We just got back from the Gold Swim Meet, the county finals for the summer recreation swim season. It was held at Lehi's Legacy Center, and the Lehi folks running the show did a terrific job. The meet ran smoothly and, all things considered, rather quick too. And I didn't have to do a dang thing but watch my own kids--and cheer for those on our team!
The Legacy Center in Lehi has a fantastic aquatics center, and luckily today it was closed to the public throughout the meet. This gave us the whole place to spread out and make camp then we could walk in to watch our kids' events. Much more enjoyable then being mashed into a viewing area that isn't big enough for two teams' families--much less all eight teams in our county summer league.
The Boy got back from a week long, high adventure camp at Flaming Gorge with his scout group yesterday afternoon. He hasn't been at practice all week. We weren't sure how he would do--physically or emotionally--considering the lack of sleep and nutrition this past week. But he ended up doing really well!
The Boy swam the 50 yard freestyle sprint, the Medley Relay (4x50), 100 freestyle, 50 yard breaststroke and the freestyle relay (4x50). Unofficially--meaning that these are the times I wrote down from the unofficial poolside scoreboard--he did better than his seed times across the board.
50 yard freestyle: 32.03 seconds
200 yard Medley Relay: 2.21.11 The coach tells me they took first place!!
100 yard free: 1.11.??
50 yard breast: 38.55 On this one, he dropped 3 seconds from his previous best time.
And I didn't get their relay time....we were all relieved to be almost done by that point in the meet. But I think they took 2nd place.
The Girl has focused in to the county record for the breaststroke in her age group since she swam faster than the record at one of our mid-season dual meets. She has a very natural stroke and since she swam year round this year, her technique has only gotten better. Her Individual Medley--meaning she swims 50 yards of each of the four strokes herself (as opposed to a RELAY)--has really gotten a boost since her breaststroke time has improved. An IM can be won or lost with the breaststroke leg of that race.
Her times were very impressive! Unofficially, of course, here is what I recorded:
200 yard Medley Relay: 2.11.20 (County record had been 2.14.51) First place, and a new relay record!
100 yard freestyle: 1.02.74--taking a surprising 2nd place.
200 yard IM: 2.36.51--she took first in this event!
100 yard breast: 1.19.80 (Previous county record was 1.21.80) First place, and new indivual record!!
And I didn't her free-relay time either...or the just for show "Coaches' Relay"...but both of these were fun to watch!
Our team's kids--overall--did a great job today. Genius Golfer even heard another team's coaching staff talking amongst themselves who asked "How does their (meaning, our) team just kill us every summer but not carry that momentum into the high school season?!" Good question, really.
Alas, for our high school swim season, it is really a quest for The Girl to achieve her personal best...and enjoy the team for what it is worth. Too much politics, personality conflicts and teenage dramatics to make it worth much more than that to her. Luckily she sees the advantage of swimming, despite all the high school hijinks.
But what a great day today! I was so proud of both the kids and their efforts to reach their goals! Now, The Boy's efforts shift immediately to football. Two-a-day practices begin Monday morning!
Ahhh, the joys of parenthood!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
An Unlikely Visit
One of our favorite local burger joints here in town is called The Purple Turtle. They have great shakes, and the best fish and chips this side of the pond.
He ordered a cheeseburger, fries and a freeze. His body guards were with him, of course, and kept him from being mobbed while he ate his lunch.
This morning on Facebook, several of the kids who work there had posted that yesterday was 'the best day ever at work' because they got to see the prophet--up close and personal.
I guess this is just a little perk of living in Utah. And, of course, living here near the super yummy, semi-famous, one of a kind Purple Turtle. Not that I needed a prophet's endorsement to enjoy a fish 'n chips lunch. But it doesn't hurt.
The best part of the Turtle is that our family friends own and operate it. They hire some of the best high school kids I know. And it is right here in our front yard. They advertise special coupons and discounts on Facebook too.
Yesterday our friend, Steve the Turtle Guy, texted a note to Dear Friend Taffy--while I was with her-- that they had just had a special visitor. President Thomas S. Monson, president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had just been in for lunch.
This morning on Facebook, several of the kids who work there had posted that yesterday was 'the best day ever at work' because they got to see the prophet--up close and personal.
I guess this is just a little perk of living in Utah. And, of course, living here near the super yummy, semi-famous, one of a kind Purple Turtle. Not that I needed a prophet's endorsement to enjoy a fish 'n chips lunch. But it doesn't hurt.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sick Minds Think Alike
I joined Dear Friend Chris yesterday for her pre-op visit to her gynecological surgeon. She is having a benign fibroid tumor, the size of a football, that is attached to the outside of her uterus removed next week, along with the uterus. The tumor was discovered earlier in the spring, and the surgery is her best option. I've been with her at the other appointment with this surgeon to verify that this is really the problem, so I had met the doctor with her back in May. I go to give her moral support and to have an extra set of ears listening to the doctor's instructions.
Dr. Rees is simply terrific. He is kind and funny, and seems to really know his stuff. And, really, any man who chooses to become an OB has some kind of special talent for dealing with women, their hormones, and the crazy stuff that happens in their bodies. He works with a series of other OB/GYNs in a very popular Provo practice.
It's the Provo angle that makes this story worth sharing.
You know Provo--the home of BYU, affectionately known as "Breed 'em Young" University. Where a high percentage of undergraduate students are married, and many of those are starting their families while they are still students themselves. This is a leading factor in the popularity of this doctor's office--as well as any and all OB/GYNs in Provo.
There are a LOT of babies born in Provo. And many of their mothers were coming in for their regular pregnancy check ups yesterday, apparently. But as this town is family-central, most of those women coming in for their check ups were with their husbands too.
Chris' doctor had been called in to help with an emergency C-section, so we had to wait a little longer than normal to get in to see him. We watched a dozen or more BYU-like couples head back for the weights and measures kind of appointment. As fast as the waiting room emptied, it refilled with new little BYU-esque parents-to-be.
When the nurse finally called Chris back, we both stood up to head back to the exam room to talk with the surgeon. There we were, two women. Together. Walking back to an exam room at an OB/GYN's office. Together.
EVERY set of eyes in the building were looking right at the two of us. I could feel their laser-like gaze recognizing the discrepancy between us and the other couples who had been walked back behind the desk. There was NO doubt in my mind that everyone there was thinking the same thing: "LESBIANS, right here in Provo. Can't be?! Which do you think is the pregnant one?!"
The glares felt heavy as we passed the registration desk and walked down a little hallway. Once through the door, Chris and I looked at each other and, sure enough, we were both feeling those same stares. We were thinking they were thinking the SAME thing! "They think we are lesbians having a baby."
Once we got into the little room where the doctor would speak with us, we were cracking up thinking of all the self-righteous and judgemental thoughts everyone in the waiting room must be having about us at that moment. Just goes to show you can't judge people by what you see. And really, isn't that was we've been taught all our lives? Quick judgements are often wrong.
We facitiously joked about the little Molly-Mormons fearful that some"gay" might rub off on the unborn, or that their safe harbor from the world (Provo) was no longer the pure home they wanted to live in to raise this baby. All the homophobic things I had heard from uptight and judgemental folks around here sounded in my mind.
Then as Chris was having her blood pressure taken in the hallway outside the exam room, I heard the song that was playing on the radio at that moment. Irony, pure and simple: it was AC/DC's "Shook Me All Night Long".
Provo may not be my favorite town, but tell me, what is NOT to like about this office?
Dr. Rees is simply terrific. He is kind and funny, and seems to really know his stuff. And, really, any man who chooses to become an OB has some kind of special talent for dealing with women, their hormones, and the crazy stuff that happens in their bodies. He works with a series of other OB/GYNs in a very popular Provo practice.
It's the Provo angle that makes this story worth sharing.
You know Provo--the home of BYU, affectionately known as "Breed 'em Young" University. Where a high percentage of undergraduate students are married, and many of those are starting their families while they are still students themselves. This is a leading factor in the popularity of this doctor's office--as well as any and all OB/GYNs in Provo.
There are a LOT of babies born in Provo. And many of their mothers were coming in for their regular pregnancy check ups yesterday, apparently. But as this town is family-central, most of those women coming in for their check ups were with their husbands too.
Chris' doctor had been called in to help with an emergency C-section, so we had to wait a little longer than normal to get in to see him. We watched a dozen or more BYU-like couples head back for the weights and measures kind of appointment. As fast as the waiting room emptied, it refilled with new little BYU-esque parents-to-be.
When the nurse finally called Chris back, we both stood up to head back to the exam room to talk with the surgeon. There we were, two women. Together. Walking back to an exam room at an OB/GYN's office. Together.
EVERY set of eyes in the building were looking right at the two of us. I could feel their laser-like gaze recognizing the discrepancy between us and the other couples who had been walked back behind the desk. There was NO doubt in my mind that everyone there was thinking the same thing: "LESBIANS, right here in Provo. Can't be?! Which do you think is the pregnant one?!"
The glares felt heavy as we passed the registration desk and walked down a little hallway. Once through the door, Chris and I looked at each other and, sure enough, we were both feeling those same stares. We were thinking they were thinking the SAME thing! "They think we are lesbians having a baby."
Once we got into the little room where the doctor would speak with us, we were cracking up thinking of all the self-righteous and judgemental thoughts everyone in the waiting room must be having about us at that moment. Just goes to show you can't judge people by what you see. And really, isn't that was we've been taught all our lives? Quick judgements are often wrong.
We facitiously joked about the little Molly-Mormons fearful that some"gay" might rub off on the unborn, or that their safe harbor from the world (Provo) was no longer the pure home they wanted to live in to raise this baby. All the homophobic things I had heard from uptight and judgemental folks around here sounded in my mind.
Then as Chris was having her blood pressure taken in the hallway outside the exam room, I heard the song that was playing on the radio at that moment. Irony, pure and simple: it was AC/DC's "Shook Me All Night Long".
Provo may not be my favorite town, but tell me, what is NOT to like about this office?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Makes Cents To Me
I've held my tongue on the political landscapes of late, and today I can do it no more. This whole brouhaha about the national debt crisis makes me CrAzY!
Now, I've never been an elected public official. But I have lived more or less on my own for nearly 25 years. I didn't get a Pell grant for college. I didn't even apply for one. Did I have Family help? YES, of course.
I do recall MANY lessons on living within my means--which means, at times, were minimal. I do remember many times when I wished I could just go to Wendy's for burgers and fries with my roommmates, but this was Tuesday evening and I didn't get paid again until Friday, so I stayed home or shared some frieds with my generous friends.
My real life experience tells me that you cannot spend money you don't have. And I don't mean, you can't spend money you haven't printed yet--because that doesn't work in the real world either. Not for real people who prefer to stay on the right side of the law.
What makes our esteemed officials think they can spend OUR money--because ultimately we the citizens of the USA (along with our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren) will have to pay for their spending--without any limits? Why are they so arrogant to think a balanced budget amendment is too difficult or complex for the "little people" of this country to comprehend?
Now, I know the social security folks worry about their funds being touched. I frankly worry for them too.
I know the medicare folks worry about their benefits being hit. I understand their worry too.
I definitely see the worry in the faces of military families about their salaries being stopped, all the while they are willing to sacrifice their very lives --as volunteers-- to support the cause of freedom throughout the globe. Yet those who ultimately control their destinies hold the purse strings in a very protected and secure location.
The way I see it, this is the most marvelous, blessed country in the world. We should be able to take care of our own--but needn't include the rest of the world when our own house is in disarray. We need to put some things straight here first--with that being the initial priority--before we save the world from their issues.
Yes, I know the nation's economy is tied to all other economies. This is a world wide issue, that is true. But if we are so screwed up at home, our problems will only bleed out into the world's issues unless we can stem the tide of trouble.
All I am asking for is a little more sense of cooperation, and a little less sense of partisan politics; a little more common sense (which is becoming less common as this crisis lingers) and a little less sense of superiority--especially from special interest groups who are lookiong out for themselves only. We need a little more national self-control and a little less "buy a little love" behavior.
This whole situation calls to mind the question: How far out of reality are these elected officials? Do they run their own households this same way? Do they answer to their constituents or their afflilated party?
Perhaps the notions of (1) limited terms of service--so they can work in real life a while before and after public life and be personally responsible for their own retirement savings and medical care (just like the rest of us), (2) paying the government leaders the median income of their home state--including the required taxes, insurance fees, and costs of living--and then seeing what kind of legislation they pass to affect regular people, (3) immediately curtailing the special interest groups and lobbyists access to the lawmakers, (4) a limited six month window of campaigning so some work might actually get done by these Representatives who otherwise spend 75-90% of their two year term on the campaign trail, and (5) implementing the Constitution and its amendments as the basis of all legislation have met their time.
I can't do what they do on a national scale and have my family survive. I think they all need a reality check. And I don't mean one you can cash at the bank.
Now, I've never been an elected public official. But I have lived more or less on my own for nearly 25 years. I didn't get a Pell grant for college. I didn't even apply for one. Did I have Family help? YES, of course.
I do recall MANY lessons on living within my means--which means, at times, were minimal. I do remember many times when I wished I could just go to Wendy's for burgers and fries with my roommmates, but this was Tuesday evening and I didn't get paid again until Friday, so I stayed home or shared some frieds with my generous friends.
My real life experience tells me that you cannot spend money you don't have. And I don't mean, you can't spend money you haven't printed yet--because that doesn't work in the real world either. Not for real people who prefer to stay on the right side of the law.
What makes our esteemed officials think they can spend OUR money--because ultimately we the citizens of the USA (along with our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren) will have to pay for their spending--without any limits? Why are they so arrogant to think a balanced budget amendment is too difficult or complex for the "little people" of this country to comprehend?
Now, I know the social security folks worry about their funds being touched. I frankly worry for them too.
I know the medicare folks worry about their benefits being hit. I understand their worry too.
I definitely see the worry in the faces of military families about their salaries being stopped, all the while they are willing to sacrifice their very lives --as volunteers-- to support the cause of freedom throughout the globe. Yet those who ultimately control their destinies hold the purse strings in a very protected and secure location.
The way I see it, this is the most marvelous, blessed country in the world. We should be able to take care of our own--but needn't include the rest of the world when our own house is in disarray. We need to put some things straight here first--with that being the initial priority--before we save the world from their issues.
Yes, I know the nation's economy is tied to all other economies. This is a world wide issue, that is true. But if we are so screwed up at home, our problems will only bleed out into the world's issues unless we can stem the tide of trouble.
All I am asking for is a little more sense of cooperation, and a little less sense of partisan politics; a little more common sense (which is becoming less common as this crisis lingers) and a little less sense of superiority--especially from special interest groups who are lookiong out for themselves only. We need a little more national self-control and a little less "buy a little love" behavior.
This whole situation calls to mind the question: How far out of reality are these elected officials? Do they run their own households this same way? Do they answer to their constituents or their afflilated party?
Perhaps the notions of (1) limited terms of service--so they can work in real life a while before and after public life and be personally responsible for their own retirement savings and medical care (just like the rest of us), (2) paying the government leaders the median income of their home state--including the required taxes, insurance fees, and costs of living--and then seeing what kind of legislation they pass to affect regular people, (3) immediately curtailing the special interest groups and lobbyists access to the lawmakers, (4) a limited six month window of campaigning so some work might actually get done by these Representatives who otherwise spend 75-90% of their two year term on the campaign trail, and (5) implementing the Constitution and its amendments as the basis of all legislation have met their time.
I can't do what they do on a national scale and have my family survive. I think they all need a reality check. And I don't mean one you can cash at the bank.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Odd Phenomenon
We've had a pretty warm month, though it has been fairly mild compared to what the eastern portion of the country is dealing with. But it has been warm enough here to kick the AC on each day.
Oddly enough we have a crazy situation with our house's air conditioning. The thermostat is in the west-facing front room--where it regularly gets warmer than any other room--thus kicking the AC on over and over. But the family room, kitchen, and dining room respond beautifully and cool right off. In fact, my feet get cold if I have to standing the kitchen working on something for 20 minutes or more at a time. Yet our bedrooms are stifling still.
The AC can run all day long and still the bedrooms--which are all upstairs--are like dry saunas. We keep the blinds closed upstairs throughout the day, doing our best to help the house with it's cooling issues. But even at night, the nightime low never drops low enough to open the windows in July, so the AC tries all day long to cool the house enough for us to sleep. So far, it isn't really do too well.
I know, this is a whiny issue to even bring up. At least I HAVE the air conditioning. And at least we can afford to run it through the summer. But still, I have a nagging question--is this how it was designed to work? Some mechanical engineer came up with THIS plan? I have a hard time thinking that is true.
In the meantime, we have strategically placed fans right in from of the air vents to help circulate the AC as it is pumped around the house. And when my feet get too cold in the kitchen, I just walk outside for a few minutes and then back in the cool house with a little attitude adjustment in my heart.
Oddly enough we have a crazy situation with our house's air conditioning. The thermostat is in the west-facing front room--where it regularly gets warmer than any other room--thus kicking the AC on over and over. But the family room, kitchen, and dining room respond beautifully and cool right off. In fact, my feet get cold if I have to standing the kitchen working on something for 20 minutes or more at a time. Yet our bedrooms are stifling still.
The AC can run all day long and still the bedrooms--which are all upstairs--are like dry saunas. We keep the blinds closed upstairs throughout the day, doing our best to help the house with it's cooling issues. But even at night, the nightime low never drops low enough to open the windows in July, so the AC tries all day long to cool the house enough for us to sleep. So far, it isn't really do too well.
I know, this is a whiny issue to even bring up. At least I HAVE the air conditioning. And at least we can afford to run it through the summer. But still, I have a nagging question--is this how it was designed to work? Some mechanical engineer came up with THIS plan? I have a hard time thinking that is true.
In the meantime, we have strategically placed fans right in from of the air vents to help circulate the AC as it is pumped around the house. And when my feet get too cold in the kitchen, I just walk outside for a few minutes and then back in the cool house with a little attitude adjustment in my heart.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Pioneer Day
But for what it is worth, I thought I would post just a bit about the gratitude I have for my own pioneer ancestors.
Mine never crossed the plains in handcart companies headed for Zion. But they crossed oceans to make new lives in America; they looked for opportunities that took them further west; they fought in the Civil War and many wards since then to provide my family a safe and secure land.
And more recently they exercised their faith and joined a church that brought them understanding and happiness. A Church with the restored Priesthood and eternal ordinances of the temples. A Church that requires service, standards, and even sacrifice.
For all these pioneers, I tip my hat and give thanks for the life I have today. They made it all possible. For that I am forever thankful.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
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