HEALTHY = HOT

I am darn-tootin attractive.

WHY?

Because in Vegas, I learned this very important lesson: drinking may make others look more attractive, but WHEW don't look in the mirror because you don't want to know what it's doing to you!

Here's to another year of sobriety. Cheers.

Backyard Surprises!

I'm not one to do yard work. Mostly because I'm lazy. But today I was rewarded for my hard work with visits from a few of God's many creatures...

1. ANTS. They were everywhere. Black and red. We are not ant-ist at our house, no siree.

2. WORMS. I lifted up a bag of mulch and SURPRISE! Our little friend was seeking some much needed shelter from the elements.

3. BEES. Those busy little workers were trying to build a nest. I said "not here, little fellas" and shewed them on their way. (And threw the beginnings of their bee-home in the bushes. Mean!)

And best of all...

4. SNAKES! AHH! Well "ahh" was the initial reaction. Then I poked one of them because I'm about 90% sure they are safe for poking. Such a discovery begs the question...

What should I name these three little guys? After the unfortunate fish incident of 2009 (RIP, Five-Guy and J-Dawg), I am thrilled to have pets around the house again.

How in the world?

And now for a pseudo-serious blog brought to you by Therapist Kristi:

Therapist Kristi wonders how in the world people get better. Because they do. And I am not sure why.

I have been doing therapy for about a year and a half now, and if we are going to be really honest, I more often than not really do not know what I am doing. Despite this, I often walk in a room and say "I'm the shiz!" (But never in front of clients). And this is not because I personally have done anything great per se, but because it feels so incredibly good to be around people who are changing that I can't help but use fake expletives.

It makes me wonder. Is there something inherent in us all that drives us to change? That creates a desire in us to do better, to be more? If yes, where can I get some of that? That something is amazing and wonderful to witness and be around. And then I think, I do have that. I do want to do better, to be more. And it feels just as good inside of me as it does looking from the outside in. In fact, maybe change touches me so profoundly because I know what it feels like.

I don't think that even a lifetime can help me to understand the whole of change. But I'm not sure that is so important so long as people keep doing it. Change is painful and stressful and hard and emotional... but so miraculous.

Keep changing.

Dear-oh-dear Elder.com

The new Dear Elder makes me feel uncomfy.

His giant billboard-face makes me want to woo him, which I do not think is appropriate because he is a MISSIONARY. And you are not supposed to woo missionaries... although some people do anyway. Which makes me wonder if maybe I can woo him. In fact, maybe I should.

Why? Because it would be the best pulpit-introduction ever. In fact, if I were the wife of the Dear Elder and I were to introduce our family in sacrament meeting, it would go something like this...

Hello, we are the Dear-Elders, and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our family. Our story really is actually pretty funny because we were in love before we even met! As it turns out, Brother Dear-Elder was featured on a local billboard and for me, it was love at first sight! I just knew that he must be so humble and good and that I had to get to know him. So I did some sneaking and sent him a letter while he was on a mission. We just instantly connected... well, fairly instantly - it was snail-mail after all (giggle, giggle). So we fell in love through letters, met at his homecoming, and were married two weeks later. It just fell into place so perfectly! I mean, I already had my dress picked out. It must have been fate - my roommate was a consultant at Alysse's bridal AND a cake decorator! We had the whole event planned ahead of time, and it was just so perfect. And as luck would have it, blessing from heaven, our first child Monson Hinckley was born nine months later!

I love you, Dear Elder.

Letter to Santa

At the suggestion of Jenny/Chia-Chen Buck, I have submitted the following to Santa Claus' Main Post Office:

Hi, Santa.

For Christmas this year, I would like a date with destiny. However, I do realize that sometimes I do shout, and also cry. As such, I will understand if you only grant me an encounter with destiny. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Much Obliged,
Kristi Madsen

New Job = Blogger

GOOD NEWS! I quit my job which means I have ten extra hours every week to do nonsense things. These are some of my ideas about what I am going to do:

1. Blog Timez! I know you've been waiting.

2. Workout? Grad school is making me fat.

3. Cross Stitch - Boo Yah.

4. Heroes. I need some catch up time.

5. Thesis. Sad, but necessary to graduate.

Fun times ahead, my friends.

Ultra Kawaii!

I cannot get over this.