The Durrant Family

Saturday, April 30, 2005

BYU-Idaho

Things are good here in Rexburg. I am in the same apartment building but now I am on the second floor and just one door over. I am in the same ward as I was in last fall semester and I have 3 of the same roomates. I already have seen some of my old FHE sisters from last semester. Things seem really empty but other than that things are going well. After I had unpacked my car all of my roomates that were home and I went to the DI so I feel at home already. Also there was construction between Idaho Falls and Rexburg so that also helped me to feel right at home. I think that the eternal construction between Idaho Falls and Rexburg must serve some purpose because it is just never going away. Maybe it is to teach patience to the students here. Who knows.
Mark

Mark Durrant
48 West 2nd South
Apartment #14
Rexburg, ID 83440
(208) 359-5714

Linux and college

Quick up date. I am writing this blog from our old computer running Linux. I got a ethernet card on e-bay for $8 and installed it today. It is now working and within 4 feet of each other we now have 2 links to the internet.

Next subject. Amid tears (and cheers), Mark just left for BYU-I. He loaded lots in his car including his $1000 computer case and away he went.

Friday, April 29, 2005

Thoughts on Kansas

In Kimball's family letter we take turns writing an "editorial" and it was my turn this week. Here it is.

As our time in Kansas draws to a close, I have reflected on our time here. There are many things that I’ll miss about Kansas and others that I won’t. And there are many things that I’ll just laugh about. Here are a few.
You know you’re in Kansas…
…when you officially move your observance of Valentine’s Day in order to get the discounted after-Valentines chocolates at Russell Stover.
…when the city ordinance states you must paint your house purple and name your first child Willie. (Kansas State’s color is purple and mascot’s name is Willie.)
…when the populations of most towns is smaller than that at Alpine.
…when church is cancelled because the church’s parking lot has turned into a skating rink.
…when you get stuck behind a tractor going 30 mph on a 2-way highway.
…when you’re tempted to attend Baptist services on stake conference weekend, because the stake center is too far away.
…when the TV is constantly tuned to the Weather Channel.
…when climbing the escalators at the mall is the closest thing to hiking.
…when you spend your wedding anniversary in a tornado shelter.

Family Letter April 28

Dear Family,
It’s hard to believe that our move is only 2 ½ weeks away. Kimball and I have been frequenting the Kinkos here and have gathered paper boxes. Yesterday was our first day of major packing. We got 2 closets packed up and have plenty to go!
This past weekend we had our first Stake Conference by satellite. Saturday night we had the adult session as a stake, but Sunday was a broadcast to 61 stakes throughout the Midwest. I was curious to see how that would work and it went really well. It’s neat to see how the church adapts as it grows around the world.
Kimball taught a course at a merit badge conference last Saturday. It was on public speaking, and he knew it probably wouldn’t be the most interesting one for the boys. He did it last year with a guy from our ward and he was the assistant. The other guy couldn’t come this time, so Kimball was in charge. He actually almost had to do it alone, but that morning he found someone to help. He was pleased with how it went. He said some of the boys came very prepared and gave great speeches.
Kurt is quite a mover. He has gotten walking down and hardly sits still. He’s been in a good mood generally and is really fun. He has never been able to soothe himself to sleep, so we’re working on that since he’s almost weaned except for going to sleep. It’s a challenge, but hopefully will pay off.
Since American Idol dominates much of our conversation, I have to make a few quick comments… We are now convinced that Bo and Carrie will make it to the final. To me, both of them seem way too comfortable by now. If either of them falls, it will be because of that. Carrie is already in danger. But, I think she can rebound if she steps it up soon. We seriously fear that Scott will stick around for a few more rounds. However, Jasmine left the week after Simon told her to pack her bags and we hope Scott will too. I’ve never been much of a fan of Anthony, but this week he impressed me. If he keeps it up, he might make it to the top 3.
Well, that’s about it for us. We love you and wish you well!
The Kansas Bensons