Shards of Glass

Daily experiences package themselves in a variety of ways. Some may open to traumatic endings, some may carry endless joy, but most seem to unwrap small elements of surprise in an otherwise predictable life.

Last night my kids wanted to have an Applebee's steak dinner, then play a round of miniature golf for our Family Home Evening (FHE) activity. But, since we had a couple Texas Roadhouse gift cards burning a hole in the pocket, we made arrangements for call-ahead seating and settled on dining at the Roadhouse instead.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were immediately given a cozy booth. I motioned my husband to scoot in, so I could be on the end to assist my son, who was sitting in a high chair. Greg introduced himself as our server, then introduced Jacob as a recent hire and a server-in-training. We exchanged pleasantries as the young men took our drink orders and gave us time to review the menu.

Within a few moments, Jacob-in-training returned, balancing a large tray of glasses filled with soda on his left hand. While he reached across me with his right hand to set a cherry limeade in front of my husband, a lady passed by our table. As Jacob-in-training simultaneously leaned in to get out of her way, he instantly lost grip of the tray, a loud SHATTER! rang through the building, and I was instantly drenched with soda. In a wave of ice cold shock, I yelped...then busted up giggling! Everyone around me giggled. The empty tray left a long trail of sopping wet evidence from the soft, brown hair on my head, through my crotch, and down to my cherry red toenails. Shivering in sloshing pools of soda, I proclaimed, "That was the ultimate ice bucket challenge!"

Needless to say, the shards of glass that scathed my clothing and sliced my fingers paid for our entire meal. We left a generous tip on the table, alongside my daughter's hand-written napkin note (which thanked Greg and Jacob for a great evening).

If we had dined at Applebee's, as originally planned, this mis-hap may have been missed happening. And what a shame that would have been. When any element of surprise presents itself, I choose to bask in whatever experience it offers. This incident produced a lasting memory for my family, and renewed gratitude that I write with my left hand. My only hope here is that Jacob-in-training remains on the payroll to become Jacob-the-server...

Beach Therapy

I never realized how much I would miss going to the beach when I moved a great distance away from it. A day trip to the ocean was often a necessity during my years at Fresno State. When preparations for difficult tests overwhelmed me, or when unpleasant life situations weighed me down, an afternoon relaxing on a soft, sandy beach--drowning in negative ions during rain or shine--cleansed my thoughts and reminded me of the significant role my existence plays in an often insignificant world.

Physiologically speaking, iron carries oxygen to each cell of the body. Both are imperative elements to survival. The core of the earth is made of iron. It has been noted that ocean waves are the heartbeat of the earth, which are controlled by the position of the moon. Negative ions, which are generated by the ocean surf, naturally cleanse the air while boosting oxygen levels. Thus, enhancing mood and stabilizing emotional/mental focus. 

It only stands to reason (with nearly 5000 scientific proofs circulating) that my recent visit to Marina State Beach was a beautifully grand therapeutic session.

[Taking a deep breath of refreshing sea air]

Ahhh! Monterey Bay, until we meet again...