6-21-10 "Tidbits from Texas"

The Tie: It's nice, isn't it? Actually, I got it from an investigator. One Saturday about three months ago, she and her family were having a garage sale on a Saturday morning, so we went over there to help them with it. Her husband had all these really nice ties for sale, and someone said something about not knowing how to tie a necktie. So he ended up teaching us all and then giving us the ties as a souvenir. I actually have pictures, too. But that's a really nice tie. Really nice. And, it kind of matches my pillowcases here. Strange but true.

I hadn't been in Katy very long before I met the ward mission leader, Bro. Walling. He said his in-laws are from Blackfoot. And since then he has called his father-in-law to see if he knows you all. The father-in-law's name is Bob Brown, and he thinks he knows a Phil Sorensen from his teacher's quorum, and even said he recently saw a Phil Sorensen when one of Phil's nephews was leaving on a mission in January or February, but we subsequently figured out that he is like ten years older than you, Dad. Plus, I can't remember any of your nephews going on a mission at that time this year. (Correct me if I'm wrong.) I suggested that maybe he knew one of your brothers. Anyway, do you know a Bob Brown from Blackfoot, any of you? Just wondering.

New doctor: Now that I am in Katy, I will need to find a new doctor, but I have refills on most prescriptions for at least the next month, so that shouldn't be too big of a deal.

New address: 2150 Katy Fort Bend #1027, Katy, TX 77493. You can use that zip code to try to find doctors in the area.


As far as Sister Tetreault calling you last week, this is what actually happened. We were at their house saying goodbye and having family home evening with them, one last time with me there, and Sister Mullins and she got to talking about housing at BYU-Idaho because Sister Mullins's brother is going there right now. And Sister Tetreault ended up calling Sister Mullins's mom and putting her on speaker phone and talking to her about housing and such. So then she was going to call you with similar questions, since you recently went through the whole trying to find freshman housing situation. But you didn't answer. No big deal. We did get to hear the answering machine messages. Sister Tetreault thought the one about Dad retrieving the kite from the powerlines was hilarious. Which it is. You are welcome to call her back and talk to her if you wish, though. Plus, I am unbelievably ecstatic about them coming to visit in late December/early January. I knew you would say yes. I just knew it. It'll be like my real Idaho family meeting my Texas family. And let me tell you: I've been dreaming about that paella forever. I can hardly wait, but I will.

As far as the when I come home thing, I'm fairly certain it'll be early December. Sisters can choose either to come home three weeks early or three weeks late, since our official eighteen month mark falls right in the middle of a transfer. I've always kind of leaned towards the early one because it means Christmas with the family and getting in to the Winter semester at BYU, instead of missing it by one week. Still, it's one of those things you should pray about after considerable thought, but it's good to know you think December is the right time, too. I'll keep you updated. I probably won't bring it up with President Hansen until next month or so. I don't want to appear overly eager to get home. Because I still have work to do here and I know it and I'm excited for it. But I'm anxious to see y'all as soon as possible.

Father's Day: Happy Father's Day, to Dad and Grandpa! I missed you all and thought of you all and thought that that time last year I was giving my going-away talk and we had everyone over at the house to play games and such. It hardly feels like a year has passed, now that it nearly has. I can't believe it's gone by this quickly. I'll be anxiously anticipating the 4th of July/year mark box. You know that holiday is my favorite. We may get the privilege of watching fireworks this year, too, because supposedly they go off right outside our apartment balcony. I'm crossing my fingers, although last year I was highly disappointed by the Staduim of Fire offerings. I think I just have high standards after being raised in Idaho Falls. They really are the best there.

I will send Cody a little note today. I hope he's doing well, although I don't really doubt it. Still, I keep him in my thoughts a lot and prayers just as often. Speaking of mail, I got a postcard from Elise in London this week. And a few weeks ago I got a letter from Maegan O'Toole Baxter saying her baby is due in early July, I think. Wiley Joseph will be his name. Keep me posted if you hear any news. I'm very excited for them. Apparently, Joe graduated from Utah State this year, but is still searching for jobs.

I promise more detailed news next week, as well as an introduction to Katy. So far, it has fewer trees than Tomball, which means you can tell a lot easier how flat it is here. Seriously, I didn't think any place could be this flat. I need mountains to thrive and survive, but in the meantime I'm doing okay without them.

I might get a haircut today. My bangs are getting too long to manage anymore, and there's just too much of it in the summer heat. I hope it doesn't turn into a disaster.

Well, it's off to play Phase 10 at an retirement resort. Wish me luck. I'll get in the game, Bane.

Love,

Sister Whitney Sorensen

PS Please Shine

PPS There is this young couple in the Katy ward that lives in our apartment complex, and when we went over there for dinner this week, apparently my fame had preceded me, because one of the first things they said to me was, "So, we hear you like quoting movies." We then proceeded to quote the best scene from the best movie: "Presidential flashcards?" Gales of laughter ensued. And in case you didn't catch it, I snuck in another quote from That Thing You Do. See if you can find it. Actually it's kind of a paraphrase. In fact, I'll just tell you so it won't be bugging you all week. Remember when they are at Villapianos for the first time, and the dorky kid requests "That Thing You Do" and Lenny squints, puts his hand over his eyes and says, "Has our fame preceeded us?" Hilarious.