Good Riddance Utes

My brothers and I have some rather trenchant feelings about the U of U's impending move to the Pac-10, and we expressed them on our family blog. After one of my brothers bid a rather un-fond farewell to the Utes, I added the following:

Good riddance is right. The Utes deserve exactly what they get. And you should know that Ute fans are already beginning to express their subconscious insecurities.

I was a stranger in a strange land this Saturday (i.e. I spent most of my day in Salt Lake Valley), and a couple of interesting things happened. Shannon, as some of you know, was in a reunion choir for the Mormon Youth Chorus and Symphony. Saturday was her reunion lunch and final performance. The lunch was at This Is The Place Pioneer Village (by the way, if you haven't been to Pioneer Village in a while, they've added tons of buildings, attractions, special events, etc. It's Pioneerific! But I digress). I noticed something in the Village that day: I was seeing red. Everywhere I went, Ute fans were displaying a virtual bacchanalia or paraphernalia. Seriously, you would have thought it was a game day. Now why, I asked myself, would the Utes be so concerned about wearing their game-day best? Sure, if you asked one of 'em, they'd probably shriek, "cuz the Utes are headed to a real conference! Hold my beer for me while I do a victory dance." But I believe, deep inside, that the Utes are manifesting deep-seeded insecurities about their future.

Think about it: What does a co-dependent girlfriend do when she thinks her boyfriend's cheating? She wears his sweater and class ring 24/7. They're showing extra support because, deep down, they think the Utes are getting involved with a younger, prettier conference that is gonna break their hearts.

But that's not where it ended.

Later that day, I went to Keri's condo in Draper to watch the kids while Shannon and Keri performed in the Tabernacle. I decided I'd seen enough red for one day, so I changed into my BYU T-Shirt before heading to the pool. Sure enough, I wasn't there for a minute before some fetchin' Ute fan gives me some crap about my colors. Then, with absolutely no prompting from me, he went off about how nothing's gonna happen to the rivalry, how the Utes would be stupid not to jump ship on the MWC, how they're gonna be awesome in the PAC-10, bla bla bla. Holy crap. Are you really self-conscious enough about your stupid team that you're gonna tell some prefect stranger about your sophomoric insecurities? I felt like a psychologist listening to an adolescent idolize his new step-father in order to hide the fact that he's afraid his new dad will beat the snot out of him.

Enjoy your sojourn in the Pac-10, Utes. Surely those Californian teams will appreciate your whiny insecurities more than us.

Holy Places

10 years ago I sang with the Mormon Youth Chorus and Symphony. They are having a reunion concert mid-June so I get to sing in the Tabernacle for a few weeks. It has been so long since I've been there to sing, and I honestly thought I would never get to do it again. I feel so honored to have that chance!

Walking into the Tabernacle last Saturday was such a wonderful experience. It felt so familiar to me. Not only do I get to sing with my older sister, the feeling in the building is so powerful. I witnessed one member of the choir who was overcome with emotion just being there.

It does feel different up on the podium/stage then it does if you are a member of the audience. Maybe it's because I am closer to where our Prophets and Apostles have taught and given us counsel. Maybe it's because of the sacrifice of my own ancestors to see the organ completed. And probably because it is a house that has been dedicated to the Lord for worship and song. The Tabernacle really is a sacred place to me. I feel closer to God and I feel like he hears my voice. I am so thankful for the opportunity to once again sing and share the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Read the Directions

This is what happens to your eye when you try to put in contacts with a solution that clearly says on the label: "DO NOT PUT SOLUTION DIRECTLY IN YOUR EYE. THIS SOLUTION WILL BURN YOUR EYES."


This is me feeling really stupid and my eye killing for the next several hours after I put the solution DIRECTLY IN MY EYE.

Sisters

Happy Mother's Day

My kids filled out surveys with their teachers at Church yesterday for Mother's Day. Here's what they said about me:

Joseph:

My Mom's name is Shannon.
She is 38 years old and weighs 20lbs.
She has red hair and blue eyes.
Her favorite food is spaghetti.
She likes to sleep.
My favorite thing about her is she is very, very nice.
I love her because she spoils me.

Olivia:

My Mom's name is Shannon.
She is I don't know how many years old and weighs....it's a secret.
She has blond & black hair and blue eyes.
Her favorite food is I don't know.
She likes to do Family Home Evening.
My favorite thing about her is she is the bestest mom and a great cooker.
I love her because she is really great.


So those were funny and cute and we had a few good hours together. But, the second Neal told the kids to behave and be nice to Mommy because it's her special day, all hell broke loose. My kids were seriously little turds yesterday. They were obnoxious, loud, emotional, grouchy, disobedient and downright frustrating. I don't send them to their rooms often, but yesterday they were sent to their rooms twice!

I told my Mom about it when I called her and she said we always did the same for her on Mother's Day. One year her Mother's day gift was getting to leave us for the day. She said it was the best gift she could have asked for!

Even when being a mommy is hard, I know I must be doing okay. As much as my kids drove me crazy yesterday, I was thrilled to hear their little voices calling for me this morning when they woke up. There really is no better sound in the world!

Not Putting Up With It

I got a phone call last week from an HR rep at my office. I was surprised, but then remembered that I had made a complaint about a girl I work with who is very unprofessional. She frequently talks about sex, or makes sexual references or even asks people sexual questions. I had complained about her once before a few months ago, and assumed they talked to her about it. She seemed a little better for a while and then she moved teams and we didn't sit on the same row anymore. I was so relieved.

Two weeks ago she suddenly sat on my row again and in the first 10 minutes I heard her ask a newly married kid how the sex was on his honeymoon. He responded quickly and then rushed away embarrassed. There were a few other things she mentioned in those few minutes that made me really uncomfortable, so I reported it.

Come to find out, when I should have had privacy and been protected by my company, she guessed it was me and the HR rep said that whoever talked to her didn't deny or confirm it was me. What does that mean? I think it means they didn't protect me! She is now saying that I am targeting her and that I sat by her on purpose to get her in trouble.

The HR rep asked why, if I had a problem with her, didn't I move desks so I wouldn't have to sit by her. I work once a week, and other than those encounters with her, never thought about her at all. I complained, assumed they would talk to her about it,hoping she would engage in more professional behavior. As far as continuing to sit where I did, it's because that is where I am comfortable! It honestly never occurred to me to move and anyway I shouldn't have to move where I sit once a week because some girl can't be professional and keep her thoughts to herself! She created this hostile environment, I didn't.

This experience has been mortifying. The HR rep mentioned they have to check into my background to see if this a regular problem I have....complaining about people. I realize this is just HR protocol, but I feel stupid and embarrassed. I have worked for my company for 15 years. I have had a great experience there and they have treated me well. I don't have any serious issues to my knowledge and I try really hard to be a good employee. But this girl is more powerful than me. I have a voice, but she has a stronger one and I am not good at fighting against that. I doubted myself the morning I got that call, wondering if I did the right thing. But, the more I think about it, I know I did the right thing. What she does is offensive and I don't want to listen to it. I think others might feel the same way, but are afraid to say so.

It is going to be awkward going to work for awhile. I actually called in sick Monday because I was afraid. I should have been protected with anonymity, but since I don't think I was, I guess I will deal with it the best I can. All I know is, I get enough negative influence from the rest of the world, I don't need it at work too. I AM NOT PUTTING UP WITH IT!!!

Missing

Whoever thought I would miss these darn cats? I had a love/hate relationship with them, but now that they are gone, I do miss them! I sincerely hope they are happy with their new home. Now maybe we will get a dog....