Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hoping for a miracle

We took a red-eye flight home from Hawaii yesterday. I mention that because it is my excuse for both Matthew and I leaving our iPods on the plane. In our sheer exhaustion we must have forgotten to completely check our surroundings (like good little fliers always do). I made sure to grab my $5 waterbottle, but somehow forgot my invaluable entertainment device. We didn't even think about them missing until late last night. So this morning I spent some quality time with Delta describing our lost goods. She mentioned mulitiple times that if, on the off chance they are found and turned in, Delta/ NW will give us the courtesy of calling and having them returned. Does that sound snotty? She was actually very nice. Anyway, I realize it's a long shot but we're praying for miracles right now.



Two weeks later - still haven't heard back from Delta so thanks to "Anonymous" who gave me the idea of calling my insurance agent. I didn't think they covered stuff like that but it's definitely worth a shot.

Families = Heaven?

These last couple of weeks have been fabulous and slightly exhausting. Last weekend my siblings, parents, and I descended upon Denver to watch the blessed union of my little brother Paul and his adorable wife Breanne. (We are so excited to have her in the family.) While there for the weekend, I got the chance to spend quality time with my siblings, visit my grandmother's grave (I've never met her but the Spirit at her grave was beautiful), and meet and socialize with a large handful of my father's family. Sitting at a table at my brother's wedding reception surrounding by so many old and new loved ones, I was struck with such love for my family, both immediate and extended.

The next day I met Matthew in Seattle where we flew on to Hawaii to spend a week with his family who lives there. More family time and more love was exchanged. As we were sitting in the airport waiting for our flight home Matthew said he got a glimpse of heaven that week. Heaven must be made up of our best family moments - where everyone is happy and loving and having fun. Looking back at the week and the weekend previous to that, I would have to agree!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Perm

I'm thinking of getting a perm. I've read they've come along way since the 80's. Any thoughts?

Monday, December 7, 2009

I Can't Keep it In, I've Gotta Let it Out

Yesterday I had one of those Fast Sundays you love to have. For those who may not be LDS, the first Sunday of each month, is designated as a fast day. You give up food and drink for twenty-four hours, give the money you would have paid for food to the poor, and instead devote your thoughts to drawing closer to God. Oh, and at church, instead of talks given from members of the congregation, the microphone is instead open to anyone who wishes to get up and voice their love of the Savior. I am often amazed at the trust the Bishop has in the members to pass over control like that. Thankfully, in the hundreds of fast and testimony meetings I've attended, the wackiness of testimonies has been kept to a minimum. Normally it is the best meeting of the month. So, with ants in my pants and the Spirit in my heart I jumped out of my seat as soon as I was able to share my love for the knowledge I have of my Savior and his gospel. I felt overwhelmed by the the love I had for everyone there. It was a mixture of joy and peace - I even quoted a famous Cat Stevens song - "Can't Keep it In." I felt so enthusiastic that I had to share it here. So there you have it. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I love it. And I love you, whoever you may be dear reader. Thanks for letting me share my joy with you.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Dance Team

I work with a woman at the high school who's also the coach of the dance team. It's a small squad and the program is nothing like the team I was on in high school, but when I was asked to judge their tryouts, it brought back memories all the same. I felt slightly anxious about the prospect at first considering I was no great dancer in my day, but found I did okay once I got there.
It was fun seeing these cute and nervous girls perform a routine they had barely learned. I totally remember being in that position. Smiling so big hoping it would distract the judges from my less than stellar footwork. I couldn't help but smile back at the girls and love them for putting themselves out there.
The other moment of the evening that brought back a flood of memories was drill down. It's an odd component of the dance team competition that involves doing dancified military maneuvers (right face, left face, parade rest) with precision. If you move the wrong way or twitch at an inopportune time you are out. The last person standing wins. Despite having some trouble knowing my right from my left, drill down was probably my biggest strength as a dance teamer. So seeing these girls doing it that night brought back so many memories. Especially of the infamous dance team who would toot aka fart their way to victory as they startled and grossed the other dancers out. Ah dance team, what a lovely memory.
Any way, that is what I want to share. Thanks Marie for inviting me to be a part of it!