Babies

Today has been a day about babies (or kids in general). First, we had a baby shower for my cousin-in-law this morning, and then I babysat my nephew while my sister and her husband went to the temple tonight. But most of all, I have my sweet sister-in-law, Shirlee on my mind. My brother and his family just moved to Switzerland a few weeks ago for his work, and Shirlee is now 7 months pregnant. Well, last night Shirlee started having contractions 2 minutes apart; but the worst part is that my brother had to return to the states for a week's worth of meetings and isn't back yet. She is in our prayers tonight. Please join me in praying for her.

Realizations about Relationships

Living with roommates has been really great for me the past few months. We've had friends and family come stay with us, we've been able to cook and clean together, we've had to furnish the place (something I never had to do at BYU), but most of all, we've had to learn how to deal with each other.

For all but my freshman year at BYU, I've never shared my room. Every place I lived had enough space that I could get away from my roommates when necessary which allowed for me to avoid conflict. This is still pretty much the case. Thankfully, I've managed to never argue with my roommates. I was lucky that at a young age I had amazing siblings and parents, and teachers, who taught me (however rough it was at times) that I can't just say things when they come to my mind. Emotions are important and I need to be sensitive to how other people feel as a result of what I say. Maybe its all the disagreements I had with my mom in high school and during the last year and a half when I moved back home. Regardless of the reason, I am thankful it is something I've learned and am continuing to improve upon.

This knowledge is not a blessing that I can say all my roommates have gained yet. They are trying, but it is definitely a process. It takes time to learn how to brush things off and not be offended. Maybe I've been blessed to not be very emotional and that's why I can do it most of the time. I don't know, I've just seen a lot happen lately that makes me very grateful for the lessons I've learned to this point. I know I am no where close to perfect in my reactions and my words. I definitely know I can be more compassionate with what I say to people, even if what I am saying is true. I have a lot to work on, but I'm glad I'm on my way!

New Years Resolutions

I believe everyone needs to set resolutions, or goals, at some point. I like to set them for myself to give me the motivation to improve. This year, I've set goals in five areas of my life.

Educationally: For my new job, I will probably be studying to get my Series 7 Certificate at some point this year. In addition, since I've never been a consistent reader, I want to be sure I read at least three books this year. Below are some books that are top on my list.

The last one is my favorite!

Physically: For the last few months, I've been working out with a trainer 2-3 times a week. I want to increase my workouts and go on my own for a total of at least 4 times a week. Hopefully this will help me go down a pant size!

Spiritually: I want to be sure I attend the temple at least twice a month


Socially: In the past, I have less than enjoyed going to all the parties around here, even though I sometimes throw them myself. As a single person in Utah, I have no other option than to get out there. So, I'm resolving to either throw, or attend, at least one party a month. Hopefully, this will help me get a boyfriend at last!


And for fun: I plan to travel to Europe! My brother and his family flew out to Geneva, Switzerland today. They moved there for my brother's work. I plan to visit Geneva for sure, and hope to make it to Austria, Germany, France, and England while I'm there. Anyone interested in traveling with me?
So that's it. Now you all know my new year's resolutions. Hopefully I can make them happen! I wish you all the best in 2009!

What to do?

Christmas has now passed, I will go back to work for a couple days, and then its another holiday!!!

I love this time of year!

However, even though I love the holiday season, New Year's Eve has almost always been a bust for me. Every year I think it'll be different and I'll have the time of my life. Every year (with the exception of 2 that I can think of) have been just that. A total, complete bust. No fancy parties, no live ball to watch drop, no warm weather to encourage ANYTHING outside, and worst of all... no kiss at midnight!

Every day for the past week, I have been racking my brain for something fun to do on New Year's Eve. There's always First Night downtown... way too cold for me. Or, the big concert/dance party at the McKay Events Center in Orem... boring, I can go to those anytime. Not worth the $25 they want to charge each person. Or, the multiple house parties with rock band, karaoke, and junk food... typical choice, but never too exciting. What I really wish someone would do is throw a formal party (or a black and white ball) at a nice event center with a live band and dancing. Maybe some hor d'oerves being served by waiters. [Sigh] Ah, the typical New Year's Eve movie scene. Something that is not so typical of the Salt Lake/Single Mormon from Utah tradition. What ever happened to fancy evenings anyway?

So yeah, that's what I really want to be doing for New Year's this year. I would just throw the party myself, but there is this small thing ($$$) that just keeps getting in my way!

Yet again, the approach of 2009 has left me utterly stumped again. What will I do on New Year's Eve this year?

2009 Countdown

To begin celebrating the end of 2008, I want to mention the most memorable thing that happened to me each month.

January

Started attending my singles ward and made two incredible friends, Liz and Cammie! (I'd been in my parents home ward since I moved back to Salt Lake 8 months prior; and teaching primary wasn't doing too much for my dating life)

February

February was obviously not too exciting because I can't remember anything! And, I wasn't blogging yet so I can't check that history. Oh well.

March

Visited the Keys family and Keddington family in Houston, TX. My first time to Texas!

Me on the coast of Galveston, TX. It was wiped out a few months later by Hurricane Ike

April

Participated in the Solemn Assembly to sustain President Thomas S. Monson as the new president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

May

Had a lot of firsts:

1.) first time golfing 2.) first Salt Lake Bees game 3.) first 5K, even though I ran a 10k the previous summer

June

Right before our Keddington family reunion, we were informed that my mother's brain tumor from 1995, Oligodendroglioma, has returned. This made having all the siblings home together (for the first time in several years) even more special that we had imagined

July
Made new friends on an awesome river trip by Jackson Hole. Thanks for inviting me, Amber

August

Officially started my own wedding business, Keddington Weddings, and put together my very first paid wedding. Check me out at my official website, www.keddingtonweddings.com! (Thanks for helping me put it together Matt!)

September

I found an amazing house to move into with my friends! Also bought couches for my new house, making me a feel like a real adult! ;)

October

I got called as Relief Society President in my singles ward

November

My 24th birthday...I celebrated it with a weekend stay at the Marriott Summit Watch in Park City with some great friends. We went hottubbing, shopping, and fully enjoyed ourselves!

December

I got a new job! Surprise! My employment at Modern Display finally has a drop dead date... January 10. I will start my new job on January 12!!!

Modern Holiday Party

This year, Modern tried something new for our holiday party. Instead of the department party and a simple potluck lunch in the office, our special event department lobbied for a fancier party. It didn't make sense that a company that throws parties for many other companies wasn't throwing their own shebang! It all changed this year.

Below is one of the centerpieces that adorned our fancy tables. The theme was Nightmare Before Christmas, and all the decor resembled Halloween and Christmas together. And, all of it was stuff we already owned! The linens were provided by one of our suppliers, the AV was provided by our friends at Webb Audio Visual, and the food was potluck. We held the party at our warehouse in the carpet aisle, but you'd never know with all the decor. Can you believe how well we can transform a place?

When our warehouse was built, it was thought that the north side of the building could be leased out (forming the name "Lease Side"), but was quickly filled with props, stage sets, and many more fun things for our Special Events department. However, because of the original purpose, there was no door built between the Lease Side and our Expo Warehouse that stores all our chairs, tables, carpet, etc. At our Christmas party, we broke down the barrier between our Expo and Special Events departments... literally, with the target below.

I had my way with the wall too! The target you see above is now a 9'x9' opening!

The "POD" according to Anne Marie. We go everywhere together! I love these girls!

My Very First Tree

Last year, I purchased an artificial tree from Modern Display, anticipating a short employment and wanting to be sure I got the great employee discount. One year later, I still work at Modern Display. So, still hoping for a change in employment, I decided I would take advantage of my employee discount again and finally buy my ornaments. I'm so glad I did, because I love the way it looks!
[Side note: My roommate decided to go cut down a tree this year, so my tree purchase last year... still in a box, unopened.]

Here are some fun pictures from the lighting and decorating of the real, 12'H tree.

I let Cammie and Connie put the lights on it. I am too much of a perfectionist that I was getting super frustrated on the first branch. They were the right answer!

My version of "decorating the tree" (above)
vs.
Connie's version of "decorating the tree" (below)

Okay, this picture is actually from the Modern Tree Tour '08 that some friends from Modern Display and I went on this year. We all drew names for Secret Santa and as we visited each home to see how they decorated the tree, the person who's home it was gave their gift to the special person. It was so much fun!