It started out like any normal General Conference Sunday. The house was dead quiet as everyone attempted to sleep in until pajama church began. But eventually we all aroused from slumber and gathered in the living room. Things
were normal - for the most part.
My eldest brother, Andy, was, as usual, waiting until the last possible moment that he had to join us. My dad was telling him to put away his phone and pay attention - until 20 minutes later, he, himself fell asleep. My madre was gathering her stowed away quilt she is sewing for their bed. It's been a work-in-progress for 4 1/2 years and probably will continue to be one for awhile as she only works on it during conference. And I was in my snuggie, munching on snacks, struggling to keep my eyes open amidst the soothing voices of the Prophet. These are the normal inner workings of the Hopkinson family on conference Sunday. Then things got weird........
Just as the choir was beginning to sing, we heard our cat, Nacho, impatiently meowing from the balcony above. We could even see him taunting us - poking his little devil-eared head between the bars. But it wasn't the normal meow. It was annoying, almost kitten-like or sick "mew" (yes, when you say it omit the "o" sound). At first, it was funny. Our family likes to make fun of Nacho since he's such a psychotic and entertaining cat. But my dad told me to go upstairs and check on him. Upon further investigation, I found that Nacho had puked up who knows what on the carpet. Immediately he was put outside. I found this funny but no one else was laughing. And you have to know the story behind Nacho's name to get the full effect. So here we go.........
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*flashback*
Once upon a time my dad randomly brought home a cat.
That's every girls dream, right? Well I guess it was ok........
But we found out it had an irregular digestion system......
And it had devil horn shaped ears. No joke......
And it spent most its time outside and not cuddling and purring with you.....
And it was a cold blooded killer and ate little creatures in front of you....
But mostly it just "crapped everywhere" (as my dad put it)
So we had to name it to claim ownership. But not just any ole name. Because the Hopkinson family pets are special. They EARN their names. For example:
Bandit the dog stole things.
Chewy the dog chewed things.
Comet the hamster was fast.
Get it?
So anyways we could have lots of fun with this name. He looks like the devil, why not name him Satan? Nah...the bishop and hometeachers might ask questions....Spock? No sirree we are NOT Star Trek fans.
Eventually, our carpet cleaner was getting a workout. And then I suddenly burst out,
"He's had the diarrheas since Easters!"
Hehe. I crack myself up. And for those who don't know. That's from Nacho Libre.
What you say?! Nacho! Exactly. That's where it came from. And it stuck. But we still just mostly call it "cat" because it doesn't answer to anything.
Now back to the present.
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*timewarp*
So my dad pulled out the carpet cleaner/vacuum and I couldn't hear anything, so I missed all of President Eyring's talk. Sad day.
So then I got some juice. And it was one of those days I thought I was really thirsty, so I poured myself a full glass of the delicious stuff. But I soon realized I wasn't that thirsty and I couldn't finish the juice. That's the worse, ain't it? So, with the heaviest heart, I dumped it down the drain of the sink and proceeded to feel bad for the children in Africa. I am such a waster.
Then I thought of Kevin. He wasn't laying on the ground like he normally is during conference. I was instead. And he is somewhere in Seattle - probably actually listening to conference like a good missionary. And we always look for the 4 handed organist.
I saw him today.
I hope Kevin remembered and saw him too.
Lastly during President Monson's LAST talk during the LAST session of the LAST day, my dad randomly decides to go and check on Andy's car and whaddya know? He discovers a leak of sorts. So outside they go to fix it. Then conference ended and my dad missed the epic voice at the end saying, "This has been a broadcast of the 180th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints..." He always imitates it. He does it so well.
So all in all,
things were weird
Since Kevin left on his mission, things just get weirder and weirder. Sometimes I feel so alone. And I should I guess because there are only 4 people at home now, but that's not what I'm talking about. Our house always has to be in perfect working condition, and my dad is constantly fixing something to maintain that order. It's his life since he retired and its driving me C.R.A.Z.Y. My mom is always working at home or doing something to contribute to band or dance. Andy is just plain addicted to video games.
Everyone just seems so caught up in the logistics of life.
Everything else is right except for the fact that we have become disconnected from each other.
