Actual "Facts"

http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/0729/local/stories/01local.htm

Inside scoop with Dad: Tom Cruise donates money to a woman named Nora Rueben who "saves" the animals and sends them to the compound to be "free". Apparently this woman is a "channelor" to the stars...
There are 20 tigers, 9 lions, too many monkeys, and a few leopards. 100 animals total.

Now that sounds more like Southern Oregon! Well, the Californian-invaded parts anyway...

Fire Season in the South West Oregon District

Had an amusing chat with Mom about our dear valley yesterday. Southern Oregon is a very RANDOM place. Sigh. I don't always feel so proud to admit I went to high school there. I won't say I'm from there...but I lived there for 6 years...7th-12th grades.
Even though Dad retired in December, he still gets hired periodically for consultation or contract work. Apparently he was hired this week as a Deputy Incident Commander (something like that). He's currently helping out with a fire near Klamath Falls that involves a very interesting piece of land. This area is generally known for the many lakes and pelicans, but not for much else. Maybe potato farms...and water disputes. Anyway, this week it's known as the wildlife preserve/zoo that happens to be burning. Some lady from California rescues exotic animals from cruel owners and moves to Oregon to live in a huge compound. The 700+ acre fire is threatening this compound...and the lions, tigers, and monkeys have to be evacuated. I guess this summer the animals will lose their compound rather than a group of cult-like hippies hiding from the government.
Last summer there was a home within city limits that burned. (Grants Pass, maybe?) Well, part of the yard was on fire. The fire crossed the fence and became an ODF problem. When firemen went into the yard to confront the owner after the fire, they were astonished to find a full-grown and angry Bengal tiger sitting on the porch. They had previously hosed down the yard from the other side of the fence, scaring the tiger with the power of the water. It took nearly two weeks to serve the owner a citation for the endangerment of public property via the fire. No one wanted to walk past the tiger!
Have you ever heard of a "fire bug"? It's a person that enjoys playing with fire, not an arson necessarily, more like a small-time pyro. Two summers ago a little boy decided he wanted to see what would happen if he set the wings of a large moth on fire. The moth flew away with burning wings and started a large wildfire. Dumb kid. He's now the official Fire Bug.
I often wonder if it's really that hard to pay attention to the fire danger announcements. You'd think that if you lived in an area prone to large wildfires in the summer you'd be more careful about your outdoor activities and the state of your yard, i.e. the safety zone around the house. Not so.
Have fun! Enjoy the peak of fire season! Just remember to be careful and obey the rules. Best of luck to everyone fighting fires this week. Thanks for your hard work!

Extra Sleep

Just wanted to share with the world how GREAT it feels too sleep for more than 4-5 hours a night! I didn't work the last two mornings and managed to sleep past 4:30am. A miracle! I'm feeling much more myself...hopefully I didn't scare too many people while I was on that sleep-deprived roller coaster. Oh wait...that was sophomore and junior years as well. Sigh. Guess very few people know the real me. Such a sad waste.

The Semi-Official List of Places Steve and I Want to Visit

Disclaimers: It doesn't count if it's an airport or if one of us has been there before. The list can be added to. There is no order of importance.

Canada, France, Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, China, India, Morocco, Botswana, Cambodia, Turkey, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Portugal, British Isles, Egypt, Israel, Belgium, Maritius, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, Czech Republic, Thailand, Russia, Antarctica...and all 5o states.

Are there any must-see places we've forgotten? Probably...

The MARB was inspected today...hope we passed with flying colors! Although, I'm sure there are things we've failed to do for several weeks and I'm also quite sure it was painfully obvious to the inspector. Sigh. Sometimes it's hard to have the presence of mind required at 5am to get everything done the right way. We try our best, though.

Happy Be-lated Pioneer Day!!!

Hotel Rwanda

I took my afternoon nap a little early today...and naturally had weird dreams. I seem to have weird dreams whenever I nap. Does that happen to anyone else? Anyway, I dreamt that Superman and I were driving this big van/truck thing down a deserted road in Rwanda and failed to stop at a checkpoint because we weren't paying attention. We were stopped at the next checkpoint by the army (not sure which) and asked to get out for an orientation meeting and a vehicle check. At the orientation meeting we met with several Belgians and one of them was wearing green stripes like Steve (is that his name?) on Blue's Clues. He looked very Swedish, but spoke excellent French. In my dream I knew him through mutual friends online. It was sort of disconcerting to meet up with someone I know in a dream...even though I dont' actually know him! We were then loaded onto buses headed to different cities and villages. I have no idea what we were doing in Rwanda, especially now. The only thing I can think of is that last night Superman and I made a list of places in the world we need to visit before we die. We talked about Africa and decided that we wanted to visit Morocco, Egypt, and possibly Botswana. Rwanda was not mentioned...but I have seen Hotel Rwanda a few times in the last 5 months. And I almost always dream in French when it's applicable. That's pretty much where the dream ended. I suppose we'll have to consider Rwanda for the list...despite the obvious dangers. Quick note: Hotel Rwanda is an excellent movie. However, if you don't feel like watching a depressing and dramatically accurate story on film...watch something else!

Not Much...

The weekend was pretty good. A little hot, but good. Saturday we had the triple birthday party for Sarah K, Brittany, and I. Superman and I made a castle cake. Whoa. Way too much sugar!!! The canons were the best. We made them out of candles and peppermint patties for wheels. Had a great chat with Thirdmango and Ryan. It was nice to see everyone again...even though we all got together the weekend before. It just doesn't happen much. Which means we need to do it more often! Sunday was my 23rd birthday. Wow. I'm officially getting too old to still be at BYU as an undergrad. Bof. C'est ma vie! Superman made dinner and let me take a nap Sunday afternoon. It was heavenly. :) Monday morning came a little too soon. But, it was a great mail day! I heard from our red-headed friend in Montana and my old roommate in Italy. Mmm...Italian birthday chocolate. I had two midterms Monday morning, but it didn't ruin the day completely. FHE was a little silly. The ward went up to Lindon to have a "Watermelon Challenge". We ended up rolling the melons down the hill rather than actually playing watermelon football...guess we'll save that for next weekend. Superman, David, Katie, Shanna, and I carved a couple watermelons. Well, Superman and I carved...they ate the "guts". Katie ended up with one of the carvings on her head/face. I'll have to remember to post that photo. Yesterday was long, but not without joy. I managed an "A" on my language development exam. Had another chat with Thirdmango...thanks for the visit! And I passed cleaning checks. Sigh. It's the little things that make life pleasant. Today I will take a great and refreshing nap, read Harry Potter, swim/splash in the overcrowded pool, and generally waste the day. :) Happy Wednesday!

By Popular Demand...

I suppose if I were really that independent I wouldn't fill these things out merely because someone asks me to. Oh well. It was amusing for a bit!


A- Age you got your first kiss: 11…does kissing your fishing buddy on a camping trip behind a rock count? If not, 19...Freshman year...enough said.
B - Band listening to right now: Good Charlotte
C - Crush: Superman!
D- Dad's name: Jeffery Gray
E - Easiest person [people] to talk to: Superman, Hayley, Thirdmango…boys in general are easier to talk to than girls
F - Favorite band at the moment: Straylight Run
G - Gummy bears: I prefer the worms…with Goldfish
H - Hometown: Medford, Oregon
I - Instruments: piano…I played the violin during elementary school
J- Juice: raspberry lemonade
K - Kids: What exactly is the question? I don’t have any children, yet. I want children someday. I think it would be a blast to have lots of little boys.
L - Longest car ride ever: Medford to Provo…11 hours. Although, I took a train from Portland, Oregon to Fargo, North Dakota…about 36 hours.
M - Mom's name: Meghan Ann
N - Nicknames: My parents call me “Sara-Poodle”, sometimes Superman calls me “Wonderwoman”, Hayley calls me “Jellybean” or “Gaffer”, in high school my friends called me “DB”.
O - One wish: To see fireflies…only one more month!
P - Phobia[s]: Being picked up.
Q - Quote: “As well as fleeing from misfortune one must shy away from good fortune.” –Johan Huizinga
R - Reason to smile: Dancing and Superman…or dancing with Superman…
S - Song you sang last: Mamma Mia!
T - Time you woke up [today]: 9:06am…much better than the usual 4:35am
U - Unknown fact about me: I worked in a living history center/home as a piano student from 1910 for 5 summers.
V - Vegetable you hate: I used to hate radishes, but now I hate mushrooms.
W - Worst habit(s): Going to bed with my contacts in.
X - X-rays you've had: Left tibia, teeth.
Y - Yummy food: Sushi, sashimi, takoyaki, socca, pisaladiere
Z - Zodiac sign: Cancer

My Most Embarrassing Moment?

I’m not really sure if I have a most embarrassing moment. I can think of plenty to say about the strange things I’ve done or said, but they just don’t seem to warrant the term “most embarrassing”. Perhaps the grade I received in Botany or the time my pants ripped on stage while performing the Sailor’s Hornpipe deserves such a title. I’m sure I’ve been more embarrassed because of things I’ve said or talked about. The sophomore year quote board may shed some light on that. Embarrassing conversations and comments seemed to be my lot in life at that point…probably a result of extreme stress and lack of sleep. Emotional chaos tends to create situations in which embarrassment is inevitable. Perhaps embarrassment is measured by the responses of others…how long it gets talked about, whether or not it is officially recorded on a wall or in someone’s journal, a photograph published on the internet or sent to a missionary friend, the blessing of a new nickname, etc. Now that I think about it, I can’t remember who asked me about my most embarrassing moment. Hmm…guess they’ll just have to read this to get an answer!

1. This has been removed to protect the innocent! Sorry! It's pretty bad...

2. The time I told Superman’s older brother what I thought about his photocopied self: Never tell your best friend/boyfriend’s (who at the time was on a mission) older brother that he looks better in real life than in a photocopy of himself. I’m sure I deserved the look I got!

3.Dance performances can be humiliating: When I was 9 years old I often performed the Sailor’s Hornpipe solo for our Scottish Dance troupe’s gigs. I will never forget the sound of my pants ripping that somehow managed to overpower the bagpipes. Still embarrassed just thinking about it! During the first performance of BYU’s lu’au this last March, my lavalava managed to fall almost to my ankles. Not as bad as the pants ripping, but still awful.

4.Conversations: If you really want to know what strange and probably socially unacceptable conversations I’ve had, ask Thirdmango or Superman. They would definitely know best!

Just for you!

My 20 People and Their Random Facts...

1. Steve
2. Jon
3. Kayela
4. Katelyn
5. Garrett
6. Kim
7. Masha
8. Scott
9. Sarah K.
10. Diane
11. Sara R.
12. Bronson
13. O.J.
14. Robert
15. Kyle
16. Lisa
17. Sarah from upstairs
18. Eric the Red
19. Freda
20. Rob (the dinosaur)
Who is #8 going out with?: No one at the moment…at least that's what I’ve been told.
Is #9 a boy or a girl?: Girl
Would #11 and #2 make a good couple? Probably not. They’d drive each other nuts! French is her native language…English is his. Enough said.
How about #18 and #4?: Considering he’s married and she is my 17 year old sister…no. Although, he did take her to a BYU dance when she visited last year…before he met Susan, of course.
What grade is #17 in?: A junior at BYU.
When was the last time you talked to #12?: Last Saturday at our ice cream/dance party.
What is #6's favorite band?: Rascal Flatts?
Does #1 have any siblings?: He has one older brother, three younger brothers, and a little sister.
Would you ever date #3?: She’s a girl! And my roommate/best friend! And a missionary! Would you ever date #5?: He’s my little brother! And a missionary! I would, however, date someone a lot like him. Oh wait. I am!
Is #16 single?: She just got engaged to Matt and they will be married next June after he’s finished with basic training.
What's #15's last name?: Christensen
What's #10's fantasy?: To marry O.J. in Florida next month!
Would #14 and #19 make a good couple?: Actually…yes! Weird. I guess I’ll have to introduce them!
What school does #20 go to?: BYU
And #1: BYU
Tell me a random fact about #11: She’s from a French speaking island southeast of Madagascar (Mauritius).
And #3: She once thought I died in my sleep because I slept in past 9am. She didn’t panic, just poked me to see if I was cold.

Anything else you'd like to know?

Happy Bastille Day!

Not much of a celebration...mostly just work and classes. I suppose I could create some sort of blue-white-red dinner tonight. You can't be a French major and not at least attempt to celebrate the 14th of July! I'm sure I'd get more planning done if I weren't so tired and distracted! I was so excited at the beginning of the week...and now it's nearing the end and I haven't slept enough to think straight. That makes classes quite a challenge...especially evening classes. Oh well. Tomorrow is Friday and I have the whole day off after work. Maybe I'll celebrate tomorrow between naps and laundry. Although, we're having that triple birthday party Saturday night. Maybe we could just add Bastille Day to that...somehow it doesn't seem ethical. Besides, who can resist extra parties? Last weekend our ice cream party turned into a French department party. So, we could just claim it was an early celebration...
Hello to my friends in France: Jean-Claude, Beatrice, Aurore, Florine, Violaine (even though she's currently staying with my family in Oregon)
And to all my French department friends: Sara, Diane, Sarah, Sarah, Bronson, Katie, Becki, In other news...tonight we get our MFHD 355 tests back. Ugh. Not looking forward to that. I'm sure to be ashamed and humiliated. C'est la vie!

Little Brothers Are the Best!

I'm sure that older brothers are great, too. I just don't have one. So, little brothers are the best. At least mine is. He's currently serving in the Japan Sendai mission. Only 5 or 6 months until he comes home! Man, his Japanese has really improved! I'm jealous...mine has gone down the hill and then some. Too bad. Maybe I'll be more motivated to work on it after I finish watching the videos he sent. Anyway, back to little brothers being the best. He's the only boy in the family and sandwiched between myself and Katelyn. He's a great kid despite having been tortured for 18 years by two sisters. :) It's difficult to dislike my brother. He tends to be blunt, but rarely offends anyone for too long. Such a talent! Every week he e-mails his thoughts on life, the mission, his companion, our family, the gospel, and then nearly always gives us a lecture/talking to. This week he's big on being prepared to teach the gospel. He has Katelyn and I reading Preach My Gospel and reporting to him. I must admit, sometimes I ignore his little lectures, but this time I think I'll give it a shot. He is rather convincing and incredibly sincere. It's no wonder he manages to find people to listen to he and his companion. It's hard to ignore his simple, yet very detailed, testimony of the Atonement. I envy the girl that steals his heart. Garrett's great! Excuse me...Elder Schwanke is great!

MFHD 355 Exam Tonight!

It's hard to describe why Language Development (MFHD 355) is such a good class. It appears to be a very complicated class, but in reality it isn't. The key to doing well seems to be paying attention to the tangents provided by the professor and not the actual lecture material. The class is small; only about 3o girls...and no boys. Naturally. The professor takes the first 20 minutes to call roll...he writes us all down on a seating chart everyday. It's a very complicated process. If the class were only 50 minutes this would be awful. But, it happens to be 2 1/2 hours! We've all agreed that if we were to sign the roll and proceed with the lecture we'd be happier. Perhaps we'd even get out a little early! The fascinating thing about this class is not how it runs. It's the way he teaches! He's not only scatter-brained, but he tends to teach material from his other classes and not the material from our class. He usually brings a list of terms and page numbers for the material we are supposed to cover and then announces that we MUST read about those terms for the next class period. The next class, we are presented with random facts and studies pertaining to some other aspect of language or brain development that has very little to do with what we read and did not understand. Sigh. I think he needs to retire. Honestly, he seems to feel that feeding us whatever comes into his mind is equally important to our academic enlightenment as the pages in the book we don't discuss. Somehow, we all learn the material...it probably leaks into our brains in the middle of the night. The first exam is tonight...it's bound to be a novel experience. In other news...I managed an A on my physiology exam yesterday. There's hope yet for those of us in the humanities! Not that I am ashamed to be a French major.

What Happens When a New EQP is Called...

I finally remembered what I was going to share while I "talked" with Jon this morning. Superman moved into my ward this term and has since caused several rather embarrassing moments. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now! Anyway, the real story is that the EQP handed out the home teaching assignments last week thinking he had everything under control. Wrong! Robert (FHE brother) came by Friday afternoon to tell me that he was my home teacher and asked if I knew where Superman was. And then he said the funniest thing ever: "He's my companion." My only reaction: "Weird." Poor Robert! I'm not sure he really understood that I didn't mean "weird" that he was my home teacher, just that Superman is as well. A similar conversation occurred when Robert located Superman and informed him of their home teaching duties. Superman's reaction: "Weird. This could be strange." Again, poor Robert! I'm sure that he is now fully aware of the little problem. My conversation with Superman over what ought to be done was equally amusing. According to Superman, our dating situation is a "pre-existing condition" and ought to give the EQP enough reason to change their home teaching assignment. Apparently dating me is a disease...pre-existing condition, my eye. Well, I suppose it is. There's just got to be a better way to say it! Other strange results of this ward and new callings...I am the FHE grandmother, also mother of a group...thus I have two "husbands": one is also my son and the other is the grandfather and father of the other group. So complicated! My children are then also my grandchildren...this includes Superman. If he were in the other group he would be my grandson, but not my son...or maybe he would be my nephew...now I see why many wards refrain from calling FHE group leaders "parents"!

Memories of Strange Days and Even Stranger Nights

Mom was right; taking pictures of funny moments makes life worth living. If you can't document the brightest moments of college life, than what are you in college for? And why would you ever want to forget Sarah in leather pants, Rob in pink stripes, Bryce with bows in his hair, Sara and Sarah creating dances to memorize botany terms, etc? For that matter, where would the many wall decorations, apartment quotes, and shrines come from? You certainly can't create a shrine to a long gone friend in New England or Brazil without the best (and sometimes worst) photos from their pre-hiatus lives! No one will ever forget Jon eating all those bowls of Marshmallow Mateys or his miraculous personality-changing hair cut. It's definitely better to be the photographer...or the editor! New goal for the week: Take more photos!