Wow, Christmas went by in a hurry! After Christmas, cousin Bonnie came from Long Beach to spend a week. We saw a few great movies, "True Grit" and "The King's Speech" (don't let the R rating scare you away--it's totally innocent) and one not so great, "How Do You Know?" We watched some on Netflix that she hadn't seen and that I thought were worth seeing again: "Dan in Real Life" and "Lars and the Real Girl." She fell in love with a salad at Zupa's, and we managed to eat out at least once a day. There was a big blizzard while she was here, so she got to experience that for the first time in a long time. She went on a mission to the Crow Indians in eastern Montana, so she does know what snow and mud and slippery roads are!
Both Christmas Eve at my house and New Years Eve and Kevin's house, Sandra and Molly and/or Molly's kids joined us and it was really nice. We had planned to play some games on New Years but it was just such fun visiting and laughing that we never got into anything more structured. It was bitterly cold over most of the holiday time, so most people didn't want to go out more than they had to!
I started my new class, "Introduction to Speech Communication" on January 6. It is a survey class of communication theory and major areas of study, and I will enjoy it. The only problem for me is preparing for a course I haven't taught before, although at least I have had classes myself in most of the topics, unlike Public Speaking, which I have never studied! But it would have been my third time through if I were teaching Public Speaking again. Could have been a little lazy... Now I have to really be on my toes and think of new learning activities for the class.
I always take awhile to get over my post-holiday slump. I didn't think it would be as bad as usual this year, but it was. But the last couple of days I'm brightening up and think maybe I would like to continue to live after all!
I have a new grandson, Rockwell ZaneBrady Peterson, courtesy of Kevin and Carrie, botn Monday Jan. 10th. He is a darling and I am so grateful he arrived safely and with all the standard features! His look is consistent with his brothers, who look so much alike but have their own interesting personalities. Oh--Rockwell: Porter Rockwell; Zane, Carrie's dad; Brady, Carrie's grandfather. Peterson, well, you know that one already!
I will still be teaching Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School. I voluneteered to be released as it has been 3 yrs, I think, but they "renewed my contract." Every other week is not bad, I guess. That may change. Our (retired) Branch doesn't have enough positions to give one to everyone, so it seems they might have 4 teachers per class. That would be totally cushy!!
I guess a post script...This last week I was so sad about the Tucson Tragedy; disgusted with people who tried to make political points about it, but inspired by the good people who did their part in the situation and all of us who continue to have a peaceful, patriotic and gentle approach to life's challenges. It is also interesting to me how much more impactful events are when one has actually physically been in the location where things happen: the shooting in Tucson, the Northridge earthquake, the bomb threats in London, the floods in Australia, the hurricanes in Florida, riots in Italy, etc. One blessing of having traveled so much--I really feel empathy for the suffering of my fellows on the earth. Maybe it's just me that needs that kind of connection to really have empathy. Anyway, I know I feel the pain in ways I otherwise wouldn't and am more mindful of praying for their welfare.
I hope January, or at least what's left of it! :) is great for all of you.
