Sunday, February 3, 2019

My 28 Mantras


1. Accentuate the positive
2. Say "Yes" whenever possible
3. People are generally good and more like you than not 
4. Always be honest because the truth will out
5. God is the best Dad 
6. Grudges aren't worth it 
7. With God, all things will be fair and there will be wonderful surprises
8. Always go back to what you know
9. Help however and whenever you can
10. There is always a choice
11. Pick up the child before picking up the mess
12. You can always start over
13. Give flowers to the living
14. Be kind and have courage to keep hoping on
15.  No matter what you've done, you can always come back home
16. You might as well be believing
17. Be enchanted 
18. It doesn't hurt to ask
19. Bear witness to your feelings and other's
20. Do what you love and love what you do 
21. Don't hold back joy 
22. Be so kind that people would have to be fools not to like you
23. Falling in love is worth the risk of falling apart 
24. You can learn anything if you're willing to take the time 
25. Listen to your body 
26. Oxytocin, Empathy, Sleep, and Exercise = the remedy for most ailments 
27. Let us reason together 
28. Beauty requires attentiveness 



Monday, May 21, 2018

Morning Glow: Wake Up Slow

I have a secret pleasure--waking up slowly. It's my term for waking up without any alarm and without any need to rush out of bed. I love it. This might surprise you since I am a go getter with a productivity complex. But despite the fact that I'm not someone who has a difficult time waking up, and that I never press the snooze button (I didn't even know the purpose of said button until College), I love wasting time in bed. I get up when I need to get up, but when I don't NEED to get up, I sometimes just don't.

There's something about the stillness of morning air, the birds singing, the sun beams filling a room up with the radiance of light, and the recognition of my body wrapped in cotton sheets and fluffy down. It's my thinking time. It's my dreaming time. It's my planning time. It's my cuddle time. 

I wonder if this love of morning moments might have stemmed from the many mornings as a kid when I would sneak into my parents' bedroom and crawl in bed with my mom. We'd cuddle together and both fall back asleep. 

The romantic in me wants to believe that these morning moments are even better when shared with another person. That someone's head on this empty pillow and another pair of feet twisting in and out of the comforter might make these moments glimmer even more. The realist in me knows that sometimes people don't like to be cuddled, don't like to be washed over with another's body heat, don't like to be still when so much is calling them out and about, don't like to pillow talk, and don't wake up at the same time without an alarm clock. I realize that, more often than not, I might keep these morning moments to myself and for myself. 

But, there's just something about it. 




Monday, May 14, 2018

What Once Was Lost


I don't tend to lose things. I rarely misplace them. Honestly, I am that person who notices when something is slightly out of place. (Making it difficult for anyone to throw me a surprise party, or sneak into my room to borrow a shirt without my knowing). But, I've fallen into a strange pattern of losing things.

#1. My Driver's License: Fell out of my pocket trick or treating with my nephews. I was pretty certain it ended up in a kid's bag to be used as a play credit card.

#2. My Gold Pearl Necklace (given to me by my father): Placed in a storage bin before my Shakespearean Themed Birthday party, completely gone after it--I feared it accidentally made its way out with the trash.

#3. My Cell Phone: After texting an "I'm about to board the plane" text, my phone somehow stayed behind at the SLC airport while I traveled on to Chicago. If there is one place I don't expect to find a lost phone again, it is an airport.

#4 My Claddagh Ring: I never used to wear rings, but for the last few years, I have adopted the habit of wearing this ring nearly every day. It's my signature, my status, my conversation starter, my comfort, and my favorite ring. Ever since I was a little girl admiring my cousin's claddagh ring, I wanted one. During a trip to Jamestown, as a teenager, I finally found it. And I must say, after traveling through Ireland and Scotland, I can tell you that my claddagh is the best one out there. Hence, my complete sadness when I discovered that it wasn't on my finger the other day. I knew I'd put it on that morning, but had zero recollection of ever taking it off.


In each of these instances, I found myself cycling through puzzlement, determination, resignation, and restitution. There were fears: lost identity, lost memory, lost security, lost comfort. And there were questions: Is humanity inherently good? Are misplaced items actually lost? What part of the brain stores the memory of where I put that necklace? I reached out to everyone I could think of for help, to put our brains together, to unite our collective memories and find the objects. I prayed-- A lot. Prayed to be able to remember where I put that necklace, that if someone found my ID and my Phone that they might be a good person who would want to restore it to me. In the end, I always ended up at the place of resignation: the acceptance that things are things, that life would go on without even the seemingly important things, that I could replace my ID and Phone, that my father wasn't in a necklace, and that my identity wasn't in a ring. I'd go on without them.

But, then, all that was lost was returned.

#1. When I went to the DMV to apply for a new ID, someone had turned my old one in the day before.
#2. When I got up off my praying knees, I thought to check a hidden compartment in my purse. I had dumped that purse out before, but this time--the necklace was there.
#3. Someone found my phone and turned it in to the airport Lost and Found. My friend called in and made sure the phone stayed safely at the SLC baggage claim until I returned.
#4. My niece found my ring sitting by the couch where I had been napping the day before. I must have taken it off in my sleep, or just before I went to sleep.

I'm writing this post because I believe there's something I'm supposed to learn here. No, it's not that I won't lose anything, or that every time I pray to find something, I do. In fact, before I lost the Driver's License, I lost my house key while on a run. I prayed loudly to be able to find that and I never did. It is something else...something along the lines of recognizing what's important and what is not. Something about discovering that God knows where lost items are, but most importantly, he knows the whereabouts of each lost person. Something about learning to utilize my intellect, my assets, and fellow humans, to find those that are lost. Something about cherishing the lost and found, the second chances, and miracles. Something.



Saturday, January 6, 2018

2017 Year In Review

A year ago, I was unsteady and uncertain about embarking into 2017. You can read all about it here. But this year has been more than I ever expected.

India
I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to India for my friend's wedding. It feels like a strange dream now, but it happened and I wrote about some of it here. My favorite experience was celebrating with Aarti and Deepak and discovering Hindu wedding rituals. The amount of love and generosity we received from Aarti's family was remarkable. It was also a great adventure to be back together with my 7 roommates from college. 24 hour plane rides can't stop us! 

New York / Connecticut / DC 
After the most stressful semester of my existence so far, Andrea and I decided to take a break on the East Coast. We walked and ate our way through two of the best cities stopping at every art museum along the way. 


Moab / Mesa Verde 
Tammy, Grace, Mom, and I ventured down south for some hiking. Some of my favorite moments were back bending with Grace in front of an arch and cheering my mom on as she maneuvered her way through tunnels and up ladders at Mesa Verde.
 


Chicago/ Michigan 
2017 marks my first time to the Windy City, and you know what? I really liked it. Chicago has a feel all its own. I especially loved the Art Institute. However, I also loved being in Michigan to celebrate my cousin's wedding.

St. George 
Thanks to the Hales for buying a beautiful property in St. George, we had the chance to spend some time in St. George this year. I've discovered a new appreciation for that city of red plateaus. I especially enjoy swimming with the kids and hiking around Snow Canyon. 

San Diego
2017 also marked the first year for our Thorup family reunion. We settled on San Diego because we love the beach and because my dad loved San Diego. Between Sea World, Lego Land, and the San Diego Zoo, we were constantly on the go. However, we made sure to have a few beach days for building sand castles and boogie boarding. We began the first Thorup family Boogie boarding school for all the little ones. They did great! 

Shakespeare Festival 
I discovered the Student Pass at the Utah Shakespeare Festival this year--it is a total steal. It also just so happened to be the year As You Like It was being performed, which is the play featured most prominently in my Thesis.  

Defending my Thesis 
I successfully defended my Thesis this year! According to my committee, it was one of the most enjoyable thesis defenses they've ever attended at BYU. I feel like I've actually accomplished something i'm proud of, that I could claim as a contribution to society, even though I know that likely no one will read it. 

Applying to PhD programs
The end of this year has been filled and flustered by PhD applications. I never intended to go to a PhD program. I'm surprised by the possibility. However, there is something inside of me pushing me to do it. It just feels like I'm supposed to try. So...I'm going to try. I've applied to 8 schools. Cross your fingers for good news in 2018! 

New Babies 
We welcomed two new little ones into our family this year: James Wise Thorup on Oct 31st and Harrison Robert Thorup on December 21st!

Bravery 
I tried some new things this year: I took a contemporary dance class, I started Bikrum Yoga (more affectionately known as Hot Yoga), and I attempted to be more brave with my heart. Even though that hurt more often than not, it somehow healed a lot of the ache. Explain that one to me! 




But amidst all of these adventures there are always the simple pleasures of the every day: teaching, writing, reading, laughing with friends, spending time with family, etc. It's a good life.

So here's to 2018. I'm feeling pretty good about you, so please don't disappoint ;-) 

Eating My Way Through The Big Apple: A Food Diary

After many requests following my Instagram post in NYC, I've decided to give you my Manhattan Menu. Enjoy!
Chelsea Market
Tacos No. 1: 
Carne Asada & Pollo


L'Arte Gelato:
(not pictured) Pistachio + Vanilla


Downtown 
Flavors + Hot Dog Stand 
(not pictured) Fruit Cup, Rosemary and Olive Oil Potato Chips, Black and White Cookie, and Hot Dog with Ketchup

Little Italy 
Ferrara's Bakery 
Canoli (eaten too fast to be pictured) and Lobster Tail

Brooklyn 
Grimaldi's 
Small Pizza + Italian Sausage

Uptown 
Sarabeth's 
Buttermilk Pancakes, Basket of Muffins, Farmer's Omelette

Levain Bakery 
(not pictured) Chocolate Chip Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Thomas St. Barista 
Poached Egg over Avocado Toast, Fresh Squeeze OJ, and Oatmeal

Mid-Town 
Whole Foods 
A smattering of hot and cold foods eaten as a picnic in Bryant Park (not pictured) 

Eataly 
Spaghetti and Arugula Salad






Sunday, July 9, 2017

20 Reasons I'm Still Single...according to everyone else

Page from my 2016-2017 planner 
1. I'm too tall
2. I'm too smart
3. I'm too intimidating
4. I'm too picky
5. I'm too liberal
6. I still want to get married in the Temple
7. I'm considering a PhD program
8. I'm not social enough
9. I spend too much time with my family and friends
10. I'm too independent
11. I act like I'm already married
12. I don't play hard to get
13. My type tends to land somewhere between 1 and 2 on the Kinsey Scale
14. I don't stay put long enough
15. I am too busy
16. I don't give guys a chance
17. I am afraid of getting hurt
18. I am afraid of having a relationship actually work
19. My body isn't symmetrical
20. Boys are stupid

Sunday, July 2, 2017

Everything I never Wanted to Be

I flew to India in late January to attend the wedding of one of my dearest friends. Before arriving, I had been told to prepare for an assault to the senses. I thought I was prepared for the smells, the colors, the sounds, the tastes, etc. However, what I wasn't prepared for was the way India would show me my own inhumanity.

The wedding was spectacular! Truly, it was a once in a lifetime experience being part of an Indian wedding. I will likely never again attend a wedding ceremony in the middle of the night, nor feel as glamorous as I did wearing my Sarees. During this time, we were showed endless hospitality and generosity by the bride's family. It is something I will never forget.

I will also never forget the people of India, especially the children. The first day we arrived in Hyderabad, we ventured out to one of the famous forts. While there, fifteen people asked to take my picture (and I'm certain many took a picture without asking). Even though I was wearing typical Indian clothing (lent to me by my friend), as a 5 foot 8 inch tall, blonde, curly haired, blue-eyed, extremely pale, american female, I was conspicuous--to say the least.

As someone who doesn't typically turn heads in a room, the attention was flattering. Women wanted their children to be in photos with me, calling me beautiful. I imagined what would happen to these photos--"here, look at this american I saw today!" I hoped none of them ended up in scrapbooks or framed on walls because I don't feel that I deserve that kind of attention as a complete stranger. Still, feeling like a movie star was flattering. Though, it also quickly became tiring. I couldn't go on tours without being stopped by someone. While I began the trip eagerly accepting to take photos with these strangers, I ended it coarsely and curtly answering, "No."

India's overstimulation wore me down and closed me up over the 10 days. On the streets, especially in the markets, I could not walk without being prodded. If it wasn't someone wanting a photo, it's someone begging me to look at their wares, step into their shop, take their tour, buy their trinkets, feed their child, etc. The thing is, I know it isn't with mal intent, it's just business. They need money, and I might have it. Even if I say, "No, I am not interested," maybe I could be persuaded, or worn down enough to give in. I understand. But, there was little let-up and it soon took a toll on me.

I was worn down, but not in the way they wanted. I wasn't warming up, I was just turning off. I soon mastered the art of putting my sunglasses on, looking straight ahead, and walking. (If I don't acknowledge them, maybe they'll go away?) I became coarse, hard, admonishing men for heckling me and hiding my face from children in need. I, literally, turned my back on humanity.

I wasn't ignorant of it. I noticed this creeping coarseness and attempted to combat it early on. Maybe if I never have cash on me, then I can tell these kids I don't have any money, and they will move on to someone better? (This sometimes worked....most of the time they didn't believe me. It was "No" = "try harder.")

OR if I can't offer them money, maybe I could at least offer them a smile, some human connection to remind them that they matter and are still a someone sharing this planet with me? I tried.

One little girl followed me for about 7 minutes asking me to buy an elephant keychain. I told her I wasn't going to buy anything. (didn't work). I told her I didn't have any money. (didn't work). So, I asked her what her name was. She answered while still pushing these keychains at me, telling me they were a good price. I agreed with her and told her my name. I said I was from America and that I was a teacher. I asked her if she went to school. She said she did--a bit defensively--and then lowered her price. But, as I tried to keep talking with her, it became apparent that she did not want to converse with me. She wanted me to buy these keychains, that is all.

You've maybe heard about the slumdogs in India, and you might know about how the money they earn rarely goes to helping the actual kids. I knew about this too, and while I wanted to help them, desperately wanted to save each one--I knew that nothing I did was going to be enough. Even my money wouldn't help these people.

When our car was parked--or stalled at an intersection--women and children would tap on the windows to get us to look at them. I will never forget the toddler's face covered in flies and the woman carrying her. They'd motion their hands toward their mouths, begging us for money, food...human kindness. Instead, I had to look away. Once, or twice, I even ducked in my seat, knowing that if they couldn't see me, they wouldn't tap on the window. I didn't know what else to do. I just couldn't keep looking at them and not helping them, so I ran away.

Humanity's ever present need just pulled at me. It made me tired. It made me numb. It made me realize that it would be easier and less emotionally taxing if I just didn't engage. And that realization, scared me to death. I was becoming everything I never wanted to be.

As I rested my head on the back seat of the car, wondering if the young boy would disappear, Ingrid Michaelson's lyrics popped into my head:

"People are dying, I close my blinds. All that I know is I'm breathing now. I want to change the world, instead I sleep. I want to believe in more than you and me. But, all that I know is I'm breathing. All I can do is keep breathing."