I'm so excited! I love Christmas! I love the decorations and mine are finally up! I will send pictures tonight!
Any way, Victor asked me what we had planned for Christmas dinner the other day. I replied "I don't want to make Christmas dinner. I am left with a messy kitchen and a bunch of overstuffed family members who won't clean up afterwards."
Victor's mother was standing in the same room listening to the conversation (she likes to hear what Victor and I talk about - we sometimes stop talking until she leaves... ) so I said: "Maybe we should just have Albondegas. It is something nice and warm to eat and the kids love it!"
Victor turns to his mother and says "How does that sound to you?"
Lucy says "I can make that. What else are we going to have?"
Victor says "I can make Chile Verde."
Inside I am laughing. I don't have to cook for Christmas for the first time in forever and the mess after this type of cooking is minimal. At some point someone is going to figure out that we haven't planned breakfast or lunch.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
THE END OF AN ERA
Last Saturday was our final concert of the year. The theme for the evening: The End of An Era. Theme chosen because the VC Theatre is being torn apart for some major remodeling. The reconstruction is planned to take a year and a half.
My family and a couple of our friends came to the concert. I played the clarinet (of course) only during the first two pieces. Both were Christmas pieces and they were beautiful. As the evening progressed there were fewer and fewer concert members participating. At intermission they set up the stage to include the VC choir. I was excited to hear what they were going to perform.
Much to my dismay and embarasement the program they chose was high reaching and if the moon was their goal, they didn't even reach the tree tops. Victor sat next to me not enjoying himself and every once in a while he would throw looks of disgust my way.
I turned to see how my friend, Linda was doing. Her look was similar to mine and we both burst into laughter. Her husband was sitting next to her with a mixed look of disgust and concern. I think he was trying to figure out how he was going to leave the auditorium without being noticed.
Being polite, we sat through to the very end. An activity I do not wish to repeat any time soon.
As we were leaving I was talking to my friend Linda and we were talking about the rest of the weekend plans and I expressed my dismay over being too tired to finish decorating and how my body was aching.
John suggested to Victor that he provide the services of a massage so that I may feel better.
Victor exclaimed: "I don't think so! My EARS HURT!!!!"
Of course we all started laughing.
Yesterday morning I was listening to the great composer quiz and the text follows:
This time it’s a Quiz about making the most of unpleasant surroundings. When this Great Composer traveled to Italy, he didn’t much like it. Well, the countryside charmed him, but not the culture, especially the music. While in Rome, he wrote home to his father complaining, “The music here may not lack for sensuality, but it lacks the necessary means altogether: The orchestras are beneath contempt, with neither pianists nor pianos. Even the papal singers are growing old, are almost completely unmusical, don’t even get the traditional pieces right; they are never all together. Concerts are given at the so-called Philharmonic Society, but only with piano accompaniment, no orchestra. The people’s spirits have probably been besieged and destroyed inside; they have a religion but don’t believe in it, they have a splendidly bright past history but pay no attention to it. So it is no wonder that they take no pleasure in art, since they are indifferent even to all that is more serious.” So who was this disappointed traveler in Italy, this Great Composer?
If this great composer were alive today he may have used these exact words to describe Saturday evenings concert. However, best described by Victor's exclaimation: "MY EARS HURT!"
My family and a couple of our friends came to the concert. I played the clarinet (of course) only during the first two pieces. Both were Christmas pieces and they were beautiful. As the evening progressed there were fewer and fewer concert members participating. At intermission they set up the stage to include the VC choir. I was excited to hear what they were going to perform.
Much to my dismay and embarasement the program they chose was high reaching and if the moon was their goal, they didn't even reach the tree tops. Victor sat next to me not enjoying himself and every once in a while he would throw looks of disgust my way.
I turned to see how my friend, Linda was doing. Her look was similar to mine and we both burst into laughter. Her husband was sitting next to her with a mixed look of disgust and concern. I think he was trying to figure out how he was going to leave the auditorium without being noticed.
Being polite, we sat through to the very end. An activity I do not wish to repeat any time soon.
As we were leaving I was talking to my friend Linda and we were talking about the rest of the weekend plans and I expressed my dismay over being too tired to finish decorating and how my body was aching.
John suggested to Victor that he provide the services of a massage so that I may feel better.
Victor exclaimed: "I don't think so! My EARS HURT!!!!"
Of course we all started laughing.
Yesterday morning I was listening to the great composer quiz and the text follows:
This time it’s a Quiz about making the most of unpleasant surroundings. When this Great Composer traveled to Italy, he didn’t much like it. Well, the countryside charmed him, but not the culture, especially the music. While in Rome, he wrote home to his father complaining, “The music here may not lack for sensuality, but it lacks the necessary means altogether: The orchestras are beneath contempt, with neither pianists nor pianos. Even the papal singers are growing old, are almost completely unmusical, don’t even get the traditional pieces right; they are never all together. Concerts are given at the so-called Philharmonic Society, but only with piano accompaniment, no orchestra. The people’s spirits have probably been besieged and destroyed inside; they have a religion but don’t believe in it, they have a splendidly bright past history but pay no attention to it. So it is no wonder that they take no pleasure in art, since they are indifferent even to all that is more serious.” So who was this disappointed traveler in Italy, this Great Composer?
If this great composer were alive today he may have used these exact words to describe Saturday evenings concert. However, best described by Victor's exclaimation: "MY EARS HURT!"
THE ANSWER:
The 20-year-old Felix Mendelssohn, thus illustrating again that he was first and foremost a snob. Mendelssohn did like the Italian landscape. He said, "Nature and the warm December air and lines of the Albanian mountains down into the sea - these all remain the same and something anyone can enjoy afresh and in solitude. But as far as the music went, well, if Mendelssohn was to enjoy Italian music, he would just have to produce some of it himself, which he did shortly after his trip in 1830, the Italian Symphony.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Book of Mormon
I spoke to dad a month or so ago, lamenting over my inability to converse in Spanish. I had explained that I could read and write Spanish and I am doing well in that area (still getting an A). My hangup is actually having a conversation. Even worse are the questions directed to me by the professor - I draw a complete blank and I know I have a vacant expression on my face every time.
I have even shared my distress with the professor, further explaining that as soon as he diverts his attention my brain turns back on and I know exactly what he said and can answer - just a minor problem... :)
During the conversation with dad I had mentioned improving my Spanish by reading The Book of Mormon. Dad's suggestion was to read it out loud so that I could hear each word - making sure that I was pronouncing the words correctly. He stated that if I did this my ability to have a conversation would improve.
I shared this information with Professor Sovich and he stated that it was an excellent idea and further explained why it works. :)
We had a couple of Spanish copies of The Book of Mormon at one time and I looked for them. When I couldn't find them, Victor shared with me that he had given them away to a couple of co-workers. I shared with Victor why I was looking for a Spanish edition of The Book of Mormon.
Last Sunday Victor spoke to the Bishop and obtained two copies. He was very happy to help me with my problem.
This morning as I was getting ready for work I was thinking about Spanish class and my concern with speaking and remembered that we had two copies of the Book of Mormon. Before I left to pick up the kids from seminary I grabbed one of the copies with the intent to read while waiting for them to be dismissed.
As I sat in the car reading out loud I realized how much I really understood. I was overwhelmed by this realization. I also experienced a profound awaking moment due to the colorful Spanish expressions. There are some words in Spanish that don't translate well into English and vice versa. My mind was opened to another level of understanding of those verses that I have read a hundred times. I understand why the latin culture embraces the gospel and The Book of Mormon so quickly - it is those words and phrases that pour off the pages. The beautiful imagery of a romance language adds a depth to the gospel that we sometimes miss when reading the same scriptures in English.
Thanks Dad! :)
I have even shared my distress with the professor, further explaining that as soon as he diverts his attention my brain turns back on and I know exactly what he said and can answer - just a minor problem... :)
During the conversation with dad I had mentioned improving my Spanish by reading The Book of Mormon. Dad's suggestion was to read it out loud so that I could hear each word - making sure that I was pronouncing the words correctly. He stated that if I did this my ability to have a conversation would improve.
I shared this information with Professor Sovich and he stated that it was an excellent idea and further explained why it works. :)
We had a couple of Spanish copies of The Book of Mormon at one time and I looked for them. When I couldn't find them, Victor shared with me that he had given them away to a couple of co-workers. I shared with Victor why I was looking for a Spanish edition of The Book of Mormon.
Last Sunday Victor spoke to the Bishop and obtained two copies. He was very happy to help me with my problem.
This morning as I was getting ready for work I was thinking about Spanish class and my concern with speaking and remembered that we had two copies of the Book of Mormon. Before I left to pick up the kids from seminary I grabbed one of the copies with the intent to read while waiting for them to be dismissed.
As I sat in the car reading out loud I realized how much I really understood. I was overwhelmed by this realization. I also experienced a profound awaking moment due to the colorful Spanish expressions. There are some words in Spanish that don't translate well into English and vice versa. My mind was opened to another level of understanding of those verses that I have read a hundred times. I understand why the latin culture embraces the gospel and The Book of Mormon so quickly - it is those words and phrases that pour off the pages. The beautiful imagery of a romance language adds a depth to the gospel that we sometimes miss when reading the same scriptures in English.
Thanks Dad! :)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
WINTER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!
It rained most of the day yesterday and it was cold in the morning when I took Evan to Seminary. It was 47 degrees! :)
This morning at 5:55 a.m. Evan and I climbed into the refrigerator and pushed the button to convert it to an incubator. Evan promptly checked the temperature and it was 37 degrees! There was ice on the windshield!
Evan and I sat in the car for a few minutes while it warmed up and watched the ice flake off as the wipers scraped away. We could hear the giant fans in the strawberry fields going - a sure sign that early in the morning there was a frost warning.
I dropped off Evan at the church and returned home to finish getting ready for work and to make sure that the girls were up and getting ready for school. I was quite certain that the mountains had snow on them, but wouldn't know until the sun was higher in the sky.
I left the house again at 6:45 - still 37 degrees! I looked to the mountains and they were covered with snow. The radio announcer was listing off road closures due to snow and ice. How exciting! It really feels like winter and Christmas! :)
I picked up Evan, Jonathan and Jasmine from seminary and on the return home I pointed out the snow and then noticed how low it was on the mountains. I was astonished that even the smallest mountain had snow on it's peak. It was amazing. I don't think I have seen snow so close and so low on the mountains.
The morning walk at work was just as cold as the pre-dawn and Michelle and I were blasted by wind from the mountains. Memories of cold winters in Indiana danced a wild dervish in my head.
I noticed that it was getting colder and that the animals were responding to the temperature changes. The horses have thicker longer coats and they have a little bit of a curl.
The huskies look like giant puff balls (when the spring comes my house will be full of miniature husky puff balls - not a mess I am looking forward to).
Winter has definitely arrived!
On the upside, it will be over 50 tomorrow with the sun shining brightly.
This morning at 5:55 a.m. Evan and I climbed into the refrigerator and pushed the button to convert it to an incubator. Evan promptly checked the temperature and it was 37 degrees! There was ice on the windshield!
Evan and I sat in the car for a few minutes while it warmed up and watched the ice flake off as the wipers scraped away. We could hear the giant fans in the strawberry fields going - a sure sign that early in the morning there was a frost warning.
I dropped off Evan at the church and returned home to finish getting ready for work and to make sure that the girls were up and getting ready for school. I was quite certain that the mountains had snow on them, but wouldn't know until the sun was higher in the sky.
I left the house again at 6:45 - still 37 degrees! I looked to the mountains and they were covered with snow. The radio announcer was listing off road closures due to snow and ice. How exciting! It really feels like winter and Christmas! :)
I picked up Evan, Jonathan and Jasmine from seminary and on the return home I pointed out the snow and then noticed how low it was on the mountains. I was astonished that even the smallest mountain had snow on it's peak. It was amazing. I don't think I have seen snow so close and so low on the mountains.
The morning walk at work was just as cold as the pre-dawn and Michelle and I were blasted by wind from the mountains. Memories of cold winters in Indiana danced a wild dervish in my head.
I noticed that it was getting colder and that the animals were responding to the temperature changes. The horses have thicker longer coats and they have a little bit of a curl.
The huskies look like giant puff balls (when the spring comes my house will be full of miniature husky puff balls - not a mess I am looking forward to).
Winter has definitely arrived!
On the upside, it will be over 50 tomorrow with the sun shining brightly.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
DECEMBER
This is my favorite time of year! I love December so much. I get excited for Christmas and having hot choclate and apple cider.
Yesterday morning at work I was busy turning on my computer and organizing my work when I glanced up and noticed my calendar. I jumped up and cheered: "Yeah!" and then squeaked out an "Oh!" I moved so quickly and with great excitement that my cubicle neighbor jumped in her seat startled. I am normally very quiet and so is she - so quiet that we often peak into each other's cubicles to see if any one is there.
She started laughing and asked me what the excitement was. I stated: "It's December! I am so excited!"
She smiled at me and then asked: "What are you doing?"
"I am changing my calendar."
Janet, from the cubicle in front of me says: "Oh, ya... I need to switch my calendar."
Lorine, my neighbor says: "Me too... oh... December is very pretty..." She was looking at her picture for December. We all have the same calendar. It is an Avon calendar with a picture of a white poinsettia for December.
For years Victor has complained about my excitement - usually because I start pulling the Christmas decorations down when I put the Halloween decorations away. I have had to supress the need to decorate until after Thanksgiving and we started a tradition of decorating the weekend of Thanksgiving (sound familiar?) Well, this year we had Thanksgiving at our home and invited Victor's family and the missionaries. All of our children were present - making it possible to start decorating. This did not happen... not sure why... maybe because I have been so busy with school I just wanted to rest.
I rested all weekend. I did nothing Friday night. I did nothing Saturday. I did nothing Sunday.
During the weekend Victor asks me about decorating the house for Christmas. I told him that it is too hard for me to get the decorations down from the attic. I suggested that when the boys come over they could pull the decorations down...
Monday after Orchestra Victor asks me again about decorating the house... I said: "Well maybe this weekend."
Tuesday after Spanish class Victor asks me once again about decorating the house. I reminded him that he and the boys are going camping on Friday so it probably won't happen this weekend.
This morning as I was returning to the church to pick Evan up from Seminary Victor calls. He asks me if I had seen the full moon this morning. I told him that I saw it peaking through the clouds...
I asked him what they were doing for scouts this evening... He said that when they got home tonight they would have to pull down the camping gear from the attic and get it cleaned up for the camp out. He then said: "I'll have the boys pull down the Christmas decorations too so that you can decorate."
I have a feeling that Victor wants me to decorate for Christmas. :)
I guess my plans for Friday evening and Saturday are to decorate the house while the boys are gone... :)
We'll see how that goes.
Yesterday morning at work I was busy turning on my computer and organizing my work when I glanced up and noticed my calendar. I jumped up and cheered: "Yeah!" and then squeaked out an "Oh!" I moved so quickly and with great excitement that my cubicle neighbor jumped in her seat startled. I am normally very quiet and so is she - so quiet that we often peak into each other's cubicles to see if any one is there.
She started laughing and asked me what the excitement was. I stated: "It's December! I am so excited!"
She smiled at me and then asked: "What are you doing?"
"I am changing my calendar."
Janet, from the cubicle in front of me says: "Oh, ya... I need to switch my calendar."
Lorine, my neighbor says: "Me too... oh... December is very pretty..." She was looking at her picture for December. We all have the same calendar. It is an Avon calendar with a picture of a white poinsettia for December.
For years Victor has complained about my excitement - usually because I start pulling the Christmas decorations down when I put the Halloween decorations away. I have had to supress the need to decorate until after Thanksgiving and we started a tradition of decorating the weekend of Thanksgiving (sound familiar?) Well, this year we had Thanksgiving at our home and invited Victor's family and the missionaries. All of our children were present - making it possible to start decorating. This did not happen... not sure why... maybe because I have been so busy with school I just wanted to rest.
I rested all weekend. I did nothing Friday night. I did nothing Saturday. I did nothing Sunday.
During the weekend Victor asks me about decorating the house for Christmas. I told him that it is too hard for me to get the decorations down from the attic. I suggested that when the boys come over they could pull the decorations down...
Monday after Orchestra Victor asks me again about decorating the house... I said: "Well maybe this weekend."
Tuesday after Spanish class Victor asks me once again about decorating the house. I reminded him that he and the boys are going camping on Friday so it probably won't happen this weekend.
This morning as I was returning to the church to pick Evan up from Seminary Victor calls. He asks me if I had seen the full moon this morning. I told him that I saw it peaking through the clouds...
I asked him what they were doing for scouts this evening... He said that when they got home tonight they would have to pull down the camping gear from the attic and get it cleaned up for the camp out. He then said: "I'll have the boys pull down the Christmas decorations too so that you can decorate."
I have a feeling that Victor wants me to decorate for Christmas. :)
I guess my plans for Friday evening and Saturday are to decorate the house while the boys are gone... :)
We'll see how that goes.
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