Flipping the Switch between Spiritual / Inspirational and Humorous▣ Seattle
As you know, I grew up in Springville, Utah, center of the universe. I still put my hand over my heart every time I enter the city limits.
I come from a small family--four of us, to be exact. Rusty, Gloria, Richard, and Roger. Gloria would have loved to have had more children, especially a girl, but she was not able to. I say that after Roger was born, she saw the degradation in quality and stopped, but that isn't actually true.
Well, we lost Rusty 12 years ago--and it's been 10 years since we laid Gloria to rest. Roger lives in Spokane and Seattle. I live in Utah. So, the two remaining members of our small nuclear family don't get to see each other very often. Roger comes to Utah much more than I go to Washington.
So, on June 3, I had a great opportunity. I threw caution to the wind and flew to Seattle, arriving mid day. Slightly less than 48 hours later, I returned home. But in the interim, Rog and I had a great time, even though he took me a bit out of my comfort zone temporarily.
After picking me up at the airport, we went to the mall for lunch and then to an exclusive spa for a pedicure. A $55 pedicure (each), plus tip. We were the only men in the entire spa, which was otherwise filled with upscale women having their fingernails and toenails done. Roger seemed right at home. He laughed and joked with everyone. I, on the other hand, felt a little bit out of my element.
It hurt when the young women trimmed my cuticles, but I tried not to be a baby. I must admit, though, that my feet felt great when it was all said and done. Just when I started feeling a bit comfortable, I heard Roger say "I think we'd like to have our toenails painted in Seattle Mariners' colors, as we're going to the game tonight and tomorrow night." So, here are my toenails following my adventure:
In the evening, we attended the Mariners vs. Twins game. The following night, it was the Mariners vs. Angels. Having been avid baseball players as young people, we had a ball. We took our mitts, but unfortunately, no one hit us a foul ball.
Friday during the day, I entertained myself for the most part, as Rog had to work. But I got to meet the people at his office. When Bank of America took over Countrywide, Roger was promoted and is now over a large BOA mortgage office in Seattle. He goes to Seattle on Monday and returns home to Spokane most Fridays, so his boys can finish high school in Spokane (which is really home).
I am only serious about 10-20% of the time. Roger, on the other hand, is joking around 100% of the time.
Both legs of the trip, via Delta, were enhanced by my being upgraded, free of charge, to first class.
I had a great 48 hours with my little brother. He is a great brother and a wonderful person. I love him and I loved spending some time with him. He said "we need to do this every year"--and he's right, both for our own relationship and enjoyment and in honor of our parents whom we dearly love and desperately miss.
I'm grateful to Rog for his hospitality and for hosting me in Seattle and for taking me out of my comfort zone for 45 minutes in a spa!
Comments
Greg Jones says:
Hi Richard,
You had not written for a while, it nice to read your post, but that photo of your toenails makes me feel just a tad bit uncomfortable.
Greg
June 14th, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Laura says:
That's awesome, Dad! I'm so glad you got to spend time with your silly brother. And, your toes look great.
June 12th, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Jenny says:
Looks like you guys had a great time! I'm loving the color choices:)
June 12th, 2010 at 7:28 PM
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Copyright © 2008-2009 Richard Rife. All Rights Reserved.
Richard Parsons says:
It's always good to be out of our comfort zone occasionally. Helps us appreciate the other life people do lead.
June 15th, 2010 at 8:06 AM