So I just realized I haven’t updated the blog for a week.  Shame on me!  I am sure all of you my loyal blog readers have been sitting at home wondering when I was going to unleash my creativity and wisdom on you again… (LOL.  Wouldn’t that be the life!).   I have actually at down several times to write but couldn’t come up with anything to say.  I guess you might say I had writers block.

If you ever have any topics you would like me to research, opine on, please suggest!  I suppose when you’ve been blogging for 5 years it isn’t much of a surprise you eventually run out of topics at the ready beckon call.   Need help from all of you!

Tornado-

Of course we had the horrible tragedy in Oklahoma with the tornado this week.  I was shocked by the photos and video.  Naturally I thought of my friend Jani who was my roommate in 2000 and has lived in Oklahoma for the last 10 years.  I saw her last year after a long loss of contact (just lost emails).  I emailed her on Tuesday to see if she was ok and she sent me the following response:

Can you believe this:

“The greatest need is prayers right now. I’ve heard of some members homes being heavily damaged and some others haven’t been able to get to their homes yet. Most don’t have electricity, and water is low pressure or not on yet. At the stake center, a few blocks north of the area, they are collecting water and boxes so people can collect things from the rubble. Our home is ok and we have water turned on again but we can’t drink it. We’ve had a few friends stay and just sleep or use the internet or electricity to charge stuff. There is a constant sound of helicopters and sirens–its a constant reminder of the critical situation out there. I’m sure once the neighborhoods are opened up there will be a great need for volunteers to clean up. It’s going to take a while. I haven’t heard of any fatalities in the ward or stake but there are complete losses of property. I will get in touch with our rs president again and let you know if there is anything they need. She’s been busy, as you can imagine. It’s sad to see much of our community just gone. We love Moore and the people of Oklahoma!”

Please keep them in your prayers and find little ways to help.  I was really hoping for a way and then out of the blue the Red Cross called me yesterday to individually ask me to donate blood on Friday.  This was kind of amazing because I haven’t given blood in probably three years so I’m shocked they had my number.  My veins are so small and wiggly that I have hesitated in the past (last time I donated I was battled and bruised).  Anyway, I am O- and they said they particularly needed that so I am happy to give it a go and try to help.  I felt like it was a blessing to find a way to help those in need instead of just watching the news.  Cross fingers I can actually donate and my veins will cooperate.

Recital

On other news we had my spring recital today.  It was a great time and my Dad was in town and came to see me.  I didn’t get a video this time but here is a recording I made of singing the song just a few minutes ago.

I sang Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan as sung by Adele (no small order!).  I’m not saying I could make American Idol but I don’t think you would be running for the hills, covering your ears.  I was able to get the character of the song which made me happy.  (I wish I had  a recording just so you can see that).

Regardless of how it turns out the whole experience of recitals and voice lessons is so positive.  It makes me feel like I am progressing, learning, and contributing something beautiful to the world.  I work in accounting, which I am grateful for but not exactly the most creative thing.  It feels so good to get out there, work on a song from ilk to all right, and hear the positive feedback (btw, if you hate it, keep it to yourself!)

Other Random Things-

Comcast has been making me crazy (also part of the reason I haven’t been posting this week, been on the phone with Comcast or having weak to no internet).  After 4 hours today I think we finally figured it out.  Prayers!  At least I have the phone number of the technician so no  more call center nightmares and drives up to Lindon to get new equipment (went through 5 modems before we figured out the gateway channel was full presumably with others from my building).  Sigh

Working on getting ready for GSL swim in just a few weeks.  I don’t feel nearly ready but I’m going to give it a go.  Did a 1200 in a long course pool on Saturday, so that felt good.  This taking it slow thing is sort of nerve-wracking and I’m trying to not get nervous.  I keep telling myself if I fail, so what.  My friends love me.  That said, I don’t think I will fail. 🙂

Learned a big lesson at the house Monday.  My roommate had her car in the street and I hadn’t read an email from the HOA about towing cars on the street starting Monday. You can guess the ending of the story.  Her car got towed and it cost us $264.50!  Isn’t that nuts?   Double sigh…

As a proud tea party conservative I am horrified at the IRS targeting of tea party groups.  I attended many rallies in perhaps the most conservative area of the country, Provo, Utah and never felt anything but peaceful, love of country.  Practically the only thing discussed was cutting spending.  Honestly you didn’t hear at the tea party about pro-life, 2nd Amendment or other conservative hot buttons.  It was without a doubt the most patriotic and positive experience I’ve had as an American and the fact that these people have been targeted makes me nuts.  It is wrong and it will not blow over and be forgotten if I have any say in the matter.

So, turns out I had a lot to talk about.  Maybe I should always wait a week. 😉

Hope you are all doing well.  How’s life treating you?