Experiencing brilliance vicariously through a genetic link

*This is a duplicate post from my personal blog. Just wanted to share.*

As I sat through Summer Graduation/Convocation at BYU-Idaho on Thursday I had an epiphany. It had nothing to do with the speakers (who were all very good, I might add). My epiphany came when one of the graduates sat down to perform a piano solo: Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu" in C-sharp minor.

Kara used to play that song. I think she was in high school. She played it all the time, and from what I remember, she played it brilliantly. I really love that song and it is all due to Kara. However, as this graduate sat down to play I began to compare her performance to my sister's. It was not a flattering comparison for that unwitting graduate. Kara won.

But here's the epiphany: As I began to puff up with pride at my sister's abilities, I realized I was taking Kara's hard work and accomplishments as a personal triumph. I thought that I was awesome, solely because of my connection to Kara.

This has led me to conclude that genetic relationships to brilliant people are just as good as being brilliant yourself. Never mind hard work, never mind personal achievement. I've got amazing family, so I will just coast on their accomplishments in the years to come.

If only I had figured that out before I put myself through the rigors of a Master's thesis.

Wardell Summer....so far

I had forgotten that I had given those to you. If you don't want them yes I will take them back. My summer stinks. I wish I could be home with my chillins, but I made that choice earlier this year. It is hot here in IF, wow, We went for a walk at 8 pm tonight and I still was too hot to stay out too long. I like my work and there is much laughter and mirth when us girls get to talking. It is nice to work with people who like you just the way you are. Even if I am spastic, crazy, weird and obsessed with "what ever" this week. Michael is jazzed about 1st grade, no more daycare for him. Ashley is also looking forward to another year of preschool she wants to go to Kindergarten just because Micahel did. Erica is bummed that I won't be there for her first day of school. How do you balance two kids in two places at once? I think that she realizes that I must be there for Michael's first day but she doesn't like it one bit. We are very glad to have our "sissy" back (Ashley's nickname for Erica) she came home last wednesday VERY sick with Gastroenteritis, a tummy virus. I only got to deal with the tail end of that, dad got the brunt of it in the truck! yuck! We are healthy and happy. When does Erica get to come play?