Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne?


CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.


And surely you’ll buy your pint cup and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.


CHORUS


We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.


CHORUS


We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.


CHORUS


And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.


CHORUS

Robert Burns' poem set to a traditional folk song is the traditional English anthem for the end of the year and the dawn of the new.  Did you know it has the same meter as "American the Beautiful" so the lyrics can be sung interchangably?  Me neither.  No matter how you sing it, or even say it, it symbolizes endings and beginnings.  So tonight, as we toast the old year away to history and ring in the new year full of hopes and wishes, I hope we can keep our friendships that buoy us up, strengthen family ties even if they don't, and  always look forward with faith and hope that things will improve, knowing we can each do just a little better than we did this year.

Happy New Year, friends!  Be safe, and I'll see you right here again throughout 2011.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Well, 2010 is headed out.  Some days it seems like it would never end; others like I couldn't catch my breath.  So as part of the "ring out the old" idea, I thought I'd share a few things that I really liked this year:

♥ Girls' Camp--Stake Girls Camp is the best, I must say.  I loved hanging out with 150+ girls from our stake and hiking, canoeing, singing, teaching, playing, sleeping, cooking, and eating all together for a week.  The best part was watching them grow.  They are marvelous young women.  They have huge hearts and really want to do good things.  They inspire and encourage me.  I love getting to work with them.  I feel 17 again, until my body reminds me it has been decades since I really was.

♥ Swim Team--The city recreation team each summer gives me more fun than I probably deserve.  I love hanging with the kids as we sort them in the "bull pen" and doing whatever I can think of to entertain them and make those meets go just a little better for them.  They are so much fun, and give me a chance to relive some segments of life over again--without having to relive ALL the segments of my life over again.

♥ PTA--I know some times I sound like a whiner when I talk about PTA.  But really, I love being at the schools, and seeing all the great things our teachers, administrators and faculty do with our kids.  And the kids hold their own in the "good works" department themselves.  I am lucky enough to work along side some of the best women in our community as they dedicate a year of service to their schools--elementary, junior high and high school.  At each school they are making a difference.  It is an honor to call these women  my friends.

♥ My family--I realized driving across the salt flats in the dark Monday evening that I love just being with my husband and kids.  They are my favorite people ever.  When the kids were both small, I wasn't sure we'd all survive.  But they are turning into terrific people that I really enjoy.  I guess that is a life lesson in and of itself.  If I have a chance to be with these same people forever, why not figure out how to enjoy them now?!

New Year's Eve is tomorrow night.  It is supposed to be all of 4 degrees around here then.  Then we all start over again, don't we?  I think I am ready to flip the calendar to 2011, but I will take many fond memories and good lessons from 2010.  And I think that is a pretty good way to end the year.

Global Warming, My Foot

The family took the afternoon today to go see "Tangled"--darling show by the way.

When we got outside, there was almost two inches of snow on the ground and the car was iced over.  Crazy weather!!

I am so glad the whole global warming phenomenon has been thoroughly substantiated.

How I Spent My Christmas Vacation

We were able to travel to California and see my parents for Christmas this year.  I haven't been 'home' for Christmas since I was pregnant with The Boy.  It was past time to be there.

Here is what we did:

We laughed at the wild turkeys that live around my parents' place.  They are HUGE and the flock is probably 20-25 birds.  Crazy...and they sound super funny when they are out in the 'front yard' each morning.

We watched TV and basically vegged out.  That was nice for a change.

And we put puzzles together.  This is a Dowdle Art 1000 piece Noah's Ark puzzle.  Harder than it looks, I tell you.  Good thing The Girl is a puzzle-maniac.

More puzzling...now she was on to a classic service station scene.  The Boy?  I am thinking he wasn't much help here.  I might be wrong, but I don't think so.

The Girl and Grandpa work on the sand colored driveway in the picture.  How mentally ill do you need to be to do puzzle with sand for the foreground?!

We ate!!  A Lot!!

And we drove...actually Genius Golfer drove, and The Girl had several hours behind the wheel for the weekend total, but only did about an hour each way on the freeway.  The rest of the time they slept, act, plugged themselves in to their various and sundry electronics.  It was actually a great trip.

Merry Christmas!!

 The big day has finally arrived.  Was it everything you hoped it would be?  Was it all you wanted?

On this Christmas Day I am happy to share with you my testimony that Jesus lives.  He was born, as the scriptures tell us, and lived a life that is an example to us.  He fulfilled His Father's plan when He suffered and died for us.  Just as He promised His disciples, he arose again three days after His Crucifixion making it possible for us to live again with Him.  His life and teachings provide the way and the light.  All we can give Him is our obedience and love.  I love Him, and know that He loves us.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Service

'Twas the Week Before Christmas

There is always so much to do, it seems, before the holidays.  I am pleased to say that most of my Christmasing was done prior to the kids getting out of school.   Sadly, Genius Golfer and I were in-communicado about just what Christmas would bring the kids, so there has been a little kurfuffle about stuff for the kids, but he's a Santa-kind of dad, and I (have been told) am more of the Grinchy type. 

I am trying hard to put everything in perspective this year and just enjoy the holiday.  But I have also tried very hard to be judicice in my spending--trying to be frugal and, yes, you can call me cheap.  It has been a fairly homemade holiday this year.  So it is making me crazy when Super Santa Daddy makes the calls he has of late for the spoiled children in our care without any comment or even discussion from me.   He gets to be the "good dad" all the time, while I play my role as the "mean old mom".

I realize that this just threw my comment about putting things in perspective right out the window, but the petty side of me is annoying when I stop and think about stuff like this.

But I am now heading out to find the 'meditation music' and calm my irritating heart and just try to enjoy the holiday--again.  It will get better, and either way Christmas will come and go and we will have memories of whatever we do--and whomever does it 'right'. 

I hope you are all having a warm, wonderful, and memory filled Christmas week.  I'll keep you posted.

Oh What Fun...

Yesterday we had a Stake wide activity for the 16-17 year old kids at Mutual Dell, up the canyon.  We had GREAT snow, and the sledding was tons of fun.

With 25 or so teenagers ( at least to begin with) playing the in snow certainly includes a good snowball fight.  The adults get into as much as the kids.

We also took in a snow shoe hike with two of our "extras".  The girls tagged along with their mom and dad who brought all the food to feed this crazy crew.  Snowshoeing is very fun, and strenuous enough without being too taxing, if you stop to take many photos along the way.

We ended with lunch in the lodge and a Christmas story while we warmed up and dried off.

These kids are so much fun. I love hanging out with them.  Hanging out with them makes me feel like I am still their age...too bad my body disagrees.

Vacation Day One--Busy

I thought the Christmas holiday break would lend itself to relaxing and lounging.  So far, not so much.

It was still Monday.  I still had laundry to do.  I still had a couple of things to pick up at Costco...yikes, by the way.  Lousy time to go shopping...with EVERYone in the tri-county area.  I still had problems from Genius Golfer and The Boy left for me to solve.  I still had responsibilities with the 16 and 17 year old kids in our stake who had a sledding activity up the canyon this afternoon.  I still needed the exercise/cadio workout per the doctor's orders, but luckily got to fill that request with a lovely snowshoe hike....gorgeous.

The real difference today, was that GG and The Boy took my Durango to the slopes and found several "fix-it" things that will need attention before we head to the coast, and that our nephew is staying over tonight, so that he, GG and The Boy can go back to the slopes tomorrow, while I do still other things that need to get done.

So, who was it that said this was a vacation, anyway?!  I beg to differ.

Video Sunday: Double Feature

Merry Christmas, friends.

The Perfect Storm

Last night we got a couple inches more of snow.  The temperatures were below freezing, and at about 11 PM (when I had to go pick up The Girl from a Christmas party) the roads were icy and slick.  This morning the snow was turning to rain so the roads are wet but slushy and much easier to drive in.

Most storms begin as rain and turn to snow.  The way this one is going, the mountains will still get pounded with snow--they estimate measuring new snow in feet this weekend, not inches up there--while the valleys will be washed out and the air will be cleaned out too.  This is my favorite kind of storm.

I do love seeing the snow in the mountains, but can do without it on my day to day travels, and especially when the freezing temperatures come and the ice can temporarily build up.  Looks like this weekend the storm is behaving perfectly, at least for my money.

Be warm and safe out there, friends.

Restoration

Last evening I got my car back.  Look how shiny, and happy, the car looks back home in the garage.  I think it is smiling.

It is so nice to get it back. While I thoroughly appreciate my dear friends who hauled me about town when I was wheel-less, it is so much nicer to have my Durango restored to me.   Makes me want to say "Ahhhhh." 

Polar Express, Locally

Last night we were lucky enough to be invited to ride the Polar Express.  Did you know the Polar Express runs in Lindon, UT?  Yeah.  Me neither.  But it does.



One of my PTA colleagues and dear friends invited us to come to their family's annual Christmas activity.  Her parents, siblings, their spouses, and the kids work together and put on quite a production.   We showed up and checked in--we had reservations for the 9:05 ride.  We watched a portion of the Polar Express movie in their "barn" (the classiest, nicest barn I have ever seen...even better than many a 'shop' I've been in).

Then our names were called and we were boarded on the train.  The train travels all around their family compound...they have their homes all around with a central family recreation area.  It was like a grand children's heaven! 

After a short ride we made it to the North Pole where we met the jolly old elf himself, along with several helpful and cheery elves.  We chatted briefly with Santa, and took a family picture together.

After our photo and chit-chat, Santa gathered all the riders together and asked the children to help their parents to believe.  Then he had a chance to tell us that while he loves celebrating Christmas, the best reason to celebrate isn't just his anticipated visit but that Jesus's birth makes all the difference.  Then he invited the children to listen closely to the music on the return trip and to watch the pictures we would see.

On the return trip, we passed many, many illuminated posters of Jesus's birth and life and atonement and resurrection.  It reminded us that the reason Christmas is so joyous and wonderful is that Christ's mission on the earth provides us with the assurance of our own resurrection and the chance to live with God again.  It was a lovely culmination of the evening.

On a side note:  Happy Birthday today to Jane Austen!  Even Goggle was celebrating:

A Helpful Hint

This is post # 870.  Wow.  I'm, just saying.  Anyhoo....

 Before you set out on your travels over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house you go...or just over to the cousins' or a friends' place, may I suggest a great alternative to an audiobook or DVD on your car's entertainment system? The iTunes store has many, many, many podcasts.  Some are vastly interesting, and others are not worth your energy to even look them up, but I have a favorite that I'd like to suggest.

"Stuff You Missed in History Class" is a short (from 10 minutes to an hour) brief lesson on one event or one person who affected history, but not necessarily the high points that history teachers are rushed to cover in class.  It is produced by the people that bring you HowStuffWorks.com.  You are guided through these rascally historical points by the delightful Katie and Sarah (at the least the podcasts I have listened to) who are intelligent and charming young women who bring their love of books and their knowledge and curiosity to the topics at hand.

As I type I am on episode #46 of the 186 I have left on my iPod.  It is titled "How Eleanor of Aquitaine Worked".  I love to listen to these random and obscure pieces of history as I go about my regualr tasks, and even while I am exercising.  I feel so much smarter after I have spent a little time with my homegirls, Sarah and Katie.

Perhaps it is because I graduated with my bachelor's degree in history, with an intent to teach high school, but I an enthralled with this little radio show, of sorts.  The ladies do their own research and hunt through the most interesting resources on their topics.  For example, I am still amazed that the girls quote from books written by people who have spent their whole careers focused on and writing about Catherine de Medici, for example.  I think that is a little crazy.  Crazy, but interesting that I can glean the tantalizing bits from their work, and then move on to another topic in 17 minutes.

The best part about these intelligence-increasing podcasts is that they are FREE!!  You know I love a bargain, and for the time it takes me to subscribe to the podcast and load them onto my iPod, it is the best some of the best spent time deal I have had.

The time goes by in the car, or doing mindless chores, and I learn something as I go.  Pretty clever use of the technology I must say.

If you aren't as interested in the historical side of things, look around the iTunes store for other free podcasts.  There are a ton of them.  I high recommend them.  There are even some university podcasts that include read classics of literature...Jane Austen's works, among them. 

A Gift Quandry

I have a very dear friend, who turned 40 last week, who means a great deal to me and to the family, for whom I cannot come up with a decent idea for a Christmas gift.  I think I need help here.

She had struggled mightily about turning 40 this year, regardless of my quips that "its only a number" and some such nonsense.  Her younger sister put together a surprise party for her last weekend and the love of many friends around seems to have cushioned the blow of another decade older, and still not being where she wants to be in her life.  For her birthday gift, I chipped in with her sister, mother, and sister-in-law and we got her a gift certificate for a day full of spa pampering treatments.  It is for a spa she loves already, so we are already ahead in that game.

A Christmas gift idea for her, well, that is another story.

She is a singleton, with a good job and her own condo.  She had a pair of cars--one for commuting and one for comfort.  No pets. If she really wanted something, she'd just go get it for herself.  That said, I think sometimes I shop for Christmas gifts they "need".  And those, rightfully so, are not always the most fun items to open.

For her birthday, her friends gave her many gifts of jewelry this year.  I am leaning toward a pretty, grown up looking jewelry box.  Maybe?  Typically she doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, but with so many new things, she is branching out and putting them to good use.

Having a birthday and Christmas so close together can't be much fun for her either.  I have suggested that she celebrate the birthday in June, so to mix it up a bit.  No real takers on that idea yet.

She loves movies, but is the Queen of Netflix and has many DVDs qued up already.  So she rarely goes to the movies in the theaters anymore.  Because Netflix works for well for her, she doesn't buy many DVD either.

Not a lot of hobbies, as her work is demanding.  She spends a lot of time there, and when she is home, she is vegging out or asleep.

She has lost 31 pounds since June, so treats are out.  I'm so proud of her progress in this area.  Her health was being compromised so this is a good thing, and I wouldn't want to knock her off track.

Any ideas?  I'm pretty much stumped.

Mid-December's Holiday Funk

I don't know; it might just be me.  But I am feeling some of the holiday blues today.  Nothing is really going on to feel that.  I have things meant for Christmas done and prepared, so it isn't the worry of procrastination. 
The tree is up and the music is on and the baking is on-going and the kids are happy and it is the last week of school before the break.  It just feel like a combination of disappointment and discouragement.  A let-down of sorts.

As I think of what I'd like Christmas to be for my kids, for my family, I can see it will never be the big, built-up, magical event I wish it could be.  Now, logically I know that it really doesn't matter--after all it is just another day on the calendar, but with layers of meaning and hopes of feelings attached.

Maybe that is the problem:  there are expectations I hold in my heart that I don't see matched up with reality.

I hope it is just a passing wave of emotion.  I'd feel guilty if I kept this little dark cloud overhead the next two weeks.  I make a pretty good Negative-Nancy or Debbie-Downer when I feel like this.

But the calendar is thinning out and the option to do more as a family is coming into focus as Genius Golfer should have sometime off beginning this week sometime and going through the end of the year.  (Vacation time, he was told this year, 'Use it or loose it'.) He has worked so much--a lot of long, long days-- the last several weeks we have hardly seen him and have had even less chance to talk with him.  I am sure that is part of what I am feeling.  I haven't even chatted with him about what the plan is for the holiday, or for the travel we are hoping to make, or even for the surprises he always comes up with for the kids.

I guess I need to get a move on and work myself out of the funk.  I have already cleaned the stove top, the deep fryer, laundry is halfway done for today, and the car is loaded with recycling, DI donations, and stuff to return to friends just waiting to be taken where they need to go.  I've even got a grocery list and plans to make that jaunt out today too.  Not bad when it is early out day for the kids, and my work day is reduced one hour of "alone-time".

Don't worry about this.  I am sure it will pass. At least the sun is shining and the roads are dry and the little car is waiting for me in the garage, and the Jason, the body shop guy, called Friday and said they were prepping the Durango for final paint, so I should have it Wednesday or so.  All these are good things.  I can put off my internal struggle a little longer, and work it out of my system.  Things will feel merry and bright again soon.

Video Sunday

Need I say more?!

Just a Thought

This painting was one I had never seen before.  I discovered it at the Festival of Trees. 

Of course, Joseph was Jesus' step-dad, but seeing this scene, with Mary resting and the strength of Joseph's character and responsibility for this Holy Child touched my heart.  It made me think of that Primary song that goes:

"When Joseph went to Bethlehem, I think he took great care

To place his tools and close his shop and leave no shavings there.

He urged the donkey forward then, with Mary on its back,

And carried bread and goat cheese in a little linen sack.

"I think there at the busy inn that he was meek and mild

And awed to be the guardian of Mary's sacred child.

Perhaps all through the chilly hours he smoothed the swaddling bands

And Jesus felt the quiet strength of Joseph's gentle hands.

"And close beside the manger bed, he dimmed the lantern's light

And held the little Jesus close upon that holy night."

Maybe because I have been thinking of the roles of parents in a child's life this week, especially after the day in court with parents in what has become a difficult situation and knowing that we have a chance to visit my parents at Christmas this year, but I wonder just what Joseph thought that first Christmas night. 

I know God loved him, otherwise someone else would have been chosen to parent His Son on earth.  He must have been a kind man, a loving husband, and a man who trusted God in all things.  He must have been a humble and teachable man as well.  And certainly, he was a righteous man.  He had so much responsibility to raised this special boy and teach Him the things He needed to know and yet so much of what Joseph was to teach him, Jesus knew.  He is the creator, the mediator with the Father, the Savior and Redeemer, after all.  That must have been a tough role to fill.

I guess that is why I loved this painting when I saw it.  Joseph looks like he is at peace, yet he knows he will need his Father's help in his appointed position as Mary's husband, and Jesus' earthly father.  There is a job that carried a lot of weight. 

I wish we knew more of him, of his character, of his attitude.  Maybe, if we knew that, we'd be better parents and look for ways to better help other parents who raise the children around us.  We all need help sometimes--heck, all the time--and knowing Joseph was chosen to raise the Son of God on earth might give me some insight to do my job as The Boy's and The Girl's mom a little better.  There are days I feel the weight of my responsibility as deftly as Joseph must have felt his.

Another Day in Court

Yesterday I spent several hours as moral support to my sister at another child custody court hearing.  She and her ex-husband have been divorced for four years, and yet, we were still trying to make things better between them--it takes a judge's mandate--and for the boys.

The big judge who signed their divorce decree heard them this time, as it was called in objection to three orders made by the commissioner, the big-judge's underling.

The first objection was over the commissioner's decision to remove the parent-coordinator from this case.  The Ex believes she was biased against him.  The big judge affirmed that decision, but called for another parent-coordinator to be assigned.  He recognized that these two parents are currently unable to positively co-parent without some mediation. 

This will be the fourth professional assigned to their situation.  The first quit after The Ex threatened him.  The second was doing the custody evaluation and reported that this was the worst case of parental-alienation he had seen in his 20+ years of practice.  And now this third doctor is removed, after suggesting The Ex do things to improve his relationship with the boys and my sister that The Ex didn't like and was belligerent about that.  Sure, I can see where she reported that he was uncooperative, and had an "increased sense of entitlement" that made it difficult to do her job.  But he was that as a biased take.

I feel sorry for whomever they select to have to work with this family.

The other two issues were about money.  Of course.

First, they objected to was the financial issue of splitting the cost of transporting the boys to their dad's place, now 300 miles away.  The judge ruled that that will stand, but added that since The Ex owes my sister exponentially more money that that portion he requested her to pay for the transporting of the the boys, she will not have to pay any transportation costs until his outstanding fees, court decisions, and debts to her are paid in full.

And finally, after the custody shifted to their mom, and their dad finally has a job after not working fr much of the 12 years they were married and the majority of time since the divorce, the child support needed to be adjusted.  The judge ruled that the attorneys use the standard child custody worksheet (how sad that this even exists?!) be used and submitted, and the support be adjusted accordingly.

We were there for an hour and 45 minutes.  At one point the judge faced down The Ex and told him, point blank, ordered that he get a therapist or counselor in 15 days and get in to see that professional to begin to make the necessary adjustments needed to improve this situation.  He told both of them, that he really didn't want o see them again, but they have a standing appointment in 90 days to review the progress The Ex makes in the therapeutic help.  And if he fails to listen and obey this order, he will go to jail--in contempt of court.

I will believe it when I see that.  We have heard that from the commissioner regularly.  I've yet to see any action taken against him.  It just costs more money, and more time, and more effort to present their irritations AGAIN in court.  That is the most frustrating part.  I have lost a lot of faith in the system since this divorce and the fall out we've witnessed since.  There is a lot of bark, but no bite.

I'm glad to only have to 'live it" once in a while, when I show up for the court proceedings.  But it breaks my heart that my nephews are the ones really paying for the behavior and decisions of their parents.  I appreciate the things that, as a parent, my sister has done to do better for her boys.  I know it has cost her a lot of money and stress, and tears and worry.  But that is what you do when you are a parent.  The moment that child is yours, your wishes take a back seat to theirs. 

I wish all parents understood that idea, and acted on it.  How much happier children would be, if we did.

Wishes of the Season?

The inevitable has been substituted for 'Merry Christmas', at last.  You KNEW this was coming, what with all the PC holiday changes made to accommodate everyone.  Do people not learn?  You simply can't please everyone, so why bother?!?  It's funny, in a sardonic way.  But it is sad in the muddled and convoluted way Congress seems to spin things.  But you tell me:

"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday(tm), practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . . . and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only 'AMERICA' in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform, or sexual orientation of the wishee.

"By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher."


Merry Christmas.  There, I said it.  It IS that easy.  .

Borrowed Thoughts

For today's post I would like to share a delighteful article posted on the San Jose (CA)  Mercury News website.  I enjoyed the columnist's thoughts, as I sit with my own Colin Firth calendar poised atop my printer next to me.  Lucky for me, I have an understanding hubz in Genius Golfer who tolerates my Colin-In-Film habit, and even occasionally joins me if the film in question is one of, according to GG, the "heaving breasts" types. I would like to make special note, here, however, that I have never wormed my way into a Hollywood party under nefarious circumstances to meet Mr. Firth, nor do I imagine I would.  But it is fun to think about.


Herhold: Colin, go jump in the lake. Wait, don't!


By Scott Herhold
Mercury News Columnist


I hate Colin Firth. All right, I don't hate him personally. I'm sure he's a decent man, a self-deprecating British actor. But I hate the idea of Colin Firth.

Since he jumped into the lake in the BBC's "Pride and Prejudice" 15 years ago, he's become not just an icon at my house, but a whole industry.

He's tall, thin, handsome, charming and rich -- which, as my dotage looms ever closer, I am not quite. He's even possessed of a social conscience, helping the poor in Africa.

My wife, Sarah, put up his calendar for 2010 in her office at work. For each month, there's been a different Colin. The standard shot: open collar, slightly bearded, tousled hair, warm smile. Vigorous.

What's not to hate?

Frankly, I don't understand what's so intensely attractive about a man jumping into a lake and parading around in a wet 18th-century shirt.

My understanding is that Firth didn't really jump into the lake; a stuntman did. Movies create illusions, I say.

My wife ignores me.

Entranced by the way his body shows through that shirt, women love this shot.

My wife can cue to exactly the point on our DVD where Mr. Darcy, beset by his love for Elizabeth, dunks himself at Pemberley.

The repetition of this scene has injected continuing life into the Colin Firth iconography in my household. Sarah already has ordered the 2011 calendar.

We have his obscure movies, including "Valmont," "Fever Pitch" and my favorite, "Circle of Friends," in which he plays an upper-class British twit who impregnates an Irish girl.

We have the new films that play off the Darcy role one way or another: "Bridget Jones" I & II and "Love Actually," in which -- yes -- he jumps into a lake.

Darcy books

We've got the whole oeuvre of Darcy books: "The Second Mrs. Darcy" and the "Darcy Connection," both by Elizabeth Aston, and "Mr. Darcy's Diary," by Amanda Grange.

I'm convinced that none of these books would have been written except for Colin Firth's plunge -- purported plunge, let me add -- at Pemberley.

In my wife's office room at home is a clipping of Firth's special likes. He's touched by the Dumbo movie, loves a "proper American burger" (the phrase gives him away), relaxes with archery and likes Doris Day.

If any of this is true, he's not a guy you'd want to invite to a Raiders game.

Film festival

In our case, Colin-mania has gone further yet. My wife, her sister and a friend went to the Santa Barbara Film Festival last spring to meet the British god himself.

Prevailing on her contacts at a party rental service that was contributing to the reception, my wife wheedled an invitation to a private meet-and-greet with Firth.

And yes, he was everything he was advertised to be -- tall, thin, handsome, impossibly charming and willing to pose for pictures.

Entirely hateful.

I'm assuming we will have to go to the latest Firth movie, "The King's Speech."

He plays King George VI, who was afflicted with a terrible stutter but nonetheless delivered a famous speech on the eve of World War II.

I know how the movie ends. It has to inspire.

I'm still rooting for Firth to flub the finale. I don't think I can take the fallout from an Academy Award.

Oh, Happy Day!

Genius Golfer unearthed the Baby Camaro from its cocoon yesterday and took it to work, leaving me the smug little Honda.  Ahhhh, the joys of having a vehicle again.

The Camaro hadn't been out for a real drive since Nephew Bryce took it to prom in May!  I guess that goes to show just how much golfing GG really did this summer.  Not much.

There is something so satisfying about having a car just waiting for me in the garage, as opposed to being a parasite on my friends' good will.  Though, I do have lovely and dear friends who schlepped me around for about 10 days while I was wheel-less and the weather wasn't going to cooperate with Camaro driving.

This Camaro is really a ridiculous car for our weather here.  It is a convertible.  CHECK.  It is rear-wheel drive.  CHECK.  GG babies it and doesn't want it to get dirty.  CHECK. DOUBLE CHECK.

I love driving, and being foot-loose and fancy free.  Well, that part is not exactly right, but it sure beats begging rides from very kind and willing friends and feeling guilt about doing just that.  I still have things that need doing, and chores that need completing, and commitments that need fulfilling.  It is all so much easier and convenient (and warmer) with a car of my own.

With any luck the Durango will be repaired and back to  me about the time the kids are finished with school and are released for Christmas break.  Better late, than never.

Just for Fun

Because Genius Golfer took his baby Camaro to work today and left me the smug little Honda, I am feeling pretty dang happy.  And happy at Christmas means you like to sing along to what you hear on the radio.   And this little jewel came on just after I paid my ticket and accident fee to the neighboring city.  Well, I didn't say things were perfect here, did I?  Anyway, with this on, I feel like pulling off a little soft shoe.  Enjoy!

Video Sunday

I love this!  I hope you do too.

Favorite Annual Outing

This morning I had the chance to visit one of my favorite events of the year:  The Festival of Trees.  This year was the 40th anniversary of the fundraiser for Primary Children's Medical Center.  All the money they raise from this event--in the hundreds of thousands of dollars--is used to fund charitable medical services for children who otherwise could not afford the medical attention they need.  It is a wonderful cause.

My field trip today was shared with Dear Friend Micheale and her littlest buddy, Colby--who is 4.

Hundreds of trees are decorated--many in honor or memory of someone who was a patient at PMRC--and then sold to businesses or other groups, families, or organizations who receive the decorated trees as soon as the event is over.   These trees are varied and unique.  They are all sizes and all themes.  Some are poignant and others are funny.  You imagine it, you'll find it in a tree form.

I love going up to see these trees.  I like to photograph ornaments or pieces of the trees and then use those pictures to make Christmas notecards.  I have been going for several years.  It never gets old.

The Festival always runs the very first few days of December.  It is held in the SouthTowne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.  If you ever get a chance to go visit, I suggest you go...and bring some tissues. 

And For Our Jewish Friends...

At least, for those with a sense of humor...tonight is the first night of Chanukah.  What better way to commenorat eit then with a Neil Diamond "video" covering an Adam Sandler tune.  Oi vey.

Holiday Tunes

Since it is now, officially, in my opinion, Christmas season, Christmas music is now allowed.  Not that any of you needed my permission, I am sure.  But in light of the onset  of the holiday season, I am beginning to see that the realm of holiday music could use some help.

Directly, I am thinking that--now, remember that it is only December 1st today--I believe I have already heard some Christmas songs too often.  So, I am starting a list of Christmas songs that need to be retired.

Please feel free to add you're own nominations.

My top five WORST Christmas songs include:
1) Christmas Shoes (recorded by absolutely anyone...)
2) Santa Baby (Madonna's version may be the most popular, but they are all bad.)
3) Do They Know It's Christmas? (Collective western pop singers singing about an African drought...nothing says 'Holiday' quite like that.)
4) Santa Claus is Coming to Town (At least, Bruce Springsteen's version...yikes!  My ears are bleeding.)
5) Did I mention, Christmas Shoes? It is SO bad that it deserves two spots.

Seasonal Transitions

As much as I enjoy Christmas time, I am more than a little irritated that the moment Halloween is over some of the local radio stations begin playing Christmas music.  What is wrong with celebrating Thanksgiving?  IS it too much to ask our retail friends to hold off the Christmas displays until we can pause a moment and just be grateful?

I guess Thanksgiving just doesn't make enough money, so there is no retail reason to celebrate it.  Even the grocery stores hesitate only a second before the turkeys, stuffing and pumpkin pies are discounted and the aisles are full of green and red packaged treats.

Too bad, really.  I think as a nation we could do a lot better if we were more aware of how much we have to be grateful for.  I appreciate that for our family each November.  Then, I must get the "bah, humbug" feeling as I realize that our family is quite blessed, and therefore we should just rein in all the excessive, frivolous gift getting.

Yes, Virgina, apparently I am the family Scrooge.

I do enjoy the giving part of Christmas, very much, so it is not a complete Scrooge-ification.  I just think we don't need any of the things that come with Christmas.  I think the kids don't appreciate all they already have, so why load on any more? I just wish we could instead channel that 'buying' energy into the feeling of Christmas, and that must be shared to be felt at all.

While I ponder this inevitable quandary, enjoy the final day of our Gratitude month--knowing full well you each are appreciated by me.  I have the dearest friends, and I am grateful for the examples you show and the lessons you give me year round!

Realization and Gratitude

Since my accident last Wednesday, I have been thinking a lot of the way things were handled immediately following that momentary bad decision.  I feel like I have been humbled and taught something far more important than just recognition for the safe keeping God gives me each day.

I watched a woman show me kindness, forgiveness and generosity.  She could have easily, and quite understandably, been bitter, hateful and vengeful.  She, instead, showed me just what a faithful Christian should have.  I am humbled to think that I might have acted very differently if the shoe was on the opposite foot.  And I am ashamed of that realization.

I am anxious to deserve that kind of Christ-like treatment and, in turn, want to treat others the same way.  I hope that I can practice what I watched her do and follow her model in my dealings with PTA volunteers, tired and worn-out parents, underpaid and still excelling teachers, moody teenagers and sometimes spastic little children, and, perhaps--most importantly--with my own family and loved ones.  I have much to learn.

And with all this thinking, I've resolved that I am even more grateful for the process of repentance that helps me figure out how to improve and follow my Savior's example--and the examples of those who follow Him.  I know I have much to learn.

PS--Just see if you don't agree that she handled this whole interfering, inconvenient and irritating event with kindness and grace.  Here is her take on the accident: 
http://hurstfamily88.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-first-car-accident.html

Video Sunday

In case you were wondering:  I'm trying to look on the bright side of what I found when I woke up this morning.

It'd Be Easier to Just Stay Home

For the sake of my mom, as well as any one else who is  as visual a learner as I am, here are the "after" shots of the Durango while it sat sadly in the body shop impound yard.  I stopped by to check on it and to grab some stuff I left in the little cargo area in the trunk.  See how sad it looks?

Today, Genius Golfer and I were out enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, while the kids are enjoying their Cousins' Camp out at Mamacita's place this weekend.  Sadly, most of the county's residents were also out and about, and unfortunately GG had a tiny run in of his own.

This is enough for both of us for quite a while.  I think we'll just stay home from now on.  It is safer and less expensive that way.

That's a Lousy Start

Yesterday at 1 PM I dropped off The Girl and a friend at swim practice.  I drove off, leaving them at the pool for two hours of workout, and The Boy and were discussing where to pick up some lunch.  I stopped at the bottom of the hill at the stop sign.  Cross traffic was busy and whizzing by.  I waited.  I looked, back and forth.Waited some more, looked again.  1:05 PM.

I saw my shot to cross the street and pulled into the intersection.  WHAM!!!

I caught a silver streak pass in front of us, I heard the sprinkle of glass across my windshield and hood. Somehow I came to a stop in front of the first house just through the intersection.  I made sure The Boy was OK, and from the moment he assured me he was fine, I don't recall a lot until we got home.

I do know I spoke with a nice man who had seen the accident and called the police.  I talked to a young friend who followed us through the intersection (though he did it safely) after dropping off his sister at practice as well, and I know I spoke with the woman whom I hit.  Her '97 Nissan completely smashed in on the driver's side.  I also know I talked to the tow truck driver, who gave me his card, but I recall very few details.  I do know I was shaking like I had the shivers.

The kind woman I hit had her daughter come pick her up at the accident scene and ended up giving The Boy and I a ride home as well.  She was so kind, and so forgiving.  Come to find out, I do PTA work with her school--she is an assistant principal.  All the more embarrassing, and humiliating.  I cried out of frustration and anger at myself most of the way home...still shaking too.  After that, at home, I spoke on the phone with the insurance claims office.  And the repair process was begun.

What a lousy way to start the holiday weekend!  But, as I posted on Facebook this morning:

Wrecked Car? Very expensive
Failure to Yield ticket? Embarrassing at best
Sore back? Token payment for a momentary lapse
Safe son? Priceless

Here's to hoping the weekend, and the next few weeks, get better.  Can't get much worse.

Nothing!

After all the panic and media whipped freaks at Home Depot and the grocery store last night, we got some wind, but not even a skiff of snow.  What a let down!

Now it IS cold out there, but if it going to be this cold, it might as well snow.  It missed our little town, and most of those near us, from the sounds of it.

But my SIL Brenda reported that they had received 15 inches Sunday night, and got another 8 inches last night.  So they really are hunkering down, but we are going to bundle up and get The Boy a haircut, meet a friend for some photos and have a regular, though colder, day off of school.

Here's hoping the brunt of the storm filled the resorts with snow, that your travel is easy going as you head "over the river and through the woods" tomorrow, and you have more than one moment to pause and think about all that you have to be thankful for this week.

Hunkering Down

Maybe you have heard:  We have a BIG snow storm headed right for us.  All day long we have been hearing this warning.  Well, we are just outside the storm's path currently.  And people are freaking out!!

Really, people.  We've been warned for years to "be prepared".  What about all you former boy scouts?!  Isn't that the motto you followed?!  Come on! 

Even a couple of days with out power--should that happen--won't kill you.  It might make you really really uncomfortable, but with a little ingenuity and canned soup over your camp stove or outdoor grill you can stay alive.

I ran out earlier tonight to go pick up a pizza--because it sounded fun--and the grocery store parking lot os packed....apparently everyone was trying to get their Thanksgiving stuff all purchased before the storm got here.  But I am sure some panicky folks were also hanging out at Macey's.  One of the news channels was there stirring up that sense of panic, so it MUST be a deadly storm?!  Right!!

It isn't like this is a Hurricane Katrina situation.  It is a snow storm.  We live in the mountains, so this happens every winter.  This storm, however, just has some fantastic media attention, and it is making people crazy!

I'll let you know if we "survive"...so stay tuned for the next few days, just in case it goes bad.  Good crud, crazy people.

Whatever Happened to Unbiased Journalism?!

This is a link to an article that has been simmering in my head this past week.

http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/context-and-controversy-KUTV-handbook

Maybe because we live in the backyard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' headquarters, and the Church has a strong history and steady following here, we hear about Church related "news" on our regular news reports on TV.  That, in and of itself, is a little weird to me.  But it is what it is.

But I am getting awfully tired of hearing only about the supposed anti-gay agenda of the Church's leadership.  Or the slanted view that Church teachings are causing gay people to want to commit suicide. 

I am not saying that there are some young people, in particular, who identify themselves as gay who find the teachings of the Church uncomfortable.  But if they are reading the Bible at all, this anti-gay-behavior teaching is, or at least should be, across Christianity.  The Bible spells it out pretty plainly.  As it does for other issues like, oh, I don't know, adultery, or fornication--that is pre-marital sex, or even spousal and child abuse.  These are not issues solely reserved for Mormon leaders to preach about to their people.  All Christianity should be vocally opposed to them.

So why do we only hear the negative?  What about those folks who identify their same-sex attraction but choose not to act on it?  IS that frustrating?  I am sure it is.  But, I'd imagine, it is the same kind of frustration for them as it is for my darling single girl friends who choose to be celibate because they haven't found a decent man to marry and share that part of their life with yet.  Still, those virtuous and valiant women are going about their work, with school, careers, extended families and friends making a positive difference.  Sure they get frustrated.  But I haven't ever heard of one such woman who chose suicide over life, however frusted they are.

Why do news agencies rev up so much on this biased side of this issue, among others?  Do they sell more papers, air time, commercial endorsements?  People are already talking, so they needn't stir much up to make that happen.

I just thought--especially in light of this particular article--that there was not much real news in that particular event for anyone other than local church leadership.  It is a new handbook of instructions.  This was prepared to help us perform more efficiently in our callings, within our stewarships, and to become better disciples of Jesus Christ.  Yet, the media warp it to another anti-gay standoff, unrecognizable from what I saw sitting in the meeting myself.

It is just another point of frustration for me.  And I find myself less and less willing to put up with this kind of journalistic mismanagement.  Too bad they can't stick to telling the real news and not making the reporting of it a polarizing shot.

Video Sunday

Just a reminder....Thanksgiving is coming....and at least you don't have to have this guy at your house.  Be grateful!!

Midnight Madness

Thanks to a minor, and totally understandable, oversight of a lovely friend who mistakenly bought out almost the entire theater of reserve seats--she was excited and anxious and the computer/Internet response wasn't as fast as she was, at first--we had tickets to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 last night along with 190 other Friends of Tammy.

Luckily for us, Tammy's friends are pretty dang cool.

I loved seeing the kids, most high school and college age, come in dressed as characters from a beloved book series they have undoubtedly grown up with and now get to see finished out on the big screen.  I especially loved to see the kids, dressed in costume or not, who were just as thrilled to be there as I was, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour.

That is what naps are for.

Throughout the movie, I was reimpressed with the theme of Good vs.Evil.  That is the basis for all truly good, lasting stories.  And Harry Potter puts a magic spin on it, just as Star Wars put an outer space spin on it when I was a girl.  You know Good must win in the end, but a lot has to happen for the end to finally come and justify the efforts of the Good to beat Evil.

I'd like to say that I see this paralleled in real life, but I am seeing only the waves of bad most days with only a hope that the Good will triumph in the end.  My heart tells me that is true, and I continue to work each day to do my part to bring Good out of the torment, in my own way.  But there are days, like Harry and the gang face in this movie, where I feel like Evil is getting the upper hand.

No wonder, then, I love this series. 

"Dark and difficult times lie ahead.  Soon we must all have to choose between what is right and what is easy."

Trading Card

As my day's to-do list is as long as my arm, with little in-between time to sit and ponder what to write about today, I'd like to share--mostly for the sake of the grandparents that lurk here--The Boy's football photo.  What a stud-muffin.

Oh, and PS--the Fitness Center in our nearby town actually FOUND The Girl's team swim suit and another friend, on an errand of her own that took her to the area, picked it up and returned it to us yesterday.  *big sigh of relief*

Choose The Battles, Win the War

When the kids were little I remember kind people, seeing my near-nervous-breakdown-status, telling me to "Choose your battles".  At the time, they all seemed like battles that needed to be fought in order to "win" the war.

As the kids got older, I suspected that I was battling on too many fronts and therefore was exhausted and not prepared to win anything but some R & R, someday...whenever that was.

Last night I think I grasped the idea that not all battles were worth fighting.  In fact, with some battles, NOT fighting might actually help me win the war.

Yesterday's Battle #1:
The Girl had a swim meet last night in a nearby town's fitness center.  The Boy and I went down a little later to watch as she told us that she'd be swimming the backstroke and the breaststroke at this meet, as well as the regularly assigned relays.  Normally she swims the 100 yard breast stroke and the 500 yard freestyle (the long distance event for HS meets).  But at this meet, both of the events she was scheduled to swim take place later in the meet, so we went down a little later to catch them both.

It ends up that she was actually assigned to swim the medley relay (normal--as she swim the breaststroke leg of that) which is one of the first events of the meet.  Then she was also scheduled to swim the 4x100  freestyle relay (also normal, as she is the 2nd fastest girl distance swimmer), and the breast stroke (normal as that is her speciality).  But instead of the 500 which is event number 9 in the meet, she was plugged into the 200 yard freestyle--event number 4.

Now the difference of 5 events might not seem like much, but when your first relay is number 2, then the boys' version of that replay is number 3 and the girls are wanting to "cheer" for their teammates in that event, that number 4 sneaks up on you.  And it did yesterday.

She missed her event.

The Boy and I arrived just after this meltdown, and expecting her to swim the two we were told earlier, was surprised that she was upstairs in the spectators' box with some other swim girls, talking to their parents.  She wasn't on deck getting ready to swim.  That is when she told me she missed her event.

This is the first time in all the years of swimming she has missed an event.  She began swimming at about age 9--in the summer city rec program.  At first, she made all her events because I was the one seating them in the bull pen and would hunt her down if she wasn't where she was supposed to be.  But sooner than later she caught on, she loved this after all and she was where she needed to be.  Every time.  But not yesterday.

Now she has coaches that she must answer to.  She already felt awful about letting her team down, and being distracted by the boys relay team and she knew she's have to face the coaches with this mistake.  My work with this battle was done before it started.

I promise you that this will likely NEVER happen again.

Yesterday's Battle #2:
At this same meet, as the events finsihed I asked her if she wanted to ride home on the bus or come home with The Boy and me.  She chose the bus.  I am sure there is an element of "boys on the bus" that makes the choice over "Mom and the Brother" much more promising.  But I only have my suspicions.  So we left and headed home while she got back into the pool for a cool down swim.

Later that night, as we gather for family scriptures and prayer, she casually announced that she thinks she might have left her team swim suit in the locker room at the nearby town's fitness center.  She had swam her cool down set and went to the locker room to shower and change before riding the bus home. 

She left the suit in the changing area.

I immediately called the fitness center where I had her talk to the receptionist and explain the situation.  She was told that the lifeguard do go through the locker room and collect lost and found items but they don't do that until the center closes--another few hours from then.  She left her name and phone number with the receptionist.  We all hoped that they would find it, or that another teammate might have picked it up--knowing it was a teammate's suit (they all match) and that she could locate it at practice today.

If it is indeed lost, she will have to buy herself another team suit.  This may involve me driving her to the swim shop this weekend, but it will come out of her money she earned working at the pool this summer and put away.  $65 or so will make a dent, to be sure. She has a solution before her, regardless of the outcome.  No need to fight this battle, as it will only make me crazy.

Let's hope she will remember her things a little more closely next time.  Otherwise this will be an expensive lesson to learn.  But better to learn it here as a high school student, than as a young adult who leaves her keys in her car and finds it stolen from the parking lot at college, or something.

If the war entails raising good kids, with common sense and full of responsibility for their actions--I believe these battles which I need not have fought--are helping me win that war.  Thanks goodness for natural consequences.  I need all the help I can get.

My Family's Favorite Grocery Store

The week before Thanksgiving at a grocery store is like the Black Friday shopping craze at the rest of the retail world.  The close to Turkey Day it gets, the worse the grocery store is too.  It is crazy.

I just got back from our local grocery store.  So far so good.  If I have done my job today, I am hoping that I need not make another trip before the big day.  Shopping isn't my favorite activity anyway, but through in crazed people and calendared time limits, and I have no desire to be there. 

Is it just me, or do we loose sight of the purpose of the Thanksgiving holiday in the hustle and bustle of shopping, preparing, and gorging ourselves on that one day only to then spin around and do the very same thing for the next month or so prior to the Christmas holiday?

Simplicity awaits patiently for me to choose it over the chaos of the holidays.  Yet, each year as I try to choose that, I get sucked in to the retail vortex.  And it makes me mad every year.

Thanksgiving gets pretty overlooked, but for the food, when we really have so much to be grateful for that one day out of the year seems disproportionate.  Maybe it is just me.

Of Strength and Miracles

Elizabeth Smart, on the left, before her horrific ordeal--and at right, now 22 or so, Elizabeth Smart has told her story in court.

In the past week or so I have been more than impressed with the poise and confidence of this young woman.  The trial has begun and she has spent three days last week on the stand testifying of her ordeal--kidnapping at knife point from her bedroom, being repeatedly raped, forced to drink and smoke, her life and the lives of her family threatened if she tried to run, having to listen to the ravings of a manipulative, controlling zealous lunatic. 

In the summer of 2002 she was only 14 years old.  All the posters and photos of her that were made available to the public showed a tender, sweet, refined girl.  She played the harp, she roomed with her little sister, she loved her family.  Nine months of searching, and worrying, and speculating about what happened to her were brought to a close with a miracle--she was alive, she was found and returned to her family.

This month she has proved once again the kind of metal she is made of as she has recalled those months of captivity but has plainly spoke of them before a federal judge, a jury and a courtroom of others who have shared her testimony in the paper.  She has spoken of the fear, hurt, and terror she endured.  She has recognized that the man accused in this case was not right, but he knew precisely what he was doing to her.  She saw that his demands of her in the name of God and religion were merely one man's selfish and sick mind at work.

In the years between her joyous reunion with her family and this week on the witness stand, she has grown up and developed an inner strength that has helped in her healing.  I can only suspect that is what it is, as I certainly haven't spoken with her.  But just in seeing and hearing her via the papers and news reports, I know there is only one kind of healing that brings with it this kind of strength--and that is the healing that comes from Christ.

I wish Elizabeth well.  Her notoriety, at least locally, can't be comfortable.  Yet she has family and friends here and much more of her life to live.  For now, she has chosen to serve God, as she knows Him, as a missionary in France where she teaches those she meets of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, the only One who can truly understand our pains, sorrows, hurts, and heartaches.  She has felt His support and His love and protection.  She has a rare comprehension of what that love in her life has done, and can uniquely share her feelings of Him with those she teaches.  I imagine she is a powerful voice of testimony.

I think she is one of the most remarkable women I have never met.  I admire her determination and poise in the face of what might make another person want to curl up and die.  With continued support of her family, some luck, and a full serving of justice, her accused kidnapper will be put away for life and never have to be seen or spoken of by her again.  And maybe, with the Lord's help, she can get on with her life--her way.  I hope so, for her sake.

Video Sunday

Food Blisters

Have you ever eaten MUCH more than you should have, but it felt soooo good?  Yeah.  Me too.  More often than I'd like to admit.

Last night I did it again.  I ran away with some friends to enjoy some girls' time--sans husbands and children.  It was lovely.  Part of our evening involved reservations at Schneitter's restaurant.  On Fridays they have an all-you-can-eat Seafood Buffet.  Oh yeah.

Do you see this bowl of ocean goodness fronting the ice sculpture?  Yes.  Yes, I nearly pulled up a chair and parked myself there.  Oh the deliciousness that is snow crab legs and cocktail shrimp!!  Yumm-oh!!

Needless to say, as this was an "all-you-can-eat" buffet, it begged for me to eat all I could.  Well, there is no turning down an offer like that.  So, I didn't--turn it down, that is.  I ate crab and shrimp and even tried a shrimp taco and a cod taco.  Then back to the crab and shrimp.  Succulent morsels of ocean's wonder.  If I was any kind of poet, I think I could wax poetic about the loveliness that is crab meat.  Nothing quite like it in the world.

Well, as the evening progressed, so did the size of my food blister.

What's that? You don't know what a food blister is?  A food blister is the physical protuberance that begins to show just under your rib cage when you have just eaten way more food that you should have and you feel so full that you might hurl, but it tasted so good you don't want to waste it.

My food blister developed just as it should: little bite by little tasty bite.  I capped the evening off with a thorough visit to the dessert table and was rewarded for my effort in many chocolaty delicacies that were called names which I have no idea.  But, wow!  They were tasty.

To tend to a food blister, especially one properly prepared and adequately developed, takes some skill.  A food blister demands to be stretched out on some soft, confortable furniture piece, preferably a couch or recliner.  If must be kept warm, maybe with a cotton throw, acrylic blanket or quilt.   It should also be kept quite to really begin to heal.  This might mean a nice enjoyable movie with good plot and excellent characters to play out some family friendly story.  A food blister mustn't be jolted by scary or sudden surprises.  Keeping it settled is vitally important.

So that is what I did--almost.  There was no recliner and the couch was full of three friends.  So I lounged in the upholstered chair in the condo's family room, and enjoyed the conversation of live, in-person friends.  This works too.

I recommend this prescribed treatment the next time you get a food blister and it must be cared for.  This is timely information, as Thanksgiving is coming, and that is a particular time when most of us are especially susceptible to food blisters.  Trust me in this remedy.  You'll thank me later--even if your diet doesn't.

Reality--Like It or Not

Today is our junior high's annual 8th grade event: REALITY TOWN.  It is my favorite event to work on at the school each year.  This year, The Boy gets to participate. 

With the help from their guidance counselors, the kids have a few mini-lessons in their English and Science classes (all 8th graders take those together) about future jobs, potential employment requirements, and personality surveys.  Then they take a computerized "test" to see what they might have skills, interests, and talent in as far as careers go, then based on that info and their GPA, they are assigned a profession, a salary,  a marital status & possibly children, and a pretend scenario as if they were 30 years old. 

It is like a big game of "Life"--remember that boar game from years ago?

They are told if they have health insurance with their job, if their spouse works and therefore you need to provide childcare, if you need to purchase a vehicle to get to work.  All the things you wake up one day as an adult and realize were sprung--unsuspectingly--on you!

I love watching the kids awaken to the idea that Mom and Dad have a lot more to do than got to work and bring home money!  Several times I have heard kids tell their friends (or sometimes no one in particular) "Wow, I didn't know my mom had to do so much for me."

Yes, it is payback time at the Junior High.  Any wonder this is my favorite event to help with at school?!