Beneath the Wraps

Preparedness (according to Wikipedia ) refers to a very concrete research based set of actions that are taken as precautionary measures in the face of potential disasters. These actions can include both physical preparations (such as emergency supplies depots, adapting buildings to survive earthquakes and so on) and trainings for emergency action. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes.  Methods of preparation include research , estimation , planning , resourcing, education , practicing and rehearsing .          It’s been eighteen years since BYU hosted the imperial tombs of china – an exhibit that my mom and I had gone to.   I found it odd that these rulers would spend their entire lives preparing for their deaths.   But then I suppose to some extent many of us experience a similar thing.       ...

         “Stepmom” was released in theatres December 1998.   The movie is put out by Columbia Pictures and stars Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon.    I enjoyed the movie the first time I watched it. I hadn’t considered being able to identify with any of the characters personally, though I did know of actual people that were real life characters.   I thought Jena Malone’s character was a brat.   Great actress.   I had seen her in a Hallmark production only two years earlier.   Ellen Foster and Anna Harrison – though played by the same actress – were two entire different people.   I did not even realize it was the same actress until only moments ago.          Julia Roberts plays Isabel Kelly – the current love of Luke Harrison (played by Ed Harris) who’d been married to Jackie (played by Susan Sarandon) – and finds herself in a situatio...

Formally titled "Walking in Another’s Shoes (or "What Are the Odds?")" Miranda and her mother live in Arizona.   They had come to Utah to spend the Thanksgiving Holidays.   On Black Friday they found themselves at an Old Navy store in Sandy, Utah.   The two were smiling as someone took their picture, which evidently Miranda immediately posted to her facebook page.   The focus should have been on mom and daughter – to see their happiness.   But for some reason her facebook friends seem more drawn to the woman in the background.   Apparently she wore a sour expression that many “friends” felt the need to poke fun at.            I have not seen the photo myself nor read the hurtful comments.   But I’ve been told that they exist - or did.   And with the given track record of facebook, I have no reason to doubt it.   People can be hurtful and mean and put others down without even knowing them...

Roland brought a camera to give to me for Christmas.  Here are some of the photos that I took yesterday:

  The other day I took off my hat and gloves shortly after I boarded the bus.   I put them back on just before I exited the bus.   At least I thought I did. I made my way from the bus stop to Jenna’s classroom.   While I waited I once again removed my hat and gloves – oops - glove.  How is it I had only one glove on.   Why hadn’t my hand mentioned to me that it wasn’t covered?   I looked around the area where I was standing.   I must have lost it somewhere along the way.   Weird. So yesterday I kicked the snow in a few areas where I could see color.   No pink glove but a lot of fall autumn leaves.                            Most of the trees stand naked outlined in the snow.   But there are actually a few wi...

What goes around comes around.   I thought about that when Alley’s mom offered not only to drive us to Jenna’s school, but pick her up as well.   When I was driving I had stopped to pick up Jorge and his mom whenever I would see them walking to church.   I was also willing to drive them to other destinations as needed. I’ve given rides to various people for various reasons.   I actually haven’t had a problem with it so I don’t know why I’m having such an issue at the receiving end.   Alley’s mom is a really good driver – unfortunately not all drivers are that careful behind the wheel.   If she were to get in an accident because she was out shuttling Jenna and me around, I would be quite bothered by it.   But I didn’t want to discourage her or take away from her act of kindness.   The last time she picked Jenna up from school, her own children nearly beat her home. Jenna, who usually considers herself late for school ...

Ever watch “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”? Toula’s large extended family reminds me so much of Roland’s side of the family - with a few minor differences.  They’re Hispanic, not Greek.  They are not devout to any particular religion. And instead of a fascintion with Windex, Roland’s mother swears by Vicks Vapor Rub.   Roland well remembers the taste of Vicks.  His mother would smother the inside of each of her children’s mouth.  There is a warning on today’s label NOT to do that.  I don’t know if it was there in Roland’s youth.   I do admit that I have also taken it internally – which I do not recommend.  But it really is the best throat medicine I’ve ever had.  I felt a tinge of excitement the first time I saw Vicks Vapor Syrup.  It is rare to see more than two bottles on the shelf – if at all.  It seems like there are only certain stores that carry it.   The taste is truly NAST...

My body is sooooo sore and has been for a few days.   I feel like I’ve been used as a ping-pong ball by two very expertise players.   But of course I could never be used as a ping-pong ball. A bowling ball maybe.   And not one of those shiny ones that glide smoothly down the lane to shatter pins. I would be one of those dust collectors that has a flaw so that there is no speed involved whatsoever.   Or perhaps I feel like the pin that has been hit over and over. Beach balls, though big, are light and airy and can pop quite easily.   I am thin-skinned and have cut my fingers peeling back egg shells (on occasion) I could never be a basketball or rubber ball or super ball.   I have no bounce – though I may have had at one time.   I’ve long since outgrew my ability to bounce. I suppose I could be a soccer ball that’s been kicked too many times Or pool ball that’s been poked an...