PROMISE RING

What's love got to do with it? What has happened to our world where your relationship isn't official unless you post it on social media?! People used to give a promise ring to show their love and commitment to each other. I find it really romantic.

Is this ring a passing fad or a new way for couples to declare their love?

Brilliance.com has a new Promise Ring collection. It is a lovely way to say "I Promise" to love you and be faithful to our relationship. Check them out and let your loved one know your promise of love.

TRUE LOVE

Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection.

I'm Deanna...I try to love everybody. It's true.

But I think I have been afraid to be IN love...until recently. I have opened my heart to the idea of nurturing true love as described in this talk by Marvin J. Ashton. He says:

True love is a process.

True love requires personal action.

Love must be continuing to be real.

Love takes time. Too often expediency, infatuation, stimulation, persuasion, or lust are mistaken for love. 

Real love takes time, patience, help, and continuing performances. 

Meaningful love is a continuing process that will bring joy and happiness to all participating parties.

I am not a very good impulse buyer when I go shopping so, obviously, I wouldn't be able to just give my heart away to anybody who asks for it. I needed time to grow, learn, and feel like I was ready for love. I have learned love is enduring. Love will stick by your side through the good, bad, and ugly life throws your way. Love will also stick by your side when you tell it to go away (even if that means 4 or 400 years). Love will forgive you for your mistakes and grow stronger with you as you progress together. Love will laugh with you (probably because you are the funniest person you know). Love knows all about you and wants to learn more. Love will blow your mind.

In the talk, MJA continues to say:
...we need and deserve more than the declaration, "I love you." Let us resolve to take the time to give of ourselves in putting love into appropriate action and performance. Those who truly understand love know it must be basically simple, continuing, and sincere.

Sometimes love knows when you need space and will give it. True love will be waiting (and ready to return) when you are ready. True love is real.

Deanna loves you xo

COMMITMENT ISSUES

Costco made me realize I have commitment issues. 

I want to buy trail mix.

*I could go with the big bag that has peanuts and m&m's because I know that one is delicious!

However, I know I don't need to eat the one with m&m's.

*I could try a new kind, but I don't want a 20 lb bag nor do I want to pay $30 for it because I might hate it.

That store seriously fills me with anxiety.

22 DAYS OF GYM

This is a story of girl meets boy. The girl, Deanna Watson of Orem, Utah, grew up believing that love could be all flowers and happily-ever-afters. This belief stemmed from early exposure to sappy Beatles love songs and totally misunderstanding the movie Swamp Thing. The boy, Jason somebody of Wherever the heck...it doesn't matter now, USA, maybe shared this belief. Since the days of his gym experience he'd only love two things: the first was his huge biceps. The second was hydrating his body after a good workout. Deanna meets Jason on September 25th. She knows almost immediately he is the one to finally be her boyfriend. This is a story of girl meets boy, but you should know upfront, this is NOT a love story.

DAY 1 blog entry Jason looked away as I looked up from the elliptical machine and then almost ran into the door as he tried to sneak one more peek just before leaving the rec center.
DAY 11 I went to BYU symposium this morning. Was late to the gym.
DAY 5 Jason walks in to rec center. Glances over at me on elliptical. Can't help but smile.
DAY 13 Two meetings at the fountain.
Jason: You having a good workout?
Deanna: (panting) yeah. Today is a good day.
Jason: Me too. I'm exhausted.
Deanna goes in for another drink and as she walks away says: Deanna! That's my name.
Jason: Deanna? I'm Jason.
Deanna: cool. (and goes to exercise on)
DAY 18 MIA.
DAY 6 I'm not even thirsty but I go to drinking fountain just to see him and he follows. Twice.
DAYS 19&20 I went to gym early maybe hoping to see Jason as I was leaving and he was coming. No luck.
DAY 7 I go to drinking fountain and he is there before me.
Deanna: So we meet at the fountain again...
Jason: But you usually make it here first.
Deanna: Guess I'm slow today.
Jason stands there as if wanting more of a conversation. Deanna walks off...exercise on.
DAY 15 As Jason was leaving the rec, he looked down on Deanna riding the bike then turned around and pushed the door open with his back for an extra look.
DAY 21 I went to gym early and then went back for round 2 to sit in hot tub with Brother Tim. Jason sees me talking to him and seems to pay more attention to me. Jealous maybe?
DAY 14 No drinks.
DAY 22 He arrived on time, talking on his cell as usual. I finished my time on the elliptical and headed to the fountain for a sip. He was there!
Deanna: Jason, right?!
Jason: yeah
Deanna: just remembering. (starting to breath heavily now because of the workout and being nervous, but I knew this was my chance.)
Jason: Hey (and he stood there as if waiting to have a conversation with me.)
To myself: This is it!!
Deanna: So...what's your girlfriend's name?
Jason: Brooke.
Deanna: You two exclusive?
Jason: Yes.
Deanna: Fair enough. (walks away)

Most days of the year are unmemorable. They begin, and they end, with lots of water consumed in between. Most days have no impact on the course of a life. October 16th was just another day.