Meeting Jason

I am in love. I have been for many years now. What amazes me is how the love I am in changes and grows and deepens every year.

I first heard about Jason from my friend Heather. She and I went to a church camp-out in late July 2000. I offered to share a tent with her since she didn't have one and I did. We stayed up half the night talking about men we were interested in. I talked about Brian (the guy I had just asked on a date -and he'd accepted) and she spoke of Jason.... a lot. Heather told me that Jason and she were only friends and he would be returning home from his two year LDS mission soon. She contemplated that perhaps once he got home, that he might notice her on a more romantic level. I hoped for her and I hoped I could find someone too.

Not long after the campout it was time for my date with Brian. He called me to chat about where we were going to 'hang out'. I told him I was happy about our date. He then let me know he must have misunderstood my intentions because he thought we were going out as friends, not a date. Ouch. Then he makes it worse by saying he couldn't be interested in me because he is more interested in girls like Michelle (a stick figure with lots of make-up and the latest fashions and very big hair) Double ouch. So, by then, I was fed up with men in general. I was 25 years old and sick of men ,particularly the men in Utah, and their expectations of perfection.

Shortly after that incident, Heather asked if I would go with her and a group of other young women to Lagoon (a local amusement park). She wanted to go as a group as a welcome home party for her friend Jason. It was early August. He'd come home Wednesday and our gathering was for the following Saturday. I had served a mission myself and new that he'd be a bit overwhelmed to come home to a group of girls (since dating is off limits during a mission). I thought I'd go as moral support for Heather and also out of curiosity to see this guy she spoke so much about for days.

We all met up out front. I saw him and thought, "Him?" He was kind of dorky in glasses that didn't suit his face, crooked teeth, skinny, and a bit shorter than I had expected (he's 5'10") but he did have lovely eyes, a ready smile, and gentlemanly manners. I had no interest in him for myself whatsoever. As the day went on, I thought he'd be nice for Heather but an unlikely match. He was so nervous. While waiting in lines for rides, I asked him about his mission. He shared many amusing stories. He was most relaxed while telling of his mission adventures. I had my camera with me and took a few photos. There is even one of me with Heather and Jason all together.

After that day, the three of us spent a lot of time together as friends. We attended church and a weekly Wednesday night church class together. Often after class we'd  go to Wendy's Restaurant for fries and a shake. I noticed he was a very sweet guy and I was really starting to hope it would work out for Heather because she deserved someone so nice.

I noticed she was too shy about flirting or any other type of romantic approaches and he didn't seem interested much in her either. We had a church activity to clean up the church on a Saturday. I was urging her to flirt or indicate to Jason in some way that she was interested but she was too hesitant because she'd never done anything like that in her life. I tried to explain flirting to her but it wasn't coming across. I said, "How about something simple. It may seem like it's too juvenile but such things really do work. Go steal the bucket he's using to clean the windows and skip off with it and then turn back and smile and maybe add in a giggle." She thought I was crazy and that such a thing wouldn't work. She wanted me to show her. So, I did. Oops. He fell for it, but with the wrong girl. It got his attention alright.

From that night on, he started paying attention to me and I was feeling bad for Heather. She assured me that in the few months he'd been home, she realized he wasn't interested in her and she was starting to crush on someone else anyway. She pointed out that she thought he was more interested in me and that I shouldn't feel bad. I still felt a bit guilty though.

By the end of September, as we were leaving our Wednesday night class, Heather had gotten in the car, Jason stopped me and asked me on a date. Whoa. He asked ME out? I had a feeling it would come to this but wasn't sure how I felt about it since I was still pretty ticked with guys. But, with Jason, he seemed safe, kind, harmless. So I said to him, "Sure, why not?" Wow, he grinned from ear to ear. We set our date for the second Saturday in October.

We've been together ever since.

Perhaps I'll write about our first date and his proposal nearly a year later in another blog post. ;)

New Career

 As stated in a previous post, I went to school and became a licensed Master Esthetician. Another title I've heard used is Skin Therapist. I absolutely love being an esthetician. What do I love about it you ask? Well, I love people. I see people going here to there in the rush of life getting/being stressed. It pleases me to know that I now have the skills to help these stressed people take a moment in their lives to take a breath and relax. Clients come in a rush and leave feeling peaceful and happy. It is very rewarding.

I love that as an esthetician I've learned there continues to be further breakthroughs in science to aid in becoming healthier and I can be a part of all that through skin care. I love to learn and there is always something new to learn and understand.

I also love working at Ogden Organix. Their philosophy is to aid everyone achieve overall holistic wellness through various forms of relaxation, body treatments, nutrition, improving self esteem, and the products used inside and out for your body. Ogden Organix offers many wonderful products to aid in achieving a more organic lifestyle. I love it! It is the only holistic wellness center, salon, and spa in the area. Their 5 year plan includes growing into a larger center to cover more holistic needs in the area. I'm excited by this plan and am so happy to be a part of it.

My wonderful employer has set up a way for me to succeed through her advertising and for each referral that receives a service the person who referred them earns a $15 credit towards another service.

I only have one problem, lack of clientele. I am new in an industry that pays by commission only. I need clientele and this is a tough industry to break into. I have spoken with so many potential clients and given out a few hundred cards and flyers. I have done follow-up calls and such. -and now I wait.
This is the most difficult part for me. It's not just the waiting, it's also the lack of income. I have a family that I support and a quickly dwindling savings account. My biggest fear is that I have gone to school and fallen in love with this new career and will have to leave it for another job...very soon.

I believe in the plan Ogden Organix has for a holistic center. I believe in myself, that I am talented and skilled to be a success in this business. I believe a loving Heavenly Father led me to this career and believes in my success. I have to trust in Him and in the general public that this will be a wonderful adventure in my life.

Here is the address, phone number, and list of services at Ogden Organix that I offer:
184 Historic 25th St, Ogden, UT
(801) 589-9254

Waxing from head to toes 
Pedicures 
Basic Manicures
Shellac (nail color lasts 14 days)

Facials -to relax and improves skin
Galvanic Treatment -to firm up face
Chemical Peels-evens skin tone and improves skin quality
Eyelash Extensions
DoTerra Aroma Touch Therapy Treatment
Special Occasion Make-up

We offer the Image skin care product line, including an organic line offered by Image. We also offer many other great organic and vegan products for skin and hair. I am a doTerra essential oils rep and Ogden Organix has allowed me to offer doTerra oils to sell and use in services for aroma therapy purposes. 

I hope you'll come in soon for a relaxing moment. This is the holiday season -we have gift certificates. Please feel welcome in taking some time out for yourself during this busy season to relax and unwind and/or give the gift of relaxation. I look forward to seeing you soon. 

Meeting Ann

As I have said before, I wasn't always an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints (mormons). I listened to the teachings but was rarely interested in living it because I was more into myself than what God wanted of me.

 We moved from Glendale, CA to Arcata, CA just before my senior year of high school. We'd lived there before when I was a kid but it was still a tough adjustment to be there again. Towards the end of my senior year of high school, I met a boy who I was drawn to like a moth to a flame. We dated for a year. He was so nice and we loved so many of the same things. There are only two reasons why I'm not with him today 1) I knew in the long run, we'd end up not together once he decided he'd choose to live an alternative lifestyle (gay). I knew he was from the day we met. -and 2) I kept feeling a strong pull to become more spiritual and I kept denying it so I could be with him. Both those reasons I knew we had to break up our relationship.

I had just graduated from high school ( 1992) when I decided to go to LDS girls summer camp for the last time. Back then, camp lasted a full week. I felt it would be kind of the last activity before becoming a full fledged adult. I'd been intimately involved with my boyfriend since graduation night and I suddenly felt worlds away from all the girls there. I hadn't realized how much I'd grown away from all of the youthfulness and become an adult already until I was there. Camp was so fun though. It was there I met Ann. I hadn't seen her there in all the previous years and she seemed so lonely.Turns out she'd recently moved to the area and didn't know anyone yet. Since I felt so apart from all the other girls I knew, I chose to spend my days at camp with Ann. We had a blast and giggled so much. It had been well over a year since I'd felt that kind of camaraderie with girls. We exchanged info the last day of camp and I didn't give her a second thought after that. My life became all about my boyfriend. We were so wrapped up in each other. I loved him so much it hurt to think we might not always be together. I know he felt the same way because even years later he told me so. Just as a side note, he has been happily involved with his boyfriend these last 15 years and I am happily with my husband for 12. Funny how life turns out. 

Anyway, I met Ann again that following February. My brother had convinced me and my boyfriend to attend a Valentine's Day church dance for young single adults. By that time I had quit going to church at all. While there, this redheaded young women comes bounding over to me like she's tigger all excited yelling my name. I'm like, "what the?" I'd been so involved with my life, I'd forgotten her completely. Literally. She's telling me how she didn't realize I was Josh's sister and how she had been looking for me and how she really wanted to get together sometime soon to hang out. -and all the while I couldn't remember how the heck I knew her and wondered why she was acting like she knew me so well.Even after she referenced camp,  I was baffled but I was nice about it. After the dance, I again didn't give her a second thought. 

Although I'd never been actively in the church, I still felt that being intimate with my boyfriend was a sin and the longer we were together, the more I felt it. I was so torn with my feelings for him and feelings of virtue at odds all the time. By June we'd been together for a more than a year and I was a spiritual mess. I talked to him about how I felt and although it tore us both up, we parted. 

Break-ups are never easy. We both suffered a great deal and yet we both ended feeling it was for the best. He began to explore who he was with out me and I did the same with out him. I turned to the Lord. After much reading and learning of other churches, I came to the conclusion both logically and spiritually that being a Mormon was the absolute right thing. I began to read scriptures (as described in a previous blog post) and intermittently attend church with my family. 

Not long after my break-up it was announced that a singles branch was to be formed for all the young single adults to attend church for the whole Humboldt County area to attend. I decided to be part of that and started going there but not every week. It was such a huge change for me to go every week so I didn't -it was a bit difficult at first. I wouldn't say I felt unworthy but just so different from everyone there. Of course, who did I meet that first day I attended services? Ann. This time I remembered her. Her out reached hand of friendship was like a life saver thrown to a drowning person. I felt so out of my element there and here she was, a familiar face, ready and willing to be my friend. 

During my infancy of spirituality, she was there to guide me through and teach me how to be an active member of the church. I also met another young woman whom I bonded with during those early days, Candy. Between them both and through the guidance of our Heavenly Father, I became a stronger person both temporally and spiritually. A few years later, all three of us went on a mission within a month of each other. We served in different areas of the country but remained close through letters. 

All these years later, we all live in three different states and we are all still friends. I am still quite close with Ann. She is my best friend. Today is her birthday. I am filled with joy and gratitude to still have her in my life. 

Ann, you are amazing. Thank you for being there when I needed you most and for never giving up on me and for remaining so true.  I love you my sweet sister. I hope you have a lovely birthday. 

Shabby Apple

I love Shabby Apple styles. I bet you will too. Check out their site:

http://blog.shabbyapple.com/2012/10/why-because-we-love-you.html

Becoming a Master Esthetician

The first time I remember hearing the word Esthetician was a little over 8 years ago. I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which causes a lot of hormone problems, including hair growth on the face. I had gone to a local medical spa to receive laser hair removal on my face. The doctor came into the room to assess my face and then a lady performed the laser service. As I spoke with her, I asked her what her job title was and she said –esthetician. I asked her what that meant. She kind of explained it to me. I thought to myself, “gee, those are all things I love doing at home and with friends during a ‘girls night in.’
For the last 5 years I had been running a licensed daycare in my home so I could afford to stay home to raise my daughter. Having a child has it’s own challenges but when you add several other children into your day to day life, it’s rewarding and challenging too. The plan with the daycare was to only have it until my daughter started attending school.
On the more challenging days with the children, my former conversations with the esthetician would come to mind. Then, in May 2011, I realized I only had a little over a year left before my daughter started going to school and I needed to start thinking about what to do with the next chapter in my life. I saw a commercial for Marinello’s School of Beauty advertising their esthetics program. Let’s just say a light bulb not only turned on but flooded my mind with, “why not?”  So, I prayed about it. I investigated the various schools in the area and looked at finances. Everything just seemed to fall into place. It felt as if the Universe was not only opening my eyes to what to do next with my life but virtually shoving me into the decision to go enroll. I took a tour of the Marinello campus on a Thursday and applied for a pell grant and was enrolled by that Friday and began attending classes the following Monday. It all happened pretty fast.  I worked full time during the day and attended school in the evening four days a week.
I loved it from day one. It all felt so natural to me. It was like I’d finally found my niche in the vocational world. I have enjoyed many jobs in the past but this was different. I felt so at home with each new topic.  I’m sure you’ve heard when you put a group of women together, there are bound to be tensions or little tiffs, not there. Everyone got along pretty well and we had fun yet we were learning all at the same time. It was wonderful.
What did I learn how to do you ask…and what is an esthetician? Well, let me tell ya! An esthetician is a person licensed to give beauty treatments, mainly for skin care. I learned how to give various types of facials, how to use several machines that aid in cleansing, stimulate collagen, and heal skin as well as microdermabrasions. There is even a machine to do lymph drainage for the body that also aids in toning and smoothing cellulite! Can you tell I love this yet? I can also give hot stone massages, chemical peels, wax any part of the body (that includes a Brazilian), basic manicures and spa pedicures, tint eyebrows and lashes, perm eyelashes -although Utah licensing has now said only cosmetologist can perm your lashes, do eyelash extensions, do detoxifying body wraps and other spa like treatments. Plus, I am certified to give laser treatments…talk about coming full circle.
It’s all fun but I would have to say my favorite service to give is a facial. Not only is a facial relaxing for the client but also for me. I love knowing I am helping others feel better about themselves and perhaps even helped them to feel a bit less stress in their day. It’s quite fulfilling. Everyone deserves to be pampered.
I look forward to this new adventure in my life. I will graduate July 19, 2012. I have passed the state board practical and written tests already. Now I just need to complete my hours and wait for my license to arrive in the mail. I was just hired to work at the Ogden Organix Salon on Historic 25th Street in Ogden a couple of doors down from Little Cherry Blossoms Boutique. I will start the week after graduation. It's commission based pay only. I hope you will take the time from your busy hectic life to have a relaxing treatment with me. It will be lovely.

Ready to work!

Dear Universe, I am a dedicated, educated, loyal employee so please make sure I get hired soon where values like these matter with an employer with the same values. Thank you. P.S. a great wage will be much appreciated as well.

Found!

Our lovely cairn terrier, Sadie, had been missing for nearly a full month. Today we got a call that she was waiting for us at the local animal shelter. If you don't have one for your pet, you should get your pet micro-chipped. That how they knew she was ours. Happy.

It Was Only Reflux...ick.

Well, in my last post I was worried about having developed a breathing problem. My doctor informed me that it is possible to have some acid reflux enter the lungs and if you are rapidly breathing (due to exercise or other vigorous activity) some of the acid can enter your lungs causing a reaction similar to an asthma attack. I officially do not have asthma. I do have a minor reflux problem though. Relieved. Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers.

Perhaps It Was Asthma?

This past Friday evening, I was doing something very physical. Without warning I suddenly felt something change and my heart was racing and I could barely catch my breath. By all descriptions I have heard or read about, it was a very severe asthma attack. It took nearly 10 minutes to catch my breath and almost 30 minutes before I felt I could breathe freely again. During my gasping for life, I nearly lost consciousness a couple of times and I am pretty sure if I had eaten recently, I would have thrown up. It was likely one of the scariest moments of my life. I was even afraid I might not live through it. I felt bad for Jason sitting next to me knowing he felt scared and helpless too. Through those frightening moments, tears ran down my cheeks and I clung to the hope Heavenly Father didn't need to take me home yet.
I've never been diagnosed with asthma. I used to suffer from bouts of chronic bronchitis and sinusitis which is why I own an inhaler. I haven't had either for over a year now and have been very grateful for being so healthy; which is why this sudden attack caught me off guard and without an inhaler nearby.
The rest of Friday evening, I felt quite exhausted and my lungs were in a lot of pain. Every breath hurt.
Yesterday, my right lung felt much better but my left was still burning and aching with every breathe. Getting ready for work left me a bit winded and tired. I found my old inhaler and took a couple of puffs. Before work, I went to the grocery store with my daughter; then dropped her off at my mom's for the day. I told my mom about it but not in detail. I didn't want to worry her. By the time I got to work, I was shaking from all the efforts of the morning and quite light headed. Walking from my desk to the bathroom left me a bit winded and tired. I sneezed at one point and felt like a thousand tiny needles were in my left lung. I kinda lost my appetite too. I had a potluck planned at my house Saturday evening. I considered cancelling but then realized I felt a great need to see my friends again. It was a difficult evening but I was grateful to have them with me. I think I just needed reassurance and the comfort of their presence. Needless to say. I think I need to have a visit to the doctor this Monday.
Today, my lungs still ache but I feel much better. I am staying home and taking it easy. My daughter keeps asking me to do stuff with her but I just tell her I am not feeling well and give her a huge hug feeling grateful my life is still available to live and be here with her.
I am also thinking of my friend Charity today. She recently went through a double lung transplant. I am praying her body will never reject this second transplant she was blessed with and think how insignificant my pain has been compared to hers. She is an inspiration.
I hope this all has been nothing more than a solitary incident and leads to nothing more than needing to carry an inhaler with me. Your prayers and support are appreciated.

Oi

I am 38 years young today. Now please stop asking.

Fideo (pronounced Fee-day-o)

So, I really love fideo. It's a Mexican pasta dish my maternal great-grandmother,Abuelita, would make for us. None of us have figured out her exact recipe and sadly she never wrote it down. It wasn't a secret, it just didn't occur to anyone to write it down before she passed away at the age of 94.

I think I may have gotten pretty close to the flavor I remember but of course it will never be quite the same even if I had the recipe. I've noticed throughout my life that everyone tends to make things slightly different, even if using the exact same recipe and ingredients.

Once I began venturing out into the eating world, I was thoroughly surprised by how few people not only hadn't tasted Fideo but also hadn't even heard of it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a few years ago that Cafe Rio put it on their menus (Fridays only.) It was shockingly similar in flavor to Abue's. The main difference in taste was they added lime juice which was a pleasant addition.

Here's how I make it:

1 package of coiled vermicelli

1 small can of tomato sauce

1 small onion, diced(or half a large)

1 small can diced green chilies

1 tsp granulated garlic (fresh is good too)

Knorr chicken bouillon

water

pepper to taste

oil for frying

Assemble all ingredients

Get oil hot, carefully place coils of vermecelli in hot oil, turn once; should be a light-medium golden color.

Place coils on paper toweled plate to allow to drain excess oil.

Pour oil from pan in a dry, safe place (I use a bowl) to allow to cool before throwing out. Don't pour down sink.

In same pan, with residual oil, caramelize diced onions until desired texture. I like 'em softened.

Add tomato sauce, diced green chilies, garlic, and pepper.

Add enough water to just cover the pasta and one tsp bullion per cup of water. Allow to simmer until pasta is softened. Some people like it a little soupy but I prefer the 'dry' version.

Garnish with a little parmesean and enjoy.

For me, this is a comfort food. It goes well with roast chicken. I really hope you take the time to make this and that it turns out well for you.

Crispy Orange Beef

I have been getting kind of tired of my own cooking lately yet cannot afford to eat out where I would like too, mainly Chinese food places. So I was looking through the fridge, cupboards, and drawers of the kitchen and realized I had all the ingredients needed for this recipe I had found online. The sauce is really salty but once over the noodles and beef it was fine. I wouldn't recommend it for those with high-blood pressure though. I followed the recipe and added 4 drops of DoTerra Wild Orange Essential Oil. I think it really enhanced the orange flavor. Also, I fried the beef in coconut oil rather than other types of frying oil, it's healthier (and tastier). If you have the time and ingredients handy, I highly recommend making this dish. The hardest part was not eating all the crispy beef before everything else was done. Yum!

CRISPY ORANGE BEEF

For Stewed Meat:

1 lb stew beef

flour (for dredging)

cooking oil (to sauté meat)

dash of salt and pepper

To prepare meat:

Season stew meat very lightly with salt and pepper and lightly toss in flour. Shake off excess flour. Coat a shallow pan with cooking oil and gently pan fry stew meat.

Drain meat and set aside.

Sauce:

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon flour

juice of 1 orange

zest of half an orange

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

pepper, to taste

To prepare the sauce:

Add cooking oil to sauce pan and gently cook garlic. Add flour to garlic and oil; cook to remove the uncooked flour taste. It will look pasty at first.

Stir in soy sauce and teriyaki sauce, whisking to prevent lumps. Add orange zest, orange juice, pepper, and all sugars. Allow sauce to come to a boil and it will thicken. Cook to desired consistency. Toss stew meat in enough of the sauce just to coat it. Serve over rice.

Class Assignment

We have a very sweet, kind hearted teacher in the Advanced Esthetics class. Periodically she comes up with exercises where we have to go around the room with everyone saying something nice about the person sitting to their left or writing out goals for your life, which don't even have to involve esthetics.

This past Monday, she asked us to write out 10 things we are grateful for in our lives and a reason why we were grateful. This is what I wrote:

Grateful For...

1. Knowing, without doubt, there is a God, that He is our Heavenly Father and that He loves each of us unconditionally. grateful for this knowledge because it strengthens me through difficult times; because I know I'm loved even when I make mistakes, an because it brings me peace.

2. Eyeglasses, because I'm blind without them.

3. My heated blanket because it keeps me warm and helps me sleep more deeply -it also has helped lower our gas and electric bills because I turn on the furnace A LOT less and stop using the room heater.

4. Adoption/my daughter, because without both, I wouldn't be a mother.

5. My loving family (Mom, my brothers and their wives, nieces and nephews, and lots of lovely cousins...including in-laws) because life would be lonely without all of them.

6. My sewing skill/talent, because it's fun and I can always have a way to earn some extra money.

7. My Bernina and all other sewing supplies -see #6 for why.

8. My health, because it allows me to be capable of doing anything.

9. My amazing friends because they uplift, support, and make me laugh.

10. Last but not least, my husband, because he is the wonderful human being I am complete with.

After we wrote out lists. We went around the room and shared. I felt a fullness of love fill my heart to hear everyone. Vocational school has brought more than just book learning into my life. I am gaining knowledge and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The Good Life

Financially things aren't so great but the rest of my life is pretty fantastic and I haven't shared that fact much. I have a loving supportive husband who treats me so tenderly. I have a beautiful, incredibly intelligent and talented daughter. A solid/warm home, yummy food available to make and eat. I live in America. Plenty of seasonal clothing and good comfy shoes. Lots of family near and far and great friends who love and support me. Eyeglasses to see are a big bonus. The list goes on, yet what I am most grateful for is knowing I have a loving Heavenly Father cheering me on and guiding me towards goodness. I may not understand all He does or allows to happen but I know He loves me no matter what. That knowledge brings an indescribable peace into my heart and I feel I have been taking all this for granted by not acknowledging all this and complaining too much.

Being a Mature Adult

In my opinion, a mature adult:

-open to new ideas

-not prejudiced against race, lifestyles, religions, etc.

-living as an example of their beliefs

-willing to agree to disagree

-thinks revenge is unnecessary

-keeps negative comments to self

-yet can be honest in a positive or kind way

-compassionate

-shows appreciation for the service given to them

-humble enough to accept help

-able to give without expecting anything in return

-capable of saying no when needed

-able to say yes when appropriate

-keeps all obligations agreed to or makes arrangements as needed to change them

-accountable for their actions; does not blame others for the poor life choices they have made

-defends those who cannot for themselves (i.e.children, disabled, shy, emotionally distressed etc)
-doesn't complain but looks for solutions
-accepts change as a reliable constant

-speaks up for themselves without arguing

-stands up for their beliefs/standards etc in a peaceful manner

-not passive-aggressive

-recognizes their own faults and is willing to work on improving themselves

-accepts and loves themselves in a humble way and not afraid to show their self-acceptance

-willing to laugh at themselves; not take self too seriously

-has a great work ethic

-willing to go the extra mile, offer help

-does service without needing/desiring recognition

-gives a kind word to all they know or meet

-refrains from beginning or spreading gossip

-refrains from foul language

-may feel hurt but lets go of negative comments others have made

-open to love and gives love and friendship

-knows that modesty is a choice not everyone is taught and looks past the clothing of others to get to know the person

-willing to let go of a negative first impression to find the good in others

-may be vulnerable

-forgives

-willing to mentor those who need/want someone to learn from and not be self righteous about it

-humble and willing to apologize

-makes mistakes, does all can to fix them or learn from them and moves on
-is humble enough to acknowledge a Higher Power exists.

I still aspire to be all these things. Everyone has all these potentials within and may have mastered some, many or all of these things. There has only been one perfect human on this earth. He lived more than two thousand years ago. He is my example. I love our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am sorry to anyone I may offend with my less than perfect behavior. I offer my gratitude to all those who call me friend.