BOXING DAY

It is December 26, Boxing Day in Canada. I know this because that's where my childhood memories are stored. Not only in Canada but in all the Commonwealth countries including New Zealand, Australia, The United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. In South Africa it is known as the day of good will when people give gifts to the less fortunate.

Boxing Day orginated as St. Stephens Day in honor of Stephen the disciple. He was the first disciple to be killed as a result of his proclamation of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the World. Stephen embraced his love for the Savior. He was stoned to death in 34-35 A.D. But, as with all things, we tend to stray from the original celebration and create new ways to celebrate.

When I was growing up it was shopping day. Lots of people would flock to the stores in search of the greatest after Christmas deals. According to my boys, the greatest thing about Boxing Day is that it is the biggest "FOOTBALL" (or soccer if you are American) DAY of the year. The big rival teams play each other and apparently that's cool.

However you are celebrating Boxing Day don't forget to remember that once upon a time it was called St. Stephens Day.

May we all follow Stephen's example and possess conviction of the heart!

ANNUAL COCONUT BREAD FEST!

I did not realize my annual Christmas Coconut Bread was such a hit! People are wondering when its coming and if they are still on my list. Sorry, I'm a little late with my baking rituals this year. But don't worry...if you have received a loaf in the past you're still on the list...if you want a loaf then you better make your request. Time is running out and I'm in baking mode now!

BTW - Click here for our family Christmas Card!

HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE DAY!

This special moment reminds us
of the miracle and wonder of our place in the universe,
and calls us to recognize & honor
the universal forces which make us One
with the spirit of Divine, Cosmic, Earth-Nature, and all Living Beings.

Feel the energy which links us
and which creates a miraculous Whole
circling the entire globe.

Take some time to complete a Light meditation,
a ritual fitting for the Rebirth of our Sun:

Through the returning Light of our star, Sol,
we cultivate our inner light in these times of dark.
Let the Light within go forth
Let the Light gather and spread
from each point and across this Planet
and way beyond still,
creating a great Web of Light.
May Light be distributed through
our every feeling, thought, word & deed.

May all find their place, their Light & peace,
their earthly and spiritual nourishment.

Visualize clearly a circle of light
which englobes our entire planet.
Send our support, love, gratitude and light thru this circle.

ADVENTURE IN THE NIGHT

The joys of parenting include clean up in the night. Hamilton was feeling a little nauseated when he decided to climb in bed with me last night. Needless to say my sleep was interrupted at 12:50 as he was throwing up on the pillow next to me. When he finally came to life he got up and ran and as he did he left a trail all over the carpet and the bathroom floor.

So there I was doing laundry and scrubbing floors for the next 45 minutes. I put him back to bed in the guestroom then searched the house for blankets. You see, Ra and the boys like to sleep outside and since its a crisp 30 degrees they take all the sleeping bags and extra blankets out there with them.

No sooner had I found some blankets and lay back down when Hamilton was running to the bathroom again. 2 am and I was cleaning the other bathroom.

The alarm went off at 5:15 and I was certainly not ready for it.

...home alone on friday night really sucks...

CELEBRITY PHOTO OP

Ummm yah, so I'm at work and really shouldn't be posting to my blog right now but Amy (she's in the picture above) showed me this picture on Mark Wills facebook and I wanted to post it to my blog while I was thinking of it.

Mark Wills and a few other country celebs rolled into town for a concert in September. We had some fun during sound check and this picture was one of the many we took. Now that I think about it, I wasn't feeling too great that day. In fact, it's pretty miraculous that I'm even smiling in this photo.

SOCCER RULES and I am left alone...

Ra is away on business and the indoor soccer arena has captured my boys. It's just me and Sammy...again.

It is the Christmas season and I'm feeling really good about that. The sounds, the lights, the spirit, have wrapped themselves around my heart. It's been a long time since I've felt the joy of the season.

Christmases past have been empty and sort of scrooge-like. My only explanation is that the experiences of this past year have transformed my soul.

Details of that transformation may bore you and besides, they are locked away within the secret passages of my soul. I will say though that I am closer to God that angels walk beside me and that the Saviors light illuminates my path.

ME AND MY DATE

Ra is out of town for a couple of days and I had to go to a banquet for the Rotary Bowl tonight. I didn't want to go alone so Ammon was my date! It was nice of him to endure this 2 hour banquet with me. Phil Tucket was the keynote speaker so he showed us lots of video which made the time go by so much faster.

Here's something random...it's 41 degrees outside and everyone (except me) is getting ready to go outside and sleep. Does anyone think that is strange? Every night I sleep inside the warm house alone snuggled comfortably under an electric blanket while the rest of the family sleeps on the patio in sleeping bags. Crazy...but then nothing around here is ever very normal.

MOLOKA'I - ALAN BRENNERT

Rachel knows my heart - "On the return voyage Rachel had ample time to consider her future and what shape it might take; and as she neared Hawai'i she now discovered something else her father must have felt on his many voyages. As the green palisades with their white skirts of sand appeared in the distance, Rachel could not imagine there was any place on earth more beautiful, any sight more welcoming, than these magnificent islands. And like Henry she knew that no matter how far she might roam, she would always come back to them."

This review says it best...

"Spanning nearly 80 years from the late 19th Century to 1970, it is a story of epic proportions. Young Rachel Kalama is taken from her home at the tender age of 7 and by age of 8 is interred at Kalaupapa on Molokai, more commonly known as Father Damien's Leper Colony. Apart from an uncle who is already there, she is all alone. Yet even with her sadness, with her little girl sweetness, she quickly charms everyone she comes in contact with and makes several very special friends along the way including two women who takes on motherly roles who couldn’t be more different from one another. From Rachel’s friendships with the other young girls – who are all there as if the were orphaned, to romances, to mischief she gets herself into, Brennert breathes such life into this wonderful character. So much so that when you read historical accounts of Father Damien’s Colony you fully expect to read her name among the former residents.

Rachel quickly gets into the reader's heart in such a special way, taking a hold of it and not letting go, not even after the last page is turned. If you love a good story with characters that simply stay with you for a long time, if you love the Hawaiian Islands, if you are more interested in reading a bit more about Hansen’s Disease (as leprosy is now more correctly called) or are simply just wanting a good book that you can’t put down than I urge you to give Molokai a try."

THANKSGIVING!

For our Thanksgiving celebration this year we choose something different...we went to Zion Lodge! The most unfortunate thing about the 2 day adventure was the rain. But we made the best of it.

We stayed the night in the lodge. Zion Lodge was built in the 1920's and they try to keep it as authentic as possible. There are no TV's in the rooms and no swimming pools or hot tubs. We played chess and built puzzles in the lodge and played the family edition of Cranium in our room. That was crazy and fun! Later in the evening some of the kids went down to the lobby of our building and played UNO by the fireplace. I fell asleep.

We welcomed Thanksgiving day with breakfast at the Red Rock Grill in Zion Lodge. They have a menu full of healthy food. Since it was raining all day we bought ponchos in the gift shop and wore those while we hiked.

Hiking in the rain in Zion Canyon is a very cool experience! The water falls are wild and the rocks turn black when they are wet. It was wet and beautiful!

We decided to get out of the rain and headed to Zion Canyon Theatre for the 3D version of Journey to the Center of the Earth. This theatre is a cinemax theatre so watching any movie there is an experience in and of itself. The movie ended just in time for our dinner reservations back at Zion Lodge.

We ate thanksgiving dinner with lots of strangers...I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. The food was okay but the general consensus of the family is that they would prefer my cooking.

All in all, it was a good time with the family. Karamea had a friend come from Florida so she hung out with our crazy family. And it definitely was a couple of crazy days!

THIS IS MY CAT

Sammie is the laziest and most spoiled cat ever.

REFLECTIONS OF MY BIRTHDAY

MY BIRTHDAY!

Some days are perfectly pleasant and some days are painfully poor. This was one of those painful days where every random thing went wrong. This was a day to forget and I could do that except that today was my birthday. A day I am emotionally attached to.

So I am searching for the positive parts of my day.

Work was making me crazy so I went home early. I stood at the picture window looking across the golf course glanced down and saw the rose in the picture above. I found my camera, took the picture, and cut it off the vine. The rose now sits in a vase next to me.

The best part of my life...my boys. They decorated the house as only boys can do and sang Happy Birthday...as only boys can do. They make me smile!

But still there's something missing...

THE WRATH OF GOD

Fire in Southern California has consummed 700 homes and more than 35,000 acres of land. Is it possible to attack a temple of God and not suffer His wrath?

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Ra is out of town and the boys are at the soccer arena. When I finish this blog I will snuggle with my cat my blanket and my book and enjoy an hour of peaceful bliss.

The pattern of my life - work and home - makes for chaos most of the time. I welcome moments like this...

Pictured above...the St. George skyline at dusk...today's gift from God. As the sun was setting in the west the moon was rising in the east. The sky looked as if it were on fire. It was completely breathtaking.

Do you question who you are? If a man owns a vineyard does he pick grapes from a neighboring vineyard? Maybe you were born with the answers...

WHEN I WAS YOUNG 3

My dad was a farmer, consequently when I was growing up we had a huge garden in the back yard. I spent a good part of my summers weeding, picking beans, peas, carrots, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, raspberries and digging for potatoes. As I weeded and picked I was visited by the spiders and worms living among the leaves and stems of these various plants. This was not a welcome visit and sometimes sent me screaming and running from the rows of vegetables.

Let me also insert here that I am not a big fan of dirt. Even to this day if I get a spot on my shirt I will almost instantly change the outfit. So picking up the potaotes as dad turned the dirt wasn't exactly a bonding moment for me...

Now that I have matured and have the memories to dwell on I can honestly say that being raised in the garden was very good for me.

Lessons Learned
::fresh is best::
::my dad is brilliant::
::spiders are really not that bad::
::worms are::
::dirt is still not good under my fingernails::
::raspberries are worth it::
::daydreams in the garden are enlightening::
::gardening is a fulfilling activity and well worth the labor::

WEEKEND RECAP

I have accomplished a weekend of work. Friday night, Halloween, KCSG sponsored the Costume Contest at the downtown street fest. The party was fabulous. Lots of people all dressed up. Beautiful children parading up and down. And the entertainment was perfect.

Saturday night - a gala event for the local Habitat for Humanity. KCSG is sponsoring the Home for the Holidays. We created a video presentation to be shown at the gala. Theme for the gala was "An Evening in Paris". So I got out my Paris original and wore it. I think I have worn it maybe 8 times since I purchased it 20 years ago.The suit was made in the 50's. I love it!

The events were fun but tainted with the fact that I was working and that I am once again suffering the pains of my all too familiar migraine.

It rained in the night and this morning is beautiful.

MY RANDOM DAY

Bread is baking in the oven so I guess I'll blog while I wait for the timer to go off.

Last night was a sleepless night. I tossed and turned then popped the vertebrae in my neck. Ya, it doesn't take much. My neck is always stressed, the slightest wrong move and I am sent running to the chiropractor. Which was exactly where I turned as soon as they opened this morning.

Pro-Health Chiropractic, Mark Bentley to be more specific, worked miracles with his machines and I was restored to normal health again. But normal doesn't mean without pain. That usually takes a good massage treatment...which I think I will schedule for tomorrow night.

I'm way overdue...

This October weather in St. George is so perfectly gorgeous. Crisp evenings make for perfect walking weather and daytime heat is always wonderful.

After work I went to the gym with Isaac and Ammon. Working out is good for me. We treated ourselves to an Orange Peel afterwards then picked up Hamilton and Asa from soccer.

So there you have my random day.

BEST EVER OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ammon and I made cookies. He was a little worried about putting oatmeal in the batter. He said, "that was a healthy item and cookies are not supposed to be healthy." But once he tasted them he was cured of that thought.

One day I will live on an Island and bake cookies for the locals. My Cookie Cabana will be a gathering place and we'll eat cookies and milk all day long.

ANSWER THIS

Everything is the same as it was yesterday but my attitude. Some mornings I can face the day with hope and encouragement and others with doubt and dispair. Today is one of those days when my reality clouds my vision. It seems as if nothing in my life is as I want it to be.

Is it possible to always feel good, to look at every day as if it will be fabulous - a constant positive outlook? Or are we, at times, entitled to feel overwhelmed by the negativity that consumses us?

EPIPHANY:

a comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization.

I experienced this today at church.

Today I sat among the pews of the chapel looking at all the people around me. The judgemental thoughts were replaced with an unconditional love for every person within my range of site. I was completely overcome with the realization that every person around me is facing challenge, trial, chaos - call it what you will - we all struggle with something. Every person there is an imperfect person full of goodness just trying to be the best they can with what they've been given.

It's a simple thought and has previously crossed my mind but never with the strength of emotion that I felt on this day. I want to always remember the power of this epiphany so that it guides my appreciation for the people I love and associate with.

WAKE UP CALL

Most nights I am in bed before my children decide how their morning routine is going to go so they find ways to get messages to me. Sometimes I wake up to writing on the mirror, notes inside the fridge, or sticky notes on the microwave. On this particular morning I had to watch my step. This white board was laying just outside my bedroom door.

In case you can't read it...

"Mother Dearest, I would love it so much if you could possibly wake me up around 7:10 am. I am outside on the balcony. Love you very much. Love Ammon, you're favorite son."

FYI - Ammon doesn't really talk like this but he does like to write wacky notes like this to me all the time. Ammon does have an alarm on his cell phone and he sets it every night. But more often than not he sleeps through it. Must be that poly blood running through his veins...

My children are my greatest gift!

PLEASANTLY DELICIOUS!

A small village in France, delightful scenery, girl power annnndddd chocolate. What could be better?

To quote the pastor -

Humanity...Kindess...Tolerance..."We cannot measure our goodness by what we don't do, by what we deny ourselves, by what we resist and who we exclude. We need to measure our goodness by what we embrace, what we create and who we include."

SPIROGRPAH

Does anyone remember this? When I was young this could keep my attention for long periods of time. The explanation from somewhere in webland goes something like this...

"For those who have never used one, the toy was made up of plastic geometric shapes with gear teeth along their edges. One of these pieces was pinned (yeah, real pins - like they’d ship those in a kids’ toy today . . .) to a piece of cardboard and another, with holes inside it at various points in its interior where the artist placed the tip of a pen, was moved along the edge of the fixed shape so that the gears meshed as it moved. This caused the moving shape to rotate with the pen leaving behind interesting mathematical curves."

I loved Spirograph! Now you can play online. Somehow it's just not the same.

FROM MARATHON TO SENIOR GAMES

Tonight I attended the sponsor appreciation banquet for the Huntsman World Senior Games, another inspiring event.

Participants of the senior games must be 50 years old to enter. This evening ambassadors of the games were honored. These are men and women who have participated for more than 15 years. Some things are simply worth being there for...

Now I am enjoying the quiet of the evening out on the patio with Asa and Hamilton. The stars twinkle and half a moon shines brilliantly upon us. It is a perfect moment in time.

MARATHON MEMORIES

There's nothing quite like being immersed in the energy of a 26.2 mile marathon. Last year I experienced it by helicopter, this year at the finish line. Both are "things you should do before you die."

Writings from last year...

As we sailed north I saw various recognizable landmarks and then noticed the marathon in full force. The pace car, the first of the runners, police escorts, more runners, wheel chair participants moving alongside those on foot. Glancing further north I saw the highway. The road well traveled by car was now filled with runners. It was awe-inspiring; thousands of people running together with one purpose.

Alongside the road were cheerleaders – the support crew – cheering the runners on as they passed, holding out water, being there to catch the fallen runner. Emergency and first aid officials ready to do their job.

And this year I stood on the ground mesmerized by the vast emotions of those around me. Marathon participants filled with joy and pain. Family members waiting in eager anticipation. I struggled to stay composed and do my job.

I was wet and chilled from the rain and wind, but warmed by the inspiration of the show before me, the will to finish the race.

I expect I will not ever have a desire to run a 26.2 mile marathon. But I will always have a desire to be a part of one. These are memories that will not soon fade.

PAIN!

I thought I might blog my marathon moments but the pain of a migraine is consuming my ability to think. I need some reflexology, aroma therapy and a dark quiet room.

Maybe tomorrow I will add some pictures and speak of the finish line exhilaration of the St. George Marathon.

LOOKING AHEAD

This Saturday Sunrise illumintaes my soul and I look forward to my weekend. I have no work related activities scheduled!

From where I sit I see pieces of my family, including my awesome cat, sleeping on the patio. The morning dew dances in the amber hue of morning light, the calming sounds of music sing to my soul and I am lost in peaceful gratitude to God.

This day begins in a perfect sort of way...

EVERYTHIING WAS QUIET

I was staring at my blog, listening to my playlist trying to decide if I had something fabulous to say...and then the boys came home.

I definitely have some intriguing thoughts...I'll just leave it at that.

Normally tomorrow would be a radio day but my radio days are over. Fun on the Fox does not exist anymore and my Tuesday and Thursday mornings are free. Well, not actually, I just arrive to work at the usual time on those days.

Work, oh my gosh, it's so exhausting. I have never been so busy in my life! KCSG recently affiliated with MyNetworkTV. This means our logo changes and that means everything that brands KCSG changes. Advice from me - never change your logo!

We have also picked up a whole new line of programming. This means promotions for every show and for our news broadcasts. And you thought I just had one station to promote...I do just have one station to promote...one station with 15+ shows, monthly events and an overwhelming amount of sponsorships.

Work consumes my life...

BUSY TIMES

It's been more than 2 weeks since my last post...a reflection of how much free time I don't seem to have.

Life in the world of media never slows down. There is always an event and KCSG TV makes every effort to cover whats happening. My most recent event..

The St. George Lions Dixie Round Up Rodeo! Cowboys are the funnest people...or maybe it's just the memories they stir. I grew up with a cowboy dad. Well, he was a part time cowboy. The other part of the time he was polynesian. Can the combination be any better?

But I'm getting off topic...

After the Dixie Round Up parade and after cleaning up my display at the Ultimate Home Expo, I arrived home, chinese take out in hand, around 8:00. I think I slept through my food, cleaned up the mess and went directly to bed. What an exhausting week.

Looking forward to doing it all over again as the St. George Marathon and Hunstman World Senior Games are just around the corner. And we'll be squeezing in a little bit of WWE Smackdown just to liven things up.

Betcha wish you were me...not.

But wait - the best part of all is that it was homecoming weekend and Ammon's first date. Good thing I have Karamea to pull up the slack. She took over as mom and made sure her brothers looked "sweet" right down to the flowers. Thank you Karamea and thanks to the rest of my family for supporting my crazy schedule...

REVERSED ROLES

Friday September 5 was mom's birthday. She is 82. I expect not to be around next year when she reaches 83 so I thought I would drive up and spend the weekend with her. Since this was opening weekend for soccer season I went on my own and enjoyed a quiet weekend with my parents. Friday afternoon I sat listening as dad spoke of his aging aches and pains. A flood of memories filled my mind.

I was home again, a child to my parents and I rememebered...

snowball fights

hide and go seek

late nights on the front porch

climbing the tree

picking raspberries

weeding the garden

Raymond

Cardston

Medicine Hat

reading scriptures

driving the car

grocery shopping

going to church

cowboys at the Calgary Stampede

As I sat there watching my parents in their old age a tear moistened my cheek and I realized how much they now rely on their children to care for them - reversed roles.

In celebration of mom's birthday we watched a DVD then went to dinner. My brother Mark was by earlier in the day. We sat and watched video of his most recent trip to the Canadian Rockies.

I miss my home...and my childhood.

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED

Today was not a good day. A little more stress than I would like and not enough positive energy. So tonight after the usual domestic duties were completed I took my book and went out on the patio to exhale. Not long after I had settled into my comfort zone, I heard the slide of the patio door. Hamilton came out with his book and sat nearby. We read.

It was a pleasant surprise and one that would not have occured if there was a television in our house that actually did more than transmit from the DVD player.

It's just too easy to loose yourself in the mindless entertainment of television. You don't have to think and you don't have to imagine. It's all done for you. I know. I spend all day creating the visuals that come at you from your television.

So next time you want to exhale look for a book instead of the remote or...check out these ideas...

TAKEN HOSTAGE

Considering my curious nature on the subject of religion, I was intrigued by the cover of this book as I strolled the glorious aisles of Barnes and Noble on Thursday evening. Reviewing the back cover I was immediately captured. I would not be walking out of the store without this book.

I started it Friday while waiting for a soccer game to start and have become hostage to the stories of Ranya, Suzanne and Priscilla. Everything else I have attempted to do this weekend has become a dreaded chore (even blogging this is taking away from precious reading time).

If the book is not in my hand it is in my head. The words are surfing the waves of my brain and the beat of my heart. So I started this blog. Recording my thoughts as I read.

Religion is a curious thing. We worship as we choose but in actuality are we not all somehow connected to the same God?

THEY MAKE WORKING FUN!

The nature of "Director of Public Relations for KCSG TV" ensures that I will be spending time socializing with people of all sorts. And for that reason I sit on many boards and associate with many people.

The Washington County Fair Board is MY MOST FAVORITE! Last night I attended the closing party for the 2008 Washington County Fair Board. The companionship of these people makes doing my job bright and wonderful! We work so hard together and we have SO MUCH FUN!

Wendy Sandberg is the leader of our gang. Her love and excitement for the fair rubs off on all of us. She encourages us in our responsibilities and we all support each other in return. The board members are just "downhome" good people. It's not a job, it's a service to the community. They follow the motto - "Service above Self".

These are people I hold in high admiration. When I move to the UAE I will miss them most of all!

WEEKEND PROJECT

The St. George Lions Club presents the 74th Annual Lions Dixie Round Up Rodeo. Look what I made!

LATE NIGHT REFLECTIONS

Another exhausting Saturday and I can barely keep my eyes open. The thought of sleep is tantalizing and I'm almost there. Drifting into the unconscious when your dreams take you places you sometimes don't want to go...and then sometimes you do.

We attended a gala luau event this evening. Ra invited friends he works with to go with us. Mostly because I don't have friends. "Kind of strange", he said, "since I know so many people".

A wonderful surprise occured.

As I sat at the table Kathleen McKnight came up to me with a lei she had special ordered, "just for me" she said. Kathleen is a transplant from Hawaii, coming to St. George to take care of her dad. It was wonderful of her to think of me and to bring me the lei. Now, as I sit typing, the aroma fills the room and I am taken to my tropical memories.

Now there's a memory to fall asleep on...

DEFINE WEEKEND

When Friday afternoon comes around in the world of work, we bid each other farewell and wish our colleagues a "good weekend". What exactly does that mean?

This past Friday Ammon, my 16 year old son, was with me as I was leaving work. When we got in the car he asked, "Mom do you ever really have a weekend?" I'd never really thought about it so this weekend I tired to be more observant.

Saturday morning Hamilton (he's 9) woke me at 5:50a. He was playing soccer in Vegas and needed a ride to his coaches house because he was riding with them. We left the house at 6:15. It's quite intriguing how many people are up early on Saturday morning. Some getting exercise with a walk, run or bike ride and others gassing up the boat or some other recreational vehicle so they can head out for the day. And others, doing the yard work before the heat of the day sets in.

I returned to my bed with an ice pack to numb the pain of the stress that I carry in my neck but I was back at life by 8:00. I spent the next few hours picking up children who had slept at friends houses, bringing them home to breakfast, then driving them to work and other various locations. I observed the activities around me as I drove. There didn't seem to be much recreating going on. People loading moving trucks, working in their yard, working at work. By the time I arrived home it was 11a. I could actually eat breakfast now.

Then I was off to work. Yes that's right, Saturday afternoon of my weekend was spent at the office. Go figure. I reorganized the storage of my promotional closet and the shelves in my office while the boys and Ra did their weekly janitorial chores.

What happens to men when they've spent a few hours working? They get hungry. Of course they were all starving when we got home (4p) so I prepared lunch and they ate it.

Are we having a weekend yet?

As you can see from my play by play of Saturday it's not much of a weekend. I am, however, quite enjoying the peace of my Sunday morning. Everyone sleeps while I listen to the sounds of nature and catch up on a few blogs.

I've decided my weekend starts when I wake Sunday morning, not to the sound of an alarm clock or the nudging of a child, but just simply and naturally come into my existence.

Yes Ammon, I do have a weekend. It's not a complete 2 days. Instead it comes in sporadic moments when I have time to stop and connect with what's really most important.

NO SUNDAY

What I love about Sunday is non existent for this week. Yes I did go to church, which isn't really what I love about Sunday, but the rest of my Sunday has been one chore after another. That's because Saturday was spent doing my job.

After my nineteen hour Friday I was up bright and early Saturday morning so I could get to the parade on time. The KCSG crew rode on the Vintage Fire Truck while I rode on the Fair Board float. So much fun!

Side note - it's a good thing the Fair Board is so much fun or the last week of my life would've sucked really bad.

After the parade I was off to the fairgrounds where I spent the day doing...fair stuff. KCSG talent presented the Baby Contest, we joined the Sheriff's Department to make JR Deputy ID's and I worked the gate at the Demolition Derby. When I finally climbed into my car I was so exhausted, I wondered if I would make it home alive.

As a result of working yesterday, my Saturday chores did not get done so I have spent Sunday doing laundry and buying groceries among other domestic duties. It's time for a much needed break.

So I grabbed my favorite blanket and my laptop climbed into bed and decided to blog "a day in the life of" before drifting off to sleep. My family is driving home from up north...only a few hours of silence left and I must take advantage of it...

BEWILDERED

I catapulted into consciousness at 4:30 this morning. Knowing I had to really be awake by 5:15 to get to the radio station on time, I couldn't fall back to sleep.

radio :: school registration :: work :: fair :: Sunset on the Square ::

And I did it all with a throbbing migraine. How do I do it? At some point I'm going to crumble into a sweet oblivion and loose all memory of my existence...

It's been a nineteen hour day. I think I'll crawl into my bed now.

AT THE MOVIES

It was "girls night out" at the movies. Gerald, theatre manager at Stadium 8, thought we should attend the movie Mama Mia all together. Little did we know he had a plan...

Just before the start of the movie Gerald walked into the theatre. He welcomed and thanked everyone for coming then said, "We've got a treat for you tonight. The girls from KCSG are here and they're gonna dance for us." Of course we all look at each other in disbelief, laugh at Gerald and thank him for the plug.

We sit back and enjoy an amazing movie of song, dance and fun. Towards the end of the movie I notice Gerald has popped back in. Just as the movie ends Gerald strolls up the stairs to our row and introduces the KCSG dance team. Everybody stand and take a bow. Then he encourages the theatre to get up and dance. The last 2 numbers performed by Meryl Streep and the girls were spent dancing in the aisle. So much fun and so hilarious.

So next time Gerald invites us to the movies...we'll think twice about going.

EIGHT MINUTES TWENTY SECONDS

It takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds for the light of the sun to reach the earth. It takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds for the cycle of blood to flow through the body and return to the heart. This is not a coincidence. God as our creator uses wisdom and order in all things.

As the Savior took his final breath on the cross at Calvary, light was taken from the earth. Darkness consumed all existence and it is recorded that one could not even see the hand in front of the face. I have always associated the light of the Sun with the light of the Son.

In this respect it is interesting that time travel for the flow of blood and light of sun is identical. The flow of blood is what keeps the human body alive. The light of the Savior is what keeps the spirit alive.

Something else interesting - According to Wikipedia, “the shape described by the Sun's position is called the analemma and resembles a figure 8 aligned along a north/south axis.”

That’s a subject for another blog post…

FIRST PITCH

Rick Berry, General Manager of the St. George Roadrunners, asked me to represent KCSG by throwing out the first pitch of the game tonight. FUNNY! We're soccer people around here and I can't remember the last time I threw a baseball. But I agreed.

By way of explanation, due to the many cart wheels I turn at KCSG, my rotater cuff doesn't work too well anymore. So I threw an underhand pitch. That should, as the joker would say, "put a smile on your face."

OUT OF FOCUS

Today I am sick. I am sitting at work looking at my list of things to do today, but all I can focus on is the pain I am feeling from the knocking of a head cold that wants to be let in.

I never get sick but yesterday I felt the unfamiliar ache of a sore throat pain so I started my I-refuse-to-get-sick regimend. The cold is fighting back.

I'm certain I will be victorious but at this particular moment in time I feel all the aches and pains of clogged nasal passages, sand paper throat and throbbing head. I want to crawl back into my bed and sleep the day away but that fantasy is not to be.

The daily demands of life will always take presidence over the things we want most.

SIMON SAYS

"What I want to do and what I do do are two seperate things.

If everyone went around doing what they wanted all the time

there'd be chaos." - Simon Birch

DISCOVERY

There are things in life that we do not control. It is the constant worry, longing (whatever you want to call it) over these things that will cause unnecessary stress and anxiety in our lives.

I am guilty of this.

I have discovered that this is what triggers and then feeds the migraines that plague my health. The trick now is to have the self discipline needed to dismiss those things from my life.

Do not worry about things we cannot fix and do not long for things that are out of reach. This is wasted energy.

PLACE OF MORNING

It's quiet and peaceful.

Everyone sleeps but me.

Morning is my favorite time.

The light of day falls gently across the landscape.

The cool breezes brush across my skin.

The tranquilizing song of nearby birds.

Add to this morning delight...

Monsoon season in St. George.

Feels like Hawaii outside.

All that's missing is the ocean breeze.

One day I will retire in the South Pacific

and enjoy my mornings in a tropical sort of way.

LIVING IS HARD WORK

Life is all about work. Work to get ready for work. Work all day at work then come home to work all night. I asked a friend his thoughts on work. The answer came in scripture...

"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling...work for his good pleasure." (Phillipians 2:12) He sort of paraphrased...okay he paraphrased alot. But I started thinking about the words.

My first thought - "why would God take pleasure in seeing me work myself into mental and physical exhaustion." Then I thought about God as my father, me as His child and me as a parent.

As a parent I have taught my children work ethics. I take pleasure in knowing that my children know how to work and that they work hard. In opposition to that, I become most frustrated with my children when they have too much leisure time on their hands. Lessons are not learned in leisure activity they are learned in the challenge of work. Then I realize that being a parent makes me a better child.

That being said, I need a break from work.

My only refuge is in the 6 minutes it takes me to drive from work to home. The fantastical thoughts of my mind rejuvenate my energies so that when I face the domestic challenges at home, I can transition from work to work and not even skip a beat.

MAKIN' MEMORIES

Since my family is all together we took a ride up north to spend July 4 with anyone from my Scoville family who could be there. As it turned out Mark, Garry, me, Robert and our families managed to pull it together. Only 2 were missing - Paul and Moana - they live in Arizona.

We went hiking to Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. SOOO MUCH FUN! If you look in the picture above you'll see that the water fall disappears for a minute. (click on the photo to view it in a larger way) It actually flows through a whole in the rock. In the past we have been able to walk right into the cave and stand under the water but the spring runoff this year is out of control. We ventured out onto this rock and took a picture as the water flowed frantically around us.

After the hike we paused to capture the memory. For those of you who know my brothers you'll be able to pick them out...Garry is not really a giant...he's just tall and then he's standing on a rock which makes him even taller. All toll my parents have 6 children and I think 23 grandchildren. On this day 4 of their children and 17 of their grandchildren celebrated July 4 with a hike to donut falls. Grandpa and Grandma are in their 80's and this was not a walk for them.

We watched the July 4 fireworks in an untraditional way and decided that we missed our St. George Sunbowl fireworks display. But everything else about the day was fabulous! It will be a wonderful memory in years to come when we find ourselves spread out all over the world.

STAMPEDE FEVER

It's that time of year again, the Calgary Stampede, and I'm not there. My most fun summer job. But the best part was hangin' with my dad and the cowboys...so much fun!

Every year I worked the grandstand and on the fourth of July the announcer would have everyone stand and the Americans would sing The Star Spangled Banner before the show could begin. I thought it was cool being as I sang O Canada every day of my life all the way through my school years.

This Friday is not just July 4. It's the first Friday in July which means the Calgary Stampede Parade...the best ever memories, and they'll be singing The Star Spangled Banner in Canada.

Other stampede memories
::late night concerts::
::cowboys::
::carnival rides::

::parade watchin'::

::cherry pit spittin' contests::

::building bleachers::
::red pants::
::white hats::
::supertramp::
::cowboys::

::stampede breakfast::
::fleetwood mac::
::indian pow wows::
::tom thumb donuts::
::cowboys::
::midnight fireworks::

This year Sugarland performs on July 11. If only wishes were dreams come true..

RECOVERY

This weekend has been spent in recovery from a week of complete madness. By Friday night the game of juggling responsibilities of work and family had taken it's toll on the physical and mental capicities of my existence. Last Sunday evening I mentioned to Ra that jumping over the week of June 23 would be better than actually living it. It definitely lived up to my expectations.

Monday was spent in organizing final details for the KCSG vendor space at the St. George Chamber Bix Expo. Among all of the interuptions that come in a day at the office this was not an easy task. I ended up leaving the office later than expected and arrived late for the gratitude dinner that was held by the Utah Summer Games officials.

Dinner was wonderfully asian! There is nothing better than good company, sushi, teriyaki steak and salmon. The end of the summer games always comes with mixed emotions as the staff are completely pleasant and enjoyable to be around and covering the events is definitely a fun thing to do.

Tuesday mornings I am usually in the Fox studio but something melted on the transmitter so I was able to add an additional 2 hours to my day at the office. This was desperatley needed. More preparations for the biz expo and July promos that I am behind on. Late Tuesday afternoon we set up our booth and that evening I spent making bean bags for the bean bag game we would have in our booth; which, by the way, turned out to be a big hit.

Wednesday and Thursday were all about the expo. A few hours were scheduled out among the KCSG sales team but for the most part I spent most of both of those days in the ice box of the Dixie Center - a very cold place.

At the completion of the expo on Wednesday I drove immediately out to the Washington County Fair Grounds for a meeting with the board. (The fair is a mere 40 days away - there is so much to do!) The meeting went the usual time but there were people to meet with afterwards to finalize details for the events KCSG is involved in. I arrived at Hamilton's soccer practice just as it ended around 9:15p. Hamilton was starving so we stopped at McDonalds on the way home. The Greyhound Bus had just arrived so that took forever. Wednesday morning I had left the house about 7:30a. I walked back in around 10:00 that night.

The expo ended late Thursday afternoon. Just in time for me to pull together the final details of the live radio/tv broadcast occuring on Friday morning. Fox 102/107 and KCSG TV partnered to generate donations and top of mind awareness for the local food bank. They are in desperate need of assistance for summer time donations.

My Friday started at 4:00a and ended Saturday at 12:30a. If you're not exhausted yet then just keep reading...

The simulcast broadcast went very well! It was a first time event for KCSG's Southern Utah Sunrise and for Rick St. Nick and the Fox. Considering that the first time you do something there are usually challenges and learning curves, everything ran very smoothly. We were very pleased.

Once it was over it was on to getting things ready for Sunset on the Square. This is our bi-weekly movie in the St. George Town Square. It is an extremely well attended event and all who are there seem to really enjoy the outside atmosphere and serenity of the evening. This is the first year we have tried this and it has been very successful! Independence Day ended around 11:15p. After clean up, loading and unloading the car we were home by 12:30a.

My thoughts at that point, I think I'm entitled to a weekend of sleep...and after reading this you might just feel like you need sleep too.

THIS IS MY LIFE - UPDATED

And here they are...my children growing up.

Rakai 24
Karamea 22
Isaac 18
Ammon 15
Asa 12
Hamilton 9

FYI - Asa was attempting to be Derek Zoolander. He's my comedic impersonater. He makes us laugh...

Check out my family blog - www.thepuririfamily.blogspot.com for the most recent family photo.

MUST SEE

Even if you do not like British Film you must see Son of Rambow. If I were Karamea I could post the youtube trailer right on my blog but since I'm not you have to click on this - http://www.sonoframbow.com/ - to check it out.

To view the film in St. George you have to go to the Red Cliffs Cinemas where the Salt Lake Film Society - http://www.saltlakefilmsociety.org/stgeorge/ - has taken over. Independent film stimulates the senses.

Son of Rambow is independent film at it's best and wonderfully entertaining. Ra is now inspired to make a movie with his boys. He thinks he is going to give them free reign of my very expensive video camera so they can make a movie. He should think again.

JUST LISTEN

Okay so maybe my playlist will tell my age...but if you remember the sounds then you're as old as me.

Get lost in the memories!

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS

THE SOCCER MOM REPORT
The 2008 Utah Summer Games are over for us. Four players, four days and eighteen games later the boys have obtained 3 medals. Isaac and Ammon each have a gold and Asa a bronze. Hamilton did his best but they are young and in the learning stages. It was exhausting and we are all sunburned.

THE KCSG REPORT
The interview with Colin Raye was awesome. He was very cordial as were his manager and everyone around him. KCSG personnel did a fabulous job and I am happy with how things turned out for KCSG's part in the opening social and ceremonies of the 2008 Utah Summer Games.

Wanna know more - check out this website - http://utahsummergames.org/

As for Sunset on the Square...HUGE SUCCESS! There were at least 500 people in the town square. It was tons of fun and a perfect June evening under the stars. Next movie is Independence Day on June 27. KCSG and Spinners are giving away a Scooter. That one should be an explosive time!

The Mom Report
Today is Father's Day and the first Sunday home for Ra. Actually everyone is home together and it's a strange sensation. I prepared a celebration meal for all of us - the first time in more than a year. The house is more chaotic and noisey. There is always loads of laundry and dishes in the sink. Someone is always in the kitchen eating. I'm not exactly sure how I will stay on top of it all.

This is motherhood in a whole new way.

RETURNED...AND LIFE GOES ON

Ra has returned! His journey home took a little more than 24 hours and he lost a day. Major jetlag! After spending the evening with his family he finally lost all consciousness around 9pm. He sleeps...

Ra is home just in time for the Utah Summer Games. Four of the boys are playing soccer in the games this year. We have 12 games over the next 3 days, and that doesn't include the medal games on Saturday.

But wait...

In between the soccer I will be doing some PR for KCSG. An interview with Colin Raye, the USG banquet and opening ceremonies. It all seems a little overwhelming.

But wait...

Friday is Sunset in the Park, a movie under the stars, and I'm in charge. So after we're done with the Friday games I have to be back to organize the Friday night Festivities. Feeling a bit warn out?

But wait...

The laundry has completely piled up since Ra's return. In Dubai he was having his clothes professionally laundered and he lived in 5 star hotels for 6 weeks. Hopefully he can adapt.

It's good to have him home...if only for a few short weeks.

THAT WAS FAST

It is my last Friday night of loneliness. Today Ra is in Taiwan. Tuesday he will be home. In the beginning six weeks seemed like a long time. In the end it went by so quickly.

MY BOOK OF LIFE

If your life were a series of books how would you title each volume? Mine might go something like this…

All about Me: The Life and Times of Laninina Scoville Puriri
Volume 1 - When I was Young
Volume 2 - A Short Single Adult Experience
Volume 3 - Marriage and Motherhood in Salt Lake
Volume 4 - Marriage and Motherhood in Heber Valley
Volume 5 - Growing Up in St. George

There is much to be said for the memories in those years and many things to write. Remembering the most sometimes requires starting now and going backwards.If I were to do that I would say I’m on the final chapter of Volume 5.

Sometimes when you read the final chapter of a favorite book you feel a sense of melancholy. You know you are nearing the end and you want to read those final words but once you do – then what? How will the next book ever compare to this?

So the final chapter of Volume 5 begins now.

I feel as if the ten years I have lived in St. George have been the most challenging and the most rewarding years of my life to date. I have experienced a greater sense of personal growth here than in any other place. The trials I have faced, raising children then leaving motherhood to step into an unwanted career, meeting new people, facing new challenges. Although most difficult, everything has been to my benefit. I have increased in immeasurable wisdom.

I feel stagnate now and compelled to move on to new experiences and new growth. It is as if I have accomplished all I needed to do in this part of God's universe. I have been an instrument in His hands as I have raised my children, worked with the local Polynesians, connected and disconnected with long lost and life long friends.

I think it is time to spend the next year in preparation for what is to come.

LOST

I feel very displaced - like I woke up in a place where I don't belong. I am not needed here anymore. It is time to move on...

SO SUMMER BEGINS

This week begins the first of summer. The rushing of preparing lunches, folding laundry, making breakfast, driving kids to school has come to a screeching halt. My mornings are peaceful. I wander quielty through the house opening windows and pause on the patio to watch the sun rise in the east. Sammie is at my feet waiting for his breakfast. I pick him up. We cuddle and watch the changing colors of the sky.

The house is quiet as I walk to the car and drive off to work. NPR speaks volumes to me as the road brings me closer to my destination. There is so much going on in the world and there is so much to learn.

My thoughts trickle over seas to where Ra is working and preparing the way for his family to join him. It all seems so abstract and yet so welcoming. New adventures, new people, new culture, new lessons.

I feel as if I am being pulled into a new abyss. I can only guess at my future...

CReaTiVeLY CRaZY!

In another life time I used to create things like this. Then I started working. But something within reached back in time mixed the creative juices and inspired these stools. Asa and Hamilton thought it was the greatest thing ever. Most probably because in their lifetime I have only been a working mother. They were quite shocked that their mom could actually make something look this spectacular. FUNNY!

AND THE LYRICS GO SOMETHING LIKE THIS...

Another Saturday night and I aint got nobody.

Okay, so it's Friday and it's strange being alone on Friday night.

School ended today and the kids are out for the summer. It's a slumber party downstairs and I am in my room quietly watching a movie and surfing the internet. Life seems oh so solemn, sometimes peaceful and sometimes lonely.

DINNER WITH MY SOUL MATE

I've been feeling the pains of loneliness so I called my Auntie and took her to dinner. A friend suggested Coyote Gulch and the Xetava Garden Cafe.

We were seated outside on the patio. Music in the background, the chef grilling right next to us. Dinner was wonderful. A fresh answer to the not so appetizing restaurant selection in the greater St. George area. A beautiful sun kissed evening, live entertainment and crisp conversation. We had a fabulous time.

To top off the evening I introduced Auntie to Brooks Pond. My secret escape. We walked off our dinner and quacked at the ducks, glarred longingly at the wild flowers then headed home.

Such a spectacular evening.

It was my belated mother's day gift to Auntie Rubina. We have everything in common, I'm sure she is my soul mate.