Lunch hour

Today, on a whim, I strode boldly down to the TRAX stop on my way to Temple Square. (I’m a novice, how do you Subway and Metro people do it?) Two stops down from my office at the Gateway, I found myself in the bustling downtown “City Center” where Zion’s Bank, Temple Square, and Main St. all intersect. I was so proud of myself! I walked into the lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and although on a quick errand downstairs, I had to pause in the lobby as I heard DeBussy’s “Clair De Lune” (Bellagio fountain song on Ocean’s Eleven) played by the littlest old lady on the piano. Looking up at those beautiful chandeliers – it was like a glimpse of heaven. What a treat!

After my errand, I walked outside, and with 40 minutes left on my break, I thought, “hey, I should walk back to work.” So I started off – and remembered that the Tabernacle had just been reopened – so I went inside for a moment. It is unbelievable in there! The organ pipes are larger than life. Really, the whole structure is magnificent. On my way out, I saw groups of sister missionaries visiting with folks and it reminded me of Hermana Lindsey. Here are a few pictures I took today.

Then, I started back with 5 long blocks to work. It was nice to breathe fresh air and have a bit more time away from the ‘cube-ie” at the office. After about 50 steps, I realized that I should reconsider my shoe choice before trekking like this again. But all in all, it was a lovely walk. As I passed the Delta Center, an old Hispanic gardener handed me a tulip he had just cut from the grounds. “because you are soo beautiful”. Silly old man. Maybe he didn’t realize he could lose his job for cutting up the flowerbeds. It made me laugh. But thanks to him, I now have a pretty red tulip floating in a bowl on my desk in my small cube–

What a funny and random lunch hour. I’m glad I stepped out for a bit to catch a glimpse of what’s out there. I feel sometimes like I’m on a never-ending cycle of wake, work, home, tv, sleep, wake, work, home…etc., and that makes life feel so dull. Today I was entertained for free – well, for a small fee of $1.87 (my diet coke).