Around this time of year, I always get a little pensive. My favorite Thanksgivings were when I was growing up. We'd have the big family dinner, my Uncle Bill would come over, and sometimes we'd have other people too, friends and family. I remember one year, I think I was five, Dad put a plank on some sawhorses on the patio in the back yard, Mom dressed it up, and we had our family, Uncle Clive's family, and Uncle Bill all there. I remember the time I first was allowed to make cranberry sauce myself, and how I got splattered when the berries would pop. I remember the year I helped Mom in the kitchen, and I didn't want to do the yams, so I did everything else. Sadly, Mom burned her hand on the yams, taking them out of the oven, I think. I felt bad about that, but like Mom said, I was there helping. I remember the trips we'd make to the Sav-a-Minit market on the corner for those last-minute items--marshmellows, canned pumpkin, stuff like that. There was always a football game on TV, which was turned off during dinner.
My favorite part of the day, though, once dinner was over and mostly cleaned up (we would pick at the remains for hours--a small breakfast and dinner was all we got this day), a brother or sister would sit at the piano and we, my siblings and I, would sing Christmas songs for hours. Dad, being a Band Teacher, didn't want any Christmas songs in the house any earlier than after Thanksgiving dinner, since he had to deal with them starting in September. But this was my favorite part.
Sadly, as the years have gone by, my family has moved away from home, and going back for Thanksgiving just isn't the same now that my Mom has passed on. I don't think I've actually been back there since my nephew Limi was on his mission several years ago. I have had the priviledge of joining my sister Beckie at her house for Thanksgiving several times over the last 8 years they were on the East Coast. Of course, they're back in Utah now too.
One thing I've been thinking about is moving back West. I've even started looking at the JPL job site. I don't think this is something that will happen anytime soon, not until after at least 60 days after RBSP launches (currently scheduled for May 2012). But I'm keeping my eyes open for the opportunity. Like everything else in my life, when the time is right, the way will appear. The Lord takes care of me like that.
So this year I'll be joining friends for dinner and sleeping in my own bed at night. With my cats. Who don't even know that this is a holiday. But at least Kitty will be happy that I'm home, there to open the door for here whenever she wants. Well, mostly. I'm thinking about braving a couple stores on Friday, and on Saturday I'm meeting up with my friends in VA to see Harry Potter. Can't believe I haven't gone to see it yet. (no spoilers please!!!)
In other news, my friend's son, who's serving a mission in Singapore, assigned to the island of Pana-somehting at the moment, was in a serious accident. He was riding his bike and was hit from behind by a car. A big car. After several miracles and a couple of surgeries, it looks like he'll be ok, but any prayers or good thoughts you can send his way, I know the family would appreciate it. His name is Elder Jeremy Schone. The family moved to Utah in August, so really, all I can do is pray. And ask other people to add him to their prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Crucial Conversations
I've been in a training class for two of the last three days learning how to handle crucial conversations--the ones where there's high stress, high emotions, and high stakes. We were encouraged to use examples from our lives, both professionally and personally. I'm kind of excited to start using my new skills at work and at church--somehow I don't think my cats will be that responsive. Since part of it has to do with paying attention to others, I've been using my tv as a training tool as well, although I do tend to watch more scripted shows than reality shows. But people are people, even when acting, so the same types of behaviors come out.
I used to read a lot of these types of books, 7 habits for highly successful people, lifebalance, even the myth of self esteem, but it's been quite a while since I've read anything, or even taken a class that would help with my relationships with others. I think my last class was something about relationships, and the one before that was another work-related course on the essentials of supervision. Not sure why I've dropped that ball, but I'm hoping this gets me back on my way to being a better communicator.
Meanwhile, since I last wrote, I'm managing to get back to being healthy. I still cough, espeically when I laugh to much (Raising Hope is SO FUNNY--the baby barked! it was hilarious! Ok, so the kid was in a daycare that only had dogs with her, so she was learning how to be a dog and that was kind of what the episode was about, but it was so cute), and every now and then my sinuses need cleared, but for the most part I'm getting there. I had to miss our blood drive at work this month, but my church is holding one at the end of the month, so hopefully I'll be able to do that then.
last weekend I went out and saw Secretariat--I'd recieved a free ticket from Regal Theaters (gotta love the members' card) so I decided to use it. That is a really good movie. I love the horse, he was great. It's amazing the things that happened, truly. And if you don't want to go see it now, you really should think about it. Course, I think it's out of the theaters now, but it will be on DVD in a few more months. I'm hoping it makes the list at Oscar time, it was really good.
Other than that I've just been trying to take care of work and keep up my house and not think too much about my not being able to go visit my sister for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. 8 years. That's how long they were on the East coast. Before they came, I never went anywhere, and now I suppose I'll return to that. Somewhat. Time to get stock in an airline or something.
I used to read a lot of these types of books, 7 habits for highly successful people, lifebalance, even the myth of self esteem, but it's been quite a while since I've read anything, or even taken a class that would help with my relationships with others. I think my last class was something about relationships, and the one before that was another work-related course on the essentials of supervision. Not sure why I've dropped that ball, but I'm hoping this gets me back on my way to being a better communicator.
Meanwhile, since I last wrote, I'm managing to get back to being healthy. I still cough, espeically when I laugh to much (Raising Hope is SO FUNNY--the baby barked! it was hilarious! Ok, so the kid was in a daycare that only had dogs with her, so she was learning how to be a dog and that was kind of what the episode was about, but it was so cute), and every now and then my sinuses need cleared, but for the most part I'm getting there. I had to miss our blood drive at work this month, but my church is holding one at the end of the month, so hopefully I'll be able to do that then.
last weekend I went out and saw Secretariat--I'd recieved a free ticket from Regal Theaters (gotta love the members' card) so I decided to use it. That is a really good movie. I love the horse, he was great. It's amazing the things that happened, truly. And if you don't want to go see it now, you really should think about it. Course, I think it's out of the theaters now, but it will be on DVD in a few more months. I'm hoping it makes the list at Oscar time, it was really good.
Other than that I've just been trying to take care of work and keep up my house and not think too much about my not being able to go visit my sister for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. 8 years. That's how long they were on the East coast. Before they came, I never went anywhere, and now I suppose I'll return to that. Somewhat. Time to get stock in an airline or something.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Combratt
Hmm, what is combratt? Sounds like fighting siblings to me ;)
so it's been a little while. I had one crazy week (I think I blogged about that), then a week or so of down-time. And being sick again.
I did, however, manage to see MegaMind with my friends last Saturday. So FUN! course, one of my friends hates 3D so I'm going to have to go back and see it again, so terrible. Definitely putting this on my list of DVD's to get when it comes out.
Ani and I seem to be going back and forth--some days we have progress, some days we don't. He hasn't been eating the last couple of days, but last week was a little traumatic with my cleaning lady and then my friends coming over to meet him. But it's going to be ok. Kitty, on the other hand, was very sweet to me while I was sick. Of course, now that I'm going back to work (and no longer at her beck and call--or is that bite and meow?), she's getting a little temperamental again.
Halloween was very fun--the Trunk or Treat at the church was great (and yes, the same family won the costume contest yet again--do the judges even look at the other costumes anymore? There were some really good ones that I felt should at least be acknowledged (two words: Bee Family)). I got rid of all my candy there. Halloween was on Sunday this year, but that doesn't make a big impact on me--I just stay home and hand out candy anyway. I got rid of all my candy there too. I even pulled out the small bag I'd put in the freezer for myself--I don't need that stuff. And I made cupcakes for the Nursery kids--they love that :D I do too, actually :)
Nothing major expected this week, thank goodness.
On the weight-loss front, I am making progress. I now have an exercise ball with dvd that I actually used last night (the first night I had it). It came with a 10-week exercise planner, too. I'm thinking 15 lbs in 10 weeks, and significant shrinkage in the tummy area. It annoys me to no end that the clothes I had last time I was at this weight I can't fit into now because all that re-gained weight ended up right on my tummy. :( Yes, I know the next 10 weeks includes both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but since I won't be going anywhere (i.e. to visit family) for either, I'm thinking I can be reasonable while at home and watch my portion sizes while out. The main goal is to be 30 lbs less by next June, because next June I'm going to CHINA.
Yes, that's right, I'm going to CHINA. For one of those ad-hoc choir tour things that I did three years ago and went to Austria and Germany. Same person organizing it--not the same company but that's ok. She's the one that did all the work. I'm so excited!!! And yes, that is another reason I'm not going anywhere for the next six months. I might even get my house and yard straightened out :)
Unless, of course, some Major Family Event happens. Exceptions can be made for marriages and possible mission farewells (though the next one probably won't be until after I get back from China, and will most likely be in the fall). And of course the Family Reunion (which is also next June--I hope the two don't conflict!)
so it's been a little while. I had one crazy week (I think I blogged about that), then a week or so of down-time. And being sick again.
I did, however, manage to see MegaMind with my friends last Saturday. So FUN! course, one of my friends hates 3D so I'm going to have to go back and see it again, so terrible. Definitely putting this on my list of DVD's to get when it comes out.
Ani and I seem to be going back and forth--some days we have progress, some days we don't. He hasn't been eating the last couple of days, but last week was a little traumatic with my cleaning lady and then my friends coming over to meet him. But it's going to be ok. Kitty, on the other hand, was very sweet to me while I was sick. Of course, now that I'm going back to work (and no longer at her beck and call--or is that bite and meow?), she's getting a little temperamental again.
Halloween was very fun--the Trunk or Treat at the church was great (and yes, the same family won the costume contest yet again--do the judges even look at the other costumes anymore? There were some really good ones that I felt should at least be acknowledged (two words: Bee Family)). I got rid of all my candy there. Halloween was on Sunday this year, but that doesn't make a big impact on me--I just stay home and hand out candy anyway. I got rid of all my candy there too. I even pulled out the small bag I'd put in the freezer for myself--I don't need that stuff. And I made cupcakes for the Nursery kids--they love that :D I do too, actually :)
Nothing major expected this week, thank goodness.
On the weight-loss front, I am making progress. I now have an exercise ball with dvd that I actually used last night (the first night I had it). It came with a 10-week exercise planner, too. I'm thinking 15 lbs in 10 weeks, and significant shrinkage in the tummy area. It annoys me to no end that the clothes I had last time I was at this weight I can't fit into now because all that re-gained weight ended up right on my tummy. :( Yes, I know the next 10 weeks includes both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but since I won't be going anywhere (i.e. to visit family) for either, I'm thinking I can be reasonable while at home and watch my portion sizes while out. The main goal is to be 30 lbs less by next June, because next June I'm going to CHINA.
Yes, that's right, I'm going to CHINA. For one of those ad-hoc choir tour things that I did three years ago and went to Austria and Germany. Same person organizing it--not the same company but that's ok. She's the one that did all the work. I'm so excited!!! And yes, that is another reason I'm not going anywhere for the next six months. I might even get my house and yard straightened out :)
Unless, of course, some Major Family Event happens. Exceptions can be made for marriages and possible mission farewells (though the next one probably won't be until after I get back from China, and will most likely be in the fall). And of course the Family Reunion (which is also next June--I hope the two don't conflict!)
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