Me & IRS

A few weeks ago, I asked for time off during Spring Break, which starts on Monday for the University of Utah. Since I couldn't take a Wednesday (my boss Pat's usual day off) or the following Friday (Hazen beat me to it.), I opted for the Friday before and the Monday that would follow. Since I had procrastinated the day of reckoning with the IRS, I decided that yesterday, I would start my taxes. Just after I got started I texted my friend, Penny "Doing my taxes. got a six pack & bottle of aspirin?" I could feel a headache coming on. Spent quite some time with the deductions, especially on the item where I donated my car. When I got finished printing & saving 1040 & all its backup and TC40 (or whatever the state tax form is), I walked to Top It frozen yogurt. (It's only 2 or 3 block from my condo.) My brain was so wasted, I could not remember what the dome type thing that goes on the cup when the yogurt is take-out was called. Thankfully, the cashier had not been doing her taxes and said "Do you want a lid?" I said yes, grabbed a blue spoon (Hey, I just finished my taxes, I was blue.) and napkin; paid for the yogurt and left. When I got home, I much enjoyed the well earned treat of samoa cookie, cake batter and dulce de leche low-fat yogurt topped with chopped almonds, kiwi, strawberries, marshmallow creme and carmel sauce. It was well deserved after the temporary loss of my brain. Love ya, IRS! ha-ha.

Chocolate Milk (or the lack of it)

This Friday was my nephew, Brian’s birthday. He turned 21 in the Bentonville, Arkansas. This year I sent him a Subway gift card since I read earlier in the week that there are more Subway locations than McDonald’s. When he gets home to Maple Valley, he may decide to use the card on a ferry. Yes, the article said there was a Subway restaurant located on a Seattle ferry. And hopefully, if he uses this card for breakfast, I hope Subway has chocolate milk. After all, the gift card is a birthday present.
Brian’s 2nd birthday marked the start of the terrible two’s. It was a bad birthday from the moment he woke and went downhill quick. I called early in the morning, I hope before work, because in those days, I didn’t have a cell phone the size of Washington State. (where Brian’s family had just located.) Laura, Brian’s mom and my younger sister, answered the phone. I could hear a very loud Brian crying his heart out over chocolate milk. The milk didn’t spill, there was none in the house and she wasn’t willing to make a 20 minute trip to Albertson’s to get just a carton of chocolate milk. Laura told me there was a transportation problem either because the only car went to work with her husband or the station wagon was a gas hog. Before I hung up, I told Laura to wish Brian a happy birthday (wishful thinking at this point) and that I would try later. Brian was in no mood to talk to anyone, let alone some voice in the telephone. Brian’s mood improved only slightly when I called back that evening. He had stopped screaming, but he was still in a sour mood and would not talk to me. (I hope he let his Grandmas give him birthday wishes.) Starting a day off without chocolate milk is not a good way to start a toddler’s day.
Brian’s next birthday went better, he did allow me to wish him a happy birthday. I think Laura got a little bit wiser or maybe Brian learned a lesson. Sometimes when I write on Brian’s birthday card, I'll say something about chocolate milk. I don’t think Brian cares so much now if he wakes up to chocolate milk or not, he’s probably content with most anything he gets on his birthday, even a greeting. But still, I hope Elder Davis of the Tulsa Oklahoma Mission got chocolate milk on his birthday, because I wouldn’t be surprised that the Subway gift card arrived late. It’s getting tougher to remember all those birthdays.

Jared, his Sister’s Keeper

Last month, I wrote about Jared in “Walking Around the Block”. When I wrote about the lecture he gave me, I realized that Jared had been looking out for his sister all her life. Ever since, Jared’s toddlerhood, I’ve been telling him to take care of his mom. Little did I realize that he took that stewardship to include his younger sister, Crystal.
Once at the cabin, when Crystal was about six and Jared was ten, the three of us decided to walk down to Bear River Station, a convenience store and restaurant, which is (or was) along Highway 150. It meant a two mile hike along a gravel road. Quite a few light trucks heading to the highway passed us. Every time Jared heard a truck, he would walk over to Crystal and put his arm around her. Jared would walk on the outside so that Crystal would be safely on the inside. If one of those “honkin’ big” trucks was going to strike his little sister, they would have to hit him first. It was sweet to watch this as we walked down the road. Later that day, while on a family hike, Jared picked up a tired Crystal and carried her across some rocky terrain. When he carried her, I was reminded of a 70's song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother”. There wasn’t much of weight difference between Jared and Crystal; through out grade school, Jared was always one of the shorter students in his class.
Jared and Crystal are typical siblings, they don’t always get along. Crystal once introduced Jared to my friend, Sarah as “the meanest brother in the world”. They had their fights, but they were friends also. Crystal has often turned to Jared for advice in her teenage years. Now that Jared is on a mission in California, she misses the talks they shared. When Jared called home on Skype this Christmas, Crystal asked everyone to leave the room, while she and Jared talked. Although, Jared may have been “the meanest brother in the world”, he is a favored brother. Jared takes his stewardship as a big brother seriously, giving his sister an example to follow. He guides Crystal gently along and with loving kindness. Jared is his sister's keeper.

2002 Winter Olympics

After such sad postings for most of the month, I decided I wanted to end February with a more upbeat posting. The first thing I thought of was the 2002 Winter Olympics that ended 9 years ago on the last Sunday of the month. I was at the Little America hotel during the closing ceremony volunteering as an event host. Little America during the Olympics was known as Olympic Family Hotel. It wasn’t listed on the Olympic event map because of security reasons, but the place was fenced in like Fort Knox, so it was hard to miss as Trax went down Main Street. During break that night, I went to the lobby and watched a bit of the closing ceremony on a closed circuit TV. No NBC (or was CBS) or commercial breaks. I can’t remember what I saw on TV, but I stepped outside to see the fireworks burst over Rice Eccles Stadium, which was 13 blocks to the east of the hotel. Even from that distance it was quite impressive.
Some of the paid employees got the night off to see the closing ceremonies and of course, most of IOC and the NOC’s were at the ceremonies. So it was a rather quiet evening at the Olympic Family Hotel. I was working in the security tent where we checked credentials as guests of the Olympic Family Hotel entered the grounds. There wasn’t much to do, but I do remember the Russian NOC being noticeably chipper after the ceremonies were over. Usually the Russians were a somber bunch of people. The Canadians were celebrating as their men’s (and women’s) hockey team finally won the gold. And everyone seemed more relaxed as they came back to Olympic Family Hotel for the final time. Another show was over and it was time to return home.

It's the OJ

Most stories that I share come from the past, but I thought I would share this one because I laugh when I remember what my dentist said to me today.
Every Saturday morning about 9 a.m., I drink a tall glass of orange juice and eat a bowl of cereal with almond milk. (I am lactose intolerant, so I have to get my calcium in other ways.) I had a ten a.m. appointment. After a half hour from my house to his office, I had to visit the ladies room. Chuck (his family has adopted me.) worked on the finishing touches on my new crown, so the visit didn't take as long as the one before. And it was a less painful procedure, even without the usual drugs. While I waiting for the x-ray, I realized I had to pay another visit. So after the x-ray was done, I asked for permission again. He said that I had drank too much coffee. I had to laugh because Chuck is devout LDS like me. After I closed the door for the second time, I realized it was that tall glass of orange juice that was urging all the visits. So if you going to the doctor or dentist, don't drink a big cup of coffee or a tall glass of orange juice an hour before. Take my word for it.

Nellie

Thursday evening, when I got on Facebook, I found out that my sister, Mary’s mother-in-law passed away that morning. I got to meet Nellie a few times and I had heard Mary and Tracina speak of her also. Nellie was a good woman who endured and persevered through her trials. She had a difficult time growing up, but she never let it stop her from being kind. Nellie always thought of others and I have seen that example in her children and her grandchildren. I am glad that she is no longer suffering in this life and that she can now rest peacefully. God didn’t take her trials away, God gave Nellie the strength to carry on and do the things she set out to do. When I thought of Nellie this week, I was reminded of when Paul, the apostle he wrote to Timothy “I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:” - 2 Timothy 4:7. When I imagine Nellie arriving in heaven, I picture Christ welcoming her with open arms. Nellie was a good honest Christian woman who kept the light of Christ shining at all times. Her actions testified of it and her posterity carries her legacy forward. I am grateful that I got to know her. Grandma Nellie touched many hearts. (Thanks to Tracina, she will always be Grandma Nellie to me.)I included this picture of Tracie, Nellie’s first granddaughter (and my adopted niece); because it shows a part of the legacy that Nellie has left. This picture was taken at the Belmont Firehouse in Portland OR area. Tracie was a part of the effort to create this statue honoring Firefighters who died September 11, 2001.

My Dad

My dad has been gone for 31 years. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s been that long and I still miss him, especially on Father’s day and in February. He was a good man who lived simply. He was satisfied with what he had. Cheryl Crow sang once “It isn’t having what you want, but wanting what you have”. This was true of my dad. Dad loved horses and his family and that was all that matter to him. My dad’s face would light up when he talked about his horse, Pet. Pet was the only horse he owned. Uncle Lynn, my mom’s uncle and my dad’s best friend, once commented that he and his friends would trade their horses, but my dad was loyal to Pet. One of stories that my dad liked to tell was of Pet rounding up the cows. Apparently the gate of corral was left open and cows left. Pet noticed this and on his own rounded up the cows. When all the cows were safely in, he shut the gate and took off for an adventure of his own. When my dad married, he made a decision to give up riding horses. He was now a family man and family came first, but his love of horses was still there. When I was young, probably 5 or 7 years old, one of our neighbors asked Dad to tend their horse while they were gone somewhere. I think my dad was in 7th heaven during that time. We all got a chance to ride the horse around the yard or maybe down the road while it was in our corral. When it came my turn to ride, the horse opened its mouth. I saw those BIG teeth and I was frightened. I am pretty sure I got on the back of the horse crying my heart out. I am not sure if my dad guided the horse while I rode on its back. I doubt the horse even moved while I was on it. I’ve never been on a horse since. My dad lost his hearing in World War II while serving in Alaska. When we would talk to him, we would talk right into his right ear. He did wear a hearing aid, but most of the time, it was in the drawer. So my dad talked loud, except for when he wore his hearing aid, then his voice was quite soft and I would have to ask him to repeat what he said. One time during my senior year, I was driving home later in the evening from Twin Falls with my dad. I remember talking to him, knowing that he couldn’t hear me, but it was still comforting. I knew he cared about me and loved me. I was only 21 when my dad was hospitalized for heart failure. That weekend I had been to Logan to see my friend, Lydia. When I got home, there a note on my bed to call home. The next weekend was President’s Day, so my brother, John and I headed home. Dad was out of the hospital and he enjoyed the big Valentine cookie I gave him. We had to leave Sunday night since I had to be to work the next day. As we were leaving my car got stuck in the yard and my dad helped push the car out. It was the last kind deed he got to do for me. When I got back to Salt Lake after dropping John off in Provo, I called home and found out that my dad had passed away. He had a heart attack that night and died in route to the hospital in Burley. My father lived well, expected little and loves much. He still watches over me and my family. And I hope he takes Pet for a ride now and then.

Walking Around the Block

As Chuck & Jewel's children were growing up, I would often find myself at their house on the weekends. Invariably there would be a trip to Hardee's or McDonald's* and/or a walk around the block. I remember the walks the most, especially with Crystal. She had to do more than just walking.
Most of the walks that I remember were after Jared was born. One time, it was Jason and either baby Crystal or Jared walking the block with me. One of the neighbors offered Jason a can of Pepsi if she could hold the baby. And when Jason got home, he showed his Mom the Pepsi he got. It's a good thing that it wasn't a diet coke; he would have lost his reward. (Diet Coke & chocolate can be a woman's best friend.)
When Jared was still a toddler, he would ride in the stroller while we walked around the block. Sometimes I wanted to walk along the side instead of pushing the stroller and sometimes Darren or Mark would want to push. If Jared noticed me walking along side of him, he would turn around. If he saw Darren, he was content. But if he saw Mark, I had to go back to my duty of pushing the stroller. Mark was his best friend, so he didn't have a problem with Mark pushing the stroller, but Darren, I'm not sure why there was problem. I'm not even sure if Jared remembers why.
Shortly after Crystal was born, Jewel got a new stroller. (Jared & I must worn out the old stroller or Jared would not let Crystal use his stroller.) Being a avid fan of walking the neighborhood block, I took Crystal for a walk. And 4 year old Jared came along to instruct me. It came time to cross the street and I wanted to cross at the corner. (this is 1994 & not all street corner slopped down as they do now.) Jared told me to cross the street when we got to the driveway. But having pushing a stroller before (with him in the seat) I didn't want to wait and Jared finally gave up and told me to go ahead and cross then. Just as the wheels of the stroller landed on the street, baby Crystal let a loud wail. And Jared broke out the lecture. "That is why I told you not to cross at the corner." He said a few more words about my lack of judgement. Having been an experienced stroller rider, he knew how painful the bumps were that a corner crossing caused. The wise aren't always older.
Today, when I saw McKenna and Riley, Crystal's former neighbors, I remembered visiting teaching*** while walking with Crystal. Once she graduated from the stroller and started Primary, the walks around the block were often interrupted. It seemed as if Crystal wanted to visit teach one of her friends along the way. One time, we stopped at McKenna and Riley's house. I also remember Crystal once getting a phone call at Kylee's house. Mom was looking for her wandering daughter. When Crystal did her visiting teaching, I would often make a prediction that she would one day be a Relief Society president.

I will always cherish the time spent walking around the block. Those walks created wonderful memories of Crystal, Jared and their brothers. I hope they take walks with their nephews, nieces and/or children .

Maybe this why Jared never let Darren push him in the stroller

*Jason or one of his brothers always knew when I was hungry
**Deseret Industries - would be like Goodwell outside Utah.
***Once a month, a pair of women are assigned to visit and teach another woman or two in the neighborhood.

Freezing Temperatures & the Super Bowl

This week was coldest week I’ve seen in Salt Lake since I lived at Cherry Hills. It was so cold it reminded me of Rexburg, Idaho. If it was in the single digits here, I am sure it was below zero there. When I left Ricks College 30 something years ago in December, it was freezing frigid cold. I remember walking to the Manwaring Building (where the students hung out, but it was NOT referred as a student union) before 5am to work. It was so cold that icicles grew in my ear each morning. Hey, I was 20 and thought I was an immortal and didn’t need a hat. One cold evening, my roommate (Joanne or Lynette) and I were walking home from campus and I saw one of banks advertising a temperature of 17 degrees. I thought it was a heat wave and that I could wear a sweater or jacket. Now if I see the thermometer read 17, I am wearing my therms, 20 year old Edie Bauer coat and headband and knitted hat on my head. When the thermometer read 8 degrees, I was also wearing two therms and a hoodie under the old coat. I wasn’t taking chances.
Speaking of cold and bizarre weather, I can’t believe the Super Bowl will be held in extreme conditions in Dallas. It is like Pittsburgh and Green Bay invaded Dallas not only with their NFL teams, but the weather too. I am thinking that the Steelers and the Packers will play just fine in those conditions, but I am not so sure about the fans. I hope they are decked out in triple therms, ear muffs, hats, hoodies under their heavy duty coats and blankets galore. Stadiums can be very cold, especially if you’re not moving that much. I should know I worked at Rice-Eccles Stadium for 3 football seasons.
And speaking of the Super Bowl, my niece was born on Super Bowl Sunday, 17 years ago. But her birthday isn’t tomorrow, it was last week. But still, I am hoping that Vanessa gets a birthday cake (or something) during half-time. After all, Super Bowl Sunday is her anniversary to celebrate. And I forgot, Tracina and Dana, her parents. I hope you throw a party for yourself after the Super Bowl. And don’t forget to invite Vanessa. Happy Anniversary, Dana, Tracina and Vanessa.