Patriotic thoughts

Being in Washington D.C. among all the historical sites, seeing different aspects of our government in action gave me a new respect and appreciation for our wonderful country, those who founded it and those that are trying to continue that legacy.

One of my favorite parts of the monuments were the inspirational quotes carved into the stone...famous words, excerpts of speeches, or parts of letters written. These gave more power and strength to the meaning of the monument, meant to honor a great man or the efforts of those that fought in certain wars. It was kind of solemn but also uplifting at the same time. Interesting.

I especially was touched by how many of those quotes contained words of God and His role in creating the country, inspiring its founders, and the humility we should have toward His will in our future. I wish more Americans would appreciate that. It strengthened my testimony at least:)

Washington D.C.

I just got back from my trip to Washington D.C.! It was an amazing whirlwind adventure, full of fun and history. My friend Emily and I had never been before so we decided to plan our vacation during the Cherry Blossom Festival.


D.C. is definitely a place you have to go many times to get to all the things you would like to see and do. Here's what we got to during our stay:

-American History Museum
-mastering the Metro system
-White House and visitor's center
-Museum of Natural History
-Jefferson Memorial
-International Spy Museum (Operation Spy unit)
-Lincoln Memorial
-Swing dancing to live band at Chevy Chase Ballroom
-Washington D.C. temple
-Washington Memorial
-World War II Memorial
-Smithsonian castle
-becoming pro city-walkers
-Korean War Memorial
-Japanese Festival
-Murder Mystery Play at Kennedy Center
-World War I Memorial
-Sunday chamber music at National Gallery of Art
-Cherry Blossom Festival

It was definitely a full 5 days. Mrrrr

Good Enough

Every year, or maybe twice a year...our bishop spends a Sunday lesson giving us his ideas, rules and advice for dating/courting/marriage. Now, if you know my bishop (he's very caring and relaxed, but also the one that makes announcements over the pulpit like "swimsuits are optional for this activity" and takes it all in stride)-it is always a very memorable event that is talked about for months and years later. He teaches some good principles but puts things very straightforward and in an over-the-top way so it isn't forgotten. For instance, we all remember his comment last year about "dating your own kind". Apparently if you are a "4", try to find another "4" rather than going after the "10's". This year, the girls all got little cards to carry in our purses (see the picture) that say "Good Enough!" on the back. We're supposed to get it out if we are ever on a less-than-great date. He told us all girls will have to settle and that those are the only things really necessary for a good marriage. "If he has those, I don't care what he looks like, marry him". Hmmm. sure made a lot of us a little guilty for actually wanting someone we have common interests with and are attracted to as well... Sigh.

St. Patricks Day dinner

I had fun celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Of course I wore green...could I really pass up a chance to dress up? I also made a green dinner for some of my family that was in town. (albeit not for the most joyous of reasons-for my grandmother's funeral). Anyway, I made this spontaneous decision to make dinner the same day so it was a small gathering but still loads of fun! Remember how my family has the extra challenge of multiple food allergies? No problem-this menu just popped into my head and it worked! I thought I would share...in case anyone else is looking for a fast, green, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free meal:) I wish I could share a picture of my creations, but alas, there are none. Blast my inability to remember to get out my camera more.

Appetizer:
Guacamole with corn chip appetizer (i forgot to get the avocado flavored green chips)

Salad:
Spinach and strawberry salad with lime honey dressing

Entree:
Herb crusted chicken (using nut powder instead of flour and olive oil instead of eggwash)
Green beans
pineapple cilantro rice

Dessert:
lime sorbet (unfortunately it would have to be homemade because store brands taint theirs with milk) so we used grapes for those with milk allergies.

Drink:
Lime water

It was fun, and tasty.

My family has started an annual Limerick contest for our newsletter. Ok. So it's only the second year but I am excited. My family is so clever, creative and FUNNY. I'm pretty sure I won last year because all 3 judges picked one of mine for their top 3... Many of the submitted limericks contain family jokes but you can still appreciate them. I thought I would share a few of my favorites from last year:

The single girl only wants to be wed
The single guy only wants to be fed
Both starved for affection
They seek for attention
and end up online dating instead. (me)

Box elder bugs are in the air
They fly into my face and hair
We called the Orkin man
He had a good plan
Now bugs sit in the goo and despair (missy)

I took a whiff of helium
and then I turned petroleum (green)
some thought I was a moron
but then I ate boron
and then all the kids yelled uranium! (kimi)

When given a diabetes diagnosis
you can't learn it all by osmosis
Education's the need
I perform that deed
and greatly improve your prognosis (me)

dang it Emily is good
she must have lived in the hood
she's got her thang
and she goes bang bang
like all the rest of us should. (kimi)

Provo is called happy valley
everyone's named sappy sally
it numbs your brain
they're all insane
add one more to the lost cause tally. (kimi)

and my personal favorite, full of cannon-isms:

EDP's! Pet the worm, okay?
There's beauty all around us today.
Oh fun! General Lee
has knocked down a tree
Bad month, mrrr. I once saw a play. (paul)

One man's death inspires many to save their own

Larry H. Miller died recently at the age of 64, from complications of type 2 diabetes. His life influenced many as he was a very prominent community member and successful businessman, but his death has done a lot of good in the diabetes world. It scared the livin' daylights out of a LOT of people. I hear a comment from one of my patients at least once a day about Larry Miller and how they do not want to end up like him. Our annual state Diabetes Expo last weekend was attended by about 5,000 people (up from 2,000 last year), all interested in getting better control of their diabetes. If one man's death inspires many to save their lives... Sorry, but thanks.

Pancake Day!

I just learned about a new holiday--Pancake Day! It's apparently a celebration before Lent starts where people used up rich foods. Most European countries have a food they typically make ranging from pancakes or crepes to pastries, etc. Except for Estonia. . . apparently they eat split pea soup and go sledding (according to widipedia). . . so random! It is also known as Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras (I had heard of that last one-but that only brought me images of New Orleans and beads for some reason).

Here's how my roommates and I celebrated Pancake Day:
Blueberry Pancakes in the morningCrepes (or Croatian pancakes) in the afternoon (with chicken/cheese/spinach or banana/nutella). Michelle is once again refusing to be in a picture.German pancakes at night. (with some scrumptious blackberries and powdered sugar. Mmmm)
I think I like Pancake Day.