Camille

To entertain myself during my road trip this weekend, I borrowed several audio books. One of which was the unabridged version of "Camille" by Alexandre Dumas. I picked out the book mostly because "The Count of Monte Cristo" by the same author is one of my favorite books of all time, so of course I'm curious about his other works. May I just say, WOW! What a great piece of literature! I didn't realize I already knew the story as Camille had inspired "La Traviata" and "Moulin Rouge" -- both of which I am a fan of. I sat in the car for an extra half hour before heading into the house to hear the story's end and cried just as I had when I first saw "La Traviata". What a great way to pass 8 hours this weekend.

A Quick Getaway

The 39 Steps

Took off on Saturday to Cedar City to see a play at the Shakespearean Festival.  I've not gone in a few years and go figure, I wanted to see just about every play they had to offer this year.  However, due to scheduling, I had to narrow it down to a couple of plays. So, I went down on  my own and went to see "The 39 Steps". What a fun and witty comedy! So glad that it was one of my "must see" plays and that I didn't  bend or compromise in seeing it.  The other play, "Macbeth", I will see in a few weekends. Those who have seen it have raved about it and I can't wait.

Lilly and Me

While down in Cedar City, I managed to squeeze in a quick visit with a college friend I've not seen in about 18 years. Lilly lived in Hale 2 with me and we were in the same student ward. Thanks to facebook, I have reconnected with Lilly and it was fun to catch up with her, even if it was only for a couple of hours. I'll plan my trip down there a bit better next time, so I can visit their home and meet her husband.

So, the most important thing I discovered on this trip: I can't sleep without my four pillows. A round pillow for under my neck, a pillow on my left and my right (one o give me some back support and other to hug) and lastly a pillow for my feet or to slide up between my knees. I must have gotten up about half a dozen time last night because of the lack of pillows.  Next time, I'll call for additional pillows ... even if it is in the middle of the night.

Turquoise Sky

I took this picture with my cell phone on the evening of July 3rd at about 8:30 p.m. ... Yes, I can be that specific because with this steel trap of a mind, I clearly remember taking this picture after the army band concert on Temple Square. It was such a beautiful night and we were all in awe at the beautiful sky when we got out.  The sunset was amazing, but alas, my camera phone was ill equipped to take a decent picture of it.  I do like the contrast of the turquoise sky against the temple.

Beans Popsicles

Finally, had some time this afternoon to go back to Super China and take my time shopping there.  Found my green (Mung) beans popsicles, but they were out of the red (Azuki) beans popsicles. I guess you can't have it all. Oh well, a good excuse to go back another day. Mmm ... another treat that reminds me of childhood.

A Homeless Man's Funeral

I got this emailed to me the other day. Just thought I'd share the joke:

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky back country.

As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions.

I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch.

I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.

The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends.  I played like I've never play ed before for this homeless man.

And as I played 'Amazing Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up m y bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.

As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

Apparently I'm still lost ... it's a man thing.

Motivational Poster Time

Got this from my friend, Dani. I am re-posting the few I liked best that made me ROR.

Other people's facebook photos of ME -- NYC Edition

Ingrid posted these on facebook:

Girls Night Out -- Les Miserables (c. 1994)

Back Row (L-R): Annie Morales, ???, ???, Belinda Vaca, ???, ???, ???
Front Row (L-R): Vivian Aguirre, Me, Ingrid Iturralde

Ingrid's Birthday Party! (c. 1994)

Standing (L-R): Harald Lins, Christine Haryanti, Rob Andrade
Sitting (L-R): Ingrid Iturralde with her two kids and mom, Me, Harry Surya

Other people's facebook photos of ME -- Hawaii Edition

I occurred to me that putting old photos of me in a blog that other people have put on facebook may serve as a great back-up. So here are a few of them:

Uilani, Dave Wright, Me

Dave posted this picture of us hanging out at the Hale 2 lounge with Ui. That was the most happening lounge on campus!

Marshmallow so good, I have to close my eyes to fully savor the flavor.

Marlyn posted this one of a ward bonfire activity. I can only think of a few places where we'd hold the activity: Hukilau Beach, behind the Bear House or the Canoe House. I remember the guy standing behind me is named Jeff. Todd Tamura is the one in the coral sweatshirt talking to a girl. Kim Archibald is the one sitting next to me assembling his s'more.

About to be tossed into the crater.

Marlyn  also posted this one. I believe we were on our annual pep band trip on the Big Island when these boys decided that they would sacrifice a virgin to the Volcano Goddess, Pele. As you can see, our band director, Bro. Sorenson, was oblivious to the whole thing and just stood there ...

Dave's Graduation

Dave posted this one.  I wish I could remember that day, but can't. Chances are I was probably hopping from one person to another wishing them well. I close my eyes and can almost smell those flower leis ....

Back in the day ...

Inge, Elder Nelson and Lisa

Lisa posted this picture on facebook over the weekend ... oh, the memories it brings ... and look at the great tan and skinny arms I had back then.

I think this was taken at the time Lisa took the missionary discussions. I can't think of too many places in Laie where there would a fountain or pool, so it has to be on the temple grounds, because I very much doubt that we were at the pool with the elders.

Define "Sandwich"

Today at work we had our monthly birthday party and a few people made ice cream sandwiches out of the chocolate chip cookies and ice cream we had as part of the array of desserts available.  So, it reminded me of what I used to do with my siblings when we lived in Hawaii.

We were latch key kids with both parents working and/or going to school.  Mom would usually call us mid-afternoon to check up on us. Inevitably one of us would complain that we're hungry and wanted something to eat, so mom would always tell us to go make ourselves a sandwich.

Well, define "sandwich" ... according to Webster's dictionary a sandwich is " two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between." Doesn't say what the filling HAS to be, so our favorite was NEAPOLITAN ICE CREAM! Why choose one flavor when you can have the three basic  flavors of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors in one container? Don't judge me!

And before you make faces at this, let me just tell you that in Indonesia you pay extra to have bread with your ice cream! I'm sure it wasn't what mom had in mind, but oh well ... Ahhh, childhood ...