Sunday's Nightmare

Sacrament meeting was interesting yesterday (and by interesting I mean sweating-bullets-terrifying). Our organist was out of town, so as the assistant organist, I was assigned to play for the meeting. I have substituted for her before, but that was before I was really trying to play the organ. I just played it like a piano and they are two completely different things. I didn't have too many problems playing it that way. (Although, one time I accidently hit a key while the Bishop's counselor was conducting, and he turned around and looked at me like he was afraid I might break into a rousing rendition of "If You Could Hie to Kolob" or something. That was embarassing. He felt bad and apologized after church. It wasn't his fault-everyone turned and looked. But he felt bad that he called attention to it. Brother Hall redeemed himself yesterday-I'll tell you how in a minute.) Anyway,  I practiced really hard all week. I spent about 8 hours at the church trying to learn the feet and put them together with my hands, which had to play completely different fingering than they do at the piano. I practiced until my hands and back ached.

I ordered organ shoes, which remind me of my childhood tap shoes. Did you know that there are special shoes for organists? That was news to me. They are not my usual kind of shoes and yet, they are probably the most expensive pair that I own (and I own a LOT of shoes). LaFaye, our organist, who has been teaching me, highly suggested that I get them. I have been playing simple postlude hymns for a few months now in bare feet, but I thought this might be a good time to get some fancy organ shoes. (I was secretly hoping that organ-playing-super-powers would be included, but, sadly, they weren't.)

So, I practiced my little heart out all week and I went to church 45 minutes early to get in a little practicing before the meeting. I talked to the chorister and the Bishop and told them to get their poker faces ready because I knew there would be mistakes. The chorister told me that he would go slow and I told him to just go at the regular pace and I would survive, but when I started the opening hymn, "How Firm a Foundation", at what I felt was a good pace, he slowed it down after the intro and the congregation was singing in what felt like slow motion to me. Maybe that was just my nerves wanting to play faster to get the whole thing over with, I don't know, but it felt very slow. All the hymns went like that, really slow, yet still riddled with mistakes because I was so nervous. 

Just before the sacrament hymn, as the Bishop was returning to his seat and I was about to start playing, Saige came hiking up the stairs on the stand to talk to me. (Trent was at work, so I told my kids they had better behave sitting down there alone, but I guess I forgot to cover the part where I would be unavailable for conversing.) She needed to go to the bathroom and wanted my permission. That was my favorite part of the whole day and I don't even mean that sarcastically. It reminded me that we are all just human.

After the sacrament hymn, I went and sat with my kids and totally forgot to pay attention to when the rest hymn was coming up. Of course this had to be the sunday of 5 speakers, so I couldn't even figure it out. This is how Brother Hall redeemed himself and gained my complete forgiveness. He pulled out his Hymn book as one of the speakers was finishing up, saving me from looking, once again, like an idiot. So, thanks, Lee, we're even.

This whole experience has me thinking a lot about my Grandma Christiansen. She was an amazing pianist and organist. (She actually gave Clay Christiansen, her nephew and now Tabernacle organist, his first piano lessons.)  My cousin, Megan, got to have organ lessons from Grandma, something I wish I had thought to ask her for. I really miss her. She was all the things that I hope to be someday.

Here are the life lessons I learned from my day as an organist:

1. Shoes cannot give you magical powers. LOTS of practice is required to do anything well.

2. Tell your kids exactly what you expect of them, leave nothing out.

3.  Doing something slowly doesn't always make it better.

4. Take extra deodorant with you wherever you go, it may come in handy.

5. Really listen when someone is talking, so you don't get caught off guard.

6.  If your Grandma is still around, ask her to teach you everything she knows about everything, so that you will be prepared for whatever comes your way.

These are my organ shoes. Stylish, right? They have a felt sole so the pedals don't get scratched and a 1 and 1/4" heel to help in moving from note to note. (You play with your toes and heels.)

Simply Fun

It has been a very eventful week at the Keele household. My sister, KeriAnne, and her daughter, Jolee, were here from Las Vegas, so we got to do a lot of fun things with them. We spent a lot of time in Lehi at my parent's house, which the kids totally loved. We also visited two very fun places. On Monday, we checked out a new place called Jump On It in Lindon where we jumped and played on wall-to-wall trampolines. It was so cool! They even had trampolines propped up at an angle on the walls. We played tag, did tricks, and wore ourselves right out. Ryker loved it so much that he requested that we spend Christmas there. Sounds good to me, but I'm not sure the owners will go for it. On Thursday we went to an old favorite, Classic Skating. We had a good time there, but it was busier than I have ever seen it because it was UEA. We have been there lots of times and I always thought that Trent liked it, but apparently he likes it about as much as tuna casserole.

For me, this week has been all about simplifying. I got released last week from the Young Women's presidency, which I am relieved about. I will miss the girls, but it will be really nice to stay home on Thursday and watch The Office and Grey's Anatomy, woohoo! I now have 3 callings. I am the Assistant Ward Organist (which means that I am learning to play the organ), the Primary Pianist and the Ward Choir Director. That last one terrifies me a little. I'm trying to think of a way that I can get out of leading the choir with my backside facing the congregation. Any suggestions?

I also gave up my job as a teacher's aide. I am so relieved about this. When Saige started first grade last year I was feeling bored and I needed something to do, so I got this job at the school. At the time I wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I "grew up" and was debating between becoming a teacher or a nurse. This job gave me great insight that helped me to make a decision. I greatly admire the teachers that I worked for and have a greater appreciation for all the teachers that I have had in my life. They work so hard and do so much for our kids. But, having this job helped me to realize that I would not enjoy teaching, so I decided to go back to school and major in nursing. School has been keeping me very busy and I was having to miss work for school related things. My own education has to come first and I decided that it wasn't fair to the teachers, so I decided to give it up. While I didn't particularly love this job, I am grateful for the experience and insight it gave me.

Tagged! Six Quirks About Me

I got my first tag the other day from Apryl and it has taken me awhile to try to figure out which of my many quirks I would really like to make public. So, here goes:

1. I am the queen of clearance shopping. I literally cannot leave any store without checking their clearance section. I mean, if I go into an auto parts store with Trent I will wander around until I find an area where everything is marked with bright orange discount tags. I have found some pretty awesome things (never at an auto parts store). My favorite stores to clearance shop are Target, JC Penney, Kohl's, Sears and the ultimate in clearance shopping, Market Square. In case you have never heard of Market Square, let me enlighten you. It is a whole store full of all the things you never knew you needed/wanted. It is always an adventure, you never know what you might find when you go there, there is always something waiting for you. Trent is always saying, "it's not really saving money if it's not something we need", which is true and I am trying to break myself of this addiction, but those darn racks just seem to call to me.

2. When I get cold, I break out in hives. Obviously this one is not under my control and it is apparently inherited, since this happens to my aunt Michelle also. It is very annoying.

3. Rollies. This one is a leftover from my childhood. I used to "roll" at night while sucking my tongue, that's right, my tongue. (This is why I am now such a great kisser.) I always have little balls of rolled up something in my pockets, which I roll between my fingers. What makes the best rollies? Straw or toothpick wrappers made of paper, the inside bits of a cardboard box and tinfoil gum wrappers, but lint will do in a pinch. Yes, I am a freak, but rolling is therapeutic and relaxing for me. Trent says that the next time you see me you should ask to see my rollie. I would actually appreciate you never mentioning this unusual habit, as I didn't want to tell you about it in the first place, but Trent says it is my number one quirk and therefore, essential to write about.

4. I am passionate about paper. I love the feel of a brand new package of patterned paper, cardstock, or even a spiral bound notebook. Paper rocks! I have an entire room full of mostly paper. This is not an exaggeration. Trent could not be happier about this. He doesn't think there is any better use for a room than to fill it right up to the ceiling with paper. 

5. I love to watch the same movies and read the same books over and over. Before Breaking Dawn came out I reread the whole series and then, after finishing Breaking Dawn, I started over and read them all again! By the middle of September I had read Breaking Dawn twice and the other books in the series countless times. Movies I love to repeatedly watch: Pride & Prejudice (the new version and the older 5 hour version), Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion (anything Jane Austen related, really), You've Got Mail, The Count of Monte Cristo, Tristan & Isolde, The Notebook, etc. 

6. I have an "addictive personality" and since I'm sure I am not using that expression right, let me explain what I mean. The things that I like become addictions, (obsessions, really) I have already mentioned some of these. Here are some of the other things that I am addicted to: music, high heels, boots (with high heels), sweaters, skirts, scooter riding (to the point where I think it would be awesome to drive a motorcycle, don't freak, mom) candy, scrapbooking, rubber stamping, jewelry, dancing, chipboard and rub-on alphabets, Facebook, trampolines, roller skating, the list goes on and on. I cannot get enough! It's a good thing that I had sense enough to "Just Say No" or I would have some serious problems. (Okay, I have serious problems, but can you imagine me drunk?!?)

Well, that's the real me. I hope that we can still be friends. Try to forget everything that you just read and I'll keep pretending that I am normal, deal? 

If you know Apryl, go check out her quirks, too.

http://achristmanclan.blogspot.com/

I tag Karen, Karla, Carrie, Shaylyn, Melissa and TyAnna. Have fun exploring your inner self!

The rules: Link the person who tagged you.

Tell about 6 Quirks of yours.

Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.

Leave a comment to let them know.

Field Trip

Gavin and I went with the Quest group on an awesome field trip the other day. We started out at the Bodyworlds exhibit, which was really impressive. I wish that we could have taken pictures, but they wouldn't allow it. I never cease to be amazed by the complexity of the human body. I don't know how anyone can see and understand this amazing creation and doubt the existence of God. I loved being able to see it preserved so well. The cadavers in my Anatomy lab have been at SLCC for approximately 15 years and they belonged to the U before that, so they resemble the shredded pork roast we ate for dinner a few nights ago. (I'm sorry, I know that is disgusting, but it is also true.) I was worried about seeing the embryos and fetuses, but they were actually really interesting. I was mostly worried about how they got them, but if I read the sign right, they could not be saved and were somehow acquired in the 1920's. (If anyone reading this has different information, please let me know.) I am curious about how that is possible, but didn't have time to read any further information. I think that I may go again with Trent and my mom and sister-in-law, so I'll be sure to spend more time in that section. 

After Bodyworlds, we hiked Ensign Peak. Pathetically, I had never been there before. The view of the Salt Lake Valley from the top was incredible. I found it hard to imagine what Brigham Young and the other saints would have seen. We were very short on time, so I didn't get to read all the plaques that they have at the bottom, but I'm excited to go back and learn more about the history of the peak. I will be taking my family up there in the near future, so that we can all say we have been there. 

The Vacation is Over

Well, that's enough relaxing for a while...I guess. We had a really nice time in St. George,though Monday was kind of weird. We didn't really have any plans, so we played it by ear. We ate at a crappy Chinese restaurant, walked out of a crappy movie and Trent sat on my awesome pink sunglasses and broke them - I shouldn't have left them on the bed, my bad. We did discover a Massage Therapy School next door to the crappy Chinese restaurant and made appointments to get massages the next day before we headed home. When we arrived on Tuesday, the lady had forgotten to enter our appointments into the computer, so there were no students to give us our "couples" massage. So, instead of paying $35 each for 1 hr massages, we got free 1/2 hour massages from the instructor. That made up for the crappy chinese, crappy movie and broken sunglasses. It was so relaxing. What a great way to end our trip. 

The kids had a great time without us, too. They got to hang out with Grandma Karla & Grandpa Kerry, who spoiled them excessively.  Gavin went fishing with Grandpa, Uncle Bill & Kris. He caught 3 or 4 fish. Ryker and Saige went to Trafalga with Grandma. They ate at Wendy's twice, got new shoes and Saige got a haircut. I don't think they missed us at all. (Don't tell them, but we really enjoyed our time without them, too.) Gavin also took 3rd place in his Cross Country meet (the only one I've missed). He decided he wanted to race with the junior varsity team and probably could  have taken 2nd place. He ran the whole race with a friend and told my mom that he let the friend beat him because "he doesn't win much". (He has such a good heart.) 

All in all we are glad to be back home. We had a nice break and now it's time to get back to the real world...school, work, fighting kids, laundry, dishes, piano lessons, homework, making dinner, scubbing floors...you get the picture.

Playing in St. George

After my Girl's Weekend (with my mom and sisters) got cancelled on Thursday, I talked Trent into taking me on an impromptu getaway to St. George. I managed to get us a couple of hotel rooms (couldn't find any that had vacancies for all three nights, so we had to switch after our first night), and I also got us seats at the Tuacahn for Les Miserables. We didn't get the greatest seats, but I don't think there is really a bad seat there. I have wanted to see this show since I was in high school, so I was really excited. Trent was less excited (musical theater is NOT his thing), but he agreed to take me anyway. It was amazing! I totally loved it. He didn't, but he endured it well. I guess I will have to go and see Hell Boy 2 with him now. (Personally, I'd rather literally go to hell than see that movie, but when you love someone you make sacrifices, especially when they make sacrifices for you.) We also ate dinner at the Tuacahn, which was delicious. The only drawback was the hornets swarming our food.

Today, we drove into Zion National Park and hiked Angel's Landing, which is a very strenuous and difficult hike. The last time I was in Zion I had my kids with me and they were too small to hike it, so we thought this would be a great time to go see it. It was hard, but we made it up and it was SO worth it. The views were amazing. 

At the top, Trent made friends with a chipmunk that came right over and stole some of his granola bar. Apparently, the chipmunk didn't read the "Don't feed the wildlife" signs posted all around the park.

  

I'm not sure when exactly I got old, but my knees were whining all the way down (okay, it was me whining, but it was my knees' fault). I love that we live so close to so many beautiful places. You can drive a few hours and see some incredible things. We are having a great time hanging out together and being a couple instead of mom and dad for a few days. Don't get me wrong, we love our kids, but sometimes you just need to take a break. Thanks to my mom for taking care of them. Ryker, the picture above is for you, my little poser. Luv u most! (You too, Gavin and Saige!)

Patriot Day

My mom sent me an email today that was a video collection from 9/11. It really made me think about how grateful I am to all the men and women who serve our country and try to protect us from things like this, whether they are in the military, law enforcement, fire department, paramedics, whatever. Thanks to all of you and your families who sacrifice so much for the rest of us.