Is it just me or...

do manatees look like the farthest thing from the attractive female mermaid we've grown to know? I don't know about you, I like hips...but I would have to be slobbering drunk to think a gray thing the size of a boat is in ANY way feminine.

Some nights I do my own thing and sleep when I'm tired. And in doing so, I actually convince myself I may not have some weird sleep disorder. Then, my husband gets on a regular sleeping schedule for his new job and he's stumbling. I'm at my prime of the night, and he looks like he's drunk because he's seriously exhausted. Not to mention the fact that after a few minutes in bed I hear snoring. I have to lay in bed at least an hour before I can get to sleep. I'd have to have woken up really early, like sunrise, and had a full day, think: theme park, AND...no that would put me to sleep. But how often does the average person have such a busy day? It's been a while.

I digress, because President Uchtdorf counseled not to compare your weaknesses to others' strengths. A fact my darling, extremely HOT (temperature wise...like a furnace) husband enjoys reminding me. So I'll point out a few things I think I'm pretty good at.

Acquiring new skills. I'm constantly trying new things, and I consider a new craft a type of adventure that normally lasts a few hours. I'm always pleased when I succeed, because it's practically instant! For example, today I trimmed Julia's hair. It was even too! Pat on back check.

I love being able to appreciate you. Yes, you. I've discovered that religion, gender, interests, and hobbies are things I don't have to have in common to love people for. The only reason I may not like someone, is if they are rude to me first and always. Even then, I'll most likely forgive you if you take me out to lunch (your tab of course). I learned this wonderful trait from my one and only mother. There was a kid in school I didn't talk to much, and he was well....not my crowd. Black clothing head to toe, wallet chain, and he had a tongue ring he told me was for dirty things. That really grossed me out, but he respected that I didn't want to hear about it and never brought up subjects to me again. One day he was after school and he obviously didn't have a ride home. I was staying after for something, and I remembered him mentioning once that he lived near me. Needless to say when he got out of the truck and waved bye my mom turned to me and said, "I love how diverse all your friends are." What kind of mother would condone THAT friendship. Apparently one who knew I wasn't going to follow blindly into a festival of weed, or a drinking party. But she supported that I was nice to everyone who was willing to give me a chance.

Honestly, at the moment those are my only two notable gifts/talents that I'm proud of. That last one, obviously, being my favorite. But I'd also like to point out to my friends that I am truly blessed to have each and every one of you . You all provide something unique and all of you uplift and support me. Whether it's the never ending text chat, swooning over Channing Tatum and wishing we could dance, listening to your baby bump and telling you your shirt squeaks, or responding to random facebook messages, you are all loved and appreciated greatly. I'm 100% sure I'd be depressed if I didn't have all you guys. That was dramatic...but possibly (slightly) true. 

And Katherine, we'll keep ya'll in our prayers until you, Josh, and Lucas are home safe and sound. I won't even visit until he is old enough to get vaccines because I would be devastated if I got Lucas sick. And...you'll still probably get flowers....forget I said that (Jedi mind hand movement)

I think getting up at 8am, while being wide awake at 2am...is a problem. Well...back to the drawing board.

-Heather Rand.