah I know, totally didn't suspect a woman but why not?) is in prison. She was stealing IDs and selling them. She didn't take my ID but she did steal my social security card which can be turned into an ID so they police say to watch out. I have my fingers crossed that my ipod and camera are among the many recovered items. That would make my day/week/summer!

• Yesterday I took part 1 of the CPA exam - I'm SO glad to have that behind me! Today has been spent cleaning and organizing my life now that I can think again.

• This morning CZ and I bought flowers which I will transform into arrangements for Hillary's bridal shower. That is my evening plan which I could not be more excited about!
  
  Have you ever seen a hydrangea this huge? It's 13 inches in diameter. One stem. Crazy!
  
  
  
• Baby Harrison is so tiny. I mean it's seriously unreal. I just don't think I've seen a baby that tiny in a LONG time.
  
  
• There are entirely too many restaurants in New York City.

I'm really sick of having such poor photo quality and transferring photos from my phone to my computer is not convenient. Yet, I don't want to buy a new camera right now... So I'm in limbo and I'm sorry.

Yay Pioneers!

For giving us all a day off!

(Who am I kidding... Everyday is a day off for me right now.)

See results here. Huh??

Beach Rd.

Photo taken by Blue Lily Photography.

Also, did you know

You can HIKE to Squaw Peak? I did not. At least not until I did
yesterday...

Before that I thought the only way to enjoy that view was to drive up
to the observation parking lot. It is definitely a breathtaking sight!!