modern-day heroism

For any of you out there who have seen the all-time classic “While You Were Sleeping,” there’s a scene in it where Lucy is talking to Peter about a heroic thing he did when he was little. The scene goes as follows:

Lucy: I saw a picture of you, when you saved the three squirrels.
Peter: Ah ... they never call, they never write.
Lucy: (laughs)
Peter: That was a long time ago.
Lucy: I guess we don't get to do many heroic things as an adult, huh?
Peter: Oh that's for sure. [pause] You do though!
Lucy: Oh, no. Jumping in front of that train was unusual.
Peter: I don't think I've done anything truly heroic my whole life. .....
Lucy: You give up your seat everyday on the train.
Peter: Yeah, well, but that’s not heroic.
Lucy: It is to the person who sits in it.

I have come to value this exchange day after day as I stand while riding the bus to and from campus. I wish that everyone who ever rides the public transit has the privilege of seeing this heroism in action. Idealist? Yes. I know that somewhere, out there, there are still people in this world who believe in being polite and giving up their seats to others. To the few of you who live in Columbus, Ohio, I thank you! To the rest, you definitely need to rent this movie. It will change your life. :)

i've been hit

... I have been tagged (actually twice now) and must share 6 facts/habits about myself. Then I must tag someone (or as many people as I wish) and leave a comment on their blog to notify them, and they get to leave info about themselves and proceed to tag someone else.

Six. My ultimate favorite ice cream, dessert, candy, anything includes chocolate and peanut butter. I am willing to admit that I am addicted to Reese’s! I like the Big Cups the best – the ratio is perfect!

Five. I will officially graduate from BYU in December after I finish my Administrative Internship with The Ohio State University Department of Recreational Sports. Administrative Intern: another name for “Secretary on steroids” as Ryan likes to call it.

Four. If I could, I would scrapbook literally all day long without looking at the clock once. Half of the time would be spent coming up with the idea, and the other half making sure that it looks as good as it can. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to being creative. The two don’t usually work well together – but with time and patience, I have found a method to my madness.

Three. I really like to pretend that I love to cook and be in the kitchen – especially when it comes to buying new kitchen gadgets (I’m really good at this one!). But sad to say, it is true: cooking is probably one of my least favorites among ‘domestic’ responsibilities. Any quick recipes, shortcuts, or secrets to success are appreciated and welcome. Please help me!

Two. One of my main goals in life is to play the piano like I know I should. Only one problem: I need to find access to a piano or keyboard. If only I had used my time for this while at BYU where every building has at least 10 pianos in it!

One. Even though I’m practically four months along now, only I can notice any difference in my outward appearance. As we’ve started to announce it, I’ve gotten a little used to the fact that when people find out they immediately look at my stomach in hopes of seeing something – but there’s nothing there to show! Sorry to disappoint you, but I think this baby’s a little shy to come out in public just yet.

the heart beat

So I guess this is our formal announcement - I'm pregnant! Yesterday Ryan and I went to the doctor's and heard the heartbeat for the first time. It was super loud, really strong, easy-to-find, and seems to be healthy! We've already had one ultrasound to determine the size of the baby, and it's fun to see pictures. The big ultrasound where they can determine more things (eg: boy or girl) will happen on November 20th. Right before Thanksgiving! So come April 4th, 2008, the Christensens will become a party of three! Let the celebrations begin! :)

PBR

So it's true - deep down, Ryan and I really wish we could live out west. But since we're closer to the east side, what better way to let out our 'cowboy inside' than to go to the Professional Bull Rider event?! It was surprising really fun, and if you look closely you can see Ryan's massive belt-buckle that actually has a bull rider on it. I guess he was made for this kind of thing.

This particular even was the last chance for all these bull riders to compete before the final championship in Las Vegas in two weeks. We saw some really good cowboys out there - and enjoyed it with some great new friends that we've met here in Columbus. Yee-haw!