Big News

My side of the story...

My story doesn't start as far back. The last time Lars left he said, "It won't be two weeks and I'll be back." However, knowing Lars and his knack for getting involved in a million things, I decided I wouldn't pressure him to know exactly when he would return.

Two days before he came to Omaha, I wondered what was keeping him. He only reported that he'd been shopping that day. He was finished grading; he was finished meeting with his advisers. To me it seemed that he was just hanging out in Champaign, shopping and playing with his friends. The next day, the same story. Shopping and playing with friends. It didn't make sense.

He finally came on Friday 12/21/07. During my lunch hour that day, we talked while he was driving. I teased him that his dad had given me more jewelry than he had. It was a not-so-subtle hint that my Christmas present better be something really nice (after all, I had just purchased a watch for him).

Lars arrived that night around 9 pm and came by to visit. We didn't get very much time together because I kept getting paged. Saturday I finished at the hospital around noon and went home. I was exhausted having been up most of the night with calls and admissions. I came home and Lars came over. I desperately needed to take a nap. I think Lars let me sleep for a couple hours before he started making lots of noise so I'd wake up. He turned on the radio and the TV and I think he started watching a movie on his laptop too. It was so noisy. "Fine, I'm up."

After my brief nap, Lars asked if I wanted to go to the temple.

"Well, I already went this week."
"That's OK, you can go again."
"Um, alright, I guess so."
"I'm really tired Lars."
"That's OK."
"I might sleep through the entire session."
"That's alright."
"Um, OK. Just don't judge me because I might just sleep."
"I won't."

In his defense, Lars asked if I was too tired or not feeling well enough to go out to dinner. I was feeling well enough to eat and thought that I could either eat at home or at a restaurant...what would you choose??? So, I did have a choice on the dinner, but not on the temple session.

We got ready to go to the temple. Lars seemed to be having a difficult time deciding which session to attend, partly due to my semi-strict observance of no-eating-after-7pm rule. We decided to go to dinner at the fancy Italian restaurant downtown (I really should have suspected something was up) and make it to the 7:30 pm session. However, due to my semi-delusional state from lack of sleep, I forgot my recommend and my temple clothing. After that, Lars realized that we wouldn't have time to go downtown for Italian food and still make the 7:30 pm session.

Inspiration must have struck and he yelled out "CREPES!" while we were driving. After trying to turn the wrong way onto a one way street, being yelled at by another driver and almost high-centering on a median, we turned around and headed to the cute little French cafe by my house. It really is a swankified place and I'd wanted to try it out for a while. We shared a salmon, spinach and cream cheese crepe. Mmmmmm. It was so yummy. Lars even ordered an appetizer as well as their specialty, pommes frites...oh and dessert (which we got to-go and didn't eat until the next day - but it was still very delicious).

We went to the temple and were even a few minutes early for the 7:30 pm session. After the session (through which I did NOT sleep), having had about 3 total hours of sleep in the last 40 hours, I was anxious to get home to my comfy, cozy bed. As soon as I walked into the Celestial room, I asked if we could go home. Lars said he needed to talk. He told me to go change but wait in the waiting room for him.

So, I did. He finally came and said he had asked the supervisor if we could talk in one of the small waiting rooms for some privacy. I wondered why we couldn't just talk while we were driving to my place - plenty of privacy in the car.

We went into the waiting room. I figured he wanted to address our relationship, where it was headed and set some goals or something; maybe even talk about ring shopping. Lars said that he wanted to tell me something but was afraid he might forget so had written it down in a letter. I read his sweet note which said some very nice things about me. It was signed "Your friend and future husband". It caught me off guard slightly but I was so tired, I didn't even think to react.

The next thing I heard was "I guess I better get on my knee for this." What?? I couldn't figure out what was going on. Then I heard, "Will you marry me?" Ummmmm........What do I say? We hadn't talked about marriage in a while. I was not ready for this at all. Unlike Lars (who had some time to prepare for this moment), I felt totally blown away and completely unprepared. This wasn't the way it was supposed to go. We were supposed to talk about it, go ring shopping together; I was supposed to have time to think and prepare for it. What should I say? If I say "yes", that's a serious commitment and I have to mean it. On the other hand, how could I be really certain this was the thing I was wanted to do? Lars was waiting for an answer and I knew I had to say something. The only thing I could come up with was, "Yes!" and it felt right. I think he was a little surprised and, quite frankly, so was I.

Then, Lars held up in his left hand a little flower ring.

"Sarah, I know we haven't been ring shopping yet. Will you take this one as a temporary token of our engagement?"

"No."

And then he waited and waited and waited. I enjoyed this part. I could tell he was a little shocked that I said "no". But, he just knelt there with that little pink flower ring in his hand waiting.

"OK, give it to me."

Lars smirked. I pulled the ring from his fingers and to it was attached a pink ribbon. I kept pulling and pulling. Attached to the other end of the ribbon was a very sparkle-licious ring. What!! He wasn't supposed to buy a ring without me. Again, I didn't know what to say and again, I wasn't at all prepared for this. He slipped the ring onto my finger and I gave him a hug. I couldn't help but look at it; it was so gorgeous. Then I started to realize what just happened. I couldn't hold the tears back and Lars, prepared for everything, handed me a hankie.

I know I asked Lars about a million times if he was sure he wanted to do this. He continued to reassure me that he was. I warned him that I'm a little crazy and may be difficult to live with.

I asked if he'd talked to my parents. He hadn't. I asked if he'd talked to his parents. Again, no. I told him I had to rescind my acceptance until he had permission from dad. Lars asked if he should call right away. I told him it was up to him but I couldn't give him a definite answer until he had permission.

We walked out of the temple and right away he tried to call dad, twice. Someone was on the other phone line and didn't answer. We started driving and about halfway Lars pulled over to call again. Mom answered this time and said that dad was over at uncle John's watching the BYU game. She said that she would have dad call him back as soon as he could.

About 11:30 pm (by now I'm dying of exhaustion) dad finally called Lars back. They talked while I was doing some laundry. I could see Lars pacing back and forth as he talked to mom and dad. After Lars finished talking with them, I asked to chat with them while Lars continued to pace. They both reiterated that although they had given permission, it was still my decision.

"Well, I have something to tell you. Lars has asked me to marry him and I said, 'Yes.'"

They were both very excited.

After we hung up, I turned to Lars and told him to call his parents. They needed to know too. I'm pretty sure he asked if he should just call in the morning. I rolled my eyes and he started dialing. As soon as he told them, his mom asked to talk to me.

"Congratulations Sarah! We just love you. So you actually said 'yes'?"
"I did"
"We're so excited for you. Here's Kiersten."

We finally hung up and think Lars was ready to phone the entire world to announce it. I, on the other hand, was ready for bed. He drove me home and with the goodnight hug, I looked at my ring again.

If you're interested to know the other side of this story, you can find it here.

Time flies!

And I'm not sure if it just flies because I'm having fun or because I'm busy or because I'm getting older or if it's actually passing at the same rate and I just remember less of it.

It has been a whole year and there is a lot that has happened. I guess it's a good thing I keep a journal too.

I spent September, October and November in Champaign, Illinois where I met a lot of great people. Let's see if I can name everyone from L to R: Dan, Bobert, Tiffany, Phil, Andrew, Holly, Alex V., Tom, Tina (in front), Joella, Me, Alex P., Lars and Matt.



Gloria Chemaly, my friend from medical school, was also there. We were both taking the review course and ended up lived together. We had fun but most importantly, we studied a lot.




This is my friend Tina. She was so amazing. Immediately we became best friends. I didn't have a car in Illinois and she was so willing to take me every where and even loaned me her car at times. Tina helped me to get involved in the ward and make life-long friends. She left for a mission to Puerto Rico in January and will be returning in July of 2008!

Also, in January, Gramps and Grammy returned home from their mission in England. It was such a great homecoming!




In February, Paula was sealed to her husband Reuben and their three children in the St. Louis Temple.


From L to R:
Brother Ratley, Elder Brown, Momma, Reuben, Brianna, Paula, Sister Ratley and Sister Someone else...

A Special Thank You

There is a reason I haven't updated this blog in a while. It is because I have been extremely busy studying for some big exams. I want to thank everyone that has been thinking of me and fasting for me. I know how much those prayers have helped and will continue to help me. I feel so blessed to have such a supportive family! You are all amazing.

Pictures From Spring Break

OK, so Ben took a million pictures during the fam's Spring Break. I think you should be able to click on the link/title of the post, save the zipped folder to your hard drive and unzip for all your viewing pleasure. I've put a few here for you to see.










Mom, Sharon, Me











Joseph on the rock climbing wall at Cabelas












Joe on the snowboarding dealie












A fun group at the Luddingtons










Jacob on the Climbing wall










Mom and Joe with painted faces











Jacob on the Snowboard dealie










Ben, Jacob and Joseph at the top of the Y











Dad, Addie and Hanny

The Glass is Half Full

Working in Oncology is totally different than I thought it would be. I imagined this dark specialty in which everyone was invariably depressed. SO DIFFERENT!!

I have seen new drugs that have cured cancers. People are living longer than in any time previous. The technology and research is so promising. Today we saw 8 patients with metastatic breast cancer; some to lung, liver, bone and brain. All of them are living well beyond what anyone would have thought imaginable even 10 years ago. Metastatic cancer used to be a 6 month death sentence. Not any more. The drugs/chemo/radiation available now can completely reverse and cure some of these metastases. It is amazing.

One of the Dr.'s I work with received an email with a link to this guy's web page. He has Multiple Myeloma which can be a very painful disease. However, despite the dismal diagnosis, he and some friends wrote this song. Here is someone who is trying to see the glass as half full.

Forget the Latinos...

I was trying to think of something funny to write about when my friend Stuart called. I have set him up with a couple of girls and he was telling me how he'd like to return the favor. Now Stuart works at the county jail. He's a social workers and provides therapy to the inmates. When he mentioned he wanted to return the favor we started joking that having a boyfriend that's in jail would have some benefits. He's widely known - especially if he's been on America's Most Wanted. He won't take up too much of my time. I can complete my residency before he completes his sentence and by that time he will have gained an education!

Offensive?

Becca showed me this - I thought some would like it, others would be offended. It's of a Michael Jackson impersonator -- except, he's a midget. I laughed.

My New Calling

Q: What do you get when you cross a hyperactive medical student with a ward that has a bunch of new people?

A: "Name Tag Nazi"

It's kind of funny because when they called me in to ask if I would do this, I laughed and laughed and laughed. I couldn't help it. I thought it was the funniest calling I had ever heard. (I did add the "Nazi" part to that.) The bishopric told me that they haven't been able to get anyone to do this for a while. The second they call someone, they go inactive. I told them that it is because the people are embarrased of their calling. Anyway, I accepted and have pretty much got it all arranged. The name tags are done and all I need to do is get to know everyone so I can make sure they are wearing theirs.

I was looking for a picture to add about name tag wearing and I found a site of a guy named Scott that has been wearing a name tag for 1951 days straight. Crazy, huh? You can see his blog here and his web site here. Quite an interesting fellow. He seems to have some good ideas. Check it out.

Crazy for Chocolate

So, I tried a new recipe today. Bec gave me this one for Molten Chocolate Cake. It is yummy!!! I will post the recipe so everyone can try it out. It's easy too.

4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (or 2/3 c. chips)
1/2 c. butter
1 c. powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
6 tbls flour

Melt chocolate and butter in micro for 1 min. Stir until melted. Add p. sugar until dissolved. Whisk in eggs and stir in flour. Put 1/3 c. (approx) in muffin tin (well-greased) and bake at 425 degrees for 12 min or until edges are done but center is soft. Serve with some Cool-Whip or ice cream. YUMMMMM.

Give it a try.

Wal-mart Woes

This weekend I went with a friend to a shopping place called Kohls. Now, I had been there once before and didn't really like it too much. Rebecca would like it because they have great sales and things are deeply discounted. I did like that their things were on sale and some sheets enticed me. They were 250 thread count (I know, top of the line!) 100% cotton for $20. I could use some new sheets so I picked them up and walked to the front of the store.

Although the store had 8 registers, only 2 were open and there were about 8 people in each line; each, of course, with carts full of discounted merchandise. I stood in line for about 4 minutes and found that I was getting more and more anxious. I finally couldn't stand it any longer (the lines weren't getting any shorter). I went to put the sheets away. My friend noticed that a new line was opening up but my mind was made up. How dare they have a store full of customers and not have more registers open?! I could not support a company that would do such a terrible thing.

That's when I realized something: That is exactly why I despise Wal-mart. Several people don't like the concrete walls or the distance you have to walk from one part of the store to another. None of those things bother me. I really don't mind walking 5 miles between housewares and milk. I truly couldn't care less about the walls (if they are really built out of concrete - which I doubt). But, I absolutely detest the lines at Big W. I see they have a million registers. Can't they open a few more? Are they that short on "associates"? I know I've seen some of their people standing around doing nothing. Surely one of them could be spared from THAT toiling labor to help expedite the purchasing process.

I feel better now.

Recent Advice

So Sunday night I went to "ward prayer." I was talking to one of my friends after that. He was telling me there are only three things girls need to do to get a date.

#1 - A girl should ALWAYS look her best. He claimed that even when a girl exercises she should look "hot." If a guy is willing to spend $100 on a date, a girl should be willing to spend that much on herself. I like that thinking as well!

#2 - A girl should ALWAYS be flirtatious. He said guys less likely to care what a girl looks like if she is fun and out-going. Touch, touch, touch. Not the floozie kind of way; just enough to let a guy know that you are interested.

#3 - A girl should be available. The number one mistake girls make is being in groups. Too often we go every where together. Be willing to be by yourself for a while. It's going to be o.k. A guy is a lot more likely to go and talk to one girl than a group of girls, not wanting to single one out.

So there you have it. Three simple rules for getting the guy. I guess I need to put some of this to practice. Most of you are probably thinking that I'm going to practice #1 but I feel I'm pretty good at that already. And, by the way, all this advice came from a 33 year old single guy...

Sunday Thoughts

Since I sent everyone my newsletter, I decided not to put the whole thing here again. I will just add a thought I had during SS today. We were studying Abraham 1 and 2 re: the Abrahamic covenant. I noted that in Ch. 2, one of the first things Abraham does is tell the lineage of his brother's wife. I wondered why that was important enough to make it into this book. My point of view is that they had to be selective about who they married. Lineage was important and often determined whether or not they could marry. If they were selective then, it's ok to be selective now isn't it?

For Openers

Hey everyone,

I decided to start a blog. I was getting such great comments from my emails that I thought everyone would love to read them. I read a little article about blogging and here I am.

I will be sending you the address to view this site. You can also receive an invitation if you'd like to join so that you, too, will be able to provide posts and upload photos. I think this is a fun idea to share things with everyone. Kind of an online family journal with pictures.