. . . the exotic bird.

I've been serving on the board of trustees of a national organization for the last couple of years. I have a different set of values than most of the other board member. I don't drink or smoke, and I don't even drink coffee or tea. Yes, I happen to be a Latter-day Saint, or Mormon to some. I don't party in the same way most of them do, and I also have some pretty conservative views on certain social issues of the day, particularly what makes a "marriage."

One member of the organization came up to me and asked me if I drank or smoked. I told her I didn't and that generally Latter-day Saints don't drink or smoke, or drink coffee or tea. She said "I wondered if that was why you look so healthy. All of the Mormons I know look so healthy and I never knew why." Because of the timing and the setting I missed the opportunity then to explain why.

Yesterday I had finished a pretty exhausting week of board meetings and other meetings with this organization. I was sitting in a meeting with a bottle of Dr. Pepper, which I had had to roam the city to find in this New England town, when another board member came up to me, shocked, telling me that the Dr. Pepper had caffeine in it. I explained that was the purpose for having the Dr. Pepper, and she smiled and left. Another board member came to sit down by me and we chatted about the Dr. Pepper and other things unique to Latter-day Saints and the propriety of my drinking it. After we talked for a moment, she said, somewhat out of nowhere, that I was certainly "the exotic bird" on the board.

I guess I never thought of myself as an "exotic bird." I'm just me and usually I've thought I was pretty boring. But, I guess if it helps me maintain my values, and if it helps others on the board remember what my values are, I'm okay with being the "exotic bird" on the board. I just hope I'm not a dopey looking exotic bird like the small blue Budgerigar. I'd rather be remembered as something a little more regal.

Malachi

For my family:

What do you think Malachi meant in the first verse of Chapter 4:

Malachi 4:1 FOR, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Prizes for the best answers.

Mother's Day Musical '09

The new Mother's Day band: SSM

Serious for a change . . . .

Just got back from Portland where I attended the annual conference of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Some interesting experiences. I serve on the board of trustees of the group, and it has given me some opportunities to share some things about the Church. With Seth's mission call this week, it gave me some great opportunities to explain why we send our sons off for two years. It helped that his call was to New Zealand because everyone assumed he'd be hitting the beach a lot.

After the conference, I spent about two hours trying to find a car to rent so that I could drive to the Portland temple and give back to the Lord. I found a car, got all dressed up (it was the only time I wore the tie I took with me), found where the temple was on the map, and set out. I found the temple and excitedly approached the front door, only to find a bad storm had shut the power down in the neighborhood. I waited several minutes before they finally came out and said the temple was closed for the rest of the night. Bummer . . . .

So, out of frustration I got back on the Interstate and started driving. I saw a turn off toward the coast and just kept driving. I figured I'd paid for a car, I might as well use it. It was a beautiful drive through the Oregon hills, and I did it silently, with no music or radio playing. It was a good time to reflect and enjoy some quiet time.

I was still dressed up, but turned to Cannon Beach, where Haystack Rock is located. It was colder than heck, but I ventured out to the beach, without a jacket. Here is the evidence of my trip. Sorry about the quality of the pics, and sorry I'm in a couple. I guess I should carry something other than my phone to take pictures.

Is there a Dog?

Great cartoon!

I love American cooking even more now . . . .

My gag reflex is triggered way too easily!

Too obvious . . .

I wish life were more obvious like this. Keep trying . . . .