Food for thought

I say Hannah was on to something when she asked earlier about what movies/books/music/etc. we've been influenced by. Hey, it got a lot of response! People (well, people meaning me) love talking/writing/thinking about this stuff. I also love hearing/reading what other people say/write/think. So...here's my food for thought for the day. Night. Whatever.

Things you want to do before you die.

Okay, if this is way too cheesy, that's fine. But I'm still interested to hear what y'all have to say. I, for example, am planning on visiting every U.S. state. Yeah, I know, that's a little prosaic. Kinda like aiming to sleep for 15 hours straight. Or watching eight episodes of "Felicity" in a row. Wait, I've already done both of those.

But back to the state visiting thing, wouldn't you like to be able to say you'd done it? (Because after all, isn't that part of the reason for goals like this--to tell people about it afterward? And show them pictures. Except I don't have any pictures of myself sleeping or watching "Felicity," sorry.) And maybe someday I'll run a half-marathon. The goal used to be marathon, before I realized I probably won't do that, and then I'll just feel bad for not reaching my goal. How's that for shooting for the stars, eh? The thing about goals is, though, mine have to be do-able. Possible, that is. None of this "impossible dream" stuff. haha. Kidding, mostly...

Also, you can always start small and build up your goal as you go along. Beats starting big and then feeling like a failure, right? There's a lesson in that, maybe...or irony...or something.

I guess I don't really have a philosophy about this like I thought I did. The point is, I want to hear what you have to say. And maybe then I'll steal your ideas and try to do them myself.

Learn Something Every Day

Dad noted that I had incorrectly used the word "seminal" in my posting. I thought it meant significant, but it means significant as in originative or constituting a source. Either I have not understood it in context or I have just not noted its usage often enough. It is good to learn new things - as in how I finally learned how to pronounce "segue." I saw the word in print for years but never knew how to pronounce it, so I only used it in writing. Then at Girls' Camp one year, Sister Finlay said it and I thought "Wow, that's how you say it!" Now I use it all the time. I need to do the same with "svelte" - another fave of mine in print but I never use it orally. And I wonder why my RSP kids can't figure out how to use words like "insistence" in sentences. They write things like "He was insistence that they come in the room."

Speaking of my posting about my Uncle Paul - which I was doing, in a manner of speaking - we went to the funeral today. It was nice. Each of his kids spoke. Bill, Mary, Joan, David, Grandma C., your dad and I represented our side. Jane and Joe were there - as was my Uncle Byron and his daughter Candy. They had a picture display which was a walk down memory lane for me - it's how I remember my uncle and aunt - from long ago. There were pictures of my dad too - I will have to get copies of them for all of you.

It was rainy, but actually a pretty upbeat affair. 2 of his kids are active and 2 are not, so it was a mix - my cousin Craig read a "letter to his dad" that was a nice touch. My cousin Paula read a letter from her missionary son which pretty much covered the plan of salvation. Your dad thought it was well-written but hard to follow when read. You never know though. Carolyn M. was just telling me that at her daughter's funeral, the Stake president got up and read an entire chapter from "Faith Precedes the Miracle" at the end of the funeral service. She was thinking that it was pretty dry and boring - but her husband's (Carolyn's that is) non-member sister was impressed and asked to have the discussions and ended up finally joining the church. So you just never know.

I'm off to a conference on ADHD tomorrow - 3 days in row not teaching - I could get used to this if I didn't have to spend so much time making sub plans - makes me wish I could feel good about showing movies when I'm gone!!

Speaking of movies, we are enjoying the Cleanflix route - and I'm getting lots of crocheting done.

Happy Tuesday to all and to all a goodnight -and the countdown to the Ides of March is 19 and counting!!

Million Dollar Baby

So, Matt and I buckled and saw it today. I resisted the hype for such a long time (really, is movie hype ever a good thing? I'm almost always let down), but today was a holiday, and we've developed a sort of tradition of going to the matinee on holidays. Pretty much the only time it's financially worth it for us to go to the movies...except Movies 9 (the local dollar theater), of course, and we've already seen everything there. And the Oscars are Sunday--not that I ever watch them, actually, but I like to try to keep up on things at least a little bit--and I've hardly seen any of the contenders besides "Hotel Rwanda" and "Ray." ("Million Dollar Baby" is nominated for like 8 Oscars.) And the other option was "Hitch"...which...looks funny, but whatever, we went for the drama instead.

And I must say, I was skeptical for about the first 45 minutes or so--Hilary Swank's character was just a little too aw-shucks for me, and it took some time to adjust to Clint Eastwood's gravelly voice. And of course, all the punching. However--I emerged a fan. Truly. I actually had no idea it was such a "dark" movie. I thought, underdog success story, right, but I guess those are rarely Oscar fodder. I'm never a proponent of blood/guts/punching/etc., but it was done tastefully enough, I think...although there was an awful lot of it...and I think Clint, Hilary, et al did a fabulous job. Morgan Freeman was pretty much the same character he always plays. And...I didn't recognize any of the other actors. Well, except one minor character, whom I recognized from the second season of the TV show "Felicity," but I'm pretty sure none of you saw that.

Anyway. I'd actually recommend it. ("Million Dollar Baby," that is. "Felicity" too, but there's another post.) I still don't know about all the hype, but Hilary Swank definitely has some acting chops, I got used to Clint's voice, Morgan was great as ever, even if he's sort of fallen into an "Uncle Tom" rut--and I felt okay, if a little disturbed, about the "dark" ending. Anyone else seen it? Thoughts?

Most influential

So, for my media arts application, I have to list the ten most influential books, movies, websites, tv shows, music, video games, etc. watched/viewed/played/etc. I emailed Eliza asking what she was influenced by, and the response was pretty interesting, and it stimulated my thinking a bit.

What do you guys think? What has influenced you?

Hmmm??

Well family,
There was a rip-roaring 30th birthday happening at the Fillmore's on Saturday Night. You were all missed. David fell off the wagon and had dessert. He chose chocolate peanut butter bars ( he says why waste the caloroies on cake!). To top it off, he made them himself and put the candles on and lit them! I wish he would have wrapped his presents, shopped for them, cleaned the kitchen, just kidding!
So it's monday morning and I have the computer for a few minutes until David goes to study all day. Maybe I'll take the kids to the movies. The new Pooh movie is out. Or maybe the park. The rain has finally stopped and the sun is teasing me here.
No new news on the job front. David has not begun negotiations with Mervyns. It makes me feel like a miliatry man to say negotiations! We'll see if they step it up. Exciting times.
I'll leave you with a funny Henry story...At family prayer he said, "Thank you that we don't watch too much TV so our brains won't turn to mush." Direct quote.

Weekend update

Hello all. Happy Presidents' Day (tomorrow)...also Happy Birthday to Esme' (tomorrow). Ah, such a red-letter day...it would be extra nice if I didn't have to get up at 6 a.m. to help the Mia Maids distribute flags to neighborhood yards in honor of the holiday. If they only knew the sacrifice...! Those forefathers ain't got nothin' on me.

I'm here to report on Frances and Dee's "farewell" (are we allowed to call them that anymore?), which Matt and I just returned from--a gala affair, complete with representatives from each Terrill family (Matt and me, Karen and Jeff & kids, and LaDenea and Doug & kids), as well as various Doney folks. (Not sure of their names). Frances gave a great talk on missionary work, comparing missions today with missions way-back-when (pioneer days), and Dee gave a great talk on needing the Lord's help. (Obviously those were both very generalized, but hey, I didn't transcribe the talks or anything.) Then we had dinner at the Doneys' afterward and chatted. They have a really pretty house on a hill with a beautiful view of the valley, in Deweyville, which is situated somewhere between Ogden and Logan, conveniently near the Dewey Hot Springs (who knew?) and actually not far at all from Salt Lake--about an hour and a half drive each way. I wish we had visited sooner, but time flies. They're leaving for the MTC at the end of this week, I think.

All in all, a lovely affair. The Harry Terrills were well represented (well, we think we did okay, anyway). Everyone said to tell you all hi. And I've decided, as I often have before, that Frances looks an awful lot like Katharine Hepburn, and I really hope I look as great as she does when I reach her age.

Not that Dee doesn't look great too. Because he does. I just can't think of any glamorous movie stars to compare him to at the moment. I'll let you know when I do.

Happy Birthday!!!

David you are thirty today. Welcome to the 30 club - it's a lot of fun.

Mom is busy with three of my girls so I can be busy with just one. We are loving it. Our playroom is in the throes of chaos - but progress is being made. I guess I should get back to it so we can go see Hotel Rwanda. I'll let you know what I thought.

I'm glad Hannah had a fun date. It's better than Vegas, because then the date would have had to stay in Vegas. (Get it? What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?)

Anyway - back to the boxes of photos and JUNK.

Young Ambassading

Yo! So... Hannah's on a roll. Had a blind date tonight, and two other guys called (haha not THAT exciting but still), and I'm just in a good mood. Date was fun, for what you get to do at a Young Ambassadors show. Meh... not too into show choirs. So here's the news from the home front:

-Katie and I are really moving in with each other in April. Yee-uh. In fact, we found a house. It's stinkin' cute. It's in my ward, right next to my current residence, which means very close to campus. AND... it's $90 a month in spring/summer. And... our manager's name is Meadow. Heck, Meadow, I'll pay you in quarters.
-It's freezing.
-I'm the only one who didn't go to Vegas this weekend.
-You guys are great.

Man... there was more news. Oh well. Maybe it was all the date stuff. It was fun.

Uhh... hope you're all well.

Heh.

Moving right along . . .

It is sobering to realize how time is truly flying by - especially when seminal events keep popping up. This is to note that my Uncle Paul died early Tuesday a.m. He was 91, he was very ill with leukemia, couldn't eat and was ready to die. But I guess I am saddened at the passing of a time when Uncle Paul will show up at weddings and other affairs in his kelly green linen blazer and smile and joke and generally light things up.

His funeral will be Tuesday the 22nd at 11 a.m. in Downey. And I have a dental appointment for a crown that I have changed twice already (I've changed the appointment, not the crown!) I will somehow work it out - getting to the funeral, not the getting the crown out - it's not even in for heaven's sake!

Last year, he sent us a subscription to the Reader's Digest - not the magazine of choice around here - but I read it each month since he had gone to the effort of sending it to us. There is a lesson there that I am not sure I can articulate, but it is there nonetheless!

I hope that all of you have an Uncle Paul in your lives - he has truly been a blessing in mine.

On another note - I'm not sure if it could be construed as being lighter - your dad has gotten another call from the LA Times saying they are going to possibly publish his letter tomorrow - this is different one from the one they didn't publish before. We will keep you posted - no pun intended.

And you know - yesterday meant that it is one month until the Ides of March!!

Go David!!

Has anyone heard that David got a solid job offer from Mervyn's last week? I have been holding back on saying anything because, well, I thought news like that maybe should come more direct than from the father-in-law. But enough time, already. Congrats, David! I mean, so what if you maybe don't take it. They love you, man!

And so do we.

Welcome to my Bruce

Bruce - I am so excited to have you aboard - perseverance in all things I guess.

I am trying to re-read I Capture the Castle for Book Club - LOVE it, by the way, for those looking for a quick and joyful read.

Had a fabulo V-day. Lots of cards, too much candy. Time to get back on the wagon.

Well, I should get back to whatever it is I'm supposed to be doing. Ah yes, Lego towers.

Oh l'amour!

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that everyone is having a grand day. As for myself... I'll be sitting in with the roommates, eating some Chinese takeout from Fortune Buffet. I'm excited. It's no Starlight Express, but we do what we can.

Right now I'm kicking it in my bright red velvet blazer and listening to some Valentunes. Today a guy told me I looked "hot... I can hardly stop myself from jumping over the desk and touching your jacket." haha. It was strangely flattering... I only tell you all this to let you know that I've still got it.

It's rainy, so my hair is a little bit lion-y. It's amusing. I did it curly today (not wet curl, huge barrel curling iron ringlet things)... I called Eliza to let her know that I was feeling very self-confident today... and the humidity is driving it a little crazy. Oh well. Enjoyable.

Basically... just wanted to let you know that I love you all. Even though Noah and I are the only single ones left in the family, we can still enjoy this day o' love.

Dear Harry Terrill....

Dear Harry Terrill,

This is to notify you that your entry into the 109th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, 2005 has been accepted, provided that the information you submitted is accurate.You can verify your acceptance into the field by searching the 109th Boston Marathon "Entrants" database on the B.A.A. web site, www.bostonmarathon.org or www.baa.org. Additionally, a "Confirmation" postcard will be mailed to you via US Postal Service mail.In early April 2005, an official Number Pick-up Card and extensive information regarding the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and related race week activities will be mailed to you via US Postal Service first class mail.

If you do not receive your Number Pick-up Card (required to claim number) and brochure by April 7, please contact our Registration Office at 508-435-6905. All registration related inquiries may be directed to the same telephone number. All other inquires should be sent to mile27registration@baa.org.Note that bib numbers will not be distributed on Race Day.

Your travel arrangements should take into account picking up your number at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston's Back Bay on Saturday, April 16 or Sunday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you in April!

Sincerely,

Boston Athletic Association

well.....

I'm so glad the bid D is at the top of everyone's list. I think I'll check online for hotel rates - no sense driving back and forth, although judging the amount of miles on my car, you'd think I lived in my car.


Bruce is at a Valentine's Father-Daughter Dance tonight - the girls are so excited about it. I hope they all had fun.

Eliza - could you send bruce another invite - he says he's never received one. Maybe that's why he's having problems.

If the calla lillies are blooming, can summer be far behind?

Sumer is a cumin in - that's old English for we'd better plan the reunion - yes, you are right. There is so much going on right now in my life - planning trips to Utah (for Dad's mission reunion) and Boston (for the marathon) and I'd like to take a trip for FUN! And I'm supposed to plan a Clayton Reunion too - plan on first week in August at Huntington - why reinvent the wheel?

Started my class tonight. This one seems more academic and scholarly (translate that into MORE WORK!!) And we have to submit our work electronically!! I will be a techno queen yet!

count down to summer

Well family, we are slowly recovering from the excitement of Ara's baptism. Thanks to all who were there and helped so much. And I know that those that couldn't make it, were thinking of her. Ara is taking her new responsiblities seriously and doing very well. I'm so pleased.

Phoebe and I were chatting on the phone today and started talking about Disneyland and this year's family reunion. Should they be combined, we wondered? Would that be the Golden Ticket to lure family members to the west coast?


Discuss.

If we do plan on using it as a family reunion ruse, we need to get hotels booked, etc.

Anyway, it's a thought.


Well, I'm off to bed. Annika is getting over her cold so hopefully we'll all sleep tonight.

I'm Back...Again!

So kids, here I am. Once again I forgot my username and then when I requested it from Blogger I apparently have 3 usernames. It seems like I keep forgetting them.
So here we are in The So. Cal and enjoying being at Mom and Dad's. David and I have already begged and pleaded for a little free babysitting for tonight. You know it's a lot easier to leave a 3 month old baby with your parents than it is with the local BeeHive. As though I would leave a baby with a bunch of winged insects.
So Henry is funnier than ever. He started to say family prayer, which was huge for us. It has been a family goal to get Henry to say prayers. I am grateful for Primary, because apparently he has never had aproblem praying in there and all of a sudden he will pray with us. The best part is that in just about every prayer he syas that he is "thankful that his game will start at5 O'Clock." What game? And it rotates between 5 O'Clock, 2 O'Clock or in 15 minutes. I gotta love that kid.
So I am trying to start every paragraph with So.
So I had better go.

A Prison Without Hope....

I got a call today from the LA Times saying they are planning to run this Sunday a letter I wrote, commenting on an opinion piece about prison reform. The guy was reacting to recent court decisions in California denying parole to individual model prisoners solely on the basis of their original heinous crime, and not taking into account their model behavior since incarceration. His point was that if there is no hope for a prisoner of ever getting out, then there will be no reason for him be a model prisoner. Desperation breeds violence, etc. This was my response (yes, you will notice a nod in Alma's direction).

An emphasis on rehabilitation in our penal philosophy is desirable. But a truly rehabilitated prisoner's behavior will reflect the inner man, not his environment. Otherwise, beware once the prisoner is released and the going gets tough again. It is precisely the inability to cope with forces beyond our control that puts many into prison in the first place. Yes, let's emphasize the need for a mighty change in a convict's life. But let him learn to become a model prisoner for the best reason: because it is a better way of life, inside or outside of prison. That's where the real hope comes from.

"Confederate American Terrill"... has a nice ring to it.

Eliza posted this site long, long ago... but I was just looking over it today and was in hysterics. I think we need to use this site more often... if people don't think that "Esmé" is odd enough...

Be sure to check out the "Cream of the Crop" link.

The Utah Baby Namer!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to…Grandpa Terrill! I always remember this because of Groundhog Day. He would be…I don’t know, 89? 90? I seem to think he was born in either 1915 or 1916. Am I right?

One memory I have of Grandpa Terrill that really sticks out is going to St. George with him and Grandma and I think Phoebe and Hannah—I’m not sure why it was only us, or when it was, but I don’t remember anyone else being there. I remember one night I choked on a piece of chicken and he smacked me on the back and got it out.

Another: I remember being really little—4 or 5?—and playing with some rusty old pie tin, and offering him some “pineapple upside-down cake.” He pretended to take some, and I remember being nervous that he thought there was actually cake in the pan and he’d be disappointed when he went to take a bite.

Funny the things that stick to the front of your mind!

Anyway, just some memories for the day.

P.S. Happy (belated) birthday to Ara as well! And Esme's almost three--how crazy is that!