Why am I cleaning when I am about to leave for two weeks? Well, the only reason I can think of is that it feels good. Another reason may be because when I get back from UT, my parents and little sister will be visiting. Funny how when my other two siblings came, I didn't care what it looked like, but I do care when my parents are coming! Part of it, too, is that I finally feel financially secure enough to make the basement look a little more homey. I FINALLY hug up pictures in my room and that was a great improvement! (And, FYI, I also got a new camera). With the help of Kevin and Alejandra, I finally got stuff so I can hang towels in the bathroom and not have to reach back to get the toilet paper (because who wants to do that?). I guess it comes down to that I want everything to look nice, whether or not my parents are coming. Maybe it will show them that I really am a big girl and can take care of my own place, not that they don't already know that. It makes me feel like this is really becoming my home. It just feels good, really good.
So, tomorrow is the day to get everything together and packed. Tomorrow night I will be set apart by the bishop as "a special representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the duration of the pageant." I'm staying with a friend in Provo tomorrow night and she will take me very early in the morning to catch the train to Nauvoo. I leave about 4:35 AM on Friday and I have a "lay-over of sorts in Galesburg, IL. From there I will got to Ft. Madison, IA where someone will pick me up. I won't arrive in Nauvoo until about 7:15 PM on SATURDAY. Yeah, that is a VERY long train ride, but I'm excited for it all!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Nauvoo Temple Panels for the Pageant
Here is an article about the sewing of the panels that are raised up to make the Nauvoo Temple during the pageant.
This is what they look like:
This is one of the most powerful scenes in the pageant. Most everyone I talked to after the pageant mentioned this scene, so it makes the learning about the sacrifices and efforts those sisters made to make the panels even more meaningful. I hope someday they can see the pageant, too.
Extra Credit:
For those of you who actually read the whole thing, here is the quote by President Hinckley that is played in the final scene of the pageant:
Today, facing west, on the high bluff overlooking the city of Nauvoo, thence across the Mississippi, and over the plains of Iowa, there stands Joseph’s temple, a magnificent house of God. Here in the Salt Lake Valley, facing east to that beautiful temple in Nauvoo, stands Brigham’s temple, the Salt Lake Temple. They look toward one another as bookends between which there are volumes that speak of the suffering, the sorrow, the sacrifice, even the deaths of thousands who made the long journey from the Mississippi River to the valley of the Great Salt Lake.
President Hinckely, "Oh That I Were An Angel, and Could Have The Wish of Mine Heart," Ensign, Nov. 2002
This is what they look like:
"The Nauvoo Temple: One Stitch at a Time"
Ensign, Mar 2006, 51-53 by Karol Jean Kasteler Miller
Late in April 2005, I received a phone call from a friend at Church headquarters, asking if I would like to do a big project: design and sew a 25-by-40-foot fabric representation of the front of the original Nauvoo Temple. It would be used in a new Nauvoo pageant. It was an exciting challenge for which I would use an architectural drawing of the temple as my guide. The deadline to finish the project was in six weeks.
Using the blessing of e-mail, I gathered help from women in my family, lifelong friends, and various stake and ward members. They included local Chinese, Laotian, and Thai sisters. My family garage served as our workshop.
Ensign, Mar 2006, 51-53 by Karol Jean Kasteler Miller
Late in April 2005, I received a phone call from a friend at Church headquarters, asking if I would like to do a big project: design and sew a 25-by-40-foot fabric representation of the front of the original Nauvoo Temple. It would be used in a new Nauvoo pageant. It was an exciting challenge for which I would use an architectural drawing of the temple as my guide. The deadline to finish the project was in six weeks.
Using the blessing of e-mail, I gathered help from women in my family, lifelong friends, and various stake and ward members. They included local Chinese, Laotian, and Thai sisters. My family garage served as our workshop.
Eighty women helped sew, embroider, crochet, and cross-stitch the panels over 30 days and nights. Ten women sewed the temple tower over the next 10 days and nights. Many supportive family members also helped at home.
Sometimes sisters would clutch their sewing bags and say, "I just don't want to go. Can I come back tomorrow?" The sisters felt an urgency to complete the sewing so our temple would be built by the deadline. We had one goal in mind-completing the temple in time.
We felt a connection with the building of the original Nauvoo Temple and the early sisters in Nauvoo. As we sewed, we reflected on their tremendous sacrifices. We sensed that we understood in some small way the feelings of those pioneer sisters as they labored hard to assist in completing their temple. We pushed harder.
We felt creative blessings multiply as the project progressed. I was blessed with good health and amazing strength, despite getting very limited sleep during those six weeks. Countless sweet and powerful prayers were offered. We met our goals with grateful hearts. I believe all of us who participated understand more now about consecrating time and talents to the building of the kingdom here on earth, and so much more of the magnitude of the Prophet Joseph Smith's vision.
Temple Panels - Additional Details
by Wendi Fredrickson - 2005 Yellow Cast member of the New Nauvoo Pageant
Presented at a Relief Society Enrichment Meeting in Provo Utah in March 2006
From interview of Kathryn Hayes of Salt Lake City, UT who worked on the Temple Panels
Used by permission from the author
● The pageant committee wanted this to be a group project just like the early sisters working on the first Nauvoo Temple. The sisters that sewed on the panels were careful to put intricate details in the panels to inspire the cast members. Most of the 80 women who worked on the panels never saw the pageant.
● Karol Jean Miller's garage was brand-new and Br. Miller was excited to use it and put his cars in it (which he didn't get to do for a long time). He wasn't too excited about the garage being used as a sewing workshop. Then he was called away on a business trip for 3 weeks and Karol Jean took advantage of him being gone and used the garage anyway. She put sheets on the floor to protect the temple fabric from dust. In the garage was a loft. In the loft Karol Jean put big pieces of butcher paper on the floor. When the first Temple panel was finished, she laid it out on the paper and traced everything. They used this pattern for each of the other 4 panels. They had 4 sewing machines in the garage.
● When the sisters met together for the first time, they came fasting and praying. They had never made scenery before and didn't know how to do it. Everyday they would pray that they would make no mistakes because they didn't have time to pick out their mistakes. The sisters were inspired everyday with how they were to do each of their tasks. They made very few mistakes and almost never had to pick out stitching. Often, one sister would start on one side of a panel and another sister would start on the other. Miraculously, they would meet in the middle perfectly. They were able to finish in the time given them. "Please let us sew smart," they would pray.
● The month they started working on the panels, it was raining almost everyday. They needed to lay the panels out and see how they would fit together, but the only place big enough to do this was in the yard. The sisters prayed that the rain would stop so they could finish their work. The rain stopped for the 10 days they sewed and pieced the panels together. They lay the panels on the dry lawn and this was the first, and only time for many of them, to see the panels together. After they were finished and had put the panels away, the rain started up again.
● Some of the sisters that came were Laotian, Thai, and Chinese. Many of these sisters spoke very little English and couldn't possibly understand the instructions. However, the Spirit spoke to their hearts and they did beautiful needlework and were able to do everything they needed to do with wonderful results.
● 80 sisters worked on the panel. Most of the sisters could only come to work for 1, 2, or 3 hours at a time. This meant that sometimes several sisters would work on the same piece. Most times there was no overlapping of work on the same spots, but each of these sisters was able to pick up where the other left off, even if no instruction was given, as if they had been working on the piece the entire time.
● Karol Jean worked hard for 6 weeks on this project and knew that it needed to be done on time. She had very little sleep each night; and sometimes she would stay up all night working on the project. When she did allow herself to be sent to bed by the other sisters, Karol Jean would pray that if she could just get 4 hours of sleep, she would be sustained and able to continue working. She was able to continue as if she had a full night's sleep. Other sisters would ask her how she was able to hold up so long with so little sleep and Karol Jean attributed it to blessings from Heavenly Father.
● While they were working on the panels the sisters felt a connection with the early sisters in Nauvoo. They pondered on the many trials these women faced while helping to build the first Nauvoo Temple. This connection continued with the cast members who felt the love and tears of the sisters who sewed the panels. As we held and looked at the panels and saw the names of the sisters sewed on them we were amazed at it. When each of the sisters on stage held hands and the Temple panels were passed over them, we felt that we too had a part in completing what these sisters started. Then as the Temple was finished and the final piece was in place the audience felt the connection and cheered for all the hard work everyone did both during the play and in Nauvoo's past. Real tears were shed as we left the stage and "Our Temple".We felt a connection with the building of the original Nauvoo Temple and the early sisters in Nauvoo. As we sewed, we reflected on their tremendous sacrifices. We sensed that we understood in some small way the feelings of those pioneer sisters as they labored hard to assist in completing their temple. We pushed harder.
We felt creative blessings multiply as the project progressed. I was blessed with good health and amazing strength, despite getting very limited sleep during those six weeks. Countless sweet and powerful prayers were offered. We met our goals with grateful hearts. I believe all of us who participated understand more now about consecrating time and talents to the building of the kingdom here on earth, and so much more of the magnitude of the Prophet Joseph Smith's vision.
Temple Panels - Additional Details
by Wendi Fredrickson - 2005 Yellow Cast member of the New Nauvoo Pageant
Presented at a Relief Society Enrichment Meeting in Provo Utah in March 2006
From interview of Kathryn Hayes of Salt Lake City, UT who worked on the Temple Panels
Used by permission from the author
● The pageant committee wanted this to be a group project just like the early sisters working on the first Nauvoo Temple. The sisters that sewed on the panels were careful to put intricate details in the panels to inspire the cast members. Most of the 80 women who worked on the panels never saw the pageant.
● Karol Jean Miller's garage was brand-new and Br. Miller was excited to use it and put his cars in it (which he didn't get to do for a long time). He wasn't too excited about the garage being used as a sewing workshop. Then he was called away on a business trip for 3 weeks and Karol Jean took advantage of him being gone and used the garage anyway. She put sheets on the floor to protect the temple fabric from dust. In the garage was a loft. In the loft Karol Jean put big pieces of butcher paper on the floor. When the first Temple panel was finished, she laid it out on the paper and traced everything. They used this pattern for each of the other 4 panels. They had 4 sewing machines in the garage.
● When the sisters met together for the first time, they came fasting and praying. They had never made scenery before and didn't know how to do it. Everyday they would pray that they would make no mistakes because they didn't have time to pick out their mistakes. The sisters were inspired everyday with how they were to do each of their tasks. They made very few mistakes and almost never had to pick out stitching. Often, one sister would start on one side of a panel and another sister would start on the other. Miraculously, they would meet in the middle perfectly. They were able to finish in the time given them. "Please let us sew smart," they would pray.
● The month they started working on the panels, it was raining almost everyday. They needed to lay the panels out and see how they would fit together, but the only place big enough to do this was in the yard. The sisters prayed that the rain would stop so they could finish their work. The rain stopped for the 10 days they sewed and pieced the panels together. They lay the panels on the dry lawn and this was the first, and only time for many of them, to see the panels together. After they were finished and had put the panels away, the rain started up again.
● Some of the sisters that came were Laotian, Thai, and Chinese. Many of these sisters spoke very little English and couldn't possibly understand the instructions. However, the Spirit spoke to their hearts and they did beautiful needlework and were able to do everything they needed to do with wonderful results.
● 80 sisters worked on the panel. Most of the sisters could only come to work for 1, 2, or 3 hours at a time. This meant that sometimes several sisters would work on the same piece. Most times there was no overlapping of work on the same spots, but each of these sisters was able to pick up where the other left off, even if no instruction was given, as if they had been working on the piece the entire time.
● Karol Jean worked hard for 6 weeks on this project and knew that it needed to be done on time. She had very little sleep each night; and sometimes she would stay up all night working on the project. When she did allow herself to be sent to bed by the other sisters, Karol Jean would pray that if she could just get 4 hours of sleep, she would be sustained and able to continue working. She was able to continue as if she had a full night's sleep. Other sisters would ask her how she was able to hold up so long with so little sleep and Karol Jean attributed it to blessings from Heavenly Father.
Extra Credit:
For those of you who actually read the whole thing, here is the quote by President Hinckley that is played in the final scene of the pageant:
Today, facing west, on the high bluff overlooking the city of Nauvoo, thence across the Mississippi, and over the plains of Iowa, there stands Joseph’s temple, a magnificent house of God. Here in the Salt Lake Valley, facing east to that beautiful temple in Nauvoo, stands Brigham’s temple, the Salt Lake Temple. They look toward one another as bookends between which there are volumes that speak of the suffering, the sorrow, the sacrifice, even the deaths of thousands who made the long journey from the Mississippi River to the valley of the Great Salt Lake.
President Hinckely, "Oh That I Were An Angel, and Could Have The Wish of Mine Heart," Ensign, Nov. 2002
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Cup Overflowing
I am feeling very grateful and indebted to my Heavenly Father right now. My cup of blessings is truly overflowing. I was thinking about possibly buying a new camera before going to Nauvoo, so after doing some research, I decided that it would probably be a good idea to look at my money situation to see if I can actually afford such an expense. After estimating the remaining cost of the Nauvoo Pageant as well as my car payment, car insurance, and other expenses that I know of, plus some extra, I realized that I would still have half of the money that I have currently after all is said and done. I was dumbfounded... and greatly humbled. To think that I spent all my savings on my new car's down payment last December and since then have not been able to put much back into my savings, it's incredible! I can list some of the blessings that I received that made that possible, but I will just say that I KNOW that God provides the way when it seems impossible, especially when what we are doing or desire to do is a righteous desire or for our good. "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." (Praise to the Man, Hymns 27)
Here is a song that sums up some of the thoughts and feelings I'm having:
My Shepherd will supply my need:
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy's sake,
In paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death
His presence is my stay;
One word of His supporting grace
Drives all my fears away.
His hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
His oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.
P.S. Even though I probably can afford one, I'm not getting the new camera yet. I have a feeling I may need that money for something else or something better. We shall see...
Here is a song that sums up some of the thoughts and feelings I'm having:
My Shepherd will supply my need:
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy's sake,
In paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death
His presence is my stay;
One word of His supporting grace
Drives all my fears away.
His hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
His oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.
P.S. Even though I probably can afford one, I'm not getting the new camera yet. I have a feeling I may need that money for something else or something better. We shall see...
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Two More Weeks!
Just two more weeks and I will be in Nauvoo and a part of the Nauvoo Pageant again!! I am very excited to be a missionary again this summer. It is a dream come true in more ways than one! The closer it gets, the more I feel that this will be another amazing experience for me. I am humbled that I was accepted to be a part of the cast this year. I feel that, like last year, I was only accepted because someone that will be there will need me there. If it is at all like last year, I will probably meet someone there that I need, too. Just sitting here thinking about it gets me emotional. I love Nauvoo. I never thought that I would ever have the opportunity to go to Nauvoo so many times (this will be my fifth time). Each time I've gone, I've had a distinct purpose for being there, and usually it involved being there for others. It's the same way for everyone that comes to Nauvoo, I think. It was amazing to hear the stories of pageant cast members and pageant audience members of how they came to be in Nauvoo at that moment. Often it was by the inspiration of the spirit and through much sacrifice. These past two years have taught me much about faith and sacrifice. It's funny how great experiences are often prefaced with great adversity. Okay, it's not so funny, but I can honestly say that it's worth it. I'm still going through the hard times, but I can already see a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Being reminded this weekend of the feelings I had being a part of the pageant last year and reminded of the things I learned from that experience have really boosted my spirits and given me greater hope and strength to keep moving forward with faith just like the early saints did. Nauvoo has and always will have a special place in my heart. "Nothing can erase what Nauvoo has given us." It's very true. It is a sacred place to me because of the sacred-like experiences there have refined my character over and over again. It's just so hard for me to believe that I will be going there again to have another experience. I hope I am prepared. I want to serve and perform and testify with all my heart and hopefully I will touch the life of at least one person while I am there this time. I'm not going there for me, I'm going there for someone else. Every sacrifice is worth it to feel the way I do about Nauvoo and all that it and all the people who once lived there have taught me. I am grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me so much so far in my life and I know He is watching out for me and will continue to bless me.
Click the link before to see the official invitation to the pageant this summer and the 10 minute preview of the pageant. And if you haven't already, write it down somewhere that you will go to Nauvoo in the near future. I recommend you go to see that pageant. :D
http://www.invite.nauvoopageant.net/2011/Invitations/2011_Blue/Kelly.htm
Click the link before to see the official invitation to the pageant this summer and the 10 minute preview of the pageant. And if you haven't already, write it down somewhere that you will go to Nauvoo in the near future. I recommend you go to see that pageant. :D
http://www.invite.nauvoopageant.net/2011/Invitations/2011_Blue/Kelly.htm
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Epic Week
This week is going to be great and here is why:
1. My brother Kevin and his wife have come to help me make needed improvements in the basement.
2. My brother Steven, his wife, and my nephew didn't want to miss out on the fun, so they decided to come up as well.
3. Strawberry Days is happening in Pleasant Grove, meaning fresh strawberries, free swimming, and (best of all) my very first RODEO!
4. My friend Laura is coming to the Rodeo with me (and Kevin and his wife) to help us get the most out of it.
5. Going on a hike with my siblings.
6. Getting books and stuff with my sister-in-law Ale
7. Going to the new ward and a new institute
8. I'm getting paid, even though I ended work last week.
9. I might actually get my room set up after already living here for 2 months!
10. Did I already mention that half of my family is in town? Oh yeah, they are!
1. My brother Kevin and his wife have come to help me make needed improvements in the basement.
2. My brother Steven, his wife, and my nephew didn't want to miss out on the fun, so they decided to come up as well.
3. Strawberry Days is happening in Pleasant Grove, meaning fresh strawberries, free swimming, and (best of all) my very first RODEO!
4. My friend Laura is coming to the Rodeo with me (and Kevin and his wife) to help us get the most out of it.
5. Going on a hike with my siblings.
6. Getting books and stuff with my sister-in-law Ale
7. Going to the new ward and a new institute
8. I'm getting paid, even though I ended work last week.
9. I might actually get my room set up after already living here for 2 months!
10. Did I already mention that half of my family is in town? Oh yeah, they are!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The Orange in Me
Recently my work had each of it's employee fill out a personality survey that they would use during the closing social. The closing social was yesterday and it was a lot of fun. It's funny how I feel like I understand myself a little better after all of this. Let me explain. There are four colors: gold, blue, green, and orange, that represent four different personality characteristics. After we found out what color we each were, they gave us a huge packet that explained all of these in detail and how they interact.
When I arrived at the social, I had to look for my name at the picnic tables that were covered with colored construction paper. I found my name at the blue table. I then found my co-teacher's name on the same table, which I very much expected because we are so much alike... which I will prove later. I then received a small blue card with all the colors and percentages that say how much I am of each of those colors. Here's how mine turned out:
Orange: 18%
Gold: 30%
Blue: 36%
Green 16%
Most of the employees were gold (70+), then blue (40+), then orange (20+), then green (10).
My co-teacher (named Laura) was exactly the same as mine except Orange was 14% and Gold was 34%. We weren't that surprised and it makes perfect sense to me.
Here is what it means to be Blue: (I wish I could copy and paste here, but here it goes)
I need to feel unique and authentic (enthusiastic, sympathetic, personal)
I look for meaning and significance in my life (warm, communicative, compassionate)
I need to contribute, to encourage, and to care (idealistic, spiritual, sincere)
I am a natural romantic, a poet, and a nurturer
Joys: Romance, hugs, acceptance, helping others, sharing
Needs: Understanding, security, sensitivity, support
Strengths: Communication, optimism, compassion, giving
Frustrations: Disharmony, injustice, conflict, disorder
Values: Honesty, friendship, trust, faith, empathy
Blues are intuitive feeling people and above all, must be authentic.
Words and phrases that describe them:
Search for self, purpose in life is to have a purpose in life, strive to be in harmony with inner self, making a difference in the world, devoted to relationships, spiritual, romanticize their experiences, interested in people watching, sees possibilities in people, cultivates potential in others, sensitive emotional, affectionate, eternal commitment to love, warm, caring, compassionate, romantic, creative, likes to please, affirming, expressive, caretaker, idealistic, empathetic
Others may see Blues as over-emotional, too trusting, mushy, smothering, hopelessly naive, talks too much, easily duped, flaky, aloof
I know this post is forever long, but I'm enjoying this....
Now for Gold (Here you will see how I am a lot like Gold, too):
I follow the rules and respect authority (loyal, dependable, prepared)
I have a sense of what is right and what is wrong in life (thorough, sensible, punctual)
I need to be useful and to belong (faithful, stable, organized)
I value home, family, and tradition (caring, concerned, concrete)
I am a natural preserver, a good citizen, and helpful.
Joys: Home, order, tidy, organized, achievement
Needs: Stability, consistency, order, respect
Strengths: loyal, structured, reliable, responsible
Frustrations: inefficiency, slobs, procrastinators, change, lack of control
Values: punctuality, family, quality, honesty
Golds are sensory judging people and above all, they must be of service.
Words and phrases that best describe Golds:
Useful, no free loaders, strong work ethic, parental attitude, compelled to be bound and obligated, should be rules, be prepared, list maker, responsible, organized, detail oriented, hates wasting time, right and wrong, commitments, questions change, traditional, dependable, punctual, schedules, predictable, loves to plan, service oriented, values family traditions, helpful and trustworthy, conservative and stable, never breaks speed limit, strives for sense of security, there is a right way to do everything, strong belief in policies, procedures, rules, tends to be left-brained and analytical, value order and the status quo, firm, decisive, realistic, executive type, stubborn, opinionated, uptight, limited, controlling, judgmental.
I definitely feel like I am more Blue than Gold, but Gold sure identifies me in a lot of ways, too!
Now for Orange. Oranges and Blues don't get along very well and Gold and Oranges are even worse. It wasn't surprising to me to find out that certain people I've worked with were oranges... However, I do have bits and pieces of orange attributes, which inspired the title of my current post. Now that I've aroused your curiosity, here is the description of orange. The items in bold I think describe me.
Orange:
I act on a moment's notice (witty, charming, spontaneous)
I consider life a game, here and now
I need fun, variety, stimulation, and excitement (optimistic, eager, bold)
I value skill, resourcefulness, and courage (physical, immediate, fraternal)
I am a natural troubleshooter, a performer, a competitor.
Joys: people, adventure, thrills, life, success
Needs: freedom, expression, challenge, stimulation
Strengths: independence, humor, adaptable, leaders
Frustrations: interruptions, deadlines, criticism, nagging, lies
Values: integrity, optimism, risk taking, interaction
Oranges are sensory perceptive people and above all, they must be free to act.
Words and phrases that characterize them: test the limits, free spirit, great in a crisis, needs variations, loves tools, endurance, boldness, exciting, light-hearted, full of fun, performer and entertainer, waiting is psychological death, do it now, today is today, only temporarily defeated, spontaneous relationships, clutter is acceptable, sharing, flexible, adaptable, care free, proficient, curious, eclectic, enjoys life, do many things at once, spontaneous, irresponsible, flaky, scattered, not serious, indecisive, manipulative, uncontrollable, disobeys rules, takes risks, adventurous, courageous.
Now, finally for Green (just to get an idea of it):
Greens are intuitive thinking people and above all, they must be competent
Words and phrases to describe Greens: Love of intelligence, stores wisdom, obsessed to learn, can never know enough, need for control, qualified, sees the big picture, must understand objects and events, individualist, believes things are obvious to all, speculates on others' motivations, often too abstract for others, often oblivious to others' emotions, thinks through relationships carefully, intellectual, 98% right, seeking justice, under control, calm, afraid to open up, able to find flaws, creative, aloof, weird, unappreciative, efficient.
Congrats if you are actually still reading this ridiculously long post! The whole motivation for writing all this was just to say that the orange in me was a little disappointed today. My previous roommates had planned a very fun hiking trip to explore lava tubes this morning and I found out when I got there (at 7:30 AM) that it was canceled because one of them was really sick the night before. I went to bed early last night and I didn't read my email, so I didn't get the message that it was canceled. So, I woke up at 6 AM, so excited to go exploring on a grand adventure with my best friends, and then... poof! It's not happening. Well, that excitement and craving to explore just doesn't go away, especially if the weather is absolutely PERFECT for it. So, I explored a little around Pleasant Grove's dam/reservoir and found a trailhead that I want to try when I have people with me. I know better than to go hiking alone! That's the Gold in me, for ya! I finally got to washing my car (just so it would rain again, of course) and now I'm just relaxing on the front porch enjoying life.
Life really is good... my ward and stake are being changed finally as part of the whole Utah wide changes of YSA wards being put into YSA stakes. I'm really excited for what the changes might bring. I have great friends here and I am excited to make more. I've recently have gotten to know a family that really makes me feel like they are my home away from home. I'm grateful for that. Speaking of my family, my brother is coming to Utah with his wife next weekend!!! I'm very excited for that!! LIFE IS GOOD!
When I arrived at the social, I had to look for my name at the picnic tables that were covered with colored construction paper. I found my name at the blue table. I then found my co-teacher's name on the same table, which I very much expected because we are so much alike... which I will prove later. I then received a small blue card with all the colors and percentages that say how much I am of each of those colors. Here's how mine turned out:
Orange: 18%
Gold: 30%
Blue: 36%
Green 16%
Most of the employees were gold (70+), then blue (40+), then orange (20+), then green (10).
My co-teacher (named Laura) was exactly the same as mine except Orange was 14% and Gold was 34%. We weren't that surprised and it makes perfect sense to me.
Here is what it means to be Blue: (I wish I could copy and paste here, but here it goes)
I need to feel unique and authentic (enthusiastic, sympathetic, personal)
I look for meaning and significance in my life (warm, communicative, compassionate)
I need to contribute, to encourage, and to care (idealistic, spiritual, sincere)
I am a natural romantic, a poet, and a nurturer
Joys: Romance, hugs, acceptance, helping others, sharing
Needs: Understanding, security, sensitivity, support
Strengths: Communication, optimism, compassion, giving
Frustrations: Disharmony, injustice, conflict, disorder
Values: Honesty, friendship, trust, faith, empathy
Blues are intuitive feeling people and above all, must be authentic.
Words and phrases that describe them:
Search for self, purpose in life is to have a purpose in life, strive to be in harmony with inner self, making a difference in the world, devoted to relationships, spiritual, romanticize their experiences, interested in people watching, sees possibilities in people, cultivates potential in others, sensitive emotional, affectionate, eternal commitment to love, warm, caring, compassionate, romantic, creative, likes to please, affirming, expressive, caretaker, idealistic, empathetic
Others may see Blues as over-emotional, too trusting, mushy, smothering, hopelessly naive, talks too much, easily duped, flaky, aloof
I know this post is forever long, but I'm enjoying this....
Now for Gold (Here you will see how I am a lot like Gold, too):
I follow the rules and respect authority (loyal, dependable, prepared)
I have a sense of what is right and what is wrong in life (thorough, sensible, punctual)
I need to be useful and to belong (faithful, stable, organized)
I value home, family, and tradition (caring, concerned, concrete)
I am a natural preserver, a good citizen, and helpful.
Joys: Home, order, tidy, organized, achievement
Needs: Stability, consistency, order, respect
Strengths: loyal, structured, reliable, responsible
Frustrations: inefficiency, slobs, procrastinators, change, lack of control
Values: punctuality, family, quality, honesty
Golds are sensory judging people and above all, they must be of service.
Words and phrases that best describe Golds:
Useful, no free loaders, strong work ethic, parental attitude, compelled to be bound and obligated, should be rules, be prepared, list maker, responsible, organized, detail oriented, hates wasting time, right and wrong, commitments, questions change, traditional, dependable, punctual, schedules, predictable, loves to plan, service oriented, values family traditions, helpful and trustworthy, conservative and stable, never breaks speed limit, strives for sense of security, there is a right way to do everything, strong belief in policies, procedures, rules, tends to be left-brained and analytical, value order and the status quo, firm, decisive, realistic, executive type, stubborn, opinionated, uptight, limited, controlling, judgmental.
I definitely feel like I am more Blue than Gold, but Gold sure identifies me in a lot of ways, too!
Now for Orange. Oranges and Blues don't get along very well and Gold and Oranges are even worse. It wasn't surprising to me to find out that certain people I've worked with were oranges... However, I do have bits and pieces of orange attributes, which inspired the title of my current post. Now that I've aroused your curiosity, here is the description of orange. The items in bold I think describe me.
Orange:
I act on a moment's notice (witty, charming, spontaneous)
I consider life a game, here and now
I need fun, variety, stimulation, and excitement (optimistic, eager, bold)
I value skill, resourcefulness, and courage (physical, immediate, fraternal)
I am a natural troubleshooter, a performer, a competitor.
Joys: people, adventure, thrills, life, success
Needs: freedom, expression, challenge, stimulation
Strengths: independence, humor, adaptable, leaders
Frustrations: interruptions, deadlines, criticism, nagging, lies
Values: integrity, optimism, risk taking, interaction
Oranges are sensory perceptive people and above all, they must be free to act.
Words and phrases that characterize them: test the limits, free spirit, great in a crisis, needs variations, loves tools, endurance, boldness, exciting, light-hearted, full of fun, performer and entertainer, waiting is psychological death, do it now, today is today, only temporarily defeated, spontaneous relationships, clutter is acceptable, sharing, flexible, adaptable, care free, proficient, curious, eclectic, enjoys life, do many things at once, spontaneous, irresponsible, flaky, scattered, not serious, indecisive, manipulative, uncontrollable, disobeys rules, takes risks, adventurous, courageous.
Now, finally for Green (just to get an idea of it):
Greens are intuitive thinking people and above all, they must be competent
Words and phrases to describe Greens: Love of intelligence, stores wisdom, obsessed to learn, can never know enough, need for control, qualified, sees the big picture, must understand objects and events, individualist, believes things are obvious to all, speculates on others' motivations, often too abstract for others, often oblivious to others' emotions, thinks through relationships carefully, intellectual, 98% right, seeking justice, under control, calm, afraid to open up, able to find flaws, creative, aloof, weird, unappreciative, efficient.
Congrats if you are actually still reading this ridiculously long post! The whole motivation for writing all this was just to say that the orange in me was a little disappointed today. My previous roommates had planned a very fun hiking trip to explore lava tubes this morning and I found out when I got there (at 7:30 AM) that it was canceled because one of them was really sick the night before. I went to bed early last night and I didn't read my email, so I didn't get the message that it was canceled. So, I woke up at 6 AM, so excited to go exploring on a grand adventure with my best friends, and then... poof! It's not happening. Well, that excitement and craving to explore just doesn't go away, especially if the weather is absolutely PERFECT for it. So, I explored a little around Pleasant Grove's dam/reservoir and found a trailhead that I want to try when I have people with me. I know better than to go hiking alone! That's the Gold in me, for ya! I finally got to washing my car (just so it would rain again, of course) and now I'm just relaxing on the front porch enjoying life.
Life really is good... my ward and stake are being changed finally as part of the whole Utah wide changes of YSA wards being put into YSA stakes. I'm really excited for what the changes might bring. I have great friends here and I am excited to make more. I've recently have gotten to know a family that really makes me feel like they are my home away from home. I'm grateful for that. Speaking of my family, my brother is coming to Utah with his wife next weekend!!! I'm very excited for that!! LIFE IS GOOD!
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