Time Out

Last weekend I went to a Time Out for Women Conference in Portland. What's that? you ask. Well, here's how I described it to some friends who I managed to coerce into going with me, "It's somewhat of a disturbing form of Mormon commercialism where people make money off of our need for increased spirituality, but whatever." (It may seem a little weird to quote myself, but what is a blog if not a perfect vehicle for rampant narcissism?) Anyway, I was intrigued by some of the speakers this year (including one of my favorite byu religion profs), and the theme this year was "A Joyful Life," so I figured, what the heck-- my spiritual well-being was worth at least $69 right?

Well, I had an epiphany. Those of you who know me well, will know that making fun of cheesy Mormon music is one of my favorite past times. And considering that Kenneth Cope was one of the presenters, (and that he had to fill in a lot of time due to a speaker who couldn't make it), along with a few other equally inspiring musicians, you would think that I would have ample opportunity to indulge. You would think. But I just couldn't do it. Yes, there were times I really wanted to slam my head against the nearest hard surface, but there was something about seeing them perform live with all their humanity and vulnerability that inspired in me, dare I say it? A little bit of respect. It was a little shocking to realize I am more of a Paula than a Simon Cowell after all. So I cried like a baby and rushed out and bought all their albums. Just kidding, I still have my dignity after all.

(OK I can't resist: IF I was my former self and not temporarily changed, I would have made this comment: According to the program, Kenneth Cope has a "rock solid testimony of the Savior that is evident in every note." And it's so true! One time, he played a d# and I just knew he totally had a testimony of Jesus. (See, that's how cynical I used to be.)

But overall, it was a great weekend: the speakers were great, the conference was great, and I had a great time with the girls. We giggled (seriously, giggled like school girls) all the way there, all through the conference, and then all the way home. As I told a friend before I left: "hopefully I will come back so overflowing with joy that I won’t even notice the piles of paperwork, dirty bathrooms, noxious weeds, and that ubiquitous spoiled milk smell. If not, then I might resort to plan B: becoming addicted to pain meds." (Yes, quoting myself again.) So far, the joy has lingered long enough for me to at least write this blog post. All in all, my take-away lessons are:

• be nice in line at the post office
• to be a good Mormon I need to buy a lot of things from Deseret Books
  
• the new white hot chocolate at Starbucks is really good.

The Ladies

Thanks Laura and Ros for all the laughs (we'll have to make a pilgrimage to Spiffy's every year). Thanks to my sister Kristy for letting us crash at her place and staying up talking politics with us. And thanks Time Out for keeping me off Percocet for at least another week.