Monday, April 5, 2010

Peta, Derrick, Jenny, Brodi, Jessica & Conference

I'm sorry - I've been slack with my posts the last few days - but I've been pretty busy :) I don't have too much time on the computer at the moment now either, but I'll try and quickly give you the outline (will have to supply photos and anecdotes later!).

THURSDAY
Left Emily's house at 4am in the morning (triple yawn!), and caught the plane to Utah. Well, first it went to San Fran, where I wandered the airport for 4 hours before boarding the plane to Utah! The flight was half an hour late, but Peta was a patient and good soul, and waited for me to appear :) We had planned to go and meet Brodi and Mike at Temple Square to get our conference tickets, but with the plane being late, and with us loosing our parking ticket (which meant the grumpy guys at the booths wouldn't let us out of the carpark - long sad story that ended with us paying $28 and having to wait 20 minutes while they filled out a lengthy and surely redundant form) - we were too late and the ticket office was closed by the time we got to SLC. Sad!
But it was lovely to see Peta, and we had lovely time doing dinner and a movie. When I also ended up catching up with Derrick late Thursday night, which was really wonderful - so excellent to see these fabulous friends again, and I love that with everyone so far it's felt as if I just saw them last week - funny how that happens!

FRIDAY
Peta, had to work, so Derrick picked me up at 11am, and we went to one of his classes on campus (didn't want to be a bad influence and let him skip it - lol!). I loved it. loved it, loved it. It was just an American Constitution class, but I really enjoyed it - I miss school so much! It really is my favourite environment to be in. It was wonderful to drive around provo and BYU a bit with Derrick too. You'll all be really glad to know that I didn't have the emotional breakdown I was slightly concerned about having :) He had a geology class after that, but I sent him off to that alone while I went to the BYU bookstore and caught up with an old professor. I'll have to catch a couple of the others next week too, because it would be great to see them. I really have a special spot in my heart for the campus and the life I had at BYU - I feel very grateful and very blessed to think I was given the opportunity to go to BYU. As bitter as everything felt when I left here, the majority of the five years here were wonderful wonderful, and I was really lucky to be able to come.

After his classes, we shot up to SLC to meet Brodi and Mike at the conference centre and get tickets for conference. Sidenote: really like Mike, and Brodi looks very happy. Once we'd got the tickets and hung out with them for a while, D and I headed over to his brother's house in SLC to hang out for a while and wait for the rest of his family to arrive - they were all coming in for the conference weekend. We ended up hanging out with them until about 11pm that night, and had a great time. I'd met some of his family before, and it was nice to meet and hang out with the rest of them. He has a very cute nephew (though I have to say that Jordan is EVEN cuter :)).

SATURDAY
Jenny's plane got in very late Friday night so she was feeling jetlagged, and our plan to make it to SLC for the Saturday morning session didn't quite pan out. But we did make it up to SLC for lunch with our friends Kent and Ginger (who were in our ward when we all lived at Carriage Cove. They did SUCH a beautiful fancy lunch for us, and it was so exciting to see their beautiful new townhouse and catch up with them. They've just bought a baby grand piano, and I had a hard time dragging myself away from it to eat - I want one! really, really bad! :) Then we watched the Saturday afternoon session at their house.

After that, Peta and Jenny dropped me to Jessica's house in East Salt Lake. Had such a fantastic time hanging out with Jessica and her Mom (her dad was around after the priesthood session too!). I always loved spending time at their house when I was at BYU, and so it was another trip highlight. Jess is wonderful and just the same - really hoping she makes it out to Australia soon (hint hint! hehe!). The three of us made a bunch of homemade pizzas (15 I think?!) for people in their ward who are sick at the moment. We had a dough making assembly line in place and made a fabulous and giant mess - which just made the whole thing a lot more fun :) It had the added bonus of also being an activity I can use to help pass of some of that 'Good Works' personal progress! :) Once we'd finished the pizza making (which was exhausting but very successful), we watched an episode of Phsyc (is that what it's called Jessica?!) which was really funny, and ate sweedish fish and timtams :) Jess also gave me a rundown on the whole 'egg cracking competition' her family hold every easter - it's an excellent tradition, and I'm looking forward to making my family do it next year :) We went to bed at about 11:30 or so. Jessica gave me her bed in her room and went to sleep in the spare room downstairs! I felt really bad about that! But it was really really good of them - they were wonderful hosts and had a really really fun time.

SUNDAY
I had to get up a little early to get ready for Peta and Jenny to pick me up from Jessica's at 8am on our way down to the conference session for the Sunday morning session of General Conference. We had tickets to both sessions of conference today - and I had such a wonderful wonderful wonderful time. We all know what a wonderful trip I've had, and how lucky I've been to see amazing people and do fabulous things, but I think today, sitting in Conference and just soaking up the Spirit - I hit the highlight of my trip to date. We were there for Music and the Spoken Word, and I felt so moved - I love love that choir. If I ever, for any reason found myself living in SLC, I'd go and jump through whatever hoops I needed to for a shot at joining that choir. It's a deep down dream of mine - although I never actually expect to fulfill it :) I tell myself it's okay, because I'll just join the choirs of angels on the other side when I get there - and surely that will be even better! Their final song in Music and the Spoken word was the Halleluijah Chorus. Just Magnificent. They had asked us prior to the start that we didn't stand, since 22,000 people standing would definitely ruin the live broadcast, but it wasn't easy to stay in my seat.

Then the conference started. I felt so humbled and so grateful to be there. I don't think you have to 'be there' to feel the spirit, and I'm grateful for modern media that lets us watch it at home. But there's still something special about being there with so many people, and see and hearing the prophets and apostles speaking to us all. I loved both sessions today, but my favourite was the second session - a couple of the talks in particular really touched me, and I was a little emotional at times. The intermediate hymn this afternoon was 'I know that my Redeemer Lives'. I was so excited to stand up and sing it with everybody. 22,000 people singing hymns together is incredible. I made it loudly and proudly through the first verse, and didn't manage to sing any further - I couldn't stop crying. The words were so beautiful and really touched on the thoughts and messages of the previous couple of speakers and the tenderness I was already feeling.

So yes - conference was absolutley fabulous. I'm still feeling a little emotional actually :) But excited at all of the new things I can be working on and improving over the next 6 months. The last several years I've found myself more and more keenly looking forward to April and October each year. I hope everyone has had the chance to see it, or will see in next week - it's absolutely not to be missed.

After conference this afternoon, we went straight to Sandy, where Peta, Jenny and I went to a dinner at one of the chapels there that Mike's Tongan family were holding for Brodi. It was a really nice evening, and we enjoyed. I felt right at home too, becuase it felt exactly like every ward activity we've had over the last couple of years :)

Well, that brings me to now. I'm very tired, and looking to get an early night tonight! I've looked terrible in the photos I've taken the last several days - I'm just so tired all the time :) Actually, I think I'm still a little bit jetlagged if that's possible! I struggle to make it through every day, and then suddenly wake up at 9pm each night - all ready to go out and do something! I should have taken sleeping tablets on the plane! (Don't worry, I've already bought some ready for the flight home! Jet lag - I've suddenly discovered - is dreadful!).

Okay, I'll check out for now. Love you all lots and lots, and am really missing my family tonight. I'm having a wonderful time, but wouldn't mind a family dinner and couple of hours of chit chat about conference and the neices and nephews. It's a shame we can't teleport! Then I could see friends here whenever I wanted, and pop home whenever I wanted too :)

Please keep your comments coming - I love to read them :)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Tammy.

13 comments:

Jessica said...

I'm with you on the teleportation thing. If I could have a super power, that would be it, but I don't know that law enforcement would be too pleased with that development.

It was so great to see you and I'm glad you were able to fit me into your busy schedule.

I promise to blog about egg-breaking tomorrow (I was eliminated right off the bat in both rounds, so my master plan of losing worked well, but it was bittersweet to let go of the trophy.)

emilysuze said...

Man, that whole hour between Washington and Utah sure caused some serious jet lag. ;)

Sounds like Utah has been wonderful. I really, really miss the experience of being in the conference center--sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with other Saints and being able to feel the Spirit from those humble men and women up at the podium.

I think that moving to Utah and joining the choir is a fabulous idea. Can I sponsor you? :)

Enjoy the rest of your week on campus. Please, please, please eat some BYU fudge for me and Cafe Rio. Yum.

xo,
Emily

About Me said...

Amen to the teleporting thing - wouldn't that be awesome!!! (hehehe - just glanced at Jessica's comment - sorry to say the ExACT SAME THING!!! :))
So nice reading of your experience in SLC and conference Tammy - I'm feeling oddly touched myself and can't wait for the weekend even though trying to keep the kids quiet is slightly dampening my spirits!!! hehehehe but I loved this entry and can't wait to read more! So glad you're having a good time - you so deserve to! Love you lots stranger! xxx

Jess said...
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Sandy M. said...

(I accidently posted this as JJ, so binned it and re-posted :)

I really enjoyed reading your post Tammy. I'm so glad you are having such wonderful times :) Were you with Brodie in conference too? I'm very much looking forward to our sessions next weekend.

I'm thinking that you might like some news from home, so here 'tis a little:

Yesterday was Maggie's blessing, which you can read about on Abby's blog. It was a really special day and it felt wonderful to be there to share in it. We missed you there. Maggie was perfect - as James pointed out in his testimony during Fast and Testimony meeting. And everyone would have been listening to him too, if he hadn't had Maggie with him at the time, sitting up on the podium, looking so cute and pretty, and looking around with those big, bright eyes of hers at everyone!

We had a work morning today (Easter Monday), which everyone was at, except you and Micky and Bec. (We were very glad to have them come down yesterday for the blessing, although they left after Sacrament, and Bec was really ill on the way home, which must have been awful for her. We're all hoping that she is feeling much better today. It was nice to see them and we appreciated them making the effort to come so far.)

Jonny and Jessima and JJ came back here after us all spending a pleasant afternoon at James' and Abby's, then Jenna slept over. She is so funny and sweet, we always love to spend time with her.

Robbie was here for the weekend, then went back today. He and Bethy look pretty comfortable and happy together :)

All the boys (and Jenna, who had had a great time hanging out with them in the garden while they worked), came in to get cleaned up at lunchtime, after which we had the Easter egg hunt. Jenna had been asleep, but enjoyed it, then ate a couple of small eggs before going back to bed.

Maggie was carried around with James, and would probably have liked it even more if she had any idea at all about what we were doing! :) Next year though...

Jordon is so adorable it's hard to put it into words. He's almost unbelievably peaceful and special. AND it's the first time in life that I can understand the, 'sleeps like a baby' expression, since he sleeps almost ALL the time! He feeds, burps, and goes back to sleep. (I'm starting to apprehend the possibility that Jessima may just have been so much more deserving than me in the pre-existence. Not that I don't love you, my children, but there does seem to be somewhat of a disparity in place, doesn't there? and one begins to wonder why it should be so.... )

They are all three of the grandchildren so precious and wonderful that Dad and I just feel so incredibly blessed. It's so nice to have them and most of the rest of the family around today. It's fun. We miss you though, and Mick and Bec.

We're having a 'hanging out' afternoon at the moment. I've just been playing 'take-two' with Dad and the girls, while the boys all play on ... (wait for it... actually, maybe sit down first - oh wait, you probably are sitting down. Good one :) .... 'Band Hero'!
It's true! We bought it in preparation for the twins' birthday in a couple of weeks. They've decided to have a 'lots-of things-happening-everywhere-with lots-of-people' party - on the 16th. Anyway, they've been enjoying it this afternoon - until the girls took over after I started this comment, and they sound great! But the boys have been pushed into audience mode :) Dad is making Neil's Meal for dinner, and then we'll play pool, or games, or watch a movie. I are having a good holiday.

We love you heaps, Tam! Please say hello to everyone for us :)

xoxoxo

Jess said...
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breckster said...

Jealous again. Seems like you get to see all my friends. Glad you are having a good time, and hope you get over the jet lag. I MISS JESSICA!

Abby said...

It's so hard to comment on such an action-packed post! It sounds like you are having a wonderful time catching up with everyone, and it's amazing that you got to sit at General Conference with the Prophets & Apostles!! That must be the most amazing experience - think about how exciting and amazing it is here when one general authority comes to visit! Or when President Hinckley came to speak to us in 1997! So I can't imagine how wonderful it must be to be there. I guess we pretty much get as close as possible though with the broadcast - it's amazing that attendance isn't at 100% those Saturdays and Sundays. I wish I could be there with you!! I may cramp your style and Maggie would starve, but it was so fun travelling around a bit with you when I holidayed there!! I am excited to start the egg-breaking tradition!

I will get onto a photo of Beth's ring next time I see her - I would have done it yesterday if I'd had a chance to read your comment, sorry! But soon.

Hey here's something you'll be amused at: You remember how Robbie was up when we held the JPC lunch for Dad? You guys were talking and you said something about Robbie asking Dad and that Dad would probably want them to wait a few years for Bethany to grow up? I'm sure you were joking, but Robbie was actually planning to ask Dad's permission that afternoon and your comment put him off!!! So he ended up doing it over the phone! :) Hahaha :)

We, of course miss you heaps!! But don't waste time thinking about missing family dinners cause we can have a bunch when you get home, and this is your big trip!!! :) When's the cruise??

Love you lots and lots and lots!!! Say 'hi' to everyone :) xoxoxox (cuddles from Maggie!)

Jess said...

Hey Tammy!

I wish I could be there at conference with you too! we are going to download it and watch it on the tv at home. We did that last time and it just seems easier to do with Jenna and now Jordan (not that you would even know he is there - he seriously just eats and sleeps - AMAZING!!)

So glad you are having a wonderful time. I agree with Abby, don't worry about missing family dinners, we can come around every night if you like when you get back home ;)

Well I am about to blog about yesterday, so by the time you read this, the post should be up.

Love and miss you heaps,
JJJJ

Gayle BB said...

Hello Tam! Sounds like you're having an absolutely fabulous time! Well done you...and singing the Hallelujah Chorus with a wonderful choir...I'm very jealous!

And I'm so impressed with your blogging capabilities...it's fun to stay in touch with your travels.

All's well here...though we're missing you, of course! Can't wait to hear more stories and see more photos when you return.

Stay safe, have fun, eat chocolate!

Sandy M. said...

Well, I'm leaving a comment (again), since you love them so much.....
Of course - it's more fun to comment on a post I haven't already read and commented on before :)
I'm sure you'll write again SOOOONNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No pressure of course...

:)
xoxo

Abby said...

I'm with Mum's 2nd post.
xoxo

charrette said...

We loved having you drop by last night. Thank you for scheduling us into your holiday time. It was delightful to catch up!