Sunday, June 28, 2009

Just get me to the Temple on Time

This week I was determined I was going to the temple. I dropped John off at Kids club and didn't even walk him in because I was going to the Temple. The first hurdle was to get around the crosswalk at the Light Rail station on Sycamore. With every blink of the Walk Don't Walk sign I kept thinking Getting to the temple, Getting to the temple, Getting to the temple. As I was repeating the mantra in my mind my car started to ease a little into the crosswalk. Hey isn't there a Dback afternoon game today? I wonder if I could get cheap tickets and Joe and I could take the Light Rail. That would be great. Getting to the temple STOP dang I almost hit the water for a dollar guy at the corner. I rolled down my window and said "Sorry mister I have important work to do at the temple". Now turning on to main street I became interested in the old Wendy's that is now a Burger King. Wow a Burger King! Hey I wonder if they closed the one over at Westwood plaza, I should go check it out I sure hate it when..... What am I thinking I am going to the Temple. I flip a U-ee and head once more to the temple. I have made it to Country club and as I go past Dairy Queen I think "Half Pepsi, Half Diet extra ice" mmmm that sounds so good. I would really like a drink about right now because I have time and I look over at Dairy Queen and I see Satan is working the drive through smiling at me standing next to the Hairy armed girl and he is winking at me. "Come to Dairy Queen, the drinks are cold, the ice cream creamy. My car swerves into the drive thru. I could really have it all drank before I get to the temple, if I drive slow,but then I will have to go to the restroom so maybe I won't go to the temple today because I am already in line. I say to myself "Are you four?" Back on track getting to the temple, getting to the temple. Driving down 1st avenue fast because nothing is going to keep me from getting to the temple. The light turns yellow at Macdonald and I run it. I can actually see the temple at the end of the street now. A popsicle cart attempts to cross in front of me at Mesa Drive. Sorry my friend stay on the sidewalk I will not be buying any Paletas from you today because I have got to get to the temple and if you step one foot in front of my car I might kill you in the attempt to get to the temple. I round the corner (on two wheels) into the parking lot. I am on a roll. Sweat pours from my face as I search and see that every space in the parking lot it filled. This is a sign. There are no spaces . I am not suppose to go to the temple today. I should have stopped at Dairy Queen and could be suckin down my ice cold 1/2 Pepsi right now. I cross the street to the church behind and park there. I'm already here I might as well go now. I slowly walk across the street. All the excitement to get to the temple now diminished. What was I thinking? Why was it so important today? I am thinking this as I walk slowly up the walk. I walk in the foyer the air is cool and it is quiet and it smells really good today. I realize that I have missed the 1:30 session and will now have to wait until the 2:00 session. I decide that I am here so I may as well go. After I have changed and I am waiting in the quiet room for the 2:00 session, I look at the name and information of the person I am going through for. It is Rachel Andersson from Sweden. Sweden! I sit and wait and think about my sweet daughter who is serving a mission in Sweden. I think about my son serving in England and remember the wonderful experience of coming to the temple with each of them. I wait for the 2:00 session and count my blessings. And I am not even finished counting them when it is time to go.

8 comments:

John and Lisa said...

I LOVE this post, Colleen! Never thought I could laugh about a post about going to the temple! And then get a tear in my eye at the same time! Precious!

The Jones Fam said...

I love your post about the temple. You're such a good person to sacrifice 1/2 pepsi at Dairy Queen. I bet this experience is similar to what the pioneers went through. You are so fun! I loved your quotes too! I laughed out loud. "Oogerbe on the ingerfe" is used almost daily at our house. We also call her Amy on occasion.
Nat

tnllunt said...

Wow, I think I want a pepsi now! :) Thanks for sharing Colleen, I really enjoy reading your stuff! I have absolutely similar experiences in trying to get to the temple too. Sometimes I feel like I can't say it out loud that I'm going to the temple... Keep it up!
Lisa L.

Natalie said...

Hey Colleen, it was so good to hear from you! Yes Brynlie is walking, and talking now! She's not really a baby anymore, she's getting so big! How have you been? How's your family? It is so fun to read Jake and Elizabeth's letters! It sounds like they are doing really well. I hope you are all doing good, and hopefully we will get to see you guys sometime soon!

marcie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
marcie said...

You're posts crack me up I'm dyin for a pepsi now :) Its fun to read how Jake and Elizabeth are doing, every now and then I'll get on and read their letters hope you're familys doing good!

lorie said...

I love and miss you Colleen!

Heidi said...

Colleen, I just love you! This made me laugh out loud. And I'm glad that you got to go to the temple too :)