Haiku On You

Happy National Haiku Poetry Day!

                                       I see few presents,

                                       and still the tree is lit.

                                       Typical Booth home

We have a lovely little tradition in our home, one that all of us Booths hold dear to our hearts. Note the sarcasm. Every year, it just so happens that for weeks the only presents under the tree are those from extended family - grandparents, old neighbors, etc. Meanwhile we gather gifts for one another and store them in oh-so-secret places. Then, on Christmas Eve, we will begin to wrap those presents that are hidden under our beds and buried in our closets. Eventually, those last-minute gifts find their way to our plastic pine, and all is well.

Merry Almost-Christmas!

Life is good.

Gavin is here! It is fun to have my big brother again - especially since he hasn't visited home since last year. We haven't had much opportunity to catch up, but that's what Christmas break is for.

"I'm Dorothy, the Small and Weak."

Jeez, low confidence much? This girl needs a self-esteem boost.

When the gang is in front of the Wizard, I'm surprised that their teeth don't fall out from how hard they are shaking.

What wimps.

xoxo,
McCall

Happy National Haiku Poetry Day!

                                       I see few presents,

                                       and still the tree is lit.

                                       Typical Booth home

We have a lovely little tradition in our home, one that all of us Booths hold dear to our hearts. Note the sarcasm. Every year, it just so happens that for weeks the only presents under the tree are those from extended family - grandparents, old neighbors, etc. Meanwhile we gather gifts for one another and store them in oh-so-secret places. Then, on Christmas Eve, we will begin to wrap those presents that are hidden under our beds and buried in our closets. Eventually, those last-minute gifts find their way to our plastic pine, and all is well.

Merry Almost-Christmas!

Life is good.

Gavin is here! It is fun to have my big brother again - especially since he hasn't visited home since last year. We haven't had much opportunity to catch up, but that's what Christmas break is for.

"I'm Dorothy, the Small and Weak."

Jeez, low confidence much? This girl needs a self-esteem boost.

When the gang is in front of the Wizard, I'm surprised that their teeth don't fall out from how hard they are shaking.

What wimps.

xoxo,
McCall

It's Never Too Late

Happy National Noodle-Ring Day!

Don't restrict yourself. Most opposition come from within.

Never say never. That word is filthier than double-choco-chip cookies.

Do the impossible, and know that God is with you every step of the way.

You can truly do anything you set your mind to. I am going to be able to do the splits. I am going to write a novel. I am going to start a company. I am going to be an optimist. I am going to drink a gallon of milk in one day. Whatever you desire, know that it is possible when you set your mind to it, and put forth all of your effort.

Never worry about how long something might take to accomplish. Time will pass no matter what you do, but time well spent is worth its weight in gold.

Don't end your time on earth with any regrets. Face our Father in Heaven and say "I accomplished above and beyond what was expected. I lived my life to the fullest, I took advantage of this precious gift you have given me. Thank you for my opportunities, and know I did it all for you."

How amazing will that feel?

xoxo,

McCall

Happy National Noodle-Ring Day!

Don't restrict yourself. Most opposition come from within.

Never say never. That word is filthier than double-choco-chip cookies.

Do the impossible, and know that God is with you every step of the way.

You can truly do anything you set your mind to. I am going to be able to do the splits. I am going to write a novel. I am going to start a company. I am going to be an optimist. I am going to drink a gallon of milk in one day. Whatever you desire, know that it is possible when you set your mind to it, and put forth all of your effort.

Never worry about how long something might take to accomplish. Time will pass no matter what you do, but time well spent is worth its weight in gold.

Don't end your time on earth with any regrets. Face our Father in Heaven and say "I accomplished above and beyond what was expected. I lived my life to the fullest, I took advantage of this precious gift you have given me. Thank you for my opportunities, and know I did it all for you."

How amazing will that feel?

xoxo,

McCall

Secret-Stache-Of-Secrets

Happy Dewey Decimal System Day!

Only two weeks until Christmas break! And that, you see, means only two weeks of pretending.

Yes, you heard me, (read me?) pretending.

I have learned from past experience that in the weeks leading up to a major event, such as Christmas break, many students become restless, reckless, and the value in schoolwork takes a plunging nosedive. Then there is me: experiencing the same emotions, but feeling the need to cut the faculty some slack and at least appear to be even slightly enthused by their busywork.

-     -     -

I am a firm believer in magic. How else does my hair suddenly become a stunning, enviable work of art seconds before I must take a shower? Or how does the chocolate keep disappearing from the secret-stache-of-secrets that only I know about?

Crazy stuff. Must be magic.

Just kidding.

I don't have a secret stache.

Phooey.

xoxo,
McCall

Happy Dewey Decimal System Day!

Only two weeks until Christmas break! And that, you see, means only two weeks of pretending.

Yes, you heard me, (read me?) pretending.

I have learned from past experience that in the weeks leading up to a major event, such as Christmas break, many students become restless, reckless, and the value in schoolwork takes a plunging nosedive. Then there is me: experiencing the same emotions, but feeling the need to cut the faculty some slack and at least appear to be even slightly enthused by their busywork.

-     -     -

I am a firm believer in magic. How else does my hair suddenly become a stunning, enviable work of art seconds before I must take a shower? Or how does the chocolate keep disappearing from the secret-stache-of-secrets that only I know about?

Crazy stuff. Must be magic.

Just kidding.

I don't have a secret stache.

Phooey.

xoxo,
McCall

Puerto Rican Children

Happy International Anti-corruption Day!

• 
  
• Me: Hey, I like your shirt.
• Them: Thanks, I got it for seventy dollars at a department store.
• Me: Really? Because for seventy dollars at Burlington, I got the same shirt, three lamps, cashmere underwear, a golden retriever and two puerto rican children

Ohmyheck I cannot stop laughing at this.

You're welcome my lovelies.

I love how popular blogging is now. How wonderful is it that incredibly talented people have a place to share what they know, in a way that some chick in Minnesota can access? Gah, I love it so much. Funny bloggers, witty bloggers, cook-savvy bloggers, designer bloggers, I just eat em all up!

As for me, I just blog because I hate journaling and I view this as a substitute.

Well, a work in progress. I need to actually post about my life for it to count as a diary.

xoxo,

McCall

Happy International Anti-corruption Day!

• 
  
• Me: Hey, I like your shirt.
• Them: Thanks, I got it for seventy dollars at a department store.
• Me: Really? Because for seventy dollars at Burlington, I got the same shirt, three lamps, cashmere underwear, a golden retriever and two puerto rican children

Ohmyheck I cannot stop laughing at this.

You're welcome my lovelies.

I love how popular blogging is now. How wonderful is it that incredibly talented people have a place to share what they know, in a way that some chick in Minnesota can access? Gah, I love it so much. Funny bloggers, witty bloggers, cook-savvy bloggers, designer bloggers, I just eat em all up!

As for me, I just blog because I hate journaling and I view this as a substitute.

Well, a work in progress. I need to actually post about my life for it to count as a diary.

xoxo,

McCall

Merry-Almost-Christmas Part I

Happy National Gazpacho Day!

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as “Holiday Trees” for the first time this 

year which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein, to present this piece which I would like to share with you. I think it applies just as much to many countries as it does to America . . .

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejewelled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crib, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

I am not sure whether or not this quote is actually by Stein, but regardless, I love it. I feel that many people in our country really don't feel intimidated by the holidays, traditions, and ceremonies that are practiced by other religions, and it is just the fear of insulting someone that is the true cause of the bullying religion is receiving.

That and the steady decline the world has faced in spirituality. 

Ignoring that, Merry-Almost-Christmas!

I happen to be super excited for this year, seeing as it is one of the last guaranteed times I will be celebrating at home.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

I want to have in my future home:

• Decorating the tree/house
• Baking several times each week and then delivering the goodies
• Everyone write letters to Santa
• Going on a drive and viewing Christmas lights
• Candlelight Christmas Eve Dinner
• Christmas day spent in pajamas
• Volunteering
• TONS of pictures

Hey.

So basically, I can't remember many of the ideas I had previously. I will just add some more when I can think clearly :)

xoxo

McCall

Happy National Gazpacho Day!

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as “Holiday Trees” for the first time this 

year which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein, to present this piece which I would like to share with you. I think it applies just as much to many countries as it does to America . . .

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejewelled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crib, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

I am not sure whether or not this quote is actually by Stein, but regardless, I love it. I feel that many people in our country really don't feel intimidated by the holidays, traditions, and ceremonies that are practiced by other religions, and it is just the fear of insulting someone that is the true cause of the bullying religion is receiving.

That and the steady decline the world has faced in spirituality. 

Ignoring that, Merry-Almost-Christmas!

I happen to be super excited for this year, seeing as it is one of the last guaranteed times I will be celebrating at home.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

I want to have in my future home:

• Decorating the tree/house
• Baking several times each week and then delivering the goodies
• Everyone write letters to Santa
• Going on a drive and viewing Christmas lights
• Candlelight Christmas Eve Dinner
• Christmas day spent in pajamas
• Volunteering
• TONS of pictures

Hey.

So basically, I can't remember many of the ideas I had previously. I will just add some more when I can think clearly :)

xoxo

McCall

Al Calpone

Happy Let's Hug Day!

xoxo,

McCall

Happy Let's Hug Day!

xoxo,

McCall

Make a Wish

Happy National Fritters Day!

Last week, I was asked this question: If the Savior was willing to give you anything, what would you ask for? Some people in my class answered they wanted eternal life, similar to what the apostles wanted in 3 Nephi 28:2, while some cheekily mentioned the ability to fly or to control things telepathically.

What would you ask for?

I think I would first ask for more time to answer the question, because I would want to make sure I answered correctly. Should I ask for blessings on my posterity? Wisdom like Solomon? To enter speedily into His kingdom? I think that I would have a very difficult time separating the acceptable from the selfish, or the unreasonable from the altruistic.

So basically, I don't know.

Now, for some random quotes:


"Don't save something for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion." Thomas S. Monson

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." Albert Einstein

xoxo,
McCall

Happy National Fritters Day!

Last week, I was asked this question: If the Savior was willing to give you anything, what would you ask for? Some people in my class answered they wanted eternal life, similar to what the apostles wanted in 3 Nephi 28:2, while some cheekily mentioned the ability to fly or to control things telepathically.

What would you ask for?

I think I would first ask for more time to answer the question, because I would want to make sure I answered correctly. Should I ask for blessings on my posterity? Wisdom like Solomon? To enter speedily into His kingdom? I think that I would have a very difficult time separating the acceptable from the selfish, or the unreasonable from the altruistic.

So basically, I don't know.

Now, for some random quotes:


"Don't save something for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion." Thomas S. Monson

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." Albert Einstein

xoxo,
McCall