Truth confirmed is truth fought for.

Last night I bought a ticket from London to Venice. This implies that I will already be in London. Let this truth be confirmed. However, truth is never confirmed easily. In fact, it is often confirmed through flames of refining fire. I found myself fighting today, for the simple things. A good friend reminded me: "Isn't that what makes it worth it?" Don't I want a man one day to fight for me? To run after me? Don't I want to fight for him? For us? Yes. Yes, please.

I had to renew my license. I was told I need to take the written test again. I just so happened to have chosen the only office in Utah that doesn't allow you to take the test. I drove to the next office, illegally, mind you, since the first office couldn't renew my expired license. Who knew that licenses expired? Hmmm... Then they told me that even after 3 different employees approved my documentation, it turns out they were wrong. So I will be visiting the 3rd utah driver's office on Friday. Whoohoo. Party time. Highlight? Icing my knee while I wait to take my test. I passed.

One week ago, I wasn't snowboarding. No, I was walking down my stairs, when catastrophe ensued. I fell down the stairs. My brilliant leg tried to regain composure en route amidst the speedy descent. This resulted in a twisted and severely jammed knee. I am icing it as we speak. I could barely walk. I couldn't drive my car for a few days. Clutch? No extension or strength would be produced by this leg for a while. "How will you get around Europe?" we all asked. Well, I am going. you can't stop me..........I will hobble down every cobblestone road in every village, to not miss a crepe, a margherita pizza, or beautiful European man. Just you wait......

I woke up this morning....sick. Back off.....no cold will keep me from my Parisian pursuit...my British bon voyage....my Italian interests, my Israeli insights, my Welsh wonders, my scottish shooting stars, nor my Gretian goals.

But I did find my long lost glasses.

And I went to dinner after a long day at work with a dear friend. We supported and encouraged one another's dreams. We remembered where we were two years ago: at the same restaurant (cafe rio) having a similar discussion. We have grown since. We have embarked on adventures. We have lived. And we will continue to do so. Why is that we both feel alone so often? I remember meeting a woman on my mission who told me that life living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is often lonely. Will that stop me? Hell, no. I believe that was appropriate to say...I literally wanted that "no" directed at hell. :)

And then I felt prompted to stop by the grocery store. I did. I found my natural cough drops. Riccola!!!! And quirky earthy baking cups for my best friend for Christmas. Then I found my reason for the late night trip: reunion with a dear friend, John Stuzzenager. It was sooo good to see him. And to hear how his stellar wife is doing. They have had a rough year...and yet, so much faith and strength have they radiated and sustained through it all. They inspire me. Thank you for this visit...

There is always a happy ending. Well, perhaps not an ending, but a happy "dot, dot, dot..." yes. My "happily . . . " The ever after will be added later.

Friends

New Friends: Kagen. Francis' new friend. :) He has been skydiving in scuba gear. yes please.
Truth confirmed: Service often takes place in the form of TIME. Time with dear friends.

Last night my dear friend, Jess took me to a house concert for Mindy Gledhill. I realized I still have unwritten music within the acoustic chambers of my heart. There are so many ways to express ourselves...I need to encourage the melodic urges to fly! Desires need to be nurtured...let the notes ring out, wild bells.

On the way home, I exited on 6200 to see my friend...no text response, so I grabbed a card from my purse (I try to make it a habit to carry notecards with me so I can always write a classy quick thank you note or "i'm thinking of you" note.) and wrote a quick note. I didn't know which was her car, so I walked up to the door, yes, at 11:31 pm. To me, the night was young...however, I didn't want to impose that perspective on my unassuming friend or her roommates. I heard voices, so I knocked. And lo and behold, BRITTANY answered. HOORAY. I ended up sleeping over, and we awoke to magic. Snow falling gently in the frosty air. She kept thanking me for sleeping over..really, it was MY pleasure! It is becoming tradition that when I sleepover I wear the "celtic women" concert night t-shirt. I love spontaneous rendezvous' and sleepovers.

Then after work, I went to dinner with two dear friends from work. My first experience at Nicolita's pizza on university parkway. Mmmm. Yes, thank you. Such uplifting conversation..

Now off to my summer Nauvoo pageant roommate's bridal shower. It was in draper, and she couldn't thank us enough for coming and making the effort. I love spending time with sweet friends. I am blessed with friends who are dreamers...doers...lovers...(in this case, "lovers"=charity, and the Lover of God"...;)
....So, here we go...