T is for Twizzling.

In case you were wondering, I'm still grateful for things.

Twizzle

\twi'z-'l\, noun:

1. a subtle touch that signifies more than friendship

2. may be manifested through a hand nuzzle, particularly to the elbow region, or a finger scratch, particularly to one's knee cap.

3. an action often involving a foam finger* and/or face-to-foam contact.

verb:

1. to administer a twizzle to another person

*(specifically, this foam finger)

But really it's one of those things you just know when you see/experience it (like skittling maybe).

I don't really know how to define it.

I just know I'm grateful for it.

let it Snow!

One of my least favorite things in the world (besides waiting in lines) is being cold.

However, I do love the snow. At least while it is falling in those big, fatty flakes I can catch on my tongue and when it is still fresh and good to play in.

Things snow is good for:

Snowmobiling.

up to Lightning Peak

Building snowmen.

Most recently, with the sisters. Building a snowman that looks like Dad's passport photo.

Skiing.

I ski these days. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm a skiier, but...ok, maybe I will. I'm a skiier. Just not a good one. That would be Janna.

I figured I've lived in Utah for 7 years now, I may as well learn how to ski. Especially while I can take the class through BYU. Being a student is awesome. Anyway, such a good decision. I'm starting to get a glimpse of why people want to become ski bums.

And I find myself wishing it wasn't so warm for February (what has happened to me?) and wishing it would snow a foot. Or two. Quebes, does your rain dance work for snow?

And of course,

Battle sledding.

Changed my life. And changed the shape of my leg for about a year. Don't worry. That bump is 99% gone now. Thank you Logan and Klompers for a memorable snow season 2008.

RRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

As some good friends have often said, the time for thinking is over; the time for action is now.

So I will stop thinking about what I will post for the letter R and start posting.

I'm grateful for Repentance. Contrary to what I used to think as a kid, repentance is not a punishment; it's a blessing. By not repenting, we are only punishing ourselves, denying ourselves of blessings that God is just waiting to pour out upon us.

I loved Elder Andersen's talk in the last General Conference about repentance.

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to 're-turn' toward God."

It's hard and it can be scary. And it's sometimes hard for me to remember that the Lord already knows how I feel, because He's already been there, for me (see A). And it's only through repentance that I will be able to be healed and be encircled in the arms of my Savior's love, which sounds pretty good to me.

So I'm going to go ahead and say it: worth it.