Category: Life according to Angela

Dinner party

I’m just skipping Halloween this year and decorating early for Thanksgiving. It seems that many of my neighbors have omitted the Halloween decorations, too. I wonder if it’s the economy. I just don’t like scary stuff, but oh, how I love to dress up.

The other night I had the perfect idea for our family Halloween costumes… if I had some time to sew. I asked the kids if they wanted to dress up this year. The boys seemed unenthusiastic, but Paige said, “Well, of course,” indicating with her voice that her answer was ob-vi-ous… (my girl).  In my brilliant plan, Daniel would be Peter Pan; Paige would be Wendy; Timothy would be John (top hat, Harry Potter glasses) and Mark would be Michael with his teddy bear named Chunky. Richard would be Captain Hook and I could be Tiger Lily or Tinkerbell. I swear the Tinkerbell idea was not mine. It was Paige’s. I know, I know. Don’t worry. I won’t make myself ridiculous. And there isn’t time to make costumes this year. Halloween is on Sunday, so that pretty much destroys my plans: we’re not going to be Peter Pan this year.

In other news, I haven’t been blogging lately because I have been

a. pouting

b. reading

c. really grumpy

d. all of the above

Yes, you guessed it. The answer is d.

Today I finished reading McCullough’s John Adams. I love that book. I find a lot of comfort and inspiration in the Adamses’ relationship and sacrifices. I also like reading how time and experience mold perspective and patience. I’d be a historian if I could remember facts like Melinda Ross. As it is, I have to read things every few years to remember them.

I plan dinner parties in my mind. I never carry them out, though. If I could invite any prominent person living today, it would be David McCullough. I used to think the guest would be Michael Medved because even though we might disagree, he would keep things civil and would talk with a soothing voice about a broad range of subjects. Now I just want David McCullough to come over and talk to our kids about American history and all of those Providential Storms in the Revolution.

One more thought before I drive Paige to ballet. The blog phenomenon is interesting to me. Why do people keep reading? I recently decided to stop reading two very popular blogs because they were getting on my nerves. Updated daily, these two blogs were a part of my daily routine (yikes).After removing them from my blog list, I literally feel no loss in my life. It has made me think that blogs are read because they are

a. much like reality t.v., providing a glimpse into someone’s home that we wouldn’t otherwise have.

b. updated. People come back to anything that moves.

c. inspirational. Some truly make me happy.

d. a good way to communicate/sort family and personal events.

e. a way to feel connection without commitment.

Hopefully you’re not reading  just because this blog moves. If you are, you should rethink your decision. It’s a beautiful world out there. Go turn off the computer and enjoy it.

The night I got burned

I used to cook with a pressure cooker all the time. One night I was making mashed potatoes and there was a lot going on. As I was running water over the pot and opening the valve to release steam, the lid burst off and potatoes flew out on my face and hands.

I learned the hard way about being in the way when high pressure objects go flying.

It’s so cliche to hear people saying it’s okay to say grumpy things in order to “let off steam.” I think this is a poor excuse to behave badly and spread the anger. It’s better to release steam slowly and allow time for high impact moments to die down before words are said. The last few months have brought some intense situations and I’ve learned to appreciate Richard’s wisdom through it all.

Since I’m not complaining in this post or “venting frustration” in a negative way, I will say a few words of gratitude. I’m thankful for a little knowledge of logic. This has helped me identify error and truth in what people say. I’m grateful for the teachings of Jesus Christ as a guide for reacting to people who have been grumpy to me about my faith. I’m grateful for Richard who spent the weekend with me, talking to me, listening, and encouraging me. His steady and direct words have made a great difference.

Anger fills a room, exclusive in its dominion; it drains its object of self-confidence; anger finds its expression in gossip, name-calling, and humiliation of others; it is contagious. It hurts like a burn, too.

Health

I’m feeling much better. Thanks for your concern and prayers.

As for Ray, I wish his news yesterday had been better. I’m grateful for the progress that has been made, though. I wish all the energy and concern and love of relatives and friends could be turned into a medicine because I’m pretty sure that would be the cure. There would be no needles and no nausea and hugs and fun times would be the only therapy required.

However, I know that God has a plan for Ray and each of us and we can trust that plan.

Health is a blessing that I easily take for granted. I’m grateful for fewer aches and the good night’s sleep last night.

Summary

We had a wonderful Labor Day. We visited the Desert Museum and grilled steaks on a new grill. I think food is a link to our extended family on holidays. Naturally, we make clam dip (Sanchez) and baked beans (Ross) and pretend we’re with everyone, I guess.

Our week brought a new course for Paige in school and a talent show performance for Daniel. Timothy loves listening to Treasure Island each evening. Mark writes letters. If you are a lucky recipient, I hope you know he loves you. Also, I can’t think of a prayer offered by Timothy or Mark since May in which they haven’t mentioned Ray. We hope your tests this week show no signs of cancer, Ray.

I’ve felt terrible for about five days now and I hope to feel better soon.

Richard and Mark went tool shopping on Saturday. Mark came home with a hammer but Richard only came home with a duster for the ceiling fans and some welding gloves that don’t really work. Bummer.

I can’t sleep because I am so uncomfortable. Say a prayer that I feel better. Thanks.

Sunday Sounds

Click below and listen as you read:

How was your Sunday? How was church? Did you make a decision to be better about something? I decided that I need to focus on a topic as I read the scriptures. In my study of the Book of Mormon, I am going to catalog the tender mercies of the Lord, specifically how he imbues his children with power.

How was your Sunday dinner? Ours was nice. We had a salad and some fruit and Rice Krispies squares for dessert.

Did you think about someone far away? I did.

Did you get a nap? I didn’t, but that’s ok.

Are you ready for a new week? I think I am. We still have fresh groceries, clean laundry and sheets, and the school lists are made. We have a birthday in our family this week. Paige turns 14.

Sweet dreams.

-A

The Week in Review

This week brought the first piano lesson for Timothy. His delightful expressions, if bottled, would be alcoholic.

Sardines, when played in the house, is best accomplished if you wear a Batman mask and Mom’s dark bathrobe.

“R-duo D-duo”

The ladybugs

Beowulf with duct tape over some passages

My dentist played 1940’s music while I had my teeth cleaned. All right!

We have a high school, middle school, elementary school, and preschool student in this house.

What’s that line?

One of my favorite movies is You’ve Got Mail. I am thinking of the scene where Meg Ryan tells her “surrogate mother” and female employee that she is closing her store. Her s.m. tells her “Closing the store is the Brave Thing to Do,” and then she says stepping off into the unknown “armed with nothing” means Meg is Daring to believe she can do something different. Or something like that.

Tonight I say, “Beginning school is the Brave Thing to Do.”

Here we go.