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| Families are a lot like Cookies |
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| Each is Unique |
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| But all are Beautiful |
Friday, December 24
Thursday, December 23
advancements
Ok, so I'm kind of a techy girl. I really love getting new gadgets and gizmos (that reminds me of the Little Mermaid..) I think technology is fabulous, and I use facebook, texting, emailing, skype and obviously blogging almost daily, but I'm really beginning to worry about the direction technology is taking society.
This all was sparked by going to see Tron on Monday night with my family. During the commercials we saw a Pirates of the Caribbean #4 (that annoyance is for a totally different post), and a million more advertisements for 3D movies. We were ironically watching Tron in 3D and I started to think about things.
When I was in 2nd grade, the highest form of entertainment our teacher needed to preform in order to keep our attention was nothing more than a song and dance; which she frequently did. Why was this? Maybe it was because that's all we had been exposed to? The media I saw growing up didn't have these amazing capabilities. No 3D, digital surround sound, LCD 60" plasma screen TV's, no interactive gaming (I'm thinking Wii here), no high scores to beat etc.
Now because kids ARE being exposed to these things, teachers are no longer going to be able to entertain their students through a mere song and dance. The kids are going to want animations, touch screens, remotes, Wi-Fi, flying cars, talking backpacks etc. How much harder is teaching going to be because of this?
I don't know how many of you have read Fahrenheit 451, I probably wouldn't have myself if it wasn't a reading assignment for Miss. Armstrong's sophomore English class. That book downright scared me! For those who haven't read it... here's a quick synopsis of the story:
This all was sparked by going to see Tron on Monday night with my family. During the commercials we saw a Pirates of the Caribbean #4 (that annoyance is for a totally different post), and a million more advertisements for 3D movies. We were ironically watching Tron in 3D and I started to think about things.
When I was in 2nd grade, the highest form of entertainment our teacher needed to preform in order to keep our attention was nothing more than a song and dance; which she frequently did. Why was this? Maybe it was because that's all we had been exposed to? The media I saw growing up didn't have these amazing capabilities. No 3D, digital surround sound, LCD 60" plasma screen TV's, no interactive gaming (I'm thinking Wii here), no high scores to beat etc.
Now because kids ARE being exposed to these things, teachers are no longer going to be able to entertain their students through a mere song and dance. The kids are going to want animations, touch screens, remotes, Wi-Fi, flying cars, talking backpacks etc. How much harder is teaching going to be because of this?
I don't know how many of you have read Fahrenheit 451, I probably wouldn't have myself if it wasn't a reading assignment for Miss. Armstrong's sophomore English class. That book downright scared me! For those who haven't read it... here's a quick synopsis of the story:
"Guy Montag is a fireman who lives in a society in which books are illegal. His job is not to extinguish fires, but to light them. He burns books, and all the firemen wear the number "451" on their uniforms because that is the temperature at which books burn.
But the role reversal of the firemen is not the only difference between present-day society and the world in which Montag lives. People of Montag's world take no interest in politics or world issues. The only point of life is pleasure. Montag's wife, Mildred, spends her time watching the televisions that take up three of the four walls in their parlor, or listening to the seashell radios that fit snugly in the ear. It isn't until Montag meets a young girl named Clarisse that he realizes that there might be more to life than the electronic entertainment that absorbs everyone. Clarisse makes him think about the world beyond the wall television and seashell radios; she makes him wonder about life.
This newfound curiosity gets Montag into trouble when he takes an interest in reading the books that he's supposed to burn. When Captain Beatty, the fire chief, realizes that Montag has traded sides, he forces Montag to burn his own home. To save himself, Montag kills the fire chief and escapes the city. A manhunt ensues on live television, but when Montag eludes the authorities, an innocent man is killed in his place to appease the audience.
Montag finds a group of educated, vagrant men who remember great novels so that when the world returns to an appreciation of literature, they will be ready to help out. He joins them. As they are walking away from the city, a bomb destroys the place that was once Montag's home. Knowing they will be needed, the men turn back to the shattered city to help rebuild a society that has destroyed itself"
Ok, so hopefully you get the idea that the book is trying to illustrate the importance that books have in the world. Just last night I was watching Eat, Pray, Love and in the movie an old medicine man asked Liz (the main character) if she could copy a bunch of pages down for him so that he could preserve the knowledge he had gained and he could share it with those to come.
I guess in essence, I'm worried that the "rising generation" (that sounds incredibly ominous to me) won't have the appreciation or sense to use the millions of books that have been written to their fullest potential. I'm worried my own kids are going to find the newest 4D (yes... I do mean 4D, it includes the sensationof smell) TV show to be more entertaining than watching a caterpillar become a butterfly. I'm worried that nature will continue to change and go completely unnoticed by everyone.
Nature is beautiful.
Books are beautiful.
Knowledge is beautiful.
Monday, December 20
15... 25 songs
Ok ok, so this is one of the ideas that I'm stealing from other people's blogs...
So here it goes; the first 15 songs that my iTunes plays out.
1. Judas by Kelly Clarkson. I went through a stage where I loved her as I'm sure most teenaged girls could attest to. This song really made me feel understood. I have no idea why.
2. Poker Face by Lady Gaga. Let it be known... I don't like the artist. I like the songs... and the beat. Although after this one was played for the 2836518651039718325 time on the radio I nearly threw up.
3. Paralyzer by Finger Eleven. The first time I heard this song it was the ring tone of my cousin Nathan's phone. It rang during Thanksgiving dinner, and I liked the chorus enough to buy the song apparently.
4. Glitter in the Air by Pink. Weird, I haven't heard this song since the summer, but I love it. Pink isn't my favorite artist in the world, mostly because I feel like she does the same type of song with a different tune each CD. This song though was truly unique and actually showed how talented she is.
5. Man- I Feel like a Woman by Shania Twain. Call it my shout out to country. My ONLY shout out. It's the great pump up song before a girls night out. Obviously lol
6. I'd Come For You by Nickelback. Too many words to describe this song. Nickelback's songs sound a lot alike, but if you really pay attention to the words you'll be surprised. This one has a lot of sentimental value tied to it. It was one of the "Our Songs" I've had in my life.
7. All We Are by Matt Nathanson. I've loved him for a really long time. It's hard to describe my music style because I can go from this mellow tune to Bon Jovi in 3:37 (the length of this song). Matt's got an incredibly soothing voice if you're feeling sad. That's how I got hooked on him.
8. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen. Let me introduce you to my lullaby's as a child. Got to love having head-banger parents :) Well at least I know I did...
9. Dirty Pop by N'Sync. Thank heavens for Jillian Koontz right? She put this on a CD for me. I was more of an N'Sync fan than a Backstreet Boys fan, and this song just screams 90's to me. Good memories in the 90's.
10. Lean Like A Cholo by Down AKA Kilo. Ok... so my friend Talleah came to visit me back in '08 and she was singing this song the WHOLE time, so I looked it up and I liked it too. I have no idea what else the artist has put out, so don't judge me!
11. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses. Such a classic band. Enough said.
12. Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls and Taylor Swift. Another one of those radio songs that mean a lot when you happen to turn it on at the opportune moment. This one has a lot of memories also associated with it, but the meaning diminished as it sky rocketed to the top of the charts over the 7 months it played on the radio. And let me clarify something... I really do NOT like Taylor Swift. All she comes out with are different versions of the same scenario. A break-up, romance, or a pitiful girl who can't get noticed.
13. Walk This Way by Aerosmith. Can I just say how much I love Aerosmith? Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are iconic legends in the history of rock. This one time on Guitar Hero I beat Joe Perry in a "Guitar Off". Made me feel legendary too.
14. Gettin' Over You by David Guetta feat. Fergie and Chris Willis. Hahahaha, another song Jillian got for me. I heard it once after I put the CD on my iTunes, and I couldn't remember the title of the song forever, so I listened to EVERY SINGLE SONG I had put on my iTunes that day just to find it. Consider it found. And seriously, what a great party song this is.
15. The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script. This summer I really got into The Script. A lot of their other songs are on my iPod too, but I really do like this one in particular. Something about the titles and the subject of the lyrics seem really unique to me and I appreciate the uniqueness they offer.
** Bonus!
Out of pure curiousity, I went to the next song on the playlist, and I loved it enough to put it on here as well.
16. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds. For some reason this song reminds me of the Breakfast Club, but I don't think that's right. Actually, I'm not entirely sure that that's even the right movie. The one where the kids are in detention on a Saturday morning and they all end up smoking and then the bad guy gets the good girl in the end? Yeah... that one.
ANYWAYS I feel like this song could've been heard in every car at a drive-in movie right before the movie started.
I wish I was born in the 80's.
Ok. so I keep finding songs that I love... so here it goes.
the 25 top songs of Jess's life.
17. Dare you to Move by Switchfoot. I feel like this song would play in a movie where the guy and the girl just had a huge fight and both are contemplating whether or not to forgive the other. So they happen to see each other at this random location and then they both pause and look at each other (cue the beginning of the song) and they both wait for a couple seconds. And then as the run towards each other the song goes "I dare you to move!" That was a huge run-on sentence... whatever. It's my blog :)
18 The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin. It's my "drive because I'm in a bad mood" song, and my "I just need to relax" song. So versatile.
19. Just A Kiss by Kelly Clarkson. It's on the same CD as the #1 song is above. I was lying in a tent in the early morning on a vacation in California when I first heard this song. I had this massive crush on a guy who I'd met there and we were leaving that day and I figured I'd never see him again. Although the title lends itself to be a super cheesy, girly song, it has a lot more behind it.
20. Bebot by Black Eyed Peas. I do not understand one word of this song... because it's all in Tagalog... or whatever the Phillipino language is. But once again... Jillian introduced me to this song, and I think it's so cool because even though I don't know a word of it I can still rock out to the beat. THAT'S what great music is.
21. Secrets by OneRepublic. Hands down my favorite artist. I love Apologize before it was popular as well as this song. I love the violins in the background of the beginning of the song and I love how "unsynthesized" it is. Makes me so happy that there is still talent in the world.
22. Feelin' Good by Michael Bublé. Ok, so if you didn't know that he wasn't the original artist of the song.... shame on you. This would be one of the most sexy songs for a guy to sing to his bride at the reception. Just saying.
23. Mercy by Duffy. Ok so confession... this was one of the weekly free songs that iTunes hands out every Tuesday and me being a fan of Great Britain, and she being from Great Britain, I assumed that I would like it without listening to it. And I do :) But it's interesting because even though this song is nearly 3 years old on my iPod, it's just now starting to be played in the clothing stores. Like Aeropostale and Old Navy.
24. Be Ok by Ingrid Michaelson. Alright, so even though this song isn't the most played on my iPod, and she not being the most popular artist in my repertoire, I do appreciate this song. I imagine myself riding my bike in the summer time, wearing a white dress with a white basket on front that has flowers in it as I listen to this song.
25. Come Together by Aerosmith. Yet another classic. So many people don't realize that they aren't the original creators of the song. This one is a cover for the original song by the Beatles. While I don't really like the Beatles, (and I know someone somewhere just died....) this is basically my tribute to them. Actually scratch that, I really do like Hey Jude, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand but who doesn't like those ones?
So here it goes; the first 15 songs that my iTunes plays out.
1. Judas by Kelly Clarkson. I went through a stage where I loved her as I'm sure most teenaged girls could attest to. This song really made me feel understood. I have no idea why.
2. Poker Face by Lady Gaga. Let it be known... I don't like the artist. I like the songs... and the beat. Although after this one was played for the 2836518651039718325 time on the radio I nearly threw up.
3. Paralyzer by Finger Eleven. The first time I heard this song it was the ring tone of my cousin Nathan's phone. It rang during Thanksgiving dinner, and I liked the chorus enough to buy the song apparently.
4. Glitter in the Air by Pink. Weird, I haven't heard this song since the summer, but I love it. Pink isn't my favorite artist in the world, mostly because I feel like she does the same type of song with a different tune each CD. This song though was truly unique and actually showed how talented she is.
5. Man- I Feel like a Woman by Shania Twain. Call it my shout out to country. My ONLY shout out. It's the great pump up song before a girls night out. Obviously lol
6. I'd Come For You by Nickelback. Too many words to describe this song. Nickelback's songs sound a lot alike, but if you really pay attention to the words you'll be surprised. This one has a lot of sentimental value tied to it. It was one of the "Our Songs" I've had in my life.
7. All We Are by Matt Nathanson. I've loved him for a really long time. It's hard to describe my music style because I can go from this mellow tune to Bon Jovi in 3:37 (the length of this song). Matt's got an incredibly soothing voice if you're feeling sad. That's how I got hooked on him.
8. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen. Let me introduce you to my lullaby's as a child. Got to love having head-banger parents :) Well at least I know I did...
9. Dirty Pop by N'Sync. Thank heavens for Jillian Koontz right? She put this on a CD for me. I was more of an N'Sync fan than a Backstreet Boys fan, and this song just screams 90's to me. Good memories in the 90's.
10. Lean Like A Cholo by Down AKA Kilo. Ok... so my friend Talleah came to visit me back in '08 and she was singing this song the WHOLE time, so I looked it up and I liked it too. I have no idea what else the artist has put out, so don't judge me!
11. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses. Such a classic band. Enough said.
12. Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls and Taylor Swift. Another one of those radio songs that mean a lot when you happen to turn it on at the opportune moment. This one has a lot of memories also associated with it, but the meaning diminished as it sky rocketed to the top of the charts over the 7 months it played on the radio. And let me clarify something... I really do NOT like Taylor Swift. All she comes out with are different versions of the same scenario. A break-up, romance, or a pitiful girl who can't get noticed.
13. Walk This Way by Aerosmith. Can I just say how much I love Aerosmith? Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are iconic legends in the history of rock. This one time on Guitar Hero I beat Joe Perry in a "Guitar Off". Made me feel legendary too.
14. Gettin' Over You by David Guetta feat. Fergie and Chris Willis. Hahahaha, another song Jillian got for me. I heard it once after I put the CD on my iTunes, and I couldn't remember the title of the song forever, so I listened to EVERY SINGLE SONG I had put on my iTunes that day just to find it. Consider it found. And seriously, what a great party song this is.
15. The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script. This summer I really got into The Script. A lot of their other songs are on my iPod too, but I really do like this one in particular. Something about the titles and the subject of the lyrics seem really unique to me and I appreciate the uniqueness they offer.
** Bonus!
Out of pure curiousity, I went to the next song on the playlist, and I loved it enough to put it on here as well.
16. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds. For some reason this song reminds me of the Breakfast Club, but I don't think that's right. Actually, I'm not entirely sure that that's even the right movie. The one where the kids are in detention on a Saturday morning and they all end up smoking and then the bad guy gets the good girl in the end? Yeah... that one.
ANYWAYS I feel like this song could've been heard in every car at a drive-in movie right before the movie started.
I wish I was born in the 80's.
Ok. so I keep finding songs that I love... so here it goes.
the 25 top songs of Jess's life.
17. Dare you to Move by Switchfoot. I feel like this song would play in a movie where the guy and the girl just had a huge fight and both are contemplating whether or not to forgive the other. So they happen to see each other at this random location and then they both pause and look at each other (cue the beginning of the song) and they both wait for a couple seconds. And then as the run towards each other the song goes "I dare you to move!" That was a huge run-on sentence... whatever. It's my blog :)
18 The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin. It's my "drive because I'm in a bad mood" song, and my "I just need to relax" song. So versatile.
19. Just A Kiss by Kelly Clarkson. It's on the same CD as the #1 song is above. I was lying in a tent in the early morning on a vacation in California when I first heard this song. I had this massive crush on a guy who I'd met there and we were leaving that day and I figured I'd never see him again. Although the title lends itself to be a super cheesy, girly song, it has a lot more behind it.
20. Bebot by Black Eyed Peas. I do not understand one word of this song... because it's all in Tagalog... or whatever the Phillipino language is. But once again... Jillian introduced me to this song, and I think it's so cool because even though I don't know a word of it I can still rock out to the beat. THAT'S what great music is.
21. Secrets by OneRepublic. Hands down my favorite artist. I love Apologize before it was popular as well as this song. I love the violins in the background of the beginning of the song and I love how "unsynthesized" it is. Makes me so happy that there is still talent in the world.
22. Feelin' Good by Michael Bublé. Ok, so if you didn't know that he wasn't the original artist of the song.... shame on you. This would be one of the most sexy songs for a guy to sing to his bride at the reception. Just saying.
23. Mercy by Duffy. Ok so confession... this was one of the weekly free songs that iTunes hands out every Tuesday and me being a fan of Great Britain, and she being from Great Britain, I assumed that I would like it without listening to it. And I do :) But it's interesting because even though this song is nearly 3 years old on my iPod, it's just now starting to be played in the clothing stores. Like Aeropostale and Old Navy.
24. Be Ok by Ingrid Michaelson. Alright, so even though this song isn't the most played on my iPod, and she not being the most popular artist in my repertoire, I do appreciate this song. I imagine myself riding my bike in the summer time, wearing a white dress with a white basket on front that has flowers in it as I listen to this song.
25. Come Together by Aerosmith. Yet another classic. So many people don't realize that they aren't the original creators of the song. This one is a cover for the original song by the Beatles. While I don't really like the Beatles, (and I know someone somewhere just died....) this is basically my tribute to them. Actually scratch that, I really do like Hey Jude, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand but who doesn't like those ones?
nonsensical.
There is no point to this post.
sometimes... there doesn't have to be I guess.
I don't believe in nonsense. It's.... well...nonsensical. and just annoying.
but I've got too many thoughts in my head pounding their way out that this post is going to be exactly that. nonsensical.
How am I going to make it through next semester?
I need to read more. and not just Harry Potter because it doesn't count when you have it memorized. I need to read more church books. Like Mormon Doctrine, and Neal A. Maxwell's biography. And possibly the scriptures...
Why do I use periods so often in my writing?
Ad why does making something capitalized sound like you're shouting
I discovered a new blog today! It belongs to a good friend who will probably be reading this... but I'm impressed by his writing. Truly.
And really envious too. And that's about the truth of it.
Oh and from it I gleaned a lot of different post ideas
sometimes... there doesn't have to be I guess.
I don't believe in nonsense. It's.... well...nonsensical. and just annoying.
but I've got too many thoughts in my head pounding their way out that this post is going to be exactly that. nonsensical.
How can I be awake right now?
Why do I love hot chocolate so much?
How have I missed so many opportunities to teach my siblings something valuable?
Why in the world are tennis balls fuzzy? Did someone decide to make them unique in this way?
How many other people in this world are there yet to discover that can be so influential to me?
Why do I go to school again?
I need to read more. and not just Harry Potter because it doesn't count when you have it memorized. I need to read more church books. Like Mormon Doctrine, and Neal A. Maxwell's biography. And possibly the scriptures...
Why do I use periods so often in my writing?
Ad why does making something capitalized sound like you're shouting
freak I'm starving...
I wish my mom didn't have to work because I know it's not her favorite thing to do. I'm immensely grateful that she does, but all the same, I'm sad for her.
I wish I could put my brain into my sisters' heads for a while, that way I wouldn't have to explain what I feel and they'd just know.
I'm a HUGE fan of sleeping diagonally. try it. freals (for+reals=freals)
I miss my roommates
I wish I was a band groupie follower fan person type... thingy....
and I wish I was a better writer.
I discovered a new blog today! It belongs to a good friend who will probably be reading this... but I'm impressed by his writing. Truly.
And really envious too. And that's about the truth of it.
Oh and from it I gleaned a lot of different post ideas
Typically I'm not a fan of using set templates or ideas for blog posts
But the ideas I've been seeing from other people's blogs sound fun to try out.
So I think I will.
Tomorrow I will.
Because I'm tired. And hungry
And bored from this nonsense.
Saturday, December 18
Thoughts on the times I've missed
I'm home now :) Good ol' Enumclaw always just seems to call it's residents back over and over. No matter where I go in life now, I feel like I'll always just refer to Enumclaw as "Home".
Speaking of which, I love my house :) The first thing I did when I got back was make a carpet angel. In the carpet. THE CARPET. The carpet we don't have in my dorm!
The second thing I did was use the bathroom. That's probably a little too much information but I'm telling you what, using your own home's bathroom is... for lack of a better word... relieving hahahaI couldn't think of just one simple, straight-forward answer to either of the questions posed. How do you explain to some one 4 months worth of experiences and growing in a one sentence answer?
- I've learned that I judge people way too harshly, and way too critically
- I've learned that I want to incorporate my own testimony of Jesus Christ into my life more
- I've learned the need for prayer
- and for sleep
- I've learned that I can't compare myself to others. It's like comparing every fruit in the world: each has bad and good qualities, and some fruits are better served with different combinations of different fruits. (Roughly translating to mean that not everyone is going to like me and that's ok)
- I've learned that patience is a virtue.
- I've learned to be more aware of people and their needs. Not everyone wears their hearts on their sleeves and part of being a good friend is realizing that while figuring out the emotions of their hearts without prying.
- I've learned that there is hope in a world of ever sinking morals. There are families across the globe that were able to raise their kids in the gospel, regardless of the circumstances. What an amazing display of faith and devotion it is to see the next generation of church leaders. Living with the next generation of the church. Being the next generation of the church.
- I've learned that I love learning the deep nature of the basic doctrine of the church. Not like trying to answer odd questions like the "Where is Kolob" questions, and the "Well, if one day to the Lord is 1000 years to us, then the Creation would've taken 7,000 years right? Isn't that enough time for the dinosaurs to have lived and died?" questions. But the faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, Atonement, grace and works and agency questions
- Along similar lines, I've learned that I love seeking after truth regardless of the subject.
- I've learned that I'm not always right. ouch
- I've learned that people's reality are dependent on their perception. It's totally normal for me to drop a piece of food on the ground then pick it up and eat it. Someone else out there just threw up reading this.
- I've learned that parenting must be the hardest job that you don't get paid for.
- I've learned that science and God are not in conflict with each other if you understand both subjects thoroughly
- I've learned that I am not well-read and that that bothers me immensely.
- I've learned that I've love talking and that I hate small talk.
- I've learned over and over again that Christ loves His children, no matter how small, insignificant, or unworthy they view themselves as.
What a wonderful first semester right?
Anyways, now that I'm home I can't believe it. It's still a little surreal; like I'm watching things behind a window pane.
I talked with my brother on the way to go get Frankie's pizza (so much better than the $5 Lil' C's pizza's I've become deeply acquainted with) and he shared with me this conversation:
Jess: so how has school been for you buddy?
Ethan: It's ok. I like recess, that's like, the best part. Except I only play handball during recess.
(Then he explained how to play handball to me. Sounds like a sweet game really)
Ethan: I didn't know Uncle _____ drank beer. Doesn't he go to church though?
Jess: Well sometimes, but people who drink those things can still come to church you know.
Ethan: Oh right! Because you're supposed to invite people to come to church right? Isn't that what Elder Durrant said?
Jess: Yes, inviting them to church is what we're supposed to do
Ethan: mmmmm I was talking with my friend Lewis at school and I told him that whenever he says the Lord's name in vain that it's really disrespectful.
Jess: Wow Ethan, that's really impressive. What did he say to that?
Ethan: Oh, I can't remember, we were playing handball
What 9 year old has the courage to ask his friends to be respectful of his beliefs? I don't think I even knew what the purpose behind not saying God's name in vain was at his age. All I knew is that I'd get my mouth washed out with soap if I did.
He's a wonderful brother.
Well since I've been home I have slept for a total of 7 hours, driven to Bellevue and back, around Enumclaw, and to Bonney Lake and back, made a LEGIT looking gingerbread house, and cried because I no longer have MY room.
What a successful day!
Sunday, December 5
"Out of the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses...
shall all my word be established".
Or something along those lines... I know it's close though
Today was Fast and Testimony meeting, and since it's the last one of the semester in my BYU ward, the Bishopric extended the meeting by nearly an hour.
My friends in my ward truly amaze me. There are people who have had to go through some really hard things. They've had family members die, get sick, fall away from the church etc. There are people in my ward who are the only members in their families, converts along with their families, completely paying for their own way throughout college. My own roommates wake up at 3:30 each morning for work from 4-8. Some have had clinical depression, suicide attempts, physical handicaps, mental handicaps; have had to support their families, have had to move to a new country etc.
But they are ALL willing to do this because they ALL believe and understand the truthfulness of the gospel. I've never been in a place so spiritually saturated. These kids are PAYING to be here, and they all know the requirements and standards that they must uphold in order to remain students here. And the best part is, THEY WANT TO DO THIS! It blows my mind to see so many kids my own age, gathered in a ward from across the nation, who all have chosen good things throughout high school.
I don't mean to make this sound as though all of them are perfect because they'd be the first to tell you that they aren't. We all beat ourselves up over small things, like not studying long enough for scripture study, judging other too harshly and too quickly, and not remembering our Savior throughout the week. But they all had to have an ecclesiastical endorsement to apply here, and they all want to keep the Savior at the center of their lives.
I've been so blessed to be here.
Or something along those lines... I know it's close though
Today was Fast and Testimony meeting, and since it's the last one of the semester in my BYU ward, the Bishopric extended the meeting by nearly an hour.
Today "His" word was established by a LOT of witnesses.
Attending a singles ward has completely changed my appreciation for Testimony Meetings. Back in my home ward I looked forward to hearing testimonies, but I was never excited. Here though, I'm genuinely excited. A part of that is because I still don't know everyone, and so I get to be introduced to people I haven't met: but the major part is hearing the common themes in every ones beliefs. We've all come from different backgrounds, states, sometimes countries, and yet the SAME gospel, the SAME atonement has been, is, and will, affect our lives in ways that we are all amazed by.My friends in my ward truly amaze me. There are people who have had to go through some really hard things. They've had family members die, get sick, fall away from the church etc. There are people in my ward who are the only members in their families, converts along with their families, completely paying for their own way throughout college. My own roommates wake up at 3:30 each morning for work from 4-8. Some have had clinical depression, suicide attempts, physical handicaps, mental handicaps; have had to support their families, have had to move to a new country etc.
But they are ALL willing to do this because they ALL believe and understand the truthfulness of the gospel. I've never been in a place so spiritually saturated. These kids are PAYING to be here, and they all know the requirements and standards that they must uphold in order to remain students here. And the best part is, THEY WANT TO DO THIS! It blows my mind to see so many kids my own age, gathered in a ward from across the nation, who all have chosen good things throughout high school.
I don't mean to make this sound as though all of them are perfect because they'd be the first to tell you that they aren't. We all beat ourselves up over small things, like not studying long enough for scripture study, judging other too harshly and too quickly, and not remembering our Savior throughout the week. But they all had to have an ecclesiastical endorsement to apply here, and they all want to keep the Savior at the center of their lives.
I've been so blessed to be here.
Saturday, November 27
[untitled]
The hardest part of blogging for me is coming up with a title.
Anyways, today I came across a blog that truly surprised me. I'm a fairly judgemental person (I'm trying to change!) so when someones inner thoughts aren't expressing the person I thought they were, it really does surprise me.
This blog was amazing. Not necessarily because of the person, but because of the things they blogged about.
All my life I've been amazed with the people who have the gift of expression; the ability to put down in words the thoughts that they're plagued by. I don't have this gift, and if I do, I'm not utilizing it very much. For example, C. S. Lewis has always been able to form sentences that succinctly capture his message. Although I've never had the chance to READ any of his books, the quotes that I hear from him are so simple and yet so profound.
Have you ever noticed that the most meaningful of emotions are expressed in the simplest of words? Sometimes, a simple "I love you" does more for an individual than an "I will follow you across the sky and back and buy you chocolates and flowers and diamonds......" etc.
but now I'm getting distracted.
Sometimes I think that I think too much. It's frustrating trying to find the words to describe my opinions! If I had Lewis' head, I wonder what stories I could tell. I don't know, but I think it's exciting trying to find my "voice" if you will.
In English and in a couple of classes I've had, we were asked to analyze a story, passage, paragraph etc. I always wonder what the authors of the words would say to our interpretations. Maybe we over-analyze their words? What if they just wrote what they did because they felt the need to say something. What if our interpretations are nothing like their original message?
Though, I guess that in this variation there is beauty. I've learned in Biology that variability increases heritability, and oddly enough, I findthis applicable to literature as well. For example, the different variations and interpretations of Shakespeare's work have helped to keep him in society. Spin offs of his plays are found in the media today, keeping him alive.
What will people interpret from my words?
On a side note:
During this 3 day Thanksgiving break I've been watching more TV/DVDs than I have in the 3 months that I've been here! I've successfully completed Sleepless in Seattle, The Importance of Being Earnest, 14 episodes of One Tree Hill, and the first and second DVDs of the special extended version of Lord of the Rings. Those last 2 movies are a total of 8 hours.
Anyways, today I came across a blog that truly surprised me. I'm a fairly judgemental person (I'm trying to change!) so when someones inner thoughts aren't expressing the person I thought they were, it really does surprise me.
This blog was amazing. Not necessarily because of the person, but because of the things they blogged about.
All my life I've been amazed with the people who have the gift of expression; the ability to put down in words the thoughts that they're plagued by. I don't have this gift, and if I do, I'm not utilizing it very much. For example, C. S. Lewis has always been able to form sentences that succinctly capture his message. Although I've never had the chance to READ any of his books, the quotes that I hear from him are so simple and yet so profound.
Have you ever noticed that the most meaningful of emotions are expressed in the simplest of words? Sometimes, a simple "I love you" does more for an individual than an "I will follow you across the sky and back and buy you chocolates and flowers and diamonds......" etc.
but now I'm getting distracted.
Sometimes I think that I think too much. It's frustrating trying to find the words to describe my opinions! If I had Lewis' head, I wonder what stories I could tell. I don't know, but I think it's exciting trying to find my "voice" if you will.
In English and in a couple of classes I've had, we were asked to analyze a story, passage, paragraph etc. I always wonder what the authors of the words would say to our interpretations. Maybe we over-analyze their words? What if they just wrote what they did because they felt the need to say something. What if our interpretations are nothing like their original message?
Though, I guess that in this variation there is beauty. I've learned in Biology that variability increases heritability, and oddly enough, I findthis applicable to literature as well. For example, the different variations and interpretations of Shakespeare's work have helped to keep him in society. Spin offs of his plays are found in the media today, keeping him alive.
What will people interpret from my words?
On a side note:
During this 3 day Thanksgiving break I've been watching more TV/DVDs than I have in the 3 months that I've been here! I've successfully completed Sleepless in Seattle, The Importance of Being Earnest, 14 episodes of One Tree Hill, and the first and second DVDs of the special extended version of Lord of the Rings. Those last 2 movies are a total of 8 hours.
Sometimes it feels good to be a pile.
I miss my roommates though. Half of them left over the break to spend time with their families. Not that I blame them in the slightest! Jillian and I have talked more during the week she's been gone than we did all during the summer! I miss Carly and Kimmie too :( The dorm is REALLY quite without them all!
Thursday, November 25
Traditions: a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting
Being Thanksgiving today, I've really had a great chance to reflect on the traditions that my family has during the holiday season. Dictionary.com gave me the above written definition of tradition; out of the 7 different options given, this one served me the best.
Traditionally, (see what I did there?!) traditions are often activities that families do together. My family usually hangs up an old laminated turkey, cut out from the Friend. Then for our family home evenings in November we each come up with a few things we're thankful for, write them down on turkey feathers made from colored paper and stick them on the turkey.
Also from the same magazine is a Crazy Thanksgiving Adlib. Grandma Featherbone has had some of the weirdest Thanksgiving feasts courtesy of the Decker family. With nouns such as earwax, Shrek, Michael Jackson, and Mia Hamm, there was just no way she could walk away unscathed.
These traditions although incredibly fun and meaningful in their own way, do not necessarily fit in with my chosen definition of 'tradition'.
Having this break from school has also given me a chance to further my introspection, mostly due to the fact that I am extremely bored. (Going from an insanely busy schedule to nothing seemingly overnight is somewhat liberating, and confusing). Anyways, the traditions of my family have been made abundantly clear these past 3 months. Saturday morning chores, although somewhat of a sick tradition, has been implemented here in my own dorm, and it has brought me this weird sense of peace. Who knew scrubbing floors would remind me of home so much?
Family prayers at night are still continued.
The tradition of the "3 second rule" still applies for me... but some of my roommates are disgusted by that.
The thinking that antibiotics are miracle workers, staying up late is natural, PG-13 movies can be hilarious, making mistakes is ok as long as you are better for them, and laughing during prayers are all part of my family's tradition, and as such I've inherited that way of thinking/ acting.
Funny how differently traditions can be defined!
Traditionally, (see what I did there?!) traditions are often activities that families do together. My family usually hangs up an old laminated turkey, cut out from the Friend. Then for our family home evenings in November we each come up with a few things we're thankful for, write them down on turkey feathers made from colored paper and stick them on the turkey.
Also from the same magazine is a Crazy Thanksgiving Adlib. Grandma Featherbone has had some of the weirdest Thanksgiving feasts courtesy of the Decker family. With nouns such as earwax, Shrek, Michael Jackson, and Mia Hamm, there was just no way she could walk away unscathed.
These traditions although incredibly fun and meaningful in their own way, do not necessarily fit in with my chosen definition of 'tradition'.
Having this break from school has also given me a chance to further my introspection, mostly due to the fact that I am extremely bored. (Going from an insanely busy schedule to nothing seemingly overnight is somewhat liberating, and confusing). Anyways, the traditions of my family have been made abundantly clear these past 3 months. Saturday morning chores, although somewhat of a sick tradition, has been implemented here in my own dorm, and it has brought me this weird sense of peace. Who knew scrubbing floors would remind me of home so much?
Family prayers at night are still continued.
The tradition of the "3 second rule" still applies for me... but some of my roommates are disgusted by that.
The thinking that antibiotics are miracle workers, staying up late is natural, PG-13 movies can be hilarious, making mistakes is ok as long as you are better for them, and laughing during prayers are all part of my family's tradition, and as such I've inherited that way of thinking/ acting.
Funny how differently traditions can be defined!
Happy Thanksgiving family. I'm more thankful for you today than I have been in my entire life.
Sunday, November 14
Fairness
Life isn't fair.
It's an old saying yeah, but everyday it's proven to be quite valid.
It's not fair that I wake up early, and still leave late.
It's not fair that I study 20 hours and end up with a lower score than my study partner
It's not fair that the light turned green for the guy speeding/weaving through traffic, and then turns yellow too early for me to blast through it.
It's not fair that ______ can eat a whole box of pop tarts and still have a 6-pack.
And these are just a few of the unfairness qualities of life. But when I take a second to think globally, I'm pretty sure the unfairness is balanced out between the good and bad things happening.
There is so much of everything in this world, the good, bad, ugly and beautiful! All of these things can be seen in one individual, so it makes sense that the 6,881,300,109 people living on this planet would magnify those traits.
I got a letter from a friend serving a mission yesterday and he's serving in a fairly ghetto place.
Let's be real, it's freaking Miami Vice x 10 there.
But amidst the shootings, police chases, drug users and white trash, the beautiful message of the gospel is taking a hold of the hearts of the people there. Good is born from the ashes as they would say.
This doesn't only happen to the people, but to him (the missionary) as well. Never having a brother that served a mission, and being too young to remember my uncles leaving, it's been a phenomenal experience for me to keep in contact with him and literally (but not literally...) SEE the changes the Spirit has worked in him.
Stereotypically, it's HARD to explain, but certain things that used to bug him before he left don't anymore. Movies and music were his life previously, and even though he sometimes misses them now, he said he's just stopped paying attention to the new releases.
Not to mention the advice he gives. I wrote out a long letter of venting things, mostly about the frustrations of college and such. But what the advice I got back was priceless. None of it was necessarily NEW to me, but how he worded it made better sense to me than the words of those who'd previously tried to talk to me. Giving me advice on to "just chill", turn to God and His words, and go to His places for guidance.
The gospel is truly amazing!
It's all just so cool to see/hear/read!
It's an old saying yeah, but everyday it's proven to be quite valid.
It's not fair that I wake up early, and still leave late.
It's not fair that I study 20 hours and end up with a lower score than my study partner
It's not fair that the light turned green for the guy speeding/weaving through traffic, and then turns yellow too early for me to blast through it.
It's not fair that ______ can eat a whole box of pop tarts and still have a 6-pack.
And these are just a few of the unfairness qualities of life. But when I take a second to think globally, I'm pretty sure the unfairness is balanced out between the good and bad things happening.
There is so much of everything in this world, the good, bad, ugly and beautiful! All of these things can be seen in one individual, so it makes sense that the 6,881,300,109 people living on this planet would magnify those traits.
I got a letter from a friend serving a mission yesterday and he's serving in a fairly ghetto place.
Let's be real, it's freaking Miami Vice x 10 there.
But amidst the shootings, police chases, drug users and white trash, the beautiful message of the gospel is taking a hold of the hearts of the people there. Good is born from the ashes as they would say.
This doesn't only happen to the people, but to him (the missionary) as well. Never having a brother that served a mission, and being too young to remember my uncles leaving, it's been a phenomenal experience for me to keep in contact with him and literally (but not literally...) SEE the changes the Spirit has worked in him.
Stereotypically, it's HARD to explain, but certain things that used to bug him before he left don't anymore. Movies and music were his life previously, and even though he sometimes misses them now, he said he's just stopped paying attention to the new releases.
Not to mention the advice he gives. I wrote out a long letter of venting things, mostly about the frustrations of college and such. But what the advice I got back was priceless. None of it was necessarily NEW to me, but how he worded it made better sense to me than the words of those who'd previously tried to talk to me. Giving me advice on to "just chill", turn to God and His words, and go to His places for guidance.
The gospel is truly amazing!
It's all just so cool to see/hear/read!
Monday, November 8
I'm feeling the LOVE today.
There are the occasional days that I am truly feeling good wholesome lovely feelings for life. And this past week, was not one of those times.
HOWEVER; Fast Sundays usually bring about an amazing change in my personal life, so much so that I really feel good today.
Today was an amazing day. Particularly since being here, I've noticed how the conversations on deep personal pondering seem to be answered in a small seemingly unimportant conversation the next day. Having kept track of this phenomenal occurrence (7 times), I feel like it's important to share the simple fact that: God does hear His children.
My Bishopric introduced a new program (for lack of better words) entitled Roommate Support Program, also known as RSP (because we'reMormon LDS and we love our acronyms!) The goal of this program as far as I understand, is to further protect each other by eradicating improper worldly items from our apartments. To make our apartments a spiritual haven, much like our ideal homes... back home.
As I personally thought about what our apartment could do to help spiritually saturate #129, I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have such awesome roommates.
NO seriously... they're AMAZING.
There are stories circulating around about roommates who keep ridiculously late hours, participating in all sorts of shenanigans, those who NEVER do the dishes, never clean, swear, R-rated movies, drugs etc.
And just because we're at BYU doesn't mean that the people here aren't human. Mormons are human too (sometimes it's a hard concept to grasp, I get that).
My dorm doesn't have any problems like that. Please don't think our dorm is "perfect" (such an unattainable ideal) however; our dorm is next in line to be translated :)
Just kidding. I wouldn't be here right on the Internet right now if that was the case!
The point of this whole blog was to share how much love I feel for my roommates. I had NO idea the impact that each of them would have on my life. No idea how each of our backgrounds would magically, and beautifully combine to weave the fabric of our own family culture here in Robison Hall.
And to top it off, they're all great cooks... dinner tonight was Salmon, baked potatoes, home-made rolls and salad.
HOWEVER; Fast Sundays usually bring about an amazing change in my personal life, so much so that I really feel good today.
Today was an amazing day. Particularly since being here, I've noticed how the conversations on deep personal pondering seem to be answered in a small seemingly unimportant conversation the next day. Having kept track of this phenomenal occurrence (7 times), I feel like it's important to share the simple fact that: God does hear His children.
My Bishopric introduced a new program (for lack of better words) entitled Roommate Support Program, also known as RSP (because we're
As I personally thought about what our apartment could do to help spiritually saturate #129, I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have such awesome roommates.
NO seriously... they're AMAZING.
There are stories circulating around about roommates who keep ridiculously late hours, participating in all sorts of shenanigans, those who NEVER do the dishes, never clean, swear, R-rated movies, drugs etc.
And just because we're at BYU doesn't mean that the people here aren't human. Mormons are human too (sometimes it's a hard concept to grasp, I get that).
My dorm doesn't have any problems like that. Please don't think our dorm is "perfect" (such an unattainable ideal) however; our dorm is next in line to be translated :)
Just kidding. I wouldn't be here right on the Internet right now if that was the case!
The point of this whole blog was to share how much love I feel for my roommates. I had NO idea the impact that each of them would have on my life. No idea how each of our backgrounds would magically, and beautifully combine to weave the fabric of our own family culture here in Robison Hall.
And to top it off, they're all great cooks... dinner tonight was Salmon, baked potatoes, home-made rolls and salad.
Sunday, October 24
Stuff on Being Better
Every time I go to church I am constantly being reminded about how much better I could be doing. My roommate Natalie has one of the sweetest and genuine spirits I've ever encountered. And so do all 100 of the girls in my ward.
I've never been in a place where there are at least 2 piano playing geniuses in every dorm. And the others have had some level of musical background be it singing, (which I'm pretty sure we were all required to know), violin, cello, flute, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, viola etc. etc.
And not to mention just how much BETTER everyone is.. in EVERY aspect.
spiritually
academically
physically
emotionally
athletically
musically
(fill-in-the-blank)-ly
It's weird to be in this place and NOT get discouraged because of how little your achievements mean.
I could be happy that I ran 5 miles, and the next day hear how an FHE sister is running marathons like a boss.
I could be happy that I finally got to play the piano for a little bit, then hear how the girl downstairs has 3 music classes and is required to play 2 hours a day. And she jams on the piano like no one's business.
I could be happy with my ACT score, then sit in awe as Brad down the sidewalk explains his "unstudied" score of 35.
I could be happy for the 96/100 on a paper, then have that trampled by the roommate's 99/100 score.
I could be happy I was able to squeeze out the time to go to the temple, then hear about the people across the lobby who have religiously gone to the temple every Friday since school started.
I'm trying to just focus on using all of these people's talents, ideas and examples to help me become better. But when it seems like you're so low on the totem poll.... it's hard not to look up.
And then there are the days that I really just don't care anymore. Not in a suicidal sense mind you... but in the sense that I am recognizing that I am ME, and I have to live with that. There are habits that I wish I had, scores I wish I could get, and things that I wish I could do... but I'm not going to be able to do any of those things simply by looking up to examples. So every now and then I tell myself that I'm doing just fine; that I don't need to be anyone but me.
And then we go to church and the whole self-esteem slaughter ensues once more.
I've never been in a place where there are at least 2 piano playing geniuses in every dorm. And the others have had some level of musical background be it singing, (which I'm pretty sure we were all required to know), violin, cello, flute, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, viola etc. etc.
And not to mention just how much BETTER everyone is.. in EVERY aspect.
spiritually
academically
physically
emotionally
athletically
musically
(fill-in-the-blank)-ly
It's weird to be in this place and NOT get discouraged because of how little your achievements mean.
I could be happy that I ran 5 miles, and the next day hear how an FHE sister is running marathons like a boss.
I could be happy that I finally got to play the piano for a little bit, then hear how the girl downstairs has 3 music classes and is required to play 2 hours a day. And she jams on the piano like no one's business.
I could be happy with my ACT score, then sit in awe as Brad down the sidewalk explains his "unstudied" score of 35.
I could be happy for the 96/100 on a paper, then have that trampled by the roommate's 99/100 score.
I could be happy I was able to squeeze out the time to go to the temple, then hear about the people across the lobby who have religiously gone to the temple every Friday since school started.
I'm trying to just focus on using all of these people's talents, ideas and examples to help me become better. But when it seems like you're so low on the totem poll.... it's hard not to look up.
And then there are the days that I really just don't care anymore. Not in a suicidal sense mind you... but in the sense that I am recognizing that I am ME, and I have to live with that. There are habits that I wish I had, scores I wish I could get, and things that I wish I could do... but I'm not going to be able to do any of those things simply by looking up to examples. So every now and then I tell myself that I'm doing just fine; that I don't need to be anyone but me.
And then we go to church and the whole self-esteem slaughter ensues once more.
Friday, October 22
The Puzzles
Carly and I recently (last night) had a conversation that has really got my mind reeling. We were talking about our roommates, our likes and dislikes about all of them (*no offense guys), and she told me that over the summer, before school started, that she felt like she really got to know me because of our emails back and forth. She said that there was one email that I sent where she felt like she really connected with me. And it's this connection that I love finding in people :)
We talked about the difference between 'understanding' and 'knowing', and how there is a definite difference.
Ask me about an ant, and I can tell you that, yes, I do know what that is. But I can't tell you that I understand what it is because I have no idea why an ant is either significant, insignificant, trivial, remarkable or memorable to you. The background, history and memories associated with ants are specific to you, and I wouldn't be able to understand them without further explanation provided by you.
We also talked about how people store information in their heads. Going back to our roommate discussion, I was talking about how I put people together in my mind. Everybody has their own puzzle in my head that, when completed, forms their own heads. On the back of each puzzle is a word either describing them, their hobbies, random facts etc. etc. The borders of the puzzle have the basic, rigid information about them such as family info, age, gender, morals, values, where they're from etc. But the middle puzzle pieces are the pieces that TRULY describe the person. Their habits, sayings, opinions, interests, passions etc. I was going through and thinking about how fully formed each roommates' puzzle is in my head. Elizabeth's about 90-93% completed, Jillian's around a 75-80% (although some days I feel like I have no idea who she is at all. She's spunky!). Carly was asked that day how comfortable she felt around all of us (100% being like family comfortable) and she said around 65%, which is weird because that's how much of her puzzle is completed in my head.
But there are some people in this world who I can't put a puzzle together for. I just collect puzzle pieces not knowing if it's a "border piece" a "middle piece" or even a piece at all. It's these people that I have the hardest time relating to and it's not their fault at all. I'm not trying to say that they should change so that I can piece them together; it's just hard for me to relate to someone I can't form a picture of.
I love late night post-gym conversations!
We talked about the difference between 'understanding' and 'knowing', and how there is a definite difference.
Ask me about an ant, and I can tell you that, yes, I do know what that is. But I can't tell you that I understand what it is because I have no idea why an ant is either significant, insignificant, trivial, remarkable or memorable to you. The background, history and memories associated with ants are specific to you, and I wouldn't be able to understand them without further explanation provided by you.
We also talked about how people store information in their heads. Going back to our roommate discussion, I was talking about how I put people together in my mind. Everybody has their own puzzle in my head that, when completed, forms their own heads. On the back of each puzzle is a word either describing them, their hobbies, random facts etc. etc. The borders of the puzzle have the basic, rigid information about them such as family info, age, gender, morals, values, where they're from etc. But the middle puzzle pieces are the pieces that TRULY describe the person. Their habits, sayings, opinions, interests, passions etc. I was going through and thinking about how fully formed each roommates' puzzle is in my head. Elizabeth's about 90-93% completed, Jillian's around a 75-80% (although some days I feel like I have no idea who she is at all. She's spunky!). Carly was asked that day how comfortable she felt around all of us (100% being like family comfortable) and she said around 65%, which is weird because that's how much of her puzzle is completed in my head.
But there are some people in this world who I can't put a puzzle together for. I just collect puzzle pieces not knowing if it's a "border piece" a "middle piece" or even a piece at all. It's these people that I have the hardest time relating to and it's not their fault at all. I'm not trying to say that they should change so that I can piece them together; it's just hard for me to relate to someone I can't form a picture of.
I love late night post-gym conversations!
Tuesday, October 19
I can't remember
Ever wonder what you would do without your memory? Sure we typically forget some answers to a test, but I mean not having the ability to remember anything at all?
Not remembering what you did the second before.
I wonder what it'd be like not to remember--
I wonder what it'd be like not to----
I wonder what it'd be like not---
I wonder what it'd be like---
I wonder what it'd be----
I wonder what it'd----
I wonder what---
I wonder---
I----
And that's all you'd get.
Each second exising and forgetting. Every sense would constantly be stimulated by something new. Never knowing how to speak, crawl, eat.
Literally, a couch potato. Not knowing who you are; your interests, hobbies, talents, abilities.
Not recognizing your family. Not knowing what a family is.
I truly can't think of anything more horrible.
Not remembering what you did the second before.
I wonder what it'd be like not to remember--
I wonder what it'd be like not to----
I wonder what it'd be like not---
I wonder what it'd be like---
I wonder what it'd be----
I wonder what it'd----
I wonder what---
I wonder---
I----
And that's all you'd get.
Each second exising and forgetting. Every sense would constantly be stimulated by something new. Never knowing how to speak, crawl, eat.
Literally, a couch potato. Not knowing who you are; your interests, hobbies, talents, abilities.
Not recognizing your family. Not knowing what a family is.
I truly can't think of anything more horrible.
"Each of us finds that in [our] own life
every moment of time is completely filled.
[We are] bombarded every second by sensations,
emotions, thoughts... nine-tenths of which
[we] simply ignore. The past [is] a roaring
cataract of billions upon billions of such
moments: Any one of them too complex to grasp
in its entirety, and the aggregate beyond all
imagination... At every tick of the clock, in
every inhabited part of the world, an unimaginable
richness and variety of 'history' falls off the
world into total oblivion"
C.S. Lewis
I think I'll complain a little less now when I can't remember something trivial. such as a name.
Wednesday, October 6
the 100
1. I'm obsessed with goldfish crackers
2. I will always wash my clothes with Downy's April scented fabric softener.
3. Sticky notes are the best desk invention ever....
4. next to electric staplers. those are SWEET!
5. Halloween is my favorite holiday. period.
6. MAC= ridiculous. it's a simple equation
7. Getting the mail is one of the simple joys in life. except when I don't have mail addressed to myself.
8. I don't understand the point of folding laundry.... it just ends up in the dirty clothes again anyways right?
9. I like it when I don't have to cook :)
10. Climbing trees is a great pastime
11. I love having really deep conversation. Feeling like your mind has been stretched is truly rewarding.
12. Being out in nature is relieving.
13. If you ask me if I've seen a movie, the answer will most likely be no.
14. I love Jillian
15. I actually don't... Jillian loves me :)
16. I can function on very little sleep.
17. I don't like doing that, because I love sleep :}
18. I spend way too much time on facebook.
19. I am not a germaphobe. Germaphobes are hard to live with... I live with 2.
20. I love black and white photography.
21. Simplicity is the highest form of sophistication; even DaVinci said it :)
22. Blue happens to be the most soothing color I can think of.
23. Mint chocolate chip is the best form of chocolate. and mint :)
24. I like how sayings can twist words. Like today I heard: "We become what we want to be, by being what we want to become". A simple statement put into amazing words.
25. I don't believe in destiny.
26. I frequently j-walk.
27. I have NOT seen Dumb and Dumber. It's like, a federal offense I get that. my bad?
28. I really want to have a stainless steel fridge one day, but I want it to come with that special cleaner that magically removes all the fingerprints that it's bound to acquire.
29. I am the dum to Elizabeth's dum
30. I should have been born in the 80's. Seriously, they could get away with looking CRAZY and it was totally acceptable. (because it WAS acceptable in the 80's...)
31. I can not wear bracelets. They get in the way of my writing abilities.
32. Water is magnificent.
33. I have a fast metabolism.
34. As such, I can eat like CRAZY, get full for 20 minutes and then be hungry again.
35. I miss playing volleyball so insanely much. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense... but I knew what I meant.
36. I can't wear colored socks. I like my nice white socks a little too much to change.
37. I have many obsessions: chonga bagels, light blue stride gum, tall peppermint hot chocolates, frozen peas, scarves, one pair of favorite jeans (I think that's fairly normal though...) peanut butter moo'd jamba juices, sitting on the right front side of every class, argyle print, avocados, and not trying eggplant, artichokes, or passion fruit.
38. There is security in familiarity.
39. My dad and I have the same humor; my mom and I the same temperament.
40. I talk. a LOT. But I think it's because I also think a lot. Do you ever feel like you will never be able to tell anyone absolutely everything you've ever thought about because you think SO much? That's me.
41. Racquetball is the only sport where you can see it, and simultaneously feel it hit the back of your head. (I can't take credit for that, but it's still true)
42. Tide to go pens seem useless to me.
43. I want to go on a field study to Africa and teach the kids there how to play soccer. Mostly because I want to go to Africa :)
44. My forehead is 3 fingers long
45. I'm a popcorn addict.
46. I had a 4-pack when I was 12, but I didn't really know what it was. I just thought it was cool the my stomach had lines on it!
47. Spontaneous bursts of laughter are the highest form of entertainment
48. I think I'm a natural leader.... sometimes I over-step on people who are my own leaders, but I'm working on that.
49. I can't cut onions without crying on the spot. It could be a very very small red onion, and I'd still cry.
50. I really don't discriminate on music. I like ALL kinds. :) except for country. Country is just not right.
51. I have 3 words that I really really really REALLY don't like. Salivate, puss and crusty. ew.
52. Shaving is a waste of time. But I've gotta do it.
53. I will do anything for free food, and a free t-shirt.
54. Inception changed my life. SUCH A GOOD MOVIE
55. My shoe size is about a 9, but I WILL fit into an 8 and a 10.
56. I'm not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, but I can tell you which spell does what. Does that count?
57. I love learning about people and their personalities. Analyzing people is one of the coolest things to do. Trying to predict their thoughts, ideas, what they're gonna do etc. etc. is so... almost humbling you could say.
58. Anatomy and Psychology have been the coolest subjects that I've taken... I'm not sure this would surprise anyone though
59. Favorite cologne? Volcom (the Black one), Fierce and men's Gap. They're prime
60. Black bic pens have redefined my writing.
61. Fruity gum is just the weirdest thing invented. Who wouldn't want a minty clean taste in their mouth? Moreover, who wants their mouth and after breath to taste/smell like melons?
62. Chipotle's burritos are worth any drive to get one.
63. I wish I knew more about how computers worked: I feel like knowing more would probably benefit me in the future.
64. I plan on running a half marathon by the time I'm 30.
65. And then I'll buy a Ferrari as a reward :)
66. I love Steve Carell. Seriously, I'm pretty sure that every movie he's in I absolutely love. Like Get Smart? yeah, THE most quotable of my life.
67. I can whip a hand towel PRETTY dang hard, we're talking welt-leaving status here.
68. I've never appreciated Wal-Mart more than I have being a college student.
69. Sometimes I wish I were black. Not to be racists at ALL, but they can dance, AND they're all over better at sports. Not to mention that gospel music is incredible.
70. I really do feel like I'm supposed to be here in this situation in my life right now. And I take comfort in that fact.
71. I'm a fast reader... but I miss a lot of detail because of that.
72. I do not believe that leggings constitute pants. Put some pants on people.
73. James Christensen is my favorite artist. This is only because my grandparents had his artwork all over their "White House" when I was younger, and I would stare at one painting while I hid as the cousins and I played hide and seek.
74. My eggs yolks can't be runny.
75. Yolk is the hardest word to say
76. And I mix up my words much too often to be considered normal.
77. Water sports should be in the Olympics, that way I might have the opportunity to be an Olympic athlete. Actually, I'm not good at one water sport in particular, but I just love all water sports.
78. Correlation does not equate to causation.
79. I love airports.
80. I hate riding in planes.
81. During high school, I wish I hadn't locked myself down into a mold. Maybe that's what high school does to you, or what you do to yourself in high school.... either way I wish it hadn't happened.
82. I only truly feel the desire to put my hair in a pony tail, when I don't have a hair band on my wrist.
83. I can't play sports with my hair down.
84. I've never participated in an individual sporting event.
85. Donating blood scares me...
86. Humans interest me. The fact that we are all universally the same, but globally unique seems like an oxymoron, but it's true!
87. I'm not afraid to try my hand at any sport.
88. But I'm terrified at the thought of performing on stage.
89. The only way I'd be able to escape from an attacker is because I've memorized 'Miss Congeniality's' defensive acronym. S-shoulder, I-in-step, N-neck, G-groin. aka: SING
90. I prefer long sleeve shirts to t-shirts.
91. I can't tolerate cold water very long
92. But I sleep better when it's cool.
93. I'm not really sure what type of style I would say that I have. I love sweats, but I like looking professional, and I like polo's, crazy printed skirts, and converse. None of those items combine to mold into one stereotypical fashion style. But that's cool too :)
94. I prefer sweet to salty tastes.
95. I'm fairly sensitive to spices.
96. I have yet to find one type of meat that I don't like.
97. I tend to care what other people think of me a little too much.
98. Stuck on a desert island by myself, the one thing that I would want the most is: to not be stuck on the island... Why doesn't anybody ever answer like that?
99. I have the weirdest dreams out of anybody that I know. Ask Elizabeth because she gets the daily update every morning.
100. I am me, myself and I. Everything that I am I owe to somebody else. Whether that be my parents, teachers, friends, or most importantly God. I think we're all a conglomerate of experiences and nature, but nature was also once created. that's amazing!
2. I will always wash my clothes with Downy's April scented fabric softener.
3. Sticky notes are the best desk invention ever....
4. next to electric staplers. those are SWEET!
5. Halloween is my favorite holiday. period.
6. MAC= ridiculous. it's a simple equation
7. Getting the mail is one of the simple joys in life. except when I don't have mail addressed to myself.
8. I don't understand the point of folding laundry.... it just ends up in the dirty clothes again anyways right?
9. I like it when I don't have to cook :)
10. Climbing trees is a great pastime
11. I love having really deep conversation. Feeling like your mind has been stretched is truly rewarding.
12. Being out in nature is relieving.
13. If you ask me if I've seen a movie, the answer will most likely be no.
14. I love Jillian
15. I actually don't... Jillian loves me :)
16. I can function on very little sleep.
17. I don't like doing that, because I love sleep :}
18. I spend way too much time on facebook.
19. I am not a germaphobe. Germaphobes are hard to live with... I live with 2.
20. I love black and white photography.
21. Simplicity is the highest form of sophistication; even DaVinci said it :)
22. Blue happens to be the most soothing color I can think of.
23. Mint chocolate chip is the best form of chocolate. and mint :)
24. I like how sayings can twist words. Like today I heard: "We become what we want to be, by being what we want to become". A simple statement put into amazing words.
25. I don't believe in destiny.
26. I frequently j-walk.
27. I have NOT seen Dumb and Dumber. It's like, a federal offense I get that. my bad?
28. I really want to have a stainless steel fridge one day, but I want it to come with that special cleaner that magically removes all the fingerprints that it's bound to acquire.
29. I am the dum to Elizabeth's dum
30. I should have been born in the 80's. Seriously, they could get away with looking CRAZY and it was totally acceptable. (because it WAS acceptable in the 80's...)
31. I can not wear bracelets. They get in the way of my writing abilities.
32. Water is magnificent.
33. I have a fast metabolism.
34. As such, I can eat like CRAZY, get full for 20 minutes and then be hungry again.
35. I miss playing volleyball so insanely much. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense... but I knew what I meant.
36. I can't wear colored socks. I like my nice white socks a little too much to change.
37. I have many obsessions: chonga bagels, light blue stride gum, tall peppermint hot chocolates, frozen peas, scarves, one pair of favorite jeans (I think that's fairly normal though...) peanut butter moo'd jamba juices, sitting on the right front side of every class, argyle print, avocados, and not trying eggplant, artichokes, or passion fruit.
38. There is security in familiarity.
39. My dad and I have the same humor; my mom and I the same temperament.
40. I talk. a LOT. But I think it's because I also think a lot. Do you ever feel like you will never be able to tell anyone absolutely everything you've ever thought about because you think SO much? That's me.
41. Racquetball is the only sport where you can see it, and simultaneously feel it hit the back of your head. (I can't take credit for that, but it's still true)
42. Tide to go pens seem useless to me.
43. I want to go on a field study to Africa and teach the kids there how to play soccer. Mostly because I want to go to Africa :)
44. My forehead is 3 fingers long
45. I'm a popcorn addict.
46. I had a 4-pack when I was 12, but I didn't really know what it was. I just thought it was cool the my stomach had lines on it!
47. Spontaneous bursts of laughter are the highest form of entertainment
48. I think I'm a natural leader.... sometimes I over-step on people who are my own leaders, but I'm working on that.
49. I can't cut onions without crying on the spot. It could be a very very small red onion, and I'd still cry.
50. I really don't discriminate on music. I like ALL kinds. :) except for country. Country is just not right.
51. I have 3 words that I really really really REALLY don't like. Salivate, puss and crusty. ew.
52. Shaving is a waste of time. But I've gotta do it.
53. I will do anything for free food, and a free t-shirt.
54. Inception changed my life. SUCH A GOOD MOVIE
55. My shoe size is about a 9, but I WILL fit into an 8 and a 10.
56. I'm not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, but I can tell you which spell does what. Does that count?
57. I love learning about people and their personalities. Analyzing people is one of the coolest things to do. Trying to predict their thoughts, ideas, what they're gonna do etc. etc. is so... almost humbling you could say.
58. Anatomy and Psychology have been the coolest subjects that I've taken... I'm not sure this would surprise anyone though
59. Favorite cologne? Volcom (the Black one), Fierce and men's Gap. They're prime
60. Black bic pens have redefined my writing.
61. Fruity gum is just the weirdest thing invented. Who wouldn't want a minty clean taste in their mouth? Moreover, who wants their mouth and after breath to taste/smell like melons?
62. Chipotle's burritos are worth any drive to get one.
63. I wish I knew more about how computers worked: I feel like knowing more would probably benefit me in the future.
64. I plan on running a half marathon by the time I'm 30.
65. And then I'll buy a Ferrari as a reward :)
66. I love Steve Carell. Seriously, I'm pretty sure that every movie he's in I absolutely love. Like Get Smart? yeah, THE most quotable of my life.
67. I can whip a hand towel PRETTY dang hard, we're talking welt-leaving status here.
68. I've never appreciated Wal-Mart more than I have being a college student.
69. Sometimes I wish I were black. Not to be racists at ALL, but they can dance, AND they're all over better at sports. Not to mention that gospel music is incredible.
70. I really do feel like I'm supposed to be here in this situation in my life right now. And I take comfort in that fact.
71. I'm a fast reader... but I miss a lot of detail because of that.
72. I do not believe that leggings constitute pants. Put some pants on people.
73. James Christensen is my favorite artist. This is only because my grandparents had his artwork all over their "White House" when I was younger, and I would stare at one painting while I hid as the cousins and I played hide and seek.
74. My eggs yolks can't be runny.
75. Yolk is the hardest word to say
76. And I mix up my words much too often to be considered normal.
77. Water sports should be in the Olympics, that way I might have the opportunity to be an Olympic athlete. Actually, I'm not good at one water sport in particular, but I just love all water sports.
78. Correlation does not equate to causation.
79. I love airports.
80. I hate riding in planes.
81. During high school, I wish I hadn't locked myself down into a mold. Maybe that's what high school does to you, or what you do to yourself in high school.... either way I wish it hadn't happened.
82. I only truly feel the desire to put my hair in a pony tail, when I don't have a hair band on my wrist.
83. I can't play sports with my hair down.
84. I've never participated in an individual sporting event.
85. Donating blood scares me...
86. Humans interest me. The fact that we are all universally the same, but globally unique seems like an oxymoron, but it's true!
87. I'm not afraid to try my hand at any sport.
88. But I'm terrified at the thought of performing on stage.
89. The only way I'd be able to escape from an attacker is because I've memorized 'Miss Congeniality's' defensive acronym. S-shoulder, I-in-step, N-neck, G-groin. aka: SING
90. I prefer long sleeve shirts to t-shirts.
91. I can't tolerate cold water very long
92. But I sleep better when it's cool.
93. I'm not really sure what type of style I would say that I have. I love sweats, but I like looking professional, and I like polo's, crazy printed skirts, and converse. None of those items combine to mold into one stereotypical fashion style. But that's cool too :)
94. I prefer sweet to salty tastes.
95. I'm fairly sensitive to spices.
96. I have yet to find one type of meat that I don't like.
97. I tend to care what other people think of me a little too much.
98. Stuck on a desert island by myself, the one thing that I would want the most is: to not be stuck on the island... Why doesn't anybody ever answer like that?
99. I have the weirdest dreams out of anybody that I know. Ask Elizabeth because she gets the daily update every morning.
100. I am me, myself and I. Everything that I am I owe to somebody else. Whether that be my parents, teachers, friends, or most importantly God. I think we're all a conglomerate of experiences and nature, but nature was also once created. that's amazing!
Sunday, September 19
Spontaneity
I've been thinking about this blog, this post, for about 3 months.
....maybe 6 months....
I wanted to blog; I knew I had something to say to someone... I just didn't know what I'd say. Or to who.
And I most definitely didn't anticipate today as the start of my blog. MY BLOG (wow, I sound old... no offense bloggers)
But there's something wonderful in being spontaneous and I felt like I needed to start today.
And so here it goes, the first post!
Guaranteed I won't update everyday, life's too busy for that! But when I feel creative I'll post, and it will be cool.
It's dinner time now... gotta go get my lasagna! :)
....maybe 6 months....
I wanted to blog; I knew I had something to say to someone... I just didn't know what I'd say. Or to who.
And I most definitely didn't anticipate today as the start of my blog. MY BLOG (wow, I sound old... no offense bloggers)
But there's something wonderful in being spontaneous and I felt like I needed to start today.
And so here it goes, the first post!
Guaranteed I won't update everyday, life's too busy for that! But when I feel creative I'll post, and it will be cool.
It's dinner time now... gotta go get my lasagna! :)