Traffic for 2005 August 18

My tax return can wait a moment. I had an experience last night I need to write about. Since Susie had Enrichment last night, I went to the Angel's game with work. The box suite is a sweet ride; free food, and you can sit inside and talk during the boring moments of the game.

Anyway, I was dropped off at my car around 10:00 and promptly got on the 405 N and then the 55 S, and as I was getting off the exit to our home, I saw black smoke billowing in the sky. Panic struck me: my house is on fire. As I got to the intersection adjacent to our complex, I saw a raging inferno and a van engulfed in flames. I was about 10-15 cars back from it. I called 911 to find they had already been contacted. The fire dept. got there about a minute later, and I was sure I was doomed to be stuck on the off-ramp for hours. Ten minutes later I was home. Very efficient; and since I saw no ambulance at that point, I am hoping that means the driver escaped.

But honestly, the horror. I was convinced my home was on fire. But Susie was home in bed. I can't imagine what the real thing must be like. I am grateful my home is safe, and pleased with the efficiency of the firemen. Kudos to them.

K. Back to state apportionment. Back to my life.

I don't care what people say, I thought the Newport Beach Temple was breathtaking. People complain about small temples, but having served in a small temple for two years, I have grown accustomed to them. This temple was larger than Hong Kong.

I played hookie from work for about 3 hours today to take one of our interns from last summer to the temple open house. It was a great experience. It was interesting to hear the questions he asked, mostly because I knew that they came from people trying to dissuade his interest in the church. He's a really good friend and I hope he liked what he saw and heard. Having been off my mission for four years, and not experienced in sharing the gospel in english, it was a challenge for me to answer his questions. But afterward I felt very good about being able to take someone of another faith to the temple to learn about my faith.

It felt so good to be back in the temple. Susie and I have already made an appointment for September 16, the day after busy season. Hopefully I'll be alive to go!

So glad tomorrow's Friday, even though I have to work on Saturday. Our friends from Valencia are coming down Saturday to spend the night with us and go to the temple; it should be fun. And that'll be the weekend.