This is to be the first of many stream of conscious entries. Something about how my brain works... I have had many ideas for blog entries- for various reasons, but right now, none of them seem appropriate to write about tonight. So for what it's worth, here are the thoughts of the night.
Disappointment is difficult to process effectively regardless of the cause. I believe however, disappointment as a result of another's actions is among the more challenging causes to come to terms with. The helplessness and powerlessness to change the course of another's actions which inflict pain is universally awful. It is easy to get caught up in events that you have no control over and let it eat at you one piece at a time. I wish I understood why it is so much easier to dwell in the negative than the positive. And yet, we are instructed to have faith and trust in the Lord and everything will work out. Sounds easy... but the practical application is where the rubber hits the road. I wish to become someone who is able to experience life graciously and gratefully. Obtain qualities of true character. A line from the novel Les Mis- "If you are leaving that sorrowful place with hate and anger against men, you are worthy of compassion; if you leave it with goodwill, gentleness, and peace, you are better than any of us." I wonder... how much of the pain we have in life is a choice to hurt? Can we choose another way? Surely initial injury is painful- but do we nurse it along- feed it even? And what purpose does that serve? As a physical therapist I see many injuries and have learned a lot about the healing process. Physical and emotional pain are very similar. 1. Doing nothing and waiting for it to get better rarely works. 2. It isn't easy- it takes a conscious effort- work and sometimes more pain during the process. 3. Professional guidance can save a lot of time. 4. Enlisting the aid of the Divine goes a long way- (which may be the same as number 3). I can't tell you how many times I have prayed for inspiration to know how to help a patient. 5. It often takes longer than you think. 6. Set backs are normal and to be expected. 7. The freedom from injury is worth it in the end. The atonement of Christ promises us freedom from burdens- and yet I at times I choose to carry them along rather than entrust them to Him. I mean really- what is that all about? Please, let me carry pain, bitterness, fear... with me forever- I don't want to have freedom, joy, love and peace. And so I am back to my daffodils- it is hard to move forward when you can't see how it will all work out in the end and therefore- because I can't see it or understand it- I sit down in the middle of the road and refuse to move. Or perhaps at times I can see it and it looks too hard/ too much. Can I really trust I will make it and will it all be worth it in the end? I propose (even to myself) that it is all possible and worth it. We can't escape life without disappointment and pain- end of story. So, maybe I should be grateful for the opportunities disappoint give to learn how to change pain into joy. You cannot know joy until you have left sorrow. What more can one ask for in life than joy? Joy is the greatest quest of all.
Monday, March 31, 2008
I want to be a flapper!
I love having friends who throw a great party. Saturday night was a roaring 20's party- costumes encouraged. With the help of my roommates, I was transformed by a fabulous headdress (that I had to be sewn into). Loved the music, the costumes, and of course the people. Look below to get a taste of the time warp.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Daffodils and Hope
I know that in my profile I say I don't play favorites. But, if I learned anything in school- (especially chemistry) it is that there is always an exception to the rule. Spring is my favorite season.
My brother is a natural heater. He can heat a room by just sitting in it. In order for there to be balance in the universe, I was born the opposite. I am perpetually cold. One of my nicknames is naris fria (cold nose). Winter is usually difficult for me. (I am so thankful I was born in the age of heaters.) As a result, spring is a highly anticipated event- Spring means greater joy. More light, warmer days, green grass, and flowers. Walks outside, hikes in the canyons, and my sunroof open. I find myself smiling for no greater reason than feeling the warmth of the the sun on my face and looking at the clear blue sky.
Daffodils are heralds of spring and for me, a symbol of faith and hope. Every year I get nervous when I start to see my daffodils push through the ground. "Wait! It's too early". It is still January when I notice them and the world is in the clutches of winter with no relief in sight. But they know better than I. Spring is coming and in order to herald spring they have to start early with little sign of hope- only faith. As a result, they are blooming at the first signs of spring. I may fret over late snow storms and perpetual cold days but, when I see daffodils, I know that winter is ending.
I find a lot of wisdom in nature. Since my daffodils have bloomed this year, they have caused me to ponder and I have a lot to learn from them. God gives guidance and direction in life- I have heard His "voice" frequently in my life but, I do not always have the "faith of a daffodil". I want to wait until "spring" has surely arrived and not press through the "frozen ground in the midst of winter", even when God has given assurances that "spring is coming". But it is this very act that separates the daffodils and enables them to fulfill the measure of their creation.
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance(assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ having a perfect brightness of hope..."
I am grateful for daffodils and spring.
My brother is a natural heater. He can heat a room by just sitting in it. In order for there to be balance in the universe, I was born the opposite. I am perpetually cold. One of my nicknames is naris fria (cold nose). Winter is usually difficult for me. (I am so thankful I was born in the age of heaters.) As a result, spring is a highly anticipated event- Spring means greater joy. More light, warmer days, green grass, and flowers. Walks outside, hikes in the canyons, and my sunroof open. I find myself smiling for no greater reason than feeling the warmth of the the sun on my face and looking at the clear blue sky.
Daffodils are heralds of spring and for me, a symbol of faith and hope. Every year I get nervous when I start to see my daffodils push through the ground. "Wait! It's too early". It is still January when I notice them and the world is in the clutches of winter with no relief in sight. But they know better than I. Spring is coming and in order to herald spring they have to start early with little sign of hope- only faith. As a result, they are blooming at the first signs of spring. I may fret over late snow storms and perpetual cold days but, when I see daffodils, I know that winter is ending.
I find a lot of wisdom in nature. Since my daffodils have bloomed this year, they have caused me to ponder and I have a lot to learn from them. God gives guidance and direction in life- I have heard His "voice" frequently in my life but, I do not always have the "faith of a daffodil". I want to wait until "spring" has surely arrived and not press through the "frozen ground in the midst of winter", even when God has given assurances that "spring is coming". But it is this very act that separates the daffodils and enables them to fulfill the measure of their creation.
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance(assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ having a perfect brightness of hope..."
I am grateful for daffodils and spring.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Everyone Likes Pictures
Two Heathers
My Grandma got remarried at 82!
Siblings 
I waited over 20 years to have a sister- now I have 2 of the greatest! 
Heather Kenna McOmber My niece and namesake
My Parents (and Heather Kenna)
One day my mom will learn how to smile for the camera =)
What are the odds...
I thought I would take a moment and explain the title of my blog. Everyone in life has experienced a moment where they were left thinking- "what are the odds?". It seems to me that I am a magnetic force for attracting such events, especially this last year. So much so that I had a friend comment how much she "loves my life" because these events occur so frequently. Entertainment for others, but frequently distress for me. Years ago, Andrea and I coined the term "strange dilemma" to describe- well- strange dilemma's that always seemed to come along my way. A few weeks ago I decided that my autobiography should be entitled What are the Odds. Unless a significant change in character happens (I am not a writer) I doubt that book will ever happen- so it seemed fitting that my blog take the title. I hope that over time the blog may document this "gift" or "power" I possess. I truly wish I had started documenting these things a long time ago because in the end- when all is said and done- it really is rather entertaining.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I have arrived!
It's offical- with this blog site I have entered the 21st Century and like most technological things only 5-10 years behind. For example- started emailing right after graduation from high school and aside from email, my first time on the internet was in college. I am just old enough that I may have been behind in the craze but not so far behind as to be pathetic. I am not sure how much I will actually use this blog but I hope that it grows on me with time.
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