tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7640759268682362552024-03-14T00:19:58.167-07:00K2AdNauseamKathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comBlogger1162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-13692458742063053072013-02-03T13:12:00.002-08:002013-02-03T22:45:27.151-08:00"I'll Take Paige!" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOELDNLItqc/UQ7ShvZEqbI/AAAAAAAAFWk/GvPljNV3ED0/s1600/482947_4681198546795_202129948_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOELDNLItqc/UQ7ShvZEqbI/AAAAAAAAFWk/GvPljNV3ED0/s320/482947_4681198546795_202129948_n.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Janet States passed away on Monday at the age of 74. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Mrs. States was Paige's 2nd grade teacher and our family loved her dearly. What made her special was her kindness, she embodied it. Mrs. States stayed in touch with Paige and our family through sweet notes and never missed sending us a Christmas card. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When Mrs. States had only been Paige's teacher for two weeks I invited her to Paige's baptism (with a bit of reluctance about mixing school and church events even though I knew she was LDS). Her quick response that she wouldn't miss it for the world was genuine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When Liz Semichy and I were reminiscing about Mrs. States today I learned a new story. This narrative is a small thing, but in terms of our family history quite meaningful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Liz recalled a Almaden Country School meeting the day after Andie's 8th grade graduation. Before Andie's graduation we'd decided that we'd move all the kids out of ACS for the following school year. While it had been an idyllic year at ACS, it WAS a private school and hard to justify the tuition with good public schools where we'd bought our home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, the ACS graduation ceremony was so inspiring Brent and I both felt sick about our decision to pull Paige and Webb out of the nurturing ACS environment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Despite our change of heart, we hadn't registered for the next school year so when Brent asked Steve Hayden (right after the graduation) about returning, the odds didn't look good. Even if they had room in 6th grade for Webb, the school was at capacity for 2nd grade. Basically there was no room for Paige. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, two days later we got a call from the school office noting that they would make it work. We enthusiastically (and quickly) re-enrolled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I hadn't know until today, what Liz Semichy shared, is that at the faculty meeting the day after graduation our situation came up. The staff noted how we'd been so impressed with the graduation that we regretted our decision to leave the school. It was thrown out in the discussion probably more as a moral boost for the teachers, a we-think-we-made-mistake-choosing-to-leave-this-wonderful-school cautionary tale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Liz said when the school delivered the message of how impressed we were but that the 2nd grade classrooms were full, Mrs. States didn't hesitate, speaking up to say, <b>"Well, I'll take Paige!"</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, Mrs. States willingness as a teacher to take on an extra student must have been the catalyst for our ability to return to ACS. I'm grateful to Liz for sharing the story because it's just another confirmation that Mrs. State's small gestures had an even greater impact on our lives than we knew at the time! </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-11274916252016569302012-11-02T05:15:00.004-07:002012-11-02T05:15:00.381-07:00Another kind of iPod...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu871W-IKMg/UJLIV1HjyrI/AAAAAAAAFV0/oa-jmFM2Ij0/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu871W-IKMg/UJLIV1HjyrI/AAAAAAAAFV0/oa-jmFM2Ij0/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Webb took a shot of the first "pod" getting unloaded last week. The truck was a little too wide for the gate at the bottom of our driveway but we convinced the nervous driver to inch his way through anyway. It definitely had to be one of his trickier deliveries.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So far we've filled that pod to the brim, along with a 2nd one. Both are sitting on our property for the duration of the remodel. And, it turns out that we still need a 3rd pod (arriving this morning) for everything in the garage and outside. The construction team said anything can "walk away" from a job site, so it's best to load literally EVERYTHING up in storage..</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So far we have also lived quite comfortably in our rented townhouse just a block away for the past week and a half. Which makes me wonder: What is all the "stuff" filling these pods that we have not even noticed not having around? It seems a little ridiculous to have accumulated so many things that apparently we don't even need! </span><br />
Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-69399345435734855122012-10-20T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-20T05:15:00.275-07:00The Queen of Clutter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj0Owv9Ls7w/UIBclRRE5AI/AAAAAAAAFUg/z1k_kzqtB_w/s1600/Reduce-Your-Clutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj0Owv9Ls7w/UIBclRRE5AI/AAAAAAAAFUg/z1k_kzqtB_w/s400/Reduce-Your-Clutter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> All my pride in organization skills over the years has been debunked. It's turns out that I only claim to purge while in truth I have stuffed our home with gizmos that I will never need or use again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now I understand why moving is such an undertaking. It isn't the move, which mainly consists of lugging heavy boxes to and fro. The time-consuming part is sorting all the clutter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I started with 3 categories: things to get rid of, things to put in our rental and things to store in the pod. Sounds like a straightforward system. Ha! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It turns out that every category has multiple layers of sub-categories. Especially those "things to get rid of." </span><span style="font-size: large;">First, are they garbage or would so-and-so love them? How about giving to charity? Should these papers get shredded? Etc. and so on!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sorting has been the bane of my existence for the past 3 days. And I'm only getting started. I will never clutter up a home again! </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-589756866024553232012-10-19T05:15:00.001-07:002012-10-19T07:21:14.399-07:00One Man's Junk...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQnmG3jByVI/UIB9_BPM7wI/AAAAAAAAFU8/auKnfG8q3Ok/s1600/Garage-Sale-911-Signs-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQnmG3jByVI/UIB9_BPM7wI/AAAAAAAAFU8/auKnfG8q3Ok/s400/Garage-Sale-911-Signs-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"One man's junk is another man's treasure." </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> I don't know who said the quote above but I do know that it isn't always true. Personally, my junk is pretty much junk! I learned this over 20 years ago when we held our last garage sale before moving from La Jolla to Seattle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We envisioned cashing in on used items, certainly enough to make it worth the hassle to stage the sale and price the items. And, there was plenty of traffic but the customers offered me quarters for things priced $5 and dollars for furniture or big ticket items. At the end of the day our financial haul was miniscule and even worse, we still had a load of "junk" to discard of.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So that was our last (as in final never again) garage sale. I won't set out former treasures where people can pile things together and offer me a buck for (what I consider) lovely things. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, because I've had zero garage sales since La Jolla, my house, has more clutter than I ever imagined. When you can handily push things into cupboards you simply don't realize the scope of your accumulations. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> This has been a little disconcerting because I don't think of myself as a pack rat but the contents of our home might signal I'm just in denial. The "stuff" I'm uncovering is daunting. So, garage sales might be bad but it appears that living in the same house for 17 years without a garage sale just might be worse! </span><br />
Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-83482334635909124452012-10-18T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-18T05:15:00.336-07:00Opportunity Knocks...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjSkVz3Uw_s/UHxlcOQ7zNI/AAAAAAAAFTo/B1S2Oj1Cotg/s1600/2772420306_96ed31b5a1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjSkVz3Uw_s/UHxlcOQ7zNI/AAAAAAAAFTo/B1S2Oj1Cotg/s320/2772420306_96ed31b5a1_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." </b>-Thomas Edison</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">There is opportunity on the home front! And it is definitely going to be work! After living on Alpine Avenue for 17 years, we are moving out. After 17 years of ample storage, 17 years of plentiful closet space, a large pantry and spacious cupboards. And we are moving (albeit temporarily) to a small rental. Yes, it's a perfect opportunity to downsize and eliminate massive amounts of clutter we've accumulated in those 17 years. This should be interesting! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Don't own so much clutter that you will be relieved to see your house catch fire." </b>-Wendell Berry</span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-73224887152709243922012-10-17T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-17T05:15:00.183-07:00Claims to Fame....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0rvxQBSHeQ/UHwVxjpz5dI/AAAAAAAAFTM/LvY27xHlVCk/s1600/IMG_5006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0rvxQBSHeQ/UHwVxjpz5dI/AAAAAAAAFTM/LvY27xHlVCk/s400/IMG_5006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I've always been famous. Its just no one knew it yet." </b>-Lady Gaga<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I know, I know - it's another Nike Marathon picture! See, there is a reason my blog has "ad nauseam" in the title! These running photos are terrible of me but it's hard to look stellar surrounded by 3 young/fit/gorgeous/speedy runners.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is my "claims to fame" photo because I'm flanked by VIPs! </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Hungry Runner Girl (far right) is famous with blog readers who religiously follow her daily chronicles of running and eating. Not necessarily in that order. And when you run as fast as hungryrunnergirl you can eat whatever you want. We think the best part of her blog is her optimistic attitude about everything. She is no different in person, she oozes positivity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Paige's fame is also situational. She's getting to be hot stuff in the Nike Womens race crowd running in the midst of our heroes like Kara Goucher, Shannon Flanagan, and Joan Benoit Samuelson. Paige can hobnob with the big guns and then I can hobnob with Paige (and vicariously experience the thrill :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then there is Mallory (far left) who is loved by everyone who knew her when she lived in the Bay Area! It was so fun to have her return from Virginia and we should have held her hostage for a few extra days. When Mallory registered for the race back in April, none of us knew about Graham Walton's heart condition. So, the timing (for both Maria to see Mallory and vice versa) felt like a tender mercy.</span> <br />
Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-83727071716988623672012-10-16T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-16T05:15:00.390-07:00Mindful..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-uM_00qVLU/UHx3HUBH1GI/AAAAAAAAFUE/dHrVsxBmeag/s1600/blades-of-grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-uM_00qVLU/UHx3HUBH1GI/AAAAAAAAFUE/dHrVsxBmeag/s400/blades-of-grass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mindful </b>by Mary Oliver</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every day</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I see or hear</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">something </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that more of less </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">kills me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with delight,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that leaves me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">like a needle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in the haystack</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of light.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was what I was born for - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to look, to listen,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to lose myself</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">inside this soft world - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to instruct myself</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">over and over </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in joy, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and acclamation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Nor am I talking </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">about the exceptional,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the fearful, the dreadful, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the very extravagant - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but of the ordinary,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the common, the very drab.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the daily presentations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, good scholar,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I say to myself, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">how can you help</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but grow wise</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with such teachings </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as these - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the untrimmable light</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of the world,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the ocean's shine,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the prayers</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that are made </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">out of grass? </span></div>
Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-51708883714794057342012-10-15T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-15T06:13:17.760-07:00Girl's Weekend for the Nike Women! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpmr7MF62dI/UHt7eRaWm5I/AAAAAAAAFSw/pucjWFASfvs/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpmr7MF62dI/UHt7eRaWm5I/AAAAAAAAFSw/pucjWFASfvs/s400/IMG_0356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"From start to finish, the Nike Women's Marathon is a celebration of the spirit of women, joining together for the common cause of beating cancer, while also achieving their personal goals." </b>- John Walter, CEO Leukemia and Lymphoma Society</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">This is one race filled with serious estrogen! From the sports bra exchange option at mile 6 to Ghiradelli chocolates to handsome firemen handing out Tiffany's necklaces at the Finish Line, the Nike Womens Half & Full Marathon is beloved by nearly 25,000 women. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our group represented well. I think we had a total of 18 <b>"A</b> <b>Team"</b> runners: 4 full marathoners (Becca, Jen, Lisa, & Charlene) and 14 of us running the half distance (Paige, Lauren, Mallory, Tia, Ali, Amanda, Amy M., Amy T., Marissa, Amanda, Juanita, Becca's sister, Jenae, & myself). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> After taking on the full distance last year the half felt so much easier this time. A delightful run! And, there is no better way to take in San Francisco than running from Union Square through the Financial District, along the Embarcadero to Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf continuing along through Fort Mason, Cow Hollow, the Presidio, Sea Cliff and eventually out to the Great Highway and Golden Gate Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I think all of the A Teamers had decent races and, as always, a great time together. 2012 was Nike's 9th year of the race and outside of missing the 2004 inaugural race I think the A Team has been on the course every year! A great tradition, a gorgeous course and a wonderful group of friends. A win-win-win! </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-70926008311608878662012-10-12T05:15:00.001-07:002012-10-12T05:15:00.162-07:00"THIS" is why I'm already behind...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBIii9Ej-mg/UHbU_UtD2HI/AAAAAAAAFSU/nE-mj9zCmxI/s1600/iotw.06.16.03.mousebig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBIii9Ej-mg/UHbU_UtD2HI/AAAAAAAAFSU/nE-mj9zCmxI/s320/iotw.06.16.03.mousebig.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm nearing the halfway point in my masters program but not quite the halfway point of fall quarter. And, somehow I am already behind! Whoops! I've got 2 midterms coming up and virtually no prep time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The home front has been a busy place. We provided some temporary housing to Paige and Korey's friends, Matt and Courtney while they are transitioning from SoCal to NorCal. That sentence makes them sound like a married couple which is only half true. At this point they're a couple and since they respectively caught Korey's garter toss and Paige's bridal bouquet throw, a wedding could be pending (not that I'm announcing anything - what do I know?)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now we are in the throws of the annual Nike Womens Marathon weekend with local friends as well as friends flying in from DC and Utah (and Paige from down south too). Somehow (probably because I'm the oldest or maybe the bossiest) I'm sort of the ringleader for this annual event which adds a few organization logistics (mostly arranging hotels and carpools). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> On top of the Nike event, Brent added a PCG party on Friday night so Carly and I are scrambling to pull that off. Thank goodness for PCG executive assistants like Stacy and Carly, I wish I had assistants at my disposal 24/7 and not just for company parties. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now, in the best news of all, Graham Walton arrived Wednesday at pretty much 10:10 am on 10/10! I don't know if Jeremy and Maria have any clue how many people were fasting, praying and texting back and forth all morning, worried and anxious for any information. Jeremy described Graham as "fiesty like his Mom" which he's going to need. The sweet baby has a long road ahead but he's pulled through a few hurdles already! Man, we love this darling family! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Well, all of this rambling is to explain why I'm getting behind on schoolwork. I keep thinking I'll zero in on assignments "right after this." Or "this." So, "this" has become a swiftly moving target around here. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-60852658920210818042012-10-09T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-09T05:15:01.155-07:00Leaders You Can Trust...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> After General Conference I'll often blog about some favorite quotes or speeches that I found particularly touching. As the weekend concluded my overall reaction from all four conference sessions was mostly just a sense of trust. A feeling that these speakers are good men and women, leaders in whom we can put our trust.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I can now look back and recall LDS General Conference weekends all the way back to the 1960's. And the way I felt then and the way I feel I feel now has not changed. Hopefully my attention span has improved since childhood but probably not much. But, even in my youth I sensed that the counsel from our Apostles was wise and inspired and I believed that there was safety in following their guidance. Adherence to that belief has panned out well; their counsel has never led me astray yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sometimes people say they don't know what their life would be like if they had not embraced the gospel; that perhaps they'd be a total mess. I used to conclude that I would still be a decent person, that I'd still have goals and purpose in my life because it feels like my nature gravitates toward light and goodness. However, I'm realizing that my personality has been so impacted by always having the gospel in my life, that maybe I would be directionless without it. It's really impossible to know.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm grateful our church leaders are men we can be proud of. I know emulating them has always worked to my advantage. And it's nice to have examples of people we know we can put our trust in! </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-4544349009547404262012-10-07T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-07T05:15:00.456-07:00A Laid-Back Weekend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Laid Back (the noun) is the name of a Danish pop group (see album cover at left). Laid-back (the adjective) is not a word anyone would use to describe my husband. Probably not even me, although comparatively I am definitely more laid-back than Brent will ever be.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> But General Conference weekend is a treat because we both get to enjoy a more relaxed (think laid-back) weekend than usual. Yesterday after listening to the morning and afternoon sessions almost back-to-back I wondered how I could possibly feel tired after staring at the TV for 4 hours? I seriously considered taking a nap although that seemed a little wimpy. I guess being a couch potato is more taxing that I thought!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> But Saturday conference was great and I'm looking forward to another laid-back day of watching the second half today. There is something nice about getting to stay home from church twice a year. It's 8 hours to take in all 4 sessions (I guess nearly 10 for men who attend Priesthood) so it's not exactly a week off. But it's a break from the typical dress-up Sunday church. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Elder Perry, who recently turned 90 years old, gave us ideas to develop strong family cultures. Then, Elder Ballard referred to Elder Perry as the youngest 90 year-old in the church and I think he nailed it. L. Tom Perry is spry, energetic and looks better (or should I say more laid-back :) than a lot of folks in their 70's. </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-13012588802516398112012-10-05T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-05T05:15:00.275-07:00Everything Coming Out Equal...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoNt8M9EW4k/Tj3ftzK6--I/AAAAAAAAD1w/lneSIAKRcTk/s1600/partialdivision.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637908286460853218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoNt8M9EW4k/Tj3ftzK6--I/AAAAAAAAD1w/lneSIAKRcTk/s400/partialdivision.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 399px;" /></a><b> <span style="font-size: large;">“Don’t try to make life a mathematics problem with yourself in the center and everything coming out equal.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> When you're good, bad things can still happen. And if you're bad, you can still be lucky." </b>-Barbara Kingsolver, <i>The Poisonwood Bible</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Kingsolver's quote reminds me of the bestseller book by Rabbi Harold Kushner “<i>Why Bad Things Happen to Good People.” </i>It's just a given that in life everyone will have challenges; no one gets through unscathed. And, trying to see if everything adds up, makes sense, or comes out evenly is just an exercise in futility. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Although, relative to "everything coming out equal," I'm reminded of childhood when my oldest sister always wanted to distribute any food treat we (the kids) might be sharing. So my Mom instituted a policy that whoever sliced the (let's say) pie into portions had the last pick. It was amazing how even those slices came out when Lisa knew her turn after dividing came last. </span></div>
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Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-47686866660121317352012-10-04T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-04T05:15:00.561-07:00Stressful Stress Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">A professor of mine made a big fuss in class about sharing an insight of utmost importance. He sat down (while he normally stands up to lecture), invoked a demeanor that this information could be transformative to our practice of therapy. We waited on the edge of our seats. What could be so helpful? His build-up sounded like he was ready to impart the secret of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The valuable insight was simply that we can only be helpful to clients with stress-filled lives if we can first eliminate stress in our own. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now, that's certainly wise advice but there's an ironic twist to his counsel. This professor creates more stress for myself and my classmates than anyone else on the faculty. He's filling in for a professor on sabbatical and his confusing assignments have some students ready to revolt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The collective class stress isn't about the workload or difficulty of the course as much as the mixed messages presented. He'll encourage creativity in written work but then give explicit instructions that squelch any possibility of using creative license. His requirements demand exactness. But pin him down and he'll shrug it off, leaving us wondering whether to pay attention to his strict parameters or his happenstance attitude. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The confusion causes more stress than I've felt yet in grad school. So it's comical that this same professor is now admonishing us to rid ourselves of anything creating stress in our lives. Go figure! </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-74541207417884976562012-10-03T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-03T05:15:01.015-07:00Good Instincts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>"Instinct is the nose of the mind." </b>-Madame de Girardin</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In a job interview last week Webb was asked to describe something he's good at and something he could improve in. And then, in one of my classes this week we all had to share something we felt like we're good at. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> In Webb's situation it's tricky to illuminate a negative that won't be a deal killer for the position you've applied for. In my situation it felt tricky to illuminate a positive lest I sound braggadocios among peers (well in my case not age-peers but cohorts nonetheless). In other words, I'd much prefer sharing flaws and weaknesses with my classmates but it felt excruciating to highlight a talent. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, what did I share? Well, there may not be a consensus from family members on my proposed quality but I shared that I have good instincts. And, while I don't always follow them, and while it may sound prideful, I do think my instincts are pretty reliable and pretty good! And that's probably enough conceit for the day. :)</span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-48006899278191245872012-10-02T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-02T05:15:00.265-07:00Tender Mercies...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even though I wrote about testimony yesterday, I'm doing it again today. Mostly because, like Breanna, I wanted to share one from another person we dearly love. It's a little more emotional to write about. In fact, I don't think there were many dry eyes when Maria shared her thoughts at church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Maria and Jeremy's baby son, Graham, is scheduled to arrive via C-section birth on October 10th. It will be a very high risk delivery because Graham has a rare congenital heart defect where his left ventricle is severely underdeveloped. The condition will likely require a series of difficult surgeries, possibly a full heart transplant. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, instead of the usual excitement during a first pregnancy, poor Jeremy and Maria have bravely tried to process the complete unknown. How do you possibly prepare yourself for the reality your son might not survive? And, if Graham makes it, he's got a tough road ahead. It's more than anyone should have to face and they've both been stellar and strong. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As their friends, all of our hearts go out to them but we feel hopeless to know the right way to express our hopes for the very best outcome. There simply aren't any words. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fortunately, Maria had an experience in the temple that gave her comfort that Heavenly Father is mindful of them and aware of their situation. While performing sealings there was just one instance when parents were sealed to a son and despite rotating with others, this ordinance fell on Maria and Jeremy. It was a small coincidence but exactly what Maria needed. A tender mercy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> When we need peace during troubled times there is probably no better place to find it than in the temple. </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-25289017808858837122012-10-01T05:15:00.000-07:002012-10-01T05:15:00.593-07:00A Top 10 List....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, after blessing their baby Spencer, Breanna Grigsby took the opportunity to share her testimony at church. I wanted to comment/blog on her remarks because they really touched me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Breanna mentioned writing in her journal before her son's birth, compiling a list of the top 10 things she wanted to be sure she taught him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, on the very top of the list Breanna wrote: <b>"That he knows he is a child of God!"</b> This reminded her that in order to teach her son this, she too, needed to know that she was also a daughter of God. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It's a great comfort to have this knowledge. </span><span style="font-size: large;">When we believe that our Heavenly Father loves and cares about us, that reassurance can make all the difference during difficult times.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I liked Breanna's top 10 most important things to teach your child idea but initially opined that I 'd missed my opportunity since I've theoretically <i>raised </i>my children. Still, there isn't any reason I can't make a top 10 things I want to teach my adult children! It's not as tender as a new mom journaling about her baby and it might sound more like a middle-aged mom who blogs ad nauseam about things that are dear to her heart, but I'll probably make the list anyway :) Just a heads-up kiddos...</span><br />
<br />Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-5251454555907873422012-09-30T05:15:00.001-07:002012-09-30T08:24:09.198-07:00We don't really run the show....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "I also think that kids are the best teachers of life's most profound spiritual lessons:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> that pain and suffering are as much a part of life as happiness and joy;</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> that change and impermanence are all we can count on for sure; </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> that we don't really run the show; </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> and that if we can't find the maturity to surrender to these difficult truths, we'll always be unhappy that our lives aren't turning out the way we expected or planned. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Life doesn't go the way we expect or plan, and nobody's perfect, not ourselves or our children." </b>-Harriet Lerner </span><br />
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Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-23320867930410319692012-09-29T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-29T06:46:28.002-07:00Be Kind!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b> “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind, the second, is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.” </b>-Henry James</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> If the real estate mantra is “location, location, location” then “kindness, kindness, kindness” should be our guide for living. When I make an effort to be kinder, I definitely notice a difference. Everything just goes better in my life generally; kindness can be magical. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b> "Nothing," wrote Tolstoy, ' can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness." </b>-from <i>The Happiness Project, </i>Gretchen Rubin</span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-49520708625437218832012-09-28T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-28T06:53:56.602-07:00Fits & Starts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b> <span style="font-size: large;"> "Learning proceeds in fits and starts." </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">-Jerold W. Aps</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I thought graduate school would get easier! Whenever I had 2nd year students in classes last year I was sure they were experts; surely they knew the answers, obviously they were eons ahead of me in their psychology expertise. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Ha! Now I'm one of those 2nd-year-in-the-program students and if anyone eyes me presuming my knowledge is comprehensive, well, they would be way way off.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> First of all, I thought that classes would get easier but that just goes to show you how much time has lapsed since I was in school. I mean, is Calculus easier than Trigonometry? Usually not. So, </span><span style="font-size: large;">I've come to the realization that there is a good reason many of the 1st year courses were prerequisites for classes I'm currently taking. Think French 1 before French 2. I guess this should be obvious.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> All this to say that Fall Quarter is not going to be easy! If I keep up with the workload it shouldn't be too hard but the volume of reading alone looks pretty daunting. So, here we go again...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>"For many, learning is a spiral, where important themes are visited again and again, each time at a deeper, more penetrating level." </b>-Jerold W. Aps</span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-79550206061973282042012-09-27T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-27T05:15:00.057-07:00Don't mistake routine for commitment. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since Yom Kippur was on Tuesday the Washington Post printed an article by Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld about the Jewish holiday. The rabbi shared an analogy from a football player getting inducted to the Hall of Fame. In his acceptance speech the player noted advice from a wise coach who once told him: <b>"Don't mistake routine for commitment."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>The quote is appropriate for Yom Kippur because it's a holiday where those of the Jewish faith can put their heart, soul, and intensity into their commitment to God. It's the day when they believe God will come out to meet them halfway, when the stumbling blocks or obstacles that get in the way of serving their God are removed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, on Yom Kippur Jewish congregants can fully commit and not hold back anything in their desire to serve others and serve God. Yom Kippur is that day to remind them of their commitments and of the greatness that can be acheived when they honor those commitments. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Relative to commitments, I loved reading about the notion of not mistaking routine for commitment. So often our routines become acts of going-through-the-motions and we lose sight of the more important reason for doing something. This happens to me a lot actually so the sage advice to not mistake routine for commitment is something I hope to internalize.</span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-46891457370595739192012-09-26T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-26T06:37:26.252-07:00The squeaky wheel....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm a little embarrassed but I was the squeaky wheel (think annoying customer) when it came to my unceasing complaints about my Samsung washing machine. I don't like to be obnoxious but sometimes you have to rant & rave to get a retailer to listen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It wasn't just the 4 unsuccessful repair attempts in the last 2 weeks that got to me, it was the 18 plus months of repeated issues with the machine. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't have to provide a case history because Best Buy had their paper trail of service calls.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, I'm not sure if it was talking to the supervisor of the supervisor (and on up the ladder) that gave me the upper leg or if the numbers just started to add up but basically Best Buy was paying a lot to keep fixing a lemon machine that broke down almost monthly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The economics must have justified an exchange and they finally delivered it yesterday. Actually they tried to deliver it on Monday but the first one they brought was defective (of course!) so they had to return again on Tuesday. Webb thought the entire process was quite a comedy of errors (welcome to the world of Best Buy appliance customer service :).</span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-50950744151965440812012-09-25T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-25T05:15:00.733-07:00Finding Courage...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bFuwP_e0D3k/S_cjF-o1K2I/AAAAAAAAB5Y/2n_bsqHAvqQ/s1600/scarecrow_deluxe.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473882457712700258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bFuwP_e0D3k/S_cjF-o1K2I/AAAAAAAAB5Y/2n_bsqHAvqQ/s320/scarecrow_deluxe.jpg" style="float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 276px;" width="220" /></a><b> <span style="font-size: large;"> "Courage is nine-tenths context. What is courageous in one setting can be foolhardy in another and even cowardly in a third." </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">-Joseph Epstein</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Courage is making the effort to do the right thing, even in the face of uncertainty regarding the outcome. There are times we can be certain of a positive outcome, if we make the effort, and these times require no courage at all. Then, there are other times where we are fairly certain of a negative outcome and these are the times that require great courage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The most significant act of courage is when you confront evil even when it does not affect you and you stand to lose from this behavior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." </b>-Winston Churchill</span></div>
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Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-72668703745450627982012-09-24T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-24T06:45:34.973-07:00Tough (but Tender) Mothers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKwpephfoGE/UF9vvRMdPpI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/Ft7QTBOolUA/s1600/IMG_0344+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKwpephfoGE/UF9vvRMdPpI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/Ft7QTBOolUA/s320/IMG_0344+-+Version+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Last weekend was one of those where I really wanted to be 2 places at the same time! When I realized that the Saratoga Stake Conference was the same weekend as the Tahoe Tough Mudder race, I knew I'd better not join the team Becca was putting together, although it sounded fun. The race even fell on a Saturday but I don't think Brent would have appreciated me leaving him home alone to host the visiting authority coming for the conference. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, I was grateful our running buddies texted a cute post race photo; I adore these girls! They are much more tender than tough! In fact, none of them look dirty enough. Were they really sliding through underground mud tunnels? I can look this filthy after running St. Josephs! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I do feel blessed to get to run with these great young moms. "With" is probably not the right word because I can't really keep up with them these days but at least our running association brings us together and blesses my life in many ways. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> They are all much wiser than I was at their age! And now, they've also proved they got the mental grit to tackle a hardcore obstacle course and still look darling at the finish line! So, as my girls would say: "What cuties!" </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-75015321830867122012-09-23T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-23T06:55:14.849-07:00A 3 Fritter Day?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRw00e66Ii8/UF6hS2UdmcI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/7JDI7MSzn-A/s1600/Apple+Fritter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRw00e66Ii8/UF6hS2UdmcI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/7JDI7MSzn-A/s320/Apple+Fritter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Today could be a 3 fritter day! Brent, Paige and Korey are all on the roster for speaking in church. And we uphold the family tradition to supply apple fritters for well-delivered talks!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Paige & Korey are speaking in their new Costa Mesa Ward and Brent is speaking at Saratoga Stake Conference, his 2nd stake conference in this new calling. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We also have a visiting authority, Elder Jerryl Garns, from the quorum of the seventy here for the stake conference and he couldn't be a nicer guy. Elder Garns spoke at the adult meeting last night and then stayed at our house. For Brent to be able to spend time with such wonderful church leaders is one of the real blessings of serving. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> In fact, it's too bad Elder Garns has to leave town today, otherwise I could buy him an apple fritter too, earned for his excellent comments at last night's meeting! </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764075926868236255.post-46105042653847900732012-09-22T05:15:00.000-07:002012-09-22T06:34:26.361-07:00Alone on the Road...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiBxO55Np_4/UFyLQu7IM9I/AAAAAAAAFJg/5c2bsNEMLds/s1600/quiz_1-2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiBxO55Np_4/UFyLQu7IM9I/AAAAAAAAFJg/5c2bsNEMLds/s320/quiz_1-2a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Yesterday I was completely alone on the road, driving in Los Gatos without another car in sight. No cars behind me, no cars ahead and total darkness. I think it might have been a first.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> There was barely any traffic during the years of teaching early morning Seminary but yesterday was eerily different. It wasn't just quiet, it was dead silent. And, depending on your perspective, it's hard to say whether I was out late or up early. It was 2 am. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The reason I was driving at such a odd hour made sense at the time. I had planned on dropping some birthday treats on a friend's doorstep early Friday morning. Since my usual wake-up is before many people get up, the plan would have worked just fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> But, for some reason I woke up before 2 am, which was strange because I generally sleep well. And then it was frustrating because I couldn't get back to sleep which is unusual. After tossing and turning I surmised that I could lay in bed annoyed at the insomnia or I could efficiently make my delivery right then, since I wasn't sleeping anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> After a few blocks in the car I noticed there was not a soul on the road so I decided to see how far I'd go before encountering another moving vehicle. There was not a single car driving down Los Gatos Boulevard and nothing for several miles on Blossom Hill Road. It started to feel a little unnerving. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> At some point I realized that as far as safety goes, this was probably a good thing. Because, if you think about it, who is out driving at 2 am besides weirdos anyway? Well, weirdos and maybe crazy old insomniac ladies delivering birthday treats. :) </span>Kathryn Knudsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01968224906525987654noreply@blogger.com