Well, I think I'll do a Thanksgiving re-cap. We'll start with last Tuesday.
I have been floating to different facilities a lot lately. I don't mind; I like the variety, and I appreciate getting my hours, but it can be difficult sometimes too. Last Tuesday was pretty good, though at the end of the day I was told that we were in for "the worst storm in 20 years." There was a blizzard warning, which I have never heard of in Utah. My supervisor offered me a "snow day" (a day off) on Wednesday, which I took advantage of. I went home and started packing, thinking I could outrun the storm and make it to Logan that evening. Once I got myself and Benjamin packed and loaded in the car, it started to snow. We stopped at the McDonalds near the freeway for some chickie nuggets for the boy, and in that ten minutes between our apartment and I-15, visibility went down to almost nothing. It was some crazy snow and wind, and I drove about two miles before I realized how stupid it would be to drive during this thing when I didn't have to. So we turned around and came back. We left on Wednesday morning, and to my surprise, there was only about two inches of snow on the ground. Really? After all that? I was a little disappointed, to be honest. I was expecting a couple of feet. Oh well.
So on Wednesday, we went up and hung out. I don't remember what we did the rest of that day, though Rach, Wow & the diva brigade came that evening. Thursday was nice. We started cooking early, and we were almost ready by 1pm (it was closer to 2, but that's okay). I was put on potato duty. I'm not really sure why I decided to do all 20 lbs of potatoes, but I did. And my fingers haven't entirely recovered yet. Actually I didn't do all of it, but I washed and peeled and cut and boiled them. Mach mashed them so I could go take a shower.
Dinner was excellent as usual. Rebecca's yams were particularly excellent, and the rolls were super-fluffy. My friend Shannah Leigh was in town visiting her in-laws, and she came over to chat for a bit after dinner. It was good to see her; we were BFFs in High School, but we haven't been able to see much of each other since then. She is a superstar.
I had to come back to SLC on Thursday, since I was on-call that night at Primary Children's. They called while I was on the road, so I drove right to the hospital. I was there for about three hours: not too bad. When I came back to my apartment, I decided I should just go to Target and wait in line. I knew there would be a lot of people who wanted the same TV I did, so I left about midnight (after having received a very special picture message from Dave . . .). There was a bit of a line already, but it wasn't bad when I got there. Luckily the people in line with me were friendly. We talked and joked and commiserated on how cold we were. Around 2:30am, it got really cold. One gal's father brought a propane flame heater, which was AWESOME. It made the cold bearable for the last hour or so. The fire only lasted for about 15 minutes, but man--so nice.
Around 3:30, everyone started getting excited and the line started building and squeezing together. It was kind-of exciting, and when the doors opened, it was a mad rush. If I hadn't run, I would have been trampled. Seriously. At least I got what I went in for (a 40" HDTV for $299!!), and I was out by 4:30am. I had to tie it into my trunk and I drove home really slowly. I unloaded and went back out to Best Buy. I got a bluRay player and some DVDs there. I came back, and it was about 6:30. I sat down for a couple of minutes and realized I was really tired, so I slept for a bit.
I drove back to Logan on Friday, and hung out with the fam for the rest of the day. Saturday was nice too. Most of everyone left early in the afternoon. Benji and I left a bit later, since I needed to be back for church on Sunday morning. When I got back, I realized I had Allen's keys. I was super-excited about that. So we went to church in the morning, and left on Sunday afternoon to drive back up to Logan. When the weather is good, it is normally an hour-and-a-half. It took about two hours on the way up, and closer to three on the way back. And, incidentally, we got a lot more snow out of the "winter storm" on Sunday than from the blizzard on Tuesday.
It was nice to have five days off in a row. It has been a long time since I have had that long off! It was kinda hard coming back to work, especially when I had to work at IMC on Monday. It was fun seeing my friends, but it's not easy jumping into something you haven't done in nine months. It was interesting. A lot of people said they hadn't seen me in a while; I don't think they even realized I had left. There are lots of people who work there, and I tried not to make it a big deal when I left. It's just funny. Even the anesthesiologist noticed that we hadn't worked together for a while. I told him he has just been very lucky for the past nine months. Anyway, it was a pretty good day. Then today, I worked at the main OR at Riverton. It was a pretty good day there too, but I am exhausted. I'm glad I actually get to work at my home unit tomorrow. I'm happy to float, and I'm glad I can be useful and that my services are appreciated elsewhere, but there's a reason why I choose to work where I do.
30 November 2010
20 November 2010
The Good and Bad Times
Okay, so we just got back from watching "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One" and I'm honestly not too sure how I feel about it. I LOVE THE BOOK. DH is my favorite of all the books; to me, it is perfect. The journey, the conflicted emotions, weaving all the stories together in sublime culmination. The movie does capture the essence of the story, but it leaves out so many of the exquisite details, I can't help but be a little disappointed. I guess I expected it to be more personal, because of how I feel about the story, of how much I love it, and how intimately connected I feel to the characters. I can't imagine trying to turn such a beloved story into an epic film franchise, attempting to remain faithful to the story and trying to move it along in a Hollywood-type atmosphere. I'm sure it was difficult, and I'm just not a huge fan of David Yates (the director of movies 5, 6, 7.1 and 7.2). I don't love the shaky camera, which was made all the worse because we watched it from the second row of an IMAX theater. Blah, blah, blah. Here's a list of pros and cons, that is, things I liked and things I wasn't so fond of.
Pro: Cast. I love the cast, and I feel like I know them. I have been on this journey with them for the past 8 years.
Con: Director. He's okay, but I don't love his style. The 4th movie (Goblet of Fire) is my favorite, and I think it is mostly because of the director. The shaggy hair and hot Cedric Diggory didn't hurt either. ;o)
Pro: Overall faithfulness to the story. It gets the main points right, and you do feel the helplessness and the difficulty and gravity of the situations they find themselves in.
Con: Skipping some of the details. There are some things that are just easier to leave out, I'm sure. But to me, it detracts from the perfection of the story.
Pro: Harry and Hermione's relationship. I love the dancing scene. It made me a little uncomfortable, because it's nowhere to be found in the novel, but it shows them finding a few precious moments of joy in such a difficult time.
Con: Harry and Hermione's relationship. The infamous (and totally unnecessary) nude scene was just weird. Yes, it was imaginary, designed to torture Ron, but still . . . I just didn't like it. After Ron destroys the horcrux in the book, Harry explains that he loves Hermione as a sister, quelling any speculation of their being 'together.' I can see why the director would leave that out, in order to keep the audience speculating. It's unfortunate that the only time we see or hear of Ginny is in the first fifteen minutes of the movie. In the book, Harry spends a fair amount of time thinking about her, because she's the one he loves that way.
Pro: the tale of the Three Brothers animation. It didn't seem to fit at first, but I like the way it explained the Hallows.
Cons: Harry's invisibility cloak is nowhere to be seen in this movie, and it's a pretty important key to the story.
Here are some things I would have done: made Xenophilius Lovegood more eccentric. He was a little too sedate for my taste, and we never got to see the headdress or the erumpent horn or Luna's room, etc. I would have made Rufus Scrimgeour more lion-like--longer hair, a bit of a beard, more powerful and imposing. He was a little wimpy, and the scene with Dumbledore's will was far too civil. I would have spent a little more time in the planning stages of the journey, with Bill and Fleur's wedding, Harry's coming-of-age birthday, his relationship with Ginny, etc. It's hard to say which parts I would be able to cut out/add in were I the director, because I feel like every part of the beginning is necessary to understand the end. I would have made Voldemort more intimidating, showing his anger and cruelty in the visions Harry sees, and although I liked most of the scene at Godric's Hollow, I was disappointed that we didn't see how very close Harry was to being caught by the Dark Lord himself.
There are other things I would rather they included, but God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. I'll grow to love it, I'm sure.
Pro: Cast. I love the cast, and I feel like I know them. I have been on this journey with them for the past 8 years.
Con: Director. He's okay, but I don't love his style. The 4th movie (Goblet of Fire) is my favorite, and I think it is mostly because of the director. The shaggy hair and hot Cedric Diggory didn't hurt either. ;o)
Pro: Overall faithfulness to the story. It gets the main points right, and you do feel the helplessness and the difficulty and gravity of the situations they find themselves in.
Con: Skipping some of the details. There are some things that are just easier to leave out, I'm sure. But to me, it detracts from the perfection of the story.
Pro: Harry and Hermione's relationship. I love the dancing scene. It made me a little uncomfortable, because it's nowhere to be found in the novel, but it shows them finding a few precious moments of joy in such a difficult time.
Con: Harry and Hermione's relationship. The infamous (and totally unnecessary) nude scene was just weird. Yes, it was imaginary, designed to torture Ron, but still . . . I just didn't like it. After Ron destroys the horcrux in the book, Harry explains that he loves Hermione as a sister, quelling any speculation of their being 'together.' I can see why the director would leave that out, in order to keep the audience speculating. It's unfortunate that the only time we see or hear of Ginny is in the first fifteen minutes of the movie. In the book, Harry spends a fair amount of time thinking about her, because she's the one he loves that way.
Pro: the tale of the Three Brothers animation. It didn't seem to fit at first, but I like the way it explained the Hallows.
Cons: Harry's invisibility cloak is nowhere to be seen in this movie, and it's a pretty important key to the story.
Here are some things I would have done: made Xenophilius Lovegood more eccentric. He was a little too sedate for my taste, and we never got to see the headdress or the erumpent horn or Luna's room, etc. I would have made Rufus Scrimgeour more lion-like--longer hair, a bit of a beard, more powerful and imposing. He was a little wimpy, and the scene with Dumbledore's will was far too civil. I would have spent a little more time in the planning stages of the journey, with Bill and Fleur's wedding, Harry's coming-of-age birthday, his relationship with Ginny, etc. It's hard to say which parts I would be able to cut out/add in were I the director, because I feel like every part of the beginning is necessary to understand the end. I would have made Voldemort more intimidating, showing his anger and cruelty in the visions Harry sees, and although I liked most of the scene at Godric's Hollow, I was disappointed that we didn't see how very close Harry was to being caught by the Dark Lord himself.
There are other things I would rather they included, but God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. I'll grow to love it, I'm sure.
14 November 2010
Random Thoughts
I don't know why I thought I could write every day. I have grand plans, but they rarely come to fruition . . . more evidence of my flakiness, I suppose.
I made a green bean casserole for dinner tonight. It wasn't too bad, and--wonder of wonders--Benji ate it. Two bowls worth! It probably helps that he didn't eat dinner at all last night (not from our lack of trying, believe me), but it still puts a little warm in my heart.
I went to the choir practice again tonight. We were a bit greater in number, which was helpful. I think I'll try out for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir again next year . . . though I have a fair amount of work to do before I can get to that point.
I need to go to bed. I just finished watching the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize honoring Tina Fey. Too funny. She really is brilliant. Jimmy Fallon did a Bono-impression tribute, "Beautiful Fey." Hilarious.
Sorry, this is just some random thoughts. I hope there will be something deeper for you tomorrow.
I made a green bean casserole for dinner tonight. It wasn't too bad, and--wonder of wonders--Benji ate it. Two bowls worth! It probably helps that he didn't eat dinner at all last night (not from our lack of trying, believe me), but it still puts a little warm in my heart.
I went to the choir practice again tonight. We were a bit greater in number, which was helpful. I think I'll try out for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir again next year . . . though I have a fair amount of work to do before I can get to that point.
I need to go to bed. I just finished watching the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize honoring Tina Fey. Too funny. She really is brilliant. Jimmy Fallon did a Bono-impression tribute, "Beautiful Fey." Hilarious.
Sorry, this is just some random thoughts. I hope there will be something deeper for you tomorrow.
11 November 2010
A Matter of Trust
I need to vent a little.
Today was pretty good. At work, we only had one room going, with seven cases (and four surgeons). Not a huge deal; everything went pretty smoothly. But then we got the call. The dreaded call from Travis, our instrument czar from Central Processing. They were missing a pair of scissors. Awesome.
We thought we had a solution to this dilemma, painful though it is: we label our garbage bags, and if something goes missing, we know which bag we need to go through to find it. We lost the scissors today, but they couldn't tell me which case it was on. He called in the early afternoon, when we were very busy, so we told him it would have to wait until we were done.
Okay, okay. It was my fault they were accidentally chucked (actually, I'll blame it on the resident, but even so . . .), but I hardly sat down all day. I was scrubbed in for hours, plus we had to do seven turn-overs, then I had to check 17 case carts for tomorrow . . . I worked hard today. And Travis calls to tell me I have to dig through the garbage. I was pissed. It was agreed upon that I would do it if I had to, but they couldn't even tell me which bag it was, so I had to dig through five different bags of trash to find them. The thing that really pisses me off is that I am POSITIVE the CP staff has spent at least three hours on the internet: youTube, e-mail, whatever. They spend so much time online, it's ridiculous. And they couldn't dig through the garbage for me (it took me 10 minutes). It probably wouldn't bother me so much if the nursing staff had internet access. Our manager took it away from us, which, to me, shows a complete lack of trust. That is one of our core values as a company: "We trust each other." Except, in our case, we can't be trusted to check our e-mail or log into Pandora. I had internet access at IMC (everyone did), and it was so nice. Yes, some people abused it (like the CP staff at Riverton does), but we worked hard, too. No one could say that I didn't work hard today, and honestly I'd have to try hard to abuse it, because I'm so rarely in front of a computer. It's silly, but it just doesn't seem fair to me.
I brought my laptop a couple of weeks ago, because I knew it was going to be a short day and I had some things I needed to do for work that I couldn't do on the company computers. I had lappy out at the desk, and my boss came by and saw it and freaked out. Seriously? What is the big deal? If they are so concerned about facebook HIPAA violations, why don't they just block that site? They have plenty of other sites blocked, so it's not like it's impossible. And it wouldn't cost my boss a penny to give us internet access; it's just an act of total control and distrust of her staff. Ever since then, I have been very uncomfortable around her; I always feel like she's waiting for me to do something wrong, to find an excuse to get rid of me. I apologized, and explained to her that I needed my laptop for work-related activities, and she calmed down, but really? Was that necessary? Staff at IMC brought their laptops all the time. They could check their e-mail without being yelled at. And they work their butts off for 95% of their shifts. I know I'm idealizing IMC in that way, despite all the reasons why I left. And I do love working at Riverton--I actually enjoy going to work, I like my co-workers (usually), and it's a nice, calm place to be (even if I try to avoid my boss).
Okay, that's out of my system. I need to be more grateful, especially since Thanksgiving is coming (in only 2 weeks? Holycow turkey!). I'll try to write three things I'm thankful for every day.
1. Tomorrow is Friday, and I just might hit overtime. Nice! I get to keep all my PTO for this pay period!
2. Harry Potter comes out next week! It has been a long wait, and I know it will knock my socks off. Uh, anybody want to babysit?
3. You can see the carpet in my living room. It's in desperate need of a vacuum, and there are socks strewn about, but I have definitely come home to worse.
Here's a bonus nugget for you:
"When you wish upon a falling star your dreams can come true. Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the earth that will destroy all life. Then you're pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor." -- despair. com
Today was pretty good. At work, we only had one room going, with seven cases (and four surgeons). Not a huge deal; everything went pretty smoothly. But then we got the call. The dreaded call from Travis, our instrument czar from Central Processing. They were missing a pair of scissors. Awesome.
We thought we had a solution to this dilemma, painful though it is: we label our garbage bags, and if something goes missing, we know which bag we need to go through to find it. We lost the scissors today, but they couldn't tell me which case it was on. He called in the early afternoon, when we were very busy, so we told him it would have to wait until we were done.
Okay, okay. It was my fault they were accidentally chucked (actually, I'll blame it on the resident, but even so . . .), but I hardly sat down all day. I was scrubbed in for hours, plus we had to do seven turn-overs, then I had to check 17 case carts for tomorrow . . . I worked hard today. And Travis calls to tell me I have to dig through the garbage. I was pissed. It was agreed upon that I would do it if I had to, but they couldn't even tell me which bag it was, so I had to dig through five different bags of trash to find them. The thing that really pisses me off is that I am POSITIVE the CP staff has spent at least three hours on the internet: youTube, e-mail, whatever. They spend so much time online, it's ridiculous. And they couldn't dig through the garbage for me (it took me 10 minutes). It probably wouldn't bother me so much if the nursing staff had internet access. Our manager took it away from us, which, to me, shows a complete lack of trust. That is one of our core values as a company: "We trust each other." Except, in our case, we can't be trusted to check our e-mail or log into Pandora. I had internet access at IMC (everyone did), and it was so nice. Yes, some people abused it (like the CP staff at Riverton does), but we worked hard, too. No one could say that I didn't work hard today, and honestly I'd have to try hard to abuse it, because I'm so rarely in front of a computer. It's silly, but it just doesn't seem fair to me.
I brought my laptop a couple of weeks ago, because I knew it was going to be a short day and I had some things I needed to do for work that I couldn't do on the company computers. I had lappy out at the desk, and my boss came by and saw it and freaked out. Seriously? What is the big deal? If they are so concerned about facebook HIPAA violations, why don't they just block that site? They have plenty of other sites blocked, so it's not like it's impossible. And it wouldn't cost my boss a penny to give us internet access; it's just an act of total control and distrust of her staff. Ever since then, I have been very uncomfortable around her; I always feel like she's waiting for me to do something wrong, to find an excuse to get rid of me. I apologized, and explained to her that I needed my laptop for work-related activities, and she calmed down, but really? Was that necessary? Staff at IMC brought their laptops all the time. They could check their e-mail without being yelled at. And they work their butts off for 95% of their shifts. I know I'm idealizing IMC in that way, despite all the reasons why I left. And I do love working at Riverton--I actually enjoy going to work, I like my co-workers (usually), and it's a nice, calm place to be (even if I try to avoid my boss).
Okay, that's out of my system. I need to be more grateful, especially since Thanksgiving is coming (in only 2 weeks? Holy
1. Tomorrow is Friday, and I just might hit overtime. Nice! I get to keep all my PTO for this pay period!
2. Harry Potter comes out next week! It has been a long wait, and I know it will knock my socks off. Uh, anybody want to babysit?
3. You can see the carpet in my living room. It's in desperate need of a vacuum, and there are socks strewn about, but I have definitely come home to worse.
Here's a bonus nugget for you:
"When you wish upon a falling star your dreams can come true. Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the earth that will destroy all life. Then you're pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor." -- despair. com
10 November 2010
Check My Vital Signs
I went to the "Sim Lab" (simulation) today: where there is a robotic patient who goes through some variation of a code blue. It was a little unnerving. In a real code-blue (i.e. cardiac and/or respiratory arrest), my job is to protect my sterile field. Seriously. During a code, there are usually tons of people in the room, so I need to make sure all of my stuff stays sterile. In my BLS training, I have learned to oxygenate, use an AED, give compressions, etc. But in the codes I have seen, I stay in the back and observe. In the Sim Lab, I had to participate. I was the "First Responder," which meant that I had to go in and see what was wrong with the patient. When I walked in, the patient seemed okay. She was wheezing a little, but her vital signs were fine. Then things started to go bad. I called for help, and the rest of the group (made up of RNs, NPs and one other scrub tech) came in. Before they got there, I had to grab a bag & mask from the crash cart, though I'm pretty sure I uttered a four-letter word trying to find it. I hooked it up to the oxygen and started to bag her. I knew it was just a simulation, but it still got to me. I almost started crying. Thankfully I got over it fairly quickly.
During the second scenario, I was assigned to do compressions. I came in and the NP who was the code leader told me to start compressions. But I didn't. I was watching the monitor, and it looked like the patient had a heart rhythm and a pulse of 120. I didn't understand why I would need to do compressions if there was a pulse. Another nurse tried to hook up the AED, but on that monitor, all it showed was noise. After the second time she told me to start compressions, I did. The monitors showed nothing, so I couldn't even tell if I was doing any good. In the debriefing, they asked why it took so long to begin compressions. I told them it was because I didn't understand what was happening. I heard the term "P.E.A." thrown around, and only afterward did I find out that it means "Pulseless Electrical Activity," which means that you'll see stuff on the monitor (that's what electrodes do--they track the electrical activity of the heart, which usually corresponds to the heart beat), but the blood is not circulating effectively. That's why she needed compressions.
So . . . here are the "pearls" I gleaned from this experience. I need to speak up. If I don't understand something, I need to ask. In a real code, when emotions run high and there is an actual life on the line, and I still hadn't started compressions, I would have been yelled at (she was very calm and quiet when the NP told me to start). And that's okay--people are used to it. I need to listen to what the Code Leader says. They know more than I do, and in the end they are responsible for what happens. I also learned that you need to trust your instincts. Especially with kids. You just never know what's going to happen, and if they go bad, it happens fast. I'm also glad that I work in a very high-acuity environment. There are at least two doctors and a nurse on-hand in surgery, and I'm definitely the low-man-on-the-totem-pole, so I'm not expected to make big decisions or be in charge of anything important. And I like it that way.
During the second scenario, I was assigned to do compressions. I came in and the NP who was the code leader told me to start compressions. But I didn't. I was watching the monitor, and it looked like the patient had a heart rhythm and a pulse of 120. I didn't understand why I would need to do compressions if there was a pulse. Another nurse tried to hook up the AED, but on that monitor, all it showed was noise. After the second time she told me to start compressions, I did. The monitors showed nothing, so I couldn't even tell if I was doing any good. In the debriefing, they asked why it took so long to begin compressions. I told them it was because I didn't understand what was happening. I heard the term "P.E.A." thrown around, and only afterward did I find out that it means "Pulseless Electrical Activity," which means that you'll see stuff on the monitor (that's what electrodes do--they track the electrical activity of the heart, which usually corresponds to the heart beat), but the blood is not circulating effectively. That's why she needed compressions.
So . . . here are the "pearls" I gleaned from this experience. I need to speak up. If I don't understand something, I need to ask. In a real code, when emotions run high and there is an actual life on the line, and I still hadn't started compressions, I would have been yelled at (she was very calm and quiet when the NP told me to start). And that's okay--people are used to it. I need to listen to what the Code Leader says. They know more than I do, and in the end they are responsible for what happens. I also learned that you need to trust your instincts. Especially with kids. You just never know what's going to happen, and if they go bad, it happens fast. I'm also glad that I work in a very high-acuity environment. There are at least two doctors and a nurse on-hand in surgery, and I'm definitely the low-man-on-the-totem-pole, so I'm not expected to make big decisions or be in charge of anything important. And I like it that way.
08 November 2010
The Weather Outside is Frightful
Yesterday, it was literally 70 degrees. It was lovely. Even this morning was pretty balmy, in the upper 50's. Now? Rain/snow and 36 degrees. *sigh* I guess winter had to hit at some point, but why does it have to be so sudden? Why can't we ease into it, instead of teasing us with sweater weather, then throwing the 'you-should-have-brought-your-parka' weather at us? I guess that's what I get for living in Utah.
I went to a Stake Choir practice last night, and I realized how much I miss singing. Yes, I do plenty of singing with the kids in church, but actual singing of parts with an accompanist . . . being able to sing alto without feeling guilty . . . not having to be the one conducting . . . it was lovely. We are doing some kind of Christmas program/fireside type deal, and it will be nice. It was kinda funny; there were probably 5-6 people there under the age of 40; the rest qualify for Medicare. Seriously. But I was quite impressed at how well we sounded! I could hear all the parts (the men:women ratio was actually quite favorable!), there weren't any real strugglers (i.e., people who participate but who can't carry a tune to save their lives), and even the accompanist (who had to be at least 70) was rockin'. It's so nice to have other people around who know how to play and sing better than you do. I'd say I'm a mediocre musician, but often times that's more than anybody else in the vicinity. Not so with the senior citizens. I quite enjoyed it, so I think I'll try to be back for the practices, though that means no more Sunday naps, if I'm going to try to get the boy into bed by 7pm. It worked this Sunday because of Daylight Savings. We'll see if I can swing it again.
We could not make a decision about dinner tonight, so we went to the Chinese Gourmet near our house. Here are our fortunes:
Mine: "You will always be surrounded by true friends." Awwww.
Allen's: "You will soon be crossing desert sands for a fun vacation." Oh, really? Here's hoping!
Benji's: "You will be singled out for a special promotion within the month." Nice.
The best fortune Allen ever got was this one from the Dragon Diner:
Yep.
I went to a Stake Choir practice last night, and I realized how much I miss singing. Yes, I do plenty of singing with the kids in church, but actual singing of parts with an accompanist . . . being able to sing alto without feeling guilty . . . not having to be the one conducting . . . it was lovely. We are doing some kind of Christmas program/fireside type deal, and it will be nice. It was kinda funny; there were probably 5-6 people there under the age of 40; the rest qualify for Medicare. Seriously. But I was quite impressed at how well we sounded! I could hear all the parts (the men:women ratio was actually quite favorable!), there weren't any real strugglers (i.e., people who participate but who can't carry a tune to save their lives), and even the accompanist (who had to be at least 70) was rockin'. It's so nice to have other people around who know how to play and sing better than you do. I'd say I'm a mediocre musician, but often times that's more than anybody else in the vicinity. Not so with the senior citizens. I quite enjoyed it, so I think I'll try to be back for the practices, though that means no more Sunday naps, if I'm going to try to get the boy into bed by 7pm. It worked this Sunday because of Daylight Savings. We'll see if I can swing it again.
We could not make a decision about dinner tonight, so we went to the Chinese Gourmet near our house. Here are our fortunes:
Mine: "You will always be surrounded by true friends." Awwww.
Allen's: "You will soon be crossing desert sands for a fun vacation." Oh, really? Here's hoping!
Benji's: "You will be singled out for a special promotion within the month." Nice.
The best fortune Allen ever got was this one from the Dragon Diner:
Yep.
07 November 2010
Double, Double Toil and Trouble
So much for blogging every day. I didn't even make it a full week. Oh well.
I can't think of much to write about right now, so I'll just talk about Harry Potter. I'm so flippin' excited! Only 13 days until Deathly Hallows part 1 comes out! I was thinking about going to a midnight showing, but I have to work the next day. I'll probably go after work on Friday, since the hospital is so close to The District, which has a fantastic movie theater.
Okay, in looking for a picture of the District (not a very good one, sorry), I discovered that there will be some pretty big to-do's in celebration of the movie. I might have to go on Thursday night after all!
Anyway, I love the Harry Potter. I honestly hadn't heard anything about the story until I was a missionary in Belgium. My companion and I were speaking with a lady in her home, when she asked if I had read any of the books (there were four at the time). My companion had read them, and she told me I needed to read them as well. So I added them to my list of books to read . . . hmm, I wonder where that little notebook has gone. I also made a list of places to go and movies to see in that wee pad of paper. That would be nice to know.
So, when I returned (in January 2002--man, I'm getting old!), I believe the movie had just come out the previous November. I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie, so I borrowed them from someone; I can't remember who, though it was probably Shannah Leigh. I COULD NOT PUT THEM DOWN. I'll admit that I can get a little obsessive with good books--I'll stay up all night reading. But that doesn't happen very often. Most books I can spread out over a longer period of time. Not Harry. I read the first book in one sitting, and I'm pretty sure I had finished the first three within that same week. I'm not sure why, but somehow I didn't read #4 (Goblet of Fire) until sometime in 2003. The only reason I remember that is because I was living in a basement in Murray (a couple of miles from where I'm living now), and that is when I went to a Dave Matthew's Band concert (yes, by myself). I went to USANA Amphitheater early, since I didn't already have a ticket, and I figured I'd be waiting in line so I brought Harry with me. I ended up getting a front-row seat for $50 . . . I was pretty shocked, but I guess it can happen when you go solo. The concert was great, but I had left the book (also borrowed from Shannah Leigh) under my seat, and when I got home, I realized someone had spilled an entire cup of beer on it. Awesome.
I purchased the rest of the books on the days they were released, and read them all within the same week. Yeah, I guess I do obsess about Harry a little bit, but they are just so well written that you feel like you are a part of the story. I honestly feel like Harry, Ron and Hermione are dear friends to me, and it's a sweet reunion to read the books again and again. I have probably been through the series 3 or 4 times over, and I have read the last three books 5 or 6 times. I don't know many people personally who have read them as many times as I have, but considering how popular they are all around the world, I know I'm not alone. I know there are some who think that it's weird and evil because it deals with magic. Yes, it does revel in magic, but really it's about love--how love can overcome all things, even the most evil creatures. There is so much to learn about friendship and charity and family, and it's all woven into this beautiful world of make-believe. I know it's just a story, and I know I will never understand real magic, if there is such a thing. But I understand Harry, and his unselfish journey to save the world from the darkest wizard.
If you haven't read the books, I suggest you do. There are elements of darkness, but you cannot appreciate the light without them. Goodness, kindness, friendship and love triumph in the end, and it just fills my little heart with happiness.
Of course, the books are better than the movies, but the visual elements have their place as well. They have all been very well done, and I love that the cast has remained the same the entire time . . . except for the first Dumbledore, who passed away after the second movie was completed. I love watching the young actors and actresses grow up before my eyes. I love seeing how different directors interpret the screenplays. I love having movie marathons, playing them all back-to-back. I'm usually doing other things at the same time, since I have seen them so often, but it's just a part of me. Harry has worked his way into my soul. Other characters from other books are there as well, but none are as firmly entrenched.
This is a picture of the trio while making the Sorcerer's Stone (the first movie):
This one is from 2007, just before Order of the Phoenix came out (#5):
And here they are while filming Deathly Hallows (#7, coming out on November 19):
I can't think of much to write about right now, so I'll just talk about Harry Potter. I'm so flippin' excited! Only 13 days until Deathly Hallows part 1 comes out! I was thinking about going to a midnight showing, but I have to work the next day. I'll probably go after work on Friday, since the hospital is so close to The District, which has a fantastic movie theater.
 |
| Megaplex 20 @ The District in South Jordan, UT |
Anyway, I love the Harry Potter. I honestly hadn't heard anything about the story until I was a missionary in Belgium. My companion and I were speaking with a lady in her home, when she asked if I had read any of the books (there were four at the time). My companion had read them, and she told me I needed to read them as well. So I added them to my list of books to read . . . hmm, I wonder where that little notebook has gone. I also made a list of places to go and movies to see in that wee pad of paper. That would be nice to know.
So, when I returned (in January 2002--man, I'm getting old!), I believe the movie had just come out the previous November. I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie, so I borrowed them from someone; I can't remember who, though it was probably Shannah Leigh. I COULD NOT PUT THEM DOWN. I'll admit that I can get a little obsessive with good books--I'll stay up all night reading. But that doesn't happen very often. Most books I can spread out over a longer period of time. Not Harry. I read the first book in one sitting, and I'm pretty sure I had finished the first three within that same week. I'm not sure why, but somehow I didn't read #4 (Goblet of Fire) until sometime in 2003. The only reason I remember that is because I was living in a basement in Murray (a couple of miles from where I'm living now), and that is when I went to a Dave Matthew's Band concert (yes, by myself). I went to USANA Amphitheater early, since I didn't already have a ticket, and I figured I'd be waiting in line so I brought Harry with me. I ended up getting a front-row seat for $50 . . . I was pretty shocked, but I guess it can happen when you go solo. The concert was great, but I had left the book (also borrowed from Shannah Leigh) under my seat, and when I got home, I realized someone had spilled an entire cup of beer on it. Awesome.
I purchased the rest of the books on the days they were released, and read them all within the same week. Yeah, I guess I do obsess about Harry a little bit, but they are just so well written that you feel like you are a part of the story. I honestly feel like Harry, Ron and Hermione are dear friends to me, and it's a sweet reunion to read the books again and again. I have probably been through the series 3 or 4 times over, and I have read the last three books 5 or 6 times. I don't know many people personally who have read them as many times as I have, but considering how popular they are all around the world, I know I'm not alone. I know there are some who think that it's weird and evil because it deals with magic. Yes, it does revel in magic, but really it's about love--how love can overcome all things, even the most evil creatures. There is so much to learn about friendship and charity and family, and it's all woven into this beautiful world of make-believe. I know it's just a story, and I know I will never understand real magic, if there is such a thing. But I understand Harry, and his unselfish journey to save the world from the darkest wizard.
If you haven't read the books, I suggest you do. There are elements of darkness, but you cannot appreciate the light without them. Goodness, kindness, friendship and love triumph in the end, and it just fills my little heart with happiness.
Of course, the books are better than the movies, but the visual elements have their place as well. They have all been very well done, and I love that the cast has remained the same the entire time . . . except for the first Dumbledore, who passed away after the second movie was completed. I love watching the young actors and actresses grow up before my eyes. I love seeing how different directors interpret the screenplays. I love having movie marathons, playing them all back-to-back. I'm usually doing other things at the same time, since I have seen them so often, but it's just a part of me. Harry has worked his way into my soul. Other characters from other books are there as well, but none are as firmly entrenched.
This is a picture of the trio while making the Sorcerer's Stone (the first movie):
 |
| They were so young! |
And here they are while filming Deathly Hallows (#7, coming out on November 19):
 |
| Holding hands, getting ready to apparate. |
That's not a very happy picture, but they it shows how they have grown-up together. I expect we'll see happier pics when they walk the red carpet.
Okay, that's enough. Only 12 more days.
04 November 2010
Heaven Isn't Too Far Away
Yet another reason to love Super Target:
This is definitely a pain-au-chocolat. I was checking out the Bakery @ Super Target (which I hardly ever do) when I found these babies. I was so excited! These are found everywhere in France, but good ones are pretty difficult to find in the states. And they are good, too! Oh, quel bonheur !
This is definitely a pain-au-chocolat. I was checking out the Bakery @ Super Target (which I hardly ever do) when I found these babies. I was so excited! These are found everywhere in France, but good ones are pretty difficult to find in the states. And they are good, too! Oh, quel bonheur !
03 November 2010
We Need Love and Peace
Man, I need to start my blogging earlier! I've gotta sleep.
I did just want to put in my two cents for the election: T.H.I.O. (Thank Heavens It's Over.) I think it's interesting for a while, but all of the politicking gets so ugly that I can't stand it. I haven't even listened to the radio in the past two months because of all the ads.
I think the most interesting (and obnoxious) race in Utah was for the second congressional district seat. Utah is a very RED state, with both senators, and two of three congressman from the GOP. Salt Lake county tends to be a bit more liberal, which I can appreciate, although I refuse to align myself with any political party. Even so, Congressman Matheson (a democrat) has been a representative for the past 10 years, and he has done fairly well. I like him. His main challenger during this election was Morgan Philpot, a representative in the Utah State House of Representatives. I was intrigued by Philpot at first, because he made it sound like he would bring new energy and ideas, etc., etc. Then his ads started coming out attacking Matheson. And SO MANY SIGNS on roads, overpasses, everywhere saying "Matheson = Pelosi" and "Philpot = Patriots," and "Go Philpot! We the People support you!" The sheer number of signs seriously pissed me off. Even so, I think the Matheson = Pelosi signs were the worst; how can you say that one democratic congressman from Utah is even close to being a Nancy Pelosi? Matheson has not always voted along party lines; I think he actually tries to represent Utahns, because he knows he will not be re-elected if he doesn't. Even so, Philpot's campaign was at least 75% negative, which drives me batty. I only recall one "negative" television ad from Matheson's campaign, pointing out that Philpot missed more than 200 votes as a state representative (just not even showing up for the vote), then moved out-of-state while keeping his title and his state benefits. That was the game-changer for me. If Philpot felt he could get away with that kind of behavior in the State Legislature, how could we possibly trust him when he's on the other side of the country? I'm just glad it's done and the Philpot signs are disappearing (finally). Let's just move on, shall we?
I did like Peter Corroon's concession speech. He ran for Governor, and lost by a considerable margin to the incumbent. But when he gave his speech, he said something to the effect of, "We are all winners. We have elected Governor Herbert, who is a good man, and who spends every minute of the day working for the good of the state of Utah. I give him my whole-hearted support." That was very classy to me. I wish all of the losers could come out with their heads held high like that.
I think I hate it so much because of all the conflict. I hate confrontation and competition, even when it's not me doing the competing. Can't we all just get along? And can we please have a moment's peace before the pundits start zoning in on 2012?
I did just want to put in my two cents for the election: T.H.I.O. (Thank Heavens It's Over.) I think it's interesting for a while, but all of the politicking gets so ugly that I can't stand it. I haven't even listened to the radio in the past two months because of all the ads.
I think the most interesting (and obnoxious) race in Utah was for the second congressional district seat. Utah is a very RED state, with both senators, and two of three congressman from the GOP. Salt Lake county tends to be a bit more liberal, which I can appreciate, although I refuse to align myself with any political party. Even so, Congressman Matheson (a democrat) has been a representative for the past 10 years, and he has done fairly well. I like him. His main challenger during this election was Morgan Philpot, a representative in the Utah State House of Representatives. I was intrigued by Philpot at first, because he made it sound like he would bring new energy and ideas, etc., etc. Then his ads started coming out attacking Matheson. And SO MANY SIGNS on roads, overpasses, everywhere saying "Matheson = Pelosi" and "Philpot = Patriots," and "Go Philpot! We the People support you!" The sheer number of signs seriously pissed me off. Even so, I think the Matheson = Pelosi signs were the worst; how can you say that one democratic congressman from Utah is even close to being a Nancy Pelosi? Matheson has not always voted along party lines; I think he actually tries to represent Utahns, because he knows he will not be re-elected if he doesn't. Even so, Philpot's campaign was at least 75% negative, which drives me batty. I only recall one "negative" television ad from Matheson's campaign, pointing out that Philpot missed more than 200 votes as a state representative (just not even showing up for the vote), then moved out-of-state while keeping his title and his state benefits. That was the game-changer for me. If Philpot felt he could get away with that kind of behavior in the State Legislature, how could we possibly trust him when he's on the other side of the country? I'm just glad it's done and the Philpot signs are disappearing (finally). Let's just move on, shall we?
I did like Peter Corroon's concession speech. He ran for Governor, and lost by a considerable margin to the incumbent. But when he gave his speech, he said something to the effect of, "We are all winners. We have elected Governor Herbert, who is a good man, and who spends every minute of the day working for the good of the state of Utah. I give him my whole-hearted support." That was very classy to me. I wish all of the losers could come out with their heads held high like that.
I think I hate it so much because of all the conflict. I hate confrontation and competition, even when it's not me doing the competing. Can't we all just get along? And can we please have a moment's peace before the pundits start zoning in on 2012?
02 November 2010
Leaves That Are Green
This is my 200th post. I should be more excited, I suppose. Whatever.
"Leaves That Are Green" is one of my favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs. And it is that time of year, so here are some pics I took today. I took the boy to the park and chased him around for an hour and a half trying to get some decent pictures. So here are a few (totally, uncharacteristically unretouched).
I was twenty-one years when I wrote this song
I'm twenty-two now but I won't be for long
Time hurries on
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
Once my heart was filled with the love of a girl
I held her close but she faded in the night
Like a poem I meant to write
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
I threw a pebble in a brook
And watched the ripple run away
And they never made a sound
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
I threw a pebble in a brook
And watched the ripple run away
And they never made a sound
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
Hello, hello, hello, hello
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
That's all there is
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
He's a sweet boy, even if he is a handful. That's all there is.
"Leaves That Are Green" is one of my favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs. And it is that time of year, so here are some pics I took today. I took the boy to the park and chased him around for an hour and a half trying to get some decent pictures. So here are a few (totally, uncharacteristically unretouched).
I was twenty-one years when I wrote this song
I'm twenty-two now but I won't be for long
Time hurries on
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
 |
| The only way I could get him to be still was to stick him in a tree. |
Once my heart was filled with the love of a girl
I held her close but she faded in the night
Like a poem I meant to write
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
I threw a pebble in a brook
And watched the ripple run away
And they never made a sound
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
 | |
| Every time I tried to lead him somewhere, he would pull the limp noodle. Grr. |
I threw a pebble in a brook
And watched the ripple run away
And they never made a sound
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
Hello, hello, hello, hello
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
That's all there is
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither in the wind
And they crumble in your hand
He's a sweet boy, even if he is a handful. That's all there is.
01 November 2010
It's All In Your Mind
I think that November is National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo). Maybe that's all in my mind, but I need to be better about blogging, since this is basically my journal. I have one I write in when I'm really pissed off, but no one should ever read that.
Since I'm lacking in inspiration most days, here is a prompt from the NaBloPoMo website:
What toy from your childhood do you still have in your possession?
I have a small bean-bag type doll named Wilbur. I don't think I came up with the name (I'm pretty sure the name is on the little tag). He is extremely dirty, he has a long nose and a sad face and on his belly is written: "I Need Love." For some reason I just can't bring myself to throw him away . . . so he sits on the dresser in my little man's room.
On a totally unrelated topic, I have been really bad about reading my scriptures for, well, for a long time. I have excuses, but none of them are very good or justifiable. The other night I picked them up and flipped through them, hoping for a little message from Heavenly Father. I got it here, in Doctrine and Covenants Section 93. (For those of you who may not know, I believe the Doctrine & Covenants, or D&C, to be modern revelation from the Lord, i.e., scripture.)
42 You have not ataught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your baffliction.
Yes, there are many things in my house that are not right. It is definitely not in order (read: messy), but there are other things missing from my house too. Most especially among those things out-of-order are my priorities. I haven't been putting the Lord first in my life. I don't do everything for His glory; I'm just trying to get by day to day. I have been in 'survival' mode for so long, I have forgotten what it's like to be engaged in the work of the Lord. I look back at my time as a missionary with extreme fondness, because I knew who I was. I knew what I was doing. And I knew I was exactly where Heavenly Father wanted me to be. I haven't felt that kind of approbation in a very long time, and I miss it. I want it back. But getting there will be tough; it will require work on my part, so I need to summon up the energy from somewhere.
I did manage to get some cleaning done today, trying to literally put my house in order, because I know I feel better and happier when I'm not surrounded by messiness. I know I'll never be one of those great housekeepers, who manage to keep their homes and children and lives organized. Baby steps, I suppose, are the way to do it. ("Baby steps, get on the bus.")
I do need to go bed, but I'll try to post something every day this month. Baby steps, become a real blogger.
Since I'm lacking in inspiration most days, here is a prompt from the NaBloPoMo website:
What toy from your childhood do you still have in your possession?
I have a small bean-bag type doll named Wilbur. I don't think I came up with the name (I'm pretty sure the name is on the little tag). He is extremely dirty, he has a long nose and a sad face and on his belly is written: "I Need Love." For some reason I just can't bring myself to throw him away . . . so he sits on the dresser in my little man's room.
On a totally unrelated topic, I have been really bad about reading my scriptures for, well, for a long time. I have excuses, but none of them are very good or justifiable. The other night I picked them up and flipped through them, hoping for a little message from Heavenly Father. I got it here, in Doctrine and Covenants Section 93. (For those of you who may not know, I believe the Doctrine & Covenants, or D&C, to be modern revelation from the Lord, i.e., scripture.)
42 You have not ataught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your baffliction.
43 And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in aorder your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.
Yes, there are many things in my house that are not right. It is definitely not in order (read: messy), but there are other things missing from my house too. Most especially among those things out-of-order are my priorities. I haven't been putting the Lord first in my life. I don't do everything for His glory; I'm just trying to get by day to day. I have been in 'survival' mode for so long, I have forgotten what it's like to be engaged in the work of the Lord. I look back at my time as a missionary with extreme fondness, because I knew who I was. I knew what I was doing. And I knew I was exactly where Heavenly Father wanted me to be. I haven't felt that kind of approbation in a very long time, and I miss it. I want it back. But getting there will be tough; it will require work on my part, so I need to summon up the energy from somewhere.
I did manage to get some cleaning done today, trying to literally put my house in order, because I know I feel better and happier when I'm not surrounded by messiness. I know I'll never be one of those great housekeepers, who manage to keep their homes and children and lives organized. Baby steps, I suppose, are the way to do it. ("Baby steps, get on the bus.")
I do need to go bed, but I'll try to post something every day this month. Baby steps, become a real blogger.
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