To Your Health

I recently read an article by Dr. Stephen Sinatra and he reminds us that our mental, physical and emotional health is of the utmost importance. During times of tragedy, or great stress, or deep sadness, keep your eye focused on how you are feeling and what kinds of thoughts flood your mind each day. Do not allow yourselves to dwell on thoughts of worry or sadness. Doing things like exercising, keeping a pet (even a fish works :), having good friends to talk to, and a deep religious conviction are all things that can help us get through these times. Sometimes it even requires a professional, but we can do much by ourselves to monitor and control how we perceive and react to the bad things in life that 'happen' to us. Your strong testimony of Jesus Christ and how the Atonement works in your life are the most important of all. Keep your relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father strong through DAILY prayer and study of the scriptures. Treat everyone around you with love, kindness and dignity. Accept that bad things will continue to happen, but rely on your religious beliefs, and friends and physically moving to get you through the tough times and retain your 'healths'. Among other worthy and worthwhile books, I ask you to read "The Peacegiver" by James L. Ferrell. I love you.

Virginia Tech

I have read Carlos' and Emily's blogs about the shootings at Virginia Tech. I, too, do not understand what makes people do things like this and it saddens me deeply that so many families are affected - and it's not just the immediate families. All people who have gone through a tragedy like this are re-injured each time something like this happens. And, I, too, do not have any more to say about it except this - Heavenly Father is aware, and only He fully understands and can also fully heal our hearts and minds. Remember the shootings in the Amish community not too long ago? They forgave and healed their hearts almost the next day. They hold so close to the Lord, and they fully understand His power. By the way, young Sam Shimp and his wife and baby were right there on campus but were able to hide and be safe. Thank the Lord for that and for all the others that were spared - well, at least in physical injury. Make so mistake about it, they were all affected emotionally and will need the help of counselors and the Lord to deal with this horrendous tragedy. God Bless us and help us all.

2 more years :)

All expected contracts are signed!! Haven't got a target DATE yet, but 2 years from April 2007 is our target month for coming home - for good! ... and good that will be, too :) Wahoo!! I'm starting the countdown!

my last, fast, great 2 weeks

Wow - it feels weird being back home! Feels like I've been gone soooooooo long and it's only been 2 weeks. First I went to the beach - and didn't tell anyone where ;) and escaped and relaxed for 4 days - it was great!

Then I came home and spent another 4 days with Livvy, Tim and boys - playing, taking care of home business, just being with them, going to Julian's pre-school one day - it was so fun! The ladies at church said I was visiting Livvy in her home :) They are doing a great job living there, keeping thing nice and enjoying painting and fixing things up! That house is so old that it needs lots of TLC - and Livvy knows how to get new carpets, stoves, etc., for free! good price - I took the gang out to dinner one night, including George and Lynnette - YUM and FUN.

I went to the Temple with Diane once - greatly needed that :) thanks!

Sarah flew in from Virginia for a week, and she and I went over to the Tri-cities to be with Mandy, Blake and GG for GG's 92nd birthday! It was a great surprise! GG cried and laughed and is still happy! Livvy had made a great card for her and she still laughs and giggles and shares it with her friends at Alterra - We ate out a lot and I gained weight - ugh :(

Then Sarah and I drove back 'home' and stopped at the Maryhill Museum (for the last 15 minutes it was opened for the day) and ran through all the exhibits, dashed out in the rain, drove over to the "Stonehenge" WWI memorial (part of Maryhill) and took a few pictures of the Columbia Gorge and Sarah.

There was never a dull moment and now that I am back home in Singapore, it seems like it was all just a long dream. While I was gone, Boni, Bryan's oldest sister came here, and I get to spend her last 2 days here with her. Fun :)

Then I can go into my traditional coma and sleep for 2 days to recover. I think I got sick on the plane, but maybe not so bad, because I drank so much "Airborne" ;) There was a Japanese lady (in her 30-40's??) all dressed in red, orange and pink - even her hair was pink - and she wore a pink 'cough mask' most of the flight from Seattle to Tokyo and coughed on me lots >:( Hope the Airborne works!

I'll post a couple of pictures in a day or two. See you all in August for George and Lynnette's wedding and for Sarah's baby! :) love to all and hugs and kisses all around!