Confusion in the Walmart Parking Lot

Written by Julie Hinck

We had the most hilarious experience the other night.  I drove Catherine and Sarah to Walmart so they could pick up a few items.  I chose to stay in the car and send them on their way.  Shortly thereafter, I saw Camille come out of the store and called her name across the parking lot.  She heard me and joined me in the car to visit for a few moments.

After awhile, Sarah and Catherine exited the store and began walking towards the car. Catherine took a seat in the back of the car without hesitation.   I sat and watched Sarah as she walked around the van parked next to us.  Before I knew it, she was sitting in the passenger seat of that van with the door closed.  We were gasping incredulously, wondering what on earth she was doing sitting in the seat of an unknown vehicle as a woman driver looked on in disbelief.  Of course it didn't take long for her to realize the mistake.  As fast as she had hopped in the van she hopped out and made a quick dash for her familiar Mazda.  Meanwhile, Camille, Catherine and I were doubled over in laughter.  At second glance, we realized the van was very similar to our own van which explained why she had been so quick to enter.  We watched as the shocked lady got out of the van and retrieved her baby from the back seat.  We were all commenting that the lady looked quite familiar.

 I asked Sarah what she had been thinking.  She said her biggest concern was to beat Catherine to the car so she could sit in front.  I also asked her what the conversation with the lady had been. She said we just said hello to each other and that the lady wondered out loud what Sarah was doing.  Sarah answered by saying, "I thought this was my car, but apparently it is not."  She then said a good-bye and gave an apology then left for the correct car.

The next day at school, Sarah was retelling her experience to some friends, when her orchestra stand partner (also a friend) overheard the discussion and asked, "Wait, were you that girl?" And Sarah said, "Was that your mom?"  We were amazed at the coincidence.

The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.” ~ Audrey Hepburn~

One Hundred Things

This is only part way completed... but here's to being grateful for the little things! More to come!

Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for. 

     1. Dancing to Michael Buble in the living room 

     2. Singing Christmas carols with my friends in 3 degree weather 

     3. Playing Blessings by Laura Story on the piano 

     4. Walking through Porters in search of gift ideas 

     5. Smelling fresh gingerbread 

     6. Watching Polar Express with my brothers and sisters 

     7. Curling up in a blanket to get warm 

     8. Reading the Christmas story in the scriptures 

     9. Hearing jingle bells outside 

     10. Seeing Christmas lights sparkle on our tree

Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.

     1. My warm and fuzzy hippo fleece blanket

     2. Shoes - my brown boots, my red suede wedges, and my sparkle ballet flats

     3. Chapstick and lotion for my always dry lips and skin

     4. Pinterest ideas- I've become a wanna be craftaholic

     5. My adorable 2006 blue Hyundai Elantra, paid for and great gas mileage

     6. All three of my alarm clocks, they make sure I'm up and going every day

     7. Pointe shoes- there are a lot of wonderful memories associated with those

     8. The beauty of flowers, the reds, pinks, blues, and greens. 

     9. Backpacks and purses packed with books, lip gloss, dance clothes, nursing supplies... 

     10. My piano and I-pod- I live for my music, absolutely all of it. 

Write 10 living people you are grateful for.

     1. My dear sweet mother Julie Anne

     2. My kind adorable father David

     3. My dancing friends with whom I share some of my fondest memories of college

     4. My nursing friends/soulmates/sisters that I study with, sleep with, cry with, laugh with, collapse with... enough said=)

     5. Grandma and Grandpa Thompson- together they are the ultimate example of selfless service

     6. Grandma Hinck and Grant-they make every effort possible to be to everyone of our performances, concerts, shows, etc

     7. My sisters Kirsten, Sarah, Catherine

     8. My little brothers Spencer and Matthew

     9. My dear high school friends Gretchen, Esther, and Chelsea

     10. Amanda and Caitlin Boden, the roommates that helped me survive last semester

Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.

     1. Gordon B. Hinckley- my childhood prophet

     2. Joseph Smith - the prophet of the restoration

     3. Grandma and Grandpa Meek

    

Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.

Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.

Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.

Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.

     1. Electricity

     2. Modern Plumbing

     3. KitchenAids

     4. Contact Lenses

     5. IPods and Recordings

     6. Automobiles

     7. Traffic Lights 

     8. Hot water

     9. Photography

     10. Laptops

Write 10 foods you are grateful for.

Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.