Silver Bells

The long anticipated Christmas Season has arrived, midst the flurry of marketing and the hustle and bustle of shopping.

I made the long and arduous trip to my parent's home, anticipating two weeks worth of Honey-do lists and chauffeuring everyone everywhere. I also anticipated my little brother getting engaged. We're all so excited for him, and everyone in the family who knows his intended, absolutely loves her. Thus, I was eagerly anticipating her arrival (with him in tow) here on the 31st.

Ahh, and as you know, all good stories need a 'but.' What is the 'but' of this story? Simple: they are not only getting engaged, but most likely married! Don't get me wrong -- I'm more than thrilled, I'm exuberant! I am just sad that they'll be getting married on the 4th of January -- which means, I will either be late getting back to school, or miss his wedding. Sadly, two of our siblings will miss seeing him entirely. I feel bad for them, but that's kind of the way life goes sometimes.

All of this comes with a touch of bitter-sweetness: the rush to get married is really fueled by the knowledge that he will, once again, be shipping out to an undisclosed location in early February. Of course, each time he goes we all wonder if he’ll be coming back. And, this way, if he doesn’t, she will be taken care of. Something no one really wants to say, but a genuine concern. Well, that’s about it for me tonight. Marry Christmas! Here’s wishing you a wonderful ringing of bells, be they New Years, Silver, or Wedding this up coming year!

Too Good for the Evil Empire

Well, turns out Micro$oft didn't want me, after all. Tragic, really, since I was the best candidate they had all month. Oh well. Funny thing is, they won't tell me why they turned me down. In the end, it's ok though, since I'll be heading over to SuperStores. And let's face it. The 10% discount there is *so* much better than any discount M$ would be giving me (at least it'll get more use). So, SuperStores here I come. Look out FormerConfederacy!

How to spend a $75 per diem:

Two hour parking: $8.00
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Entree: $28.00
Three tiny Scoops of Assorted Sorbet: $7.00
Tax and Tip: $10.00
Being able to say "I had dinner at the Space Needle, and the food was terrible (but the couple getting engaged was fun to watch)": Priceless.

There are some things money can't buy. For everything else: Be thankful they take American Express.

Conspiracy Theory

Well, here I sit in my over priced hotel room n Seattle! Yes, that Seattle. I arrived this morning, and discovered the Credit Card Conspiracy. You haven't heard of it? Let me esplain it to you. Here it is: No one, but no one will give you cash back on a credit card, unless it is your bank card. Nor will they cash an out-of-state cheque. And, every parking garage in the greater Seattle-area takes only cash, Visa or MasterCard. Trust me on this one.

So, here is my advice for all you travelers out there: Don't lose your bank card three days before you leave the state (or, have another Visa card). And, if you do, make sure you either (1) have a nation-wide bank, or (2) Stop by your bank before closing the day before you leave and take cash out. The above suggestions are the result of numerous hours of extensive research (4, to be precise). Oh, and avoid those cheque cashing places, they are creepy, and practically make you sign over your first born child (and still act like they are doing you some HUGE favour!).

Luckily, for me, I have an account that goes largely unused at some big name bank. They were kind enough to cash my cheque for me, once I remembered that I had an account there, and found one.

Oh, one last word of caution -- if you want to do baptisms at the Seattle temple, make sure you schedule it. Apparently, dropping in is something that is only done in Provo.

Oh, and don't forget: Tomorrow is my Big Day! I can't believe it's already here! Wish me luck!

Personality

A friend told me a few nights ago that his first impression of me was that I have Personality. What an ambiguous term. It could mean anything. Does he mean that I have an obnoxious personality? An infectious one? An over-bearing one? Or, perhaps just strong? Is it a good thing or a bad thing to have Personality? Don’t most people have Personality? Thoughts?

Crushed

I went to visit my cello this afternoon. I had decided that I needed her so deeply that I would risk rejection if I later had a change of heart. When I arrived at the music store, eagerly anticipating running my fingers over her smooth finish, and melding with her--as I have with none other--my elation was crushed as I found her missing! I inquired as to her whereabouts, and was told: She was sold. Someone else had beat me to her. Someone else's passion was greater than mine. So, now, I must search out a new love.

I dejectedly looked at other instruments, eventually settling on one to play. It played well. The sound was wonderful, and it was even a stunning piece of craftsmanship. But, it was not The One. Its natural finish could not compete with the deep burgundy which had so fully captivated me. I played. I bowed. And in the end, I walked away. For, I feel that it would be unfair to any instrument to settle. I could not bring myself to purchase such a fine piece of work, and not be passionate about it.

In actuality, my first love was less expensive, but I loved her so. This new cello, though it would serve me well, was lacking an un-price-able quality, the sheer lust I felt when I first laid eyes upon my now unattainable lover. Thus, I must continue my search, knowing that one day I shall find her. She will be better than the first, and I will love her more. I can only hope that she comes soon, for I need the fulfillment that I know only she can provide.