Foreword: I am writing this post out of frustration; you have been warned...
Last night was very disappointing for me; I had three maddening experiences in a row that ruined my evening.
First - The Dinner Roll Fiasco
Around Thanksgiving I always get a hankering for my Mother's dinner rolls. Since I wasn't able to make it home this year I asked my little brother to ask my mom to send some rolls back with him. I didn't ask my mother, I asked him to ask my mother. This is important.
When he got home he explained my desire to my mother who happily complied. When he left home on his way back to Idaho my mother handed him approximately 10 dinner rolls wrapped up and told him, "These are for Todd". My father was present and bares witness that this statement was made. The rolls were placed in the trunk of the car and my brother arrived home Sunday evening.
Well, I didn't hear from him, so I decided to stop by last night to pick up my dinner rolls and other items my mother had sent with him. Much to my enragement, I discovered that he had ATE THEM! He didn't just eat a couple he ate ALL OF THEM! He tried to excuse himself claiming he was unaware they were for me. My mother and father both confirmed he was told, and he’s the one who ASKED FOR THEM! When I later talked to my wife--who actually went into his apartment to get the rolls--she informed me that when she asked for the rolls he did not ask, "what rolls?" or, "Those were for Todd?" he instead immediately went into "oh crap" mode and said, "well, I have Oreos?" and offered other meaningless staples. Seems to me the evidence suggests knowledge and guilt.
Needless to say, I was extremely upset and proceeded to tell him that I hoped he was murdered in his sleep (those of you who know me well will understand that I wasn't serious). Now his cardinal sin is immortalized in digital history. May he wallow in his endless guilt. Can you guess who won't be getting any rolls at Christmas?
Second - The Hospital that lacks Communication, Security, and Intelligence
Afterward Karen and I headed to the hospital to visit our friends who just had a baby (from the previous post). As we entered the hospital I noticed signs that said, "Please don't visit the hospital if you are under the age of 18, pregnant or sick". Apparently this was supposed to help prevent spread of the H1N1 flu. We didn't really pay attention to the sign and entered the hospital lobby with David. At the front desk we asked where our friends were and were politely given directions to her room.
Up one elevator we went, walked across an entire floor past a couple hospital employees and up another elevator. At the check in station we were informed that David might not be allowed in because they weren't letting in anyone under the age of 18. Fine. We reached the door to the maternity ward where you have to be buzzed in, after they opened the door Karen asked if David could come in with us. There, on the third floor of the hospital, after passing two desks and several employees, we were informed that because David was under age 18 he wasn't supposed to be in the hospital at all.
Are you kidding? Don't you people send out memos or something? How do we make it all the way to the door of the maternity ward without someone telling us? Good luck stopping H1N1 with security like that! You can argue that the signs should have prepared me, but they said “Please don’t visit if…” not “These groups of people are not allowed”.
I was furious, tell me at the front desk in the lobby, fine. Let me walk through the entire hospital till I'm 50 ft from where I want to be and then tell me I'm not supposed to be there at all? Forget it. The nurse told Karen that David and I had to go wait in the car. Are you kidding me? You realize it's 5 degrees outside right? I was cussing the whole hospital all the way to the lobby, and that's where I stayed. Guess what happened while David and I were in the lobby? David and I ran around and played for an hour while at least 10 hospital employees, including nurses, walked by. Guess how many said anything to us? Not a single one.
Top that off with the story of idiot doctors and nurses that riddled our friends hospital stay, and you can bet I won't be having my next child there. Forget it.
Finally - The Empty Grocery Store
After the hospital, Karen and I stopped by Broulim's to pick up some milk. That's all we needed, a gallon of milk. It was almost 9 pm, I was upset, and I just wanted to go home.
As we rounded the corner to the dairy section, guess what we saw? No milk! I'm not just talking about the cheap milk we usually buy, every gallon of milk except for a few of their $5 gallons were gone, with a sign that said, "Sorry..." blah, blah, blah. What kind of grocery store runs completely out of milk on a Tuesday! I'll tell you what kind, one that employs 95% BYU-I students instead of people who actually know how to do their job (My apologies to any friends who work at Broulim's. Frustration, you were warned).
So, that was my evening. As you can probably tell, I'm not quite over it yet. Hope everyone has a good rest of the week. I might, I feel better now...
Wednesday, December 2
Tuesday, December 1
Thanksgiving and a Scary Weekend
Well, I've been, understandably, busy these past few days and haven't had a chance to blog; so here I am with an update!
Thanksgiving was great! Karen didn't have to do too much cooking, as we were invited over to a friend’s house for dinner. The turkey they made was delicious, as was the rest of the food. We ate way too much, and while we waited for out stomachs to settle we busted out a few games of Rummikube. I won once (with a little help) and really enjoyed playing; that is a game Karen and I might have to add to our collection. After games we had some pie and chatted a bit before heading home. Surprisingly, David would not eat during dinner. He literally ate nothing except a roll; I was worried he might be sick; definitely not normal for that kid! However, he is back to his usual routine of eating us out of house and home (or however that saying goes).
On Sunday we discovered some scary news. The couple that we had Thanksgiving dinner with are good friends, she is diabetic and eight months pregnant; some of you may be unaware, being diabetic puts her pregnancy at high risk. Sunday we found out Friday she went to the hospital in a lot of pain. They discovered the baby’s heart rate had dropped to 70 from where it should be (about 140). The hospital decided to keep her there for monitoring. Saturday night her blood pressure spike to 190/90 (the number I was told; apparently it's very, very high) and they decided they would have to take the baby Sunday. A couple hours after they gave her pitocin to start her labor, the baby reacted to the drugs and it's heart rate dropped even lower. They had to perform and emergency c-section and get the baby out. Luckily, both mom and baby are doing fine, but quite a roller coaster ride for their family.
Karen made the comment that having winter-babies in our ward comes with bad luck. This winter we've had our friends have complications, another couple in our ward had their baby in Boise because it needed surgery right after birth (they had known for awhile), and yet another couple traveled down to Utah for Thanksgiving--she was five months pregnant--she went into labor and had her baby three months early at 2 lbs 2 oz. So far, everyone is doing unbelievably, but it's been hard on a lot of people we know.
Training for H&R Block started last night (If you want me to do your taxes let me know!) and I realized that this month is going to fly by. Between Block, work, and trying to get ready to move I'm not going to have time for much of anything. It'll be good though, I'm already antsy to quit work and go back to Washington for two weeks, so the sooner it comes the better.
Karen gets upset this time of year because for three straight weeks I have Block and don't get home till about 10 pm. I can't complain though; they pay me for it, and that's a little extra money for Christmas.
I'm really excited to come back for Christmas and see everyone! Happy Holidays to all you Scrooges out there!
Thanksgiving was great! Karen didn't have to do too much cooking, as we were invited over to a friend’s house for dinner. The turkey they made was delicious, as was the rest of the food. We ate way too much, and while we waited for out stomachs to settle we busted out a few games of Rummikube. I won once (with a little help) and really enjoyed playing; that is a game Karen and I might have to add to our collection. After games we had some pie and chatted a bit before heading home. Surprisingly, David would not eat during dinner. He literally ate nothing except a roll; I was worried he might be sick; definitely not normal for that kid! However, he is back to his usual routine of eating us out of house and home (or however that saying goes).
On Sunday we discovered some scary news. The couple that we had Thanksgiving dinner with are good friends, she is diabetic and eight months pregnant; some of you may be unaware, being diabetic puts her pregnancy at high risk. Sunday we found out Friday she went to the hospital in a lot of pain. They discovered the baby’s heart rate had dropped to 70 from where it should be (about 140). The hospital decided to keep her there for monitoring. Saturday night her blood pressure spike to 190/90 (the number I was told; apparently it's very, very high) and they decided they would have to take the baby Sunday. A couple hours after they gave her pitocin to start her labor, the baby reacted to the drugs and it's heart rate dropped even lower. They had to perform and emergency c-section and get the baby out. Luckily, both mom and baby are doing fine, but quite a roller coaster ride for their family.
Karen made the comment that having winter-babies in our ward comes with bad luck. This winter we've had our friends have complications, another couple in our ward had their baby in Boise because it needed surgery right after birth (they had known for awhile), and yet another couple traveled down to Utah for Thanksgiving--she was five months pregnant--she went into labor and had her baby three months early at 2 lbs 2 oz. So far, everyone is doing unbelievably, but it's been hard on a lot of people we know.
Training for H&R Block started last night (If you want me to do your taxes let me know!) and I realized that this month is going to fly by. Between Block, work, and trying to get ready to move I'm not going to have time for much of anything. It'll be good though, I'm already antsy to quit work and go back to Washington for two weeks, so the sooner it comes the better.
Karen gets upset this time of year because for three straight weeks I have Block and don't get home till about 10 pm. I can't complain though; they pay me for it, and that's a little extra money for Christmas.
I'm really excited to come back for Christmas and see everyone! Happy Holidays to all you Scrooges out there!
Tuesday, November 24
In The Spirit of Thanksgiving
I saw this video on the internet the other day and really enjoyed it; so, I thought I would share. :)
I have enjoyed several of the videos that Mormon Messages has put out, especially, this one and one put out around Father's Day. This video really made me think about the things I'm thankful for.
I am thankful for:
My wonderful wife
My handsome son, and the joy he brings into my life
Having a place to live, a car to drive, and a decent paying job; especially in these economic times
Having very little (and realistically zero) debt
My health
My ability to attend school and support a family, so my wife can stay home
My opportunity to attend college
My large, fun, extended family
My knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ
My knowledge of Jesus Christ as my Savior, Lord, and Redeemer
These are just a few of many things, but these are in the forefront of my mind today. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
I have enjoyed several of the videos that Mormon Messages has put out, especially, this one and one put out around Father's Day. This video really made me think about the things I'm thankful for.
I am thankful for:
My wonderful wife
My handsome son, and the joy he brings into my life
Having a place to live, a car to drive, and a decent paying job; especially in these economic times
Having very little (and realistically zero) debt
My health
My ability to attend school and support a family, so my wife can stay home
My opportunity to attend college
My large, fun, extended family
My knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ
My knowledge of Jesus Christ as my Savior, Lord, and Redeemer
These are just a few of many things, but these are in the forefront of my mind today. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 23
The Weekend
Castle - a great, new show about a mystery writer who shadows a detective and helps her solve crime in order to get new ideas for his book. The writer and detective have a relationship similar to Bones and Booth on "Bones" which makes the episodes fun.
Grey's Anatomy - I thoroughly enjoy watching this show because of the major surgery that seems to be done every episode. Wondering if they'll succeed, and knowing how dangerous it is, gets my heart racing--literally--like no other show on TV.
Community - A new comedy on NBC, genuinely funny and surprisingly clean. It's about a successful lawyer who never got a law degree, so the BAR suspended his license until he does. He's decided to do this through community college. Like most new shows the latest episodes are beginning to delve into inappropriate content, so we'll see how long we keep watching.
Lost - Karen and I have watched this one from the beginning, and the last season starts in February. Much like "24", this show comes with cliffhanger endings that keep you on the edge of your seat. That's why we like watching them after they've been posted online, so we don't have to stop. :) Of course, this then leads to staying up way too late, as I mentioned before.
24 - When I was in high school I caught a season of "24" and ever since have wanted to see it from the beginning. This isn't exactly necessary with "24" like it is with "Lost" but I wanted to know the whole story. Lucky (or possibly unlucky) for us we have friends who own every single season. Thus Karen and I have had many late nights of, "oh, just one more episode, it's only midnight!'. We're only on season three out of seven or eight, so we'll probably be taking a break when school starts in January.
So, like I said we stay up way too late watching shows; and when I say we, I mean Karen usually falls asleep around eleven and I continue watching until 1:30 am. This usually makes me quite grumpy, which doesn't make for a fun Saturday.
Saturday, nonetheless, was pretty fun. We headed out to Idaho Falls in the morning and hit all the hot shopping sites: Fred Meyer, Baskin Robbins, Lowe's and JC Penny! :) We needed to pick up a few groceries, Karen had a who-knows-how-old gift certificate, I needed to pick up some parts for my maintenance job, and we needed to pick up Karen's ring, which I resized for our anniversary. We had a pretty good time driving around, I did get annoyed and frustrated and may have yelled, but we got past that eventually.
When I got home I had to complete some work orders, which took up most of the evening. I also had the opportunity to serve a family in our ward. The first counselor in the bishopric called and asked me to help give some blessings. I am very grateful for my calling in the ward, it has consistently given me opportunities to learn and exercise my priesthood. I am also grateful for the righteous, inspired men I serve with who are understanding and patient with me.
When I finished and got home guess what Karen and I did? Yup, stayed up way too late watching shows. (Will we ever learn?) This is usually okay on Friday nights, but not on Saturday. Sunday mornings I'm expected to be in meetings starting at 7:00 am, and if I don't get enough sleep it's hard to get up in the morning.
Sunday ended up alright though. I probably looked like I just rolled out of bed all day long, but at least I was there. Right? David was funny as I took him to nursery. We were walking down the hall and when I opened the door, he looked in and everyone said "hi" to him. He then promptly turned around and ran down the hall! Poor kid, I swear he's traumatized for life. He did not want to be in nursery and when I finally left he was screaming. However, before I could even turn the corner he stopped. This means one of two things, either they busted out the tranquilizers, or he's just a big whiner and wanted to stay with me, but once I left he was content to play with toys.
When I walked over to the church at seven the ground was dry and the sky overcast, but with no sign of the storm that was about to come. When Karen and I got out of sacrament meeting at noon the ground was covered in two inches of snow, and it was still coming down. Hard. With that, winter has finally begun. We were blessed to actually get a fall this year. We were able to enjoy a few 50-60 degree days in-between our weeks of below-freezing temperatures. I keep hearing we're supposed to have a mild winter, and someone told me today that it's supposed to be almost 50 again by Thanksgiving, but we'll see. With the two winters I've lived through, I wouldn't believe it for a second.
Though winter is usually harsh here in Idaho, this snow was peaceful. There was no wind; it made everything so quiet. I love how it reflects light and makes it seem brighter outside. The Sunday snowfall made me happy and excited. It signified the closeness of the holidays and aroused anticipation for my December vacation that will be filled with family and friends. It reminded me of past snow, running outside in the middle of the night with Lee, drifting around corners in the pickup, snow forts and snowball fights; so many fun memories. I can't wait to be back in Olympia for Christmas.
Cameron called on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday it was 11:00 pm, Karen gave him a pretty hard time about calling so late. On Sunday it was 8:20 pm (Karen must have got to him) and then again a little after nine. He calls for my advice; at the end of every call he says, "you always give the best advice". I don't know about that, but it means a lot that he still calls for it. When we were in high school Cameron and I were inseparable. We were always hanging out together and talking late into the night about whatever. When he got back from his mission I had a hope that it might be that way again. I tried to transfer down to BYU so I could be closer to him, other friends, and family, but that didn't work out. Cameron is the type that makes friends extremely easily, no matter who or where he is. So, I was worried that my best friend would disappear and we would just catch up every now and then. I am grateful that hasn't happened, apparently the brotherly bond we had in high school was not just temporary. He still has his really good friends in Provo, but he still calls, still visits, still cares about my opinion. I think part of it may be that I know who he really is. Some of his friends think he should act a certain way, and he doesn't agree, so he calls me to get some support. I tell Karen that I'm his therapist. :)
That was long, huh? I think I'll change the title to "The Long-winded Monologues of Todd" it's more fitting.
Thursday, November 19
Update
Unfortunately, I was wrong about my evening. No guitar, no 24; Karen had an enrichment activity. Blast those uplifting RS events! :) On the upside, I was able to spend a little time playing with David before I put him to bed. I remembered something I find very important as we were eating dinner, and that is, I am David's example. It was funny; as I poured myself a glass of water he instantly wanted a drink. He is mimicking the words Karen and I say now, and he even copies me when I walk around the house.
How important it is for me to realize how closely he watches. This is the point in his life where he can be shaped and taught how to act; however, most of the things he learns he learns by observation. Realizing how closely I'm watched will hopefully help me turn inward and analyze the things I do. Am I acting the way I would like my son to act? Are the things I say and do always appropriate? Am I emulating the Savior through my words and deeds? May the Lord help me be more like him.
How important it is for me to realize how closely he watches. This is the point in his life where he can be shaped and taught how to act; however, most of the things he learns he learns by observation. Realizing how closely I'm watched will hopefully help me turn inward and analyze the things I do. Am I acting the way I would like my son to act? Are the things I say and do always appropriate? Am I emulating the Savior through my words and deeds? May the Lord help me be more like him.
A Relaxing Day...Sort Of
This morning was absolutely wonderful. Why? I actually got to take a warm shower. Over the past couple of weeks we've been having problems with our water heater. Unfortunately, (especially for me) this has meant that every morning when I get up there is no hot water. Not the best way to start your day. We're in the process of getting it fixed, but soon we will be in a much bigger, nicer apartment where we won't have to worry about things like this. Hopefully.
I didn't have to work today due to Karen and I both having dentist appointments back to back and me saving up some hours. I was in for a filling; Karen was in for a cleaning. David was surprisingly patient for being at the dentist for four hours, and everyone commented on how well behaved he was. If they only knew... :) In between appointments we grabbed some lunch at Wendy's and some shakes at a locally owned store. Surprisingly, ice cream is still really good when half your face is numb.
Currently I am lounging at home wondering what to do with the rest of my day. I'm sure I'll be helping with dinner and we'll watch some episodes of 24 later (we have been watching the seasons lately; dangerously addictive, but too good to not watch). I'm hoping that later we can go look at a guitar I'm thinking of buying for a guitar class, but we'll see.
Recently I have been worried about our financial situation. There's no cause for alarm--we are very well off right now--I just can't seem to save as much as I would like. My career in the financial industry (banking) and an excellent accounting teacher in high school opened my eyes early to the benefits of saving. As I'm hoping to one day be a millionaire I know that saving early is important, but for some reason I can't stick to a budget. Personally, I think my downfall is credit cards. We have the money, but I decide to put it on a credit card instead and then we end up paying it off in one lump sum, it's a lot harder to part with. Credit cards build a false sense of security and make it easier to think you have more money than you really do. One of these days, when I stop getting cavities, I'll be able to pay off my credit cards. Once they're at zero, they won't be used again. I don't care if we don't get "points" or "rewards", whatever you want to call them; it's better to know how much money you really have and not spend any more. "Live within your means" as we're constantly directed; that's where I'll find peace.
I've decided that this blog will probably become a place for me to rant about whatever is on my mind. I wonder, how many people will actually read it?
Karen asked me why I don't want to post on the family blog. I think the answer is, I don't think anyone is really that interested in my ranting. I mean, look at what I just wrote, do you want to read that or see cute pictures of David? That's what I thought; you shouldn't have to sift through my ranting.
I didn't have to work today due to Karen and I both having dentist appointments back to back and me saving up some hours. I was in for a filling; Karen was in for a cleaning. David was surprisingly patient for being at the dentist for four hours, and everyone commented on how well behaved he was. If they only knew... :) In between appointments we grabbed some lunch at Wendy's and some shakes at a locally owned store. Surprisingly, ice cream is still really good when half your face is numb.
Currently I am lounging at home wondering what to do with the rest of my day. I'm sure I'll be helping with dinner and we'll watch some episodes of 24 later (we have been watching the seasons lately; dangerously addictive, but too good to not watch). I'm hoping that later we can go look at a guitar I'm thinking of buying for a guitar class, but we'll see.
Recently I have been worried about our financial situation. There's no cause for alarm--we are very well off right now--I just can't seem to save as much as I would like. My career in the financial industry (banking) and an excellent accounting teacher in high school opened my eyes early to the benefits of saving. As I'm hoping to one day be a millionaire I know that saving early is important, but for some reason I can't stick to a budget. Personally, I think my downfall is credit cards. We have the money, but I decide to put it on a credit card instead and then we end up paying it off in one lump sum, it's a lot harder to part with. Credit cards build a false sense of security and make it easier to think you have more money than you really do. One of these days, when I stop getting cavities, I'll be able to pay off my credit cards. Once they're at zero, they won't be used again. I don't care if we don't get "points" or "rewards", whatever you want to call them; it's better to know how much money you really have and not spend any more. "Live within your means" as we're constantly directed; that's where I'll find peace.
I've decided that this blog will probably become a place for me to rant about whatever is on my mind. I wonder, how many people will actually read it?
Karen asked me why I don't want to post on the family blog. I think the answer is, I don't think anyone is really that interested in my ranting. I mean, look at what I just wrote, do you want to read that or see cute pictures of David? That's what I thought; you shouldn't have to sift through my ranting.
Wednesday, November 18
The Beginning
Recently I have been perusing the online world and discovered many blogs written by friends or close acquaintences. A few of these have inspired me to create a new blog, one which solely recorded events from my perspective. This in turn created a space where I will be able to house my thoughts and feelings.
Hopefully, over time, this blog will help me improve my writing skills, grammar, and knowledge of myself. This will, most likely, be one of the hardest things I've ever done; I am a private person and do not share my thoughts or feelings on a regular basis, not even with my wife. I'm sure many who read this blog will lose interest quickly; but really it's for me, not for you.
I apologize for the name and title of the blog, but many of the titles I tried had already been taken. Out of curiosity I went and visited most of these blogs, many never posted on since 2007 or earlier. Nothing particularly of interest I'm sorry to say. However, in the end, I think the current titles captures what I want this blog to be. Here are some of the other titles I tried:
Through the woods
The life of Todd
Life of Todd
Todd's travels
Todd's world
Life with Todd
These are only the handful I could remember.
For those who are curious as to what may be posted here, I plan on putting anything from a journal entry about my day to a paper I wrote for a class. Please, leave comments--if you have them--about anything that I may write; your input is appreciated.
I hope to post several times a week, if not daily, and would appreciate some nagging if I don't stay on top of it. Thank you to those who decide to join me on my journey through life, whether it be for a day or longer. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Hopefully, over time, this blog will help me improve my writing skills, grammar, and knowledge of myself. This will, most likely, be one of the hardest things I've ever done; I am a private person and do not share my thoughts or feelings on a regular basis, not even with my wife. I'm sure many who read this blog will lose interest quickly; but really it's for me, not for you.
I apologize for the name and title of the blog, but many of the titles I tried had already been taken. Out of curiosity I went and visited most of these blogs, many never posted on since 2007 or earlier. Nothing particularly of interest I'm sorry to say. However, in the end, I think the current titles captures what I want this blog to be. Here are some of the other titles I tried:
Through the woods
The life of Todd
Life of Todd
Todd's travels
Todd's world
Life with Todd
These are only the handful I could remember.
For those who are curious as to what may be posted here, I plan on putting anything from a journal entry about my day to a paper I wrote for a class. Please, leave comments--if you have them--about anything that I may write; your input is appreciated.
I hope to post several times a week, if not daily, and would appreciate some nagging if I don't stay on top of it. Thank you to those who decide to join me on my journey through life, whether it be for a day or longer. I hope you enjoy the ride.
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