Blood, sweat, and tears.

Anyone who doubts my commitment to my religion should have been in attendance for the alumni day at Seminary this Thursday at 5:40 in the morning. I had stayed up almost the entirety if Wednesday night studying scriptures, marking them, memorizing them, and preparing to compete in Scripture Mastery Chase. We were paired up, and our Officiator, the Seminary teacher Sister Bingham, told us the rules. We lined up on one side of the gym, facing five chairs, one less than the six teams of Seminaryologists. The far left chair was worth 5 points, then 4 points, all the way to 1 point for the far right chair. Sis. Officiator Head Referee Umpire Bingham would read 3 to 6 words from a scripture, and we had to write the first three letters of the book of scripture and the chapter and verses (ex. ‘Trust in the Lord’ = Pro 3:5-6). Then, you grab your writing tablet (actually a plastic plate with dry erase marker on it) and run full throttle across the room to the chair. First one with cheeks in the seats gets the chair. If it is simply an arm or a hand or a stomach, feel free to kick the chair out from under them, tackle them, employ bump and run coverage while running. Honestly, we would get called for unnecessary roughness even in the early 1970’s NFL of headslaps, spearing corner backs, punching, pile driving, etc. Well, my teammate and I were able to overcome a slow start and take 4 first place chairs in a row en route to a 20 point victory. I have 7 quarter sized patches of rug burns, a bruised and swollen abdomen, a bruised bone in my hand, and a welt on my arm where someone sat on a chair that I was currently under. It was tremendous amounts of fun. Discount Double Check belts adorned my waist, and Clay Matthews III was briefly channeled after the victory.

3 hours after getting a minimal amount of sleep (which I woke up during multiple times to see Patrick Carroll’s head hanging over the side of the couch as the rest of him contorted to stay on), I found myself at work. At 1, I left to go to lunch with my manager at Pizza Ranch, then ran home… ok, I made it two miles on 16 slices of pizza and a huge salad, but I consider that a success!

In unrelated business, I read through a slideshow of the 25 best college uniforms of 2011. I LOVED IT!!!

This just in! Tangled is officially my favorite Disney movie. Flynn is my favorite Disney Prince (by marriage!). ‘I Had a Dream’ is my favorite Disney scene. ‘At Last I See The Lights’ is my favorite Disney song…  Who knew? I watched it two nights in a row and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. I then listened to/sang the songs for the next hour.

I just witnessed a beautiful exchange that melted my heart. A five year old girl joyously shrieked at the sight of Santa. As she jumped up and down waving him over to her.  She talked with him for two or three minutes, asking how his wife, the elves, and reindeer were doing, and closed the exchange by hugging him around the waist. I cannot put into words the pure childlike innocence of the scene, but only say that it almost made me cry at work.

 

Thank You

I hate to cry. My lip was trembling all day during sacrament meeting yesterday. It was a farewell address for my dear friend Adam, leaving in less than a fortnight for Provo before heading to Richmond, Virginia for the next 100+ weeks. I looked into the congregation, gathered before us sitting on the front stand. I was the only person who spoke who was not a member of Adam’s family, so I felt honored to be included in the invitation to speak. All throughout the church were tears, smiles, laughter, and an overwhelming feeling of the spirit. I, of course, felt very nervous about speaking in front of 200 plus people, especially since at the very beginning of my talk I stated that I had decided NOT to serve a mission when I was younger (although later on I did state emphatically that I do want to serve one now). But I know, deep within my heart, that my faith is undeniable for me. I truly believe it. Thank you to everyone who has been an example for me. Thank you to everyone who has prodded me in the right direction. Thank you all for being a part of my life and to all who helped me choose the right.

gasp!

I couldn't breath. My breath was coming in choked gulps. I could feel my stomach shuddering, desperately trying to hold back bile and what little dinner I had eaten. I was shaky; my head was swimming; my legs were cramping from exertion; my arms felt leaden. I looked up, my hands on my hips, hunched slightly. "Okay, that's 50 meters. Let's swim another 200 and then practice flip turns." I was ready to die.
I have come to the realization that I am nowhere near swimming shape. My lung capacity has never even been average for a JV swimmer; my record for holding my breath is 55 seconds, and my average is 26. My legs have ballooned in recent years from my slim 150lbs days of high school to my 180lbs frame now. I have never been able to kick well, and stop completely while taking a breath. I don't even have enough breath to do a flip turn.
This is an admission that I will be either a spectator at the Alumni Swim Meet, or doing breast stroke, seeing as how that is the least breathless event. I tried butterfly tonight, and drowned 2 thirds of the way across the pool. I did almost puke.
Did you know a day pass at the Sheboygan YMCA costs $10... HOLY CRAP!!!! I can buy dinner for two for that much (yes I take my dates to Taco Bell, thank you very much)!
I want to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie, but I do believe they have begun to take serious liberties with his character. I also look forward to seeing the Hunger Games... in 2 1/2 years.
I GET TO SING WITH MY CHURCH CHOIR TOMORROW NIGHT!!!!
I got my belated birthday gift from my brother's dear friend Tony tonight... it was VERY fitting. My sincere thanks goes out to him.
I want to eat a steak right now.
I am 3 badges deep in Pokemon Yellow right now.
I am going top bed... Good Night!

I miss you...

Every time you advance in life, whether it be going from grade school to middle school, middle to high school, high school to college/work force/military/whatever else you plan on doing after high school, you build friendships, make acquaintances, make connections. Over time, some of these dwindle and perish due to lack of care, attention, and nourishment. Others prosper greatly due to the inverse relationship of those previously mentioned relationships that perished. Others need no care, but are totally self sufficient and will always be strong, no matter the last time you watered it, and other will wilt and droop, and whither, even if you have worked and labored with all diligence in an effort to keep healthy a dear friendship. And other times, you are suddenly uprooted from your garden, and haven't even a chance to prune the bushes before you are gone.

I do miss my friends. I miss pledging for Tau Kappa Epsilon; staying up until 3 or 4 in the morning, running around campus, getting to know each other, creating a stressful environment that took each of us and gave us a common cause, strengthening us individually and collectively. I miss Cross Country and Track; running 6 to 10 miles a day, wishing in the back of our minds for a car to swipe us right in the knee so our season would be over, and we would never have to pay for school again, but still dodging the cars driven by idiots and overly caffeinated soccer moms when they blow through a stop sign (unless you're Eric DeSalvo. Then you don't don't dodge it, allow every ligament in your knee to get torn apart, then don't get the license plate of the car that hits you... amateur, Eric). I miss going to the Caf right after practice, worn out, smelly and sweaty, but laughing and joking with teammates. I miss the workouts, and the knowledge that I can get through the pain and the fatigue and the desire to throw up, and come out stronger and faster. I miss the NERF battles between dorms; raiding the unexpected victims, duels at high midnight (Nobody was available at noon), and the chain guns that always, always clogged. I miss intramurals; ultimate frisbee, flag football, and even volleyball and basketball. I miss the inter-residential olympics. I miss Michael Poradek. I miss the events at the Campus Center, and knowing almost everyone because you have seen each other every day for years, had classes with each other, had mutual friends, etc. I miss the times when no one wanted to do any studying, so we went through a series of Shenanigans, just in the hopes that tonight will be remembered, and tomorrow night we can study. I miss the pressure of homework and papers and essays and tests. I miss going to class, always napping 40 minutes before hand so I don't sleep in the front row, and thinking that I won't care about anything that was taught in End of the World, or Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, or Western Civilization, but more often than not, coming away with new ideas, new challenges for myself. I miss doodling, and writing a (fairly terrrrrrrrible book, if I do say so myself). I miss watching netflix for 6 hours while on duty in the office. I miss playing tag with Libby Wissig. I miss talking Packers with Dana Laudolff and Austin Plier. I miss my RA staff. I miss SNC Radio. I do NOT miss the smoking. I miss double screened computer that were so great for data collection. I miss Prof. Quinn. I miss home coming. I miss the collective hatred of loft collection, but the enthusiasm we had of getting through it together.

I have been a part of the institution of learning for 18 years. It is as mush a part of me as my desire to read. I miss it so much. Cherish these days; make memories of the stressful times when you think you will never be happy again by reaching out to a friend. Remember the days running around campus playing quidditch with a slightly unbalanced RA. Make you memories, and hold on to them.

Every hour spent studying should buy you en extra pay bonus, or time off at your future job. Every test you take should be a personal challenge to yourself, to submit yourself to the rigors of understanding your favorite subjects. School is rigorous, but it is so much fun. Share each day with those you hold dear. Every day passed is a day you will never have again, but every day lived to its fullest with those you love is never a wasted day. Take your time each day; do what you need to accomplish, but do it for yourself. It is your life; live it for you.

winter...

I itch. My skin feels like it has shrunk. My car died in the middle of the road over the weekend because of the cold. I have split ends. My cuticles are horrendous. My lips bleed. My nose is stuffy, AND dry, AND leaking. I can’t breathe when I wake up. I have to scrape ice off my windshield in the morning. I sneeze a inopportune moments.I am running low on sweatpants and cold gear. I don't have good gloves. My hands are no longer soft. My legs cramp. My skin turns red.

It is the holiday season, also known to teachers in the grade school world as the "Keep these sick, sniffling, un-hygenic, touchy little monsters away from me" months. This is the time of year when people come in to work stoned to the gills on day time cold medication. The air is permeated with the scent of Vicks, whether it be the rub that people put on their chests that morning, or the tissues soaked in the stuff. Peoples faces go blank for a number of seconds, their eyes twitch, and then their nose explodes violently as they sneeze. You can't sit through a class without hearing at least one person snorting loudly every minute, and apologizing for it every other.

I tend to have a strong immune system. I don’t know the last time I had a fever. I have only had the flu once, and only gotten a vaccine shot once. I don’t freak out about germs when someone coughs or sneezes on me (I freak out about having someone rudely cough or sneeze on me).  But I do get one bad cold a year, and wake up every morning with phlegm stuck in my throat. I hope this isn’t the start of my cold. I do not want a cold. I never like colds. I don’t like snorting and hocking throughout the day to no avail, and blasting 6 gallons of mucus out of my nose and mouth to no effect. I don’t like having a raw, Rudolph-red nose and a raspy voice.

I want to fly through this winter on a Mint scented cloud of  angel fluff… not sure exactly what that means, but oh well.

In other random happening, my fingers may be broken. My back door had not had a door know on it for about 3 years now. When we came home, we would simply push the door open. If we were carrying groceries, we only had to open the outer screen door, then turn slightly so our back was to the actual door, and press with our butts, and, lo, the door would open. If we were aggressive, we would booty bump it. Since Saturday, I have run my fingers into the door at least a dozen times, and bruised my butt. Upon leaving, I have grabbed the upper handle and pulled, only to hear a resounding thud as the bolt caught. I am not used to my house working as other houses work, and it has resulted in a painful learning curve.

The last item of business goes to our Christmas tree. My family bought a tree from Roy's out in Kohler, as we do every year. We settled on a fattish 9 foot tall tree, slightly smaller all around than our standard tree (10 feet tall, 7 feet wide). It has since shrunk in size because of a family member wo decided he wanted the tree to himself; Quigley. Quigley is our young dog. He is 2 years 8 months on Thursday, and he has a teething problem. He eats (not simply chews or gnaws on, EATS!!!) milk jugs, aluminum cans, frisbees, quilts, whole ham bones, and, apparently, the tops of Christmas trees. He also bites his nails.His redeeming quality is a nearly unmatched athleticism, and a face that just looks pathetically cute to the point where you can't hate him. His affection for humans is a double edges sword, as he has dislocated at least one of my mother's toes every week since he was 20 pounds.

In closing, I would like to say that I am dearly looking forward to the Third Annual Ice Bowl, a day after Christmas tradition where former high school classmates romp through the snow hitting each other as hard as they can, maybe trying to score a touchdown, and throwing insult with far more effectiveness than a frozen football. I have been awaiting this day for months, and am more excited for it than an exchange of gifts on Sunday morning.

overload!

What do you get when you cross and elephant, with a banana? What do you call a bird that doesn’t eat? Why did the Chicken cross the road? What do you call the relationship of a pumpkin’s circumference to its diameter? What happened to Reginald?

All these questions, and maybe one or two more, will be answered. I got summit! Wake up, wake up, wake up! (click 4) No you may not take dance lessons. You’ve gotta stop talking to me. I’m not stupid! Heeeeelp! Blah... 

This simply proves that I watch too many youtube, et al, videos.

Now, to business.

Friday at work was “A Taste of Festival.” A dozen tables around the stores were stocked with friendly, smiling employees waiting to give you a sample of fruit dips, wine, artisan breads, pizza, and so, SOOOOOOO much more. Also in attendance was Santa Claus. I was so excited to see him. I stood behind the teller counter at the in-store bank, waiting for him to walk by. Suddenly, the sound of jingling bells pierced the air. A hearty “Ho-ho-ho!” was heard throughout the store. I heard the heavy trod of boots on the linoleum.  And there he was. Somewhat shorter than expected,  and a little more grey in the mustache than white, but his attire was unmistakable, and his merry attitude was contagious. A grin wider than the Mississippi split my face, and my hand shot up and eagerly waved back and forth in short, choppy motions as his eyes fell on me. His cherubic cheeks turned even more rounded and red as he laid eyes on me, and a soft laughter came from him. An hour later, he walked past again, and my smile again met his eye. This time, he bent at the waist, hands on his knees, laughter coming deep from his bouncing belly. I got my picture with him. Yes; I’m 22, and still believe in Santa.

Santa is an integral part of my Christmas experience. He is the spirit of the holiday tradition of giving. He is charitable and likeable. He is selfless with his time and possessions, spending quality family moments around the world giving to everyone. I would like to be like him. To greet squalling, angry children who have a tendency to tangle my beard and pull on my hair, act atrociously and widdle on my lap with a laugh, a smile, and a candy cane. I want to take the sour parts of this world and work to make them sweeter, even at the expense of having to dry clean my red velvet suit 3 times a day.

... crap in a mocassin...

I just read some bad news. We can all blame BYU for the current BCS system we have. Yes, ladies and gents, it is because of the undefeated 1984 National Champion BYU team that the big wigs in the 5 major conferences put their heads together and said "We MUST not allow this to happen again! No sub par team shall ever win the national championship again!"

In BYU's defense, were riding an 11 game win streak heading into the season, courtesy of an All-American Steve Young led offense. Also, they did beat then #3 Pittsburgh in the first College football game ever broadcast on ESPN, as well as a Michigan team ranked as high as #2, in the Holiday Bowl. Washington, a 1-loss team, ha the best claim to being the Champion next to BYU, but declined the invite to play against them, opting instead for a big money game against Oklahoma. BYU held opponents to 14 points a game while scoring 35 a game. They won 7 games by at least 31 points, scored over 40 points 5 times, and their first year starter at QB threw for nearly 3900 yards.

After BYU beat Michigan to go 13-0, #2 ranked OU hit a game winning field goal, and the Sooner Schooner took to the field. One problem, though. OU was flagged for an illegal procedure penalty, nullifying the attempt, then docked an additional 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct when the wagon wouldn't leave the field... probably because it got stuck in the mud. OU's next attempt was blocked, and the Washington Huskies won. After the game, the Head Coach of Baylor, who the Cougars had beaten by 34 earlier in the season, approached Lavell Edwards and joked "Did you hear about the big investigation going on in Miami? Word is out that the drive of the Sooner Schooner was a Mormon." A few weeks later, BYU was voted #1 and National Champions by all the major polls, the last non major conference team to win it all (Notre Dame counts as a major conference team.)

However, we are still feeling the agony of this great achievement. Starting in the early 90's the major conferences, and Notre dame, began to exclude almost every other team from major bowl games, especially the National Championship. In BCS bowl games, only Hawaii has suffered a loss against AQ foes as an at-large qualifier; Boise State, TCU, and Utah are 4-1 against them. The Undefeated 2008 Utah Utes even beat 12-2 Alabama, 10-3 BYU, 11-2 TCU, and 9-4 Oregon State, yet weren't even given a chance to play in the National Championship game.

Utah, TCU, Boise State, and BYU have all since left their conferences. Boise State moved to the MWC, probably hoping to make it an AQ conference (BYU, TCU, and Utah were all MWC), but BYU is now an independent, Utah is Pac-12, and TCU has accept an invite to the Big 12. They all felt it was necessary to move on in an effort to increase their chances of going to the big game. Now, even major conferences are hating on the BCS. Big 10 officials are stating that they just want a chance at the Rose Bowl every year. Everything else can go east and butt thunder.

To get to the National Title game, you should play through an 8 team bracket. Top two play for champion, the rest go to other big name bowl games. Everyone wins!!!

gosh I hate the BCS...

Moneyball!!!

“And the 2009 Heisman Memorial Trophy goes to…” My heart was pounding. I knew without a doubt who it would be. College leader in rushing yards, 6 more rushing TDs than any other running back, and a passer rating of over 500 (1 of 1 for an 18 yard touchdown). He took his team to their second best record this century up to that point (and it’s first bowl game in eight years), and ran amuck against Notre Dame, breaking more tackles than many guys get carries in a year., finished his career at Stanford with the top two single season rushing totals (1136 and 1871), tops in season TDs (28), career TDs (44), second for career rushing yards (3522), and 3 PAC-10 season records,all while pulling in a 3.9 GPA at an Ivy League caliber school with a double major in Management Science and Engineering.

He was the most outstanding player in the country.

“… Mark Ingram.” WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

This guy won by getting 200 fewer rushing yards, 10 fewer touchdowns, and sharing a back field with Trent Richardson (800 yards and 8 TDs). The lone reason for winning the award was because he was on an undefeated Alabama team whereas my favorite, Toby Gerhart, played for an 8-5 Stanford team. In his defense, Gerhart was able to lead the most successful second place vote in Heisman history.

My vote still goes to Toby. Nobody dominated his team’s success that year more than Toby Gerhart. He didn’t have a star throwing (Andrew Luck was only a for star recruit out of high school), no receivers to pull defenders away, and no blockers of note. He was bigger and stronger than most people that tried to tackle him. Going back to the Notre Dame game, I saw at least 5 plays where he broke 3 or more tackles, and in the end, the defense just let him walk into the end zone. They knew that he was going to score anyways, and just let him do it sooner and with less bruises. His team was average, and he  helped take pressure off the future of the team (and maybe even the future of the NFL). Yes, if not for Gerhart, Andrew Luck would have been pounded for his entire first season. Instead, he got to survey the game while playing an entire year. If Toby hadn’t played that first season, Luck would have been pounded into dust, and Archie Manning wouldn’t be saying how Luck and Peyton WON’T share a backfield.

Okay, I’m probably exaggerating a little bit regarding Luck, but Gerhart was easily the most dominating player in the FBS in 2009.

Now, we are in a similar situation.

Another player in red and white will play second fiddle to an overrated Alabama running back. Montee Ball is leading the FBS in rushing yards and is currently second all-time for single season touchdowns, and only just got into the Heisman finalist group. He has a dozen more touchdowns than anyone in the country. His teams only losses were on desperation heaves. The Wisconsin Badgers relied on Montee Ball. His team lost both games in which he rushed for only 1 TD, and I’m putting that one on play calling. He ran through Michigan State’s defense to the tune of 252 yards and 4 TDs while hauling in another 2 through the air, a defense that was #1 in the Big Ten in rush defense and total defense. When the Badgers were down, half of QB Russell Wilson’s TD passes went to Ball. And anyone that wants to argue that Ball only did this well because of Wilson is mistaken. Watch tape. Ball makes people miss; he runs people over; he stiff arms; he bounces outside when interior blocking doesn’t make a hole; he forces his way into the endzone. Wilson enjoyed the season he did because of Ball. Wilson is good; he is athletic and has a powerful and accurate arm developed in the Minor Leagues of the MLB. But when the Badgers forced the pass (down 8 or more points), Wilson’s pass accuracy dropped from 72.5 to 58.3. When the Badgers needed to win, they went to Ball, or they lost.

Against a Penn State team that Richardson went for 130 yards and 2 TDs, Ball went for 171 yards and twice the touchdowns. Against teams then ranked in the Top 25, Ball rushed for an average of 149.25 yards, 3 TDs, whereas Richardson Averaged 126.75 yards and 1 touchdown. I see a discrepancy.

Now to Andrew Luck. He is throwing behind one of the better offensive lines in the country. He has all day in the pocket and can wait for a defender to slip or cut the wrong way. Yes, he has helped Stanford rise to power, but his numbers this year are worse than last year, a year that saw him come second in the voting.

RGIII has some monster numbers, but so does Case Keenum, and he isn’t here. 36 TDs is made more impressive by only 6 interceptions (6-1 ratio for you math majors), but Russell Wilson has 31 TD passes and only 3 ints (more than 10-1). But 5 QBs had more yards than him, and 3 more TD passes. Griffin also has 4 losses on the season. Gerhart got snubbed for being on a poorer team, and Griffin will, too, though I think he is the second on this list behind Ball (Though I am biased, you also shouldn’t be able to argue with 38 visits to the endzone).

Do people not know that Paul Hornung won the Heisman on a 2-8 Notre Dame team?

Mathieu is dang good, but on a team with two great corners, he is not the most outstanding player. His team can win 10 or probably even all 12 games without him. Baylor cannot win 5 without Griffin. Wisconsin cannot win the Big 10 without Ball.

If Ball didn’t basically take the non-conference games off (about 17 touches a game), he would be unanimous #1 on this list, even with the 2 losses. In conference, Ball averaged about 28 touches a game for over 190 yards and 21 points. Oh, and his perfect 2-2 passing for 57 yards and 6 points. If he averaged that for all 12 games up to this point, he would have 336 touches for 2280 yards and 42 TDs. How is that for a Heisman resume?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

As we progress deeper into the Christmas season, I find myself feeling more unprepared, and more hurried. I have to clean out two bed rooms, two basement rooms, help repaint the bathrooms, rearrange the entire first floor to make room for a gargantuan tree, and try and keep my sister and father from messing everything up. I have never been good at cleaning. I don't know if it is the having to throw things out, or trying to sort through things by moving them from one area of my room to another in an attempt to uncover other things hoping that I will eventually have less stuff than space, or if is the not knowing exactly what to do next so I stand there in my doorway for 10 minutes just looking at my room listening to music, or how my room became the storage room when everyone else left home so I have more stuff in there that ISN'T mine than is, or how my closet doesn't even have enough room to hang 6 shirts... there is a lot that works against me when I try and clean my room. But here is the real kicker; I DID IT!!! Yesterday I had a day off, and I started working at 10am, and stopped at 10pm (there were a few breaks in there, but I probably put in 10 'Strawn Hours'). I now have a stack of stuff 6 feet long, 5 feet high, and 3 feet deep that I either do not want (A TV and a box of old school work), or was never mine at all so I do not know what to do with it (Boxes of papers and cardigans of my sisters, some Russian book of my brothers, and boxes of posters and memorabilia of my other brother's), or was put in my room and it was assumed that it became mine by the rest of my family because "no one else wanted it, so just shove it in Gavin's room. He won't notice!" (Which is the remaining half of the stuff). But I did it. I have also almost gotten the guest bedroom cleaned up (after taking over the closet). I feeling much more relaxed about Christmas this year!

And then I remember that I haven't gotten anyone anything, yet. I am woefully unprepared to welcome my family with material possessions. I am very much looking forward to this Christmas, it being the last one I will have with my family for two years, and I really want to make it a special one. I don't necessarily need to get anyone anything extravagant, but I want to get each person something that they will enjoy and use and not put up on a shelf (unless that is it's purpose) or away in a closet to collect dust. I want this to be the best Christmas that I can help make it.

I have always enjoyed Christmas. My family invites the missionaries over every year (I sign up the first Sunday I see the missionary calendar). We get along for the vast part of the day. Inevitably, a number of us fall asleep, and the rest disappear to play with toys or read their new book, leaving my mom awake and busy talking to whoever didn't choose solitude (meaning she is usually talking to herself). This year, the Packers play the Bears, and my sister flies in during the game... so my mom and I nominated my dad to go get her. I am fully expecting this Christmas to be wonderful and nearly perfect (as perfect as a Strawn event can be).

I don't think I am ready to leave for my mission, but i believe that I will always feel something holding me back. I will miss everyone I leave behind so much. I am already going through it, having left school to work to pay for my mission, and I miss every single on of my friends. I got to know so many people, and came to care about so many of you, and when I leave home, it will be the hardest thing I have ever done.

I love this Gospel so much. I know it is true, and the more I study the scriptures, and pray for understanding and guidance, the more the Spirit testifies to me of the truth. I believe in Christ as my savior and God as my Heavenly Father. I believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, and through the Spirit translated the Golden Plates, and restored the fullness of the Gospel on the earth. I believe our general authorities are true men of God, called by Him to lead the world o return to live eternally by His side. I believe that the Spirit guides and directs me to choose the right, and that the Priesthood is on this earth to bless us in so many ways. I believe that this is a church of love, and that when we obey the commandment to love God with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves, no other commandments are needed. I have been a part of this church my whole life, and hope and pray that I can better myself daily that I may one day be worthy of the love of our Heavenly Father and our savior, Jesus Christ.

As New Years comes along, resolve to be a more charitable, loving, and selfless you. If everyone worked to be a better 'me,' this world would be a truly wondrous place.

What are you doing here? Oh, I thought you were someone else.

The highlight of my work day was getting told I look like Aaron Rodgers. Second on the highlight reel was finally getting to see the fist fight between two 70-plus year old coaches in the CFL. Third was getting a free wrap for lunch.

More about my Number 1 Highlight: As part of my job, I stand out in the aisles of Festival Food with a cart covered in Associated Bank propaganda (cookie cutters this week! As well as a 200- dollar giveaway!), and on my other side is an Aaron Rodgers, almost life size, cut out. In my 15 minutes shift between the cart and the cut out, I was greeted with dropped jaws at least a half dozen times when I said hello. Of the 20 people I greeted coming into the store, about 10 thought that I was Aaron Rodgers, including a guy in produce who is a bank customer I have worked with on numerous occasions, while two thought I was also a cut out. I do take this as a compliment (the Rodgers connection, not the fact that I can apparently stand very still). I may think that A-Rodge is a bit goofy looking, but if people want to compare me to one of the most dynamic playmakers in the sports world right now, I am all for it.

It does bring to mind a number of other comparisons I have drawn. In high school, a friend compared me to gold medalist Shawn White. Later, I was told I looked like Ben Stiller. In college, I was told I looked like Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Mark Wahlberg, Lance Armstrong, and even Peyton Hillis (except for my lack of massive pipes). Many times when someone compares me to a celebrity, I just laugh it off. People have also said I look like my brother Tom, but I disagree with that as well (But we both look like our older brother Brandon).

It is fun to google celebrity look-a-likes. I generally look at sports figures with celebrity figures (Aaron Rodgers and BJ Novak, Ed Hochuli and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Josh Hartnett and Raphael Nadal, Sidney Crosby and Andy Sandberg, Dan Marino and David Hasselhoff to name a few). It is also fun when you notice one of your friends REALLY looks like a celebrity (John Anstett/Michael Phelps. Anyone on the SNC campus that knows him can confirm this).

I don’t think the other two need any more analysis. Feel free to watch the video of the fight on Youtube, though!

I think that I need to learn to play rugby. It seems to be a fairly straightforward game, and I think I am more suited for it than football. Football has gotten to be a sport that I am too negative on myself due to my lack of prototypical size, speed, explosiveness, and strength.

Which sport would be the best as a base of training for all other sports? Gymnastics, soccer, or hockey? I think a combination of all three would be terrific, but I think I would lean towards gymnastics as the overall winner. It coaches coordination, strength, flexibility, body control, balance, etc. I think I will have my kids do gymnastics from ages 3-7, soccer 5-10, and hockey 9-14 (Times adjustable based on preferences of the child).

por frijoles! anyone speak spanish?

I have always had a fascination with and desire to learn phrases for other languages that pertain to terms of frustration. A great source for me were the writing of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, specifically regarding his character Samkin in the stories of Sir Nigel, the White Company, and eventually Allyene. He can cuss in three languages, I believe. I soon realized, though, that none of these colorful quote would do me a lick of good, seeing as each of them flauntingly names a deity. Pablo's Picasso, I was at a loss. What in heather Miran's name was I to do? By anchovies, I was nearly hopeless. But, Cheese Its and Oreos willing, I was able to come to my senses, and by turnip greens I came up with an alternative. Por Frijoles! Bleu Poissiont!Cre Deux! Take a good cuss and replace the actual vulgarity with a non offensive word. I think it is more fun in foreign languages, but I am fairly well known for cursing "son of a motherless duck" on the intramural fields on the St. Norbert Campus. I used to use bugger extensively, but I have attempted to tone back on it, as well as bloody, given their uses in their home country. "twiddle farts."... hehe, I like that one.

Anyway, I do not know where I am going with this. I think I am trying to point out that common vulgarities tend to be unimaginative and make people sound less intelligent. But if you can come up with "What the turkey schwarma is going on here?" on the fly, or "Holy wheat grass!", or even "Son of a flea ridden porcupine," you will make people stop for a second. In my dad's day, cussing made you stand out. You were daring to be different and challenge the norm. Nowadays, those that don't swear are the social anomalies.

On a completely unrelated note, no one at all today noticed my mustache. I have somewhere between 8 and 10 WEEKS worth of upper lip growth, and no one noticed (except, of course, my mother). That takes the man right out of ya.

I was helping a customer at work today who was telling me about her grandson, named Aaron (the daughter-in-law claims he was named after the Old Testament prophet, but the rest of the family knows better), and took out her cell phone to show me pictures of him. I promptly took out my phone and we compared my nephew, Samson, to her little one. We talked babies for 3 minutes, and Packers and Badgers football for 5 more minutes. It was a wonderful time.

I was given a hundred dollars in change today. If you are ever asked how much 50 dollars in quarters is, tell them it is a bit more than 1 fluid cup. By the way, we don;t have a change counter at work, so the 70 dollars of quarters was counted by hand.

I do not even know the last time I have been shopping. I am sure that I have gone at some point in the past, but I do not have a distinct memory of going to a store to buy MYSELF an outfit. My wardrobe is a compilation of my older brother's castaway clothing. I haven't worn a new pair of jeans since my freshman year of high school. My denim collection is holier than swiss cheese. I don't think I will ever look good in skinny jeans. I have a curious interest in getting a pair, but I have thickly built runner legs that would not do well in such material, visually of regarding comfort. My shirts no longer fit (courtesy of the push/pull ups, I went from a small being the only size shirt that fits to wearing larges this summer). I am running low on socks. My little sister took all my boxers. Dress shirts are either WAY too loose and baggy in the arms and at the waist and shoulders, or I cannot button it all the way up if I want to breath without feeling like vomiting. My slacks, khakis, and pinstripes pinch my waist and expose my sock. I am in need of a make over (and I would not mind getting a pedi while I'm at it).

My whole house is asleep, and I want to belt out "Oh, Holy Night," "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "If You Could High to Kolob" (Not Christmas, but Chruch hymn), or "I Wanna Go," the Hunger Games version (not even close to being a Church song).

I want to take a vacation day... tomorrow.

Tis the Bloody Season

I had been driving for 10 minutes with Christmas music playing on the radio, and I didn’t notice. When I did come to my senses and realized what had been playing, I wasn’t upset. Now, in the post Thanksgiving phase of the calendar, I must accept the holiday spirit that will be taking over every branch of media possible. Tinsel and bows decorate Festival foods, my co-worker brought in Justin Beiber’s Christmas CD (this I did get upset about), the office speakers are playing all Christmas music, and my co-workers are already starting to bake Christmas cookies. I am also looking forward to Christmas, but largely because I am hoping that the Packers will be making themselves 15-0 at that point and have home field advantage clinched… I am also looking forward to seeing my family.

To be fair to this crazy time of the year, I have caught myself singing ‘Oh, Holy Night’ as far back as early September. I have been practicing carols for my Church choir  for weeks and have been doing some light work on memorizing and harmonizing to a handful of songs that I hope to sing during my families Caroling Party (the capitalization of those words is deserving). I enjoy singing. I enjoy camaraderie. I enjoy ringing the Salvation Army bells. I enjoy looking at wonderful decorations (I can deal with putting them up).

But to be honest, the 25 Days of Christmas do not do me any real favors beyond brining my family from the far corners of the country. TV commercials, pop-ups on the web, and the 14 Christmas parties invitation all scream “SPEND YOUR MONEY ON OUR STUFF THAT WE PUT ON SALE SO THAT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN FEEL INCLUDED IN YOUR LOVE… for an hour until your gift to them is left forgotten in the closet.” I do not like how commercial Christmas has become (I really hope this doesn’t turn into a spiteful bashing of Christmas). I want just a peaceful, family and food filled festivity. As I thought about Christmas yesterday, I discovered that I wanted to celebrate Easter more. The Atonement of Christ is far more critical to my life than his birthday (I know that without the latter we wouldn’t have the former, but don’t try using logic arguments on me).

Now, to a more peaceful subject matter. Last night, I was asleep before my dad even pulled into our driveway. I didn’t officially get up until 8 o’clock this morning after going to falling asleep at 8:30 (I don’t consider it going to bed because I still had to get up, get to my bedroom, and then remember that I hadn’t brushed my teefs yet). I also remembered that I hadn’t delivered Season 1 of Lost back to Jared, which I did this morning when I gave it to my sister to give to him at church (I hope it made it to him). I woke up half a dozen times last night to a variety of music that included Mumford and sons, Eminem, Katy Perry, Tiao Cruz, and Kelly Clarkson. I dreamed that I picked up the front end of a car, and flipped it over its side onto its roof to prevent a lady from driving off with giving a lady a ride. There was also something with Sean Astin doing some odd tricks on a bicycle, a restraint under attack, and some strange love interest I had (I think I was the Hero, and there is always a love interest there). I have been so out of it the last two days that I forgot to put a shirt on under my jacket this morning, and tried to turn off my lamp so my alarm would stop blaring, and followed that up with telling my little sister to turn off her radio (She hadn’t been in the house for nearly three hours at this point). On a somewhat less embarrassing note, I mixed up every possible combination at work today (No one else has them memorized, though), proceeded to try and pull my pants on over my shoes, and didn’t notice I had yet to put on my belt until around 11. I then napped through my lunch break. I will now give my excuse for this entire paragraph.

Yesterday, I had my final doctor appointment required for my missionary application, and the stabbed my three times to take my blood, had to constantly jimmy and twist the needle so I continued to bleed, and injected me full of TB. They say the effects are intense itching and a large red irritation across my arm in addition to some swelling. I itched last night, but there is no swelling or redness. I do feel immensely tired. Intrigued, I googled the effects of TB. Symptoms include loss of appetite and loss of energy. Now, I have always been able to eat like a monstrous dragon, so the fact that I have been tided over with just two burritos and two bagels today discourages me. I do not have a fever, to my knowledge, but have had waves of sweats all day while my co-workers have complained about how cold it is. I sure hope that I didn’t get sick by going to the doctor to get a clean bill of health.

The bright side is that I tested very well for vision (the nurse said 20/13… is that an actual vision level?[just googled it. Totally exists!]).

I still have had no success in mine sweeper. I have been using a mouse pad, and I keep inadvertently  double tapping the pad when going to set up a flag, resulting in the 36^th of 40 mines blowing me sky high. It has been almost depressing.

On your mark, set, RANDOMIZE!!!!

I borrowed the first two seasons of Supernatural from my buddy Brian with the intention of watching them on our portable dvd player on the way to and back from Tennessee. A small problem occurred, though. The dvd player began to freak out right as the first spirit started fritzing all the electronics in the show. Needless to say, I freaked out a bit in the car before realizing that the dvd player was in no way affected by the vengeful dead spirits in the show. When I calmed down, I got angry. I had nothing else to do in the car. It was night, so I couldn't read or write. The only thing I brought for the 10 hour ride was the dvds, and now I had lost them. However, I was still able to polish off 44 episodes of the show in a four day period, mainly by taking two naps a day, as much to get sleep as a self defense when I needed a break from the overly loving girls, and sitting in bed watching the show from 8 pm, when my cousins went to bed, to about 4am, when i could no longer keep my eyes open. I cannot wait to get the next 4 seasons! Sam and Dean are entertaining, heroic, good looking, witty, and good family loving folk. I do not agree with the spiritual aspect of the show (my dad tried to give me a lecture on how weak other men's minds are to embrace this sort of dogma.), but I enjoy it in the same way I enjoy Harry Potter (my dad also attacked these books), George Lucas' Willow story line, and the previously mentioned writings of Terry Pratchett.

How bout that Wisco Football? I think we can call Wisconsin the Lion tamer state, seeing as how the Packers held the Detriot fireworks show in check for 46+ minutes and the Badgers slapped 45 points on a Nittany Lions team that was averaging less than 2tds a game to opponents, AND held them to 7 points, AND forced 4 turnovers. In these two games, Wisconsin teams outplayed the Lion teams to the tune of 73-22, a plus 6 turnover margin, and Montee Ball with 4 scores on the ground, moving him withing striking distance of Barry Sanders' record 39 TDs on a season (with 2 games to go, Ball has 34 TDs. LEt's get it done!).

I was bored today, so I watched and hour of outtakes from Psych. It was entertaining. I have some new vulgarities (Rupert Grint's knickers, Walrus Teets, Sky diving Judy Denche, to name a few), and a new phrase of reference (east bumsex is a place, according to Carlton Lassiter). The episode I got to watch today (man are they slow at posting new episodes!) was very entertaining. I was laughing my shoes off every time Gus tried to use any sort of anti-vampire technique.

I still have never gone black friday shopping, OR cyber monday shopping. I congratulate my dear friend Adam on his mission call. I continue to laugh at the Wizards of the Unseen University. I like candles. I ate a lot of yogurt today. I have a lot of deli meat to take to work tomorrow. I missed my siblings at Thanksgiving this year. I did not get to play football this weekend. I am very much looking forward to playing in Ice Bowl III, and have actually come up with a workout schedule that allows me to prepare for both swimming and football. I have my final doctors appointment tomorrow for my mission papers. I really want cheese right now. I think I am going to have to buy eggs in the morning. I have rediscovered my love for Mumford and Sons. BYU channel is pretty awesome. Even though I do not go to school, I am still looking forward to Semester Break. I want to coach football.

I think that empties my mind of its topics for the moment. Cheers, all!

there's no place like home!

Tonight, upon arriving hoe from a five day trip to Tennessee, I was rewarded with a very simple ting upon walking into my house; silence. The dogs were still at the dogcare place, my family was outside, and I could relax in the knowledge that I had a few seconds of total silence, all to myself.

That time has since passed, and I am eager to write again.

Last night, my aunt came upstairs to where I had been spending the night, in the middle of the children's play room on an air mattress, and she sat down and spoke with me for a number of minutes. It was not long before the tears came to her eyes, and she thanked me for the time I willingly spent with her kids that day specifically (I babysat them for the course of the Badger game), and also the previous three days. She also told me that I have impressed her each time she spends time with me, that I help her to think about things more deeply, and how her two daughters may have a new favorite person. I think that our uncle Gary still holds the edge in that department.

My conversation with my aunt made me think about two things, and what follows will (hopefully) be broken up into those two categories.

Thought Process One: What is my influence on those around me?

I was able to bring my aunt to tears simply by opening up a little bit to her. I don't like seeing people cry, and this was no exception, but I do have the ability to touch people (please, keep your thoughts clean when I say that.) When I begin to teach the gospel to people, I will have the power of the Holy Ghost with me to give me instruction, and also to help the investigator. The Spirit will be helping us both to understand each other better, and to bear witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

With the Spirit, I will always have the guidance of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in my life. Through this blessed gift, all things are possible. The more I keep my life in tune with the teachings of the gospel, the better I can influence people around me for the better.

Epiphany Numero Dos: I am scared of parenting.

I know that I am about 3 months removed from my mission, then 2 years removed from returning, then another 24 months before marriage, and then add a year or two to that before I have a kid. There. 5 and a half years away from children. There is no need for me to worry about it yet.

Already, though, I recognize that I will love my children so, so, so, so, so much, and I will not want to ever see them sad, or upset. I also know that I want to raise respectful, intelligent*, and mature kids. I want them to excel at sports, but I don't want to be a parent that attempts to live through their children. I want them to love me as much as I expect to love them.

There is going to be a fine balancing act to be performed when I start having kids, and I sure hope that I am ready for it.


*I needed spell check to correctly write "intelligent"

I will not show fear...

Fear is the mind killer. I will face my fear and it will pass through me, and when it is gone there will be nothing, only I will remain.

The above line is an abbreviation of the Litany Against Fear used in Frank Herbert’s “Dune.” It is a saying I have enjoyed and is spoken in the book, and related movies, to master fear, to control yourself at times when fear can take over and create panic or inaction. I am currently in a situation where I need some help, some spur to act.

I have yet to schedule my final appointment to go through a number of health tests (urine analysis, extensive shots, medicinal records, blood test, etc.), as well as to meet with the stake Patriarch, and I do believe it is because of fear. Not so much fear of getting needles stabbed in my arms or anything of that nature, but more so fear of being cleared to leave. I had decided long ago to not go on a mission, and I have yet to fully dedicate myself, and I have been subconsciously holding myself back. I have not progressed in applying for a mission in over a month. Since September began, I have only gotten a physical and a dental check up. I have done other preparation (studying scripture, journaling, meeting with the Bishop), but I have not allowed myself to get closer to leaving for two years.

What follows may very well be a very disjointed and random self dialogue regarding my fears and hesitations of progression.

I am nowhere near perfect. I wish I could have heard Bro. Christianson speak this past Sunday at church, because his topic would have done wonders for me. I was given an abbreviated version through my father, and I was told that we are asked to be as Christ and as our Heavenly Father. We are to work toward perfection. From what I gathered, through my father, is that we are never asked to BE perfect, but to always try every day to be better, to strive for perfection as a goal. I had been told this before, but this last talk with my father struck more deeply, and I was more receptive. I cannot ever hope to be perfect, but I can work towards being as sensitive to the  Spirit as I can to learn the gospel, teach others, and better my life and the lives of those around me.

Another reason I am afraid of serving a mission is because I will be thrown out of my comfort zone. I have always been a bit of a loner; I didn’t hang out with people after school (sports practice doesn’t really count at all), my weekends were filled with books and video games, and I didn’t have a roommate my freshman year of college (not by choice, but I definitely embraced it). I was as comfortable alone as with people, and never really needed much contact with others. Even so, I chose to go to St. Norbert instead of BYU because I would be close to home. I wanted the option to surround myself with loving family if I desired. I was putting myself in an unfamiliar environment with hundreds of other people living away from home for the first time. I believe I adjusted swimmingly. I became comfortable with the other students, classes, authority, and even got to the point where I could go to the Bursar and discuss finances easily. If I went to BYU, I would be thousands of miles away, and would not be able to get home if the need arose. I would probably end up like Harry Potter; staying at school except for summer break. I don’t think I have ever been away from home for more than 6 weeks at a time. My parents (especially my father) were almost always willing to come up and bring me home. My dad enjoyed my company, and my mom liked having a very vocal appreciation for her cooking. I know that when I am on my mission, I will not have that option, and it is frightening.

I have grown to like people, and their company. I have made a number of friends at school, and strengthened the friendships I had at home. I am no longer a loner, and have grown accustomed to socializing. I will miss that dearly while I am away. I will also miss football. I have followed football feverishly for years, and hope (it has not yet come to praying for it) that I will be sent to a mission where football is king (and I mean American, not soccer). TV shows, books, and movies are all rather central in my life. I will not be able to indulge myself.

However, I will learn to make God, Christ, and the Gospel the central points of my life. I am nervous and afraid, but I will one day be happier, stronger, and more knowledgeable. THAT I do pray for.

It's good to be home!

I have not posted anything in a while, mainly because I have not had a string of thoughts that is related enough to make any semblance of a cohesive post. My mind has been very chaotic, and my thoughts are as connected as one bubble to another; all originating from the same place, but each one an individual. So please, accept my apology now for what will be a very Pratchett-esque style of writing.

Speaking of Pratchett, I have recently begun reading a book of his that I have not read previously. I am again struck by the unconventional comedy and loose writing style of dear Terry. Anyone who enjoys a good laugh while reading should pick up Pratchett and give it a go. His best books mostly pertain to the realm of Discworld; a celestial lump similar in shape to a pizza, if pizza were thousands of miles across and had a mountain stabbing upwards from the very middle of your meal. This world is supported on the backs of four elephants (giant elephants, to be more specific; a normal foursome of elephants could not hold up the world), who stand on the back of the great turtle A’tuin (I’ll let you guess his adjective pertaining to size). Characters range from Humans, Dwarfs, Trolls, Werewolves, Humans raised by Dwarfs, Vampires, Elves, a three legged dog who doesn’t bark, but says ‘bark’ or ‘woof’ instead, witches, The Wee Free Men (a violent, vulgar, and blue-tattooed race about 6 inches tall), and Gods. His books are full of satire, wit, a brandishing of vulgarities, snippets of what really goes through people’s heads, and intrigue. He is far and away one of my favorite authors.

Back to the gridiron. Pick your adjective for how Aaron Rodgers is playing; Accurate, Awesome, Comical, Elite, Epic, Great, Inspiring, Superb, Surgical, Tremendous, Unreal, Zany. The only knock against him is how many times he has been taken down behind the line, but I will take 23 sacks if it means fewer interceptions, more long plays, and a run when he breaks contain. His QB rating this season is nearly 10 points ahead of any other… IN HISTORY! He hasn’t had a QB rating under 110 since the NFC Championship game against Chicago. Starks, and Grant, are keeping defenses honest. Bishop is stepping up in a new role, the team leader in tackles and tied for sacks, and Peprah is making more plays with 4 picks. Capers got creative, not with Matthews, but with Woodson. Look how that turned out (less than 190 pass yards allowed, Matthews with 2 sacks, Peterson held to his second worse game of the year). When Cobb gets his hands secured on the ball, he is dangerous. When Jordy is one-on-one with a DB, he can beat him more often than not. Driver is still a player. Three Packers O-lineman were selected in the Top 100 players in the NFL. Kuhn is playing like Spencer Havner was a few years back; he tends to score when he gets the ball (4 TDs on 18 touches). Vic So’oto got in the game. Flynn moved into a tie for second place on the team in rushing touchdowns (Starks had one against NO, and Rodgers is tied with Kuhn at two apiece). Sam Shields gave a crucial block on Cobb’s TD return. Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee gunned downfield on punt coverage and forced the returner into more bodies, limiting return yards. We held our coverage on the flea flicker this time. Raji, knowing he lacks the speed to chase down Ponder, sat back on a screen, taking away the passing lane thereby preventing the completion. This team played championship quality football last night.

Now, to diet. I have been eating microwavable burritos like they are going out of style. I ate two boxes of Little Debbie treats (one of each Zebra Cakes and Cosmic Brownies) and drank a half gallon of chocolate milk in a 4 hour shift at work. I devoured half a bag of M&Ms last night to go along with a whole platter of chips and dip and polished off a two-liter of ginger ale. Something needs to change, especially if I am to be wearing my Speedo at the alumni swim meet in a little over a month. Here is the plan. Increase my consumption of hummus, eggs, chicken, salsa, cottage cheese (BLEAH!!!), asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, and spinach and decrease my consumption of… basically everything I buy when I am on break while at Festival Foods. Couple that with an abs, shoulder, lat, and back focused workout with  body weight, kettle bells, and swimming, and I should be in shape for the meet.

Finances; I have taken to leaving my debit card at home when I go out. No matter how I budget and plan, my stomach will veto whatever my mind says and I will end up with 3 gallons of chocolate milk in the work refrigerator (about a quart is left), or 6 bags of the aforementioned burritos, or 3 Snickers. The best way for me to not spend money is to not be able to spend money. I got paid this past Thursday and am already about where I was financially a week ago. Here is my advice for people who, like myself, are undisciplined when it comes to swiping your card; leave your debit/credit card at home if you aren’t planning on using it. I know they are great for “Oh crap, I ran out of cash and don’t carry checks” instances, but on any standard day, you won’t run into those.

I think I may have broken a knuckle. I was moving the punching bag from our garage, through the breezeway and the Wisconsin room (like a Florida room, but nowhere near the temperature), and then down the basement steps. The first three areas are very much akin to the description Gimli gives the Emyn Muil in the theatrical rendition of Fellowship of the Ring; “An impassable labyrinth…”, and the stairs to the basement are reminiscent of the stairs near Minas Morgul leading to Shelob’s Lair. To make a long story short(er than I could make it), my knuckle became the focal point of a great deal of force involving my self-initiated propulsion and a wall. When going down stairs carrying a heavy and cumbersome load, always, Always, ALWAYS clear those stairs of laundry first. It will make life easier and less painful. Also, when using a punching bag, broken knuckle or not, I suggest wrapping your hands in something if you don’t have gloves. I now have a discolored knuckle to go with no skin along the ridge of my fist.

This is going to be a good week for USA Network. I believe that three episodes of Psych will be released on USA Network’s website in the next 30 hours, and I am excited for them. Also, Burn Notice has been airing new episodes, and I am picking them up via Roku, a fun little device that streams Amazon Instant Video. White Collar will be returning in a short while, and we also get those episodes through Roku.

The Cape, though it looked extremely cheesy, pans out to only moderately cheesy, and was actually a fairly fun and interesting show. If you have the time, and a willingness to accept that a spider silk cape somehow makes a man stronger, I suggest streaming it through Netflix. It isn’t vulgar, or sexual, and the violence is rather comic book-esque (as is the majority of the show).

My position at work may be going through another transformation. I will still be a Personal Banker, but with a stronger emphasis on Tellering. I will be the last line of opening accounts. If someone else is available, they get the account. I like that.

My family will be hosting their Strawn Family Caroling Party for the… I think it’s been 30 or 32 years now. It has been going on quite a while. If you are interested in details, feel free to get in touch with me. I have some clout, so can invite a number of people. After all, I am one of the 9 most persuasive people in the Strawn Board of Directors Regarding Holiday Fraternization, Gluttony, and Quaffing. It is a very prestigious (pronounced ‘press-dij-es’) and elite group of individuals with outstanding invites to the King of Portugal, Bob Barker, Queen Latifa, and Michael Phelps. I am not sure if they take us seriously, though.

Christmas is coming… and football commercials will not let us forget it.

As always, stay classy Sheboygan, Provo, De Pere, Moscow, Cape Canaveral, Lewisburg, Mars, and anywhere else people may be reading this.

I got an extra hour this morning!!!

This has nothing to do with daylight savings. As it turns out, I don't work until 9:30 this morning, so even though I got an extra hour of sleep, I get an extra 30 minutes to do my morning routine in addition to the extra sleep. I think that is a pretty good deal.
In church on Sunday, Ted mentioned how a way to continue to follow the strait and narrow path is to keep our eyes on it. When our vision turns to either side, it acts as a rudder. I have noticed the effects in running, swimming, throwing a ball/frisbee, biking, driving, and pogo sticking. However subtle it is, you change direction when you turn your head. The same holds true with the spiritual. When you focus your attention on the defender/rocks in the path/pot hole/ the runner in the next lane, you will begin to move toward it/throw toward it. When your attention is focused on the things that you aren't supposed to do, you will have those things on your mind constantly. Besides, who wants to go through the day thinking "okay, today I can't drink, swear at the neighbors cat, punch my boss, steal a car, sleep with my secretary, shoot up heroine, ask someone if they want a ride then zoom off without them laughing hysterically, or set fire to the corn field onside of town."
Every day should be spent firmly planting ourselves in the teachings of the Gospel. We should keep our attentions on the good things that we must do; service to our fellow man, scripture study, personal prayer, tithing, attending our meetings, etc.
A common phrase that I have heard takes a progression from thoughts eventually becoming who you are. By dwelling ever on that which you want to become, you will eventually become it. It may take time. It may take practice to always focus on the good things in this world, but the more you work at thinking about being a better, the better you will become.

I can't come up with a good title, cause my original one is trademarked...

Unfortunately, Planet Fitness has trademarked their tagline regarding their Zone Without Judgement, which is what the title of this blog was going to be this morning... so much for that!
Any-whoot, I work out at Planet Fitness on a fairly regular basis. It's a nice place. Strange pro-Vikings color scheme, not heavy enough kettlebells, and no area to do deadlift, and a rule against grunting, but other than that it is convenient and inexpensive. Here is my ire, though; no matter how many plastic covers you put over the weights on the machines, or how many alarms you set up for when people drop dumbells, or the number of rules you have against 'muscle t's,' people will continue to judge the skinny, the overweight, the weak, the guy who spends too much time in the tanning booth and the girl who wears too much makeup for working out, that group of 8 guys who talk loudly going from one machine to the next, and the guy that works there who I would bet $10 has a tattoo similar to the one that Noah Marlowe has. You can do everything you can to change how people think, but plastic coverings isn't the way to do it. To be completely honest, I feel limited when working out there. It isn't really a 'Free' place; it is a place that has catered to average or sub-average market.
That is why I am upset. I don't care if they make a place where everyone feels comfortable going to work out, but I do not like how I can't work out to my fullest extent because my turning red faced and hissing an expulsion of air would upset the delicate balance of the Planet while bench pressing.You cannot force people to look at each other without judgement. Just ask politicians.
100 years after being given rights to citizenship under the Constitution of the United States, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot to death trying to campaign for equal rights across the races. In Plessy v. Ferguson, the Supreme Court decided that segregation was legal, as long as there was equality in the separation. This remained in effect for 58 years before being overturned in Brown v. Board of education in 1954, 14 years before King Jr. was shot. This means that 143 years ago the US government put in place an amendment to the Constitution allowing for equal citizenship, had to reinforce it 2 years later with an amendment regarding voting rights across the spectrum, and I am still hearing about racial imbalance, oppression, subjegation, and how the world is an unfair place for blacks.
I do recognize (note, not understand) that there is still a statistically unbalanced portion of this country living in poverty who are black. Statistically, blacks and women are less likely to be promoted. Middle class whites complain about not getting college financial aid because they are too average. Women athletes tend to not have a market. There is so much more, but I have to get to work (via Planet Fitness).
Here is what I am getting at. You can try to force as many rules and as much legislation down peoples throats as you want, but this country is judgemental. I do it. I watch people run, and think 'uggh!!! disgusting! how can they do that! doesn't that hurt? It sure hurts my eyes!' She had flowing blonde hair, 18 years old, 5' 10'', and 125lbs. Ever heard of Blake Lively? Horrible running form in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I judge her every time she runs. I judge myself every time I eat an entire frozen pizza and contemplate getting another one. We are Americans; we judge the world (who hasn't told a Canadia joke? Made in China joke? Using a British accent to sound hotter counts as being judgemental). I have this problem, too, so I will work on it. Please do the same, and let me sputter while lifting.

But the joke's on them!

This morning, I decided I wanted to listen to one of my favorite stand-up comedy pieces; Woody Allen discussing his experiences with Moose hunting   in upstate New York. I absolutely love this story. It isn't the funniest comedy I have heard, his actions aren't the most outrageously animated, and his timing, though pretty dang good, isn't the best I have ever witnessed, but dang it I love it!
Anybody who has not wanted to, at some point in their lives, become a comedian is A) far too serious (cue Heath Ledger in makeup) or B) self aware to the point of recognizing that they/their life stories are just not funny enough. I am in the latter group, to a degree. I would love to be a comedian! I get to tell embarrassing stories all night, laugh at myself (which everyone else seems to do, anyway), and get paid to do it! Big problem though... I don't find my stories funny or interesting for the most part. Most of the stories that I tell begin with "I have this friend who..."
But laughing is so awesome. The benefits are innumerable! It gives you a great ab workout, relieves stress, improves cardio, decreases cholesterol, improves vision, cures leprosy, and clears sidewalks of up to 8 inches of snow Tuesdays from 3-5 in the morning and after 11:11 at night, and once was reported to turn a group of train hi-jackers in Istanbul into Guinea Hens. Ok, maybe I exaggerated a little bit, but I still love laughing.
Another thing I love that I haven't done since Exam week, Spring 2011; Zumba! Almost every day at work, Pitbull, Black Eyed Peas (bleah!!), Shakira, Edward Maya, or some other song blared from Sarah C's iPod speakers on those fun filled evenings in the CC Gym goes through my head, and I catch my co-workers staring at me has my hips sway, my feet bounce, and lyrics and a beat softly come out of my mouth... it is a little embarrassing, but I just clear my throat, blush a bit, and go back to SILENTLY singing the song in my head.
Yesterday while at work, I found a list of 7 veggies that are a great source of protein (This is in response to your question from a few weeks/months ago ZP). The protien with be displayed in parenthesis as grams/calorie. Pumpkin Seeds at 9.35 grams of protein per ounce of seeds (.06), Asparagus has more than 3 grams per 8 spears (.11), Cauliflower (.08), Peanuts (.05), Mung Beans (.1), Spinach has 5.35 grams per cup of cooked cup (.12), and Broccoli (.08). This is great for me, cause I eat far too much meat. I had been putting asparagus in my scrambled eggs, and I have always liked broccoli. Also, I wonder if I can make a hummus with pumpkin seeds... hrmmmm. The possibilities!!!
Do you know that Apolo Ohno is training for his first marathon, and want to run it with Lance Armstrong. Guess what Lance texted his wife upon completeing his first marathon? "Oh. My. G**. Ouch. Terrible." Lance is considered one of, if not, the greatest endurance athletes ever, and he hobbled through to finish in great pain. Apolo also said that training for a marathon hasinflicted more pain than he has ever had in places he never knew could hurt.
Puss in Boots; decent movie.
Chicken and rice; great meal.
Powerade; tasty.
Psych; such a fun show.
Burn Notice; new episodes!!
Second Nephi; intriguing chapters.
Packers; 38-27 over the Chargers (Blanket Gates, double Jackson oin D, and exploit the lack of speed in the Linebacking core with offense.)
Haircut; I need to cut my hair tomorrow... and Zach's too.
Andrew Luck; his stock is falling!
Brushing your teeth; use a baby toothbrush and massage your gums gently with it.
Peircings; Body piercings ore the biggest deciding physical factor in companies not hiring, followed by bad breath and then tattoos.. or maybe tattos is first, piercings third...
Lord of the Rings; I still need to wathc RotK with Gonz and Mc-Goon-ager.
Well, I think I am out of random things. Have a great day, everyone!

'Running makes the heart grow fonder' 'I think you mean 'absence'' No, running doesn't make absence'

As I continue to read through 'Born to Run,' I have become so impressed with the information within this tome (yeah, that's right!) that I have written down references to specific portions of the book that pertain to some of the more outlandish and unbelievable sections, because if I tell people that a better way to avoid running injuries than buying expensive shoes/orthodics is to buy 30 dollar shoes, put 4000 miles on them and switch the left and right shoe every thousand miles, no one would believe me.* Many people are starting to believe in Vibram as an effective running 'shoe,' but other atypical techniques and methods are still shunned. Two great ways to train for marathons are 1) 4 hours of speed workouts and cross training on top of that per week for only 12 weeks or 2) running 20 to 40 miles a day. The best running shoes CREATE running injuries, as does stretching. 60 year old men that are experienced marathoners finish better than 19 year old men who have trained for marathons. A better way to improve your cardio compared to classical 'run 5 days a week' is biking 6 30-second sprints a day, three days a week. According to new evolutionary thought, we did not descend from massive, hulking, slope-headed hunters with massive, hairy arms that trapped mammoths and boar in well planned ambushes. Nope. We came from a weaker, dumber, more slender folk. According to joint Harvard-Utah research, a 100 pound runner is on average 3 minutes faster than a 160 pound runner... per mile!!! This meas that my 180lbs frame lumbering through collegiate cross country would have been probably another minute to a minute and a half slower, simply due to the added bulk I carry. That is why Neanderthals couldn't keep up with our supposed ancestors. They literally couldn't! Humans are the most effective distance runners in the world, able to run farther than horses, antelope, and every other quadruped studied. We are the only 'walking animal' with an achilles tendon, that have a massive guluteus maximus, unlike our cousin chimps, and our body uses 20% of it's energy to power only 2% of  its mass; our brain. One theory also suggested that scientific and philosophical thought, as well as every type of extrapolation that man uses, all stem from the same activity; hunting. Ancient hunters could read tracks with incredible detail, but when they needed an advantage, they put themselves into the mind of the animal, and projected themselves through their thought process. Just as criminal profilers today can fairly accurately describe a person based on the crime, these ancient hunters could hunt down prey by thinking like them. What we are today has stemmed from our running and our hunting. Without running, we would not have survived. Our brain developed to makes us better hunters, and our bodies became one of the most dangerous weapons of the pre-historic world.
Last night, I was running home from work. It was rainy, cold, and windy. I was about 80% of the way through my run when I realized that I wasn't even thinking about it as a run; it was simply how I got home from work. I have already become accustomed to running home from work to the point that it is not even a chore for me to romp more than 3 miles with 2 changes of clothes and a towel in my backpack, it is simply my main mode of transportation (if I am traveling alone and can shower when I get where I am going). I am trying to make a switch from the person I have been to who I was born to be, and it is actually easier than I thought it would be. I have gone from claiming to be retired 3 months ago, to running almost daily, racing for the first time in 30 months (5k in 18:30), and looking forward to running a marathon within 6 months of getting back from my mission, and an ultra-marathon within 8 months of getting back. I have been inspired by this book to become a better person in every aspect of my life. Because I am reading it, I am now reading my scriptures more often. If you want inspiration, read 'Born to Run.' If you don't want inspiration, read it anyway, and you will want to be inspired. Get the book, and get running.
*All specific information regarding research and training techniques, etc. were from 'Born to Run,' with the exception of the Speed Training for marathon and biking sprints for cardio which are from '4 Hour Body.'

Welcome to Earth

This blog will not actually have anything to do with aliens (or Will Smith, for that matter). I just really like Independence Day. Although, the title does still fit my topic, albeit, loosely, and it all started with my morning outfit.
Every school day, my little sister gets up at 5:15, gets ready for her day, and wakes me up at 5:30. I brush my toofs, make a burrito, and then drive her to early morning seminary, a staple in the LDS community for high school students. This is the plan, at least. Tyner usually gets up at 5:25, and we leave the house at 5:45, which is when seminary starts. I stay in bed until Tyner has 4 minutes before she is ready. I skip brushing, and usually put on a kilt and loose T-shirt, and take my burrito with me (I let it cool while I drive and take my first bite in the church parking lot). This morning, I wanted to swing by Festival Foods, because it is close to my church, and buy a razor. When I dropped Tyner off, however, I realized a few things.
1) I had not brushed my teeth yet.
2) I skipped the shirt this morning, and was wearing a zip up hoodie.
3) I only wear a shoe on my right foot because our Ford Focus is a manual, and the clutch no longer has a no slip pad, so I wrap my toes around it so my foot doesn't slide off.
4) I was wearing a kilt... the proper way.
These factors all contributed to a lack of a new razor for me. It also helped me recognize something else; I really miss college.
I am in a sort of limbo; working in the 'real world,' but when I get back from my mission, I plan on going back to school. I do wish I were still at school, but at home working is where I need to be compared to college.
Every day, I am reminded of college; jokes, facebook posts, tv shows, football. Each day, I think of my friends that I wish I could have finished school with, people that I was looking forward to getting to know better. As excited as I am for my mission, I dearly miss my friends at SNC. Leaving school early for my mission was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make.
I now work at Associated Bank, and it is great. I work with great people, I now have a firm grasp on the Teller position, and I am getting the hang of opening accounts. Here's the thing; 'real world' jobs remind me very much of college as well. I show up to work, fairly sedately work through the tasks of the day, laugh and joke with my co-workers, and then go home. The next day, repeat. It is a very monotonous thing, these real world jobs. I do learn new things on the job, and I am well directed by management, but college is more interesting to me. I know that I am going to have at least one great lesson each day at SNC. I get to see more people at school, I can stay up until after midnight, wok out at 7, eat when I want without having to buy groceries ahead of time, nap before each class, etc. Life at school is more hectic, chaotic, exciting. Each day is a new adventure. At work, I need to go out of my way to find interesting topics to learn about, I run every day trying to find a new adventure, I have plowed through numerous books, some unpublished, and am reading many for a second time. I have even made a playbook for football, and I am planning on reviewing my notes from my econ classes from the past two-plus years. I am going so far out of my way to try and recreate my college experience. My behavior sounds clingy and immature to me, but it is the truth; I can't wait to go back to college.
My foray into the world has thus far left a great deal to be desired; I feel relatively unchallenged.
College, though a tad easier up to this point, is more exciting, and right mow, I could use some fireworks in my life.

'did you hear that?' 'it's just your imagination!...scratch that, it really is a homocidal maniac.'

I do not do well with scary movies, thrillers, horrors, or anything of the like. I have gotten to the point where I can watch 'Scooby Doo' with out ever having to cover my eyes, though!
This time of year makes it a little awkward when I hang out with friends. Last night, per tradition, we watched movies fitting for the season; Simpsons Halloween episodes, 'Plan 9 From Outer Space', and '1408'. The first I was able to take like a man, or like a typical episode of Scooby Doo. The second turned out to be a comedy, although the producers of the film didn't know it at the time. The last one was different. I ending up not being too scared of it, but that is because I spent much of the movie watching through parted fingers. Even without that, it would have not been too scary, however, I have a rampant imagination that doesn't let me get to sleep at night if there is something  haunting going through my head. After watching 'The Ring,' at Bingham's Halloween extravaganza, I didn't fall asleep until 6 am. I watched 'Sixth Sense' in theaters and couldn't sleep at night (though I did fall asleep in the theater for 20 minutes, missing the part with Mischa Barton). After watching 'Seven' at school, I was freaked out, although the movie wasn't that bad; it was the music. I just thought something horrifying and frightening was about to happen. What keeps me up at night is not the movie itself; it is what my imagination does with me once it gets dark.
In other words, I am glad that it is now November, so the most frightening thing in the future is thinking about how much weight I am going to gain come Thanksgiving.

That trip was simply pun-tacular

Just got back from a trip to Nauvoo. It was a wonderful time with those who were there, and those that were unable to come were missed (Mike, Pat, and Dani, to name a few). Jared, however, could not stop saying 'rustic,' and turned every statement or question into a pun. If that was the biggest setback, I would say it was a darn good trip.
Now, to business. There was once a Russian Nuclear scientist who fell in love with an woman. However, he refuted all claims of God, a concept she most heartily endorsed. What was the outcome?
I have always loved romantic stories, and this is one I randomly thought of during the 6 hour drive home from Nauvoo. I am not sure why I thought of this story line in particular. I do not know any Russians, much less ones that were Nuclear scientists during the Cold War and are atheists. I think it is the concept of 'sticking to your guns' in the face of another doing the same that intrigues me, especially when it is someone you care for and your views are conflicting.
I am genuinely curious as to what would happen in this relationship. I know in a cheesy romantic movie, the soviet leaders would force the scientist to surrender the girl on pain of death, but he would then arrange her escape/rescue, not go with her to the US, where upon he would eventually become converted, and lose his life in a Russian gulag, but in a romantic way.
Here is my thing; I have been in love, but unfortunately I have dedicated my love most strongly to other people. A more interesting, and far less romantic in conventional senses, would be a man would loves his job and his family and his home, and is asked to leave it all to go on a mission... what would he do? There is no immediate, foreseen reward (such as a pretty American girl), and the world we live in would be less receptive to a man giving up two years of his life for God than fleeing his country for love and freedom. Trust me. I have been in variations of both stories.
Here is a style of love I have always revered; that of a Knight for his Liege. The ritualism that is portrayed in the relationship is honor and respect from both parties for each other. The Knight would sacrifice all he had, life, limb, and fortune, in an effort to serve his King. He bowed before him, served him in menial tasks, and was willing at all times in all things. This selfless service is true love; a willingness to abandon your own desires and goals for another, because when you love someone their desires become as great and important to you as your own.
How can I learn to honor and serve God in a way that is on par with that of the knights of old for their king? How can it be that I, one who has devoted so much of his time to studying and learning of the great code of chivalry and those affiliated with it, can be such a 'moderate at best' servant to his own Lord?
I must learn to love the Lord my God with all my soul, with every fiber of my being, and to learn and know his will, and live in a way that demonstrates that I believe it. I do believe in these things. What is left for me to do is to live this glorious, wonderful gospel.

Quoter not Quoting!

When I was in High School, I was helping to plan and prepare for a Youth Dance being held at the Sheboygan Ward building. My brother had taken point on decorations, and then my friend Jared and I got to help with food. I was perfectly ok with that. I happen to very much like food. Jared and I were able to work with our employer at the time, Coldstone Creamery, to acquire through official channels two full sized pans of ice cream, and I believe a smaller one or two of sorbet. As the Black Eyed Peas said later, tonight's gonna be a good night!
When we were on our way to pick up the nummy, icey treat, I was quoting movies and song lyrics at an amazing pace. Seemingly everything anyone said that drive I could find in a movie. Before I go any further, let me explain that almost my entire family has a tendency to join in on quote-fest at some point. Tom and I do it the most, Brandon and Briana do it rather often, and many times more accurately than Tom and myself. Tyner likes to join in as well, but my mom picks her moments. She recognizes very well when to deliver a line and recently is on a "Best time to use that Quote" of the week award since its inauguration. On this particular day, she was slightly fed up; laughing, but probably wishing that I could carry on a conversation using my own words. So she gave me a challenge.
She told me to see if I could make it from Coldstone all the way to Church (an 8 MINUTE DRIVE!!!) without quoting a single song, movie, show, or commercial (you would be surprised how quotable some commercials are.) I made it to UW Sheboygan, about 3 minutes, before a commercial surged uninvited through my vocal chords. My mom just laughed at me.
If I ever annoy you with movie/song/television/youtube video quotes, please excuse me. It is very much who I am, much like my hair color and goofy smile. I could change it, but I don't think there is a problem with it, and it would take too much to alter it, and it is something that I happen to like most of the time.

Time to bring in the closer

Has there ever been something you have to do that you just didn't want to? Go to college? Get a job? Read a book? Ask for directions? Shovel the snow off the sidewalk? Go to Church Sunday morning? Go to sports or drama practice after a long day?
Yup, I been there. Right now, there is something I have to do, that my friend is pushing me to do, and I don't want to do it. I made a note in my journal that I had to have it done... yesterday. And yet today, I have left it unfinished.
If you know me, you know I procrastinate, but this is different. I don't know why, but there is a fear in these things that isn't present when I put off cleaning my room, or doing my homework. I am almost as afraid of doing these things as I am of not doing them, or screwing them up.
I know I need to prepare to serve my mission, but every time I bow my head to pray, or open my scriptures, or journal, I get nervous, anxious, and worried. I am frightened that I will do something wrong in preparation or in the field that will damage those around me.
These fears are unpractical. What GIVES me strength in preparing for my mission are the very things I am afraid of doing wrong. So how bout this, fear. I pray for strength, guidance, and direction before I do anything else.
I know from experience that through fasting and prayer, I gain strength to do those things I must, whether spiritual or of the world. It seems strange that by seemingly depriving myself of essential ingredients for life (food and water) bring me strength. The amazing thing that I have experienced is that I feel better, happier, less burdened when "starving." I am more in tune with the Spirit of God, and my willingness to sacrifice these requirements of temporal life works as evidence of my commitment and devotion to Heavenly Father. Though I LOVE eating, as soon as it became habit for me to spend the first weekend of every month fasting, it was easy. I didn't feel hungry, or thirsty, and within 3 months, I was routinely running, lifting, or playing volley ball, football, or ultimate frisbee 23 hours into my fast. I more readily read and understood scripture, kept a journal, and followed commandments better than ever before.
So I guess this is a round about way of me saying I need to make a call.

How I See It

Following the dominant offensive performance by Lutheran Tuesday night, I was introduced to a number of students. They were very interested in two things about me. Firstly: Are you actually gay? Secondly: Are you really a Mormon.

The first question was very quickly answered. “No, I’m not. However, I am rather in touch with my feminine side, and was invited to go homecoming dress shopping, thus becoming a ‘Gay Friend.’” By the way, ladies, gay guys are not accessories, but people. They should not be every girl’s new addition to their Coach Bag and mini poodle. Treat them like people, please.

The second question was initially answered even easier. “Yes, I am.” The follow up questions, however, seemed to have no end. I was asked the standard high school guy questions “Can you have 16 wives?”, ”Can you masturbate?”, ”Do you get to drink?”, “Have you seen the South Park episode?”, and the like. There was one fellow, a more collected and seemingly mature young man, asked a more respectful question. “So, what makes you guys different from Christians?”

This is a question I had been asked many times in the past, and one that is always a little awkward to answer. “Well, we are Christians.”

This always gets a brief laugh, and then the more intense questions begin. So here is what I believe, as written in the Articles of Faith, a collection of 13 short statements that abbreviate our beliefs, much the same way the 10 commandments was a succinct collection of commandments. However, following each article, I will give my own beliefs regarding it.

One: We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

                I believe that I am literally Heavenly Fathers spirit child, and that everyone is a child of God. He loves each of us beyond our comprehension, so much so that he sent his only begotten son on this earth, Jesus, for us (to be explained in Article Three), and gives us the ability to have the Holy Ghost to guide us in our lives.

Two: We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgressions.

                When we are born, we are not born with original sin. We will be judged for what we have done, with knowledge. Child, being completely ignorant, cannot be held accountable. Those who have been taught the Gospel are held more accountable than those who have not, and we will be judged based on our decisions with relation to our knowledge.

Three: We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

                It is only through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and God’s grace that we are able to repent of our sins and return to Heaven. We will be fairly judged, and how we lived our lives, practiced faith, and honestly repented will determine our salvation.

Four: We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

                In order to be converted, we must first have a faith in Christ, a working faith that will guide our decisions. Next, we must repent of the sins we have committed, and absolve ourselves with Christ. We must then be baptized, fully immersing ourselves under water, and rising up, symbolic of our death and rebirth through Christ. Last, we are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost, a constant companion of those that are worthy that can guide and direct us as we go through this world, speaking to us in a still, small voice. This is the process of true conversion, and by continuing to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can lived a righteous life.

Five: We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.

                All those that are ordained to teach and direct in the Church are called of God through prayer. These people have been appointed by those that have authority, who ask God for guidance.

Six: We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

                Our church is organized the same way that Christ had organized his church when he was on the earth. We have a Prophet, responsible for the world wide church and every person on the earth. He is supported by Apostles, local authorities in Stake Presidents and Bishops who work with members in more and more local areas, teaching, guiding, and assisting all those that are under their care.

Seven: We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

                Through the gift of the Holy Ghost and through the Priesthood, we have the power to be inspired to understand languages we do not know and be understood by those who do not speak our language. We can also receive revelation pertaining to our authority (Mothers for their family, the prophet for the Church, Bishop for his ward, etc.).
Eight: We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. 

                The Bible was written by Prophets of God, and we read and study it as doctrine. Te Book of Mormon is also written by Prophets of God, and testifies of His glory and Christ’s sacrifice for us. These writings work together to teach and guide us in our lives.

Nine: We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

                God has given us personal revelation through prayer and fasting, and also authorities that can receive revelation pertaining to our lives that can direct us to paths of happiness and righteousness.

Ten: We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

                All those who accept the Gospel are adopted into the Abrahamic Covenant made in the Book of Genesis. We will receive and inheritance of the Kingdom of God, and shall be blessed. In the last days, we shall be gathered and Christ will return, brining about a time without temptation when Satan will have no power upon the earth.

Eleven: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, and what they may.

                In the US, we have been blessed to live in a country where we have freedom of religion. Though we believe heartily in missionary work, we respect those that wish to worship otherwise. When I leave on my mission, I will be working every day to LEARN the Gospel, so that I can TEACH the Gospel. The better I understand it, the better I will live my life. I will not be working on conversion rates, but on teaching others, and listening to their questions so that I can help make my world better.

Twelve: We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

                We live in this world, and follow the laws of the land. We do not speed, murder, import cocaine, etc.

Thirteen: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

                We attempt to live our lives that best exemplify the example set by Christ, working toward perfection each day so that we can have as happy and blessed a life we can here and in the afterlife.
 These are just the bare basics of the principles of my beliefs. There is so much more that I strive to learn and know, and so much I fall short in.