Absence makes the heart grow fonder??

I wouldn't be surprised if no one reads this. I have been a blog slacker lately. It is just that things have been fairly crazy around here. Here is the update:

July 13 through 19 - I packed up a suitcase and went to spend time with my grandmother in Provo. My grandma is living with my folks right now and my folks went to Montana to be with my niece who was getting baptized. I didn't think it would be a big deal to do this, but it turned out that it was. I worked all day and then came home to make dinner and take care of some of the remodeling business that was also going on at the house. The third day brought my niece to stay with me at the house. I also had my nephew at the house and he would wake me up in the middle of the night when he returned home from his job on a film site. I spent quite a bit of time cleaning up after the contractors because I really wanted the house to be in good shape for my folks. For some reason, it was just emotionally and physically exhausting.

On Tuesday night, I sat on the porch and cried from 9-10:30 PM. Poor Trav, he couldn't figure out what in the world was wrong with me. All I can say is that I felt this huge range of emotions and had this tape going on in my head that I just couldn't shut off.

July 20th - I came home (parents were back) to a voicemail message from our Bishop. It had been left at 9:36 the night before (during my crying time). Anyway, we went to meet with the Bishop and I was called as Relief Society President. Strangely, all my negative feelings were gone in an instant and I felt calm and peaceful. I had the good fortune of having Book Club that night which was a much needed outlet.

July 21st - We went to the temple
July 23rd - Sustained
July 23-28th - Pretty busy figuring out what I am supposed to do! Oh - did I mention that I haven't been released from the Primary presidency yet? I have had to move forward on putting together the Stake Baptism on the 5th.

July 27th - Had another fortuitous moment when I got home as Jill called. I had an open hour before visiting teaching so she ran over and we went to Cafe Rio! It was so loverlee!!! She had a thoughtful gift for me. She brought me a copy of Ardeth Kapp's (who I love) book called "Lead, Guide and Walk Beside." I am so excited to read it. I felt so loved! Jill, you are a dear dear friend!

So, that is about it in a nutshell. Thoughts???

Onward and Upward!!

So, has the sluggishness gone? I think so. I realized that I knew how to get past the sluggishness, it is the doing that sometimes is the hardest part. I thought long and hard about my sluggishness on Sunday and felt inspired to change my attitude. Our church time has changed to 1:00 PM. I love going to church late. I can wake up whenever and then I feel more inspired to read and listen to soothing/religious music. I feel so much more prepared to go to church ready to learn and serve. I had a great day on Sunday.

I have been reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It has caused me to do research on Chinese traditions which I am finding so fascinating. I am really looking forward to our book club discussion.

We saw Pirates on Monday night. Same reaction as Superman. We weren't terribly impressed. Definately liked the first one the best.

Starting tomorrow, I am staying at my parents home to be with my grandmother and a nephew. I am looking forward to spending some time with my grandma. She is a pretty neat lady. My nephew, Brad, is working as a Grip for a movie called Together Again for the First Time starring Julia Duffy and David Ogden Stiers. He is so into filmography. He is 15 years old and this is the second film he has worked on. This gives him great experience!

Brad's sister, Karina, is coming on Saturday for a sports camp. I am looking forward to having her stay with me at the house.

That is about it for now...

Sluggishness

I am going to just admit it - I have felt like a slug for too long now. I honestly think that the traveling and the bad back has knocked me on my keister. I have not felt compelled to do much of anything outside of my work. I have totally relaxed in my scripture reading which I think contributes to my sluggish feeling.

Our stake will be reorganized next Sunday. Both Trav and I are totally okay with any changes that will or won't be made to our ward. I do like change so I haven't fought that melancholy feeling that is permeating the neighborhood. I have been thinking that it would be okay to be released from Primary. Is that horrible to say? Sometimes, I just feel like a fish out of water with no children of my own. There are a few in Primary that don't have children but they are all still quite young (not to discount what they may be feeling).

We did have a Primary activity this morning and it really turned out pretty fun! We had water games, a fishing pond, and the children brought their bikes or scooters, decorated them and then we had a parade at the end. Top it all off with popsicles. The kids loved it and I was glad I found joy in the event. It made me feel a bit guilty about the sentiments discussed above.

I just finished "Ahab's Wife" by Sena Jeter Naslund. It was 688 pages but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to reread "Wicked" and then read "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" for RBC.

Trav and I tried to get tickets for "Pirates" but we were way too late for this weekend. We have tickets for Monday night. I think we may run out and see "Superman" today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AMY (yesterday) AND JILL (tomorrow)!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE: We just got back from seeing "Superman". I fell asleep and thought it was kind of boring. I was thinking it was this sluggishness, but Trav felt the same way. So, for what it is worth...2 out of 5 stars from us.

What happened next?

Day Five - The conference ended. It stopped raining (finally!) so we walked the "Mall" and saw the new WWII and Korean War monuments. We went to dinner at the famous Watergate. I stood up from a delicious meal and sprained my back. Sadly, I don't have a better story for the injury. I hobbled across the street to the Kennedy Center where we watched "Little Women" starring Maureen McGovern. Although the pain was pretty bad, it was a wonderful production.

Day Six - We packed up in the morning. Actually, my mom and sister packed up my things. We had planned to visit Mt. Vernon (George Washington's home) but I was skeptical about my ability to traverse the property. My little sister would not let my injury keep us down so she got a wheelchair for me and pushed me all around Mt. Vernon. We still had a long flight home which was oh so not fun for me and got home about 1:00 AM.

I saw the chiropractor on Friday and it helped a bit but I stayed fairly flat on my back the rest of the day and through the weekend. I went to work today but grimaced for the most part. I am ready to go to bed and am so glad I have tomorrow off.

By the way, I feel kind of guilty regarding my previous post. I did talk with Bill Rancic at the conference and we did talk about Utah, but he did not offer me a job or anything of the like. I thought it was clear that I was joking, but Travis said that it wasn't. For all those who thought he had, I am flattered that you thought it was even possible. :)

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!