Panda, movies and thanks

So Shane and I went to Panda Express last week. He is a good man but sending him into a restaurant he has never been in makes him nervous. I think its cute but he would say differently. Anyway, we then went to see a movie and I am a huge fan of Denzel Washington for a few reasons: he is nice looking, he is older and gets more handsome, he picks good roles AND he makes some good movie rolls...although this one was bloody and a bit violent it was worth it for me.

Speaking of movies have you ever wondered why movies are made when they are? Right now I have noticed that there is a long list of movies which have some reference to good and evil, Bible (whether you agree with the premise of the movie or not) Fight for freedom...something along those lines. It is interesting that at this time we are making movies which show us that we are (as a collective) fighting against some sort of bad guy or evil. It really is quite fascinating that we as a consumer public are looking for escape in having someone be the hero, the fighter, the stand up guy. What are we afraid of, fighting against in our world or perhaps loosing touch with that we need a constant reminder from the Studio Executives?

Well brings me to my next point. I had an awesome discussion with my sister a week or so ago about the frustration of death. She has experienced the death of our mother, brother and sadly her beautiful child. She has always been a rock of awesome for me, but as we sat and talked i realized that we have depended on each other more than we both had realized. She is the one I went to when I was in a situation where I needed confirmation of myself (she was a teenager at the time) She is the one I talked to when our brother died. We figured out most of the funeral service together. She is an amazing person and is an Atheist. I totally respect her way of life. She is an amazing mother, wife, sister and daughter. She has given me a different view of life as I am a Latter-day Saint. I know she disagrees with me and my views, standards, religiosity (is that a word), but I am so grateful to have her in my life. I dont try to push anything on her, if i step over bounds she tells me. It is glorious to have her in my life.

General Conference was this last weekend and one talk stated that we as Latter-day Saints need to be more open, loving, kind and understanding of others and how they feel about us. I would like to think that I am open and loving to all whom i meet. Some of my good friends are not members of any faith, different faiths, gay/lesbian/transgendered, and just plain could care less what i believe in. I love them all. I have friends all the way from High School who are understanding an kind with me as well. I love having discussions with them. I am so grateful for their understanding of me.

Back to the quote at the top...life is full of trials, frustrations, irritations and plain old crap. Piles and piles of crap! It is so hard to keep going sometimes. One friend i have made over the past week is a lovely woman from work. She is not a public speaker but got up in front everyone in our company including on a webex seminar to tell everyone about her life(over 200-300 people). I was so touched by her frankness and love for her family. She has 3 daughters who all have some ailment which she carefully watches and dutifully takes care of. Yet depression grasps her often and she has to struggle through it. I feel a kinship to her, she is wonderful and kind...frankly amazing. Yet she endures, pushes forward loves all....

The reward of life is having a group of people, family, friends who will be with you through all of it.
I think of my sister, my friends (near and far), the people who are my family who love me and accept me through it all. I have found a way to love and accept all those who come across my path...to still be myself and I know they are always there when I need a break and have to figure crap out.

So to all those who look at this blog for funny me...not today
Just a few thoughts on life, i am not that philosophical but if you read this know in some way if i know you i probably think you are pretty great, no matter what/who you are! You all help to shape me, mold me to become better, kinder, more comfortable in myself and when i need a break you are there to welcome me back...thank you, thank you so much