Death of an old friend

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of an old friend, our Mitsubishi big screen. The TV, nick-named "big screen" to those who were close, joined our family about 2 years ago when Taber found it in a back room of the BYU Moving storage and bought it for $50. While it was brought into the home under the objections of Kim, all in the house came to love the old big screen. Movies were never the same, and the light eminating from the enormous flat screen set a romantic touch to any setting. We made many fond memories with the TV, and the twins grew up watching their kiddy shows on it. We will surely miss it.
The circumstances leading up to its death are still under investigation. It made the trip to Oklahoma safe and sound, (including a trip up the stairs carried by a few members of the Elder's quorum) and even worked for a couple of weeks before the color turned mysteriously blue and green. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the red bulb was burned out. Unfortunately, due to the age of the TV, spare parts are hard to come by and as a result, we had to take it off life support. As with many things, the death of our big TV helped give life to our other TV, which is currently sitting on top of ole' big screen (we haven't moved it out of our room yet because we don't know where to put it). It was a good run while it lasted. A trust fund has been set up for the replacement of the big screen. As some of you know, once you go big screen, you can't go back.

We're not in Utah anymore, Toto...

I have been taking (full) advantage of free babysitting offered at the local Y - 2 hours a day with a membership. Pure awesomeness. I have been exploring all the different exercise classes that are available. It was during one of these very classes that I realized we're not in Utah anymore. What class was it? you ask.

Line dancing.

Yep, we've definitely burst out of "the bubble."

And it feels nice.

I've noticed some other differences about life in Oklahoma, other than the line dancing.

• Lots of trucks.
• Lots of horses and cows.
• Lots of skunks.
• Lots and lots and lots of churches. Oh wait, that's just like Utah. Except, they're not all Mormon chapels.
• Killer tornadoes/thunderstorms/winds (and when I say "killer," I mean it quite literally).

But, one of the more subtle differences I have noticed since arriving in Oklahoma about a month ago, and one difference I have been quite surprised by, is the friendliness of complete strangers. Believe it or not, people are friendlier here than in "Happy Valley." That, I would not have expected. I mean, Utah is the WWJD capital of the world, right? So you would think people would be uber kind and neighborly...not always the case. The other day I was at Reasor's, the only true grocery store here in town (Albertson's went out of business, much to my dismay), and I was in the produce section. The oranges looked particularly inviting so I approached the display. An older gentleman came up about the same time and proceeded to tell me how delicious these oranges were and how he's come back three times to buy more. Then, as I was checking out, he came up in line behind me and we again continued the orange banter. But it's not only at the grocery store - I've made "friends" at restaurants, the gym, with neighbors, and at stores.

The friendliness seems to be sincere, too. A lot of times in Provorem, the gesture was there, but the heart was missing.

I'm looking forward to living in a more heterogenous community, with all the perks it has to offer.

Like delectable oranges and line dancing.