Middle Ground

So, let's talk about life for a moment. You know, that thing you are supposed to be living right now? That series of events that help you progress and become the person that you really want to be. So, what is it that you really want to be?

I personally would like to be that person that never lets anything get under her skin. When "crisis" hits I would like to avoid the dirty-name-calling in my head and go right to the problem solver. (perhaps I should work on making those name-calling things stay in my head at least and not come out of my mouth... hmm.) It seems that I have become a very reactionary person as of late. You know, the kind that doesn't stop and think about what they are doing, they just react whether good or bad, appropriate or un. That's me. I didn't used to be that way. I have theories about this though.

First, when I started working USU Catering 2 1/2 years ago, I was a very nice person. In fact someone stated that I was probably the only one that worked there that liked everyone. They thought it was just me being an incredibly nice person. I informed them that I simply hadn't worked there long enough to hate someone yet. It got a big laugh at the time, but sadly I was right. Now, don't jump too quickly, I don't exactly "hate" anyone per se, but I do find some more obnoxious than others which leads me to my reactionary self. I find that since I have had to deal with people that I wouldn't consider a friend for far too long, I lose patience with them. The more I have to deal with the them quicker my patience leaves. Now it's got to the point that the very name shows on the caller ID and I'm already calling them names in my head and sometimes out loud. (I know, I'm such a good example for my staff... don't worry I can guilt myself enough over that one.) I'm just not sure how to come back from that.

On the other hand, at least I'm not bottling up my frustrations to be let out on some unsuspecting customer/friend/husband one day with guns blaring and tongue lashing... It's unhealthy to swallow everything right? Those are the people you read about, "She was always so nice and sweet, we just never saw the sawed-off shotgun coming!" So where's the middle ground?

I believe that will be my goal for the next little while. Perhaps I should implement the "count to ten" before saying anything. Who says all those fun things are reserved for children!

A shout out

Just wanted to take a moment and give a shout out this fine day to a good friend and co-worker, Stefanie. She's getting married in a December to a hottie rockstar! You should check our her blog and read all about it.

Anyway, Stef, this is for you... :) Thanks for reading!

Fall.

I love Fall. It is by far my favorite season. They all have something good in them, but nothing quite competes with Fall. I love the chill in the air and the crispness of the mornings. I love that I get to start wearing sweaters again. I love the vibrant colors of the leaves as they turn. I only wish it would last longer. Sigh...

Here are a few pictures of the virginia creeper that goes along my fence in the yard. David thinks that we should prune it down. For daring to suggest such I thing I threatened death in a slow and painful manner. Needless to say, it's staying.

No... really?!

K, so there are really two things that I have to share today just because. Let me assure you that they are of no real value and more of an indulgence than anything.

First. Once upon a time ago I was walking through the 3rd floor of Old Main just outside the History department. They were trying to earn money by selling donated books for a buck. Well, what bibliophile would pass by books for a buck without even looking. Not I. So, upon perusal, I chose 4 books, one of which was being hailed on the back cover of this 1965 masterpiece as "It may be the best spy story anyone has ever read." There were also such words as "dazzling and compelling" along with "penetrating novel of our time". How could I possibly resist! I purchased The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carre. I have since finished it, and it was indeed compelling and cold. I'd have to leave out the dazzling though.

The second bit of info that I have to share was actually inspired by the drive home. I was coming back from work and cruising through the radio stations (I hate commercials and therefore surf my way home) when this song came on. "Without You" by Motley Crue. Now the title of this blog makes perfect sense! This song is not the best or greatest or most profound in any sense of any word, but it did take me back... to high school. For better or for worse. I was immediately reminded of my sophomore year, most of which I spent grounded. "Why?" you ask. Simple. It was because of my first boyfriend. He lived in Soda Springs and his name was Ed. Again, the title fits perfectly. But wait, it gets better. Ed was on house arrest and I would go to Soda during the basketball games and spend it on his porch freezing my tush off because he didn't want to go into the house. I'm sorry, did I say house? I meant trailer, silly me. Since I was "in love" I would routinely stay on the porch longer than necessary, thus breaking curfew and get myself grounded. I tell ya! The things you do for love.

Yeah, when I put it this way it really does sound like a sad commentary on my high school years. You should almost feel sorry for me. Or perhaps it's an inspiring story... you really can change your stars. Let me emphasize that this was my sophomore year. I refer to it mainly as my dark year... I was enlightened later on in my high school career, broke up with Ed, and made it a fair amount of time without being grounded.

So, for your enjoyment (or pain) I give to you "Without You" by Motley Crue. I might also add that at one point in time I thought these guys were hot!! I am soooo glad that I snapped out of that. And for the record, Ed and I used to each have half of a pair of heart earrings that said "together forever". I forget which half I had the together or the forever. Again, the title. Can't help but wonder what happened to that guy.

The coolness of me...

So, there aren't many people in this world who realize just how cool I am. Seriously. Let me illustrate.

Friday I was having lunch up in the Skyroom with friends and co-workers. We were sitting there chatting and having a good old time when Brother Sampson walked past. Brother Sampson is my institute teacher and friend. When I was in the 6th Stake (singles stake) back in the day, he was in the Stake Presidency and I was in the Stake Relief Society Presidency and we had a chance to get to know each other. It's really fun having him as a teacher. He often jokes about how we grew up in the 6th Stake together, after which people turn around, look at me, and wonder just how old I am. Anyway, I digress... Brother Sampson was having lunch with a group of people also. He saw me, stopped and turned to his guest and said, "there is someone I want you to meet." He brought them to my table and said, "Lora, this is Virginia." I responded with a nice to meet you and a handshake. Brother Sampson related how he knew me. She was very cordial and we smiled at each other. I, being less than observant almost asked if she was the secretary at the Institute or something like that because I couldn't figure out what was so special that I was to meet her. I fortunately did not say any such thing, but just made a bit of small talk. They left, I sat down and began wondering what was so special about this "Virginia" person... then comprehension dawned on me.

Friday is the day that they have Devotionals in the cultural hall of the institute. Brother Sampson is the one who invites the speakers and subsequently takes them to lunch before they leave. That particular Friday the special guest speaker was Virginia Pearce, President Hinkley's daughter. I can't tell you how relieved I was that me and my sparkling whit didn't ask if she was the new secretary and how she liked working there!!! See, I told you I was cool!

The Namesake

I recently finished reading Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake". OK, not so recently, but I needed some time to decide how I felt about the book. I also watched the movie with my husband because I was oh so curious about how it would transfer to the screen. What would be kept in? What would be left out? I believe the movie did it some justice but I did feel it necessary to stop and explain things to David as we watched.

It is about a Bengali couple who moves to New York from Calcutta. He is a professor and she is a housewife. They make their life together far away from their own families. They have a son whom they name Gogol after Ashoke's (the father) favorite Russian author. There is more to the story of his name but I need to leave something for you to discover on your own right? It is mostly Gogol's story. The journey of a young boy who grows up trying to find the balance between life in America and the traditions and culture of his Bengali family. I believe he does find balance in the end, although it is left fairly open-ended. Perhaps that is why I can't stop thinking about it.

It is a beautifully written story that I recommend if you like complex characters and hidden freedoms. Parts are filled with heartache and others with joy. In a way we all experience something similar to Gogol as we move through life trying to find out who we really are. Which parts of our heritage do we embrace and which do we do without?

My Job

For those of you who are wondering just exactly what it is I do all day with my time, I will share with you. Last Friday, the 12th to be exact, we did the Old Main Society Dinner. This is a dinner for those who have donated $10,000.00 or more to Utah State University. I have long believed that tuition should count but so far no one is on board with me.

Anyway, the University Advancement office get together with us and we design food and themes for the party. It's usually quite stressful because we have to serve roughly 400 people all at once. High stress, but the evening sure is beautiful. I didn't get to take too many pictures because I was running around for last minute stuff (like bowls to put the punch in and lighters for the candles, etc.) but I thought I would share some of them.

Ice Sculpture for the Reception before the meal.

Hors d'ouevres on carved ice block.

Table decor in the Ballroom.

Discontent

Do you ever find yourself feeling trapped and discontent with life? Today that's me. Not that I don't like my job or where I live or anything like that, but I want a vacation. It seems like life is so short, why not take advantage of the time we have and see as much of the world as possible. It's a dangerous mood to be in because I usually decide to throw caution and finances out the window... Really I just want to be on a beach somewhere with no resposibilities but to apply sunblock once every few hours. Wouldn't that be nice...