Return from Nauvoo

This is my "once-a-month" blog entry :) I'll work on that (really!). I just got back from Nauvoo, IL. I'm telling you, there's no place I would rather go. As a new member of the LDS Church, I really wanted to see the Nauvoo Pageant. It was soooo moving...a truly spiritual experience! Regardless of your faith, I think everyone will be moved by this pageant. There is also a pioneer festival, and that is really cool. I got to push a handcart, which is what many of the early Latter-Day Saints had to do to escape religious persecution (after Joseph Smith was martyred). Of course, the early Saints had to walk thousands of miles in the worst weather conditions pulling their families and any belongings they could take on those handcarts. Even before I started investigating the Church, I had a tremendous admiration for the sacrifices made by the early Latter-Day Saints. More and more, I appreciate what they have done so that people like myself can worship my Heavenly Father freely without persecution.

Well, back to the pageant. The pageant is held from early July to the end of July each year. Of course, I stayed at the Willard Richards Inn, which is an incredible bed-and-breakfast (of course, the inn keeper Karen Haering is an exceptional hostess). I met so many wonderful people there. Many times, I am shy around people I don't know and sometimes around people I do know. However, I was able to talk easily with people who were either participating in the Nauvoo Pageant or enjoying it as visitors.

As I was driving home from Nauvoo today, I realized I couldn't ask for a better summer vacation.I didn't spend a lot of money and time preparing for this trip, but sometimes I wonder what our intention is when we plan vacations: is it to create memories for ourselves and others, or is it primarily intended to impress others? I just feel that when we focus so much on the photos we take on vacation, we really miss out on the actual experience of being on vacation. Of course, if I might think a little differently if I didn't stop leaving my camera in my hotel room :)

Been Away

Hi! Unfortunately I've been away from my blog for a long time. It's too easy to get distracted, but it's something I need to work on. We finished up the spring semester, and I've just started my summer semester classes. I've also finished the first class I needed to take for my Biostatistics Certificate at UCSD Extension.

This summer, we're staying here in Robinson. But that's probably a good plan. For the past three summers, too many changes have taken place and there has been a little too much excitement. But as I become spiritually more aware, I have been given the message by the Holy Spirit that the best thing for me to do is to appreciate things around me rather than always looking for something else to do. I think it is definitely worth changing some of my habits so I can live the way my Heavenly Father wants me to live. Some of my habits I am gradually changing are financial habits and my physical lifestyle. Today, I just registered for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). I am someone who is somewhat erractic about exercise, and I think the PALA may be what I need to stay motivated and consistent. To be eligible for the PALA as an adult, you need to exercise at least 30 minutes a day for five days. This must last for a duration of at least six weeks, which is good because hopefully it will become a lifestyle change by that point. I danced a total of 40 minutes and swam lightly for five (we went to the community pool). Then, I had to log in my activity, the intensity, and the duration of each session. It is very cool to receive points for exercising. You are on the honor system, but I feel that an award is only worth receiving if you actually earned it. I will also try to keep up with my blog a bit better and will relate my exercise for the day. Have a wonderful weekend!

Tornado Warning

We're currently under a tornado watch, and several counties near us are under a tornado warning. Since we're under a watch, our weather conditions may be favorable for producing tornadoes. However, if you're under a tornado warning, then a tornado has actually been spotted in your area. The sky has been kind of eerie all day, but I am hoping the storm will die down a bit. They just announced the storm has weakened, so hopefully we're good.

Distraction

Hi! Sticking with the blog at this time is a real test for me. When I first begin something, I go full force, but once I skip more than a couple of days doing it, it's a challenge to go back. But I figure that even if no one is reading this, it is a personal victory for me to stick with it. It's so easy to get distracted with things, and I am usually the Queen of Distraction. Historically, once I have gotten distracted, I got discouraged and would give up. I tended to beat myself up over it, which decreased the likelihood I would ever do it again. To combat this, I would vow to never be distracted again, and I would obsess about it instead (until I got tired of it). But that's definitely a self-defeating cycle. I can "pause" from something every now and then and still have the  motivation to come back to it (even when no one is paying attention to it). This blog is a test of my resolve, and I plan to pass it.

Back to the Midwest

I was away at our National Convention last week in San Diego. It was really nice, especially since I got to stay with my brother, sis-in-law, and two nieces. The weather was beautiful, and it was great seeing colleagues I haven't seen in a while. But now it's time to get back into the groove, and I have plenty to catch up on. Well, just wanted to check in. Have a great night!

Heroic Girl

I just realized how long it's been since I posted my last blog entry. As much as I love writing, it's easy to get distracted by other things. My goal is to stick with it and schedule time most days to post on my blog. It will be a personal victory.

Things have been busy at work, but they are going pretty well. I gave my students midterms, and we conducted interviews with candidates for several faculty positions. It's really easy to get caught up in all of the cares of life and form a cynical perspective of the world (one positive aspect of autism is that we may be better than most at shutting out negativity). In fact, I try to avoid the news and negative shows most of the time because they can be pretty upsetting (I also have to admit that being Mormon makes it easier to resist negative stimuli).

Despite all of the negativity we see in the news, tonight I just came across this story about an amazing girl who literally risked her life to prevent her younger sister from being hit by a truck. It really melted my heart. You really need to watch it. It will remind you how much good is still in the world today.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110323/ts_yblog_thelookout/nine-year-old-loses-leg-while-saving-little-sisters-life

Great Break

Last week was not a relaxing week, but it was truly amazing. After Mark and I got some new furniture on Tuesday, I left for Nauvoo, IL on Wednesday and participated in my first LDS temple baptism. It was an incredible experience. I stayed at the Willard Richards Inn, and I couldn't have picked a better place to stay. Everything was so authentic and beautiful. Karen, the innkeeper there, even showed me around Nauvoo and Carthage (which is where Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum had been martyred). I had such a memorable time, and I can't wait to go back. People were surprised I went there by myself as it was time my first time there, but I was spiritually guided to do this, and it couldn't have turned out any better. If you like historical places, Nauvoo is an incredible town. Then, on Friday, a social worker conducted a home visit, as Mark and I are starting the adoption process. That home visit went so much better than I thought it would. It really gave me hope that Mark and I can be parents to a precious child.

It was such an amazing week, and I feel incredibly blessed. Today was pretty rough because I had slept over two hours past my alarm. It was amazing I was only 4 minutes late for class (many other interesting things happened today). But I survived, thanks to my Heavenly Father. When things got rough today, I called on Him, and He really took care of me. If more people trust Him, I think we'll all be much better off. Have a great night and a wonderful day tomorrow!

Busy Break!

Sorry...I forgot to write yesterday. But it's been crazy busy. Mark and I had to take a bunch of things to storage. We also got new furniture yesterday, which we really needed. Right now, I'm making study guides for the exams I'm giving my students next week. Tomorrow, I'm driving up to Nauvoo Temple. I'm so excited! Friday, the social worker is conducting a home visit with us. I hope we'll be ready. I'll be driving around a lot tomorrow, so I don't know if I'll get to write. One thing that will be a little tricky tomorrow is the drive to Nauvoo. Usually, when I drive someplace in Illinois, there's a fairly direct route. Well, that won't be the case when I drive from Robinson to Nauvoo tomorrow. Talk to you soon!

Saturday Blog

I survived last night's brief thunderstorm. Today was a relaxing first day of spring break. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how late I slept, but I really needed to catch up on some sleep. We're on a family movie kick, so we watched Old Yeller (Mark and I didn't know Old Yeller also has a sequel). I honestly thought I wouldn't tear up watching this as an adult, but I was wrong. I have a new appreciation for movies with heart.

I didn't leave the house all day, but it takes a lot for me to have cabin fever. I attended to more spiritual matters, and it was very uplifting. I don't think it's difficult for someone with an autism spectrum disorder to be spiritual because we have a knack on tuning out the outside world. Well, I need to finish up a lesson for Primary (which is the Sunday School class for children in our Church). Tomorrow is the Sabbath, so I will post again on Monday.

We Exist: Girls and women living with autism, A professor's most important lecture | WTHITV.com Terre Haute, Indiana

We Exist: Girls and women living with autism, A professor's most important lecture | WTHITV.com Terre Haute, Indiana

Thunderstorm!

I wanted to write while I was having an "autistic" experience, but this is going to be brief. A thunderstorm just came into town. First, I saw a quick flash of light, and I hoped it was just the headlights of a car coming out of the DQ parking lot. Unfortunately, the familiar rumble that followed confirmed it was no car. More to follow...I gotta go.

Another Friday Entry

It is now officially spring break, and I am thrilled! I celebrated by shopping a little bit after work. It's also "eat out" night, but Mark and I had Dairy Queen at home (we live right across the street from DQ, and that could be dangerous for the waistline). We also watched Alvin and the Chipmunks (it was my idea, not Mark's). It's a rainy night, and neither one of us felt like going any place. Besides, I think it's good for people to act like kids once in a while. If more people could appreciate the simple joys of life, I don't think we would have the problems we have in the world. Call me naive, but a little simplicity never hurt anyone :)

Spring Break!

I am so grateful it's Friday. But it's not just any Friday...it's the Friday before spring break. I can see why the students look forward to it so much. I am really looking forward to this one. Mark has off the same week, and we rarely have the same vacation days. Also, last night I had an interview with the President of the Branch of my Church, and I was granted a limited temple recommend. So on Wednesday, I am going to my first temple in Nauvoo, Illinois. That is a very special location for our Church. I'll be there on Wednesday and staying overnight to see the sites.

Then, on Friday, a social worker is coming to our house to conduct a home visit. The reason she's coming is because Mark and I are trying to adopt an infant. I always appreciate our spring breaks, but this is especially nice. Of course, last spring break was also special because I spent it with my mother who passed away in October 2010. But I'm sure I will see her again.

March 2, 2011: Inspired to Blog

Hi! I finally decided to take the plunge and start a blog. I enjoy writing, so I'm excited to be writing. The real challenge will be staying on top of it, as I tend to get distracted from time to time. I won't be able to write much today because I'm giving a webinar about autism tomorrow, and I need to finish my presentation. The topic is of personal relevance to me because I have mild autism.

What can I say about autism that hasn't already been said? You see autism everywhere in the media, and sometimes it makes me cringe. There's a billboard with a statistic about how many kids are diagnosed with autism and there's a picture of a boy with his eyes downcast as if his life were ruined. All too often, people focus on limitations and not enough on talents. Don't pity people with autism...pity people who don't even try to understand those of us who live with it. It's really not that bad sometimes.