The Good and the Sad

We'll get to the sad first so we can end on a happy note.

1. My friend M.H. is moving today. This is very sad for me. It's not that we hung out a ton, because we're both busy with our families and callings. But sometimes at church we'd just chat for a few minutes about writing, or life, or the future and it was nice to know that was an option. Now we will have to depend on daily emails and an occassional visit. 

I've learned a lot from this friend. She taught me about half of what I know about writing. She taught me what it means to really pray, every day and to have the kind of relationship with my Savior and my Heavenly Father that changes things for me and my family. By watching the way she treats her husband, I learned some very important things about how to treat my husband. Ditto, the kids. She's the kind of friend who really mattered in my life and who, because I know her, I am different in so many tiny, wonderful ways. 

I will miss her. Very much.

But leading into the good news: We go to a writer's conference together every year. While it won't be the one in Utah this year, we are planning to attend one closer to home. And I can't wait. Also, she's moving to Uno's ward, so it's not like I won't have a reason to see her again. I definitely will.

2. I've been swimming. Like really swimming. For an hour, at 5:30 in the morning with O.S and O.D. And it feels really, really good.

3. O.S. had his first ever band concert. He did spectacular. I think. I couldn't actually see him, there were so many kids on the stage. But he kept asking me if I loved it afterward. Cute boy.

4. Christmas break starts today for my kids.

5. I went to see New Year's Eve last night. I wasn't expecting much because I wasn't too impressed with Valentine's Day. But I have to tell you guys, it was really, really good. I laughed and I actually cried. If I'd made a bet before going in I would have had to pay up. Because this isn't a crying kind of movie. Only it was. 

My only regret is that Ashton Kutcher is such a scumbucket in real life. Because dang! That boy is cute. As is Zac Efron, though I wish he'd grow his hair back out. 

6. I figured out what to get for my in-laws. Actually, for once Husband figured it out and it isn't lame. It's really, really good. But I can't post it here, because somebody might leak it to them.

But I'll give you a hint. Think Secondhand Lions. And no I'm not buying them that movie. I already did that. If you think you know, please do not leave it in the comment box. Email me and I'll tell you if you're right. Oh, and I'm not buying them a lion, a yacht or a box of steaks so forget those.

7. I have a really funny story to tell you next time. My cousin E reminded me of this hilarious thing that happened on Thanksgiving day when we were younger. It was inappropriate then and it's still inappropriate now and it's probably one of those things that wasn't as funny unless you were there, but I'm telling it anyway.