The best kind of companion

I love how the Holy Ghost works and can speak to us at any time if we are living our lives correctly.

Friday night I wasn't tired when we went to bed so I stayed up finishing, "A Year of Wonders" about the Black Plague in a small English village. This was my second time reading the book, a story which I enjoy. Upon finishing I reflected on the story and characters, grateful that I had my good husband instead of one of the supporting men who turned out to have much more to himself than originally thought. As I was thinking about my sweet husband, I was gently reminded that I hadn't been the best wife these past few weeks with all the drama involving my leg and family. And then came to my mind the things I could do to be better and where I was lacking. I was humbled, instructed, and hopeful.

The above is what I love about the Spirit. If you live righteously, the Holy Ghost will speak to you whenever the opportunity arises. It can be at a random moment with something completely unrelated to where the Spirit takes you. It can be the result of a chain of thoughts. But the Spirit, if we live worthy of its companionship, always gets our minds where they need to be and teaches us. I am so grateful for those moments of humble teaching. I try to do my best to always keep the Holy Ghost with me so I don't miss out on those golden times of instruction. What a great blessing the Spirit is!

Idiots in the storm

There will always be a few idiots when times of trouble and choas come. Never mind that there is a serious hurricane coming, some surfers and beach goers don't want to miss out on the amazing waves and power of Mother Nature in full action. I read today that one surfer was killed in Florida already by the storm. It makes me wonder what on earth he was doing out there during a hurricane. I don't care how awesome the waves may be, bu surfing during a massive storm is just plain stupid. It's hard to feel bad when you hear about people getting killed because of their own foolish actions and refusal to heed the evacuation orders. Thrill seekers like the above are just selfish. The greater tragedy is that their deaths could have easily been avoided if used some sense.

I want potato salad... and so forth!

• I REALLY REALLY want potato salad now that Marshall's family and extended family has been discussing the merits and flaws of the use of mayo in potato salad. I love my mom's potato salad and want some right now. Thanks a lot McConkies!
• The first day of kindergarten went well for Jimmy. He was so excited, but when it was time to go into his class, he froze up, cried, and refused to budge. But he did go in. He told me he cried again when it was time to get on the bus because he wanted me. Poor guy. Jimmy did admit he liked it, despite it all.
• Jacob was a bit crazy without Jimmy. I don't think he knew what to do with himself. He asked me a few times, "I go school, please?". So sweet. A few more years, bud.
• I am really getting tired of my boot. I have written before that I am not a good patient. I hate being limited and not able to chase around my Destructo Jake. Plus I am always on my feet! Now I have to make an effort not to be, which is about as successful as trying to catch a sunbeam in an envelope.
• And why is it while I am laid up, I want to eat, eat, eat?! Not good! See comment about potato salad.
• Oh, and I am ready for the summer heat to end. Anytime now . . . Go ahead... Get cool.....NOW!

Reality Bites

I don't think I ever saw the Winona Ryder movie from 1994, "Reality Bites", but I am stealing the title to describe this week. Doesn't it seem like bad things come in 3? What is up with that? Who made up that law? And don't you want to slap people who say, "Well, that's just life!"? No, it's not. It's a really bad week, month, etc. It's not a normal occurence to break a bone, have a parent hospitalized, or need major repair done on your car. And if it is a regular thing for you, then I am sorry because your life isn't fair. Here is the drama of this week, and I hope it's over for the moment. The Greek gods of chaos can move on to someone else now, please.

1. Friday night we drove up to the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City to see "The Glass Menagerie". Not my most favorite play, but Marshall loves it and we were celebrating our anniversary. Talk about a depressing show, but it was nice to get a date. On our way home we hit construction and got behind two semi-trucks, which started throwing up rocks at us with their rear tires. It was nerve wracking, but we thought we had escaped unmarred. The next morning proved we had a crack in our windsheild that grew with time. So we got to buy a new windshield. It turned out to be a much more expensive date than originally planned for.
2. After two months of trying to figure out what is wrong with my leg, my MRI from last week proved that I have a stress fracture. No wonder I have been in such pain, my bone has a crack in it. It's broken! Today I went to the doctor and got a "boot" I get to clomp around with for the next three weeks. No exercising and lots of time off my feet. After the three weeks I go back to see if it is healing. If not,we may have to do a cast. I think I shall go insane. Anyone who knows me knows that I am active. At least we have answers and, hopefully, my leg will heal quickly.
3. The scariest thing about this week was finding out my dad was hospitalized Monday. He had a bad headache, couldn't sleep, and his heart was racing. It turned out his heart was out of rhythm. One part was beating at a different pace than the others. The doctors shocked his heart back into rhythm and he is doing much better, but has to stay in the hospital until Friday for observation. I love my dad and have thought immortal. I mean the possibility of losing a parent is just something no one likes to think about, but this week it came hard and fast here. It's been an emotional week. I am so glad my dad is doing better. The hardest part is being so far away from him. I would jump on a plane if I could. I told my dad no more of this nonsense. He just can't get sick anymore. He thought that was amusing.

I hope next week is better. What I really need is a magic wand. Then I could apparate to my dad's hospital room, mend my leg, and fix the crack in my windshield for free. Where is Harry Potter when you need him?