Bang-a-Rang!

Today was destined to be awesome as soon as I put on my lime green Skittles® earrings. Harrison and I have been planning this wicked prank for months. Today was the day- the last shift we would have before we both quit.

There is a light switch by my desk, which is always down. There is a label which reads "Don't Turn Off".


I have always been intrigued by this switch. What could possibly be this important? Old tape marks show that it used to be forced on just in case some moron couldn't read the sign. Nic and I dared each other to turn it off. "No! Some alarm will go off!"

Months ago, I happened to glance over and notice it was off= freaking out! Clearly, someone must be dying. I am sure the switch was keeping their life support on. Harrison walks by and casually flips it back on. My heart slowly started beating again. He explained that it controls some electrical outlets on the top floor- no big deal. Ideas started forming. We plotted who our victim would be. Nic. It's perfect. We started gathering supplies.

Today was our last chance. I tell Nic that I have some mail for him. Carefully placed to my left, I reach for the package and look up to "suddenly" notice the switch is turned off. Word had gotten around that today was the day, so several people joined in on the fun. "Nic, I dare you to turn it back on." His face was classic. He fell for it! He was in total shock. "Shutup, someone turned it off. What do we do?"

He flips it on, turning on a tape player upstairs with a ridiculously loud siren sound recorded over and over. It was deafening. It was vile. It was the most beautiful, perfect scene. With his hands on his ears, Nic starts shouting, "What Is that? It sounds like a spoon in a blender!"

We got congratulations from all our coworkers (minus those who were on the phone at the time). Even our CEO and president thought it was funny. Go Team Awesome. I am going to miss this place.

Life is Good

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

My mom called me at work today to tell me that my Uncle Mike had been in a plane accident. He had been flying his personal plane alone from Denver to Aspen. Once I heard the news that he was missing, I could just feel that he wasn't here on earth anymore. It was really interesting and made it easier to hear my mom say, "He didn't make it" a few hours later. Uncle Mike absolutely lived his life with a NO REGRETS attitude. I admire him a lot. He and his wife were just like newlyweds although they had been married for like 30 years. It was disgusting sometimes how often they kissed! I know he loved his family more than anything and had a strong testimony of the Gospel.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

We went over to Aunt Kathryn's today to see how she is doing with the loss of her son. I am so impressed with her! She has now unexpectedly lost her husband at a young age, a baby, a nephew and now an adult son. She lost her mother when she was young and her father tragically a few years ago as well (and probably more I can't remember). You would think she would be a grouchy lady, but she is such an inspiration to everyone around her! The trip over was gloomy and depressing. We talked about details of the plane accident and how hard this will be on Mike's family. After visiting with Aunt Kathryn and seeing her excitement for her new singing/dancing Santa Clauses, we were able to relax and share fun memories. Driving home, we just laughed about how silly Mike always was.

Monday, November 17, 2008

I have never been to such a hilarious funeral! There were a few tears, but mostly smiles and laughter! It was phenomenal, really. It was a closed casket, so there was a photo of Mike on the top. The one the family chose perfectly displayed the love he radiated wherever he went. Taken in Mexico or Lake Powell, there he sat on a beach chair, soaking up the sun with his classic teaser grin. Stories were shared of his office pranks and family inside jokes. Some of his favorite phrases were "Life is Gooooood" and "I Love You". Funerals really can be so uplifting if you remember the Plan. Families are eternal and we can party it up in Heaven once we are all done with this "Earth Thing". In my own simple words, I think we are alive right now to figure out who we are. We show God that we can make good choices and want to live with Him again once we are finished here. Simplifying life is the key. I've been struggling with this lately and am working on de-stressing and focusing on what is important.

Indian Ruins, Forgotten Canyon, Lake Powell.
Taken by Jessyka, August 2008

Not Away, Just Out

Today I went running. It's been a while. The cool Autumn air was exactly what I needed. If you have never run through a field with your eyes closed and your arms out, I would highly suggest it. Then, go watch the movie, "Powder".

I've been so overwhelmed lately. It was like my whole life decided to need my immediate attention, like a jumping Mac Application. I felt annoyed with everyone I talked to. Avoiding my problems did not make them disappear. With too many goals, I was stressing myself out in every aspect of life.

Moms can be the best medicine. I stayed up late with her and just vented and vented. She reminded me that this stage of life will pass. My scholastic goals can be reached, my dating life won't always be so confusing, and my health issues will eventually be okay. The things I am feeling are normal. I don't have to fix everything and change the world...at least not today, all at once. There were tears and hugs and cliche phrases. It was perfect.

Thanks, mom. You are the best friend anyone could ask for.