A Brief Visit is Better Than No Visit At All

After receiving an email from Becca, a great friend from Maine, a few months ago informing me that she would be visiting Maine, I was inspired to do the same. I wish I could have stayed for a couple weeks, but a couple days was good too. I got to see a new niece, a future sister-in-law, and spend some quality time with family and friends.

Evalyn was ADORABLE. We read stories, sang songs and had a great time.

Spencer reached his first landmark in his academic career at his preschool graduation. He was so proud!

Maddy is my newest niece and is a beautiful, sweet thing.

My visit to Boothbay with Becca and her boyfriend Matt was rainy. It was still wonderful to catch up and enjoy telling stories of out latest adventures.

Becca had never been to Big Al's. The world's most random store. WE think this is him and even if it isn't we are going to say it was.

THIS VISIT WAS TOO SHORT!

Live Long and Prosper

This party helped me reach a whole new level of geek. Yep, I celebrated Star Trek. I was practicing for weeks. I still haven't seen the movie.

America's Next Top Hand Model

Even without a manicure it looks amazing. Surf's Up!

A Short Update

I haven't had a lot of interesting anything to share with the world on the internet. I contemplated writing about my church in Boston that burnt, but I'll leave that to people who experienced it. I could describe the 2o seconds of terror I felt during my first California earthquake ...

I considered telling the story of the large, pepperoni pizza I found outside of the box laying in one piece on the lawn. Without a photo that isn't very interesting. Then there was a world record holding juggler who I got to see perform. I do have a photo of that ...

Thus, I decided to tell about an experience on LA public transportation. Often riding the bus here is exasperating. I don't want to hear anyone in Boston complain to me about transportation there. I guarantee you it is worse here, but the other day I had a rewarding experience.

About three weeks ago, I was waiting for the bus after work at about 8:30 PM. I was tired; my legs were achy. I wanted to be home. The bus arrived, and I paid and asked for a transfer. He shrugged his shoulders and told me that I was out of luck. There were no more transfers. I had to pay twice. Livid doesn't explain my exhausted reaction. After a long day, I am actually able to get mad.

This Wednesday feeling much the same after a long day, I was running for a bus that I missed. About 15 minutes later another arrived and there was the driver I had yelled at. He recognized me and didn't make me pay. He even gave me a transfer. Maybe one bus driver does have some customer service skills. For all of the other customer service infractions I have experienced on the bus, you can ask to see the list of grievances I am keeping.

Spring Obsession

Flowers and plant-life are in full bloom here in Southern California. My allergies aren't loving it but my eyes are. I've noticed a difference in the kinds of flowers here. Tulips seem to be few and far between which is a bit disappointing. But I have noticed the the roses here are gigantic.
Every time I comment on them, I am told that they are perfectly normal, but I don't think I've ever seen such amazing roses. I'm obsessed.

No Time For a New Hobby

Although I am thrilled to have a television, I have found little time to enjoy the endless entertainment it offers. Instead I have been leaving my usual stomping grounds and exploring the greater world around me. Emilysa stayed with me for a week while working in the area and we went to the Getty Villa in Malibu. While the seemingly endless Greco-Roman art was interesting the landscape and architecture were the highlights. I enjoyed the ocean vies, smell of fresh rosemary, and the green hills.
J. Paul Getty scored even more points by offering a Braille/Large Print Map. It made for a more enjoyable navigating experience.

Emilysa left on Friday and I flew to Utah in the evening. It was a great trip! I saw tons of family and friends that I have been aching to see. Here's a slightly detailed version of the happenings.

Saturday - I went out to breakfast with my mission companion Teneill. I love reconnecting with old friends. In the afternoon, I spoke at my niece's baptism and got to enjoy the wonderful event that it was. I spent the afternoon lounging at my sister's house before enjoying a dinner with my parents.

Easter Sunday - I had many options of were to go to church. I opted to go with my grandma which meant I got ot sleep in, finish a book and relax. Then came the onslaught of Easter celebration and family visit. I'm so happy I got to see so many cousins, aunts, and uncles on both sides of my family. Thanks for making time for me!

Monday - I had big plans to attend the temple and visit BYU campus. This was unfortunately foiled by disease. Instead I sat on my sister's couch most of the day. Jen and I played all 12 rounds of Scattergories. She won (but only because dehydration weakens the mind). My cousin Angell graciously drove me to the airport. I enjoyed the extra time I had to visit with her and hear about all the exciting news. Thanks again!

I'm home and back to the grindstone. Don't worry, I'm still struggling to find time to enjoy my new hobby. Obligatory reading and exhaustion seem to take precident.

My New Hobby

At New Year's, I set a goal to find a new hobby. After some trial and error, I think I found one.