Live Free

Saturday was officially, the First day of Fall. The weather has been cooling down a bit, I can finally break out my quilted jacket, the leaves are changing colors, jegging season (no no, Not jogging...jegging. yes, the stretchy pants) is right around the corner, and...the winds are changing. Can you feel it??!

I experienced an absolute first. I was mobbed in a Domino's, over pizza. We had just arrived in Boston and after dragging the boys all over kingdom come looking for Jacob's burger, we had admitted defeat at 2 AM. Unlike NY, apparently Boston shuts down early. In what I thought was a stroke of pure genius, I whipped out my phone and ordered three large pizzas. We sent the hungry boys home while the three girls hopped in a cab and rushed to Dominos. When we got there, the entire place was filled with groups of men, looking for pizza to sober up. Unknowingly we had ordered the last three pizzas, a fact that quickly reached the attention of the men. Lots of hands reached for those pizza boxes, as us three girls looked on with wide eyes. The Domino's lady had a firm grip on our pizza boxes, while men began making us offers. "$60 a slice! Just one slice!" It was nearly a riot as men crowded around us, yelling and gesturing, some drunk, some hungry, some very drunk and very hungry. Miss Domino's looked at us and somehow I ended up with three pizza boxes in my arms as Jenny and Meagan covered me on either side, creating a path as the three of us sprinted to the door. By the time we got outside, we were more than a bit wary. We still had a cab to catch. Cab after cab passed us, and a large group of men sauntered over. They tried dancing/grinding for pizza, compliments for pizza, and harassing us for pizza. We managed to hail a cab only to have the cab driver peal out with Meagan almost inside! A man on a bicycle pedaled over, chasing off the group of guys. He said there was no way we could get a cab, but that he'd help us. For some pizza. SERIOUSLY?! We repeated our mantra, "these pizzas are for some very hungry men at home, we can't give you any" and bicycle man turned nasty. He threw in a couple of expletive-laced suggestions. What is with Boston and pizza?! After a few more minutes of pleading with cab drivers and keeping a lookout for pizza-hungry predators, a towncar pulled over. A white knight to the rescue, or in this case, a half-italian half-maroccan man named Kamal (just like Downton Abbey!) Thanks to Kamal, we made it home, pizzas and all, to some very grateful (and hungry) boys. Never a dull moment in Boston.

The next two days were spent on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee...paradise the way Mother Nature intended. We got our carnivore on at Huck's, demolishing steak n' cheese hoagies. I've never craved meat the way I crave a steak n' cheese (AKA philly cheesesteak), why is that? We tested out the infamous rope swing, cruised on the lake and tested out wake surfing. We piled 6 people in a canoe, and reenacted the sinking of the Titanic with some strategic wake maneuvering on Jimmy's part. At night we roasted smores and told scary stories/most embarrassing moments. In the morning I sat on the deck and read as a trio of men headed out to catch the women some fish (their words, not mine). We sat on the deck, soaking up the sun in lounge chairs, and reminisced on what it was like to be a child, with zero responsibility. When it finally came time to leave, we made a steak n'cheese stop, then drove back, singing along to Lion King playing on the overhead TV. "It means no worries.." As the state motto of NH suggests, "Live Free or Die," putting the "free" in our worry-free weekend. I miss it already.

I learned this week that there are some things I can't live without. Wednesday night institute, the sun on my skin, fresh air, adrenaline rushes, infectious laughter and quality friends to name a few. I got all that and more this week, what a way to welcome in Fall!!

R.S.V.P.

“It's like when I had this garden party for my father's birthday, right? I put R.S.V.P. 'cause it was a sit-down dinner. But some people came that like did not R.S.V.P. I was like totally buggin'. I had to haul ass to the kitchen, re-distribute the food, and squish in extra place settings. But by the end of the day, it was like, the more the merrier. And so, if the government could just get to the kitchen, rearrange some things, we could certainly party with the Haitians. And In Conclusion may I please remind you, it does NOT say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty!”

The Top 10 Things I'm Most Excited About this week:

 

1. My new best friend Rob at AT&T has promised me I will be cradling a newborn white iPhone 5 before Friday

2. Institute...is back up and running! Brother McConkie is teaching "Doctrines of the Restoration" and already the first class was amazing. I'm beyond excited to see what this semester brings.

3. Tennis on the pier...it never gets old.

4. Boston this weekend?!...road trip!

5. LifeProof...finally someone listened to my need to make reading possible in the shower/jacuzzi. Waterproof casing for iPhones and iPads, perfect for filming my upcoming Florida beach trip!

6. My mom is giving me her backup professional canon camera, and it arrives this week! I can't wait to dress up in photographer clothes and snap cool pictures...

7. EVERY DAY IS GAME DAY. Like a champ, Chlo snagged me a couple of this year's BYU football t-shirts (you know, the ones they only sell in the bookstore), white with blue lettering...for me and Aubs. Say hellooo to college football season, in STYLE

8. Mom said she sent me a present from dad...it could be a sock he picked up off the road and I'd Still be excited, I love getting mail...but the anticipation is killing me

9. The National Zoo's Mei Xiang gave birth to a new baby panda...speaking from past Zoo Tycoon experience, I know exactly how big of an accomplishment it is to re-populate the panda population!

10. Flu Shot!! Right. Is Anyone excited about those?! But the nurse gave me two lollipops for my bravery...and non-stop nervous chatter.

 

Do you ever get glimpses of your life and feel like you’ve seen it before, you know, like maybe…in a movie?! Don’t laugh. I’m serious! Regional YSA conference, and we had 50 people without places to sleep. I already had my friend Shannon staying with me from DC. A large group of Canadians (boys and girls) had no place to go and were attempting to sleep on the floor of the church for the night. Seriously?! That’s the best we could do?? Come On New York!! That Friday night I found myself leaving the fireside with an extra four girls, after convincing James that he too was hosting a slumber party this weekend. (To be fair, once he was on board he really took charge-great type of person to have around for these moments). Once we got them situated, we met up for food with Jacob and his crew at 1 AM. He with his guys, me with my girls, feeling like chaperones…and totally exhausted. I have to hand it to my roommate Natali, zero notice and she immediately got to work, setting out towels, sheets, pillows, asking who was hungry or thirsty, and making four 18 year old French Canadian girls (total strangers) feel welcome and loved on their first visit to New York. Later, I texted my thanks to Natali. I loved her response: I hope you know I would have done literally the exact same thing. After all, if we can’t be charitable, who are we suggesting our comparables are?” It was just like Cher said, the more the merrier. And in the process it felt like we made lifelong friends with Jessica, Sandryne, Ariana and Catherine.

 

Tacombi...best Corn esquites EVER!!

Hot fudge sundaes on a Sunday night are a Johnson family tradition, something I'm only happy to continue on my own. I called my mom while I was stirring the big pot of homemade chocolate sauce and she told me she was packing for Florida. My parents are taking a road trip across the US, to Florida, where they've rented a house for two months. They're traveling Bill Johnson style- a giant sprinter van outfitted with a shower, microwave, drop down TV, Vespas, surfboards and who knows what other toys. Just the two of them. I can't help but think it's the coolest idea ever.

 

My word of the week is "glamping." Technically this is defined as "glamourous camping," but SEE ALSO: Bill Johnson. My dad pioneered glamping, so I'm only too happy the rest of the world finally caught on. Basically you have all the luxury amenities-A/C, king size bed, shower, toilet...with the outdoors. Think giant tree forts, spacial yurts and kingly tents. All for a low nightly fee. Specialized camping. It's the hot new thing, tons of websites have surfaced featuring glamping accomodations, shout out to Aubrey Potter for this find. You can still be adventurous, still be outside, and yet you don't need to pack the camping stove, burn your hand on your tinfoil dinner, or mistake poison ivy for toilet paper. Idyllic? I think so!

Friday night Clayton Christensen showed up for a fireside. I couldn't take notes fast enough. Seriously, my thumb has developed some kind of nervous twitch when I get typing too fast. My favorite quotes:

"We will only learn when we are ready to learn. When we ask a question it creates a place where an answer can be put; God can't give us the answer unless we ask questions."

"If we think we have all of the answers there is no need for revelation."

"God doesn't hire accountants. God doesn't need to aggregate people, the way he measures has nothing to do with numbers or hierarchy."

"The comparable isn't perfection because the Lord knows we aren't going to be perfect. The comparable is: 'Are the people that we interact with becoming better people because of their interaction with us?'"

"Our higher calling is to be a doer of good and a person that helps other people be better."

He shared a story about struggling to teach at Harvard in a way that all of the students would enjoy. He had received feedback from some students that they didn't like his teaching style and they were struggling to learn in his class. Someone gave him the advice to teach with Love. So before each class he prayed to be able to teach with love, that his students would be able to feel his love for them. It made all the difference. He said that no matter our church calling, career choice, or background, our most important calling is to help people around us become better.

There's another way to look at it though--am I being the type of person that others Want to keep around? Small yet important distinction--do others see me as bettering their lives? I know for a fact there are friends in my own life that I keep around because they make me a better person, I can feel it and I can see it, by so many of the little things they do. I think the key is being that kind of person. The irreplaceable, the "linchpin," the "go to", the "it" girl with a Pollyanna attitude, cheerleader support and dog-like loyalty. Or whatever strengths you produce that added up, contribute to bettering others. I read an incredibly moving story about a NYC taxi driver, that inspired me to be better: The Last Ride...A Sweet Lesson on Patience

"We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments...But great moments often catch us unaware--beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one."

Big or small moments, every interaction has the potential for greatness.
 

Clueless

sunset while playing tennis on the pier Friday night

Where does the time go?! And how is it Tuesday Already?! Sigh. Another new week, which means it's another new top 10....the Top 10 Super Random Facts This Week:

1. Lions produce their own Vitamin C...not to be confused with Vitamin D which you get from sunlight
2. iPhone 5 gets announced Wednesday...Handel's Hallelujah chorus will be raining down
3. Utah State beat Utah in football...Utah State's first win vs. Utah since 1997
4. Medical studies say that eating sugar before bed leads to nightmares
5. I've had Pad Thai 3 times in the past week...time to end this obsession
6. Songs of the week: Something Like Olivia, Turn Up the Love, Whistle, How We Do, Pound the Alarm, My Time
7. 104 NYPD Officers carrying radiation detectors (among other things) make up the anti-terrorism unit that patrols NYC's subway transit to prevent terrorism attacks...at least 14 terrorism attacks have been prevented since 9/11, police inspect 10 unattended packages Each Day
8. The Baltimore Orioles are currently ranked second (Second!!) in the AL East, behind the Yankees
9. Andy Roddick retired...we can only Hope this means he will be commentating, hands down best press conferences. ever.
10. I'm currently indexing passenger lists from the 1800s and it is so cool...510 names this weekend


I think I may know how Federer feels...Kim and I totally thought we Had it!! Apparently not. We lost 6-3, then 8-0...the only semi-positive thing I have to say about this is that I successfully returned over half of Ian's serves.



the color coordination was unplanned

 

It's finally getting colder!! I guess it's bittersweet because I already miss the beach, but I'm also ready to break out the new leather and quilted jackets. Walks in the park are at an all-time best...I took some of the prettiest pictures this weekend. The leaves are just starting to change, and the humidity is dying down a bit. About time. I slept a record 13 hours on Friday night. I'm not sure if I should take that as a sign to slow down... or Not.

playing tennis as the storm hit NYC

 

Deep down, I love being a nerd. There's something about learning that is so...exhilarating. For most of my life, Fall has meant back to school time- getting excited for hours of studying at the library, ace-ing assignments, and packing my school bag. I like to think there's a bit of Hermione Granger in me- that bossy, hate getting into trouble attitude, that passion for reading, and love for the library and having all the answers. Who am I kidding, that's a big part of me! But I have to admit, after work last night, it was nice to be able to go to the gym, make dinner, and then watch Clueless as I folded laundry and indexed, no homework to do. In fact, I think if you combined the personalities of Hermione Granger and Cher Horowitz, you'd have me, spot on. The most literal example of this is when I realized that high school grades were really more of a "jumping off point to start negotiations," and freshman year I successfully convinced my teacher to change my grade from a B+ to an A-, simply based on my powers of persuasion.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is a conversation Cher has with her dad, because it reminds me of when I'm frustrated that things aren't working out fast enough, or my efforts aren't getting me what I want.

Cher: Daddy, did you ever have a problem that you couldn't argue your way out of?
Mel: Tell me the problem, and we'll figure out how to argue it.
Cher: I like this boy.
Mel: Yes?
Cher: And he likes someone else.
Mel: How could that be?
Cher: I don't know! But I feel wretched.
Mel: Well, obviously this boy is a complete moron. You are the most beautiful girl in Beverly Hills. And to tell you the truth, I'm not sure I want you with a stupid fella like that.
Cher: Well, actually, he is a smart guy and, you know he's one of those do-gooder types, and now I feel like all my after-school commitments are just not good enough.
Mel: How can you say that? Who takes care of everyone in this household? Who makes sure that Daddy eats right? To tell you the truth, I have not seen such good-doing since your mother.
Cher: Really?
Mel: Really. Now get back to work.

The biggest lesson I take from both Hermione and Cher's examples is this: Be Yourself. I came across a quote yesterday that said, "You do not need to be different from who you are. You only need to be more of the person you already are." Sometimes, when things get difficult, I react like Cher, "how am I not good enough?" and reflect on the person I'm not rather than the person I am. Along with this, Elder Holland spoke on Sunday, one of my favorite devotionals thus far. Don't ask me to re-tell the three stories because I can't make it through the third without crying, but all three had great messages. I took notes, and here are my favorite excerpts:

-We try to be at Our best in a desire to help others be at Their best.

-This church can never dumb down its doctrine, it is only the high ground of revealed truth that gives us any footing on which to lift another

 

-Our compassion and our love must never be interpreted as compromising commandments.

 

-There is a wide variety of beliefs, and there is moral agency for all, but no one is entitled to act as if God is mute on this.

 

-To distinguish perfectly between the sin and the sinner. Few distinctions are harder to make but we must lovingly try to do that.

-We should be a source of light in protecting our own communities. If we don’t take gospel blessings to our communities, we will never have enough policemen to enforce moral behavior

-We must try to help when and where we can, because we are not checking our religion at the door.

-We aren’t going to solve every problem in the world, there will still be poverty and unemployment and abuse, we can’t do everything, but we can do something.

 

-I recognize you not by your title, but by your life. The way you’re trying to live and the standards you are trying to defend. I see the integrity of your heart, I know you’ve tried to make things better, first and foremost by being better yourself, and then by declaring my word. I know you weren’t always successful but I believe you honestly tried, I believed in your heart, you truly loved me.

 

The last part of Elder Holland's talk was incredible, I love that phrase- I recognize you not by your title, but by your life. There's something so wonderful about knowing that God already knows the good as well as the bad side of you, and loves you as YOU! One of many reasons, I'm sure, why we are meant to have children and learn how to be parents-so that we learn how to show that kind of love.

 

In honor of 9/11 and the ability to live in a country that values our freedom so pricelessly, I'm spending tonight in my red skinny jeans and leather jacket, cheering on Bryce Harper and The Nationals as I chow down on a shake shack burger. Nothing quite says America like grilled hamburgers, Baseball, the Star Spangled Banner and fall nights under the stars.

 

Love,
"Chermione"

(new nickname, perhaps?)
 

Untouchable

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." (Bonus points if you can guess what movie that's from!) Confession. Every time Fall rolls around, I have to stop by Staples. There's something about buying notebooks, color-coordinating folders, pens, pencils, staplers, planners...that has me excited that it's Fall, and school time. I walked through central park on Sunday, with my parents. We sailed sailboats in the pond and wandered through the mall. I'm drawn to the Bethesda fountain and the mall in ways I don't know how to describe. It's another magical place for me. I do, I love New York in the fall. If you haven't been in the Fall, come see it. Better yet, I'll show you.

Sailor at heart

 

Why is it that time always flies with the ones you love? I was so sad to see my parents leave for the Bahamas, and yet, I understand that after raising four wonderful and uniquely successful children, it's their time to have fun with each other. An important observation rang true this week, that although you can be happy with a lot of people, life is a lot more fun if you end up with someone that enjoys doing similar things with you and likes adventures. I'll take any adventure that involves the beach and/or sports.

We ran the gauntlet of subjects this weekend; my mom has been reading Katie Couric's The Best Advice I Ever Got, and we talked about our favorite responses. One of our favorites is by Ina Garten, better known as the Barefoot Contessa. Ina got burned out at her job, hard worker that she is, and wanted to make some changes. I loved that her husband was confident enough in her, to push her to quit her job. He continued to express his confidence in her, repeating his mantra of support as she took a year off, then eventually opened a cooking store and began her own cooking show. What is neat about her story is that she did something she had no experience in, but she succeeded because she's smart, and she works hard. For someone like me, this calms the stress. I don't need to worry so much about one job or one thing defining who I am (an area I struggle with), because I have the brains and the commitment to work hard at something to make it a success...and, like Ina, there are people that have an immense amount of faith in me. Being with my parents was like being drenched with buckets of faith and support; they repeated that same mantra over and over this weekend - don't worry, that no matter what I choose to do with my life, I will make it a success because I am smart, and I work hard. You is kind, you is smart, and you is important.

 

On our way back from surfing, we discussed Thomas Friedman's response, about being an Untouchable. "Do what you really love to do, and if you don't know quite what that is yet, well, keep searching, because once you find it you'll bring that something extra to your work that will help you ensure that you will not be automated or outsourced. It will make you untouchable." We talked about what makes each of us an "untouchable", and how we've used it to benefit others.

On Sunday, we sat on a bench overlooking Sheep's Meadow, and talked for a long time. We talked about what commitment means, how love is very much a choice, and how it can be both fun and hard to be committed to being your spouse's best friend. But that it's worth it, because you become a much better person. I laughed as they told me dating isn't really like marriage. We talked about friendships you make, those you keep, and those you are grateful for. And as it started to get dark, we talked about how crazy wonderful it is to be living in New York, and making my wildest dreams come true.

Life is sometimes crazy, hard to plan, and sometimes it doesn't make sense. But when my parents come to town, the puzzle pieces fit together, the picture starts to form, and the sun starts shining as I realize that life is wonderful and God always wants me to be happy. Always!

Don't you love New York in the Fall?!