Curse you, La Nina!

It's been said by the weather talking heads here in Chicagoland that we are in one of the worst winters in the past twenty years, if not the worst. And now they have taken to blaming the weather phenomenon known as "La Nina" for all the snow and stupid cold coming our way. Well, little girl, as 'la nina' is translated, I am DONE with you. You need to go away. Parker and I have shoveled more snow than any human should this winter. Go away, seriously.

It was my first Monday back in the office in a week, so it was a long day. This was exacerbated by the fact that the snow began coming down in earnest during my commute home. I then missed my exit because of the lack of visibility and that delayed me even further. By the time I got home tonight, I was done, having cursed "La Nina" ten ways 'til Tuesday during the long ride home.

Shari and I then tried calendaring several family breaks and it's an ugly year. My calendar for work and NBTA is really nuts this year and I have got to find a way to balance this all out. We did get several days slotted and are now working on a couple of vacation ideas.

All I know, as this night slowly and agonizingly draws to a close, that I am finding solace in thinking of the absolutlely stunning pumpkin ravioli that I had last Thursday in Milan. Could it be that I have some kind of illness, knowing that images of food alone can bring such comfort?

But look at that! This is not from the place I ate in Milan (I have not descended into that level of madness quite yet - taking pictures of my meals) but this is good enough! Really, it was fantastic. How can you say no to something that good?

Oh yeah, and one other recommendation from last week's trip...this is from off the plane. I flew British Airways to/from London and in Club World, they offer snacks in between meals. One of those were these AWESOME things called "Honey Flapjacks." They are these dense, sweet oat bars. I loved them. A company in Sussex called Kate's Cakes make them. Little slices of heaven. Take a look:

Really good stuff! Just thinking of them and the pumpkin ravioli has me almost out of the funk of the never-ending winter!

I'm Back

I am back from a very productive and successful trip to London and Milan. Still trying to get caught up after getting home late last night. But I need to get another good night's sleep before I respond to the gauntlet that was thrown down while I was in Europe.

This much I will say...I was, depending on your perspective, either part of a killer good joke or libeled while I was away. I have to say I have not laughed so hard in a long time when I saw the Photoshopping skills that Kelly possesses (who knew?!) I think the libelous "Chicago Mike loves Mitt" could have been a little flashier...I'm just saying.

Awesome move, though, Naomi and Kelly, awesome! That being said, you never know when I will respond in kind. Or via a libel suit. But then, since Mitt got served with his walking papers this week, I'll perhaps wait. I mean now we are looking at a choice between the winner of the Showcase Showdown between Obama and She Who Cannot Be Named for the Dems and for the Republicans, McCain, the angriest old man in the US Senate. Seriously, he scares me. I really am not comfortable with the thought of him carrying the nuclear football. All we need is for him to have a wicked flashback to the Hanoi Hilton and it's goodbye Southeast Asia. Who really needs that?

Now leaving for London and Milan

Just a quick note as I get ready to pack for a five day trip to London and Milan tonight. I simply can't get enough of London. I can no longer count the number of times that I've been there and I never, ever tire of it. Ever. I'm looking forward to a delightful Cornish pasty (or two) while I'm there.


And then, of course, the obligatory stop at Wagamama, London's favourite noodle house. I have met some great people from all over the world while dining at one of their communal tables:


I'll have to limit myself to just one trip to Wagamama and two pastys the entire trip. The hotel I am staying at, which is adjacent to the Chelsea Football Club, charges an exorbitant 25 pounds a day to use the gym. The weather is crappy in London, so I am going to have to get creative on getting my running in. Perhaps the Guest Services Manager and I will chat upon check-in about that fee..

This will be my first trip to Milan and I am there less than 24 hours, so doubt I'll have time to see/do much in between meetings, I'll endeavor, however, to make the best of it. I'll also try and post a couple of times from across the pond.

Our Sacrament Services today were good (although initially marred by a rumor that Mitt Romney was attending the 9AM Sacrament Service of the other ward in our building, as he is here in Chicagoland for a rally today - I would have had to have left the building were it true). A lot of testimony about the solid nature of God's plan for us and gratitude for the restored gospel, a living Christ, and His prophets. Sunday School was a good discussion on the last chapters of 1st Nephi in the Book of Mormon. We talked about how we, in this day, are often like Laman and Lemuel of old, griping about not wanting to be obedient when it infringes on what we want to do, but then trying be like Nephi and be righteous too. Some wonder why Laman and Lemuel just didn't go back to Jerusalem. No one put a gun to their collective heads to hightail into the wilderness. While Laman and Lemuel at times appear to be the "Dumb and Dumber" of the "Book of Mormon," these two were hedging their bets. I get the sense that although they didn't want much to do with what their father, Lehi, was teaching them, they figured they better go along for the ride, just in case. Of course, it really didn't work out so well for them, but what a lesson to us today - if we are willing to learn from them and their actions.

I'll be on a BA flight tonight as the Super Bowl is being played. Shari and the kids are going to the Taylors to watch the game and to eat Italian Beef sandwiches. I'll miss being with them but could care less about the game. I'm just glad that Spring Training really isn't that far off. Anyway, I'll be curious to see how the English press treats Super Tuesday. Eager to see those papers later this week. The British press makes for the greatest reading around!

A Fitting Tribute

The funeral for Gordon B. Hinckley was held today and it was a fitting, touching farewell to an inspiring, humble man who exuded living a Christ-like life. There were so many wonderful touching moments during the service. I was caught off guard by a flood of emotion as the camera panned the podium and there was President Hinckley's empty chair. I was so impressed by his daughter's eulogy. She honored her father in a beautiful way. As Shari and I talked during the service, we noted that our sense of sadness is almost selfish. We know that now that he has passed to other side of the veil, there is much to be happy about. But now, we are without him, his leadership, and his spirit. So I guess it is a bit selfish.

The documentary of his life that was presented after the funeral service as the cortege moved to the Salt Lake City Cemetery was one of the most moving, touching and emotional things I've ever seen. It was amazing. It was impossible to stop the tears. I once again felt compelled to count my blessings as I watched it. What a blessing to have had him in our lives for so many years. And what a greater blessing to know that God's plan will continue to roll forth. There will be no leadership vacuum nor will be there be a battle royale. As was said so many times today in quoting President Hinckley, "It will all work out."

(I am going to squelch my overwhelming desire to rage on about the presence of the Pandering Presidential Politico, Mitt Romney, at the funeral. This much - kudos to the Church for not even acknowledging him, or the US Senators that were there for that matter. Anyway, I'll save that ire for another time...except this...Mitt, take a lesson from President Hinckley on how to handle yourself while on "60 Minutes." I don't recall President Hinckley expressing his disgust at anything about the Church's past as he was interviewed by Mike Wallace. FYI - you, Mitt, can't say that you did the same. OK, now I'm done.)