tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39283745884947764322024-03-04T20:57:01.159-08:00 Eclectic. Entertaining. Ella.Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-15295032264616613292015-03-30T10:31:00.002-07:002015-03-30T10:31:29.270-07:00Sometimes, YAAAAASSSSS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-40797974423942832502015-03-13T15:34:00.001-07:002015-03-13T15:34:29.325-07:00Cleaning the Temple...and me...<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night, I had the singular opportunity to get to clean
the temple from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am. When they sent the email to our ward, I
responded immediately. I mean, I clean my house regularly, but how often do you
get to clean the House of the Lord?!<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My day didn’t go as planned at ALL. The quick morning dentist
appointment turned into TWO, yes two root canals on opposite sides of my mouth,
leaving me pretty deadened and dysfunctional for most of the day. I even fell
asleep before I could go pick up my prescription and the next thing I knew, it
was 8:30pm and I hadn’t even showered yet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew I wouldn’t feel the greatest, but I also knew I could
not pass this up. So, I rode with my friend to the temple, which was
UNBELIEVABLY busy. We should have known when we pulled into a FULL parking lot
at 9:30pm. The Baptistry is open here until 10pm, and they didn’t actually
finish until 11:45!!! They also had to add at least 3 more late sessions to
allow everyone to participate. Amazing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were given white scrubs to wear and assigned into groups.
I got to clean the main floor on the sisters’ side, which means I got to vacuum
the marriage waiting room, the bride’s room, and the children’s area which
hardly anyone knows exists in a temple unless they’ve tended to children before
a sealing. They’re awesome places. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was vacuuming the Initiatory areas, one tiny thought
bloomed into an hour long conversation in my mind. My patriarchal blessing
admonishes me specifically: “Make your visits to the temple as often as
possible, for within those walls great Truths are taught.” My goodness, yes. The
following is the process of understanding that unfolded before me as I ran the
vacuum over occasional tiny pieces of white lint…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That one didn’t come up. Oh well…….……..nope, I can’t do it.
*goes back to remove one tiny piece next to a partition* Interesting. I must be
totally anal if I can’t even leave one tiny spot……..but I don’t want it to
bother any patrons. I wouldn’t want it to fester in their minds…..fester. Odd
word. Huh…..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a VERY firm testimony that the Lord DOES walk those
very halls and touch the same doors and railings as we do. I’ve had it
testified unto me by those who know. So if he walks here, I don’t want that one
piece of lint to fester in Him, right? I mean, it’s not like he’s going to come
“white glove” the temple or anything…but what if He asked me, ‘Karen, why is
there still one blemish here?’<span> </span>I would
just melt in humiliation if I had to say, ‘Oh, uh, sorry. I just decided it
wasn’t important.’<span> </span>There’s a reason I
have to be so completely thorough in my cleaning. I’m cleaning it for Him. To
show Him my appreciation for all He’s done for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Appreciation……fester…....<wbr></wbr>blemish……..WHOA. This has Atonement
applications! Oh gracious. *starts to tear up* OH my word, what if I had to
stand before Him in the next life and have Him ask me <i>about my life on earth</i>, ‘Karen….why is there still this blemish
here? Why did you allow it to fester for so long?’ ‘Oh, uh, sorry. I just
decided it wasn’t important…I was just too lazy to take care it.’<span> </span>*now sobbing* I NEVER want to have to say
that. It’s SOOO important to proactively apply His Atonement to cleanse us
completely! We have to try every day and renew our slate every Sunday with His
precious Sacrament. The Lord is so patient. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*gives up and goes to find Kleenex while shaking with
emotion* ……….OH my goodness. Each blemish I’m talking about…what does that actually
equate to for Him? Ugh. ‘Karen, why is there still one blemish here? Why did
you allow it to fester for so long?’ ‘Oh, uh sorry? I guess I just decided <b><i>that
drop of blood, that thorn, that scar</i> </b>wasn’t that important…’” *cries
harder than ever before*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My comprehension of the Atonement is even deeper today
because of this precious lesson, for which I am eternally grateful. EVERY drop
of blood, every thorn, every moment He endured for each one of us is
monumental. I have not entirely understood my personal need for the Sacrament
each week until this time in my life. It is vital. I cannot make it back to my Savior
to thank Him, and to my Father in Heaven again without it. Until that time, I’ll
focus a little more on the lint I may be ignoring.</div>
Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-75731086672019987422015-02-10T00:44:00.000-08:002015-02-21T23:08:57.066-08:00AWESOME story time....**Originally written to my babies in the mission field...**<br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Good evening, and welcome to AWESOME Stories from
Aunt Karen! Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoy this week's
installment of joy, hardship, and thought processes as only Karen can
imagine. :) Plus, watch how the missionary flame has spread from you to
me.... ;)<br />
<br /></div>
It was Monday. Ugh. But, the good news is
I'm still WAAAAAY over on hours, so I slept in. I'm tellin' ya...waking
up at 10am = Happy Karen. Eventually I made myself get all
fancy-presentable for my afternoon meetings and left my house near noon.
Cruising along in my awesome new car, I remembered that I still had some
price-checking to do for a project for work. Since I needed to stop by a
different shop for personal reasons, I decided to change my route o'
errands. My mind continued to flash through thoughts at lightening speed
as I neared Smith's along my route. Two seconds later, I spontaneously
darted into that parking lot thinking, "Oooh, I could check to see if
they have those marshmallows here, then I wouldn't have to drive nearly
as far out of the way on my way to work. Obviously they're cheaper at
Walmart, but I just need to see them one more time to decide which size
is best. It'll only take two seconds..."<br />
<br /></div>
Well, needless to
say, Karen can easily monopolize Karen's attention raptly....so I
promptly drove passed three available parking spaces. DOH. Eventually I
focused enough to find a good space, and as I rounded into it, I saw a
woman standing outside her SUV with the spare leaning against it,
looking around helplessly. SWEET! I love service! Especially
spontaneous ops like this....straight from HF. Maybe we should call them
"white ops"...HAHAHAHA! Ok, focus...<br />
<br /></div>
So, I got out and
approached her, "Uh oh, this doesn't look good." She was somewhere near
my age, looked latino, had a few tattoos up her arm, visible
because of the tank top she was wearing (<span style="font-size: x-small;">it's friggin 60 degrees here</span>).
This poor woman was just utterly clueless about cars. "I know!" she
whimpered, "I have no idea what to do! I have all this stuff, but I've
never had a flat tire before..." *smile spreads across face*
"That's ok, I do!" </div>
<br />
She quickly warned me, "Just so you know, I
think the one thing that actually fits those things is the problem.
It's broken." I looked down to figure out what the crap she was talking
about and I see that she has tried to loosen the bolts WITHOUT USING
THE JACK. Did I say clueless? And helpless? I felt so badly for her. SO,
I said, "Well, first things first, we gotta jack up your car so we can
even get the tire off." "Uh...how do we do that?"<br />
<br />
So, I started assessing things and realized I needed
something to lie down on so I didn't get my nice clothes (<span style="font-size: x-small;">remember, I
had meetings to go to</span>) dirty. I went to grab my jacket, and as I
returned, another gentleman approached us with his 4 year old son. "Can I
help?" he asked. I looked at him and we both stopped for a second and
simultaneously asked, "Do I know you?" Ha! Turns out he's another
IP&T PhD student. I told him all about the issues and he very
graciously got on the ground and placed the jack. I tried to keep the
woman preoccupied as he worked on raising it. As she was lamenting how
untimely this was for her family, I looked up and saw 6 kids in the car.
WHOA. Ok. She was really just overwhelmed and clueless, so she kept
kinda pacing a bit. I talked and joked with her but nothing really
soothed her. She kept saying, "We just came here to grab the stuff for
chicken sandwiches. I didn't need this today! Oh man..." When Grant
(<span style="font-size: x-small;">the Phd dude</span>) had it ready, we tried to use the broken--cheapest thing
I've ever seen--wrench to get the lug nuts off, but to no avail. She was
right. The crappy thing had cracked, so there was no way to keep it
where it needed to be AND get the twisting torque required...even with
two of us. We stepped back to think for a bit, and I noticed my hands
were completely black. Doh.<br />
<br />
"Hmmm, well, let's keep
thinking and I'm going to go find some paper towels, ok?" She kept
repeating, "You guys are too nice, you don't have to do this." *repeat
smile* I turned and went into the store, unloaded many rounds on the
bathroom paper towel dispenser, and was on my way back out when I walked
right passed 4 ELDERS.... :) "Hi Elders," I mindlessly said without breaking
stride and continued for the door when that voice in my head that
resides right behind my left ear yelled, TTTTTTUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRNNNN
ARRRROOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUNNNDDD!!! I literally did a ungainly about-face as it clicked in my brain and yelled, "ELDERS!!!!!!" <br />
<div>
<br />
Ha!
All four of them whipped around with shocked faces. "Hey! I have a
service opportunity for you!" They most diligently perked RIGHT up and
listened. "Changing a flat tire," I explained while showing them my
disgusting hands. Laced with a little too much machismo for my liking, they said, "Ooohh, yes. We can totally help you. We know how
girls can be, we'd be happy to change your tire for you..."<br />
<br /></div>
Pssh. "Ok,
let me stop you right there. It's not my tire. I'm well-versed. BUT,
there's another woman out here who REALLY could use your help. I don't
even know her name, but she also has lots of kids. Come on." They
honestly reminded me of a bunch of overeager puppies, but it was
awesome. As we walked toward her car, I accidentally flipped into Aunt
Karen and sternly cautioned them wagging my finger in the air, "One
rule, Elders: DO NOT ruin those white shirts!" They all smiled. "What's
your name?" "Oh, I'm Karen. But I'm Sister Cottle to you..." I said
quietly as I turned around just in time to meet the lady. I wanted them
to know they didn't need to focus on me. (<span style="font-size: x-small;">completely forgot there was a big ol' Y on my shirt</span>)<br />
<br />
"I brought reinforcements!" I announced. Grant turned around from his squatted
position and just started giggling. I turned
to the lady (<span style="font-size: x-small;">I can't remember her name for the life of me</span>) and said, "I
brought these guys. They're very nice and totally ready to help." As
they all kicked into missionary mode and started introductions of
themselves to her and her oldest daughter (<span style="font-size: x-small;">maybe 13</span>), I went to my car
and got the leftover gummi worms from yesterday's WY trip and offered them to her. "I certainly don't need any more of these, and I'm guessing
the kids are getting restless." She just kept saying, "You guys are
unbelievable." I turned to the kids (<span style="font-size: x-small;">windows unrolled</span>) and Aunt Karen
said, "Ok guys, you can only have the candy if you sit quietly and share
them, ok? Be good," and then I went in search of some other big car in
the parking lot to see if I could borrow a wrench... <span style="font-size: x-small;">(...that Aunt Karen comes out of nowhere sometimes...)</span><br />
<br />
When I came
back about 5 minutes later (<span style="font-size: x-small;">no luck</span>), I saw the cutest little old lady
approach the group and pass out individually wrapped hand sanitizers to
everyone, shaking each missionary's hand and winking. At that point I
thought...ok, where's the seminary video camera pointed at us? :) They
were all just standing there, though the group of people had grown a
little to include even more people that looked like the perfect contacts
for missionaries (meaning they weren't obvious members). One of the
elders turned to me and said, "My companion went across the road over
there to ask the lube place if they have something..." I smiled really
widely and then turned to the lady, "Well, I'll leave you with these
gentlemen. You are in good hands." She thanked me profusely and kept
mindlessly reviewing her train-of-thought aloud under her breath, "I really can't believe
this....we just came here to get the stuff for chicken sandwiches..."<br />
<br />
<div>
A minute later I was recalling the series of events as I walked back into Smith's....<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
That
was crazy awesome, HF! Thank you!! I love that...and to think, I didn't
even plan to go here! It was just on some whim I turned in.....why am I
in here again? Oh! Right...marshmall.......oh crap! Meetings! I'm gonna
be late!!......I don't even really need to see those, what the heck?
WHY DID I STOP HERE IF I DIDN'T EVEN NEED T.......
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH<wbr></wbr>HHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! And I almost ran to the bakery with giddiness. :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I
found the yummiest looking sandwich rolls I could find and asked the worker
to slice them for me. I then sped to the sandwich meats and grabbed two
things of sliced chicken and a package of cheese slices. I rounded out
the sprint by grabbing lettuce that had already been broken apart for
sandwiches and a bag of clementines. I nearly tripped as I suddenly
skidded to a halt in front of a display of 10-pk baby Dasani water
bottles and snagged one of those, dashed back to the bakery and on to
the self check out.<br />
<br /></div>
I approached the group again as
the missionary tightened the last lug nut on the spare. She just kept
saying, "I truly don't know what I would have done without all of you!
You're so kind, I just can't even.....we only came here to get the
sandwich stuff, and now I have to take this car to this other place,
right?" "Yes," I said, nonchalantly holding the groceries as if they
were mine. "It's a little far, will it make it?" "Oh yes, you'll be
fine, as long as you don't go more than 40." "Ok...wow...we have to go
there now then..." I could see the wheels turning in her head as she
watched the 5 other children in the car now hyper and hangry (<span style="font-size: x-small;">hunger induced anger</span>). <br />
<br />
"Well, then, I guess you'll be needing these ,"...and I held out her groceries. Tears filled her eyes as her chin
dropped open..."NOOOO. Are you serious?!?!" I smiled and sucked back my own tears as I said, "Yup. Now you can feed them while you wait for
your car. I hope this makes your day better.......and if it still blows
your mind, you can ask those guys anything, as I pointed to the missionaries
standing tall. They have all the answers." <br />
<br />
And then I
smiled, and left. IT. WAS. AWESOME. I made it to work with three
minutes to spare, all the while crying but trying not to let the tears
of gratitude mess up my make up. I was so happy, but mostly because I
was SOOOOOOOOOOO excited to come home and write about it to you guys. I
knew you would be so proud of me. :) As I've rehashed it in my head all
day, I realized something...I prayed for this. I didn't remember at
first, but I now remember a simple line in one nightly prayer about
wanting more opportunities for service to His children because it makes
me so happy. "You know, HF, kinda missionary-like, but more up my
alley..." Today was His way of saying, "Yes, Karen, I do know. I always
know."Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-58821658866609522312014-09-16T22:16:00.001-07:002014-09-16T22:16:02.619-07:00Most favorite thing...I absolutely LOVE the face of a person who just received the PERFECT gift. It has nothing to do with cost or even anticipation. In fact, simplicity and surprise are usually key. It's the forethought and authenticity that create a magical moment like this one:<br />
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That's right. It's only a box of Fruit Rollups and a disgusting old Creamery polo, but for L, it was humor, love, and best wishes all wrapped up in tissue paper. It. Was. Awesome.Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-81025986856222422572014-07-29T17:34:00.001-07:002014-07-30T12:36:44.201-07:00"Spoonful of sugar" anyone?So, we kicked it...AGAIN. Sometimes my family exceeds even MY expectations. Check out this awesome-sauce...ness! Tis pretty amazing. SKILLZ, people. SKILLZ. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Shhhh, don't tell anyone I had to replace N the missionary...)</span><br />
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We made all the costumes except the red one (rented). On the coat, mom LITERALLY sewed strips of
different colored bias tape onto white fabric and THEN cut it out and
made it. And she killed it with the white one...and I raided my DI quite a few times. Basically, the costumes were PHENOMENAL.<br />
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I learned how to mix music so we had Step In Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Jolly Holiday, and A Spoonful of Sugar all meshed into 7 minutes. J and K danced the appropriate dance in front of the truck to Jolly Holiday, and the ones on the float danced to Step In Time. <br />
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Below, you can
kinda see that K and dad rigged a way for the boys to step on small black bellows-ish thingys as they
marched on the float, which shot red and turquoise firework-looking-things up and
down out of the chimneys. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Originally, I wanted to have real fireworks come out...but somebody told the mayor...) <span style="font-size: small;">And C spent hours cutting all the colored lettering out of sparkly paper that danced in the sunlight. It was just awesome.</span></span><br />
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L
and I walked along the sides and handed out (of our carpet bags)
plastic spoons with either a scoop of Skittles or jelly beans wrapped
in colored tulle with an elastic band around it...asking the spectators if they'd "like a spoonful of sugar?"...which they LOVED!<br />
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Well, one more year down! The kids really enjoy it, and even started planning next year's before this one even happened! Crazies...<br />
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<br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-58217840855475428342014-05-22T21:31:00.001-07:002014-05-22T21:31:37.847-07:00Ok, so just to emphasize my previous point....I MIGHT be old...When did this HAPPEN?!?! Love them all more than words can say, btw. (And that last pic? Well, the tall one in the back happens to be the gorgeous missionary in the previous post...)<br />
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Where in the world did the time go?! A, E, K, N....you slay me.<br />
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<br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-7055507192281544492014-05-09T07:40:00.003-07:002014-05-09T07:43:58.874-07:00Good Gravy...sometimes I'm old...I mean proud!Here she is!!!!!!!!! All growed up and ready to take on the world. Much love, N...seriously...I pretty much can't even think about her or I tear up....<br />
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Good luck, sweetheart! Love you. Texas doesn't know what's comin...</div>
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Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-62486668796054728662014-03-04T15:51:00.004-08:002014-03-04T15:51:59.788-08:00That moment when......the Librarian feels like your guardian angel, your therapist, your friend, and your own personal urim and thumim all rolled into one. Holy criminy. She is a MASTER at synthesizing my life for me. Gracious me. Thank you for her, HF...obviously I need her.Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-35904190196156952262014-02-20T13:54:00.001-08:002014-02-20T21:55:45.834-08:00Pretty Awesome Valentine...First off, thank you to everyone (especially my family) who makes me feel loved all year. But, I just wanted to share this awesomeness with all y'all. This, was from my Valentine this year...and I must say, he is ADORABLE!!<br />
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Gorgeous flowers.<br />
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Don't you worry...there were three KitKats in there...they lasted less than 2 days. <br />
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Yes, that's the size of his cute little one month old hand. (At least I think...either that or she's just seriously talented at free-handing it, which totally wouldn't shock me...)<br />
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Hopefully you can read the awesome-sauce poem Derek's mama helped him write for me. LOVED IT!Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-3971067290564574492014-02-05T09:58:00.002-08:002014-02-05T12:44:04.274-08:00You know you live in UC...When your Zumba instructor mixes in a good bit of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" into the routine...ha!<br />
(literally happened last night) Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-24703103899726376012013-12-20T12:36:00.003-08:002013-12-20T14:17:18.242-08:00Ya, I know seriously talented people... (no stealing these pix!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Isn't that amazing?!?! Holy gracious. AND, he's incredibly kind and told me I could use this one, so MERRY CHRISTMAS!<br />
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<br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-3602744450678175442013-11-19T12:33:00.000-08:002013-11-19T15:54:47.760-08:00From one vague awkward-ity to the next...Ya, it's a word. I said so.<br />
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Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed...but it does pay DIVIDENDS of humor, if you're me. :) We, of the XX genotype, do not particularly enjoy the restroom experience when fellow genotypes are present. Somehow, in our culture, it has become socially custom, nigh unto expected, to prevent one's bathroom experience from beginning until the other person is somehow rendered unable to hear it either by evacuation of premises or some other loud commotion (ie. a flush). Can I get a shout-out from all the females who have experienced something similar? Maybe this is only a problem because our work bathrooms only have two stalls...thereby inherently marking you as a plausible culprit in every incident.<br />
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There I go, entering el bano at the PERFECTLY TIMED moment...when the other toilet's flush begins. Rock on. On this specific occasion, I have no lengthy plans for the event, which turned out to be helpful. Other-Stallmate, as we'll call her, is one of those people who simply doesn't seem to understand the game. Why does it take some people longer to interpret the silence as they....stare in the mirror? Fidget with clothing? Pluck eyebrows?!! I dunno, but seriously lady-whom-I-obviously-work-with...why are you unable to interpret the silence as your cue to leave? Be gone!<br />
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Awkward.<br />
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This triggers self-evaluation: why do I care? I usually pride myself on being a particularly savvy custom-smasher in this vein...why should I have to wait? Mind you, this quest for restroom independence only began to surface after years of perfecting my patience during prolonged silence-off's, as I like to call them. Like absurd mutations of a Staring Contest, sitting silently...glancing sideways at the stall wall as if to dare the other person to flinch, waiting for their demise--when they give up and leave so you can be there in peace.<br />
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Sometimes now, out of courtesy, I will be unnecessarily loud about washing my hands and excessively hasty about drying them just to give someone who is still suffering from the game some peace. But why do I care in the first place? Hmph. Here, it's even gone so far as for people to walk in, see ONE STALL taken and one stall open, only to have people turn around and exit. What is this madness?! So, then I start to laugh at the absurdity, as I'm sure you are already
doing. Is it dumb? Yes. Does the situation create heightened feelings of
awkward for all involved..yup.<br />
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Tossing my used paper towel into the trash, I try to disguise a snigger on my way out, so as to not offend Newcomer-Stallmate presently sitting in silence. "Hee hee. Aamateur...she'll learn," I think to myself as I unwittingly leave the confines of the restroom WHILST adjusting the ladies...and look up just in time to attempt a sort of whimper-smile at Male Coworker as he unsuccessfully averts his deer-in-headlight eyes and darts down the hall.<br />
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Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand...awkward... <br />
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On to the next. :)<br />
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(for the record, I laughed REALLY hard about the whole thing when I got back to my desk...but that might be the lack of sleep comin back to bite me)Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-49900466563401483422013-11-08T09:47:00.000-08:002013-11-08T10:07:46.170-08:009...So hard to believe. <i><b>NINE</b></i>!<br />
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<b>9</b> years ago today, I was totally floored when my first staff meeting began with a prayer.<br />
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<b>9</b> years ago today, I was completely overwhelmed by the extent of my new job...pssh. If I'd've had any idea. <br />
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<b>9</b> years ago today, I started working here at the Y. I gotta say, I never
thought I'd be here this long...and I'm not leaving any time soon. Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-52143605924832838462013-10-29T11:53:00.000-07:002013-10-29T14:56:48.538-07:00Even technology loves me today...Along with all the wonderful people in my life who have made me feel rather special today (a decorated office...still no idea who did that), even technology loves me today. :)<br />
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My office (that's right, homemade-handcrafted decor): <br />
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Did y'all know Google does this on your birthday?<br />
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And then there's BYU's system. I think this is hilarious. Note the age...<br />
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Thank you, everyone!!!Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-73319598332181423782013-10-10T13:16:00.000-07:002013-10-10T13:16:47.618-07:00No worries...Just the EFY peeps...<br />
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Normal day. Totally normal day...Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-3729369139584759592013-10-02T10:58:00.001-07:002013-10-02T11:20:55.246-07:00Inconclusive search...But still totally worth it. Ha! I was looking for memes about being excited for Conference, especially for the awesome op to hear from JRH again. (Woo hoo!) You know, like the one with the US Olympic swimmers...well, anyway...<br />
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Thanks to access to K's FB, I giggled my can off at the following...and yes, it does require an excuse of stupid spelling...<br />
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Hahahahahha! AMEN to that. Then I kept scrolling. What is it about this non-stick-figure person that has the ability to make me cackle aloud every time? It's like I can hear the voice in my head. It's always the same...and it's always hilarious. Especially the frustratedness of the last one. <br />
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Ha!! I know, right? Endure...ugh...well, that's life, eh? Onward!Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-11157016574731020152013-08-13T15:36:00.001-07:002013-08-13T15:36:05.098-07:00What did you do this Summer?Let's see............<br />
Design a training module for the Church?<br />
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Staple a bazillion letters on a fantastic float? (Our 15th creation!! Holy smokes!!)<br />
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Make a wedding dress?<br />
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.................I did.Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-32581179783557052352013-07-25T16:02:00.003-07:002013-07-25T16:03:13.300-07:00Parenting: You're doing it right...Ha! The top comment on this video is: "Parenting: You're doing it right." I must say, I'd have to agree...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lU-Uwl7AZ7o" width="420"></iframe><br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-16265285819037396912013-07-12T12:15:00.003-07:002013-07-12T12:16:17.714-07:00Dear bikers everywhere...If you want to be a pedestrian, then act like one. If you want to be a vehicle, then act like one. BUT, the moment you start crossing that line, poppin back and forth....that's the moment you become free range target practice...for me and my gas pedal.<br />
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Just sayin.Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-75390649040420727302013-07-01T16:40:00.002-07:002013-07-01T16:40:20.158-07:00Tee hee.I'm guessing only some of those who read this blog will get this. Sadly, it made me laugh SOOO hard at work people asked what I was laughing at...<br />
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<br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-23350846128308518192013-06-07T11:58:00.002-07:002013-06-07T11:58:59.182-07:00Congrats J!!!!!!!!!Hold on world, here comes Elder J!!!!!! Sa-weeeeeeeeeeeeet! J, I think you should totally take up the challenge to tract in all four states in one day! :) And I'm SOOOO excited for the opportunities awaiting you in Farmington, New Mexico!!!!!! Come on, September....<br />
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Congratulations J, SO SOS OS OS OS SOSOSOSSOSOSOSO proud. So proud. Bah! Be still my little aunt heart...Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-66012715465962933972013-06-04T08:28:00.003-07:002013-06-04T08:28:54.492-07:00IMPATIENCE...So many things...SO many things I'm impatient about right now. Impatient for J, impatient for my roommate, impatient for me....bah!<br />
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<br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-13215602472540169842013-05-17T08:41:00.001-07:002013-05-17T08:41:53.853-07:00To a sweet, sweet woman...The Church has you to thank for such an amazing prophet leading us. Thank you, Sister Monson.
You've certainly earned your rest in eternity.<br />
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Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-38838068104181283122013-05-13T11:43:00.003-07:002013-05-13T11:44:19.371-07:00MomsThank you to my nieces, actually, for showing me this...cause I laughed my can off. This is awesome. As are all mothers.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pQ4Rnba85o8" width="450"></iframe><br />Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928374588494776432.post-33375012436641610892013-05-04T10:03:00.002-07:002013-05-04T10:06:18.731-07:00Ever heard of Antofagasta?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Me neither. Til last night. Dear Chile Antofagasta Mission: hang on folks, you have NO idea who's comin your way in September...<br />
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D, I'm SOOOO proud of you and happy and excited and all sorts of emotions!!! Remember, watch out for yetti man/garbage cans down there. ;) Seriously though, we've laughed together, cried together, and we shall continue to do so from a good long distance for the next two years. Make me proud, buddy. Love you.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Stay tuned for the next one coming shortly...)</span>Karen Ellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289661678009122060noreply@blogger.com1