Conference Center Tour

Last night for our Young Women's activity we took a guided tour of the LDS Conference Center. I have been inside several times for meetings (only to the first floor) but haven't ever had the time to take a tour to see the artwork, the roof, and to hear the inside scoop from a tour guide. They give free tours Mon-Sun 9am-9pm to anyone who would like to check it out.
The Conference Center is an amazing piece of architecture that seats 21,000, houses a massive organ, and faces the Salt Lake City Temple. I learned that it is 7 times the size of the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC! The artwork inside was wonderful (no copies, all paintings are the originals)--I felt like I was at a mini museum. We got to the roof just as the sun was setting and it was gorgeous. The girls really enjoyed themselves and of course we had to cruise State Street on the way home.

Bella's Babies

Bella, the neighbor's pug, had her puppies! Six darling, tiny, wrinkly, precious, sweet, cuddly baby puglets just a hop skip and a jump from my door. I was in heaven nuzzling each one to my bosom while Bella watched me to make sure I didn't try to nurse one. Their little eyes and ears are still closed and all they want to do is sleep and suckle. Bella is a total natural --animal instinct is amazing!
I have been seriously toying with the idea of a pug child until Shannon told us how much she will be selling them for: $350 each for the males, and $400 for the females. Ouch. So we will just enjoy them while we can and be part of the screening panel to help Shannon make sure they go to loving homes.

Wakeboarding

Yesterday we went to Jordanelle Reservoir for Nate's company party. After watching Nate make wake boarding look so easy I decided to try it. I loved it! What I don't love is being so incredibly sore today I can barely move. (Nate and I have been moaning and groaning all day) I didn't take my camera (unlike me, but I needed a break) but the pictures above pretty much capture what I looked like out there. We had a really good time and enjoyed just relaxing on the boat. I wish boats weren't a billion dollars.

Health Care

Health care is the one of the issues that more often then not becomes a heated debate when Nate and I discuss the world, politics, and social work. I take a more socialist stand on the topic, and Nate feels that the government should stay out of it in order to maintain quality, competition, and innovation. Today on KUER Doug Fabrizio interviewed Washington Post reporter T.R. Reid to talk about his investigation, "Sick around the World."

T.R. Reid traveled to the UK, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Switzerland to investigate health care and the pros and cons of how 5 other capitalist democracies handle it. I thought it was very informative and pretty unbiased.

I was amazed that in Great Britain doctors get a bonus for keeping their patients healthy! Reid says because of this they have become a world leader in preventative medicine. But he also says, "There is probably too much government here for American taste." I liked a lot of Germany's ideas, for example pregnant women don't have to pay anything.

Click here for an overview of facts or click here to watch the program.

P.S. I like how at the doctor's office in Japan you put your money on a little tray and you get your change back on a little tray too. I love details.

Flashback Friday

Party Like a Rock Star

2000

Elisha, Jess, Laura, Haley

To Kill a Mockingbird

Got this book several weeks ago at a thrift store ($1.50--sweet deal!) and I am really into it. I never read it as a kid. Has anyone seen the movie?

Lazy Summer Days

The boys have had a fabulous summer vacation. They have been outside 99% of the time--coming in for dreamy catnaps, sips of cool water, and light hors d'oeuvres . Their friend, Bella the Pug (our neighbor Shannon's dog), will be having babies next week and it will be interesting to see how they react to them. I can't wait to hold little baby pugs!

Say Eight!

Friday night we went with the Tews to see one of our favorite comedians--Brian Regan. The show was at Thanksgiving Point and it was such a beautiful spot! I thoroughly enjoyed laying on our blanket, bare feet in the grass, summer breeze in my hair, and a soothing sunset in the background. I think I would have liked Woodstock. Brian was hilarious and I was exhausted from laughing so hard. Thanks to my mom and Jacob for introducing us!