7 Quick Takes about Home Depot, Weird Ads for Pants, and Annoying Goose Chases at the Allergist's Office

It's 7 Quick Takes Friday! How was your week?

—1—

My kids are enjoying all the books they got from the librarians last week. My 14-year-old is currently reading some YA novel and I happened to see this page:

I feel like this should be the title of my autobiography, and the cover art should be a picture of my living room by the end of the day when the kids are bouncing from couch to couch like pinballs because they are SO TIRED OF ONLINE SCHOOL.

—2—

On Monday I got so much done. I mean, I felt really accomplished. I had a great day, spent quality time with the kids, I felt amazing about it. 

I was still reveling in it while driving the older kids to school the next morning, when I slowed down for an oncoming jogger. Two joggers, actually, and the one in back was wearing a bright yellow vest that said 'BLIND.'

There's nothing like seeing a blind guy out for a run to make your getting a load of laundry washed and folded in the same day seem a little less impressive.

—3—

After he got done with work, Phillip and I went out for a date night. We were saying goodbye to everyone and my 4-year-old asked where we were going. 

"On a date," I told him.

"UGH. Again??"

I wasn't sure what to say, but my 9-year-old piped up with exactly what I was thinking: "What are you talking about? They've gone on a date, like, once."

Then I asked my 4-year-old if he was going to be a good listener for his siblings while we were gone, and he thoughtfully responded "I... don't know." 

—4—

Apparently we've been married for "date night means eating take-out in the car and going to Home Depot" years, but trust me, it was fine. I was actually excited about it.

I got Phillip some nice planters for his home office area for Christmas, now he needs something to fill them with.

And I can't even with these cute little succulents we bought at Home Depot.

Look at this cute little biome.

I'm not really a plant person but I think I want to buy 100 of these things. So cute.

—5—

Phillip is also in need of some running pants, so I was doing a little research for him. 

Most of the pants I was seeing were thin and not really suitable for outdoor use in New England winters, so I changed my search from "men's joggers" to "men's lined joggers." 

On the second page of results were these pants that are definitely lined:

Not only is this a super-weird (and unflattering) way to show off the lining, but the thighs and ankles of this model don't even appear to be the same race. I am so confused.

—6—

Weeks ago, my son had blood drawn for some labs at his allergist's office, but I hadn't heard back about the results. 

When I called the office I sat on hold for a long time and got transferred to two different receptionists, and finally I spoke to someone who told me "our records say that the nurse called you about it and left a message on your voice mail."

Annoying, but fine. I thanked her and hung up to go check my voice mail

Sure enough, there was a message from the nurse. And all it said was, "We have the results of your bloodwork, please call the office to discuss it."

GAH!

—7—

Every Sunday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, instead of a sermon given by a pastor or priest we listen to talks given by different people (men, women, and teenagers) in the congregation.

We're not all excellent public speakers, but it's insightful hearing from people with different backgrounds and perspectives each week.

One of the speakers at church this week was a biologist, and he talked about the importance of the biological process of decomposition. Hear me out.

If you look at a forest, it's messy. There are dead branches and fallen leaves all over, most of it in various stages of decay. The beauty of a forest. biologically speaking, is how the process of decomposition contributes to its life. Decomposing organic matter attracts insects (as well as all the birds and animals that eat those insects) and puts nutrients in the soil for the trees' future growth.

Like the biological process of decomposition, God also allows for a spiritual process of repentance. While messy and at times unsightly, the existence of all our mistakes and weaknesses open the way for this process of repentance to transform us. 

Repentance doesn't just erase our sins like they never happened, it's actually an essential step in our growth to becoming wiser, more compassionate people.

I got two things out of this talk: one, it's okay if your life is messy. You could never grow from your mistakes if it looked pristine and perfect all the time. 

And two, never judge someone else for their downed branches. You never can tell what could contribute to their future growth — maybe that process is even happening now, and you just don't know it.

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