Super Powers

Was reading a column in the paper this morning.  He was talking about his super powers, with such a fun wry humor.

It got me thinking.  Wondering about my Super Powers.  And do I even have any?

Yes, I think I do.

I have a Super Power that makes people want to talk to me - any subject, any time, any where.

I have a Super Power that makes every calorie I eat take up residence in my heinie, my arm flaps, my quadruple chin, and my thunder thighs.

I have a Super Power that makes me absolutely invisible in certain situations.  Need to figure out how to engineer the right situations for my Invisibility Super Power.

I have a Super Power that keeps my tongue from spilling all my thoughts.  It takes great will power, I have numerous holes in my tongue (from biting it) and on occasion doesn't actually work.  But generally, I keep my counsel.

I think I'll spend this next week discovering some of my other Super Powers.  What a fun week it will be.

Food Friday

Started the day with all-you-can-eat chunky cinnamon french toast at Kneaders with a couple friends.  Didn't leave the restaurant until the lunch crowd was crowding us out - that was about noon.

The Husband lunched out with friends.  So didn't have to prepare that meal.

Friday night's food was a RibFest Class at our local Harmon's grocery store.  Had 4 different kinds of ribs, even brought home the ones we didn't eat.  Ribs accompanied with coleslaw and 3 flavors of gelato.  And we were the only people in the class. It was a feast of fabulous food.  And again - prepared by someone else.

Loving that I didn't have to do any of that food preparation today.  Loved that we had a basically private class.  Loved the tasty food.


Read this earlier:  "A pure heart is the greatest weapon."  I'm thinking perhaps I don't fully agree that it is the greatest weapon.  But a powerful one for certain.

Thursday Might Not Be My Favorite Day

If I have to do a funeral.

If I have to take out beaucoup garbage to the faraway dumpster.

If I have to put away 10,000,000 chairs in the cultural hall.

If I have to wash and dry 14 mondo tablecloths (5 loads in the washing machine).


But I might enjoy it as my favorite day again if:

The Husband very kindly comes to help with the chairs.

The Husband offers to take me for a post-funeral pick-me-up Jamba Juice.

The Husband is happy with scrambled eggs, bacon and toast for dinner. (I much prefer breakfast for dinner anyway.)

The Husband doesn't mind my endless-mindless-babble (because I've been out and about with people all day.)

And I got to practice my Princess Walk carrying the tall tall vase full of tall tall flowers and lots of water so as to make sure I spilled nary a drop.

Buses and Book Group

Went to Book Group tonight for the first time in awhile.  Makes me wish I were more articulate, educated and bright.  Still, though, I wasn't short of things to say.  Should learn to think them instead of speak them.

Had someone throw herself under the bus for me today.  Feeling a bit sad about that.  But now we have a pact and she won't do that again - at least in this particular arena.  At the same time, though, I felt quite honored to be the recipient of someone's care.

And did I mention that I drove to Book Group?  Yep - exactly 5 houses down the street.  Could have walked it nearly as fast as I drove.  But it was dark out when I left and I'm a'skeered of the dark.  So I drove.  And if it's dark next time - I'll drive then, too.

I Actually Smiled Today...

When I ended up with all the sisters I need to help with the funeral on Thursday.

When it turns out I get to go to breakfast in a couple days with some friends.  Love breakfast out.

When I got a hug from The Husband.  (Thanks, My Love, for finding me.)

When I figured out how to add a couple of new contacts (cell phone numbers) into my cell phone all by myself, with no help and yes, they're actually in there.

When I figured out the reason my Nook wasn't showing up on the computer was operator error (yep, that's me) - neglected to plug in both ends of the cable.

When I tasted the shake made with gelato that The Husband bought for me (in payment of a "bet" debt).  I think that's my new favorite treat.

And it's almost dark, so that means jammie time!  The best smile of the day.

I Think Mondays Are Just Weird

It's strange to have an out of state employer and have to work on a state holiday.

Strange to be asked again to do something for which I feel totally inadequate.

Strange to be "scared" twice in the space of about 5 hours by a couple of family members.

Strange to be out walking with My Love when it's 11 p.m.

Enjoyed being invited to a friend's for fireworks.

Enjoyed walking the southern part of the trail - strange to have to drive to the walking part.



Read this earlier:  "Her religion is being gracious."  Could be worse things.

Made Me Laugh

Walking through a parking lot and saw this bumper sticker on the back bumper of a car:

"Watch out for the idiot behind me."




Saw a movie - another ode to the superhero - better than it could have been, even without the popcorn.


Heading out in a bit for my gelato shake, courtesy of a bet I won.  Should taste extra-good because of how it was acquired.

Maintenance

Low maintenance is not the same things as no maintenance - or maintenance free.

Memories

The Granddaughter just left - she's got a bit of a drive to get home.  What a fun week we've had with her.

She is delightful!  She's a great helper.  And while she isn't really a loud person, the house certainly seems quieter without her here.  Her presence helped fill our house with love.

We ate out a lot - introduced her to lots of restaurants (Cafe Rio, Gandalfo's, Fire House Subs, Kneaders - I think she liked the French Toast) did some shopping, saw a couple movies, watched the Draper Days fireworks, went on a lot of morning bike rides and even one bike ride by the light of the moon, encouraged her to "go bold or go home" with some new earrings and enjoyed having her in our last class as YSA advisors.

Decided this was a "MUST" for every one of our grandchildren if they'll enlist:  to have them each here for a time by themselves.  It is rare for us to have a grandchild individually spend time with us and what a treasure!

Thank Heavens

Thank heavens that 39 years ago the two of us were sealed together.  Hugely grateful for this.

Thank heavens our favorite gelato place stayed open long enough for us to arrive for our little celebration.

Thank heavens for lots of flavors to choose from.

Thank heavens no one paid any attention when I chose to be undignified and lick my bowl clean.

Movie

I laughed today at this line from a movie I watched with The Granddaughter:

"Don't let him in, I'm not cute yet!"

Also watched the classic "Cool Hand Luke" - so glad The Daughter loves it as much as she does.


More experience is required in the acquisition of 7-11 Slurpees.  We had it all over the place.  Not fun being the novice at such a routine procedure for most of the population.

Sunday Makes Me Contemplative

I haven't ever been a fan of sarcasm.  (I once had an Institute teacher who proclaimed his devotion to it.  Somehow lessened my enthusiasm for him.)  Sure, it can be funny and witty.  But all too often it is barbed and hurtful and targets the innocent.  And it is so easy to speak sarcasm.

Early on in our marriage we had a chat about it and decided that we were not going to succumb to the temptation to use it toward each other.  And, in fact to try to use it as little as possible.  That is a decision that I am forever grateful for.  In choosing to avoid frequent usage of sarcasm, we choose to respect others and find ourselves more aware of the words we use instead.

I have much in my life to fix, to learn from and improve.  And in particular, I will be on my knees tonight repenting of some words that I spoke instead of holding my tongue.

I am just grateful today that that is one area where we made a conscious choice.  And I think a good one.

Tonight, I am grateful that tomorrow is a new day.  One for me to try again to do what is right.  To eat better.  To be kinder.  To be more aware and express more gratitude.  To be more accepting.  To expect less from others.

I've mentioned before how Heavenly Father keeps me from getting cocky - doesn't let me get too carried away with myself before I'm brought up short.  Even that is a tender mercy.

That said, am I going to be held equally responsible for those wrong things I say as for the ones I merely think and don't express?  If so, I'm in a world of hurt.

Well....

I think I must be the only person in the world that isn't besotted with the latest Harry Potter movie.  It was ok.  I just didn't love it.  And frankly, I'm ready for this to be the last one.  It was a great ride, but I'm fine with it ending.  Particularly since it was a happy ending.  I'm all for those.

Late night last night.  Late night tonight.  We went the opposite direction of Draper park for the Draper Days fireworks.  Still had a great view.  Didn't have to tote along the chairs or anything.  Birdies:  enjoy the popcorn.

Helped The Granddaughter to spend some of her hard-earned money on some new finery to wear.  She looks really cute in all of it.  Then we went back and spent some more, this time at the urging of The Husband.  And now we have $40 in greenbacks to spend.  Wonder how far we can stretch that?

Bike Ride

Our 2nd Annual Draper-By-Moonlight Bike Ride is done.  I don't know what it is that I like so much about riding on the trails by the light of the full moon.  And tonight was absolutely perfect:  clear cloudless sky, the moon rose right on cue, perfect temperature, no mosquitoes.

I hope all had a good time.  Even the 11year old Grandson had no trouble and seemed to enjoy it.  The 7Up sherbet floats out on the patio tasted yummy.

For me, it couldn't have been a better evening.  Can't wait for next year.  (And maybe we won't, thinking we will probably do a ride by the full moon next month!)

Hugs

I think I've mentioned before that I'm not a touchy/feely/hugging kind of person.  My Mom was a hugger - but not usually with us kids, and Dad was very reserved.  Couple that with my own personal natural reserve (taking after Dad there) and I've never been much for physical contact with people.  (Other, of course, than The Husband whose touch I can never get enough of - love, love, love holding hands with him!)

As I've grown older I've discovered the pure salve and uplifting to my soul when given a hug from someone.  Somewhere along the line, someone (Thanks, Kids) taught the grandchilluns how to hug.  Everyone of them gives absolutely the best - bar none - hugs in the world.  And it would be near impossible to describe how much it means to me to have one of their wonderful hugs.

Last night a friend stopped by with her 17 year old grandson, who I've known for the last 10 years.  A couple years ago (I think the last time I saw him) I tried for a hug.  Didn't exactly thrill him.  And of course, I never want to force it.  But he's one lad I've always had a soft spot for.

So, last night he saw me from the car, gave me a wave, got out of the car, headed up to the porch straight for me and gave me a hug.  WOW!  I felt like I was walking in the clouds.  He's turning into a fine young man.

I hope to always remember how I felt when he hugged me.  Those are the tender mercies that see us through.  I hope he's blessed for his kindness to me.  It was truly a gift.

Birthday

Happy Birthday to our youngest Daughter.  Spent the day with Her and Her Son, and The Granddaughter. Bought food and shoes and food and had more food.

Forgot to follow the high altitude directions on the brownies.  (She doesn't care for cake.)  So they were more like chocolate crunch bars.  Didn't stop me from having more than my fair share, though.

I so love that we started and ended our immediate family with girls.  They're wonderful daughters.

I've been pleasantly surprised that not all the roses were a total loss.  The Husband pruned them right down to the ground.  And they've come up beautifully, the blossoms seem to be true and they are continuing to bloom.  So glad that Heavenly Father graced this world with roses.

The Granddaughter, The Husband and I did an 11.5 mile bike ride this morning.  It occurred to me as I was descending a hill, with my head tucked down by the handlebars so as to provide the least wind resistance I could, that I was in the exact position I was talking about yesterday.  Actually looked behind me to see if I was sporting one of those signs with flags:  Wide Load.

The Daughter witnessed today that thing that happens to me:  Complete strangers coming up to me and talking to me about all manner of things.  I didn't even have to get out of my car today.  This unknown lady  came right up, said "hi" and she was off and running.  I can tell you the history of the Ford Fiesta, what happened to hers, how many miles she has on her 2007 VW that she bought with 0 miles on it, the awful mechanic that ruined her Ford Fiesta, the trips she's taken to Wendover, Las Vegas, and Moab, and the trip she's taking next year after she saves some more money and......

Her cell-phone even rang and she ignored it to continue to talk to/at me.  Where did this come from?  I generally avoid talking to people.  So weird.   Must be some lesson in this for me that I have yet to figure out.  Maybe today's lesson is:  don't sit in my car with the windows down.

YAY!!!!

The Granddaughter has arrived safely - driving all that way.  I don't know that I would be brave enough to drive all that way by myself.  (But then, the second that car hits a freeway, I'm falling asleep, my head resting on the steering wheel which isn't a good thing.)

Discovered something (thanks to the smart Granddaughter) about The Charger.  I could never figure out why I couldn't find the satellite radio station The Husband listens to that I like so well.  Apparently when we push the memory seat-position button, it also governs the selected radio stations for that seat position.  Who'd have thunk?

Decided that I hope to never ride a racing bicycle:  caught sight of a lady riding her bike in that  bent forward cycling stance.  And not to be rude (I don't know who it was) but it looked like she needed one of those signs with flags:  Wide Load.  And I know my load is wider.  So not riding that kind of bicycle.

Only 10:30 a.m.

And I've already had a myriad of things running through my mind:

As to the further adventures of my morning outings on the trail - I could do without the shower of sweat from the guy (and later a female) running on the trail.  I hug the edge, so there was plenty of room.  Why then, was it necessary to crowd me more and leave me thinking "UGHH!!" as I wiped his droplets from my face and arms?  (Perhaps I'm truly invisible?  Have to investigate this power more thoroughly.)

As I near the dreaded day celebrating my 6th decade of life on this planet I'm taking daily inventory of the unwanted, unwelcome, unexpected changes in my body.  I'm weighing the same as I've weighed for years.  But all of a sudden I have this little inner-tube shape around the center that bulges.  Where did that come from?  And can I send it back?  And those arm/wing flaps?  I've previously mentioned my distress at them. I guess I'm more aware of them because it's summer and the sleeves are a bit shorter, and I've been raising my arm in waves to more people.  Gotta stop that - waving that is - or raising my arm.

Wonder if I'm gonna be one of those people who repeat the same thing over and over without realizing (or perhaps caring) that I've repeated this refrain to others before.

Wonder if I'm gonna be one of those people who repeat the same thing over and over without realizing (or perhaps caring) that I've repeated this refrain to others before.

Stocked up on some birthday cards yesterday.  We seem to remember a lot of people's birthdays.  I often wonder if it matters?  I could save some cash for that future arm/wing flap surgery.

Wonder if I'm gonna be one of those people who repeat the same thing over and over without realizing (or perhaps caring) that I've repeated this refrain to others before.

Enjoyed dinner last night with a couple friends.  Particularly the gelato.  Anticipating (already) the meal out with The Husband later today - he has a coupon for a free (only for today) dessert - lava cake - my favorite.

And it's Tuesday - my 2nd favorite day of the week!
Read this earlier today:  "Today I want a day of no rules, no plans and no expectations."

Could be interesting.  Wonder if it could happen?

Clueless

Talking today about how lots of people are clueless.  Decided that everyone is clueless some of the time, but not everyone is clueless all of the time.  Just 90% of the time.

I think I'm more like a 75%-er.

Car

I really dislike the cost and maintenance of owning cars.  I just want them to run, have no issues and, well, be free!

Imagine my delight when the Kia passed (apparently with no trouble) the inspections.  Having had great success in the past doing in-and-out processing at the DMV I figured I would just run up there and be done in a jif; I even wrote out the check beforehand so as to speed the process.

Now, imagine my surprise when I walked into the building to find the line just to take a number stretching to the door.  40 minutes later I was finally leaving the premises.

All in all, a really painless procedure.  It just seems so pointless, not sure all the inspections, etc. keep us any safer on the roads.

The one bright / sad  spot:  I saw a friend I worked with when we first moved back to Utah, 21 years ago!  But before I could find an opportunity to chat with her she went to lunch.  I would have loved to visit with her.


Read this earlier today:  "The joy of forgiveness far surpasses the joy of revenge."

Mouth

My mouth is large
My tongue wags too much
Like a bull I barge
With a clumsy touch.

A vow I take
Every time I flunk
No heart to break
No words of junk.

This is my hope
My future bright
I'll think, not mope
And say it right.

This little rhyme
Is not too long
Perhaps next time
I'll sing a song.

Good News / Bad News

I've been wondering:  when it is a good news / bad news situation it seems like everyone always wants the good news first.  Why is that?  I don't get it.

I've always been a "happy ending" kind of person.  It follows, then (and quite logically) that if one wants a happy ending, then one always wants the bad news first, which is followed by the good news, or the happy ending.

The other day The Husband said he had some good news and some bad news - and apparently didn't hear me say I wanted the bad news first and went ahead and gave me the good news.  I was just dashed.  Somehow it all  felt like bad news.  And the day went downhill from there!

It kind of feels like life:  it's not all roses and sunshine, but we get the tough stuff over and done with (and do our best at doing our best) and then we get the Good News of Eternal Life.  The Happy Ending.

So, yah,  I always want the bad news first.

The Day After The Fourth

Take a wading pool, 3 buckets, water, add in kids and the Grandfather and you have:  instant fun!

Summer thunderstorms leave the air smelling so sweet.  And everything looking so green.  And rainbows are lovely.

14.5 mile bike ride with The Husband.  I don't often have company on my morning excursions.  Even though The Husband has a faster bike, is a stronger rider and some of the time was just a moving dot in the distance, it was still lovely to have him as my companion this morning.  Loved the ride.

Everyone seemed to think the Klondike mint chocolate chip bars were yummy.  (Mine is still in the freezer, maybe for breakfast?)

Sent an e-mail to a local personality in response to her newspaper article.  She e-mailed me back first thing this morning.  Very gracious, and what fun to realize she read my whole e-mail.

So glad I discovered chile verde.  Love it.

Thinking that I'll be sleeping like a baby since I slept nary a wink last night.  Time to turn the thought-processing off.

Flexible

Saw a great movie this afternoon.  A lady quoted this as one of her favorite sayings:

"Blessed is he who is flexible.  For he shall never get bent out of shape."

Flexible is not the same as exploited.

Mantra

Today's mantra is more of a reminder:  "I am not the general manager of the universe!"


It's a good thing I'm not general manager of the universe.

YSA

The highlight of our week was getting letters from a couple of our former YSA's, now missionaries. Very, very fabulous.

Finally, today, a month after we were told we were being released from our calling as YSA Advisors, we were released.

It's been well over 5 years with the YSA's - first in the Branch and then the ward.  So, I've been expecting a change.  I was ready for it.  Time to grow in another way.

But now, I'm feeling a bit protective of all our little "chicks".  I so want them to be ok - watched out for - loved.  And after my prayers that this would all take place within Heavenly Father's will, I have to trust it will be so.

No new callings for either of us.  I'm betting they're putting us out to pasture, like they can do with us old-ordinary-low-maintenance members.

Productive

This Saturday was productive:  The Husband was a whirlwind of activity -  fertilizing the lawn, cleaning the solar panels, fixing the mailbox.  And we still had time to take in a movie:  Larry Crowne.  I decided that the summer movie season hasn't been a total loss - we've seen two great movies - Larry Crowne and Midnight in Paris.

(Still wonder, though why the "f" word has to be said every time.  Note to Julia Roberts - It's so unbecoming for you to use that language!)

Lunner at Toscano's with friends was fun and interesting, I think the waiter was soused.

And tonight's thought of gratitude:  I'm grateful I don't have to teach YSA tomorrow!

Thoughts

Sitting yesterday in a large room with about 35 people, all  quiet, no talking.  There were so many thoughts floating in the air you could almost feel their pressure.  I felt like I could reach out, pluck a thought and sit and commune with it for awhile.


Still wondering why all those dog owners don't understand that "all dogs must be on a leash" applies to those people with dogs.  Not those people without dogs.


Weird that it's nearly the 4th of July.  Not feeling particularly festive.  Perhaps I should spring for a box of "poppers."  Do they come in a mondo size?  (Not the box, the poppers, for an extra large POP - uuhh - explosion.


Talked to the service guy at the Toyota dealership.  He was incredulous that after having my car for 10 months I still only have 2500 miles on it.  Can wait for an oil change 'til the car's 1st birthday.  I think I need to get out of the house more.

Still chuckling about the guy in the Prius yesterday - zooming past us in the car.  Seriously - that Prius wants to race The Charger?