Night and Day

Thursday night I had the opportunity to go to the temple with the youth.

Thursday afternoon I also had the responsibility of recommending punishment for probation violators.

I hadn't thought much about the contrast until I was at the temple, walking the names of people from the baptismal font to the recording area. One name was from the 1500's and I thought about how long she must have waited for the freedom that comes with making the baptismal covenant.

It was at that point I thought back to those sorrowful probationers- looking at time in jail or a few more years of probation.

How distinct the contrast- by day ensuring people stay limited and punished and required to check in and rehabilitate. Then by night working with others to help set them free for eternal salvation.

I do love my job. These folks do need the counseling or jail time or probation that they get.

But the night at the temple is light years more rewarding.

What I like About Utah

Aside from being inhabited by some great family and friends, there's not much I love about Utah. Okay, well Northern Utah. I am a Southern Utahn all the way.

But Northern Utah? Specifically Salt Lake or any of the surrounding areas? Yuck. People, people everywhere. Roads. Development. Cars. Traffic. Billboards. Businesses. Hustle. Bustle.

To lossely quote a Dixie Chicks song, "I need wide open spaces..."

Hence, my love for Southern Utah. And for Texas.

BUT! There is now one picture that makes me think fondly of the Salt Lake Area:

I love these people. They're Texans.

They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and it was one of the most sacred events I have ever witnessed. Can't even share it much because it's a private little gem, a glimpse of eternal bliss that you'd just would have had to be there to understand. Oh, it was wonderful.

And for those not in the know, Yes, She is wearing a beautiful purple dress instead of the traditional temple white wedding dress.

Further, Yes, she's pregnant!

I love this couple for all the good times we've shared. But I also love their swaggy style that shakes of the traditional notions of how we all think things are supposed to look. 

What I also like about Utah are these people:

This is Phoenix walking with her Uncle Ryan.

And this is my "twin" cousin and his son. Wasn't sure I'd see this guy again after a tough illness he fought this spring and summer. But here he is. And now I'm the chubbier one out of the two of us! HA!

So good to see him and to have our kids meet.

There really should be more pics from this trip. but it was short, fast, and wonderful.

Utah, I love you.... well most of you.

And I'll see you in a while. I don't know when.

A Day in the Life, and Other Ramblings

Here is what I did today:

• Woke up at 6 am

• Got ready and left for Dallas at 7 am

• Drove past two cute towns to go to with Russ: Czech and Italy (pronounce It-lee)

• Got lost in Dallas, but found a street called Lover's Lane

• Made it to the Dallas Temple and did an endowment session

• Got lost in Dallas, trying to go to Forth Worth. Drove a large part of the President George Bush Turnpike.

• Found Fort Worth, and searched for parking near Texas Wesleyan School of Law

• Found parking and changed into my suit on the side of the road (I'm a ninja at this thanks to water polo in high school)

• Met with the CLEO folk and talked with some recent law school grads (who were employed!)

• Sat at a table of law school hopefuls and answered their many questions about the application process.

• Drove back to Waco (I didn't get lost!)

• Fell asleep for a half hour.

• Woke up, talked to Russ, and drove the the law school.

• Studied

• At dinner and watched the R.S. General Meeting

• Briefed for Civ. Pro.

• Wrote this blog

What a Saturday! Well, at least I got a nap in. Truly folks, I am so happy in my life right now. I feel like Arthur "Killer" Kane when he played Morrissey fest.

To close, here's what I looked like watching the R.S. Meeting. I think I accidentally said a few "amens" aloud. My fellow studiers gave me some queer smiles. I love you! Have a great night!

I saw a sign

We went to the temple friday. There was a deaf sister there so they
played the sign language feed. I'd seen it with on screen text before
but never people signing it out. Very interesting.

Temple trip

I managed to sneak away from work a bit early today. That made a trip
to the Alamo city possible. We ate at the Alamo Cafe (it's a tortilla
factory). Then it was off to the temple. We got there for the late
shift so we're home late and ready for bed.