If you recall, I returned from Europe with a desire to join a semi-professional choir. I have since joined two--the first is a Single Adult choir through my church, open to anyone interested, performing Lex deAzevedo's Gloria in December. The second one was a bit harder. In August I auditioned for the Mormon Choir of Washington, D.C. I've been attending rehearsals, at their suggestion, every Thursday night since. And last night I found out for sure--I was accepted!! yay!
Of course this means I have to take a hiatus from the Thursday book club. I should be able to attend in January and next summer, though.
It also means that I have to find someone reliable on my Stake SA committee to run our potlucks a few times a year. That could prove to be very difficult.
But it also means that I can enjoy singing once more with a director who actually knows what he's doing. I can sing challenging music, and make friends, and go places and do things, and quite frankly I think it's going to be great.
Our first concert is October 18 at the Washington, D.C Temple Visitor's Center. Please come!! It's going to be fabulous!
Friday, September 19, 2008
from the "What has NASA done for me lately" file...
Allergic to pollen? NASA is working on the problem: read more here
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
I got a 'D' from LJ!
1. Comment on this post.
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Think of 5 fictional characters and post their names and your comments on these characters in your LJ.
1) Dash Rippington! Ok, so I'm not sure Dash is actually fictional, but you only get to see him at MDRF 9 weekends of the year, so I'm thinking he might be. Or maybe like Superman, wears glasses the rest of the time so we don't recognize him.
2) Darcy, as in Mr. Colin Firth is the cutest by far. Love the scene at Pemberly when he comes up from the lake... Can't say I care for the book, but I really do like the miniseries.
3) David of "David and Goliath" No, not the ones from the Bible, the ones from the TV show I watched when I was little. I think it was claymation, or maybe some other form of animation, David was the little boy and Goliath was his dog. they usually ended up at church singing, "A Mighty Fortress is our God," or maybe that's all I remember from it.
4) Deitrich, Hans, from The Rat Patrol (60's TV show about the Long Range Desert Group during WWII). Ok, so he was the German they had to defeat every other week, but for a bad guy he was surprisingly principled--and smart. He even managed to out-smart the Rat Patrol sometimes, but them being 4-1 they still managed to blow up whatever facility or convoy Deitrich was in charge of that week. Poor guy got moved around a lot.
5) Dora the Explora (don't shoot me for this). My friend tells of how one evening, after an open house for a friend who was moving away, she went downstairs to find three Dora's hung by their necks. CSI: Home Edition is still working on the case. They currently have no suspects, but her two older children remain "people of interest."
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Think of 5 fictional characters and post their names and your comments on these characters in your LJ.
1) Dash Rippington! Ok, so I'm not sure Dash is actually fictional, but you only get to see him at MDRF 9 weekends of the year, so I'm thinking he might be. Or maybe like Superman, wears glasses the rest of the time so we don't recognize him.
2) Darcy, as in Mr. Colin Firth is the cutest by far. Love the scene at Pemberly when he comes up from the lake... Can't say I care for the book, but I really do like the miniseries.
3) David of "David and Goliath" No, not the ones from the Bible, the ones from the TV show I watched when I was little. I think it was claymation, or maybe some other form of animation, David was the little boy and Goliath was his dog. they usually ended up at church singing, "A Mighty Fortress is our God," or maybe that's all I remember from it.
4) Deitrich, Hans, from The Rat Patrol (60's TV show about the Long Range Desert Group during WWII). Ok, so he was the German they had to defeat every other week, but for a bad guy he was surprisingly principled--and smart. He even managed to out-smart the Rat Patrol sometimes, but them being 4-1 they still managed to blow up whatever facility or convoy Deitrich was in charge of that week. Poor guy got moved around a lot.
5) Dora the Explora (don't shoot me for this). My friend tells of how one evening, after an open house for a friend who was moving away, she went downstairs to find three Dora's hung by their necks. CSI: Home Edition is still working on the case. They currently have no suspects, but her two older children remain "people of interest."
I'm FINE
Freaked-out
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional
(from The Italian Job--a great movie, btw)
What has put me in this fine state?
Well, first of all, I'm female (TMI alert--men skip down to next paragraph). My 'time of the month' is approaching, which means I'm more emotionally unstable than usual (that would be the E word above)
Second of all, last Friday night I was supposed to meet some friends at the movies. I found out kind of last minute, so I never called anyone to let them know I was coming, so perhaps this is my fault. However, I got there in plenty of time, hung out in the lobby for a bit, went into the theater to see if they were in there (they weren't), and since the theater was getting packed tried saving seats for them. They never showed. I ended up having to sit next to a group of women who came in and just took the seats I was saving, and talked through half the movie. It's kind of saying something that I still enjoyed the movie, it was just that good (it was The Women, although--men, don't bother going, just send your wives or significant others. Definitely a woman's film (not even really a chick-flick)). So I was reminded of all the other times I'd been stood up or cancelled on by friends (I've mentioned before that this happens to me a lot). I went home and overate. Because food is my friend, right? It's always there when I need it, and doesn't ever let me down... I know, I have to work on that (see word for 'I' above)
Third, I did go to MDRF on Saturday. I had to go, see, because this was my last opportunity to see Opening Gate. Next week starts the pilates class I signed up for on Saturday mornings, and there's no way I'd make it in time. I did get there in plenty of time to see Opening Gate, but was really surprised at the lack of people. I mean, there were people there, but only about a 1/4 of what I remember from last year. Maybe the threat of rain kept them away? It was a beautiful day, though. I went in, did some window-shopping (although can it be window shopping if there are no windows?), watched the morning caber-toss. It was Scottish Weekend, which meant that I wore my scottich outfit (and I was MELTING--not so much heat as humidity, I think). But also being Scottish Weekend, the Fight School boys were in KILTS!! Except for Hamish. It was like, bizarro weekend (Hamish usually wears the kilt). It was really great, though. Every guy I've ever seen in a kilt looks mm mmm yummy! I have pictures, but they're still in my camera along with the California pictures... Gotta get that fixed, too...
So back to my weekend review of MDRF. Fight School was fabulous, and I GOT MY DVD!!! Yay! Fight School in the winter months and spring months and summer too!! (takes deep breath and sighs like a silly girl). Ok, then I went to see Romeo and Juliet. While a lot of the soliloqy's were hard to hear (stupid helicopter anyway), it was a wonderful production. The actor and actress that played Romeo and Juliet were younger than I'd previously seen in the plays there (not that any of the regular actors are old--well, ok, maybe three of them are older), but they were really good. And so tragic. And I really liked the guy who played Paris. He was amazing. And cute.
I wandered a bit more, did some shopping, then sat for a few minutes to evaluate. I was melting (did I mention that?) I wasn't feeling well (emotionally, spiritually, mentally) since my mood from the night before carried into that day, I hadn't run into any of my other Ren friends (although I didn't go anywhere near the pubs they usually hang out, so that's probably my fault too--see word for N above). I was so hot. I must have been ill. I actually left about 2:00 pm. I know, I can't believe it either. Went home and crashed the rest of the day, only getting up to let Kitty in or out. I have got to get a kitty-door for her. Course, then she might start bringing in pet mice...
Fourth. Skipping Sunday and Monday, we come to today, and why I'm particularly Freaked-Out. I went to see a hand surgeon today. I'm going to be getting surgery on my right hand. According to him, it's not a question of if I need it, but when I'll have it done. I have moderately severe carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand. This has been developing for years, and I've had three doctors confirm this diagnosis--including my chiropractor, who initially suggested it. It's not scheduled yet, I need to call his secretary tomorrow, but I'm still a little Freaked Out. I remember when I had my Lasik surgery, how I had such a hard time asking anyone for help. Asking someone to shuttle me to and from the operation seemed like such an imposition. How dare I interrupt people during their busy schedules with their children and husbands and soccer practices and work schedules? Also, I spent five days after my initial Lasik procedure at home. Alone. No one called to even see if I was still alive. Then I have to remind myself, did I even tell anyone that I was getting it done? It was before the blogsphere I had joined with the ladies from church, and most of my LJ friends live quite a distance from me... So now I'm freaking out again because I'm going to have to impose on someone to help me get to and from Baltimore where they do the surgery. I'm not going to be able to lift anything more than about 8 ounces with my right hand for the next several days while I recover, I won't be able to drive for a couple days after the surgery, and I'm going to want to get back to work because at least there I have things to do and people will see if I fall down or something. Somehow I don't think Kitty's going to be much help. Although she might appreciate the fact that I'm at home and able to open the door for her (left-handed, of course).
So that's why I'm FINE.
PS In between writing this and posting, my friend Helen got me out of my office for a walk. I mentioned number four above, and she volunteered her husband to shuttle me around. So I may not have to impose on anyone after all, as long as Jim doesn't mind. We'll see, after I talk with my visiting teacher tonight. And actually schedule the surgery.
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional
(from The Italian Job--a great movie, btw)
What has put me in this fine state?
Well, first of all, I'm female (TMI alert--men skip down to next paragraph). My 'time of the month' is approaching, which means I'm more emotionally unstable than usual (that would be the E word above)
Second of all, last Friday night I was supposed to meet some friends at the movies. I found out kind of last minute, so I never called anyone to let them know I was coming, so perhaps this is my fault. However, I got there in plenty of time, hung out in the lobby for a bit, went into the theater to see if they were in there (they weren't), and since the theater was getting packed tried saving seats for them. They never showed. I ended up having to sit next to a group of women who came in and just took the seats I was saving, and talked through half the movie. It's kind of saying something that I still enjoyed the movie, it was just that good (it was The Women, although--men, don't bother going, just send your wives or significant others. Definitely a woman's film (not even really a chick-flick)). So I was reminded of all the other times I'd been stood up or cancelled on by friends (I've mentioned before that this happens to me a lot). I went home and overate. Because food is my friend, right? It's always there when I need it, and doesn't ever let me down... I know, I have to work on that (see word for 'I' above)
Third, I did go to MDRF on Saturday. I had to go, see, because this was my last opportunity to see Opening Gate. Next week starts the pilates class I signed up for on Saturday mornings, and there's no way I'd make it in time. I did get there in plenty of time to see Opening Gate, but was really surprised at the lack of people. I mean, there were people there, but only about a 1/4 of what I remember from last year. Maybe the threat of rain kept them away? It was a beautiful day, though. I went in, did some window-shopping (although can it be window shopping if there are no windows?), watched the morning caber-toss. It was Scottish Weekend, which meant that I wore my scottich outfit (and I was MELTING--not so much heat as humidity, I think). But also being Scottish Weekend, the Fight School boys were in KILTS!! Except for Hamish. It was like, bizarro weekend (Hamish usually wears the kilt). It was really great, though. Every guy I've ever seen in a kilt looks mm mmm yummy! I have pictures, but they're still in my camera along with the California pictures... Gotta get that fixed, too...
So back to my weekend review of MDRF. Fight School was fabulous, and I GOT MY DVD!!! Yay! Fight School in the winter months and spring months and summer too!! (takes deep breath and sighs like a silly girl). Ok, then I went to see Romeo and Juliet. While a lot of the soliloqy's were hard to hear (stupid helicopter anyway), it was a wonderful production. The actor and actress that played Romeo and Juliet were younger than I'd previously seen in the plays there (not that any of the regular actors are old--well, ok, maybe three of them are older), but they were really good. And so tragic. And I really liked the guy who played Paris. He was amazing. And cute.
I wandered a bit more, did some shopping, then sat for a few minutes to evaluate. I was melting (did I mention that?) I wasn't feeling well (emotionally, spiritually, mentally) since my mood from the night before carried into that day, I hadn't run into any of my other Ren friends (although I didn't go anywhere near the pubs they usually hang out, so that's probably my fault too--see word for N above). I was so hot. I must have been ill. I actually left about 2:00 pm. I know, I can't believe it either. Went home and crashed the rest of the day, only getting up to let Kitty in or out. I have got to get a kitty-door for her. Course, then she might start bringing in pet mice...
Fourth. Skipping Sunday and Monday, we come to today, and why I'm particularly Freaked-Out. I went to see a hand surgeon today. I'm going to be getting surgery on my right hand. According to him, it's not a question of if I need it, but when I'll have it done. I have moderately severe carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand. This has been developing for years, and I've had three doctors confirm this diagnosis--including my chiropractor, who initially suggested it. It's not scheduled yet, I need to call his secretary tomorrow, but I'm still a little Freaked Out. I remember when I had my Lasik surgery, how I had such a hard time asking anyone for help. Asking someone to shuttle me to and from the operation seemed like such an imposition. How dare I interrupt people during their busy schedules with their children and husbands and soccer practices and work schedules? Also, I spent five days after my initial Lasik procedure at home. Alone. No one called to even see if I was still alive. Then I have to remind myself, did I even tell anyone that I was getting it done? It was before the blogsphere I had joined with the ladies from church, and most of my LJ friends live quite a distance from me... So now I'm freaking out again because I'm going to have to impose on someone to help me get to and from Baltimore where they do the surgery. I'm not going to be able to lift anything more than about 8 ounces with my right hand for the next several days while I recover, I won't be able to drive for a couple days after the surgery, and I'm going to want to get back to work because at least there I have things to do and people will see if I fall down or something. Somehow I don't think Kitty's going to be much help. Although she might appreciate the fact that I'm at home and able to open the door for her (left-handed, of course).
So that's why I'm FINE.
PS In between writing this and posting, my friend Helen got me out of my office for a walk. I mentioned number four above, and she volunteered her husband to shuttle me around. So I may not have to impose on anyone after all, as long as Jim doesn't mind. We'll see, after I talk with my visiting teacher tonight. And actually schedule the surgery.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A moment of silence
Seven years ago, I was at work in the FUSE Satellite Control Center. We don't have much access to the outside world, but one of the operations team was reading the news on the internet when the news came. A plane had hit one of the two towers in New York City. There was confusion and turmoil as we all tried to find more information on what was going on. We put the information up on one of the overhead monitors (a giant screen on the wall). We heard a second plane had hit the second tower, and that one was headed for the Pentagon. We stood around and talked about war, about acts of war, about what this might mean for us, and for America.
And seven years later we're still trying to figure those things out.
Other things have happened on this day--babies have been born, people have reached milestones. Two years ago this is the day I began work at APL. Today my office mate is being moved to another part of campus, where she can be closer to her group, but she really didn't want to go. I personally will miss her.
And every year on this day I dress in patriotic colors. I get out my ribbon that I recieved from the Young Women in my ward in September, 2001, pin it to my blouse, and remember. Now that I have a house and an American Flag, it too is flying today.
Remember, remember. We must remember all those who died on that day, and all those who have died since. We must remember all those who died before, in wars--hot or cold. Defending the idea that people have a right to be who they want to be. To decide their own fate. To live their own lives in peace. Even when there is no peace.
May God be with you
Or whatever Higher Power you believe in.
And seven years later we're still trying to figure those things out.
Other things have happened on this day--babies have been born, people have reached milestones. Two years ago this is the day I began work at APL. Today my office mate is being moved to another part of campus, where she can be closer to her group, but she really didn't want to go. I personally will miss her.
And every year on this day I dress in patriotic colors. I get out my ribbon that I recieved from the Young Women in my ward in September, 2001, pin it to my blouse, and remember. Now that I have a house and an American Flag, it too is flying today.
Remember, remember. We must remember all those who died on that day, and all those who have died since. We must remember all those who died before, in wars--hot or cold. Defending the idea that people have a right to be who they want to be. To decide their own fate. To live their own lives in peace. Even when there is no peace.
May God be with you
Or whatever Higher Power you believe in.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
California Dreamin...
I'm having trouble getting my pictures off my camera (my computer is not aknowleging my camera), but I just had to blog about this anyway. I had the most wonderful time the last weekend in August (22-25th, not Labor Day weekend).
My niece Leslie is going on a mission for my church. She'll be serving in Utica, New York (which means I have to be good and not go visit her, although that is rather close to the Palmyra/Hill Cummorah area...). We've been texting and emailing all year, and I asked if she'd rather I come out for her graduation or for her Missionary Farewell. She wanted me there for her Farewell, so that's what I did. I checked with my Dad, and while he loves to see me, he suggested I check to see if I could stay at my brother's house (yes, Leslie's dad). I did, all was well, and I even bought a new small suitcase so I wouldn't have to check anything on the airplane. Worked out great, btw.
Friday, August 22, 2008
I got there on Friday, Dad and Nancy picked me up, and we went out to lunch (ok, so with the three-hour time difference I was ready for dinner, but that's beside the point). We had a nice dinner, a little break, and then they took me up to Blaine's. Blaine and his wife Yoli (from El Salvador--they all speak Spanish, while my spanish is barely more than 10 words) are foster parents, and currently have three small children, 1, 2, and 3. The 1 and 2-year olds are girls, the 3-year-old is a boy. And a very precocious boy. After we had just met, he snuggled up to me on the couch and said, very much like a pick-up line, "You know, I'm not married..." It was cute, but kind of sad that a 3-year-old is familiar with that sort of behavior. He also said his girlfriend was Cecily. I asked Yoli who Cecily was, and turns out it's Leslie, my 21-year-old niece. Kid likes 'em older, I guess :D
Hung out with Yoli and her mother and the two little girls for a while, until Blaine, my older nephew Limi, and Mikey (the 3-year-old) came home. Hung out some more until Leslie finally showed up, and we decided we had to go shopping. She had stuff to get on her mission list, so we went to Wal-Mart. I also found out that Saturday was when Leslie was planning on going through the temple. I could have worn the dress I brought (actually one of my dirndl's from Germany), but I decided I'd rather get a new one. So we went shopping. I found an outfit, she got the majority of the stuff on her list, lacking only the shoes. So then, of course, we had to go to Inland Center Mall. Very fun. We went into several shoe stores, and did find the shoes she needed (not the ones she wanted--there were too many that she wanted). We also visited a couple clothing stores, and she bought a cute little sweater/blouse thing that is so adorable (she wore it to church on Sunday, but I wasn't able to get a picture). I also got a cute little over-blouse with stars on it (which I wore to church this past Sunday in my own ward). While shopping Leslie's brother Erick called, and we set up a plan to meet for dinner. He asked if I missed In-N-Out--of COURSE I DID!!! So that's where we went. Yummy hamberguesas! We sat outside and talked for hours. Leslie wanted my perspective on all my brothers and sisters, which I gave her, and come to find out a lot of my impressions are the same as hers--and Erick's, too, once he joined us. Validation is a wonderful thing.
So we talked and talked, and then decided we needed ice cream, so we went back to the mall and the Dairy Queen there. We ran into a friend of theirs, so she joined us for a bit. It was funny, everywhere we went that weekend we ran into friends of Leslie's. So we finally made our way back home. I was rather tired (ok, exhausted since I'd gotten up at 3:00am EDT and it was currently 9:00pm PDT), so I crashed.
Saturday, August 23
Saturday was great. got up, got ready to go to the Temple. Leslie decided she wanted to go to the Newport Beach temple, so that's where we went. I traveled down with my nevies and neicie--so much fun. I just have to say, my adult nieces and nephews are all so much fun to hang out with. They love the same types of things I do, they introduce me to new music, the current fashions, and anything else I ask about. I get to buy them ice cream and sometimes dinner, and apparently they love to hang out with me too.
Fortunately I had my temple recommend with me; I hadn't known we were going to the temple, though, so I didn't have anything else with me. Fortunately the temple did, so I was ok (in the smaller temples they don't rent out that stuff). We got there, and waited for a bit until Blaine and Yoli, and Dad and Nancy showed up. We went in, only to find out Leslie (who had made all the arrangements) hadn't let the temple know it was her first time when she talked to them. Oops. We had to wait for about two hours for her to get prepped, but it was ok. We were able to do some other things while we were waiting.
It was such a special event. There were 8 of us, and we all managed to be in the prayer circle at the end--Limi went with Leslie, Erick with me. We went into the Celestial Room and waited, and when Leslie came in she was crying, she was so happy. And so beautiful. She is really such a sweet girl. I was really glad I could be there. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. Blaine's whole family was there, Limi and Erick having served missions already. It was just fabulous.
So. Since we'd had the extra two-hour wait at the temple, we were now all starving (and it was about 3:00pm). We found a little pasta place fairly close to the temple, and had dinner. Yum! Dad and Nancy even stuck around for a bit.
On the way back, we decided we needed ice cream, so we went to the Dairy Queen on Riverside Avenue this time. Erick tried to pay, but their card reader kept rejecting his card, so I paid (yay!). Maybe he can next time. I suppose I shouldn't do that all the time, even though it is fun :)
We got back and we were all stuffed so we skipped the ward pot-luck that was going on. Erick suggested we watch a movie, so we raided Limi's supply and came out with Blazing Saddles (can you believe I've never seen it??? well, now I have). Blaine even watched part of it with us--the part he wasn't dealing with small children. They did go to bed eventually, though, and he was able to watch the end with us. Then, again, I was exhausted, so I went up to bed. What a wonderful, special day.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday Leslie was speaking in her parent's ward. She normally attends the Young Single Adult ward (they live near a university so there's enough people to have one), but YSA wards don't send people on missions so she's officially going from her parent's ward. I once again went with the younger set to church, and when we got there my Dad and Nancy were there, as was my brother Mike, and my brother David and Joan and most of his kids (except Daryl and his family, who I really wanted to see since I haven't seen baby Jane yet, except in pictures--drat!). That was great though. Again with the loving of the hanging out with my adult neicies and nevvies. My last trip to CA was spent in the company of Daely and Danja, and was also a blast. I didn't have a whole lot of time this trip (I am scraping the bottom of the barrel of my vacation time), but I figured I should at least be able to see them on Sunday. And I did!
Leslie gave a wonderful talk on being an example of the believers. She was busy writing it on Saturday on the way to and from the temple, and while Erick and I were watching the movie. She did a fabulous job, I took lots of notes. I got to sit by Limi and Erick, behind Daely and Danja. Danja also sang with her friend, accompanied by my brother Blaine. It was wonderful (I'm going to run out of adjectives anytime now). I love to hear her sing. I love to hear Blaine play. I love my family :::sigh::: It was kind of interesting to look around their ward and realize that my family took up roughly 1/3 of the congregation. And that my ward is probably about 3 times the size of Blaine's ward. How would it be...?
After Sacrament Meeting was over, Blaine and Yoli went off to their classes with the little ones, my visiting siblings left with the two younger of my nieces and nephews, leaving the rest of us to hang out until the YSA ward Sacrament meeting which followed at 1:00pm. Daely, Danja, and David F (my oldest nephew) stayed as well. I got the low-down on the people in the ward, and an injunction from Yoli to check out the women in the ward for my nephews. One of my concerns, as it is hers, is that these wonderful young people--my nieces and nephews--are not dating. At all. Not going out with groups or anything. Then again, according to Daely, there really isn't anyone around. My thinking is that they really need to just get out of dodge, and I keep inviting them to come live with me, but so far no one's taken me up on it. We have lots of cute, wonderful YSA in my area... Of course, apparently my two nephews are highly sought after in their ward (which can also be a weird situation). One girl even came and sat with Limi and me. Nice enough girl, but way too anxious to get Limi to notice her.
Another girl came over and was getting introduced to my visiting nieces and nephew, looked at me and said, "are you their mom?" We all just went, "huh??" She tried to take it back, but the damage was done. I said, "no," of course, and then said, " I'm not actually old enough to be any of your mothers." Daely said, "Maybe Dallan," (who is in high school still), and Erick added, "You'd have to have been a really young mother, though," I thought later that I should have told the girl that she wasn't allowed to date my nephews, but it's probably just as well. They're not interested in her anyway. And yes, she was blonde, why do you ask? (Hey, I'm blonde too!)
After Sacrament meeting, David F wanted to go to sunday school, Leslie disappeared to her missionary prep class, and Daely and Danja hatched an elaborate plan to go get Daely's car so David could get his car back (since he'd driven and they wanted to come to Leslie's house for dinner but David wanted to stay at church--it was complicated). Hmmm, maybe David found a cute girl... Anyway, Erick went with them, I stayed with Limi until we decided Leslie could find her own way home and we left. got back, changed, made sure I was packed (I was going back to Dad's house for the night since my flight was really early in the morning), then tried to help in the kitchen--it's kind of a small kitchen, so not a lot of room. I entertained the little kids for a while until Leslie and her friends came home from church, and Daely, Danja, and Erick showed up. We had dinner at the table, the kids and me, and really did have fun. Daely and Danja had to leave for a meeting, so they didn't stay much past dinner, and I didn't think fast enough to get them to take me back with them, but it was ok. I hung out a little longer, then said good-bye to my sweet family. Limi was my chauffer back to Dad's, and we had a great conversation about daggers and things (he collects knives--I have them for Christmas this year, and since I'm going to the Renaissance Festival soon, now I know what to get him).
Not much to tell after that. Got to Dad's, was exhausted (the theme of the weekend, apparently), so since Dad and Mike had just finished putting my bed together (air mattress on the floor, you know), I went to bed. Got up and got on the plane the next morning with no trouble--actually, none of my flights were delayed this time. Nice. Had enough time in the Huston Airport to raid the Space Trader store (stuff from Johnson Space Center), including a mug that says, "It's not Rocket Science (oh wait, yes it is)" with the NASA logo on it :D And a few more things I really shouldn't have bought but did anyway. Got a ride all the way to my terminal--it was quite a distance, so I was really glad the guy offered. I would have been thinking I was getting lost or something, but he knew right where to go. Got home and Kitty was a little upset with me (hey, I had my friend Janet come over and feed her, it's not like she starved), but she got over it.
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend. And as soon as I can get my pictures off my camera and onto flickr, I'll show what 'Golden California' really means :D
What a fabulous weekend.
PS just so you know, I love hanging out with my younger nieces and nephews too, there are benefits to both, but it's really fun to relate to the adult ones on an adult level. Like we're friends, only more than friends because we're also family.
PPS my sisters complain that I write too much when I blog--guess it's true. And congratulations to you if you've made it this far!!
My niece Leslie is going on a mission for my church. She'll be serving in Utica, New York (which means I have to be good and not go visit her, although that is rather close to the Palmyra/Hill Cummorah area...). We've been texting and emailing all year, and I asked if she'd rather I come out for her graduation or for her Missionary Farewell. She wanted me there for her Farewell, so that's what I did. I checked with my Dad, and while he loves to see me, he suggested I check to see if I could stay at my brother's house (yes, Leslie's dad). I did, all was well, and I even bought a new small suitcase so I wouldn't have to check anything on the airplane. Worked out great, btw.
Friday, August 22, 2008
I got there on Friday, Dad and Nancy picked me up, and we went out to lunch (ok, so with the three-hour time difference I was ready for dinner, but that's beside the point). We had a nice dinner, a little break, and then they took me up to Blaine's. Blaine and his wife Yoli (from El Salvador--they all speak Spanish, while my spanish is barely more than 10 words) are foster parents, and currently have three small children, 1, 2, and 3. The 1 and 2-year olds are girls, the 3-year-old is a boy. And a very precocious boy. After we had just met, he snuggled up to me on the couch and said, very much like a pick-up line, "You know, I'm not married..." It was cute, but kind of sad that a 3-year-old is familiar with that sort of behavior. He also said his girlfriend was Cecily. I asked Yoli who Cecily was, and turns out it's Leslie, my 21-year-old niece. Kid likes 'em older, I guess :D
Hung out with Yoli and her mother and the two little girls for a while, until Blaine, my older nephew Limi, and Mikey (the 3-year-old) came home. Hung out some more until Leslie finally showed up, and we decided we had to go shopping. She had stuff to get on her mission list, so we went to Wal-Mart. I also found out that Saturday was when Leslie was planning on going through the temple. I could have worn the dress I brought (actually one of my dirndl's from Germany), but I decided I'd rather get a new one. So we went shopping. I found an outfit, she got the majority of the stuff on her list, lacking only the shoes. So then, of course, we had to go to Inland Center Mall. Very fun. We went into several shoe stores, and did find the shoes she needed (not the ones she wanted--there were too many that she wanted). We also visited a couple clothing stores, and she bought a cute little sweater/blouse thing that is so adorable (she wore it to church on Sunday, but I wasn't able to get a picture). I also got a cute little over-blouse with stars on it (which I wore to church this past Sunday in my own ward). While shopping Leslie's brother Erick called, and we set up a plan to meet for dinner. He asked if I missed In-N-Out--of COURSE I DID!!! So that's where we went. Yummy hamberguesas! We sat outside and talked for hours. Leslie wanted my perspective on all my brothers and sisters, which I gave her, and come to find out a lot of my impressions are the same as hers--and Erick's, too, once he joined us. Validation is a wonderful thing.
So we talked and talked, and then decided we needed ice cream, so we went back to the mall and the Dairy Queen there. We ran into a friend of theirs, so she joined us for a bit. It was funny, everywhere we went that weekend we ran into friends of Leslie's. So we finally made our way back home. I was rather tired (ok, exhausted since I'd gotten up at 3:00am EDT and it was currently 9:00pm PDT), so I crashed.
Saturday, August 23
Saturday was great. got up, got ready to go to the Temple. Leslie decided she wanted to go to the Newport Beach temple, so that's where we went. I traveled down with my nevies and neicie--so much fun. I just have to say, my adult nieces and nephews are all so much fun to hang out with. They love the same types of things I do, they introduce me to new music, the current fashions, and anything else I ask about. I get to buy them ice cream and sometimes dinner, and apparently they love to hang out with me too.
Fortunately I had my temple recommend with me; I hadn't known we were going to the temple, though, so I didn't have anything else with me. Fortunately the temple did, so I was ok (in the smaller temples they don't rent out that stuff). We got there, and waited for a bit until Blaine and Yoli, and Dad and Nancy showed up. We went in, only to find out Leslie (who had made all the arrangements) hadn't let the temple know it was her first time when she talked to them. Oops. We had to wait for about two hours for her to get prepped, but it was ok. We were able to do some other things while we were waiting.
It was such a special event. There were 8 of us, and we all managed to be in the prayer circle at the end--Limi went with Leslie, Erick with me. We went into the Celestial Room and waited, and when Leslie came in she was crying, she was so happy. And so beautiful. She is really such a sweet girl. I was really glad I could be there. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. Blaine's whole family was there, Limi and Erick having served missions already. It was just fabulous.
So. Since we'd had the extra two-hour wait at the temple, we were now all starving (and it was about 3:00pm). We found a little pasta place fairly close to the temple, and had dinner. Yum! Dad and Nancy even stuck around for a bit.
On the way back, we decided we needed ice cream, so we went to the Dairy Queen on Riverside Avenue this time. Erick tried to pay, but their card reader kept rejecting his card, so I paid (yay!). Maybe he can next time. I suppose I shouldn't do that all the time, even though it is fun :)
We got back and we were all stuffed so we skipped the ward pot-luck that was going on. Erick suggested we watch a movie, so we raided Limi's supply and came out with Blazing Saddles (can you believe I've never seen it??? well, now I have). Blaine even watched part of it with us--the part he wasn't dealing with small children. They did go to bed eventually, though, and he was able to watch the end with us. Then, again, I was exhausted, so I went up to bed. What a wonderful, special day.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday Leslie was speaking in her parent's ward. She normally attends the Young Single Adult ward (they live near a university so there's enough people to have one), but YSA wards don't send people on missions so she's officially going from her parent's ward. I once again went with the younger set to church, and when we got there my Dad and Nancy were there, as was my brother Mike, and my brother David and Joan and most of his kids (except Daryl and his family, who I really wanted to see since I haven't seen baby Jane yet, except in pictures--drat!). That was great though. Again with the loving of the hanging out with my adult neicies and nevvies. My last trip to CA was spent in the company of Daely and Danja, and was also a blast. I didn't have a whole lot of time this trip (I am scraping the bottom of the barrel of my vacation time), but I figured I should at least be able to see them on Sunday. And I did!
Leslie gave a wonderful talk on being an example of the believers. She was busy writing it on Saturday on the way to and from the temple, and while Erick and I were watching the movie. She did a fabulous job, I took lots of notes. I got to sit by Limi and Erick, behind Daely and Danja. Danja also sang with her friend, accompanied by my brother Blaine. It was wonderful (I'm going to run out of adjectives anytime now). I love to hear her sing. I love to hear Blaine play. I love my family :::sigh::: It was kind of interesting to look around their ward and realize that my family took up roughly 1/3 of the congregation. And that my ward is probably about 3 times the size of Blaine's ward. How would it be...?
After Sacrament Meeting was over, Blaine and Yoli went off to their classes with the little ones, my visiting siblings left with the two younger of my nieces and nephews, leaving the rest of us to hang out until the YSA ward Sacrament meeting which followed at 1:00pm. Daely, Danja, and David F (my oldest nephew) stayed as well. I got the low-down on the people in the ward, and an injunction from Yoli to check out the women in the ward for my nephews. One of my concerns, as it is hers, is that these wonderful young people--my nieces and nephews--are not dating. At all. Not going out with groups or anything. Then again, according to Daely, there really isn't anyone around. My thinking is that they really need to just get out of dodge, and I keep inviting them to come live with me, but so far no one's taken me up on it. We have lots of cute, wonderful YSA in my area... Of course, apparently my two nephews are highly sought after in their ward (which can also be a weird situation). One girl even came and sat with Limi and me. Nice enough girl, but way too anxious to get Limi to notice her.
Another girl came over and was getting introduced to my visiting nieces and nephew, looked at me and said, "are you their mom?" We all just went, "huh??" She tried to take it back, but the damage was done. I said, "no," of course, and then said, " I'm not actually old enough to be any of your mothers." Daely said, "Maybe Dallan," (who is in high school still), and Erick added, "You'd have to have been a really young mother, though," I thought later that I should have told the girl that she wasn't allowed to date my nephews, but it's probably just as well. They're not interested in her anyway. And yes, she was blonde, why do you ask? (Hey, I'm blonde too!)
After Sacrament meeting, David F wanted to go to sunday school, Leslie disappeared to her missionary prep class, and Daely and Danja hatched an elaborate plan to go get Daely's car so David could get his car back (since he'd driven and they wanted to come to Leslie's house for dinner but David wanted to stay at church--it was complicated). Hmmm, maybe David found a cute girl... Anyway, Erick went with them, I stayed with Limi until we decided Leslie could find her own way home and we left. got back, changed, made sure I was packed (I was going back to Dad's house for the night since my flight was really early in the morning), then tried to help in the kitchen--it's kind of a small kitchen, so not a lot of room. I entertained the little kids for a while until Leslie and her friends came home from church, and Daely, Danja, and Erick showed up. We had dinner at the table, the kids and me, and really did have fun. Daely and Danja had to leave for a meeting, so they didn't stay much past dinner, and I didn't think fast enough to get them to take me back with them, but it was ok. I hung out a little longer, then said good-bye to my sweet family. Limi was my chauffer back to Dad's, and we had a great conversation about daggers and things (he collects knives--I have them for Christmas this year, and since I'm going to the Renaissance Festival soon, now I know what to get him).
Not much to tell after that. Got to Dad's, was exhausted (the theme of the weekend, apparently), so since Dad and Mike had just finished putting my bed together (air mattress on the floor, you know), I went to bed. Got up and got on the plane the next morning with no trouble--actually, none of my flights were delayed this time. Nice. Had enough time in the Huston Airport to raid the Space Trader store (stuff from Johnson Space Center), including a mug that says, "It's not Rocket Science (oh wait, yes it is)" with the NASA logo on it :D And a few more things I really shouldn't have bought but did anyway. Got a ride all the way to my terminal--it was quite a distance, so I was really glad the guy offered. I would have been thinking I was getting lost or something, but he knew right where to go. Got home and Kitty was a little upset with me (hey, I had my friend Janet come over and feed her, it's not like she starved), but she got over it.
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend. And as soon as I can get my pictures off my camera and onto flickr, I'll show what 'Golden California' really means :D
What a fabulous weekend.
PS just so you know, I love hanging out with my younger nieces and nephews too, there are benefits to both, but it's really fun to relate to the adult ones on an adult level. Like we're friends, only more than friends because we're also family.
PPS my sisters complain that I write too much when I blog--guess it's true. And congratulations to you if you've made it this far!!
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