power of the wasatch

So I heard a co-worker talking about how they were embarrassed of some activity they were ashamed of doing. It was probably the Quill and Sword, because I pictured them in a cape and wielding a sword. That image looked really familiar.

But then I remembered that I was in the Cougar Marching Band. I wasn't just a member of the Cougar Marching Band. I was a tuba player in the Cougar Marching Band. Woof, right? (but it's not like I was in the color guard or anything. Embarrassing.)

But after being out of marching band for a year, I kinda miss doing this:

Maybe it's because I've been playing in the marching band since I was this old:

That's a four year distance between photos (and 30 lbs. in tuba). Also. I wish I had taken that leopard tuba pad with me forever.

But my kids are going to love making fun of these pictures. And I can't wait. 

I additionally cannot wait for Ben to build this:

Can you even imagine?

Just a Pile of Surprises

Really, the only surprise is that today has been GREAT when it was previously thought to be pretty not great.

To toss the first surprise in the pile, I visited the Midas Automotive Center with a coupon for a tire rotation, oil change and filter something-something all for $25! Please don't tell me if this is not a good deal, because I love getting discounts. That's why the game San Juan and I get along so well. Now, Midas didn't get me out in 30 minutes like they said they would and they also told me that multiple parts of our car were broken, but I refused to let The Man get me down...After all, taking good care of our car is a big step for me: I felt productive and responsible. Try to see the silver lining, folks.

The game of discounts.

After Midas, my day took me to volunteer at a pre-school for children with autism. I loved every minute of it. I loved when the children wanted to hold my hand while we walked to recess. I loved when they wanted to sit next to me during story time. I loved when they laughed at my jokes. I loved being around other people who clearly were there because they LOVED those kids. And to top it all off, the teacher is submitting my name to be hired in the fall! I was so excited. This will be a great job for after I graduate and am "in-between" educational ventures.

The good times kept rolling when I went straight to my 8-hour stint at the Harold B. Lee Library. Once I arrived, I realized that one of my co-workers had changed my facebook status to "such bad diarrhea!!" Turns out, lots of people have a lot to say about my diarrhea. Can you believe it? They care about MY VERY OWN DIARRHEA!! I was thrilled. I even punched him when he came in to work. 

But true to myself, I didn't let that ruin my day. My friend and co-worker Liz, trains guide dogs and we came up with a brilliant way to market the Social Sciences Department. You'll see how the two relate in a few days. 

Also concerning the Social Sciences Department, I have been commissioned to re-do the flora of our desk! So far, we've bought a beautiful Peace Lily. Liz and I even got to go on a on-the-clock field trip to Home Depot to check out their stash of plants and plant accessories. It was a great way to make my work go by faster.

I realize that I may seem sarcastic about how great this day was. But really, I've had the best day (shout out to Elder Osguthorpe and this talk). I have felt Heavenly Father's presence in my life in the past few days far more than I have in the past couple of months. And Ben let me have his Dr. Pepper while I was at work. What a guy.

So even though our car has broken parts and the scooter died while Ben was riding it to class, this has been a day for champions. 

One last thing. 

No one got voted off Biggest Loser last night. It was a for reals festivus miracle for Jay.