The Family: A Source of Happiness

             It seems to me that publicity, both positive and negative, about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is increasing every day. On many fronts, church members are attacked on political views and societal views. Often we are ridiculed for the “old-fashioned” views we have of marriage and family. It’s sad to watch the family begin to deteriorate in society. Many children are fatherless, lack the influence of sober parents, or are raised by people other than their biological parents. Some of these circumstances come by necessity, but for the most part they are a personal choice and our current society condones these behaviors.

              The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the gospel principles we believe in teach us that people are not accountable for that which they do not know and do not understand. From 2 Nephi chapter 2 we learn, “the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. … Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh…And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” In the same chapter it is explained, “Because he [the devil] had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of mankind.”

            In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” the First Presidency of the church tell us that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the church and its teachings, many also refer to this plan as the Plan of Happiness. If the family is central to the Plan of Happiness created by our Father in Heaven, then it is logical to assume that the family is a place where we can receive the most happiness. I can honestly say that in the presence of my parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family is where I receive some of my greatest happiness. I can also honestly say that being with my husband, married under the authority and power of God, is where I’ve experienced the most happiness in my life.

            Following a logical flow, if the family is where we can receive so much happiness, and Satan desires and works for the misery of all men, it makes sense that the family is what he works his hardest to destroy. He convinces some that abortion is acceptable; he convinces others that spending time with their children is of little importance, and he can convince some that a family is a foolish thing and a career is more important.

            I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained of the importance and happiness of families. For those of you who would like to know more, I suggest you visit lds.org. For those of you who know the joy the family can bring you, I encourage you to share this happiness with others.

Tokyo is for lovers

There's no question about it - I am a city girl.

I love the views. From our 33rd floor we can see a Buddhist temple, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo bay, Mt. Fuji (on a good day), and the Disneyland fireworks at 8:30. We can watch tennis matches, baseball games, swimming meets and soccer games just by looking down. Plus, rainstorms are way cooler when you're surrounded by clouds and fog.

It's super clean. I've been here for about 3 months and I've seen garbage on the streets less than 5 times. Seriously - I counted.

Taking the trains might seem a bit overwhelming, but I grew up with them and it's a million times easier than driving here (especially considering gas prices.)

Maybe it's just my way of justifying not working out somedays, but we walk so often that I feel like I'm being healthier. On any given day I'll get about 5 miles just walking around town - usually it's more.

I get to go to Starbucks more often. My sugar/gluten-free lifestyle severely restricts my options on the menu but I've figured things out. There's a Starbucks on almost every corner and since it's so hot I need my Skinny Soy Milk Vanilla Frappucino (hold the whipped cream and syrup). I do, however, feel a little high maintenance when I order in front of my friends.

Last but definitely not least, it's home. I've lived here since I was five. I may understand the way things work in America but I feel much more comfortable being here. Sure sometimes my Japanese is a little rusty but it all works out.

Two more full days until I go back to the states. There's a rumour/myth of sorts that says if you see Mt. Fuji 2 weeks within leaving Japan then you'll definitely come back. Seeing as I hiked Mt. Fuji a week ago I'm holding out on the hope that the superstition rings true.

never again

Usually I'm not one to say never, because really anything can happen. But I will absolutely never eat natto again.

What is natto, you ask? Whale snot.

Okay, fine it's fermented soy beans, but it kinda looks like whale snot and it sure tastes like what I imagine whale snot would taste like. It's super healthy, and Japanese people can eat it in boatloads. However, I tried it for the first time and really tried to be tough enough to eat my serving. Well I did, but not before grossing my mom out because I gagged so hard at the dinner table. It's ridiculously stringy (like for a couple of feet) and slimy. It leaves an absolutely bitter vomit taste in your mouth. 

The Japanese say that because it's so healthy it contributes to their impressive longevity. Even with my new health kick, there are places I won't go. I guess I inherited my Dad's Osaka tastebuds. 

two of the finest people I know.

Glen and June Nelson. 

This post is a bit delayed but on Sunday, these two celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. 61 years ago they were married in the Salt Lake City temple - and after only a couple of days my grandpa had to go to Germany to fulfill his duties as a private. 

I didn't take a picture of all of the news articles - but there were about 4. Apparently my grandparents getting married was big news in Springville - although I would argue it was one of the greatest things that ever happened. My grandparents are so full of love for all of their 25 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, but especially for each other. If you've ever met my grandpa he's probably made you feel like you were the most important person he'd ever met. Well he's just about my favorite person in the world. I barely remember a summer in Utah when I didn't help him in the garden or go down to his house to "play mouse". I've absolutely never felt more loved by anyone else in my entire life. He is my hero. My grandma was definitely smart enough to pick a good man. She is amazing and despite being punched a time or two, served as a faithful lunch lady in Vegas - where she revamped the entire program to include things like peanut butter cookies and other treats. She's an amazing cook. She may not be the same as she used to, but even with her Alzheimer's you can tell she still loves each and every one of us just as much - although she wishes we were much quieter at family gatherings. 

They are great. They deserve much more than a blog post, but seeing as we already had the celebration, and I recently quit my job and now have to save all my pennies, and am on a new diet and have nothing enticing to make them - this will have to suffice. I love them with all my heart and even with their trials I would be ecstatic to be like them one day. Much love Glen and June - you deserve it. 

doctor's orders.

Unfortunately I have been put on a fun new diet - doctor's orders. I secretly hoped he would tell me nothing was wrong, or that I needed to eat more chocolate. Of course not.

Here's what I "get" to avoid:

-sugar (white, brown, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, etc.)
-fruit
-yeast. meaning baked goods like bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, pastries, and muffins.
-anything with gluten. meaning bread and pasta.
-vinegar (except apple cider vinegar), mayo, mustard, pickles, ketchup, BBQ sauce (<-- that's unreasonable), and any commercial salad dressings.
-mushrooms
-peanut butter, peanuts, and pistachios (are you kidding me!? I live off of my peanut butter)
-coffee, black tea, cider, root beer, alcohol - okay this one won't be a challenge at all.
-aged, moldy, and processed cheeses. No blue cheese or cream cheese or mac and cheese.
-processed, dried, smoked, and pickled meats. Not that I'm a big fan of sandwich meats anyways, but I like smoked salmon quite a bit.
-packaged processed, and refined foods. Nothing canned bottled, packaged, boxed, with any chemicals, preservatives or food coloring.

What a joke. And here are all of the things that I have recently bought that I can no longer eat:

Anyone care to join me on this venture? I thought not. 

sisterly love

The other day I lost my lovely zebra earring while trying to run and catch the bus so I could make it to work on time. My oldest sister caught wind of this, and knew that my best friend had recently left on his mission. In her words (although she doesn't know that I've heard this) "she shouldn't lose her earring and her best friend in the same week." I love my new zebra earrings and wore them to work, even though big earrings are technically against dress code.

So yes, I whine when I lose an earring and I miss my best friend - but my sister is rocking enough to send me brand new zebra earrings from Australia through her house in India because she loves me. She is great. Not that that wasn't already clear to anyone who knows her.

domo arigato

Not that I'm the most reliable blogger or anything, but I've been lacking on my posting lately - probably because I've been partying it up in J-land.
I've been here for 11 days already, and I don't think my parents realize how difficult it will be to get me back on the plane to Utah. Any good vacation should start out the way ours did - Disneyland.

Sure it was cold, and sure we didn't understand half of it because it was in Japanese, but we had two baby Tiggers that made it all worth it. 

The day after Disneyland we spent walking around our old neighborhood reminiscing about growing up. I won't bother you with those pictures - since no one really cares but us.

The highlight of the trip thus far was our next event. We went up to Tohoku prefecture. Doesn't sound cool? Remember in March when an earthquake and tsunami destroyed part of northern Japan? That's where we were, and we got to do service and play with some of the kids affected by the tsunami. It was devastating and heart wrenching, but my appreciation for those people (and the amazing volunteers of the Helping Hands group) jumped a couple levels up.

This second story floor and roof came from who knows where, and plopped down where a lot of other buildings had been washed away. 

Pretty much we were Santa & family, playing games and passing out toys to the children. 

After 2 exhausting but rewarding days, we went back home to Tokyo and headed out the next morning to the heart of Japan. Kyoto - the only place that the Americans decided not to drop fire on during the war. 

Good choice Uncle Sam. 

Apparently, being the only one without children in my family - I need a little help from Japan's version of Cupid. Yeah, I walked from one love stone to the other with my eyes closed. This means that my wish for love will be granted soon... holler. Yeah right, sorry RM's it's gonna be awhile before I'll consider any rings. 

And we wouldn't be the Welches without creating some ruckus at the temple of peace. 

I'll wrap up since any blog post more than 3 pictures long already seems overwhelming. 

*Disclaimer: TOMS are not all weather shoes. If you wear them in the snow, not only will your toe bones freeze, but snow sticks on the bottom of them - making it feel like you're ice skating with shoes on. The 600 some odd stairs we encountered were a death zone. If it wasn't for my dad, I would've fallen down each and every one of them when my feet slipped out from under me at the top. Thanks pops. Oh yeah - and Japanese shoe/feet warmers take about an hour to warm up so plan ahead.