The Meaning of "Soon"

"In the near future." Since the future is always beyond us, then can we ever reach the end of "soon" so we can do what we promised we would do "soon?"

Tonight I am tired but as I opened my blog to get quicker entry to Amy's, Cindy's, and Jessica's blogs, I realized I had "promised" a real entry "soon." That was about five weeks ago. So much has happened in that amount of time that it will take me considerable time to share half of it. Right now I am only going to comment on one thing.

I have become a storm chaser. No, I don't hop in my car and head out on the back roads to see if I can spot a funnel cloud or baseball-size hailstones. I let others do that. I go along for the ride from the comfort of my bedroom. When the tornadoes move through Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, etc., I am glued to the screen. It is not excitement I am seeking. I am watching to see how close the storms come to those I love. And through this I have found how much I deeply love not only my own blood family but my family of human beings.

My heart has been touched tremendously by the tragedies, the losses, the miracles of survival, and the pouring out of love and compassion. I don't know what more I can do besides donate and pray, but I wish I could do more. One of the first things I do after any tragedy--earthquake, tsunami, flood, tornado, etc.--I go the lds.org, find the link to the newsroom, and look for the words I need desperately to read: "All missionaries are safe and accounted for." Somehow reading those words helps me know that the Lord is with all the people, that even though there are deaths and destruction everywhere, He is steering the rescuers, pouring out the compassion, and we as a people become one. There are no more "colors" or "parties"--we are all brothers and sisters, and what one is feeling the others are feeling.

And I begin to count my blessings.

I forgot to mention that my new, lovely background is a gift from my terrific daughter Amy. Thanks, Amy! You make me look good.

Hi!

This is just a teaser. I will post something really worth reading soon. I ordered some new red pumps and a red dress. Spring is in the air!

Corbin's Baptism

Congratulations, Corbin!

Mother knew best

Just in case you ever wondered, you never outgrow those moments when you hear your mom's voice in your head: "It won't take any longer to put it away now than it will if you do it later." Yes, you'll always be her daughter, always be tutored by her wisdom. Sometime maybe I'll make a list of more of the whisperings from my mom that keep me in line. For now, I just wanted to let you know you're never too old to realize that Mother really did know best.

Next Year

I just thought of something else: Katy recommended a book about financial freedom which I ordered and Tom has already read before me. He stayed up very late one night working out a financial plan for us. It is so nice to have him that involved with our finances and I have much more of a sense of security about our future now. I also ordered a book on CD for him: "Younger Next Year for Men." He has listened to it and taken it to heart. He has been exercising and doing other things to improve his health. I'm excited! I'm going to have a younger and richer husband next year!

What's Up?

I don't have anything in particular to say tonight. I just thought I should post SOMETHING since it has been awhile. Not much has changed in my life. However, I have started a new diet that is working. I have a free health coach named Lydia and I love her! As my blog title "Return and Report" suggests, I do best with having to be accountable to someone. Knowing she is going to be asking me if I have cheated at all keeps me on my toes. But after having lost as much as I have in such a short time I don't want to do something that would make me have to start over again into the fat burning stage. I am loving the way I'm feeling--lots of energy, confident, NOT hungry!

In choir we are preparing for performances that begin next week with a recording for a PBS program. I helped them learn their parts but they actually have a "canned" orchestrated accompaniment they have to use. I will be going to be a chaperone. (Does anyone have any ideas for activities to keep kids happy and getting to know each other during a ten-hour round trip on a bus?)

Well, that's about it for now. I'll see if I can find something more interesting to share next time. At least you know I'm alive, healthy and happy.