ZUMBA!!

It's only the best thing around these days. That's all.

I went this morning for I think my 3rd time ever and I still love it.The first time I ever went I probably laughed during the whole class. A) because I felt silly trying to shake my booty B) because I loved it so much!

Just the other day I was asking my sister how to stretch out my hips and back. She gave me some ideas but I didn't get the stretching relief that I wanted. After coming home from Zumba today I realized that my hips and back were feeling so good. This exercise style is just what my body has been craving.

I have a membership at 24 so if any of yous out there in the Provo area want to hop on the Zumba wagon with me just let me know!

That's me on the left. Seriously, my abs look like that.

I'm liking these

I like the rhythm of the verses.



This one is good too. I like the real version but I couldn't find the edited version of it, so we'll go with this one. Who knew Gwyneth Paltrow was a singing machine?

Nachoooooooo!

I laugh so much every time.




Also I really like the following song. Violins are de beeest.

Something finally came, as it always does

Last night I was reading in Alma 40 in the Book of Mormon and I came across some good stuff. I had only planned a little bit of time to read because I had to finish a big homework assignment due in the morning. That chapter talks about where we go after we die and what happens to us. I have know all this stuff since I was young but I learned a lot while I was reading and in my subsequent study of it not a few moments ago.

As I was reading I noticed two definitions of the concept of resurrection. The first is in verse 2 when it talks about mortality putting on immortality and corruption putting on incorruption. The second is the definition as given in the bible dictionary found in verse 18 as the reuniting of the soul with the body.

I wanted to look up the official definition from the church in the bible dictionary last night as I was reading, but because of my time constraint I didn't. However, I just barely looked it up and found something interesting. It's new to me, but may not be to you gospely inclined people. In the bible dictionary it defines resurrection as "the uniting of a spirit body with a body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided." That's what we would expect to read. However, it also states that there have been instances where people have been brought back from the dead but they were only brought back into mortality. The resurrection means we are brought into the physical state of immortality or are beings without blood. THAT my friends is where my brain perked up and started to tick. Blood is the life line of a mortal being. I once asked my mission president if blood was sacred because the spilling of innocent blood is basically what the atonement is. Before it was making a blood sacrifice of the firstling of the flock and was the same with Jesus Christ he being the first born and completely innocent. I didn't get much of an answer from my president, but this idea of blood being a characteristic of mortality is quite fascinating. In giving up his blood (from every pore) Christ overcame physical death and in a very real sense gave us his mortality. So would you say that blood has an aspect of sacredness? I'm still interested to know.

I started to chat with my co-worker about it and she raised some questions about our bodies after the resurrection. Will we have organs? Will we eat? What about our hearts whose main function is to pump our blood throughout our bodies? Then a librarian (I work at a library) came in and we asked him what he thought about it all. Will there be another life source? An immortal life source that replaces our blood? As a joke I decided that the immortal life source is gold and glowing. He also noted that Joseph Smith describes the physical state of God and Jesus Christ as flesh and BONES. Usually we say flesh and BLOOD. Interesting is it not?

What do you think about it? Has this topic ever come up and if so, what did you learn?

My blog is too blogalicious . . .

I haven't blogged in a while. I haven't felt anything awesome inspire me to write on the blog, therefore no blogging.

Anyway, yesterday I got an idea for an cool project to work on. And my goal is to have it done by Christmas so I can give it out as a Christmas present. Welp.

Having a real job is . . .

very different than working on campus.

Here at the good old Harold B. Lee Library I don't do much. I work on projects that the librarians give me (which means I do data entry for hours), I re-shelve me some books, and answer questions about any random subject. I go home and I don't think about my job again until the next day when I sit myself down on my swirly gray office chair to repeat the same thing.

I am thankful to BYU for this job. I know they created it just so that I, a poor starving student, could earn a "living." I put it in quotations because there is no way anyone could make a living off of what I make. But, I get by so, whatevs.

For just over a week now I have been working at a new job (plus my library job). I was hired to be the Counselor Supervisor for the counselors of a group of Chinese students coming to America for 3 weeks. So, this job will end on August 10th. It is exactly what I was thinking about doing after I graduate so it's great experience for me. However, with a real job comes real responsibility. I go to work and I am actually working the whole time I am there. I go home and I think about my work. It's crazy. Part of me loves having a purpose when I go to work, but the idle part of me doesn't like having so much responsibility. The more I put into it the more excited I am for the Chinese students to get here. However, I feel a little nervous too because a lot of the success of the program is resting on top of my shoulders. That is a big deal! Here at the library, I have close to zero responsibility.

I guess that means I am growing up eh? My library days are coming to an end. Instead of an escape from class and homework my job will become realwork (like homework but for reals.)

Who's with me?

A little more Shakespeare

My sister told me yesterday that the average American has an 800 word vocabulary. How sad is that? The average Harvard Professor has a 10,000 word vocabulary. Shakespeare had a 30,000 word vocabulary, many of which he probably invented. I don't want to present this as complete fact because I don't know where her humanities professor got this information. But the idea remains in tact. This, along with other pieces of information I have gathered about Shakespeare, has only deepened my admiration for him.

My interest in Shakespeare sparked when I saw Macbeth last March. In the play Macbeth starts out as a good man who slowly becomes something terrible one poor choice at a time. One despicable decision is only the beginning of a chain of bad choices until they gradually transform him into something he never meant to become. His first dirty deed was killing the King. A main protagonist in the play, Macduff, suspects Macbeth of regicide and intends to set things right. (This is a very watered-down version). After a series of events Macbeth goes to Macduff's house and murders his family. When Macduff enters the scene and finds his family dead and this is the dialogue that ensues:


Malcolm: Dispute it like a man.
Macduff: I shall do so;
But I must also feel it as a man:

Malcolm, I think in an attempt to offer some sort of comfort to Macduff, encourages him to avenge himself, which he does end up doing. But first, he chooses to feel the pain and let it soak in. The less courageous action would be to suppress those feelings and to let your anger control you (as Macbeth did). He takes the more "manly" route in my perspective. Malcolm says to dispute it LIKE a man and Macduff says he must feel it is AS a man.

From my very limited knowledge of this play (please, corrections or insights are welcome) I find that feeling emotion is a main theme. A person who does not heed their emotions is not stable. But, a person who lets their emotions have their say is he who will overcome and continue on. For example, let's say you want to get to a certain destination and the only way to get there is to cross a bridge that overpasses a VERY deep ravine. That is very scary to you, so instead of taking the bridge you turn left and follow the ridge looking for a alternate solution.  You don't find one. Then, you walk back to the bridge, still too scary. So you try the other side, hoping that you'll find anything easier than the bridge. Again, there is nothing. The only way to get to your destination is by taking that bridge even though it frightens you. That is how feeling emotion is. You may not like it, it could be really difficult to bear or frighten you, but it is the only way to get where you need to go.

We are here to learn from our own experience and if we choose not to feel the pain or sorrow that comes from some experiences we also choose not to feel the immense joy that follows from others.

This brings up a huge issue about what feelings are good to feel and what feelings we should not entertain, but that is a whole different discussion that I would love to have someday if anyone is interested.

I could say so much more about this play, but I should probably read it first. This is one aspect of the play that really moved me and I wrote this with a little bit of help from online resources.

P.S. I may or may not have use a thesaurus once or twice while writing this post.

Here's a question

Can a person be too open? Isn't honesty a virtue? Ok so that's two questions. I have been thinking this morning about getting to know people. Can you be too open about your feelings?

Let me clarify something before I go on. When I ask this I'm not talking about TMI (too much information) moments like when someone gives you intimate details about their bodily functions (which I actually may be guilty of) or things of a similar nature. I do think that you can be too open about that stuff. You have to know (conocer not saber) your audience before you start dishing out that kind of information.

What I want to know is that when you are getting to know someone, can you be too open? Can you be too honest? Can you give too much of yourself away? Isn't it a criteria on everyone's list to find a friend that loves you for who you really are?

My brother insists that people are intrigued by a little bit of mystery. I think he is right. People who don't share a lot create this mysteriousness about them that can be quite captivating. I can tell you all right now, that I do not play the mystery card.

Do you think that being too open is a turn off? Maybe, like most things, it depends on the person and the situation. I don't believe that there is one right way for anything.

I am really interested to know what you all think about this. What say ye?

A good thing

You know what is a good thing? This phrase:

"All's well that ends well."

It is the title of a play written by Shakespeare. Last semester I went to see a friend play Lady Macbeth at BYU-Idaho and realized how interesting Shakespeare is. He understands human emotions and articulates the so well. It was then that I answered the question that people often ask at get-to-know-you activities, "If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?" And I know now that I would promptly say, William Shakespeare. He must be so fascinating. I would love to listen to his perspective on life and the world around us.

Now, back to the phrase. I find that it rings so true in our lives. All IS well that ends well. I can get caught up in all of my mistakes and dwell on them so much that I feel like very little good can come from me. But, I think it's all part of the journey to the "end." The end might be a marathon, learning a language, a big test, learning a song on an instrument, anything. Along the way we make so many errors and we can get to the point where we think that we can't do it because of all the mistakes we made. But, if we keep trying and want it bad enough, we will get to the "end" and finish the race or pass the test. And in the end, "all's well that ends well." And the mistakes were just opportunities to learn something and be better for it.

Now a little tribute to Shakespeare:

"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."

"Nothing can come of nothing." 

"They do not love that do not show their love."

"Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven."

Accidents? I think not.

I was going to say that lately I've been thinking about where to take my life, but then I realized that is something I think about constantly so really I should use the word daily. On a daily basis I wonder what I should be doing with my life. I wonder if I should be trying harder to meet people or what should I do for my internship. Should I move out of my house? Should I buy a car? Should I try to get a second job? So many things to think about. At church yesterday a profound thought came to me and I believe that it is true. Here it goes:

(don't be jealous of my amazing art work)

So, life is like this line. The flat part represents everyday life. Most days are just normal days with nothing really big going on. The raised parts represent the good times. The extra special awesome times like getting married, having a baby, getting a really good job, and so forth. The lowered parts represents the hard times like disappointments in a relationship or in a a job, deaths, any sort of trial.

You will notice that the majority of this line (our life) is filled with a flat line (or normal days). In these days we get to choose where it will lead us. Our everyday choices and actions will reflect our desires and personal will. We direct our path.


The ups and downs are a little bit different because I believe they are put into our lives by God to bless us. The downs are blessings just like the ups are. We can learn so much from our trials, that is what they are intended for. But I believe that in the moments where the line moves up or down that God has put his hands a little more firmly on the steering wheel to direct our path. I know that God is always a part of what goes on in our lives, even on the normal days. But, the ups and downs are times when God makes manifest his hand in our lives and puts us where we need to be. Most of our days we choose. We can do what we want with our lives, that is a gift that God has given to us. However, sometimes God will take a little more action in our lives to keep us on the right path.

This is something important to me because I feel like right now I am in a "flat" part of my life. There are so many options to choose from and it really is just up to me what I choose to do. I can save up for a car. I can do my internship in another country. I could move out and meet new people. That is the beauty of free agency, we can do whatever we want. And you all know that "I do what I want."

To prove my point. Today I heard two stories that back me up. I have a friend who told me about her friend (sounds sketchy but it's real) who went to the MTC and had a heartattack. As a result he couldn't go on a mission because he was too much of a liability to the church because they didn't know what had caused it. That to me is one of those moments where God took control and put this person where he was supposed to be. He hasn't had any problems since and the doctors could not explain it. My explanation is that God stepped in and directed his path.

Another is my friend's brother went up to Alaska with his buddies to work for the summer. 4 days after he got there he fell off his bike and had to go back home for surgery and he cannot go back because he has to do physical therapy three times a week. God knows where we should be and no matter what choices we make, he will make sure that we are in the right place at the right time if we are doing the things we should be and keeping ourselves worthy of that help.

My point being, do what you want to do. Do what is right and things will fall into place when they should. Sometimes we are so caught up in what to do next that we don't enjoy the moment we are in. Heavenly Father knows what we need and will place events, people, and experiences in our lives when we need them. Control what you can and don't worry about what you can't.

"Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along." (D&C 78:18)

I do what I want

This is my new philosophy in life. It's a pretty good one. It has been working out for me so far.

It's not that I submit to the natural woman inside of me or that I have completely surrendered to my natural instincts. It is however, a statement of liberation and contentment.

"I do what I want." Is a declaration to all people announcing that you don't conform to the rules that society has made for you. It pertains to all aspects and realms of life. It takes away the "limitations" one has because of gender, social status, financial situation, occupation, race, whatever.

I'm sure you can find many ways to apply this idea, but let me give you one example. Dating. There are so many unspoken rules in dating. Too many. It is ridiculous. Why should a boy wait a few days before calling a girl after working so hard to get her number? To let her know that he isn't really THAT interested? Maybe he doesn't want to "scare" her? Then why did you get her number in the first place?  It's "the game" that prevents people from being who they are and doing what they think is right.

"The game" consists of people trying really hard to be something that they are not and to do things that they wouldn't normally do to try to impress someone. A common strategy in "the game" is to over-analyze every action and thought until you have thought of so many options and angles that you become discouraged because you don't know which one to take. From there you have lost your natural self and you become a puppet to the nonsensical rules that society has made about dating.

So, this is where "I do what I want" becomes a life-changing mantra. I don't do what society wants me to do. I don't try to follow popular standards that many blindly follow. If I want to do something and it's not going to be harmful to anyone else, I'm going to do it. If you want someone to love you for who you are, then be who you are. Don't look at your friend who goes on a lot of dates and try to become her because you are not her. Don't try to be "that guy" that all the girls want because you aren't him. Don't plan your every move or rehearse your every word. Just be yourself and DO WHAT YOU WANT. Someone out there will love that and you won't have to keep up any appearances.

So, to the world at large I say, do what you want. You won't regret it. If you want to call someone, call them. If you want to talk to someone, talk to them. If you want to apply for the job, apply for it. If you want to die your hair hot pink, do it. You hold the joy stick in your own life.

 A quote by our beloved President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“I would like to suggest to you that you ‘grab life by the horns’ and do not let life grab you by the horns. You take control of your lives. … Do not let life control you. … Take charge. Rise to the divinity that is within you.”

Also, an inspirational video I saw in my marketing class:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXeCAeACmJE

Personal Mission Statement

Definition: A mission statement is a formal, short, written statement of the purpose of a company or organization. The mission statement should guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a sense of direction, and guide decision-making. It provides "the framework or context within which the company's strategies are formulated. (Taken from Wikipedia.com, a VERY credible source)


Today I began a mission statement for my life. I say began because it is really short, so of course it does not encompass everything I would like it to, but with time I will learn more and the statement will grow along with me. So, let me share with you what I have placed as guidelines to living my life happily and successfully. With purpose, if you will.


The last line of 1 Nephi 21:5 says "...and my God shall be my strength."


This is important to me because I think a reason why I struggle sometimes is because I am looking for empowerment from a relationship or from material things. I do not feel ashamed to say this because I'm pretty sure everyone has looked in the wrong place for something at one point or another in their life. Yesterday I read this one line and it honestly gave me so much power. I felt so confident because no matter where I go or who I'm with, they are not the ones from whom I get my strength to live and to do. God is everywhere and man can only be in one place at one time and really is very limited if what he can do. However, God can make us soar. Bishop H. David Burton gave an analogy in his CES Fireside talk about a kite. He said that a kite can dip, dive, and fly because of the string that is attached to it. Once the string is cut, that kite will slowly, but surely drift down lifelessly to the ground. I liked that because living by the precepts of God and having faith in Jesus Christ is like our string, and when we keep ourselves attached we can soar and fly and do amazing things. But, if we detach ourselves, we will surely end up helpless and grounded. So, in my life, my God shall be my strength.


In D&C 45:57 says that if we take the Holy Spirit as our guide we will not be deceived.


I wrote about this a little in my previous post, but it still remains true and will be so for as long as I live. I know that when we follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost we can be assured that we will not be deceived. I am really cautious about this because I really want a good, happy life and I want to make good choices. My knowledge is very limited and I cannot see everything nor discern everything. However, I know that if I rely on the Spirit I will not be led astray. That's just how it is. That is why it's OK to be led into the dark sometimes because even in the dark, you will not be led to dangerous places if you are listening to what the Holy Ghost is teaching you.


These two principles have been very influential in my life thus far, and will continue to be so because they are now part of my personal mission statement. The standards by which I will "strategize" my life. 


And let me just say that I feel real good about it. :)

Divinely Guided

It's so interesting the way things work out. Last summer I had a contract to move out for the fall and winter semesters. Two of my friends were going to be my roommates and it was going to be so great. A few weeks before the move-in date, I started to wonder if I should move out or not. I was starting to really like my ward and was sad at the thought of leaving it. One night after FHE I was chatting with some friends and they were trying to convince me to stay. Promising me that we would have so much fun and hang out all the time if I stayed. Also, money was a concern seeing as how I had just gotten home from a mission, I had no job, and I wasn't getting any financial aid of any sort. My friend who was convincing me to stay was the RS president at the time and told me that she wanted to call me to be in the presidency and would do so if I stayed. So, with all of that in mind accompanied by a strong feeling that I needed to stay in the ward, I stayed. I sold my contract and used the money I got back from the deposit and first and last months rent to pay for part of my tuition, which was a big blessing because I don't know how I would have paid for it otherwise.

8 months later, school is over, and I have caught bug to move out again. Yesterday I was very determined to find somewhere to live even if it was just for the summer. I want to be independent and I want to meet new people. However, at FHE last night I was extended a calling that I have been wanting for sometime now. I even went so far as to request it from one of the counselors of the bishopric. This particular counselor sat me down and told me that he didn't even have to suggest my name for the calling because it was already on the list. I was so excited! Now, I have made the decision to stay in the ward. I feel like God is giving me callings to keep me in this ward because deep down inside I feel like the right thing for me to do is stay put.

I don't know why. Last summer I didn't know why. It's crazy that you can feel guidance and direction in your life but for the longest time you don't understand why you have to do something. I did date someone this semester that actually was a great learning experience for me and helped me to adjust into the dating scene after the mission. It was a good thing. But it's over now, so why do I have to stay? That is the question. WHY?

It's like when Adam was instructed to build an altar and offer a sacrifice unto the Lord. He was asked why he did it, and his response was "I know not, save the Lord commanded me." (Moses 5:6) I feel the same way. I don't know why I need to stay where I am, but I know that it's the right place to be right now.

Don't Judge Me

Right now I am reading this book called Fearless Dating. I am a little embarrassed to admit to that, but it has been really helpful for me so it's worth reading. It has helped me to see beyond the expectation of just getting asked out. I have noticed in my dating experience that I feel this need to be asked out constantly or my dating life is terrible. You see the girls who go on dates multiple times a week and you feel like there must be something wrong with you because you don't. This book however, takes a totally different approach. I just finished chapter two, so I'm not that far in yet, but the whole first chapter is on prayer and the second chapter is on confidence and trying to be your best self. At the end of each chapter there is a weekly goal and some space to write down your goal. The first chapter's goal was to pray for direction in your dating efforts and to write down the impressions that you get. The second weekly goal was to write down your strengths and then pick 4 characteristics that you would like to develop and how (that is as far as I've gotten).

It has been so uplifting for me. Instead of telling me what I should do to go on dates, it teaches me how to make myself happy and feel good. It all starts from within. That is what Captain Moroni teaches in the Book of Mormon. He says "remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." (Alma 60:23) This pertains so much to a relationship. I need to take care of myself and make sure that I am confident, happy, and strong before I can expect to have a secure, happy, and strong relationship. I remember learning on a hike at young women's camp (of course) that your group is only as strong as it's weakest link.

In relationships the same principle applies. If you've got solid metal on one link, and a few strands of wire tied together on the next, no matter how badly you want it to, that chain will never be able to fulfill it's purpose. It will not be strong enough.

Working on yourself and becoming your best self is where your foundation starts. Then, after you've got yourself well built and stable, you can add on to that foundation another firm and stable person to create something powerful and secure. We have been given a wonderful promise from God to help us acheive this. ". . . my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27, also from the Book of Mormon)

So, if you feel like a weak link, as I think we all do at one point or another, that does not mean you are stuck that way forever. That is what is so great about being children of the ALMIGHTY God and beneficiaries of the atonement of Jesus Christ. They have a power beyond our own that will make up for our weaknesses if we ask for help and humbly seek it. They can make us strong.

It's all a process that begins with the small things. Taking one step at a time. I think that is how every goal works. If you acheive your goal the first time your try, I don't think it was much of a goal to begin with. The good things in life are the things worth working for. And when you set and pursue goals with an "eye of faith" you will know that Heavenly Father is on your side and that you CAN reach them.

Freedom to Choose

It's a commonly taught doctrine in my church that each person is free to make their own choices. Every action we take is a direct result of a choice we make whether or not we are aware of it. They teach, and I believe it, that if we make good choices we will be happy and if we make poor choices we will have to deal with the consequences. It's a simple concept right?

Here is where it gets complicated. Another significant and character-defining doctrine I have been taught is that doing the will of God will always make us happier than doing merely what we want to do. Many times we think we know what is best for us when in actuality it may not be that good for us at all. I think you all know what I'm talking about.

So, here is my two cents. Something that I have been learning pretty much since I got home from my mission. Well, actually, let me start from there. As a missionary you learn how to follow the spirit. You learn to override your own methods about how to get the work done and to follow the guidance that Heavenly Father is giving you. Our way of doing things comes from our very limited and ignorant manner of thinking whereas God's ways generate from seeing the whole picture. As a missionary you learn to stop working as an individual and to start working as a team with God. And that is when you start to be successful.

Why then, after learning such a valuable lesson, did I come home and revert back to doing things my way? I'll tell you why, because it's hard to give up what you want and what you think is best. Especially when you REALLY want it and you think it's going to make you happy. That's the key right there. You THINK it's going to make you happy. You THINK you know. So what happens when you get that feeling inside telling you that it may not be right? The Holy Ghost who tells us all things that we should do. Do you listen to that prompting, or do you trust your own "knowledge?"

Now you are at a crossroad. Do you do what you want to do or do you trust that God is leading you in a direction to help you be happy? How can we be happy if we don't get what we want? Isn't that the big question?

This is what has been on my mind lately. Do I have enough faith to give up what I think would make me happy to do what God wants me to do? Is it really going to lead to something better? It seems most unpleasant and it is VERY difficult right now. Will it get better?

I do not doubt that at some point in every person's life they will ask themselves these same questions. Probably numerous times throughout their lifetime. These moments are when we learn what we are made of. How strong is your faith really? They are like our own personal Gethsemane's when we can follow the example of Jesus Christ by saying, "not my will, but thine be done." There will be "bitter cups" in our lives that we will be asked to drink. I don't think the road to happiness is decorated with flowers and sunshine. The rain falls on the good and the bad.

Now, circling back to the main point of this post. You are free to choose. You can fly solo and end up wherever your whims and fancies take you. Or, you can work as a team with God. Telling him what you want and where you'd like to go and asking him to help you get there while remaining open to changes where God might put a little something extra in there that is better than anything you would have dreamed up. Really, just stressing a little less and trusting a little more.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proversbs 3 : 5-6

I forgot it was Friday

So, I'm supposed to do something awesome (like all of my other blogs that are so awesome), but I really don't feel like it today. It hasn't been the best week.

I have learned a lot this week about myself, the nature of human beings, and what it means to give your whole heart.

I want to chat about these things for a moment.

I have realized that I live my life half heartedly. I am afraid of being rejected or getting let down, so instead of being passionate about things that matter (because I can get pretty passionate about dumb stuff like Harry Potter, Superman, and Spock) I am more indifferent and passive because the let down might be too much for me. Call it a lack of faith? Me too. That is where the "whole heart" business comes into play. If you want to find joy in life, you've got to give your whole heart to something or someone.

In a relationship it cannot work if you are not willing to give your whole heart. Because in every relationship you have you will need to resolve conflicts and disagreements. People do dumb stuff and you can't hold that against them because tomorrow you are doing to do something dumb too. So, if you haven't openly given your whole heart to someone, those problems will arise and your relationship will not last. When you are completely invested in someone you will do the small things to make it work that otherwise you wouldn't. You will be willing to sacrifice. Heavenly Father knows what he's talking about in having his children make commitments and enter into covenants. If they didn't, most of his children would not do the small, daily things necessary to be happy here on earth and after.

So, the question isn't, are we compatible? or Do we spend enough time together? Those are important, but the real question at hand is, "Am I willing to give him/her my whole heart?" and the next question is "Is he/she willing to give me his/her whole heart?" When you both can say yes to that answer with true intention to actually do it, that is when you know you've got a keeper.

Here is how I learned that. I like to think that I'm awesome and that I can control how I feel about anything. WRONG. I do not have that power. I think I'm probably worse at that than the average person. Each of us has needs and they are real and important. I thought that I could just stop myself from being bothered by something if I wanted to. WRONG! I have needs and they cannot be brushed aside. It is the same way with everyone. Don't deny yourself of what you need. That is no way to be happy in life.

Relating this to our whole heartedness I have realized an amazing thing. When you have given your whole heart to someone you will be willing to do your best to fulfill his/her needs. And they will do the same for you. That is why everything hinges on that. If you can't give your whole heart and allow another to give you theirs, it cannot work out. It will be too hard and you will be unhappy.

"Thou shalt love they wife(husband) with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else."
D&C 42:22

The new post is below

Be sure to read it. I got all political today.

Points are as follows:

Cierra: 2 points for funniness. I have had that stanky leg song stuck in my head all week. And the best part of that video was the "she on da table!"

Rachel: 2 points for geniousness. That really took some true genious' to make that video.

Nickell: 2 points for funniness. What kind of little girl cries so much over a kid? Also, "look at me, now look at your man, now back at me. He isn't me."

Erin: 2 points for awkward and funniness. 1. Tight jeans. 2. Keyboard on the wall. 3. Intense facial expressions. 4. Awkward dance moves.

Kathleeen: 1 point for the really awkward cat video and 1 point because I love that treadmill video.

So here are the totals.

Cierra: 6
Rachel V: 6
Erin: 6
Brittany: 1
Casidy: 1
Kiley: 1
Nickell: 2
Kathleen: 2
Kim: 1

Hmm, there are some ties going on. You might need to step it up if you want to show me who's a real champion and who isn't.

Why?

Ok, I just read an article about Obama's next big program and I am not in accordance with it. Read it here.

What bothers me is that he wants lenders to forgive mortgage payments to the unemployed. I can see that he wants to help people who don't have jobs, but what about those who do have jobs? They are going to pay taxes so that lenders can be subsidized by the government and the unemployed can ride free? Why don't I just buy a house with a mortgage and then quit my job? Then I will get to have a free house because I don't have a job and all those people who do have jobs can pay for me.

It seems ridiculous. Why is Obama sticking his nose into other people's business anyway? I don't know how I feel about Obama, but I do know how I feel about this idea he's got going right now. Why should I have to use the money I earn to pay for someone else to have a house? It seems very unconstitutional. Each man has the right to the pursuit of happiness on his own. That is what America was founded upon. The fact that each person could have the opportunity to make it on his own. The government doesn't need to put their foot into everything. "In God We Trust" not "In Obama We Trust."

I feel like the duties of the government are to keep order in the society, maintain a safe and secure environment, and protect our freedom. It's pretty simple. I'm ok with programs to help people, but not when I am forced to give my money away for unjust causes.

Points for feedback. I am open to different points of view. Don't be afraid to disagree, but do be kind when you state your opposing views.

Another Friday, Another Round

Please post your favorite internet video.

I will rate points for funnyness, awkwardness, or sheer geniousness.

TALENT SHOW

Saturday (tomorrow)

BYU Duck Pond Ampitheater (you probably didn't know it existed, but it does)

3:30 pm

Bring yourself.

Bring a talent.

Bring anyone else who wants to come

Bring their talent too.

Refreshments will be served.

Do you have the right?

At work I am doing an ongoing project with the Relief Society Magazine. This publication was actually a pioneer to the Ensign, New Era, and the Friend. My job is to look through the articles, lessons, and advertisements and make sure they are all entered into the RS Magazine database. It sounds tedious, but I actually like it because I find amazing things like this (from 1915):

Clothing for the Woman Past Forty

**insert article here**

Here is the end part:

Why we oppose pockets for women.

1. Because pockets are not a natural right

2. Because the great majority of women do not want pockets. If they did, they would have them.

3. Because whenever women have had pockets they have not used them.

4. Because women are expected to carry enough things as it is, without the additional burden of pockets.

5. Because it would make dissension between husband and wife as to whose pockets were to be filled.

6. Because it would destroy man's chivalry toward woman if he did not have to carry all her things in his pockets.

7. Because men are men and women are women. We must not fly in the face of nature.

8. Because pockets have been used by men to carry tobacco, pipes, whisky flasks, chewing gum and compromising letters. We see no reason to suppose that women would use them more wisely.

--Alice Duer Miller in New York Times

A Call for Daters!

People, if you are UNMARRIED and have been dating someone for at least 4 MONTHS. Please take this survey. It won't take that long to fill out and you might actually learn something beneficial about your relationship.

If you do not fit into that category, but know someone that does, please send them the link.

Pretty please.

It's for a school assignment.

One point if you take this survey. Two points if you get someone else to take this survey.

https://byu.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_8kxFUsT5GT58RE0&SVID=Prod

Hmmmm.

Seems like the interactive ones don't do so well. I've noticed that the posts that only require one sentence answers get the most participation.

As for the point situation. I feel like Erin's answer deserved 3 points. The reasons are these: she spent time to listen to all four of the songs, wrote good descriptions about what she felt about them, and she actually did it. So, the standings remain the same as they were last week with the exception that Erin now has 4 points.

My texting buddy

So this morning I got on ksl.com to see if anyone was selling any Sundance night ski passes. Amongst the Michael Buble and Brian Reagan tickets (I wish I had some of those), I found some. I texted the person asking if they were still available and he told me that yes he still had some. You see that I am assuming that this person is a he when in reality I don't know the gender of this mystery texter.

We have been texting back and forth all day. We have been saying things like, "What time can you meet up?" and "I get off work at 6" and "I'll call you when I get off of work." I have been texting this person that I have never met all day and it's weird because we are sharing personal information with each other as if we have been friends forever. Ok, not it's THAT personal, but you get my point.

It's 6:00. I'm getting off of work. It's time to call my texting buddy and finally hear the sound of his/her voice.

The Next Level

Yes my friends, we are taking this to the next level.

For me, the most important part about music is the way it makes me feel. I love it when you hear a song that fits your mood perfectly. When I have a lot of pent up energy I like to listen to songs with strong and fast beats. When I want to sing I listen to pop. When I want to feel inspired I listen to the following two soundtracks:

The Village
Lady in the Water

I love them. Somehow, they touch my soul.

Here is the game. I want you to listen to them and tell me how they make you feel or what you think about them. Here are some favorites:

The Village : The Vote and The Gravel Road (listen to the violin)

Lady in the Water: The Healing (especially from the 1:30 point and at 2:20) and Cereal Boxes (Listen for the flow of the song at 1:30)

There are so many things I could write about why I love them. Part of it is what the movie is expressing when these songs are played. Especially for The Healing. It is hopeful and inspiring.

Anyway, points for anyone who actually does this.

Points Thus Far

Cierra: 4
Rachel V: 4
Erin: 1
Brittany: 1
Casidy: 1
Kiley: 1

A 3 pointer. Can you handle it?

Ok my friends. Do what you will with this question. It is completely neutral. You don't have to know anything about my past, present or future to know the answer to this question.

What kind of mascara did I buy last night? Brand and style. You can make as many guesses as you want until you get it right.

Have fun.

Current Standings

Cierra: 4 points

Erin: 1 point

Brittany: 1 point

Casidy: 1 point

Kiley: 1 point

Rachel V: 1 point

Looks like Cierra is kickin' everybody's trash. I decided that the point at which you will earn a treat is 10 points. So, the point values are going to go up a little. And I'm not joking, you really get a treat.

The 3rd Round

This one is short. 1 point.

What type of dog do I desperately yearn to own?

Round 2

Are you ready?

I tried to make this as universal as I could. Meaning, I tried to steer away from high school and early college years so that everyone could have a fair chance.

I will award 2 points to the person who can make up the best story about this picture:

Ready . . . . . . . go.

New thing

Guys

In an attempt to motivate me to write on my blog and to entice you to read it I am going to start a little game. Here is the plan:

Every Friday I am going to write a trivia question worth a certain point value. Most of the questions will come from my past, present, or future life so googling the answer won't really be an option. Unless someone decides to do a biography of me and post it online.

So, why the points? Whoever reaches a certain amount of points (quantity still to be determined) will get a special treat. And who doesn't like special treats?

And, having said that, take a look at my previous post and stay tuned every Friday for your chance to win one very special treat.

1 point for

anyone who can tell me where the following song comes from:

Friday, Friday

Friday is my favorite day.

Friday, Friday

Friday is my favorite day.

Monday is a bummer

Tuesday is a bore

Wednesday makes me ornery

Thursday even more (bonus points for stating the alternate line here)

but

Friday, Friday

Friday is my favorite day