Random Thoughts by Diana

First, a little bit of house cleaning.  Here is a picture of my new coat.  Santa said he would come a little early this year because it is cold in Utah now (and it is what I'd be asking for come December 25th).

Next, can someone please tell me what happened with BYU in the game against Utah yesterday?  Truly depressing.  But, like Grandpa Olsen said, "The sun will come up in the same place tomorrow."  That's just like him, always the positive one.

Finally, the Thanksgiving Season helps me to remember what I am thankful for:  my family, my friends, my warm car, the Gospel, my job, food to eat, a place to sleep, a strong body, a quick mind, my education, and (the in the forefront of my mind right now) music.  Mom, thanks for making me practice and finding it important to have us take lessons even when money was tight.  I don't know what I would do if I couldn't sit down at the piano and play it or listen to a song and then sing it.  My mom has said that she thinks music is something that we remember from the other side of the veil and that's why it can touch us so deeply.  I agree.  My music allows me to communicate when I don't have the words and calms my soul when it's in turmoil.  What a privilege it is to be able to make beautiful music (and have others that will patiently listen)!

P.S.  I fly home on Wednesday night for Thanksgiving!  I call making the rolls for dinner!

Why?

I used to keep a list of questions I was going to ask Heavenly Father when I got to heaven.  I don't know where it went (probably in one of my many, unfinished journals).  I'm still constantly asking myself - why?  Why did I eat that chocolate when I knew it would make me sick?  Why did a bird have to poop right on my window and nowhere else?  Why can't I have everyone I love around me all the time?  Why are plane tickets so expensive?  Why don't I go to bed when I'm tired (like now)?  Why are drivers oblivious on the road?  Why can't I hang shirts up facing the same way?  Why do I have to keep kissing frogs?  And the most disturbing one (right now) - why didn't I bring my bag in earlier from the car (because now it's cold outside)?

Obviously, some are more pertinent than others.  All I know is that I have to find that list so I don't have to start over again!

Windshield Wiper Fluid

No one told me it was going to freeze.  I know that this isn't the first time I've lived in Utah, but it's obviously the first time I have tried to wash my window (while driving, on the freeway) when it's below freezing outside.  How are people able to see?  Needless to say, I had to pull off the freeway (quite the task since I couldn't see out my window) and scrape.

I'm tired.  The list is too long to share.  Basically I'm tired of being in transition, not being organized, and basically tired of being tired.  On a positive note - being this tired makes falling asleep much easier (even if it's during Sunday School - oops!).

Don't give up.  The next post is bound to be more positive and might even include a picture!

In The Fast Lane

Commuting in Utah brings many interesting thoughts to mind.  Some aren't the nicest.  The term "fast lane" is used very loosely here.  This is something I've had to reacquaint myself with.  One of my new favorite moves includes the driver coming off the exit at 55 mph (didn't get the memo about the 65 mph increase) and cutting across 4 lanes of traffic to get in the carpool lane.  I like especially this move when I am one of the vehicles being cut off.  The other day I drove in disbelief behind a truck pulling another truck on a trailer in the fast lane going 50 mph.  The kicker was that there was no one in the other two lanes.  Fast lane?  What fast lane?

I haven't decided which lane my life is in.  Sometimes I feel like I am watching it go past me at mach-speed.  Other times I am frustrated because I am stuck in a perpetual cycle of confusion regarding my new job.  I usually just walk around trying to figure things out, attempting not to mess things up, and hoping that someone will tell me if I am supposed to be doing something different.  My students and I are starting to get used to each other.  The Administration is nice but needs a lesson in communication.  I am looking forward to when things will run more smoothly (the other teachers tell me it will be after Christmas - I might be dead by then).  And yet, despite all of this, I am still happy to be here!  Crazy, I know.  But there it is.

Cookies in the Freezer

Tomorrow I will finish packing up my things and make the move back to Utah.  Did I hear a collective What?!  I had an interview with the Jordan School District last week and got a job at a school in Midvale the same day.  I will be teaching 2nd grade again!

Being home has been wonderful despite the awful state of limbo of the past 16 months.  There are lots of things that I will miss.  Here are just a few:  the blinding sun through my window in the morning; Dad and his cereal; sitting with Mom in Church; making rolls with Calvin and Anna; random trips to Fairfield; afternoons with Rachel and Jane; hearing Julia's kids yell when they hear my knock at the door; Steve's hugs; Julia's laughter when her kids are silly; watching T.V. with Dad (the huge screen has been great!); Bridgette's wet nose; and many daily hugs and kisses (my Mom's are the best).

Starting a new stage is exciting and filled with apprehension.  I am thrilled about upcoming events and prospects.  These past months have not been wasted.  They have been much needed and filled with growth.  Thanks to my family and the safety of my home. I will miss it and those sweet faces.

P.S.  Dad, there are cookies in the freezer.  Don't forget about them.  I love you.

Who Says You Need to Have Kids to Blog?

I have arrived.  

I can't promise that I will be as clever as my sisters.  The unfortunate thing is that my lack of computer-savvy will be on display for any that care to notice.

Here goes!