Hard to believe it's been two and a half months since I last blogged! I'm not going to try to fill you in on everything that I've done lately (I can hear the sighs of relief from here), but I will touch on a few highlights. Prepare yourself for the list format once again! *diabolical laughter from the shadows*
- In October, Susie and I had the opportunity to take a trip to St Louis, Missouri. A dear friend of the family was getting married, and we flew out to join the festivities. Maia and her beau were married in the St Louis temple, which I had never been to before. Unfortunately, the directions I got off of the web were a bit inaccurate. Getting there was a real trial of faith, but we did make it in time for the wedding. And with less than a minute to spare! (whew). The trip was also memorable for me because it is the longest trip that Susie and I have taken together without the kids since before Esther was born. Many thanks to Grandma Chris and Becky for watching our treasures so that Susie and I could get a much needed vacation.
- I participated in a challenge called NaNoWriMo in November. NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month. The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. I got started a few days late, but I successfully completed the challenge on November 29th! The novel isn't exactly in publishable format, but it was exhilirating to write it! I remember that I really enjoyed writing stories when I was a young boy in elementary school, and this is one of the first times since then that I have done it. And certainly, it is the longest story I have ever written. I suppose that one of these days I should actually finsh the story and then start revising it, but I haven't felt like it. But it was major progress toward one of my goals, which is a good thing.
- As far as my other goal goes, I haven't made huge progress in learning magic. But I got my interest rekindled earlier this month. On December 1st, the family went to a Christmas celebration at the Provo library. The festivities included a magician, who we went to see. Susie and I saw another magic show at my company's party later that week. The second magician was quite good, and rekindled some of the childlike wonder I feel toward magic. And through my studies, I have a pretty good idea how some of the magic works, which added to my enjoyment. I talked to the magician after the show, and learned that there is a local group of an international magician's organization that meets monthly in the Provo/Orem area! I hope to be able to attend one of their meetings in the near future.
- I got an award at work last week. Every quarter, a few employees get an "Above and Beyond" award. My supervisor nominated me for the award, and I received it at the company meeting. The award came with a nice certificate and an equally nice cash award. :) I don't need the recognition, but it is nice all the same.
- After almost five and a half years, Esther decided to get her hair cut. She looks different with short hair, but still cute. In fact, the cuteness comes from inside, so Esther would be cute even with no hair at all. She is also donating the hair to Locks of Love, something that Susie encouraged her to do (having participated in the charity herself). I think that is a good thing to do. I would donate myself, but I don't think I would look very good with long hair.
Those are the main highlights. There have also been several challenges over the last two or three months, but I don't think I'll focus on them right now. Suffice it to say, I would shed no tears if I didn't go back to work until next year. Oh well. I only have to work two days next week, so I guess I won't complain too loudly.
