Love the Bliss: April 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Elder Dixon is in the MTC!

Well...yesterday was the day! It seems just like yesterday we were counting down the days till we left and that was 50+ days ago! Ian was to check in at 12:45 but we got him there about 12:35 because we just didn't want to prolong the agony of saying goodbye. We seriously pulled to the curb and the Host Elders greeting us asking Ian, "do you have a cell phone?"..."do you have the car keys?"...and, "do you have your immunization record?". And, then Ian hugged us and grabbed his bags and was gone! It was pretty quick. I miss him already but am so excited to hear about his adventures over the next two years.

If you want to write Ian, there is a cool website set up that makes it pretty easy. It's called dearelder.com
You need Ian's name, his MTC mailbox #, which is 270 and his mission...Dominican Republic Santiago. He'll have the letter you write by the very next day, if not that day! It's pretty cool!

I'm back in Idaho Falls with Scott and family and am here until Monday am. It's fun to have extra time with all of them here and my grand-babies, but I miss my family and can't wait to see them!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Ian is on his way!!!

Ian left AK on Wednesday and is on his way to the MTC. He begins his journey leaving Fairbanks and heading for Denver for the wedding of his good friends from BYU-I...Jason and Lauren in the Denver Temple...too awesome! From there he heads back to ID to spend time with Scott, Kluane and the kids and will be joined there by Delaney, Daegon and ME! The good-byes in Fairbanks weren't so horrid at all since I knew we'd be together in a week. Ian enters the MTC on April 21 to begin training (in Spanish) before he heads to the Dominican Republic! (This good-bye I'm sure will be a bit more emotional!) We're so excited to hear all about his adventures and experiences in sharing the gospel! We'll miss you Ian!!!

I want to play with an Ipad! It seriously looks way fun!!

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!