Category Archives: 5 Things

5 Things About 2013 (so far)

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Morningtime in my neck of the woods.

1. I have not drunken any soda since the New Year. And I plan to keep it that way for the rest of the year. Next week, I’m eliminating sugary baked goods. The week after that? Candy. Or vice versa. I can’t decide if I’ll miss cupcakes or those little strawberry hard candies with the soft chewy center more. Not that I’ve had either of those in a long time, but the thought of not being able to have them is a terrible predicament.

2. I decided to go full-time at work. I did this because I need health insurance. Because apparently the government has decided it can mandate whether I buy insurance or not. This pisses me off. Especially because the insurance plans available are mostly crap. You pay a lot for nothing in return. For the last 2 1/2 years, I’ve just been livin’ on a prayer, and surviving quite well actually. Luckily I like the company. And my job. And I guess the extra money won’t be so bad either.

3. Speaking of work, yesterday I walked around all. day. long. with a gigantic booger on my chest. Apparently when I blew my nose in the morning, it flew right past the Kleenex and onto my bosom, where it stayed (and hardened) until I noticed it and began to dry heave for no shorter than forty-five seconds. Which is probably what everyone else who came in contact with me yesterday did. Good grief. And I wonder why I’m still single.

4. And speaking of the government pissing me off, I sometimes, most of the time, struggle to internally reconcile all the needs/injustices/problems/causes this world has. My mind is a boggle of questions: How do I maintain political activity when it feels like it really just doesn’t matter what I think? I mean, do we really think anything can be fixed in Washington? And what about crimes against women in India (and all over the world for that matter)? And what about the starving and abandoned children in … everywhere? And what about animal cruelty? And what about the pesticides farmers use when they grow my food? And what about food dyes? And what about illiteracy?

How do you care about it all–and I mean deeply care about it all–like I do? You can’t be an activist for everything. But I want to be.

(Sorry. That one was a little heavy to come right after “booger talk.”)

5. Since the New Year, I’ve been plugging my phone in in the bathroom at night (as opposed to plugging it in right by my bed). This has significantly helped with: a) not browsing the internet, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest or watching Gossip Girl on Hulu, or Felicity on Netflix until 2 or 3 (or 4!) in the morning. and b) getting up on time in the morning since I can’t just reach over and snooze the alarm. Which I used to do 3 or 4 (or 5!) times/day because I was so tired from looking at my phone half the night.

Bonus 6. I’m incredibly embarrassed by the fact that I just admitted to watching Gossip Girl. It’s a horrible show. Trashy and horrible. Quick story: One time Frit woke up in the middle of the night and heard talking coming from my room. She tip-toed in, only to find me huddled under my sheets, watching said trashy horribleness and asked, “Why are you under your covers?” “Because I didn’t want you to know I was watching this!” It’s awful. It really is. I honestly can’t believe I watch it. I’m so much more intelligent than that show. Don’t judge.

Happy New Year!

5 Things on My Mind

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Five things I’ve been thinking about:

1) So remember the post I wrote about trying to find the day where the battle between a woman and her body begins? And remember the really nice “date” I had a few weekends ago? Well, that friend recently updated his Facebook status with the following:

FB Fam: Thinking of my female friends and family members, I commend to you all the thought below in this age of marketers using envy, false comparison, and measuring up (or not) to SELL products…along with the lie that you are never good enough the way you are. I like this instead:

“A WOMAN IS OFTEN MEASURED by the things she cannot control. She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn’t… curve, by where she is flat or straight or round. She is measured by 36-24-36 and inches and ages and numbers, by all the outside things that don’t ever add up to who she is on the inside. And so if a woman is to be measured, let her be measured by the things she can control, by who she is and who she is trying to become. Because as every woman knows, measurements are only statistics. And STATISTICS LIE.” – Nike Print Ad, 1994

Now, I’m 99% sure his Facebook status had nothing to do with my blog post. In fact, I’m 99.9% sure he doesn’t read my blog. But I really appreciated the timing. And the sentiment.

Also, in the comments below his status/quote, another (single male) friend of ours posted the following response:

Reminds me of a similar quote from Jeffrey R. Holland: “I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can’t always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command–such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing, and they can mean everything to the one who receives them.”

These two guys. They’re good. Like really good. And they’re the kind of men I need to be associating with. (Particularly since I recently needed a date for another work thing and, rather dishearteningly, figured out that I know a total of five single eligible men.) And these two? They restore a portion of my broken faith in the possibility of what’s actually out there and available.

2) I’m really grateful for this space and for the opportunity to write and for the people I connect with (albeit roundabout-ly) because of it.

There are, of course, my personal friends, who read and comment and email or call, and who I feel so blessed to know and have in my life. Truly, friends.

And then, in the span of a couple of weeks, I received two emails from two strangers (Hi Mady! Hi Annie!), that totally made my day, and reminded me that what I write does matter to a few people out there. That it’s not just for me. And I’m grateful for that chance. So thank you for reading.

3) This commercial makes me angry. Like, really angry. Every time it comes on, I get up and find myself stomping around, slamming cupboards and grumbling about Mad Men. And I realize I’m not the target market for this ad, but it makes me so mad that we’re still using women’s bodies to sell products. And because of that I will never buy a Kia. Ever.

But this commercial? This commercial makes me cry. Every time. I obviously don’t know these people, but I’m so happy for them and am so proud of what they created.

4. I can’t get enough of Instagram. It’s like a magical wonderland where the best parts of Facebook and the best parts of Twitter live in harmony without all the things you hate about those two social media platforms. I’m at @kristaqm. Let me know if you’re there too. It’s crazy awesome.

5. I’m fairly certain I suck at flirting. And I hate small talk. This is proving problematic. I’m finding.

5 Things That Happened Today

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Five things that happened today:

1. A dragonfly wing–a whole and completely intact dragonfly wing–fell out of the sky and landed at my feet today. I have decided that this is good luck.

For me.

Not the dragonfly.

2. I took a really long nap after work.

One of my favorite lines in the movie Letters to Juliet (which is a lovely, wonderfully romantic movie up until the last 15 minutes when it then becomes horrible. It’s like the writers lost their words at the very last second when it mattered most.) is when Clair says to Sophie, “One of life’s great joys is having one’s hair brushed.” True. Very true. (It’s such a beautiful scene.)

Well–I have decided that one of life’s great pleasures is an afternoon nap.

3. The baby sister and I drove to Jacksonville tonight. We’re staying in a hotel by the airport because she flies out at the buttcrack tomorrow morning. Like 4:45 a.m. Ooof. But I thoroughly enjoyed the drive. We talked wedding plans. And I love her. So very very much.

4. I didn’t eat any meat.

I decided about three months ago that I was going to be a vegetarian. If you want to avoid a similar fate, do not–I repeat, do not–watch the documentary Food, Inc. For almost 90 days now I’ve not eaten one ounce of meat. It’s been pretty easy, although I think about BBQ’d ribs a lot. And I don’t think I’ll stay vegetarian for the rest of my life–I’m too much of a foodie. But it’s made me think about my food–where it comes from, how it’s prepared, and how balanced and healthy my food lifestyle is, or rather–wasn’t.

Oh, and if you have a great vegetarian recipe, please send it my way. Bean and cheese quesadillas get real old real fast.

5. I took a swig of a caffeine-free diet Coke and gagged.

I do realize that it seems counter-intuitive that I would go off meat, but still drink the poison carbonation. But I’ve never claimed to be rational. And despite being off soda for years, I can’t seem to curb a recent craving for the fizz. But anyway. I would suggest avoiding caffeine-free diet Coke. It serves absolutely no purpose. No sugar. No caffeine. No taste. In short–it’s disgusting.

5 Things You May Not Know About Me

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(Me, 1990, 5th grade. I designed and drew our classroom door decoration for “Story Week”. The outfit is my chorus uniform [see #3 below])

1. Sometimes I don’t answer my phone because I like my ringtones so much. [translation: I'm dancing and don't pick up in time.]

2. I have the smelliest feet on the planet. No really. I do. Sometimes they even make me gag. Once upon a time I was a missionary serving on the rainy side of Washington state where it’s custom to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home. My prayer, every day for eighteen months, was: “Please Father. Please bless my feet not to smell too horribly today.” You think I’m kidding? I’m not. I’m as serious as my smelly feet.

3. I was Student Council President in 5th grade. My slogan was “Maurer Power is Student Power” which I puff-painted onto t-shirts for all my campaign workers. I still have mine. My competitor was Jody Reinsch. Her slogan was “Don’t Be Grody, Vote for Jody.” That was also the year I sang in a special school chorus called the “Travelers”. I also designed that t-shirt (sans the puff paint), and I also still have one of those in my possession too. And while we’re doling out 5th grade memories–I sang Gloria Estefan’s “1, 2, 3, 4 (Come on baby say you love me)” in the school talent show that year. I wore a a silky black one-piece jump-suit with a sparkly silver jacket that went to my knees. Oh and a side-ponytail. If you’re lucky, maybe someday I’ll post the video here. Highly unlikely. But you can dream.

4. I fiddle with my earrings/earlobe when I’m nervous.

5. I scare easily. It’s a trait Frit loves very much. At least once a day she hides and jumps out from random places around our house. Sometimes I slug her. One time I cried (it scared me SO bad I couldn’t even breathe). Usually I scream. And always she laughs. I’m really jumpy in movies too. I’ve even yelped in a theater because I was so startled by what happened on the screen.

Tell me: What’s one thing I don’t know about you?

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5 Things That Inspire Me

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1. God

I hesitated to write that first, simply because it may seem cliche, too simple even, or that it would perhaps appear as though I thought I “had” to write it first. But I didn’t let myself walk too far down that line of thinking, because for me, before anything else, there is Him. God is the source of all good things–both in my life and in yours. I know that He breathes in me and lends me life, every day. His unending mercy, love, and light fill me and lift me. If I have any sort of inspired thought or find myself in the midst of creating something lovely, or have a moment where my senses and abilities and understanding peak, I am ever aware that it was from Him–a gift to me.

2. The Earth

Our world takes my breath away. There are times when it’s so beautiful, that I find myself clutching my heart in awe. I’m amazed at the way things cycle and grow and flow in perfect order. The colors knock me over and leave me aching for more. Whenever I write something that I think is worth reading, nine times out of ten, it’s been written after I have been out, close to, and experiencing the Earth.

3. Light

I have always been fascinated with the concept of light. How it bends, reflects, refracts, warms, and fills. How it changes and opens understanding and sight. No matter how awful I was at science or how difficult I found it to pay attention in those classes, when we came to the chapters on light, I was always on the edge of my seat. To even think of light fills me with ideas and wonder.

4. Words

Few things affect me as deeply or as profoundly as words. The way they combine and form into sentences and ideas and stories that have the ability to move and change us is thrilling to me. To understand a word, I mean really understand it–to find out where it came from, and know its root, what it meant originally, what it means now–is like opening a beautifully wrapped package with the most exquisite gift inside. I am at times left speechless (or in tears) by beautiful writing. I feel my soul expand and I clamor to read it again and again. I feel “most like me” when I’m using my words.

5. Love

I love seeing people in love. I love hearing stories of love. I love experiencing acts of love. And not just romantic love, but love in its finest and gentlest and purest form. Where it’s the motivation behind goodness, honesty, kindness, and sincerity. Rarely does it need to be grand. In fact, simple is usually better. But the result is sheer happiness. Love like that motivates me to do more and be more than I am.

Tell me: What inspires you?

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Smells Like Summer: 5 Ways to Enjoy the Season

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On Saturday, Frit and I went for a morning swim (cuz the triathlon is in like oh … 26 days [ack!]) and then to run errands. You know, just your standard sunny-Saturday errands: a quick good-will drop off, gathering of supplies needed for the lessons we were teaching at Church on Sunday, purchasing a new lawn trimmer AND edger as well as finding a cage to go over the outside dryer vent because the d$*% birds built a nest inside it last week (and let me tell you, the men at Lowe’s were in awe of us hauling all our “goods” around the store), picking up some potting soil, and acquiring a tanning pass so our legs don’t blind any of the other racers on triathlon day.

Anyhow. On the way home from our productive morning, we had the windows down and the radio cranked. We looked at each other and smiled as we rounded the corner to home and Frit said, “It smells like summer.” And oh boy howdy! Did it ever!

In honor of this sunny weather, I’d like to make a few suggestions on how to get the most out of this blessed season. They’re things I do to make the warm months stretch and the days seem even brighter than they already are.

1. Breath deep. Right now our back yard smells of fresh cut grass and tulips and in a few weeks the wisteria, poppies, and basil will linger on the air. Go put that sniffer to good use and take in the scents. There’s nothing like the smell of sunshine, blue skies, BBQs, & Coppertone. Trust me. Tip: closing your eyes helps.

2. Wear flip-flops if shoes are required. If not…go barefoot as much as possible…especially in the yard. Cool grass underfoot does a body good.

3. Keep a roll of quarters in your car. It’s lemonade stand season friends! I am certain the karma for supporting lemonade stands is 10 times bigger and better than any other good deed you could possibly do. Tip: Pay double what they’re charging. The look on their faces when you tell them to “keep the change” is priceless.

4. Get dirty. Whether it’s sand in your toes, dirt under your fingernails, or grass stains on your pants–just do it. Get dirty. It grounds you. It connects you to the Earth. And a little sweat never killed anyone. In fact, I think it’s good for the skin (that’s the gospel according to Krista).

5. Put your face in the sun. The heat burns away any bad you might be feeling (even if just for a little while) and warms the soul. Plus it’s a way better way to get your Vitamin D than popping a nasty, smelly tablet every morning.

Happy Summering!

5 Things You Should Know About My Day Yesterday

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1. At work yesterday I was able to sit in a private concert with Mack Wilberg, the conductor and musical director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as he played for us, piece by piece, his plans for the Choir’s next album. All I can say is that I was thoroughly moved, transported to a beautiful place. It will be an album you will want to listen to over and over again. Cross my heart.

2. I thought about Nutella for the majority of my train ride home.

3. For dinner, I ate a sandwich piled high with tomatoes and cucumbers fresh from the garden. That might be my favorite thing about summer.

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4. I test drove a new (to me) car. I think I might put mine up for sale this weekend. Maybe.

5. I said to Frit as we walked out of the Dairy Queen with our mini blizzards, “I don’t know why anyone under 40 would want to date me. I wear house slippers to the DQ, I need to be in bed before 10:00 p.m. if I want to function properly the next day, and I prefer to be at home working on a puzzle* rather than being out on the town.” She laughed and said, “I don’t know why anyone under 80 would want to date you.”

6. Here’s a bonus, ’cause I know you’ll love this one: When Frit got home from work I started to do a little dance for her (cuz that’s what we do around our house when someone comes home), but I tripped (over my own foot) when I started my jig and slammed into one side of the kitchen counter and bounced over to the other counter, where I landed in a heap of laughter. Frit continued to belly laugh the entire night at random moments every time the scene popped into her head again. Maybe sometime I’ll video a reenactment for you — just ’cause I love ya.

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*It’s the puzzle’s fault I haven’t posted a good post in the last few days. All I can say is if you thought blogging was addictive, try doing a jigsaw. We set up one of those portable, fold-up buffet tables in the living room, and the first night we sat piecing it together for hours whilst we watched My Fair Lady on VHS. The next day it was all I thought about at work. Frit even dreamed about it all night the day before we finished it. Needless to say, we’re off to the Wal-Marts to get another one soon.

5 Best Gifts I’ve Ever Received

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I LOVE giving gifts. I love thinking about the person and the gift, picking it out or (and especially) making it, wrapping it, and watching people as they open it. I believe taking the time to give a gift is time best spent. And the ability to give good gifts–now that is a talent.

I personally have been the recipient of many good gifts in my life.

Here are 5 of the Best:

1. The angel broach my dad sent to me for Christmas when I was on my mission.


Usually dad lets mom do the shopping and he just signs the card. But on this particular occasion, when I was so far from home, he went to one of my favorite artisan shops (by himself), picked out this particular piece of handmade jewelry (by himself), wrapped it (by himself), and mailed it (by himself) separate from all the other presents that came from home that year. It meant the world.

2. My great-grandmother’s silver dessert set, given to me by my grandmother. A lovely antique and family heirloom. It doesn’t get much better than that.

3. The surprise birthday party Frit threw for my 30th birthday. SO many people (whom I adore) came. Most often, the best gift is time, and on that particular night I was overwhelmed that that many people would come to spend time with me and celebrate my life.

4. My Sunday School teacher in middle school, Judy Safay, gave me a journal filled with letters of love from the members of our congregation. As a young and unsure 14-year-old, it was impossible to then doubt how much I was cared for after receiving that gift. I still have that journal. And I still read it. And I remember all the people who helped me become who I am today.

5. I can’t choose! … there’s the silver necklace my Primary teacher at Church gave me when I graduated into the Young Women program. The engraved napkin rings from my mom that she and dad received at their wedding. The handpainted ceramic plate Kaycie made for me when she was 10. The clay turtle Cooper made for me. The little gold necklace from my first “boyfriend” in 4th grade. The bottle-cap earings my dad gave me in 4th grade (the only other gift he’s picked out himself). The birthday card Karly gave me one year–it was particularly funny, but oh-so-sweet. My first set of scriptures when I turned 8. It’s a toss up. :)

All I know is that the best gifts are often not elaborate or expensive. Sometimes they may not even even have much meaning. But they’re special because they hold a memory and were given with love and time and thought.

Do you have a favorite gift? Do tell!

5 Books Worth Reading

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I’m just gonna ride this 5 Things idea that’s been runnin’ through my mind…

Here are 5 Books I think are worth reading:

The Water Is Wide
by Pat Conroy

Few writers move me more with their imagery than Mr. Conroy.

All Over But the Shoutin’
by Rick Bragg

Originally recommended by my dad and subsequently stolen from his shelves, I read this every day while running on a treadmill. Any book that can keep me running for hours at a time, all the while crying and laughing and feeling deep down to my toes, is one that will find me in its pages over and over again through the years. Superb.

The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd

I LOVE this book. But it’s the interview with Ms. Kidd at the back that made me fall in love for life. Her use of language is bliss.

Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson

Someday I will write about the first time I read this. I was in elementary school and stayed up all night with a flashlight. It was an experience I will never forget and one that I treasure. As it was the first time I recall feeling the power of “words” and “story”. It was there that this love affair began I believe.

The Scarlet Ibis
by James Hurst

This is actually a short story, not a book, that I read in 9th grade … but was memorable enough that it tops my list of poignant experiences with the written word. It’s tragic but beautifully written.

What tops your list of books worth reading? I’d love to know.