Life-Lessons 101

The assignment: Write about a time when you had to overcome a weakness or do something difficult. Tell what it is, what you did, and how you felt. Explain also the lesson learned. This was my assignment given to my Jr. High students not so long ago. This was my own experience I shared with them.

It was many years ago in a land far from here. I was 4 at the time and had borrowed my neighbors Big Wheel without permission. The wind on my face and the freedom to ride all over the neighborhood was exhilarating. The feeling ended abruptly when my neighbors returned home.

My neighbors owned something I did not- a big, bright red and yellow Big Wheel with wide and black tires. It was a thrill to ride. I went to my neighbor’s house all the time so I could ride it. In fact, now that I think of it, riding it was more important to me then playing with the kids that lived there. One day as I knocked on their door, I realized that no one was home, which meant, no Big Wheel rides. My disappointment showed all over my face. I loved racing through the cul-de-sac my feet pedaling so hard and fast. I could beat anyone in a race. Now, what was I to do? I started heading home, probably mad that they were not home. While walking home, a thought entered my mind. I would go and borrow the Big Wheel.

I immediately ran back to their house and opened the latch to the gate that led into their back yard and there it was. I immediately grabbed it by the handlebars and pulled it out onto their pavement and then began to drive on their driveway. It was fun driving around in circles for a moment, but that got old pretty quick. I wanted more. Another thought entered my mind. It would be okay to take it out for a spin. I won’t be gone too long. Immediately, I took it out and headed up the road. My twin brother soon caught up with me and told me to return it because I was stealing. I am pretty sure I told him to go and take a hike and took off. After awhile and a few blocks away, the family drove by in their car. They took one look at me, slowed down, and stopped to ask me if the Big Wheel was mine. I started to cry and took off running towards home leaving the Big Wheel right in the middle of the road.

When I got home I ran into my room and hid under my blankets and pillow. Soon, I heard a knock at the front door, my dad talking to my neighbor, and the door closing. Then, I heard footsteps in the hallway and a knock at my door. I ignored the knock and didn’t say anything. My dad entered and then the discussion began. He was calm and not angry. In his soothing voice, he proceeded to tell me that I needed to go and return the Big Wheel and apologize to my neighbors. My sobs were so loud it was difficult for me to talk. I remember begging him to go and do it for me. He repeatedly told me that it was my responsibility. After some coaxing, I jumped off the top bunk and headed out the door wiping my tears on the sleeve of my shirt.

I slowly walked up the street with my head hung low. I was dreading every step. My friend’s father was standing on the driveway with his arms crossed watching my every step. I was so embarrassed. I walked past him feeling his eyes bore into my back and rounded the corner to find the Big Wheel still sitting there in the middle of the road. I didn’t dare ride it back and instead grabbed it by its handles and slowly marched it back to my neighbor’s house. When I got to my neighbors house, I quickly put it in the back yard while the father was watching my every move. Then, I sauntered over to the dad and quietly mumbled “I’m sorry” while looking at my shoes. I remember him saying to me as I was walking off- “don’t ever do it again”. Tears were streaming down my face full of relief that it was over and also feeling very bad for my terrible mistake. I felt so bad.

When I got home, I quietly walked into my room, climbed back onto my bed and sobbed into my pillow. Shortly thereafter, my father entered my room. He came over to me and gave me a big hug and told me I did the right thing. I cried into his shoulder and felt the comfort of his arms around me knowing that he had taught me a lesson using love that day. I didn’t want to go over there and return the Big Wheel. In fact, I begged and pleaded for my dad to do it for me. When he told me that it was something I needed to do, I begged for him to go with me. Once again, in a loving way, he told me I needed to do the deed on my own. I did it knowing that I would find comfort and safety in the end.

I have not forgotten that day, or the life lesson. It has reminded me often not to just take things that do not belong to me and to respect other people’s property. It also helped me to understand that I can do hard things and be better for it. Opportunities like this come often, and now that I know I can tackle it, I do, and I will!


.......I wrote this early one morning after Thanksgiving weekend, right before school was to start that day. I shared it with my group excited to see what they would come up with. Great responses about riding a bike the first time, learning to swim, a difficult babysitting job etc. resulted. I was happy about their ideas and yet I was haunted at the same time. I was haunted that I didn't pick out the best lesson learned from that event- the love and calmness exhibited from my father over the ordeal. This event probably would not have imprinted a good memory into my mind if it hadn't been handled in love by my father. I started to imagine how that moment so long ago, would have been placed in my mind had he been angry and upset. I didn't like the feeling. Then, I felt guilty, sick and haunted because I had had an awful Saturday with one of my daughters. It was awful because my reaction towards my daughter was so different than my father's reaction was with me. I needed a new lesson. I got it and now I will try to apply it.

It is funny how sometimes we learn things. As I sat at my computer in the early hours of the morning trying to come up with a topic for that particular writing assignment, nothing flowed until I started writing that memory. Everything else seemed forced. Someone knew I needed that lesson and this is how it was given- in love, once again- by a loving and kind Heavenly Father.

I have two fathers to thank. For one, I wrote this post, the other, I will pray to. I love you both, and Thanks for the life-lesson.

Fashion Show!

Four, 10-year-old girls.....


Music blaring......


Camera's flashing......


Only the red carpet was missing. I remember those days! Fun, fun, fun!

Thanksgiving

Right now as I am writing this I am gorging on a hot, buttery roll. Homemade rolls only occur at Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas at the Voss home. They are so light and fluffy and buttery and warm, that it becomes difficult to ignore the temptation to have another roll and then another.

Thanksgiving felt the same way. It was a buttery and warm, fluffy day full of a variety of aromas, sights and sounds. I enjoyed seeing the girls snuggle in blankets on the couch watching the Thanksgiving day parade in their pajamas while Derrick got in some extra treasured sleep.

I loved being in the kitchen rolling out pie dough while thinking of my grandmother since I am using her recipe. I then pulled out Grandma's pretty bowl, that was given to me after her passing, to use for my mashed potatoes and smiled longingly for times past.

My mind is always miles away when I cook, which is probably why I enjoy cooking during the holidays.

I begin the long and sometimes tedious process of preparing my Thanksgiving turkey knowing that, like labor and delivery, the process will be forgotten when the end product is in sight. I remember back to the time my sister emailed the recipe to me and calling her many times after that to seek clarification. I also remember the disaster of brine and turkey breaking the thin bag and splattering all over my kitchen floor late one night because I didn't follow her directions precisely. Smiles of gratitude form on my face because I have a dear sister who was willing to share her secret recipe which I have passed on to others and have gotten many raves from.

Peeling off the skin on the apples in one long strand makes me happy too. I love the challenge of seeing how thin and long the peels can be, trying to outdo the one before with the next one. Sometimes I win and sometimes I fail. I have convinced many a person that yams are soooooo yummy when prepared with apples. My family is hooked on them and eager to indulge in their sweet taste with a hint of cinnamon flavored apples surrounding them. I also use the apples to make a pie from someone who shared their Grandma Ople's apple pie recipe online. I found the recipe online several years ago realizing that with a name like Grandma Ople it had to be good. I imagine Grandma Ople wearing a flower colored apron over her dress and having her white hair folded tightly into a bun standing by the stove mixing the ingredients in a pot. I also wonder if Grandma Ople realizes that her pie recipe is being used by complete strangers across the United States tasting her wonderful pie and I hope she doesn't mind.

I make the centerpiece which reminds me of the LuLu's first Thanksgiving with us. We went to Durango, Colorado to have Thanksgiving with Mike and Shira and both sides of their families. Aunty Shira had the LuLu make the centerpieces which were clear containers full of cranberries and then topped with floating candles. The LuLu was very difficult that first year because she was constantly in doubt that things could be fun and memorable. Full of questions and anxiety we plugged away anyway hoping that time and experiences would conquer the fear. Aunt Shira knew what to do to help ease a young girls mind. We still make the centerpiece for our Thanksgiving table. The girls also help to ensure that the table is set beautifully for the day.

After the parade is over I put in the James Taylor's Christmas album, which brings back so many wonderful memories too. I love James Taylor and usually listen to him when I am melancholy. My favorite memory is playing him in the car while driving to Telluride, Colorado the day after Thanksgiving, LuLu's first. The ride was so picturesque and quaint. We drove through many small, little towns all covered in white. Main streets were snow-packed and had Christmas decorations hung on windows and street-lamps. Deer were spotted sneaking bites from yards in those towns. It reminded me of an old-time Christmas card. My sister Ani was riding with us, along with my family, and my heart was so full of delight. Just playing the CD again I imagine snow outside my window and all of us bundled up warm and snug looking through frozen picture windows.

The smells of hot rolls and roasting turkey begin to waft through the air and through my mind. I am reminded of being a little girl and seeing my mom fold the rolls in half before placing them on the cookie-sheet. I smell the onions and celery frying in the pan to be used as stuffing later on. I hear my mother sing as she stuffs the turkey while my dad places it in the oven. We then begin to set a lovely table- something that the LuLu had only dreamt about before joining the family.

The turkey is finished. It is crispy and brown. All of us are standing around the counter eagerly waiting for little tastes. Derrick, the master carver, gets busy with his carving tools. He first drains the juices for the gravy, which I am finally able to make, because he has shown me how so many times. I am so grateful he is close by to offer help in words because I am not a gravy expert on my own as of yet. The gravy needs no seasonings because of the rich, salty flavor already. It is delicious by the spoonful! The MyMy is eager to taste. Derrick lets everyone taste the bird and oohs and aahs are rising above the steam. Derrick is the master carver. He has it down to an art. He prepares the platter beautifully while answering carving questions from the bystanders.

I am frantically mashing the potatoes wishing that someone else would do the potatoes because I have not yet captured the art to making potatoes. A smirk on my face appears as I wonder who is making the potatoes at my parents house hoping that they have enough knowing that they do and wishing they would send some my way.

My family and the missionaries were gathered around the table offering thanks for all of our many blessings this year. While talking about families so far away, platters full of good food were being passed around the table again and again. Reminders of how blessed we are were constantly stressed in both the sights, smells and sounds. Laughter was spontaneous as many jokes were shared by the girls. My heart was full because the time, preparation and service I had rendered, had evolved to the people I hold most dear, and this is what I wanted.

After stuffing ourselves completely. The table was cleared and time was set aside for games and family time. Memories burst through with after Thanksgiving football games in Grandma's front yard or in the field behind my parents house. Card games were played around the table while football was watched on TV in the other room. Grandma always falling asleep between turns because of getting up so early to prepare the turkey. As an adult, looking through the ads wondering if early morning Black Friday is worth it, and never seeing the need to begin my day so early in the cold and dark.

After several rounds of Taboo, one of the missionaries mentions pie. The game is put away while the pie is cut. The MyMy takes orders from all, while I cut the pie into slices. The MyMy also handles the cream while Derrick handles the microwave for heating. The pie is eaten. The pumpkin is good and Grandma Ople's pie is also very yummy. Some sneak another slice. MyMy opens her mouth and cream is squirted in clear to the brim. She begins to choke while everyone laughs. Of course, her daddy, who played a huge roll in causing this commotion, needs a reminder to help fix the problem before a disaster occurs.

The missionaries do not leave before leaving us with a message on gratitude and prayer. They gather their books, leftovers, and things and prepare for departure- ready to be missionaries again.

The Voss family pulls out more games to play and turns on some football. I realize that the rolls are almost gone and make another pan hoping the feelings of the day will linger on. Derrick puts the turkey bones into a pot of boiling water ready to make his famous after Thanksgiving soup. The hour is late and hot rolls have come out of the oven. Butter melts quickly while the steam rises. We eat savoring each bite realizing that it is now time for bed. The day is over, but hopefully the memories of another warm, buttery, and cozy holiday live on.

Hope your day was happy too!

Aladdin

The MyMy has been busy practicing for the school play Aladdin. She was Vendor number 3 and sold flowers. She actually had to sing a few solo lines here and there and did a very good job.

Halloween

Halloween came and went without much tradition this year. Not one decoration was hung and shopping for pumpkins on the 30th at 10:00p.m. proved hopeless because all stores were completely out.

Anyway, Halloween night we turned the lights off and watched the new Karate Kid movie and then made homemade pizza.

Here are a few pictures taken at the annual Halloween Carnival our church puts on. The other pictures are from a Halloween party that the LuLu attended.

HOMESICK

I get nostalgic this time every year. My heart begins to yearn for the familiar sights, sounds, and smells that seem so far away that I sometimes wonder if I was ever even apart of them.

My senses miss the Utah State Fair. We went every year when living in Utah. I loved hearing the crowds enjoying the rides, eating navajo taco's, and having the smell of cotton candy tickling my nose and tempting the taste-buds. It was the perfect time to catch a concert- so cheap! We loved visiting all of the animal exhibits especially the mother pig with her babies.

Before we had kids, we always borrowed some from the neighborhood or from my school. Now, one of them is no longer here and is so very missed.

I miss walking to the garden and reaping the fruits of my labor. Long, green zucchini and cucumbers, vines full of red-ripe tomatoes, banana squash aplenty, green peppers turning red. My mouth is watering as I write. I can smell the tomato vines and the soil. My mind is miles away from where I sit.

Tailgate parties, football games, energy-filled stadiums, autumn nights full of crisp air, the roar of the crowd. My heart begins to ache.

Pulling out the sweaters, wearing a jacket in the early mornings, opening the windows for some fresh air seem almost foreign to me.

Visiting a pumpkin patch. Admiring their round and abnormal shapes. Anticipating the chosen ones that will come home to roost on our porch along with our scarecrow. Fall colors surrounding our entire existence.

The leaves changing colors, slowly spiraling to the ground. The crunch heard when jumping on them. The sound of the rake as it pulls leaves across the grass. The smell of leaves starting to decompose, reminding you that winter is just around the corner.

The Sunday drives to the canyons to take in the beauty of God's creations. Seeing bright reds, yellows, and oranges. Stopping to walk among the fall colors while picking up acorns and taking pictures. Smells of the pines, the aspen, and wild grasses. Seeing an animal or two. Hearing our beloved Kramer, enjoying himself.

These are the sights, sounds, smells of Fall. Fall, somehow bypasses Arizona, at least where we live, which makes me very sad.

My mother-in-law sent me colored leaves for our first fall in Arizona. I still have them. They are beautiful and have that wonderful leaf smell. We will set them out today, along with our other fall colors, hoping that decorating will somehow take the edge off the yearning.

My heart truly belongs to fall.

Stuffed-Animal Heaven

I believe that stuffed animal heaven looks like this..............


.



A pink room with a beautiful child who has a loving and caring heart.

Blessed!

5:00 A.M. Curse

While sitting at the soccer fields last evening, finally feeling cool air for the first time all week, I could not stop yawning. It had been another crazy and busy week.

Although it was nice sitting under the stars, chatting with friends and watching an intense game, my thoughts were wandering. I only wanted to settle in for the night under the softness of my blanket and comfort of my mattress for a deep and restful sleep, only to awaken from the streaks of sunshine streaming in through my window.

This never happens for me. My body is on autopilot. It doesn't matter the hour of bedtime, I am wide awake at 5:00a.m. In fact, I begin to panic when the hour gets late and I am still awake at night- for I know that I have been robbed of precious slumber time and will not be able to catch-up on the other end.

Sleep is such a luxury to me. I value it like another would value diamonds.

So, all I wanted for this weekend was the chance to wake-up, on my terms. No early work meetings, no early soccer games, no early church preparation to worry about. It should have happened. It didn't. I have one more chance- tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Labor Day Fashion Show

We hit the stores on Labor Day hoping to find the real deal. The LuLu found some really pretty shoes that will make her the hit of the ball! The MyMy is shown below in her fall/winter gear.




Fancy, shmancy!

Alarm Clock Mishaps!

Mornings everywhere, I am sure, in households far and wide, are flusters of people frantically hurrying to get out the door with everything intact and having appearances pass the scrutiny of the mother test. At the Voss household we are no different. It has been a long-reaching goal to have a happy and smooth morning. So far, our goal has been unattainable.

You see, the MyMy, although angelic in so many ways, struggles with the morning routine. Getting out of bed has been quite a chore. Staying out of bed becomes an obstacle. Having the desire to get ready is obsolete. Angry and stressed-out parents happens frequently. All of the above, not good.

The grandparents, on the mothers side, came up with a brilliant idea of which they borrowed from another granddaughter. "Get the MyMy an alarm clock that she can work on her own and she will love the responsibility." Sometimes, as a parent, you have to admit- duh!!!!!! Why didn't I think of that?

An alarm clock was purchased. A lesson was taught, and the system was practiced and mastered. Now, for real time.

The first 3 mornings, the child, MyMy, was like a kid on Christmas Eve awaiting and anticipating the morning. Just having the alarm clock was enough for the MyMy to wake-up, long before the actual event was supposed to take place. Oh, what glorious mornings!

After 3 days, the trials began. Many mornings, the alarm didn't sound because it hadn't been turned on. Other mornings, the alarm did sound, but all you could hear was snow, causing the child not to awaken, because the radio wasn't set on a station. Then, the alarm was beeping loudly in the middle of nights, causing havoc on the parents, because the clock's time had somehow been changed. The snooze button was discovered, which was being used frequently much to the parents dismay. Lastly, since snooze became off-limits, the child, just turned the alarm off, thinking that she was awake and would get-up very soon, only to fall back into a deep and blissful sleep.

The cute MyMy has gone to school with disheveled hair, missing papers and a hungry stomach. One morning, she about missed the ride to school wherein she would have missed a day of school. The parent's hearts are breaking because of the tough and natural consequences that are occurring. The stress level has not decreased.

Alarm clock mishaps have gotten somewhat contagious with the other child too. The LuLu, after only a few mishaps, has been a quick study though, and did work out the kinks.

Thoughts have been placed in the hazy and tired minds of the parents of what to do when the MyMy is a teenager and has early morning seminary? Drastic resolutions have been thought. "Do we move to a place where there is released time? Or, do we go inactive? Something has got to be done!"

One would wonder, if there is some genetic trait that would cause this disturbing behavior? I mean, both Derrick and myself were perfect, sweet children and teenagers at morning routines! Wink, wink!

I am sure that there are some parents out there who are thinking and giggling amongst themselves........PAYBACKS ARE SWEET!

Another School Year!

The girls just finished their 3rd week of school. These are pictures taken the morning of their first day.


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Like happy eager beavers ready to gnaw! Here is to an awesome year you two!

Leapin' Lizards!

The other day a small little lizard found its way into our house. We tried to point it in the direction of the door, but in a state of panic, the little lizard ran the other direction and slipped underneath the coat closet door. (Now, in Arizona, there really isn't a need for a coat closet, so our closet has become the game, movie, wrapping paper closet.)

We opened the door, slid the wrapping paper out and there hiding in the corner, breathing heavily was the tiny little creature. I figured I would just catch the little guy with my hand and then walk him out to the big grassy bush he likes to hide under. (Yes, we have seen him there for several days.)



Apparently, the big, ugly object, my hand, scared the poor little guy into another panic. The little lizard climbed up the shelf railing where there was no way out. That was when we, all the girls in the household, started to panic. All I could think of was him dying, the smell that would ensue, and finding a shriveled, decomposed skeleton eventually.

MyMy could only think that a cute baby lizard was going to die, and it didn't deserve that kind of treatment. The LuLu didn't want to find the lizard anywhere else in the house.

I put a plate of water at the bottom of the railing and left the door open, hoping that the water would entice the little creature onto a different adventure. I then left for work assigning the girls to be on lizard watch.

That evening, we were all wondering if the little lizard had found his way out of the closet. Our concern was that yes, he did make his way out and had found a new hiding place. Derrick, being the man of the house, and the only one with brains smart enough to outwit a lizard, decided to use a flashlight and a paperclip to handle the problem. (He is a modern MacGyver) He immediately discovered the lizard still hiding in the railing and used the paperclip to coax him out. Once out, a plastic cup was placed over him and a thick piece of paper was slid under the cup. We all walked outside and Derrick placed the paper by the bush and lifted the cup. There, with heart beating out of his chest, was the little lizard, still frozen scared. Derrick gently encouraged the little lizard off the paper and quickly the little guy darted towards his coveted bush.



We haven't seen the little critter around since. Hopefully, he is off to more adventures.

Why We Need Fathers

There are many great reasons of why we need fathers present in kids lives. Statistics have proven many times over that a role of a father is very important in the upbringing of stable and happy children.

I agree most completely. Fathers are needed- especially when technically challenged mothers are trying to set-up technically challenging toys.

Hurry home Daddy!!!!!!!!!!

Journaling

(Grandpa and the girls at Grapevine Canyon)

So, what happens when life gets crazy and you can barely keep up with the laundry? The answer is, that blogging, although much better than laundry, is set on the back burner for another day. Yet, what do you do when the blog is also a capture of memories for your posterity?

Do you................
Skip those memories and pick-up where you are now?
Or, do you...........
Play catch-up and post past events although some are long gone?

I am not sure of what the answer is. Therefore, I am stuck!

Do I mention the letter written by the MyMy pleading to the Naughty Leprechauns about postponing their mischievous acts until we were back in town?


(Maya scouring the house for naughty leprechaun pranks)

Or, what about the fun-filled time we had with cousins in Las Vegas over their Spring Break?


(Enjoying the Bellagio Fountains at night.)



(Valley of Fire)

If I mention that trip, then I surely must mention the Give a Day, Get a Day trip at Disneyland with James and Terra in April.


(James and Terra at the Newport Beach Temple)




(After spending a day cleaning the shores of the Colorado River, the Voss Family enjoyed a day at Disneyland, compliments of Disney. It was a fun-packed day. Thanks Disney!)


(You can't do a trip to California without enjoying a day at the beach. Huntington Beach)

I mustn't forget the Easter holiday either.




(Annual Easter egg hunt at the Bartons)

Now that I am keeping a regular journal of sorts, I realize how life never changes. We repeat activities from year to year.

For example, the girls just completed another year of dancing classes. Their recital was Friday evening. It was fun to see what they have learned, and to see their happy delightful faces.



Swim team has also begun meaning a very busy summer full of early morning swim practices and Saturdays consumed by swim meets.

It seems as if I had just recorded those events, yet it has already been a year.

Yet, it is those traditions, and seasons of opportunities, that we look forward to each year. We love those naughty leprechauns and the coloring of Easter eggs. Dance recitals and swim team also show growth from the year prior. Visits from relatives vary in time, place, and whom. Before we know it, the girls will be all grown-up and gone.

So, although some memories are long past, it is important to take some time and jot down a memory or two to remember that memories are worth collecting and capturing.

I hope you enjoyed this visit down Memory Lane too.

Deal

The MyMy and myself made a deal the other day. She would improve her swimming, I would get healthy. Last year's swim season was pretty much towing the line for both of us. We did it, but didn't accomplish much.

This year's season is just getting started. Already the MyMy has forgotten her swim gear, in which huge smiles have enlightened her pretty face, only for it to fall quickly when Mom still drops her off anyway and the coach makes her run, do squats, push-ups and the crab walk.

I have gotten up at 5:00am only 2 out of the 5 days to exercise and that chocolate urge keeps getting met.

We are not off to a great start. So, here is the commitment: Put it down in writing and throw it out there for all to see. This, I hope, will help with accountability.

Both of us realize that the MyMy is not striving to be the next Michael Phelps, and I am not trying to look like Mia Hamm. Although either would be delightful!

There is however, always room to improve. Wish us luck!

Red Tape

For 3 years we have been trying to maneuver around the red-tape of government. Hours and hours of time have been spent on the phone, in offices and gathering paperwork. The picture above completely represents the frustration that we feel!!!!!!!!!

Because maneuvering red-tape is very time consuming, we wait until we have breaks. So, in our household, spring break, or any other break, also means working on the red-tape, wishing we had a magical wand.

At the last minute, we decided to book a hotel and head to Phoenix for yet another visit to government offices to seek out assistance. Our trip started out very lovely. We admired the saguaro cacti and Joshua Tree's that came into view. Since we have had a very wet winter, we also enjoyed the wildflowers growing along the roadsides the entire trip. Beautiful!



Our first office visit, the Secretary of State of Arizona, was successful! Yahoo! Afterwards, we walked along the grounds of the State Capital admiring the statues, and fragrant trees.







Then we took the girls for a fun treat- pizza at the Organ Stop restaurant. The place is a kick! A man plays organ music of any kind while people eat yummy pizza. Everyone sits family style facing the wall of organ pipes. We enjoyed listening to swing-band music, Louie Armstrong, songs from musicals, and Olympic theme songs and National Anthems. We must of been very hungry because the 4 of us downed 2 pizza's!



After stuffing ourselves silly with food and music, we settled into the hotel pool for some swimming and hot-tubbing.



The next morning, we strolled the Mesa Temple grounds admiring the cactus garden and spring-time flowers. The grounds were so beautiful and fragrant.





Then we took the girls to another adventure- Crispy Cream donuts- yum! We wore our hats and ordered hot donuts for breakfast. We ordered a dozen, and they disappeared quickly.



Then, we went and faced doom- or other government offices, who really like to use the word "NO!"

After sitting in two different offices for a total of 5 and 1/2 hours, hearing a foreign language and the dreaded word NO, NO, and NO, it was time to call it a day and head home.

Which means, more red-tape to work through during the next break. Something to look forward too, I guess?!