I delight in the anticipation of general conference.

picture taken at the conference center last week for general relief society meeting

I get really excited for general conference, and this year is no exception.

I delight in reminders.

"Sometimes in life we can mistake local, low passing cloud cover for general darkness."

--Elder Maxwell.

I delight in the last days of summer.

This morning, I put my ipod on shuffle as I scrambled around to get ready.

What song should come on?

The Ataris'--Summer 1979

All the sudden it hit me...my last day of summer 2010 was yesterday!

Good thing I checked off my summer necessity before summer was over...

Getting a SNOW CONE!

A few weeks ago I went to the Avenues Street fair in Salt Lake.

Considering it was 4 blocks from my apartment and considering that sometimes I try to be a city girl and attempt to blend in, you know, be where all the other aves people were I went.

They had everything and I do mean everything.

My favorite things were the antiques and the snow cones.

I had my choice of thai food, chinese food, unidentifiable food, chocolate dipped bananas (a close second to a snowcone), fried twinkies and oreos...anything and everything,

but I had to go with the summer must...a snow cone.

If you haven't had one yet...its probably not too late!

I'm all about adding a few extra days on to summer!

I delight in treasures.

Today...Christin gave me treasures.

Last week when I talked to her on the phone, I told her I needed her to draw me some pictures since I don't have any for my place in Salt Lake.

She followed through.

Mom says she's been working on them all week, but she surprised even mom when she pulled them out of her 'color' bag and she had cut each picture out.

So adorable.

Each picture is of Christin (no surprise there). She's wearing a sash that says 'federal agent' in each picture as well. No doubt she copied the case to Miss. Congeniality (one of her fav's). I thought it was pretty clever.

Anyway, now I have 'mini-Christin's' I can hang up all over my apartment to remind me of how much I love her!!!

I delight in sincerity.

this is my favorite picture of my grandparents, (besides their engagement picture).

Tonight, I talked to Grandpa.

We've been playing phone tag for a week now.

I love talking to Grandpa because he's so sincere.

He's sincerely glad you call. He sincerely says I love you.

He sincerely cares about how you're doing.

And when he says that he's happy you're happy...he means it!

I delight in awareness.

pic from amazon

Consider yourself warned that I am writing this post under influence of Willard, the library which has held me captive for a while now and will hold me captive for a few more hours. However, I'm taking a break to share with you some things I've learned in this study session.

For the past hour, I have been pretending like I'm a parent whose child just received the diagnosis of Autism (its my assignment). I've been scouring the internet looking for resources to find out what the prognosis is for speech and language development. And you know what I've found? A lot of fluffy (general) information. I focus not so much on the fluff but on the sheer amount of information. How could a parent ever sift through it all? Even if they did how could they sift out what is true and what is just made up junk? I have no idea. Especially considering the highly emotional state they would inevitably be in as the embarked on the search.

I am now formulating and handout of suggestions for parents who find themselves in this situation, its been a mind opening experience. I'm seeing it on a new side. I've always heard my Mom's experiences of my brother being diagnosed with Autism and I'm seeing a new and challenging side as a clinician in training. I have a lot of opinions about the subject on things like the effect of labels in general, stereotypes held solely by society not based on any evidence, the DSM and the "many forces besides science [who] shape it, including politics, fashion and tradition" (Time Magazine, January 20, 2003, Cloud, pg. 103), the social memes (thank you dr. redmond) and the increasing use of the label of autism. I'm sure I'll oblige in further discussion another time.

For now and for me personally...I delight in the kind of awareness this movie has created. I am a fan. I own and have read the book. I also own and have watched the movie which was highly recognized at the recent Emmy awards. It is a unique and well portrayed view of one persons life with autism that anyone can learn something from. I recommend it.

I delight in learning to delight.

That's right.

I'm learning to delight in studying. Its hard.

Book/school studying is not the same as scripture/gospel/study for those you're going to teach.

I miss the amount of that kind of studying I used to get to do.

This studying however is important.

Developmental Language Disorders.

Aphasia.

Articulation and Phonology.

Advanced Research Design.

Oh and of course we could never forget CCMR.

I do love school but oh how I wish I could read and retain 20x faster.

Until then, you'll find me in the Marriott...and by that, I mean the library.

It needs a cooler name.

I delight in a "Christin-ism."

On my private blog this summer, I had a run of "Christin-ism's." A "Christin-ism" by definition is: a hilarious saying or statement by LB that is noteworthy of remembering. My little sister Christin is hilarious and sometimes her quotes are so classic! This one took place last night. I went home to get part 2 of 3 of the root canal taken care of (picture of x-ray to prove it!). When I got home last night, it was the first time I'd seen my Dad at home for a while because he's been having some health concerns and has been in the hospital. Needless to say, he's still recovering and is rather melancholy. Moving slowly and whatever you do, don't make him cough!

Background: My Dad and Christin are giggle buddies. When Dad gets home from work, she loves to 'pester' and play with Dad, hiding a sock or chasing him and vise versa. They always have a good time together. They're both big teases!

Setting: Mom, Dad, Christin, and I are sitting around the kitchen table catching up on the week.

Christin: Uhm, Sis...

Me: Yes?

Christin (with a sad face): Our dad is not sad. Our dad is not happy. Our dad is not frisky. He is not fun.

Her understanding of the whole situation is limited but her expression of what she understands of dad's current condition was insightful and entertaining. I delight in seeing the world from her point of view. I delight in her innocence, her desire for happiness, her sincerity, and her love.

I delight in a good day.

two people i really delighted in today!!!

10 Reasons why I delighted in Today...

1. I woke up in reasonable time to get ready and actually be early for my 8:30 class.

1a. It took me 12 minutes to get to class.

2. I did not fall asleep during the 7 hours of class I had today.

2a. I finally remembered to bring the long power cord to my computer so it wouldn't die.

3. I learned a lot in my classes today...I'm so pumped for REAL learning!

3a. I loved it so much in fact, I've been thinking about it ALL DAY and attempting to apply it.

4. My paper had excellent written on it. Whew!

4a. I may finally understand non-linear phonetics.

4b. I finally like my IPA is sufficient enough to do my assignment for next week.

5. I laughed a lot with all my grad school friends.

5a. I got free dinner.

6. I got to see my Dad at home for the first time in a while...very happy day!

6a. I got to blowdry Christin's hair tonight and read her the book, Miss Alaneius.

7. Sara Bareilles' new CD is amazing.

7a. Sang to myself the whole way home.

8. Fall is finally in the air.

8a. I did not have to use my umbrella today.

9. Lindsay likes to delight with me!

9a. I have an amazing roommate!!!

10. I finally had a really genuinely good day.

10a. I feel like a great scripture study is next!

1 Reason I may not delight in tomorrow...3 words...root canal revisited.

Just another reason its a good thing today was fabulous!

I delight in knowing.

Today I delight in knowing that I am a child of God. I delight in this every day but some days, like today, I particularly delight in this simple eternal truth...

I am a precious daughter of a loving Heavenly Father.

I am grateful for the invitation of our Savior Jesus Christ. His constant call to come unto Him. There are no exclusions, no exceptions, again its an eternal law of truth. Come unto Christ, each and every one.

He sees all the things that I can't see. He knows every pain, ever heartache, every success, every strength. He is aware of me. What more could I ask for?

I delight in truth.

There is power in truth. This point was well articulated in relief society today. We can learn truth a variety of ways but the only way for truth to have a real impact on us is when we obtain that truth by the Holy Ghost.

We, as children of God, are governed by eternal laws which in reality are eternal truths. The things that never change.

Today my soul delighted and was filled with light as I received truth. Something hit me in a new and different way. Slowly each of our eyes can be opened. Eventually we are able to see afar off (see Holy Bible, KJV, Mark 8:25).

With this obtaining of truth and seeing it in terms of God's plan we then begin to see things "as they really are (Book of Mormon, Jacob 4:13)."

I want to share with you some truths I have come to treasure more recently. I've come to see the gospel in terms of what it really is: powerful, true, life altering, the doctrine of a loving Heavenly Father who wants all His children to return home safely home to his presence.

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some truths...

We are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11–12 ). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain” (in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 18; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 16–17 ).

From Doctrine and Covenants 121

7 My son, ^apeace be unto thy soul; thine ^badversity and thine afflictions shall be but a ^csmall moment;

8 And then, if thou ^aendure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy ^bfoes.

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” ( Isaiah 40:31 ).

Elder Robert D. Hales: “The basic requirements for enduring to the end include knowing who we are-children of God with a desire to return to His presence after mortality; understanding the purpose of life-to endure to the end and obtain eternal life; and living obediently with a desire and a determination to endure all things, having eternal vision. Eternal vision allows us to overcome opposition in our temporal state and ultimately achieve the promised rewards and blessings of eternal life” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 100; or Ensign, May 1998, 76–77 ).

■ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: “As you build your lives in obedience to the gospel and strive to achieve your goals, do not become discouraged by temporary setbacks and disappointments. Remember that ‘it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things’ [ 2 Nephi 2:11 ]. You will grow and learn by overcoming obstacles. The Lord has admonished all of us to ‘keep [His] commandments and endure to the end’ [ D&C 14:7 ]” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 54; or Ensign, May 1994, 40 ).

■ Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Part of enduring well consists of being meek enough amid our suffering to learn from our relevant experiences. Rather than simply passing through these things, they must pass through us-in ways which sanctify all these experiences for our good. Likewise, our empathy is enriched everlastingly as we comfort and assist those in the midst of ‘all these things’ which can give us experiences for our good. ( D&C 122:7 .)” ( The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book [1997], 101).

■ Elder Richard G. Scott: “Oh, how I would encourage you to weave deeply into the fabric of your soul the recognition that your life now is a part of a much bigger plan the Lord has for you. You lived part of it in the premortal existence. You were valiant there and came here because you wanted to grow and enjoy greater happiness. What you decide to do now will affect how well you fulfill that divine, personal plan He has for you” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 112; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 87 ).

■ Elder Richard G. Scott: “I promise you that through your obedience and continuing faith in Jesus Christ and your understanding of the whole plan of happiness, even if important parts of it aren’t fulfilled in your life now, they will be yours in the Lord’s due time. I also promise you that you can have significant growth and happiness now in your present circumstances. As a daughter or son of God, live whatever portion of the plan you can to the best of your ability” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 102; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 75 ).

I delight in 'the funny.'

This is 'a funny.'

It represents 'the funny' in life.

Lesson learned:

If you don't laugh, you might cry.

And who really wants to have a wet face?

-Just a thought from a girl trying to find joy (and funny) in the journey! :)

Happy Weekend!

I delight in the good old days.

Those good old days, I used to know. Where have they gone? Where did they go?

Remember them? Well, in my good old days:

I was wearing blue.

I could walk to my class in 8 minutes.

People I didn't know said hi on campus. I did the same and didn't get any weird looks.

There were no PETA protesters.

My ward was my complex and another complex on the next block.

I had sacrament meeting in the same room as biology.

I wore earplugs when trying to do homework in my apartment and when trying to go to sleep. The bell tower played hymns...my favorite? Come Come Ye Saints.

HONOR CODE.

The library's name was Harold.

Classrooms never smelled like coffee or smoke.

All the men were clean shaven.

The closest thing I ever heard to swear words were funny utah words like "oh my heck" and "oh gosh."

Modesty existed.

Campus shut down for devotional every Tuesday 11-12 and general conference.

The library of course was not open on Sunday.

There were campus campaigns like "cougars don't cut corners" and "leggings don't count as pants." Oh the good old days.

The Y on the mountain was huge and took a hike to get to.

I walked up 119 stairs every morning and down them every night.

I frequented places like J-dawgs.

There were no caffeinated beverages on campus but there were delicious wraps.

Campus was full of immaculate flower gardens and on a warm day, people were all over the grass.

Periodicals were not in an 'arc' they were the place you went to meet people...or just your whole ward.

Currently...I'm wondering if I'll ever adjust to my new environment, where everything is red.

Where the library hours are 8-2 am everyday except for Friday and Saturday when they close at 8...apparently those are party nights...Sunday is the study night here. (insert sad face here)

I now commute to campus via public transportation or my car.

The time it takes to get to campus varies on the time of class and when I leave...TRAFFIC!!!

Grad students do not get parking passes, luckily I live at the clinic in the research park and thus do not need a parking pass.

There is a campus shuttle system...the colors of the buses represent Utah's Universities...red, blue, and even purple.

There are coffee shops everywhere.

Bikes and skateboards get their own routes and lanes on the sidewalk.

People smoke.

I've been asked what 'institute' and 'missions' are.

Campus is HUGE.

The U on the mountain is right next to houses.

Pretty sure I've heard most of my professors swear.

People insult my alma mater all the time.

I don't even know my ward boundaries.

There is no such thing as an 'honor code' or required university housing guidelines.

Commuter school.

Men have facial hair.

Anything seems to go, anytime, anywhere.

Marriott (the library) lets me eat in him! There's even a deli and tables that look like they belong in a restaurant.

I found myself in a sea of red today. I didn't know what to do and I'm glad I wasn't alone (thank you Mary). I miss being a cougar and living in Provo sometimes. How do I feel about being a Ute now? Honestly, I'm still undecided. I like the U and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to be here. My blue just runs deeper than I ever thought it could. It will be interesting to see if I ever find a balance and if red ever looks more appealing.