My Spring/Summer in 60 Seconds for Super Speedy Readers

Due to incessant demands for me to post on my blog (no, of course I'm not exaggerating) I'm back once again. I'm sure many of you thought I was taking a summer hiatus from thinking. To the contrary, my thoughts have remained very active. Here's the proof:

New Addition: Cinco de Mayo was a joyous occasion for the Hollingshead family. My younger brother Zach got married to Liliana Sonntag in the Bountiful Temple. Contrary to popular belief that all older, single sisters feel jealousy/bitterness/sadness at the marriage of a younger sibling, I was genuinely happy for my brother. And Lili is great. :-)

New Addition II: Later in May, our family was once again blessed. This time in the form of little Zaycia who was adopted by my sister and brother-in-law. They were even there for the delivery. She is gorgeous, just like my other neice and two nephews. It puts a lot of pressure on the rest of us to have cute kids.

MJ: I have to admit that I was "affected" by the death of Michael Jackson. My first memory of him was at a neighbor's house watching him perform during the Superbowl halftime in '93. Later that day my sister Heather, my cousin Nathan and I walked home singing Heal the World at the top of our lungs. A couple of years later as an early teen (after I had gotten over New Kids on the Block) I became a fan of his music, listening to my sister's HIStory album over and over again. Since his death I have discovered some other great songs.

Harry Potter 6: Loved it. Unfortunately I couldn't remember anything from books 5, 6, or 7, so I re-read them. Fortunately, they were even better the second time around.

Lagoon: The day was HOT, so getting dumped on during Rattlesnake Rapids turned out to be a good thing despite my hair-gone-wrong problem. Wicked was, well, to use a modern phrase I think is stupid, wicked. We even rode it three times. I hadn't been there since Senior Sluff 2001. Good times!

Downer: It seems I can't run anymore without my knees hurting. Either my body is experiencing the effects of aging or I've got a torn meniscus. (Great word. Just thought I'd throw it in.) Either way, it ain't good news.

Milestones: August 17th marked four years home from my mission in Brazil. Yikes. August also meant only one year left to pay on my car. Yay! In addition, I have now had the same cell phone for three years. Yes, it's true folks. I just can't turn it in. And really, why should I?

Good Reads: I recently read Defender of the Faith: the B.H. Roberts Story and The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother. I got some great insights into the early church period and also felt deep gratitude for those who stood firm by the Prophet Joseph's side during it all.

Of course there were many other doings and going-ons and thoughts and feelings during the summer, but I'll leave it at that.

Farewell to Winter

Since spring has officially sprung as of last week, I thought I would post a post about winter. Some people hate winter. My opinion is, you only hate winter if you don't take time to enjoy it. Driving in winter weather is its own category, separate from winter itself. Over a year ago, I decided I love winter. I took walks in the evening when snow covered everything, flakes fell softly to the ground, and the cold felt invigorating. One day I decided to build a snowman after it had just snowed. It turned into a snowbride, because I couldn't get the snow to pack into round mounds. This past winter, all of my family was home when Minersville got a great snowstorm. We went tubing up to the flood control which we hadn't done for a looong time. As you can see, I'm not actually wearing clothing meant for wet, snowy conditions, so when I got home I had a wet derriere and wet streaks down my jeans. Unfortunately, you can't see the awesome '80s, early '90s snowboots everyone is wearing. Spring and summer wouldn't be so wonderful if we didn't have winter to break things up. When I was walking for hours under the blazing sun of Teresina, Brasil I liked to imagine jumping in a pool or, even better, enjoying a nice walk during a snowstorm. So next winter, enjoy it.

Just a Stupid Thought

Does any else try to read the "word verification" things you have to type before you can post a comment like they're actually a word? My favorite one of all time is "horging." I think it means that sound you make when something gets stuck in your throat and you feel like you're choking and you try to get it to come back up. But that's just a guess . . .

Oh, Sweet Country of Ours

The morning of the inauguration I put my pajamas on (I had just come home from work) and snuggled under a blanket on my couch to watch a few hours of history in the making. I was pleased with the graciousness of out-going President Bush, somewhat disturbed by Aretha's "headdress" and her version of My Country 'Tis of Thee, and greatly satisfied with President Obama's inauguration speech. The most moving moment for me, however, was while the national anthem was being sung. I was so overwhelmed with patriotic feeling that I stood up in my pjs; put my hand over my heart; let a few tears sneak out; and felt extremely glad that no one else was home!

On to other things . . .

I find politics very funny at times. For example, the current news-hogging economic stimulus package. What I find humorous is that the Democrats in Congress are pouting and pointing fingers at their fellow Republican congressmen because not one of them supported the stimulus package. Well, uh, duh! Millions, if not billions, of dollars were going toward programs (some considered "social") that aren't in line with basic Republican principles . It's more of what Republicans don't want, so why be surprised and upset when they don't whole-heartedly welcome the package. To be fair, if situations were reversed, Republicans would be crying foul if Democrats weren't accepting their stimulus package. Democrats want money to go to the unemployed, the struggling middle and lower classes. Republicans want funding to create more jobs and to increase tax cuts. So whose philosophy is best for a struggling economy? Let me tell you this much: I have no idea. I'm no economist--I just like being amused by the finger-pointing and am thankful to live in a country where such political processes take place. :-)

Looking Back and Fulfilling Requests

A couple of weeks ago I talked with my friend Rena, and she suggested I get all of my photos organized. So I did. I finished the college years, but my high school pics are still at my parents' house, so they will have to wait. Because Emily asked me to post some pictures I decided I would--only they're not recent. I'm posting a few of the "college years" that are of significance to me. :-) Hope you enjoy looking back!!

This picture is significant for several reasons.

1. It's the only full shot of my retainer.

2. I never wear shorts that short anymore.

3. Emily and I loved to wear matching clothes.

The significance of this picture is that I was on a blind date with this guy, and we went to a Halloween Dance. We never danced with each other.


This picture is special because we actually had a real Christmas tree. It was pretty awesome. Besides that, we all look good.

This is our F.H.E. group eating at Big Jud's. Big Jud's is significant just because it's Big Jud's (check out the hamburgers). But actually it reminds me of the time I ate a chicken sandwich there, and later that night I deposited it in my kitchen sink. It wasn't too fun.

Just a suggestion . . .

I recently read a book called American Heroes in the Fight Against Radical Islam by Oliver North, who is a former marine and did a documentary for Fox News called "War Stories." Because so much of what we hear about the things going on in Iraq and Afghanistan is negative, I would highly suggest reading this book. Oliver North actually went there for Fox News nine times and tells of the experiences he had with the soldiers he was "embedded" with. Some things made me laugh (like when he quoted a Marine as saying "The French have always been there when they needed us") and some things made me teary-eyed (like the heroics of the men and women in our armed forces). The best thing about it is that it gives a different perspective than the one we usually hear. So in honor of Nov. 11 being Veterans Day, check it out.

So of course I was not serious about my proposal in the previous post. In fact, I have already taken the opportunity to study the issues and the candidates' positions and have cast my vote. I love America!

Now This Would Work . . .

My brothers and sisters and I used to watch "Young Riders" back in the day. It seems it was about Pony Express riders getting into scuffles and such, and if I recall correctly, the cutest Rider was one of the Baldwin brothers, but definitely not Alec. I've also recently become a fan of the occasional show of "Bonanza." It's a great day on Bonanza if no one gets killed, which means it's never a great day. At least Little Joe always survives the scrapes he gets into. Shows like these got me to thinking. When problems arose, a gun fight ensued. Problem solved. So I propose the following: "The Presidential Candidates Duel." There are many advantages to this method of choosing a president, but I will just mention a few.

1. U.S. citizens will not have to make the effort to study out the positions of each candidate.
2. No need for campaigns. Either you're quick to shoot or you're not.
3. No long voting lines.
4. This puts third party candidates on fair ground with Republicans and Democrats.
5. No more slanderous, expensive campaign ads on t.v. because it doesn't matter how many people you get to like you.
6. No need for watching 2+ hours of boring debates hoping to hear someone say something stupid.

Normally this would occur like a tournament--single elimination obviously--with duels occuring in each party until one person is left in each party. Then the duels between the differing parties until someone comes out on top. There's your new President of the United States. But because we're already at the general election, this time it will just have to be Obama and McCain. I must admit that change-loving Obama may be at a disadvantage in a gun fight with the ol' Maverick, but his youth may help out. I can see some potential drawbacks to my proposition, but I will just mention a few.

1. No second chances. You can't try running again in four years if you don't make it.
2. And, well, that's about it.

So think about it folks.

Thank You Elder Nelson

I was really happy to read Elder Nelson's Ensign article on abortion. I'm realizing how important it is to stand up for moral, conservative values because they are constantly under attack. I recently read an article where "Pro-life" was actually referred to as "Anti-choice." I guess because it's the opposite of "Pro-choice." Yeah, I'm a thinker. So does that mean that those who support abortion are "Anti-life?" Anyway, one thing that stood out to me in the article was this (put in my own words): As members of the church, we strongly believe in the right to choose. Those who support abortion are confusing choice with consequence. Pregnancy is a consequence--the result of the choice to have a relationship that conceived life. We've all heard the phrase "You can choose the action, but you can't choose the consequence" or whatever it is. Obviously not all consequences are immediate, and we think we might be getting away with something (or not getting something we deserve if that be the case), but in the end everything will be sorted out.

Wut's happnd 2 the English langwij?

For texters these days, life is easy. You don't need to have a command of the English language to communicate. For example you don't need to know which "your or you're" or "to, too, or two" to use, because you can just put "ur" or "2". Being the old-fashioned girl that I am (or just stubborn and unwilling to change) I insist upon spelling out every word, capitalizing my "I"s, and inserting commas when necessary to avoid run-on sentences when I text. I'm not calling people, mainly teenagers, that use abbreviated language stupid or anything. I just appreciate a more sophisticated, thought-out use of our language. Here are some phrases from books I have read lately: "antics of rascality," "idiot imbecility," "mortal indomitableness," and one of my favorites, "the fruit of falsehood carries in its currents the giddy to the grave." Isn't is just fun to say those type of things? Think about all of the wonderful words that we never use anymore. I can't blame it all on texting because it starting happening long before that, but I think it is contributing to the demise of intelligent speaking and writing--not to mention proper grammar. But maybe that doesn't even matter anymore. Maybe there are more important things in life than knowing how to correctly spell "You". U know wut i mean?

V.P. Picks and Parental Woes

After seeing Obama pick Joe Biden as his running mate, I was quite eager to find out who McCain would pick. My secret hope was Mitt Romney. I don't know how much influence he would actually have as a V.P., but I liked his vision for future energy development and his economic know how. Obviously that didn't happen. I at least thought it would be someone I had heard of, so I was quite surprised when Sarah Palin was picked. Don't know much about her, but I did like the fact that she is a social conservative, and she seemed to be a good person in general. Then I heard on the news last night that her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. My first thought was, "Just great. I was thinking I would like her and now she can't control her own kids." Later that night as I was lying in bed I had a second thought about another parent thousands of years ago. Lehi. He had two sons who started a tradition of hate, murder, unbelief, and your basic jerk-like conduct which lasted hundreds of years. Lehi had done his best as a parent as far as I know. So although the responsibility lies first with the parents to teach their children to be good, moral citizens, the kids will still make their own choices, and sometimes they are disappointing ones. I don't know what kind of parent Sarah Palin is, but I do know it's not up to me to judge her, and I'm sure her daughter is needing all of the love and support she can get. I just hope I can be the best future parent I can be, and then pray with all I've got that my kids listen to me--because it won't be happy day for them if they don't!!

The Joy of Reading

The first book I remember reading is "Sammy the Seal". Actually, I had my sister Heather read it to me so much that I memorized it and thought I was reading. Since then I've never quit--reading, not memorizing. Reading is one of my favorite things to do. I wonder what it is that makes reading so enjoyable. It is the entertainment value? The learning? The information? In "Shadowlands", a movie about a part of the life of C.S. Lewis, a teacher is quoted as saying "We read to know that we are not alone." Is that supposed to mean I feel like a loner? That I read to feel connected to people and their experiences, most of which are not even real? I don't feel that way, so I don't really know what it means. All I know is that I'm glad I can read and that I enjoy it. I feel bad for people who don't enjoy reading. Besides, it's a cheap hobby.

Ode to Mom and Pops

On this day 31 years ago, my parents were married. I'm not sure if it's considered "pride" to think that you have the best parents in the world, but I think that anyway. My mom and dad are smart, funny, talented, and more importantly, good parents who make the gospel a number one priority. I sure love 'em.

Um, Yeah, That's Not Gonna Work

I think it's funny when I hear on the news that the Democrats haven't accomplished anything, and the Republicans have ruined everything, but if we put them together for some sort of bipartisan plan everything will work out. This ain't no math problem. Two negatives don't make a positive in politics. Obviously in order for our country to function and to be what it is today, someone is doing something good somewhere.

Still Makin' Me Laugh

There are some things that make you laugh for a long time after they happen. There's one that stands out in my mind. It happened over ten years ago. I was with a couple of friends when one got on a pogo stick. Now, normally you're supposed to jump up and down. Somehow she got out of control and must have leaned forward a little too far because pretty soon she was bouncing along at a 45 degree angle. The angle decreased until it seemed she was bouncing almost parallel to the pavement. She then proceeded to crash in the dirt at the end of the driveway. I wanted to rush up and make sure she was okay, but I had to stop laughing first. It's a curse to always want to laugh when someone falls. I think I get it from my mom. (Remember the BYU bookstore incident?) Anyway, it still makes me laugh. On a more serious note, it reminds me of talks from Pres. Hinckley and Pres. Uchtdorf about how being off by a few degrees or inches can be disastrous or at least cause a lot of problems. We have to be wise and careful about things (like media) that we allow into our lives because giving in just a little can mean giving into a lot more later on down the road.

A Continuation of "Not My Moral Voice"

On another occasion I watched as a famous actress was being interviewed (although not by Larry King this time). The big news was that she was pregnant, the father being her boyfriend. She explained she had been married before, and it had ended in divorce. Therefore, marriage to her was just a piece of paper and didn't mean anything. She and her boyfriend had a "deep spiritual connection" and that is what truly mattered. Here's my problem with that. This actress is equating marriage with the marriage certificate. The latter is merely proof. Marriage itself is something much more meaningful. It is saying to the person you marry that your love and devotion are such that you will bind yourself by law, commitments, and covenant. Not to mention that "marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God", and it doesn't matter how deep your "spiritual connection" may be--it's still not marriage. I believe most Americans still believe in the sanctity of marriage, but the voices of the red carpet ring so loudly in our ears that it can be discouraging. I heard Glenn Beck say something to the effect that many things are not so much a matter of right and left (meaning Conservative or Liberal) but of right and wrong. That makes it all the more important to stand up for what we know to be right and true.

Not My Moral Voice

A little while ago I was watching Larry King interview a very successful singer/songwriter/musician who will remain anonymous. I happen to like his music. A large portion of the interview was dedicated to talking about his efforts to help stop the spread of AIDS. He became disgusted as he spoke about programs in the United States that 'waste' thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars advocating abstinence because, in effect, "It simply does not work." Um, excuse me? In the end, it's the only thing that will work. Any other idea for prevention is simply masking the real problem. Is it too much to ask people to practice self-control and to actually have morals? This man would have us think so, but there are millions who prove him wrong. His celebrity status might make him the 'moral voice' for Hollywood, but not for me. I'd like to use the phrase "the proof is in the pudding". The fact that you rarely find someone with AIDS in populations that practice abstinence while in other populations AIDS cases continue to rise is proof enough for me.

Americana?

So I was driving down Bulldog a few days ago, when my attention was drawn to a big display of "Cast Aluminum Yard Art." It includes several large animals, the Statue of Liberty, an Indian chief looking as stereotypical as ever, and some other stuff. I thought to myself, "That's just what my front yard has been missing--an almost life-size American bison stately perched on a boulder." Maybe it wasn't a boulder, but that's beside the point. Even better would be the larger than life five point buck. At least I've never seen one, dead or alive, with antlers that big. But it sure would make the neighbors jealous.

Support our Troops

If you've ever watched the State of the Union address, then you'll notice that when the president says something that the Dems like, they stand up and applaud. If the Republicans like it, they do the same. But if he mentions something about supporting our troops, everyone claps regardless of party lines. Everybody does it. Support our Troops. It's the "politically correct" thing to do. My question is, what exactly does that mean? Let me start by saying that I'm not pro-war. Who really is? But I'm all for establishing "inalienable rights" such as . . . "life, liberty, pursuit of happiness," etc., etc. . . And sometimes war is the means, which is the case with our own beloved America. So since we happen to be fighting abroad at the moment, how exactly does one "support our troops." Is it demanding that our troops come home right now? Is it proclaiming that we never should have been in Iraq (amongst other places), and the whole thing is a waste, and we're failing miserably? Because that's what I hear sometimes, and I wonder if that's how we support our troops. All I know is that we're there, and I am glad there are men and women (like my cousin who is a chaplain and has already been deployed twice and working on a third time) willing to do what they do even at the price some have to pay. I guess I'm just tired of hearing so many sons and daughters of America complain about how everything in our country is going wrong. Why not be "proud to be an American" and not just on the Fourth of July? Why not use our rights to do good, instead of bringing down the very institution that gave us those rights? So I'm kind of off topic, but the next time we talk about supporting our troops, let's find a good way to actually do it--like send a letter or a package or help out the family . . .