Saturday, March 29, 2008
Thesis Schmesis
On Thursday March 27th at 9:30 am, I successfully defended my thesis. I didn't realize the accomplishment that it would be until I actually did it. And, amazingly enough, I don't even have any major changes to make to my thesis--just some grammatical/editorial changes (what a relief!!). So, celebrate with me and buy yourself some icecream (I recommend Cold Stone).
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Warm & Kind
I must put in a great word for the people of Duchesne. I was warned that "small town folk don't like newbees" but I have been more than welcomed--the people are very much warm and kind. I'm grateful for them and all they do. May blessings come their way.
Walking Wonders
Have you ever walked somewhere? I walk almost every where in Duchesne. After all, I live 2 blocks from the grocery store, basically across the street from the post office, 3 blocks from my office which is in the library, and directly across the street from the church. Where else do I need to go? People seem to be shocked when they learn I walk so much. I'm shocked they don't. Let's get out and walk some more--especially with the warming weather!!
DD Adventures Continued
Being a small town, everyone knows who you are, what you do, and where you live. If they don't know, they ask--and a general idea where you live is never enough. They need to know exactly where.
One particular Sunday after Sam had returned to Colorado, the ward received my records and I was asked to stand in recognition in Sacrament Meeting. It was then announced to the whole congregation that my husband lives in Colorado. Maybe that's not a big deal...but I am a young woman living all by myself in an unfamiliar land. Not the safest thing to do. Since then, random people whom I've never met or noticed ask me when my husband will be returning to visit and ask how I'm managing all by myself.
The first time I checked out a book on CD from the library, the librarians stated, "you must be going to Colorado." Yep. So I was.
One particular Sunday after Sam had returned to Colorado, the ward received my records and I was asked to stand in recognition in Sacrament Meeting. It was then announced to the whole congregation that my husband lives in Colorado. Maybe that's not a big deal...but I am a young woman living all by myself in an unfamiliar land. Not the safest thing to do. Since then, random people whom I've never met or noticed ask me when my husband will be returning to visit and ask how I'm managing all by myself.
The first time I checked out a book on CD from the library, the librarians stated, "you must be going to Colorado." Yep. So I was.
More Adventures in DD
I soon decided to rename Duchesne (pronounced "Doo-shane" for those who never took 4th grade Utah Studies). Before I tell you the name, I must tell you that I mean no offense whatsoever to anyone who lives in Duchesne. It has only to do with the physical geography of it and the surrounding waste lands. Duchesne is now known to me and my family as DD (meaning Desolate Duchesne).
Duchesnian Adventures--Part 1
On Saturday December 29th, 2007, I moved to Duchesne, Utah. I've had so many adventures there that I just have to share. Before I begin, I probably need to tell you that Duchesne is a pretty small town in rural Utah (if you know rural Utah that should be enough explanation--if not, read on).
First of all, after we had some help unloading our U-haul, our landlord came and told us he called the people who own the U-haul place in town and they wouldn't be in their office until the following Wednesday, so we could just keep it until then (even though we had to sign a form in Logan saying we'd return it Saturday or we'd have to pay a certain amount per day after that). So, the empty U-haul hung out on the street infront for the next few days.
Next, I asked the landlord for a key to the house. He then informed me he didn't have one, but I shouldn't worry because my things wouldn't be bothered. He must have seen the un-discrete look on my face, because a few moments later he was back with a new door knob and key.
I began looking for my mailbox to see if I had received my last paycheck that I had forwarded the previous week. I looked by the door, out on the street, and even around the corner. No mail box to be found. Upon calling the landlord, I learned no mail is delivered in Duchesne; I was left to infer that meant I need a PO Box. So, to the Post Office we go (across the street). I was given a form for a PO Box and after it was completely filled out, the man then told me they were out of PO boxes. That's right--out. They'd call me when one became open. I had to ask what to do in the meantime, and the postman told me (in a tone that meant "well, duh, you should know this") I'd have to just use general delivery. Until then, I had no idea what general delivery was. Now, I know it means mail should be addressed this way:
Melanie Jewkes
General Delivery
Duchesne, UT
And mail would come to the post office and then I'd have to go up to the counter and ask for my mail. What a pain! I finally decided to use my work PO box, and I didn't get a call from the Post Office about an available PO Box for almost a month later.
First of all, after we had some help unloading our U-haul, our landlord came and told us he called the people who own the U-haul place in town and they wouldn't be in their office until the following Wednesday, so we could just keep it until then (even though we had to sign a form in Logan saying we'd return it Saturday or we'd have to pay a certain amount per day after that). So, the empty U-haul hung out on the street infront for the next few days.
Next, I asked the landlord for a key to the house. He then informed me he didn't have one, but I shouldn't worry because my things wouldn't be bothered. He must have seen the un-discrete look on my face, because a few moments later he was back with a new door knob and key.
I began looking for my mailbox to see if I had received my last paycheck that I had forwarded the previous week. I looked by the door, out on the street, and even around the corner. No mail box to be found. Upon calling the landlord, I learned no mail is delivered in Duchesne; I was left to infer that meant I need a PO Box. So, to the Post Office we go (across the street). I was given a form for a PO Box and after it was completely filled out, the man then told me they were out of PO boxes. That's right--out. They'd call me when one became open. I had to ask what to do in the meantime, and the postman told me (in a tone that meant "well, duh, you should know this") I'd have to just use general delivery. Until then, I had no idea what general delivery was. Now, I know it means mail should be addressed this way:
Melanie Jewkes
General Delivery
Duchesne, UT
And mail would come to the post office and then I'd have to go up to the counter and ask for my mail. What a pain! I finally decided to use my work PO box, and I didn't get a call from the Post Office about an available PO Box for almost a month later.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Beginnings
Apparently, I've [un]successfully avoided blogging. Why have I avoided blogging? Maybe for the same reasons I avoided using an iPod--I wanted to avoid what every one said was cool. And I thought it was a little frivolousness. And I didn't like the mask blogs become, covering our true identity, concealing our personal and professional ethics, and opening too many opportunities for negativity and poor manners.
However, because of the many emails I've been receiving stating "look at my blog" I've noticed it's quite fun to see photos of my friends and family and to see what they are up to in their life. It's fantabulouso! And so, this blog is for YOU more than it is for me. Enjoy!
However, because of the many emails I've been receiving stating "look at my blog" I've noticed it's quite fun to see photos of my friends and family and to see what they are up to in their life. It's fantabulouso! And so, this blog is for YOU more than it is for me. Enjoy!
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