Because You're Dying to Know What's Up with Me

Hello! It’s been a while since I’ve done a review of my activities. Today is not Friday, so I cannot do an official Week in Review. It’s essential that that only be done on Friday. Some customs should not be messed with. So here’s just a random bunch of stuff.

Minnesota People – Just after the holidays I was listening to Minnesota celebrity Garrison Keillor on Public Radio. He was talking about the 12 days of Christmas and said, “Twelve days of celebration is usually too much for anyone from Minnesota.” I laughed, and then thought, “That’s so true!” As much as I like the holidays, and the break from work that comes with them, it’s always good to get things back to normal. In fact, I usually hit a wall a few days before December 25th when I’m ready to just get it done. Of course working retail has something to do with that, but I think I would feel that way even without the store. A full December’s worth of festivity really is too much for a serious-minded, stoic Minnesotan. It’s nice to be back to work.

Mercyville – Years ago I worked with a good friend named Joel McCausland whose claim to fame is being one of the two members of Afterglow. We worked together at FranklinCovey, and I was his assistant for about three years. Since then we’ve kept in touch with random emails here and there. Recently he and Afterglow released their first CD of original music in ten years. I bought one and have liked it. I even called him to tell him that I liked it, and it was fun to talk and get caught up again. The cd is good, so if you’re looking for some LDS Sunday music, give it a try.

Jonah – He was successfully baptized on January 2, although it took three dunkings to get it done right, maybe because he has a list of enemies.

Lasagna – Saturday I went to Marla’s for dinner and she made what was the best lasagna I have ever had, hands down, no exaggeration. The recipe came from the Pioneer Woman Cookbook, which I mentioned in a past post because Nicole and I went to her book signing in November. It really was good! Marla has also made the chicken pot pie and said that it was delicious too. I have my own copy of this cookbook and am ready to start making some of these recipes myself, which will not at all work into my resolution to lose weight…

Resolutions – Yes I, like most people, have a renewed resolution to lose weight this year. In my case it’s very necessary. But I’m having a hard time stirring up the motivation to get started. Where’s my enthusiasm for positive change? I don’t know. I might have to just start without any enthusiasm and hope that it shows up eventually.

Victoria – Melissa and I saw a good move called “Young Victoria”, about Queen Victoria of England, set in the mid 1800s. It’s very well done, beautiful sets and costumes, a nice love story, good acting, and rated PG. You can’t beat that.

Credit where credit is due – I’m very impressed with my nieces. Barry and Melody went out of town last weekend, so Sierra, Mariah and Savannah were home alone from Friday till Monday. I went to see them Sunday and found them alive and well. And I found out that they got themselves to church that day, went to all three meetings, and then went to a youth fireside that night, all without any parental supervision. Sierra planned to watch a CES fireside on tv, so I did that with her while Mariah and Savannah were at their fireside. The girls are 19, 17 and 15, so they’re old enough to get themselves where they need to be. What impressed me wasn’t that they can do this, but they did do it. Not all teenagers would go to a full Sunday’s worth of meetings without their parents’ push. And yes, I’m sure that they were told that they had to go to the fireside, but mom and dad are in San Diego, not close by to enforce the rules. The more I think about it the more wonderful I think it is. They know what’s right, and they do it, all on their own. That takes real maturity, a good upbringing, and good hearts. What good girls.

Update on the big-girl bed – I love it, and it’s nearly impossible to get up in the morning. It’s the best/worst thing that’s ever happened to me.

There it is. I hope you are all enjoying a happy new year!
You are loved.