I am up to 4 followers as of today! (welcome Brandon) There could be as many as 2 or 3 readers that just haven't subscribed yet. This is very exciting to me.
Last week I wrote something in my journal that I have been thinking a lot about lately. I feel that I need to explain myself so that others might know why I do and believe the way that I do. I have had a very special experience happen to me when I was about 15 years old. This experience involved an overwhelming and undeniable feeling come over me and teach me that God is real and that Joseph Smith was His prophet. This message was made so clear to me that I cannot deny it, and if I were to do so, I know that I would have to answer to the wrath of God for my actions.
There are basically two reasons why I do my very best to live by the teachings of Christ.
1. I know that there is a God and that He wants me to do my best.
2. I have never been happier in my life than when I live by the teachings of Jesus Christ. I have had too many experiences with both good and bad to not recognize the difference. Simply put, I go to church each week because it makes me happy. I pray because it makes me happy. I read scriptures because it makes me happy. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a month or so of righteous or wicked living to note the difference, but it is there.
I sometimes get frustrated or question why I have been given the knowledge that I have. I did not have to ask for it, I did not have to pray about it. I feel that what I have been given is purely a gift that I am now in charge of taking care of. I wonder why others do not come to the same knowledge as me, even for those who have apparently put forth greater effort than I did. Perhaps they are meant to grow in different ways, but it still makes me sad to see people struggle through their life.
I am so grateful for my testimony of Christ and the restoration of His church. It is by far the greatest source of joy in my life. Hopefully by reading this some of you might know me a little better now than you did previously. Also, I am always willing to discuss my faith with anyone so give me a call and I'd love to chat about it.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Allocating Free Time
I am finding that I have more free time at this point in my life than any other time over the past 7 years. I come home from work around 5:30 or so and I don't have anything that I have to do until about 11 when I go to bed. This is a wonderful problem to have. I have already begun allocating my free time to worthy causes.
I joined some byu intramural sports teams. I am now the active goalie for a inter-tube water polo team and I play my first basketball game tomorrow. I have also started a new band called The Adventures of Robot and Squirrel. My band is a duo with my friend David Thorpe. I am a little bit nervous about the life of the band already because I think that we have our first show this Friday and we have never had a practice before. This should be a lot of fun.
Other things that I am doing to use up all of my free time include going to church activities and I have been very close to acquiring a keyboard a couple of times because I want to learn how to play. I'll give more details as the quest for a keyboard unfolds. I am also planning on reading more books than I ever have in a year. So far I think that I will read the Old Testament for the first time, Frankenstein, the Prince and the Pauper, and some other classics. I am open to suggestions if you have any.
On a side note, I am curious to know who reads my blog. I anticipated Tyler and maybe another relative to read every once in a while, but I have learned that there are at least a few other subscribers. I would very much appreciate any feedback or thoughts from people that read. This is especially exciting to me because at times I feel a drought of new topics to discuss in passing, and this way I might be able to hold a conversation for an additional 2 to 3 minutes with someone. The possibilities are endless... never mind, unfortunately the possibilities have already been predetermined to last only a short while, but it is still exciting for some reason!
I joined some byu intramural sports teams. I am now the active goalie for a inter-tube water polo team and I play my first basketball game tomorrow. I have also started a new band called The Adventures of Robot and Squirrel. My band is a duo with my friend David Thorpe. I am a little bit nervous about the life of the band already because I think that we have our first show this Friday and we have never had a practice before. This should be a lot of fun.
Other things that I am doing to use up all of my free time include going to church activities and I have been very close to acquiring a keyboard a couple of times because I want to learn how to play. I'll give more details as the quest for a keyboard unfolds. I am also planning on reading more books than I ever have in a year. So far I think that I will read the Old Testament for the first time, Frankenstein, the Prince and the Pauper, and some other classics. I am open to suggestions if you have any.
On a side note, I am curious to know who reads my blog. I anticipated Tyler and maybe another relative to read every once in a while, but I have learned that there are at least a few other subscribers. I would very much appreciate any feedback or thoughts from people that read. This is especially exciting to me because at times I feel a drought of new topics to discuss in passing, and this way I might be able to hold a conversation for an additional 2 to 3 minutes with someone. The possibilities are endless... never mind, unfortunately the possibilities have already been predetermined to last only a short while, but it is still exciting for some reason!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thanks for the love
I received several wonderful gifts for Christmas/birthday this past year and I just wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate them.
As for this week, I have realized that I have way to much free time on my hands. I work 8 hours a day and then I come home with no responsibilities or activities. This past week was full of college bowl games and other sporting events, but I feel that I need to do more. I have decided that one thing that I can do is more service. I think that I will go up to the MTC or something and give that a go. If anyone has any service ideas, let me know because I've got time to burn.
I just finished watching Breakfast at Tiffany's. I am a little bit confused because they never had breakfast at Tiffany's. I didn't like the racial stereo type of asians either. I thought that the movie was facinating to watch. It makes me a little bit sad to think that times have changed so much that people like those in the movie don't exist anymore, or at least I don't know any, and they don't even make movies like that anymore. It got me in the mood to watch Casablanca, so I'll probably use some of my extra free-time to do that this week.
On a final note, I am trying this thing where I will answer any question that someone asks me. No holds bar. Brutal honesty. This is only good for 24 hours and then my secrets are my own. I thought that this would be exciting to do, but then I realized that I don't really have any secrets or try to keep things from people. But if you think of something, let me know and I'll tell you how it is.
- Jill- I framed the picture you gave me and the drawing of the monster is in the living room. I plan to use the scarf this week.
- Teah, Josh, Dallin, Carter, and Miley- I love the calendar and I have it hanging in my room. Me and my roommates enjoyed the box of chocolates as well.
- Aaron- Thanks for the card and the gift cards to Walmart. I have decided to use them to help me get some new glasses soon.
- Dad- Thanks for the digital picture key chain. I have already shown off my family pictures to a few different people. I also used the gift card to buy a blazer that makes me look dashingly handsome.
- Mom- Thanks for the 30 Rock dvds. I love that show. Also thanks for the new suit, laptop bag, and book.
- TY- Thanks for the movie. I had a lot of fun seeing Sherlock with you guys. I think that I only watched 4 movies in the theater last year and I watched 2 of them with you while I was in town.
- Grandpa- I really enjoyed the get together at your place and I am going to use the money you gave me to help me buy my new glasses.
As for this week, I have realized that I have way to much free time on my hands. I work 8 hours a day and then I come home with no responsibilities or activities. This past week was full of college bowl games and other sporting events, but I feel that I need to do more. I have decided that one thing that I can do is more service. I think that I will go up to the MTC or something and give that a go. If anyone has any service ideas, let me know because I've got time to burn.
I just finished watching Breakfast at Tiffany's. I am a little bit confused because they never had breakfast at Tiffany's. I didn't like the racial stereo type of asians either. I thought that the movie was facinating to watch. It makes me a little bit sad to think that times have changed so much that people like those in the movie don't exist anymore, or at least I don't know any, and they don't even make movies like that anymore. It got me in the mood to watch Casablanca, so I'll probably use some of my extra free-time to do that this week.
On a final note, I am trying this thing where I will answer any question that someone asks me. No holds bar. Brutal honesty. This is only good for 24 hours and then my secrets are my own. I thought that this would be exciting to do, but then I realized that I don't really have any secrets or try to keep things from people. But if you think of something, let me know and I'll tell you how it is.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Bring On 2010
2010 is going to be the best year ever. No school and a better job is a good recipe for more fun. I will actually have time now to enjoy some movies, do some reading, and start a new band. My new band is very exciting to me. I have a lot of ideas that I want try.
I want to write a story and then have the songs tell the story, our shows might even have a narrator between songs. I would also like to have special musical guests (our musical friends) to help with vocals or other instruments. I think that it would be a fun show to watch. Mr. Riff, the keyboard expert, has already agreed to add his genius to our recordings. Expect great things in the near future.
I want to write a story and then have the songs tell the story, our shows might even have a narrator between songs. I would also like to have special musical guests (our musical friends) to help with vocals or other instruments. I think that it would be a fun show to watch. Mr. Riff, the keyboard expert, has already agreed to add his genius to our recordings. Expect great things in the near future.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Culmination Week
I think that it is fitting for the year to come to a close in this fashion. I have worked very hard and I have done a lot of things this year, and this week might be the busiest week of them all. Not only is this week the busiest, but this is the most important week of them all as well.
At work I am in charge of submitting the best bid out of all the competing stone and tile companies in Utah for a major contract in Salt Lake. We. Must. Win. Our company is riding on this. There are a lot of people's jobs riding on this bid (not to mention my own). This project is also the most complex bid that I have ever been involved with also.
At the same time, I have to pass all of my final exams to make sure that I graduate this semester. I have been skating through a couple of my classes and so now it is important that I get a decent grade. This week will not be easy by any means.
Last night I went to Kristen's ugly sweater party. I was charged with the task of acting out a prostate exam for charades. I had a good time. I brought a robot costume as my white elephant gift, but no one else thought that it was as amazing as I did.
At work I am in charge of submitting the best bid out of all the competing stone and tile companies in Utah for a major contract in Salt Lake. We. Must. Win. Our company is riding on this. There are a lot of people's jobs riding on this bid (not to mention my own). This project is also the most complex bid that I have ever been involved with also.
At the same time, I have to pass all of my final exams to make sure that I graduate this semester. I have been skating through a couple of my classes and so now it is important that I get a decent grade. This week will not be easy by any means.
Last night I went to Kristen's ugly sweater party. I was charged with the task of acting out a prostate exam for charades. I had a good time. I brought a robot costume as my white elephant gift, but no one else thought that it was as amazing as I did.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Last week of school = greater peace of mind
I think that I am graduating really soon! We have this week of classes and then next week of finals. I say that I think that I am graduating because there is still a pretty good chance that I fail political science 110. I forgot to turn in a paper on time which really hurts. The worst part is that I already took this class in Texas, but the credit didn't transfer for some reason. Hopefully I do okay on the final and never have to do school again, unless I get my MBA which is a possibility, but not for a while.
I like to copy past emails that I've sent because they are already written. It is so much easier than having to think of things to type! Here's one that I sent to a buddy of mine that I met at the missionary training center:
...I remember two stories with you in the MTC. We used to stand in a tight circle before class and sing a hymn. I had envisioned something like dominoes if someone pushed the person next to them. Just as I was thinking about the possibilities, I saw you stand on one foot to scratch your leg with your other foot. I thought this would be a good time to see the domino effect and I shoved you into Elder Hernandez. I was sad and embarrassed to see that you just bounced off of Elder Hernandez and landed in your chair. I think that I hurt your back real bad when I did that too.
The other story that I think about sometimes is the one where we were sitting in class and you turned your head and sneezed right in my face! I said something like,"You just sneezed right in my face!" and you were like, "well, I guess you can get me back if you want" so you let me use your arm to blow my nose. It was awesome.
---------
Those mission times were some of the best days of my life. I thoroughly enjoy reflecting back on them.
My taste in music has changed a lot over the past year. I use to listen to rock and roll music all of the time (pixies, coheed, foo fighters, and toadies to name a few) but now I listen to much more peaceful and mellow music. Maybe its due to my old age. I listen to The Real Tuesday Weld at least once a week. I have also been listening to more female artists along with bands that I have always enjoyed like Ed Harcourt, Badly Drawn Boy, Grandaddy, Wilco, The Decemberists, Death Cab, ect.
I think this post is starting to get long, but if your willing to keep reading, I can keep going! At work I am 95% sure that I will be offered a full-time estimating job after I graduate which includes a very significant pay increase. The awkward part is that two or three of my superiors will likely be laid-off within the next few months. When I officially get this job though, I plan on buying an inexpensive house in Provo. I would be stupid not to. The housing market is very low right now and so are mortgage rates. On top of that the government is giving $8K to new homeowners! I will probably get a roommate and split the mortgage payment. I would guess that I can sell the house for way more in about 5 years. This will also keep me in Provo where it is slightly easier to find good girls that are about my age. I'll have to save the girl issues to another post altogether. I just can't wait until I get out of school, get my job, get settled in a house, and then life will be a lot less hectic.
I like to copy past emails that I've sent because they are already written. It is so much easier than having to think of things to type! Here's one that I sent to a buddy of mine that I met at the missionary training center:
...I remember two stories with you in the MTC. We used to stand in a tight circle before class and sing a hymn. I had envisioned something like dominoes if someone pushed the person next to them. Just as I was thinking about the possibilities, I saw you stand on one foot to scratch your leg with your other foot. I thought this would be a good time to see the domino effect and I shoved you into Elder Hernandez. I was sad and embarrassed to see that you just bounced off of Elder Hernandez and landed in your chair. I think that I hurt your back real bad when I did that too.
The other story that I think about sometimes is the one where we were sitting in class and you turned your head and sneezed right in my face! I said something like,"You just sneezed right in my face!" and you were like, "well, I guess you can get me back if you want" so you let me use your arm to blow my nose. It was awesome.
---------
Those mission times were some of the best days of my life. I thoroughly enjoy reflecting back on them.
My taste in music has changed a lot over the past year. I use to listen to rock and roll music all of the time (pixies, coheed, foo fighters, and toadies to name a few) but now I listen to much more peaceful and mellow music. Maybe its due to my old age. I listen to The Real Tuesday Weld at least once a week. I have also been listening to more female artists along with bands that I have always enjoyed like Ed Harcourt, Badly Drawn Boy, Grandaddy, Wilco, The Decemberists, Death Cab, ect.
I think this post is starting to get long, but if your willing to keep reading, I can keep going! At work I am 95% sure that I will be offered a full-time estimating job after I graduate which includes a very significant pay increase. The awkward part is that two or three of my superiors will likely be laid-off within the next few months. When I officially get this job though, I plan on buying an inexpensive house in Provo. I would be stupid not to. The housing market is very low right now and so are mortgage rates. On top of that the government is giving $8K to new homeowners! I will probably get a roommate and split the mortgage payment. I would guess that I can sell the house for way more in about 5 years. This will also keep me in Provo where it is slightly easier to find good girls that are about my age. I'll have to save the girl issues to another post altogether. I just can't wait until I get out of school, get my job, get settled in a house, and then life will be a lot less hectic.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Let's get comfortable together
This is my first blog so I assume that it will evolve and change over time. But for now, I plan on blogging every once in a while to share what is going on in my life for family and friends. I'll try to post the funny, interesting, or important things that happen to me. I usually don't share things unless people specifically ask about them, so now I can share my stories and adventures more freely.
To start off, I think that I will post a couple of emails that I sent to my roommates while I was in Hawaii for the summer:
May 21, 2009
I can't believe this summer is passing by so fast! I've been working like crazy, which is good because I like the overtime. I like my job for the most part. I am in charge of the quality control for the company. I have 3 roommates now, but I don't really talk to any of them. 2 of the guys are old and once they start talking, oh boy, it takes forever to find a reason to leave the room. The other one is in his late 30's I think, but he is a recovering meth addict. He "goes for a walk" until late most nights....
Last note, I had a really weird dream the other night where I was swimming under neath Shaquille O'neil's vacation cabin, and then I swam to the top really fast and busted through 5 floors and hit the roof. It was awesome! I had another dream where I found a new member that I taught in Uruguay, but she was the size of a penny and I held her on my hand. I had another dream that was amazing also, but I forgot that one.
June 8, 2009
Last Sunday I got a really bad sunburn because I fell asleep on the beach. Words cannot describe how burned I was. When I woke up on the beach, I looked at my arm and it was whiter than I've ever seen it. I thought to myself that maybe I wasn't burning like I felt I was. I think that my skin was actually dead, because about an hour later is was a dark red color. The next couple of nights I only slept for 3 or 4 hours. I had to take lots of cold showers. It was interesting because the water was freezing cold when it hit my head, but by the time it got to my feet is was warm....
Did I ever tell you that my roommate was an x con? Well it turns out that he still does "con" type things. three weeks ago I noticed two charges on my credit card statement for $120 of pizza! I called the pizza place and found out that the pizzas were delivered to my roommate's friend's house, and the phone number used to order was a different friend's phone! So I my boss fired my roommate for stealing my credit card number. Cr/\zY!
--------------------
This might be too much for a 1st post, but I think that this is a good representation of what is to come....
To start off, I think that I will post a couple of emails that I sent to my roommates while I was in Hawaii for the summer:
May 21, 2009
I can't believe this summer is passing by so fast! I've been working like crazy, which is good because I like the overtime. I like my job for the most part. I am in charge of the quality control for the company. I have 3 roommates now, but I don't really talk to any of them. 2 of the guys are old and once they start talking, oh boy, it takes forever to find a reason to leave the room. The other one is in his late 30's I think, but he is a recovering meth addict. He "goes for a walk" until late most nights....
Last note, I had a really weird dream the other night where I was swimming under neath Shaquille O'neil's vacation cabin, and then I swam to the top really fast and busted through 5 floors and hit the roof. It was awesome! I had another dream where I found a new member that I taught in Uruguay, but she was the size of a penny and I held her on my hand. I had another dream that was amazing also, but I forgot that one.
June 8, 2009
Last Sunday I got a really bad sunburn because I fell asleep on the beach. Words cannot describe how burned I was. When I woke up on the beach, I looked at my arm and it was whiter than I've ever seen it. I thought to myself that maybe I wasn't burning like I felt I was. I think that my skin was actually dead, because about an hour later is was a dark red color. The next couple of nights I only slept for 3 or 4 hours. I had to take lots of cold showers. It was interesting because the water was freezing cold when it hit my head, but by the time it got to my feet is was warm....
Did I ever tell you that my roommate was an x con? Well it turns out that he still does "con" type things. three weeks ago I noticed two charges on my credit card statement for $120 of pizza! I called the pizza place and found out that the pizzas were delivered to my roommate's friend's house, and the phone number used to order was a different friend's phone! So I my boss fired my roommate for stealing my credit card number. Cr/\zY!
--------------------
This might be too much for a 1st post, but I think that this is a good representation of what is to come....
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