IMO

I spent several precious minutes yesterday working on a new entry. I thought I saved it. I didn't. So for those of you who have had this happen to you in the past, you will understand that I am less than enthused about trying to remember what I had typed. I'm sure it was enjoyable.

I have been out of town the last two weekends: Calgary 2 weeks ago, and Utah last weekend. The fact that I was also a little bit pressured at work made travelling less thrilling. But I did enjoy the break during the moments when I wasn't thinking about work. I usually went to sleep and woke up trying to figure out how to get things done when I wasn't in the office. I can now say that two-thirds of my stress is now resolved. And the other third is a little out of my hands. So I'm feeling better...On to the new stress!

The trip to Utah was nice. We stayed at Little America which turns out to be very convenient in many ways: coffee shop, little store, location, Richelieu furniture...yeah, don't know what that is either, but we had it. I really missed my Sleep Number bed and ceiling fan. I sleep hot and I don't like to touch my own skin at night, so I really depend on a little circulation to cool down.

I ordered room service every morning except for the last day. On Friday, Mom and I ate together. Saturday and Sunday I was by myself. I did the usual "throw them off" order: I was by myself, but I wanted eggs, bacon and pancakes, too, so I ordered 2 drinks so the delivery guy would never suspect that I was going to eat both breakfasts myself! I'm so clever. Like they really care. Some of you know that I am compelled to justify, clarify, and defend my every action. I just can't look at someone and say "nunya". Anyway, the french toast was very good. Better than the pancakes which I only tasted! Just in case you are wondering.

Rather than give a complete rundown of each day, let me share some random thoughts:

Conference Visitors - You see all types of people at the Conference Center. Some of the obvious foreign visitors were from Ecuador, I think. A gentleman wearing a dark blue wool poncho, ankle length linen type pants, canvas and rope type sandals with the rope tied around his ankles, a hat and a long single braid down his back. Ecuador? I think so. If the hat had been a little different, I would have said Bolivia. There were also some African outfits that were interesting. Being me, I also have to comment on those people that were wearing outfits that screamed "what were you thinking". Then I had to remind myself that maybe this WAS their Sunday best, and I pulled the "beam" out of my own eye. I, however, looked spectacular!

Distribution Center - It's been a long while since I have "needed" anything from there, but I still feel the need to browse. It's difficult to resist grabbing up a bunch of the "No Charge" items, but then, what would I do with 50 Personal Progress books? Sell them? So just to keep them in business, because I know they are struggling, I buy the token miniature Book of Mormon. It's so cute. Don't know what I'll do with it yet, but I love the feel of the pages. Good smooth paper. I now have a complete family of the BoM- large print Daddy size, regular Mommy size, and little bitty baby size. Now if Three Bears ever come calling, I'll be able to convert them!

Downtown SLC - It's either wonderful church sites, or scum of the earthville. What is up with that? I know there is a lot of renovation going on, and I can't wait. The parking is horrible, and there are no decent restaurants. You can eat at The Garden, or The Lion House. And you know what? I think it's the same darn food! All they do is use different dishes, and let you decide whether you want to do it cafeteria style or have a waiter bring it to you. One thing for sure - the rolls are the same! So how about a little variety? Why can't someone open a Texas Roadhouse or In and Out Burger in the vicinity? How about a new ice cream store since they killed Snelgroves? Who's with me on this?

Ok. I think I'm done. I still don't remember what I originally typed, but I guess it doesn't matter. I'll try to get some pics posted. That's my next goal.

Here and There

Yes, I knew that trying to post at least once a week would be difficult. Nevertheless, I will keep trying. I have noticed that my desire to post is directly correlated to my stress level - the higher the stress, the less likely that I will post. Hence....I'm feeling a little less stressed right now.

I just got back last evening from a short visit to Calgary to attend the blessing of Melinda and Michael's new baby, Claire. When I left AZ, the temp was around 85. When I got to Calgary, it was 1 degree. Keep in mind that there is a change from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Still, quite the swing in temp. And it snowed Saturday night, but it was beautiful - big, fluffy flakes that stacked up on the smallest branch. Life does not stop for a little snow in Calgary. I always enjoy visiting with the family, and an added bonus was that Kerri and Luke were there, too. By the time they left, Luke would actually look me in the face. I also feel that I made progress with Erik, Lara and Sean's little boy. He does not really speak to anyone, choosing instead to communicate by growling like a lion, a sweet, gentle little lion. If you growl back, he seems pleased that you are actually acknowledging him. He did approach me a few times and I picked him up and chatted about whatever, anything to keep his attention and let him know that I'm someone he can trust. When Sean and Lara were leaving on Saturday evening, I became aware that Erik was kind of sing-talking in the background, not really to anyone in particular, just out loud. As I listened, I realized that he was singing "good-bye, Judy - good-bye, Judy"! What? He said my name. I am a real person as far as Erik is concerned.

I hope this doesn't sound like some kind of social experiment, because it wasn't. But anyone who has been around Erik knows that it is a gift for him to acknowledge and actually enjoy your presence. Right?

So the actual reason for the trip was the Baby Blessing. I will post more on that when I attempt to also post some pictures! I know, don't faint!