Oh Christmas Toilet, Oh Christmas Toilet!

I am really sick.  I felt good for a few hours this morning, while my system was completely cleaned out but my severe stomach cramping returned AS SOON as I ate anything.  It sounds like I have the same thing that sent my sister into pre-term labor because of violent vomiting.  In other words-not fun.  My toilet finally gave up the ghost this morning, so now I am going to camp out at my parents, where other toilets can be found.
        In a couple of days, when the weather is more cooperative, Ali and Mike will come install my new Christmas Toilet, which I have wanted for about 5 years now; so it is a really good gift.  Thank You!  I love indoor plumbing, and really miss it when it is malfunctioning.   The snow is really deep out there today.

Some Advice

      To the random boy who showed up on my doorstep at 9:00 tonight looking for Kelly.  And also Kelly.
       "Uh sorry, I must have the wrong house, or do I?" he asks as a look of horror quickly crosses his face
       First of all, Sir, I know I look hot with my matted hair, bright red nose and dog hair covered sweats, but you are way to young for me.  So sorry to disappoint you.
      Secondly, when I found out that you did not know Kelly's last name I began to wonder, because 'round these parts a proper blind date begins before the hour of nine.  Also, most people know the last names of their blind dates.  As someone who has made the same mistake in a moment of desperation, that is what this "date" smells like; desperation.  AKA the internet dating hook-up.
       Kelly, dear, this "date"will lead nowhere fast, but perhaps you already know that. In the future, let me suggest, that you find out, a young man's first and last name, at a bare minimum, before you give out your home address.  Thanks for listening, and good luck out there.

In A Gentle Way

• I am grateful for the knowledge that my life has an impact on others for good or bad according to the choices I make.  I am also grateful for the gift of free choice.   Here are some good quotes by my favorite Mahatma.

“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.
In doing something, do it with love or never do it at all."

"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." 
- Mahatma Gandhi

The Silver Lining

• I am grateful for trials, struggles and hard times.  Once you actually make it through a tough situation, and are on the other side of things it's much easier to see your blessings and growth earned through the trial.
• I am grateful for my defective body that makes it impossible to deny that God is real, and is watching over me.  My disability is a blessing because I constantly find myself in situations that require me to ask for help and remind me that I am nothing without God.
• Lupus has been a blessing because it has forced me to exercise and live a healthier life.  I have also learned to more fully appreciate the good days, when I don't ache or have much pain, and I don't feel like sleeping all day.

Sunday Is The Best Day Of The Week

• Tonight I am grateful for home and visiting teachers.  It's just nice to know that certain people are thinking about you, and watching out for you.  It is also nice to do the same for others.
• the Atonement.  Wow.  Through repentance, tomorrow really can be a new day; no matter how big or small the mistakes of today, or how many times we make the same mistakes.
• The temple, and the eternal relationships and covenants we create there.
• The wisdom of children
• Modern day prophets 

Right Now

• I am grateful for education, and the great minds, past and present, that have given us knowledge and great inventions
• I am grateful for books, the internet, and the many other ways we can achieve life-long learning 
• I am grateful to be living in this time, and no earlier in the history of the world.
• I am grateful to be "well rested" today
• I am grateful for budgets 

Just Say No...

• I am thankful that I did not venture out into any of the Black Friday chaos today.
• and warm slippers