Taking the Bus

I first rode public transport when I was just a little girl. My Nana would take me into Ogden city for the day and we would go to the temple and then over to the mall for pizza and rootbeer. Today, I decided to take public transport all the way from Provo to Centerville. I am currently on the last leg of my journey on FrontRunner. I am enjoying the WiFi and I couldn't resist taking the time to blog while I wait for the train to leave. There are a lot of people on the train today, unlike the previous times I have taken it. As people filed off the train, I heard so many people excited about riding a train for the first time and amazed at the wonderful world of public transport.

I can't help but think back to Bulgaria, where I truly relied on public transport in full for the first time in my life. My first train ride was out to a small village, Vladitrichcoff. I had been in the bustling, concrete capitol of Sofia for weeks without being able to see beyond the endless rows of apartment blocks. The train was old and rusty. Everything about the trip seemed to transform me back 20-30 years. The village was rustic and everything a small village in rural Bulgaria should be. I loved the feel of the train as it rolled along. I began to sense that the rumbling would never leave me. That trip to the country and to a small stream along a dirt rode comforted me and took me back to my core.

And now, here I am in Salt Lake City, riding a train of a very different and very modern variety. I can use my laptop and be home in about 15 minutes.

Today, my journey began on a bus from Provo and then I transferred to Trax. I met a small boy named Nathaniel on the trip. He was so eager and full of wonder at the whole experience. He kept pointing out everything he saw to me with amazement. I was quickly reminded of how much the world holds to those who appreciate what they see.

Although the trip has taking me at least twice as long as it would to drive, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and taking some time to enjoy the day.

Life is full of stories. I am reminded of that when I can see so many different people. Each has a story, but I really believe that the essence is the same. We live to find joy and happiness. The means and end of such happiness varies for different people, but the journey is somehow very similar. I am reminded of my own humanity, my part in the larger play of life. And, it makes me want to play my role as best I can, all the while enjoying my part.

EFY

It is that time of year again. EFY has drenched BYU campus. All I can say is that every time I walk around and see them lounging outside, I am so glad I am not that awkward girl who went to EFY when she was 15.

Oh, and although I am often a little cynical about EFY, I am really glad that Traci will be teaching them for a couple of weeks this year. I believe she will help them over their awkwardness. Congrats Traci for going for a dream of yours.

Good News

Have I blogged about how much I adore the new commuter rail? Well, I do. I have taken it into Salt Lake a number of times, and I love it. I heard that my student UTA pass works for it, but I wasn't sure, so I called today. And yes, it does. That makes it an even sweeter ride!

I have had a few people tell me, "Well, it just isn't as convenient to take public transport, and it takes longer." My response, "You are correct, but that isn't why people take public transport." I love it because I don't have to drive. I can read or just relax. I don't have to buy gas. I get to people watch like crazy. And, I get to be with out people, which builds a bit more social capital.

Anyway. If you haven't had a chance to check out commuter rail--do.

Bella

I know I haven't been the most devoted blogger as of late, but I promise to catch you all up on some of what I have been doing lately--at least the interesting stuff.

I will start by recommending a movie: Bella. Natalie saw this first, and then we watched it together with Jeri. It is a brilliant and poignant movie. I can't really tell you a lot about the plot because the movie is made to have it unravel for you. But, it is about two broken people who help each other heal and learn how to live again. It is a drama, but it keeps a good pace. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and it has that great non-Hollywoodized feel to it. It is currently at Redbox, so please check it out.

Mother's Day and Monterey

I am planning a nice post about my mom, but I am in California without my laptop and pictures, so that will have to wait. Happy Mother's Day to all my female friends. Even those of you without children. I am so grateful for all the women who teach me so much about nurturing. I have always wanted to be like my mother: strong, beautiful, intelligent, determined, compassionate, and good natured. I don't think I can underestimate the impact of powerful women in my life. Thank you.


I am in Monterey for the week on business. No, not BYU business. I think I have mentioned that I am a technical editor for a branch of the Department of Defense. I am employeed through General Dynamics, which is subcontracted out through the Naval Postgraduate School. In short, I read MBA thesis and faculty papers. I have learned so much about the Navy and I now have a whole string of acronyms running through my head: GWOT, DoD, IA, and so on and so on.

But, I am in Monterey to help with a Symposium. I came down with two of my good friends Jeri and Tammy. We have been vacationing a bit since Friday, but we will actually be working come tomorrow morning.

A full report with pictures will soon follow.

Wet Cement

I love the smells of spring and summer. As I walked across campus today, I was caught away by the smell of wet cement. I love that smell (as long as the cement is relatively clean cement, of course). It reminds me of summer sprinklers on hot days.

It is that time of year again: cold watermelon, bbq's, short sleeves and summer reading. I love it.

Up for a New Game?

I played this great new game last weekend. As you can tell, it is called Bohnanza. You can be nice to the other people playing the game and still win! I love that.

Check it out. Also, if you are in the Salt Lake area, you can rent it at the link above. Or, you can go and play games there. They will teach you how to play them as well. It is a lot of fun.