A Big Day

Today was big enough to elicit another blog post: today we celebrated TJ graduating.  I am so incredibly proud of him.  We had a great time celebrating.  We started the day with presents (and a darling "CONGRATULATIONS" banner I spent a decent amount of time making...) and waffles with coconut syrup.  Delicious and very fun.

This afternoon we dressed up and drove down to graduation.  Bless Sara's heart for picking up his cap and gown and even ironing it for us.  TJ was the last in line (we were a bit late...) but we made it!  I wish we could have seen him in the Marriott Center, but it is a decent sized space and at least we were there together.

Elder Perry gave a great talk about continuing to focus on health/physical health, religious health, financial freedom and leisure time.  The favorite quote was, "You're spending money you don't have on things you don't need to impress people you don't even like."  :)  I guess it's not all inspirational but a good reminder to be wise.

Dinner was wonderful and the company was great: so wonderful to have family nearby that is supportive and generous and kind. 

I am so proud of him.  What a fantastic accomplishment and a monumental milestone.  A wonderful day for both of us - wahoo!

Book List

Perhaps the greatest thing about having graduated, next to being able to spend time with TJ, is that I can read for pleasure again.  I'm going through a good 3-4 books a week and I LOVE it.  That said, I'd love some book suggestions!  I'm going to the library tonight and would love some ideas on what to pick up.

Hint: I like happy endings.

Dear Annie

Dear Annie,

Please tell me your email address.  I lost my phone contacts and though I think I remember your phone number I don't want to risk it.  :)

Rachie

Rhapsody in Blue

First, a shout out to Froggy: I love you.  Thanks for reading.

Second, please, one of my six readers, tell me you know Rhapsody in Blue.  TJ surprised me with tickets to the Utah Symphony on Friday where I was (this will sound unbelievable, but I promise it's true) moved to tears by the beauty and magnificence of Rhapsody in Blue.  I sat in the gorgeous Abravanel Hall (in the aisle seat, because TJ knows that's always my preference) thinking This is it.  This is the kind of moment I'll look back on in the future with fondness.  This is a moment that is creating a memory: right now I'm not in a rush to be anywhere else, I'm not waiting for the concert to end, the night to be over, the dinner tomorrow, Church on Sunday - I am here and now and my gosh, this is gorgeous.

It was a feast for both my ears and my heart.  I was so grateful to be there, to be blessed with a love of music - not the kind most people listen to, admittedly, but the beauty of Classical music - and to be with the love of my life watching and listening to something so magnificent.

I think the world would be much happier if everyone started the day listening to Rhapsody in Blue.

Dinner: A Love Story

I just finished another book, this one Dinner: A Love Story.  I loved it.  It's a unique writing style that is a mix of prose and recipes.  It is the non-fiction narration of Jenny, her husband Andy, and their two daughters, Phoebe and Abby, and their tradition of family dinner.  She took the book through three distinct phases: she and Andy as a couple and the dinners they had, she and Andy with young, picky eaters and the dinners they had, and she and Andy with girls that would actually start eating (circa ages 7 and 8) and the dinners they had.  It was witty and quick with what I hope are fantastic recipes in between.

Perhaps more than anything, this book made me want to start cooking more fancy dishes: fish tacos with pineapple salsa, pork ragu with pappardelle, the works.  It was a refreshing read that I've got all marked up: highly recommend it, especially if dinner is important for you.

And That's a Wrap

Yesterday I finished my final for my last class of my MBA.  I did it.  With all the support and encouragement I received along the way, I think it would be better phrased WE did it.

And it feels really, really good.

The Happiness Project

I just finished reading The Happiness Project and it seems everyone I've spoken to has gotten an earful about how wonderful it is: the ideas!  the genuine voice of the author!  the captivating tone!  I really enjoyed it (and would recommend you read it!)  A few of the great ideas I've pulled from it:

1. Doing little things often can have a big impact (just as doing a huge thing every once in a while).
2. Act the way you want to feel.
3. Make your passwords (to email, your computer, etc.) single word reminders for goals you have.

She has a new book, Happier at Home, that I've already preordered coming out in September.

Happy reading!