Christmas Day

        Before we had dropped Jenna off, I mentioned that I had brought her sock and she could take it and open her gifts on Christmas morning, or she could wait for our return and open one gift each 45 minutes or so.  She opted to wait and decided to open a gift each time we stopped the car to get out.
        I woke up early and put on my bathing suit.  I would have liked for Jenna to have one last swim - which she has never done on Christmas, but I really believed she'd enjoy being at her cousins better.  Maybe not.  I think there may have been pros and cons with each.

        As I sat in the spa, not even remotely in the Christmas Spirit of activities one thinks of on Christmas day,  I found myself pondering upon the reason why we have this day - well, not December the 25th, but the reminder of Christ's birth which did not in reality take place in December (see here, here and here).  Though we had announced to the boys that this will be our last road trip to Utah, I realized that my traveling complaints were out of ignorance (and lack of sleep) and there are others who have or have had worse than I.

        I can't even imagine having to return to the land of my forefathers to pay taxes.  How would that even work?  Would Roland and I have to return to New Jersey where he was born?  or to Puerto Rico where his father was born?  How would they even force that kind of census today?  How many days did it take Mary and Joseph to go a shorter distance than what we were able to in just one day?  Weren't the wise men (or kings) traveling for at least two years before they arrived?  The Messiah came to us as a babe.  I enjoyed the tranquility of water and allowing myself to relax and be grateful.

        It was Roland who felt depressed - not his spunky optimistic self.  He hadn't slept well either.  After we had breakfast we went back to the room, he wanted to unwind by watching something on TV.  I decided to get pictures of the hotel - which I didn't think I would do - but found myself smiling as I took snapshots of the elevator which the kids enjoyed riding.  I took photos of the tables where we had played games and enjoyed a meal.  I took pictures of the dining area, the pool, the spa, the mitten that was left on the door of our hotel room.  A gift from the hotel.  I knew Jenna would be impressed.  

        Some may think we were not wise with our money.  I feel bad with the cost as Bill is now out of a job and Tony and his family have to move.  Nobody knows what we paid or if there were discounts involved.  True, our money could have been spent more wisely, but when I think about it, I was able to breathe in the hotel.  I coughed when I swallowed the air outside, but inside I did not have to fight my breathing in addition to sleep.  I did not have to use a humidifier.  I could breathe.  I wouldn't have felt that same sensation around dog hair.  That right there made it worth it.

        We went out to Kayla's to get our Jenna.  They opened the gift which we had brought for them and I opened the gift they had for us.  

The new figures that we gave them, our used ones we had purchased 3 years ago

I need to retake this picture as it reflects the room where it is hung.

Randy dropped by to drop off Bill's laptop and Tony's coat which had both been left at his house.  We took Tony's coat to him and visited for a wee bit before getting back on the road - this time on I-80 and through Nevada as the forecast had said it was dry.  The road itself was.  

We pulled into Winnemucca about 5:30.  It felt later than that.  I told Roland to go ahead and get us a room as we still had 4 hour stretch ahead of us until the next town.  Only two places were open.  I chose the motel off the beaten path. 

       I don't believe Jenna had opened even half of her sock gifts when we arrived at the motel.  I noticed an indoor pool and hot tub displayed on their sign - but it was still closed for the winter.  As I wasn't really expecting to find another lodging that offered the pool or spa, I wasn't totally disappointed.   Jenna was. 
      She decided to dump the contents of her stocking and open all that was left.  The room itself was dated, but it was clean.  How blessed we were that Tony and Rochelle had provided us with crackers and sausages amongst all the cookies and candies we had received.  As nothing else was open, we made a simple dinner for ourselves with the sausage and crackers.

Christmas Eve

        We had breakfast at the hotel.  It was just the three of us as nobody else showed - which is just as well.  Randy had set the dinner for 4:30 but said we could come earlier if we wanted to (hint, hint) but we had made other plans.  Biff was in need of clothes and Roland said he would take him shopping and invited me to come along.  Oh, there is no way in this world that I spent 22 hours in a car crammed into a pretzel position so that I could go shopping!!!  I declined - several times.  I guess Randy gets his persistence from Roland.

        While Roland and Biff were out shopping, I visited with Bill and Kayla.  Jenna was excited to see and spend time with her cousins.  Randy had called to ask what we were doing and if we were on our way.  It wasn't even 3:00!  The truth of the matter was that he really wanted Roland to cook the dinner. 

        Roland had brought back McDonald's for everybody and we went to the lobby to continue our visit and once again grabbed the games.  We had our food table set up with coloring books and crayons and another table for games - which Kayla and I had attempted to play, but as the boys found the elevators too fascinating to resist, Kayla and I finally took BJ upstairs to continue our visit without the interruption of possibly losing the boys on the wrong floor.  I don't know if the others ever completed the game or not.

        We left the hotel in plenty of time to get there according to Randy but did not arrive until after 5:00 as there were barricades set up for construction and only one lane (which was backed up, I might add) before we could even turn into his neighborhood.  We were the first ones to arrive followed by Bill and Kayla, Biff and Clair and Tony and Rochelle in that order. 

        All of the kids enjoyed playing with the dog, Chief, but neither Kayla nor I appreciated his slobbery toy.  Even Anna was holding it like it was a dead mouse, but did enjoy tossing it to Chief.  Each took a turn throwing the disgusting toy - even Liz, the two-year-old.  There was concern when red splotches appeared on her face.  It's possible that she's allergic to dogs.  Chief was banned to the basement.  No more slobbery toy.

        The menu consisted of eggs and French toast. Claire asked to use the toaster as she is allergic to eggs.  Thus Roland decided to pass out our gifts right then and there.  We had made jelly out of the baco grapes we had picked (see this post).  We only filled 8 jars though we had purchased enough jars to fill 24.  But Roland liked the juice too much and so we had stopped making the jellies.    

        Bill introduced the family to an electronic game that some were already familiar with.  It is called "Quiplash" and is done off computer screen and tablets. It felt like a cross between Balderdash and a reverse Family Feud.  Once again I did not play because I do not have a tablet or smart phone because I cannot seem to work them, but it was fun watching the others play.  I think they played two rounds before we stopped to pass out gifts.

        Roland and I decided to first pass out finger glow sticks to each of the children.  Randy led the families in the song "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" - I don't know why it was picked.  Probably the glow sticks reminded somebody of that song. It was the only song we sang before we exchanged and opened gifts. 

        We all left pretty much at the same time.  We dropped Jenna off with Kayla and Bill who did not have room in their car to take her when they left Randy's house.  Jenna was hoping to open something on Christmas morning, and I knew that Bill and Kayla had something for her.  Also I thought she would probably enjoy the magic of watching others open their presents on Christmas day than to wake up in a hotel room without.

December 23

        We arrived in Salt Lake before 10:00 pm mountain time.  I texted my families to let them know we were in town but that we'd be calling it a night and they could come visit the following day.  Three times Randy had asked if we would be going to church with him and Carrie.  Truthfully, I thought that we would still be on the road and so hadn't packed any church clothes. 

        I don't know what time we ate breakfast, but we had enough time to make it to a ward (church) that we had formally attended (had we thought about it). Kayla had also invited us saying her church started at 12:30.  I had never been one that was a big fan of the afternoon time - especially while traveling.  If Kayla's ward had started earlier, I may have gone as I do know other members in her ward.  I think Bill and Kayla were the only family members to attend services that day as at least two of my boys cancelled church or just did not make it in time.

        Two of the boys came to our hotel room before noon.  Roland announced that Tony would not be coming, and we made plans to go and eat.  After we had ordered, Tony called to say that they were on the street near our hotel.  I gave him the IHOP address and we had one version of Christmas dinner there.  Randy, determined that we would come to his house one way or another, invited the entire family to have a "breakfast" dinner at his house the following day (Christmas Eve).  What pleased me the most was the idea of easing the expense of our own wallet).

        It was suggested that after we leave IHOP, we drive back to the hotel and meet in the lobby for some games.  Tony had to work, but said he could join us for about an hour.  As they were the last ones to get their food, they were also the last to leave IHOP.  Meanwhile Randy decided that everybody should go swimming first.  He obviously hadn't considered Tony or his family who didn't have their suits nor the time really. 

        While the rest of the family engaged themselves at the pool, I took the opportunity to visit with Tony and Rochelle.  I rarely ever get to do that without a crowd of others surrounding us.  It was really nice to visit without interruptions or manipulative behavior from other parties.  It was quiet and we were able to listen to one another and learn things that had taken place since last time we saw one another. They left before the others got out of the pool.

        Biff had requested that we bring the game Baulderdash - which we did.  I know a game was started, but neither Claire nor I had participated.  She was not feeling well and had gone to our room to lay down.  I volunteered to watch my three-year-old granddaughters so that the others could play.  We ordered pizza and eventually Biff and Claire left to run errands.  The pizza came before the game was complete and Jenna and I boxed it up before the girls had more opportunity to lose more parts.

        Ally had already broken one of the game pieces.  There were tears in Jenna's eyes as she said, "I guess that saying is right: 'You can never go home again.'"

        Kayla and Bill had another family party to go to on Sunday night but had called to see if we would like to go see lights at Temple Square.  Randy led us all to the TRAX station so that we could take the train - which was very crowded - though not as crowded as Temple Square.  We did not meet up with the family right away.  Once again, it was Randy who led us around like a herd of cattle.  He called the shots, but I didn't follow.  Eventually I did meet up with Bill. It appeared that at least two of the children did not wish to be there.

       

        I realize that I did not have the greatest attitude.  My pretzelfied body felt ready to snap.  I was sore, achy, cranky.  I tried so hard not to be.  I enjoy seeing the nativity scenes at the plaza but did not feel the physical strength.  

I had taken this one the year before we moved to Oregon

This is on Temple Square, but I did not see it this year

I also had a problem with the tremendous amount of people which somehow made me feel insignificant and lost in the crowd.  We did not visit for long as neither of Kayla's boys seemed particular interested in being there. They were tired.  I was tired.  I'm guessing at least half of us were. Each of us separated ways as we watched Kayla chase after BJ with his second meltdown.  Jenna walked toward City Gate with Randy and Carrie.  Biff, Roland, Claire, Ally and I took the train back and walked to the hotel.  

       Randy, Carrie, Jenna and Devin were already at the hotel when we arrived.  We said our good-byes and Roland invited anyone who wanted to come join us for breakfast. Jenna and I made use of the pool and spa before we went to bed.

Rest Stops

     We had pretty great driving weather.  Jenna and I are used to taking several pictures at many stops, but did not seem to get as many as it was cold.  Here are some that we took in Oregon and Idaho.  Roland was not happy about having to stand in the cold to get the one of Jenna and me.

earlier we had seen a dinosaur with a wreath around his neck

Jenna brought along an extra hat and used both for these photos

Jenna doesn't like herself in this photo, but I couldn't very well cut her out and have it make sense.

Oh, look.  Roland managed to get himself in the shot as well

Countdown to Christmas

      I believe it was just before Thanksgiving when Roland decided to tell me and the boys that we would come to visit them in Salt Lake this Christmas.  We are still in a financial bind, and Roland had changed his mind before I mailed out the packages and told the boys that we weren’t coming after all.  But something kept nagging at him.  He took out a loan and we were back on.

     Randy, our youngest, had said we could stay with him.  But we didn’t wish to appear we were playing favorites – although it would have been more practical.  He and Carrie recently purchased a house much larger than they need in an area about 45 minutes (without construction) from where we ended up staying.  Instead of visiting each boy individually, we would make them come to us.

     In all honesty, neither Jenna nor I were looking forward to the drive or the changes that we had known occurred during our absence – and those things that had not.  We knew that Randy would continue to try being funny and monopolize everyone’s time.  In all honesty, the thing I was looking forward to the most was seeing my sister and her family.

       As I had mentioned in a previous post, I hadn’t slept well this entire month.  Traveling has always been worse on my sleep patterns.  Thus I wasn’t thinking clearly when I suggested an out-of-the-way route we should go – the one the bus lines use because it seems the safest and I wanted the roads to be clear should there be snow.  With the amount of rainfall we have had all year (or lack of it) I think we would have been okay to take the less traveled roads.  My biggest worry was because of the amount of rain which filled the river beds in two days (instead of gradually during the last four months) and the coldness could create ice.  But whatever.  So we traveled a great distance in one day (Roland really should have stopped in Boise or somewhere before Tremonton;  it is wrong to stay awake for 20 plus hours in a row.)

        Over 2000 years ago, a census was brought forth not just in Rome, but most of Europe.  A census had also been issued in Palestine.  Only it was under Jewish law rather than Roman law.  Families were ordered to return to the lands of their births (or their fathers births) in order to pay taxes.  Joseph and Mary had made the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. 

According to Google or this site, it takes only two and a half hours to travel there by car – today.  Joseph and Mary did not have the luxury of traveling by car.  They had to walk.  On dirt roads.  They didn’t get to wear hiking boots or running shoes.  They wore sandals.

          I really didn’t mean to, but for my lack of sleep, I complained about my twisted pretzel shape position I had felt in the car.  We had stopped for Ben Gay to soothe my aching muscles.  We stopped often to stretch, to eat, to use the toilet or what have you.  Mary and Joseph most likely did not have those luxuries.  We don’t know how many stops they made, where, or at what expense.  Mary and Joseph weren’t traveling to Bethlehem because the wanted to.  They had been ordered to.  The expenses issued were the ones that the government provided.  We chose our own expenses.

          Mary may have not walked the entire way.  It has been speculated that she might have been on a donkey at one point.  Either way, she was pregnant.  Nine months pregnant!  I don’t know about Mary, but when I was pregnant, I had to use the toilet even more than I do right now.  Roland would have had to get a room in Boise or even before that as we would have been making bathroom stops every 20 minutes.  Did Mary even have that luxury?  Plus, we were able to adjust the temperature of the car according to our desires.  I know that Mary and Joseph didn’t have that option.

          There was no room for them at the inn.  According to this site, there really weren’t any inns or motels as we think of today. People would stay with their relatives in a guest room – which, again, we did have the opportunity to do so with Randy and Carrie – but it was another hour drive – through construction.  Our “inn” was crowded that first night but we had made a reservation.  That is another option or luxury we had that Mary and Joseph did not.  Cell phones, reservations . . . we were expected – well, the following day. Our reservations weren’t complete.  

        Roland had added a day just in case we did arrive early, but the information had not been communicated.  They were completely booked except for two rooms.  Our choices were between a smoking room which they said they could febreze or a room with a bathroom designed with a shower for one who might be in a wheelchair; it had no tub. As I am allergic to cigarette smoke and will get headaches even if febreze is used, we choose the one with the handicapped bathroom facility.

          Mary and Joseph had the choice of sleeping outside or inside where animals were kept – probably in some kind of cave.  I imagine a midwife was called.  She is probably the only human who offered services.  We had waiters, maids, running water, access to a small pool and spa.  The only animals we saw were the fake lit up deer Christmas decorations.  We didn’t have to have Jenna sleep in a manger.  We each had our own bed.  It was really nice – though I may not have appreciated it at the time.

          I would like to express my appreciation to all of those who provide service at the rest stops and maintain the properties and such.  Thank you to all those who stayed open on Christmas to either wait on us or provide us with shelter.  Thank you for giving up your Christmas so that I could have mine.

Changes

This song had been going through my head prior to Christmas.  I don't know why I didn't post it before the 22nd.  Probably not worth the wait of having missed a week but will have to tie my reader's over until I'm alert enough to post.  Rather a boring video, but it's the song lyrics that I want to convey

I realize change is necessary . . . . That doesn't make it any easier . . .

No More Haunting Triggers!

         We have a lovely tree skirt which I had mentioned in this post.  Each year I put it out, I would think about the day I had purchased it.   It was terrible of me to experience such negative emotions each time I looked at this.

It's such a cute skirt.

       I don't recall having those triggers our first year in Oregon.  Somehow I had managed to misplace the above skirt.  I noticed this when we were setting up for our first Christmas in Tri City.  As I couldn't seem to find it I went out and purchased another.

It was not as big nor as beautiful. 

        I have since found the first tree skirt I purchased in 2005 when Jenna was just a baby. I am happy to report that I no longer have those negative triggers.  I can now look at my tree skirt and appreciate its beauty.

Profound Quotes - Once Upon a Time

These are some of my favorite quotes from the abc series: Once Upon a Time

Fairytales are real, but you don't know the whole story. . . a hero is someone who can do the hard things even when they thought they couldn't

"You want to ruin me the way the world ruined you.  You choose hate.  But I choose love." -        Alice as Tilly

"Love is Hope, it fuels our dreams"  - Belle

"No one decides my fate but me" - Belle

"It's time for all of us to believe - not in magic, but each other" - Emma Swan

"I've been writing everone else's stories.  I need to figure out what my story is." - Henry Mills

"Home isn't a place.  It's the people in it.  And they'll always be with" - Henry Mills

" Everyone wants magical solution for their problems and everyone refuses to believe in magic" - Mad Hatter

"I would rather die than to have you fill your heart with darkness" - David/Prince Charming

"You defended me in a way that no one thought was possible, you made me your friend by never giving up on me." - Regina Mills

"That's what true love is, sacrifice, giving up everything for the person you love . . . not having someone is the worse curse imaginable" - Regina Mills

" . . . the darkness can always find the light" - Regina Mills

". . . you can't steal something that is given to you . . . a gift is a piece of our heart "  - Regina Mills

"Your happy endings may not be what you expect.  That is what will make it so special" - Snow White

"Second chances are not given.  They're earned" - Victoria (alias Rapunzel and Lady Tremaine)

Like so many villainous songs our best lines go to the Villain who appeared he'd stay that way:

"So long as you live in the past, you'll never find your future" - Rumplestiltskin

"Maybe you should take a piece of advice from a man who has pushed away every chance of happiness because it was never enough.  If it's within your grasp, if you know where it is and who it's with, then you should go to is, grasp it, and never let go." - Rumplestiltskin as Gold

"Magic comes with a price" -Rumplestiltskin as Gold

"You don't do the right thing for a reward - you do it because it's right" - Rumplestiltskin as Weaver

For more Once Upon a Time quotes see here or here or type in "Once Upon a Time" quotes at Google.com or IMDB

I NEED TO SLEEP!

          Before I had a chance to sit down after I arrived in the chapel yesterday, a sweet sister came up to me and put her arm around me and asked if there was/is something wrong.  She is one of the very few people who saw me the week prior.  She had seen me on the stand along with the primary.  Many others hadn't noticed me.  Those who sit directly in front of or to the left side of the pulpit may not have noticed the primary as a whole.  We are out of view even when we're standing unless it is at the pulpit.

          I have been rather melancholy this entire month.  I didn't know why but have since figured it out.  While I truly love this sister, we really don't have that intimate of a connection.  I've seen her outside of the church on occasion, but for the most part I know that our contact is only two or three times a month at best.  She said she was concerned that the "spark" had gone out of me and didn't wish to see it lost. 

          Jenna has also asked me off and on what was wrong.  I find it interesting that the only two who have said anything are one who is closest to me and one who has been watching from a distance.  From that far back, how can you even see the facial expression of one on the stage seated behind her class in order to prompt them?

          I told her I hadn't felt well that week - which was the truth.  I had left right after the primary program.  I was a bit frustrated because for once in my life I not only liked all of the songs but actually knew the words to most of the songs and was unable to participate due to a dry throat.  And then as mentioned in this post cried during the last three.  

          I have been doing a lot of crying - over stupid things really.  I've never been a speed demon with processing information, but have seemed to have gotten slower at it.  Like when the RS brought me the poinsettia - I should just have told them that I'm allergic.  They would understand, but I kept it hidden.  That is a small example, but my reflexes have seemed to slow down even more.  I forget words and thoughts whenever I am interrupted and get irate with whoever interrupted.  There's situations that will remind me of my mom.  I've thought a lot about her and so I've been crying about that.

         

          When fictional characters have made bad choices I've cried and have scolded myself because it isn't even real and crying about fairytale characters is stupid.  I guess it's because sometimes I relate them to real life people who are facing their own battles and struggles or are victims of senseless crimes and cannot seem to help whatever situation they are in. 

          I feel like I'm aging and not only is my mind disconnected in thoughts, my body parts are screaming at me as well.  I think my right leg is shrinking.  I have already started stuffing my right shoe with insoles, but now it feels like I need more lift.  I can't afford to buy two pairs of shoes in two different sizes so I can stuff one and not have the other slip off my foot.

          I still have a poor attitude toward primary overall.  Next year we'll have three kids in the valiant class.  No sunbeam class.  They want to keep all four instructors.  It may not be so bad as the program will be a new one for everybody.  I haven't been graceful about accepting many changes.

          As I continued to add puzzle pieces to my list of things that may have contributed  to my gloomy state of mind, I realize that all of them (or at least most of them) are connected by a lack of sleep.  I am so damn tired and find it hard to sleep.  I can't figure out why.  I have seen enough accounting videos to knock me in a coma for a lifetime.  And yet, I don't think I have been able to sleep through the night all month long.

          Roland likes the room to be 90 degrees (okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration.  But he does like it hotter than comfortably warm) I have to have the temperature below 70 if I want to be comfortable.  I can't sleep in the bed because the ability to raise it to a propped up position is gone.  The foot/leg part of the recliner is shorter than I am and so my feet hang over.  I just can't seem to sleep - even with the accounting videos.  Like I want to be focusing on that.  It's Christmas.  I want to be uplifted.  Accounting does NOT uplift.

          Oh, and on top of my instructor reading the PowerPoint word for word here  his comments are the same for everything turned in.  "You met the assignment/discussion requirement." No other feedback whatsoever.  At least it was graded before the middle of the following week so that was nice.  I just tried taking a nap which did not work out to my expectations.  I will try again.

Once Upon a Time spoilers and metaphors

            For those who enjoy watching the abc series "Once Upon a Time" and have not yet seen season seven, you may want to return to this post later as I am about to reveal many spoilers. Thus far season 7 is actually my favorite.  I must admit that I did quite a bit of skipping around with seasons 3-6, reading the synopsis of each episode.  Season 7 has peaked my curiosity.  I also like the story of Cinderella better than the entire Snow White ordeal.  I also like looking at fairytales from other perspectives.

            Season Seven starts out with Henry saying good-bye to Regina.  He tosses a magic bean onto the ground and drives his motorcycle through the portal into the enchanted forest. Next thing we see, Henry is a grown man.  He has his adventures and chooses to live in the enchanted forest - for at least a decade, I assume.  Another curse is placed upon the land, but instead of Storybrook, MA, the fairytale characters are transformed into Hyperion Heights, WA. 

             Instead of the boy Henry's persistence on labeling his mother's Regina, the Evil Queen and Emma, the Savior, the leading characters are Jacinda (Cinderella), Lucy (the daughter who believes the fairytales that Henry now writes) and Henry (who has forgotten his other life).  Only four of the original cast now live in Hyperion Heights:  Regina (Roni) and Rumplestiltskin (Weaver) from season one, Hook (Rogers) from season two and Zelena (Kelly) from season three - and Zelena is living in San Francisco for the first 7 episodes and so we don't even see her until episode 7 or 8.  Aside from those four, the cast of characters are new to season seven.

            I remember having always liked fairy tales and have enjoyed twisted versions and mixing of characters (such as Into The Woods).  I think it's fun to get a new perspective on what might have possibly made a fairytale villain become that or see the roles reversed (as within Disney's Maleficent). In abc's Once Upon a Time we have the opportunity of seeing many hearts harden and many harden hearts turn to the light.  Roland had once asked what it is I like about the show.  I don't guess that it is much different from his comic books or comic book movies where there are also heroes and villains.  

            As a youth I think the things I enjoyed most about fairytales was being able to decipher who was the hero and who was the villain.  Growing up has changed that somehow, because we don't always know.  It isn't always so obviously spelled out for us.   We don't always know what is trickery and magic or even intent.  We turn to both light and darkness searching for answers or solutions to fix our problems.  We may steal from another who can afford to be stolen from - or at least that is how we rationalize it in our minds.  We're coaxed into trying things like drugs or alcohol to make ourselves feel better. Or perhaps we have seen some fall into gambling because there's a slight chance that we could double or triple money  in order to pay the bills just to make ends meet.  But dark choices often lead to addictions - not happiness.  Dark choices come with a price - not just to the person making the choices, but those closest to the one choosing or being controlled by the dark ones.

            In one episode we see a young mother picking vegetables from a garden that isn't hers.  The witch who owns the garden finds the young mother picking radishes instead of magic beans which she finds odd.  The woman apologizes and explains that she is in need of food for her family and "will do anything to keep them safe and happy" at which point the witch locks the mother (Repunzel) in a tower.  Repunzel yells out for someone to help her.  Six years pass before she is able to make her escape by cutting off her hair and use it as a rope to get down.  Repunzel Tremaine learns of her family's whereabouts and learns her husband has remarried but does allow visitation rights for her to spend time with her two daughters, Anastasia and Drizilla. 

            Anastasia is thrilled.  From the moment her mother had disappeared she had been sending lanterns into the sky as a sign to come home.  Lady Tremaine is treated differently by each of her daughters.  Drizilla does not remember her mother as well as Anastasia and has accepted Ella's biological mother as her own.  Out of resentment, Lady Tremaine kills Ella's mother in order to have her family back.  Her hatred towards Ella happens later when the three girls are skating on the ice.  Just before Anastasia falls through the ice, Ella walks out to save her but they both end up falling through. Mr. Tremaine can only save one of the girls and returns to the surface with Ella.  Anastasia ends up dying.  Repunzel Tremaine becomes wicked not just to Ella but Drizilla as well.

            We all live in Storybook at one time or another.  We have all dealt with pain and darkness, and know those who seek comfort in the light.  We allow our hearts to change based upon our emotions, financial circumstances, and other situations.  We fluctuate between light and darkness searching for answers.  There are times when we get off course and ask the wrong person or seek others approval when what we really need to do is "look up and find the answers" (quote comes from Alice - who also seems to share characteristics with a mad hatter's personality as well).

            Looking "up" could be a metaphor of prayer or turning to God for the answers.  This often requires more endurance than does the dark side in which the darkness happens so subtly, it's hard to pinpoint when the darkness started (for me anyway) whereas the light seems to transform one's heart right away.  A powerful brightness that makes the darkness disappear.  If it could only be that way always.  None of us is perfect.  We all have choices to make.  We all have burdens to carry.  We don't have to carry these burdens alone.  We may have good days when we are looked at as heroes and bad days where others may see us as villains.  May we always seek the light that will make us shine.

Stay On Task - Don't Go Ahead!

I've been working at various schools substituting for aides who need the time off for whatever reason.  This week I observed two different classes react differently to the same set of instructions:

            "We will be doing these problems as a class.  Follow my instruction.  I will give you time to finish each problem.  Stay on task.  Do not go ahead of your classmates.  It's important that we do this together."

            The first group did not even make the attempt to follow the directions.  Each had a private race against the other classmates.  Most of them really did seem to understand what was expected on the worksheets but still lacked in following the direction of staying on task and not moving ahead.

            The second group stayed on task and focused.  Though many of the answers were displayed on the board, none wrote the answer on his or her worksheet until the class members were instructed to do so.  The instructor paused with every problem and asked if there were any questions or if anyone need more time to finish writing the answer.

            The children from the first class had raced ahead and run out of work.  They got bored.  There may have been some who were bored in the second group as well, but they understood that their boredom would only get worse by racing ahead.

            Sadly, I saw myself in the first class more than the second and felt ashamed because I had missed out on so much.  By trying to move ahead on my own, I had deprived myself of more learning as I was focused on "moving ahead" rather than "staying on task" that I had missed much of what was being taught.

            As I observed the second group, I was amazed at the metaphors that went through my head as I realized that it isn't just with written assignments in which we need to need to stay on task and not move ahead but we need to be aware of this in our everyday lives.  Perhaps if we all stayed on task and waited for everyone else to catch up and support one another, there would be less problems with crime and negative attitudes.   Instead of moving ahead, we could assist one another at helping all of us to stay on task.  No one would move ahead and therefore no one would get left behind. I think by following these simple instructions we could make this world a better place.