I have a split personality... of sorts. I am very quiet and shy when first interacting with people, but once I become comfortable around people, I tend to get borderline annoying. I can be loud, rambunctious, excitable, giggly, raucous, and assertive in conversation. I like to tell stories, but have trouble saying hello. I also have a problem correcting people.
so if i have annoyed you, I apologize. I generally don't realize when I cross that line.
My friend, previously mentioned as 'A' shall henceforth be known as his given name, Adam. Adam is the sort of person that I like a lot. I have always tried to follow and mimic him in some ways. He has always been a leader for me in some way or another. I have never told him, but he has been a strong influence on how I have lived my life since moving here and meeting him. In sunday school, he made me want to sing more. At scout camp, I wanted to learn to play D&D to hang out with him more. In middle school, I became more involved in video games, cause Adam played them a lot, and now I'm following him into the mission.
Adam has been a true friend since I told him we should prepare to serve together. He has offered help and guidance, and spoken to me on patience and willingness. He has been a great example for me these last few months, and I greatly appreciate the help he has extended me. It is people like Adam that help me keep faith in the human race.
To Adam, and his whole, wonderful, friendly, supportive family; thank you all.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
To be, or not to be. That is the question.
How do you become a missionary? Everyone's paths are fairly different. My went the path or denial.
I vividly remember my emotional response when I was given a picture at a priesthood meeting. It was an inspirational photo and tagline given to us in an effort to help us remember to serve a mission following high school. My response was very direct; a stifled, scoffing laugh. Even at the age of twelve, I believed wholeheartedly that I would not be serving a mission. I don't know when it had begun, but I did NOT want to spend two years in a white shirt walking around in all sorts of weather trying to get people to hear me talk to them about the gospel. I didn't want to save the money for it. I didn't want to read all the scriptures in preparation for it. I didn't want to possibly learn a new language. I just didn't really want anything to do with it.
When I was a freshman in high school, my brother Brandon broke it to us that he would be serving a mission. A few months later, after a collection of family photos that included topless brother shots, we discovered that he would be freezing to death on and off in Samara, Russia.
He opened my eyes to what serving a mission really, truly meant. It would not be Brandon teaching people. It was about his willingness to turn his life over to God for two years. My brother's service would become a symbol of faith and trust in the Lord. He was willing to put off his own life for two years with the belief that everything would be better afterwards. I would have trouble denying that. I believe that we were able to find out the extent of his health issues because of his time in Russia, and his relationship was strengthened with both his family and his wife due to service. He has become more patient and willing to work for everything within his life, both traits developed in the mission field. My brother has become a better person is every aspect of his life because of the mission.
Even though he opened the door for me, I refused to walk through. I still attended church, went to early morning seminary, and prayed and read scriptures as my testimony grew. I dodged questions of serving a mission all through my senior year, a task made more difficult following my brother's return from service on a Monday night overtime victory, Packers over Denver. You remember the one. A beautiful passed dropped over the outstreched arms of the DB, Favre to Jennings, over 80 yards on the first play of... anyway.
At the time, I was looking forward to going to school and earning a degree in teaching. I wanted to teach high school and eventually college level history. I had been a Sunday school teacher, and everyone at church told me how talented I was at connecting with people and teaching. My best friend at church refused to go a Sunday without trying to convince me that I would be wasting my talents by not handing them over to God. For years, I was lightly and lovingly heckled to do my duty and serve the Lord. For years, I hid behind my enrollment at St. Norbert College, and my already being older than the norm. I believed that I was already doing my part by surrounding myself with people who asked me questions and I gave them answers. I felt I was already being a missionary.
When I cam home for Christmas break, 2010, I did not know what I would go through; an all night study session for an Alum v. Active seminary Scripture Mastery competition. From the time we opened our scriptures to after we closed them, every scripture we came across was directed toward me by my friends as a sign from God and the Prophets exhorting me to drop my current doings and depart as soon as possible for my tour of duty under the care of Heavenly Father.
I scoffed at it all, but it was that night that I began to really think of the blessings of service. Many of the scriptures spoke on blessings related to fulfilling our callings in this world, uplifting ourselves, bringing souls to God,how those that are compelled are slothful and unrewarded, and the like. I began to read each of these scriptures with more care, and the next day (after completely destroying the active seminary students on 2 hours of review and even less sleep), I began to brain storm on serving a mission. I still decided that I was too far into school, and with the economy the way it is I need to get a job and save for my future, and I was too old and too ignorant in the gospel... same story as before.
Less than a month later, I volunteered to apply with A. That night I began to pray for guidance of my decision. I began to pray harder than before, and took my faith more seriously. I read scriptures more diligently, actually trying to learn the scriptures instead of simply reading them. I fasted often, and found myself more in tune with the spirit. I decided to serve a mission following my graduation from college. After a short stint of time at home at the beginning of summer break, I knew that my plans were no longer relevant. I withdrew from school for the fall semester, and began looking for a full time job so that I could save money to pay for my 2 years. I met with my Bishop, worked on my papers, and am now a mere doctor visit and interview process away from sending everything in.
In a mere month, I went from normal college junior, to preparing to serve a mission, to leaving everything behind that I may more fully dedicate my whole self to that service. I have changed for the better, and will continue to work to become more in tune with the still, small voice of the spirit, that I may never be alone.
I vividly remember my emotional response when I was given a picture at a priesthood meeting. It was an inspirational photo and tagline given to us in an effort to help us remember to serve a mission following high school. My response was very direct; a stifled, scoffing laugh. Even at the age of twelve, I believed wholeheartedly that I would not be serving a mission. I don't know when it had begun, but I did NOT want to spend two years in a white shirt walking around in all sorts of weather trying to get people to hear me talk to them about the gospel. I didn't want to save the money for it. I didn't want to read all the scriptures in preparation for it. I didn't want to possibly learn a new language. I just didn't really want anything to do with it.
When I was a freshman in high school, my brother Brandon broke it to us that he would be serving a mission. A few months later, after a collection of family photos that included topless brother shots, we discovered that he would be freezing to death on and off in Samara, Russia.
He opened my eyes to what serving a mission really, truly meant. It would not be Brandon teaching people. It was about his willingness to turn his life over to God for two years. My brother's service would become a symbol of faith and trust in the Lord. He was willing to put off his own life for two years with the belief that everything would be better afterwards. I would have trouble denying that. I believe that we were able to find out the extent of his health issues because of his time in Russia, and his relationship was strengthened with both his family and his wife due to service. He has become more patient and willing to work for everything within his life, both traits developed in the mission field. My brother has become a better person is every aspect of his life because of the mission.
Even though he opened the door for me, I refused to walk through. I still attended church, went to early morning seminary, and prayed and read scriptures as my testimony grew. I dodged questions of serving a mission all through my senior year, a task made more difficult following my brother's return from service on a Monday night overtime victory, Packers over Denver. You remember the one. A beautiful passed dropped over the outstreched arms of the DB, Favre to Jennings, over 80 yards on the first play of... anyway.
At the time, I was looking forward to going to school and earning a degree in teaching. I wanted to teach high school and eventually college level history. I had been a Sunday school teacher, and everyone at church told me how talented I was at connecting with people and teaching. My best friend at church refused to go a Sunday without trying to convince me that I would be wasting my talents by not handing them over to God. For years, I was lightly and lovingly heckled to do my duty and serve the Lord. For years, I hid behind my enrollment at St. Norbert College, and my already being older than the norm. I believed that I was already doing my part by surrounding myself with people who asked me questions and I gave them answers. I felt I was already being a missionary.
When I cam home for Christmas break, 2010, I did not know what I would go through; an all night study session for an Alum v. Active seminary Scripture Mastery competition. From the time we opened our scriptures to after we closed them, every scripture we came across was directed toward me by my friends as a sign from God and the Prophets exhorting me to drop my current doings and depart as soon as possible for my tour of duty under the care of Heavenly Father.
I scoffed at it all, but it was that night that I began to really think of the blessings of service. Many of the scriptures spoke on blessings related to fulfilling our callings in this world, uplifting ourselves, bringing souls to God,how those that are compelled are slothful and unrewarded, and the like. I began to read each of these scriptures with more care, and the next day (after completely destroying the active seminary students on 2 hours of review and even less sleep), I began to brain storm on serving a mission. I still decided that I was too far into school, and with the economy the way it is I need to get a job and save for my future, and I was too old and too ignorant in the gospel... same story as before.
Less than a month later, I volunteered to apply with A. That night I began to pray for guidance of my decision. I began to pray harder than before, and took my faith more seriously. I read scriptures more diligently, actually trying to learn the scriptures instead of simply reading them. I fasted often, and found myself more in tune with the spirit. I decided to serve a mission following my graduation from college. After a short stint of time at home at the beginning of summer break, I knew that my plans were no longer relevant. I withdrew from school for the fall semester, and began looking for a full time job so that I could save money to pay for my 2 years. I met with my Bishop, worked on my papers, and am now a mere doctor visit and interview process away from sending everything in.
In a mere month, I went from normal college junior, to preparing to serve a mission, to leaving everything behind that I may more fully dedicate my whole self to that service. I have changed for the better, and will continue to work to become more in tune with the still, small voice of the spirit, that I may never be alone.
Bond. James Bond.
I have been living a lie by omition for quite some time, and yesterday, my co-worker blew my cover... I like High School Musical. I am currently listening to a playlist of all HSM songs. How ever juvenile the lyrics, performance, and plots are, as well as me being excited to watch High School Musical 2 for the first time, the music is fun, and makes me smile. And laugh.
Feels good to get that out there. I recently watched an episode of Psych the I had never seen before. It involved Juliet dating a millionaire (and once I saw those, it really made the episode with Despereaux escaping form prison make slightly more sense.) At one point, there are federal agents who are trying to find the location of one of two spies on the run, and Shawn refuses to give up the location. The millionaire, who had flown them there in his chopper and is trying to be radically honest with Juliet after lying about who he was when he first met her, instantly offers up the flight logs, pauses, and says how good it felt to get that off his chest.
There are numerous things that individuals hide from their peers... I can take this right back to HSM!!! The song Status Quo is all about people breaking out of their shells and admitting to their involvement in activities that are contrary to the norm. It high school, I was a cross country and track runner. On the side, however, I was attending seminary, reading a book a week, going to Boy Scouts, and was also a part of Chess Club, forensics, the play, and wanted to try out for the musical each year after my freshman year. I tried my hand at romantic poetry, watched romantic comedy (ie, chick flicks) with alarming regularity, enjoyed shopping, and would spend my saturdays playing Madden Football and NCAA football for Playstation simply so that I could go through off season recruiting and contract negotiations. I would set up my Playmobils (ages 4 and up) and storm castles, or fight dragons. I would play D&D with my friends (if they were around) or my family.
So much of me were things, not hidden away, but more so just not revealed to most people. But "If Troy wants to be a singer, well then I'm coming clean." I want people to know who I am. I am a Civil war and medieval history buff who dreams of playing pro football for the Packers. I enjoy role playing games, reading, writing, singing, and romantic movies and poetry. I love romantic comedies, and have tried to write multiple books. I live coming up with story lines, but they usually get bogged down when I try and figure out the finances behind the story. I have always enjoyed working with money and budgets, but am terrible at managing my own money. I strongly believe in love, and am deeply saddened by the greed of the world. I cry during commercials and movies, but hardly ever when it comes to my own life. I love watching sports, and playing, but hesitate when given a chance to go to a game. I am extremely shy, and have a great deal of trouble asking for anything, or accepting things when they are offered. I think I may have an anger problem, and I am a poor speller. I have never been as nervous for anything as I am right now thinking about my mission. I am afraid of heights, get car sick and seasick, and still wish I had superpowers. I have only ever been on one date, and it didn't really count cause she brought her cousin. I love to dance, but really can't, and I am embarrassed when people see me. I love doing accents and want to convince people that I am from a foreign country. I fall asleep very quickly when I relax, and I believe that I may have a medical condition akin to narcolepsy. I am very afraid of having my body break down, or malfunction. Every day, I notice how many things in my life I am underachieving on, and I scares me. I like mountain dew and amp and monster, but a friend in the recovery community who was confused as to why I didn't drink coffee challenged me to stop drinking ALL forms of caffeine. I want to be better today than I was yesterday. I used to not mind being alone, but since getting to college, it has become harder for me to be isolated. I am terrible at contacting people, even if I think fondly of my memories with them. I want to learn latin. I love food. I love playing risk, trivial pursuit, disney scene it, and monopoly. I pretend Heath Ledger isn't dead, he just retired from the world.
And now I'm running late for work. Gotta go!
Feels good to get that out there. I recently watched an episode of Psych the I had never seen before. It involved Juliet dating a millionaire (and once I saw those, it really made the episode with Despereaux escaping form prison make slightly more sense.) At one point, there are federal agents who are trying to find the location of one of two spies on the run, and Shawn refuses to give up the location. The millionaire, who had flown them there in his chopper and is trying to be radically honest with Juliet after lying about who he was when he first met her, instantly offers up the flight logs, pauses, and says how good it felt to get that off his chest.
There are numerous things that individuals hide from their peers... I can take this right back to HSM!!! The song Status Quo is all about people breaking out of their shells and admitting to their involvement in activities that are contrary to the norm. It high school, I was a cross country and track runner. On the side, however, I was attending seminary, reading a book a week, going to Boy Scouts, and was also a part of Chess Club, forensics, the play, and wanted to try out for the musical each year after my freshman year. I tried my hand at romantic poetry, watched romantic comedy (ie, chick flicks) with alarming regularity, enjoyed shopping, and would spend my saturdays playing Madden Football and NCAA football for Playstation simply so that I could go through off season recruiting and contract negotiations. I would set up my Playmobils (ages 4 and up) and storm castles, or fight dragons. I would play D&D with my friends (if they were around) or my family.
So much of me were things, not hidden away, but more so just not revealed to most people. But "If Troy wants to be a singer, well then I'm coming clean." I want people to know who I am. I am a Civil war and medieval history buff who dreams of playing pro football for the Packers. I enjoy role playing games, reading, writing, singing, and romantic movies and poetry. I love romantic comedies, and have tried to write multiple books. I live coming up with story lines, but they usually get bogged down when I try and figure out the finances behind the story. I have always enjoyed working with money and budgets, but am terrible at managing my own money. I strongly believe in love, and am deeply saddened by the greed of the world. I cry during commercials and movies, but hardly ever when it comes to my own life. I love watching sports, and playing, but hesitate when given a chance to go to a game. I am extremely shy, and have a great deal of trouble asking for anything, or accepting things when they are offered. I think I may have an anger problem, and I am a poor speller. I have never been as nervous for anything as I am right now thinking about my mission. I am afraid of heights, get car sick and seasick, and still wish I had superpowers. I have only ever been on one date, and it didn't really count cause she brought her cousin. I love to dance, but really can't, and I am embarrassed when people see me. I love doing accents and want to convince people that I am from a foreign country. I fall asleep very quickly when I relax, and I believe that I may have a medical condition akin to narcolepsy. I am very afraid of having my body break down, or malfunction. Every day, I notice how many things in my life I am underachieving on, and I scares me. I like mountain dew and amp and monster, but a friend in the recovery community who was confused as to why I didn't drink coffee challenged me to stop drinking ALL forms of caffeine. I want to be better today than I was yesterday. I used to not mind being alone, but since getting to college, it has become harder for me to be isolated. I am terrible at contacting people, even if I think fondly of my memories with them. I want to learn latin. I love food. I love playing risk, trivial pursuit, disney scene it, and monopoly. I pretend Heath Ledger isn't dead, he just retired from the world.
And now I'm running late for work. Gotta go!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
dang i want some red pepper humus with guacamole!!
I bought two bags of microwavable burritos today, and they tasted better than I thought they would. The problem is that they aren't very filling, and I am still afraid to look at the nutrition facts and ingredients.
I spent much of my day today answering emails, trying to get UPS to pick up a box of delivered damaged goods, and being told that I am going to be a banker, no longer a teller, and what that all may constitute, and ended the night waiting an hour for my parents to pick me up, because I had bout dinner and didnt want to run home with it... guess they didn't love me enough to even pick up food. (cue: tears and sobbing)
During this time, I decided that I should read some more of the Book of Mormon. Unfortunately, breaking out a book while on the job, especially on the teller line, would be a little bit of a PR bomb for the bank, myself, and maybe the Church as well. Fortunately, I could spend the hours I usually spend on NFL.com and the Packers' website surfing on LDS.org and reading the scriptures on the church website. This is one of the coolest things out there. Instead of having to carry around a large, cumbersome, heavy book, I can simply bring it up online, and I can even log a journal online now. Anytime I find a scripture or talk or article that are touching, interesting, or enlightening I can keep an easily transported record on the inter web!
The more I read the scriptures and study the gospel, the more I learn from it. I can apply the things I learn from people who lived up to thousands of years ago in my own life. We have been told that the Book of Mormon was written for us in the latter-days, compiled in a way that we were more able to apply to our lives.
I have always been interested in history, and using history to plan for the future."Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." So many generations of men and women have fallen away from the plan of salvation, have let themselves be led astray by the enticing of the evil spirit, have turned their backs on true happiness, and denied themselves the ability to live forever and eternally in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
We have been given the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and modern Prophets. It is like having a tutor with you while you take a test. How can we be so prideful as to purposefully ignore the advice of a tutor, who happens to have the professor on the phone answering his questions. How can we be so blind as to think that we should trust another student, who has never attended a single class, what the correct answers are?
I am one doctors visit and an interview process away from sending my mission papers to Salt Lake City. I am mere months away from changing my life forever. I still have no idea where I am going, but I can't wait to go. All I can do is pray every day for guidance, direction, understanding and strength, and search the scriptures, pondering over their words and teachings.
May you all have the spirit of peace and understanding in your live, and may you find pure joy.
I spent much of my day today answering emails, trying to get UPS to pick up a box of delivered damaged goods, and being told that I am going to be a banker, no longer a teller, and what that all may constitute, and ended the night waiting an hour for my parents to pick me up, because I had bout dinner and didnt want to run home with it... guess they didn't love me enough to even pick up food. (cue: tears and sobbing)
During this time, I decided that I should read some more of the Book of Mormon. Unfortunately, breaking out a book while on the job, especially on the teller line, would be a little bit of a PR bomb for the bank, myself, and maybe the Church as well. Fortunately, I could spend the hours I usually spend on NFL.com and the Packers' website surfing on LDS.org and reading the scriptures on the church website. This is one of the coolest things out there. Instead of having to carry around a large, cumbersome, heavy book, I can simply bring it up online, and I can even log a journal online now. Anytime I find a scripture or talk or article that are touching, interesting, or enlightening I can keep an easily transported record on the inter web!
The more I read the scriptures and study the gospel, the more I learn from it. I can apply the things I learn from people who lived up to thousands of years ago in my own life. We have been told that the Book of Mormon was written for us in the latter-days, compiled in a way that we were more able to apply to our lives.
I have always been interested in history, and using history to plan for the future."Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." So many generations of men and women have fallen away from the plan of salvation, have let themselves be led astray by the enticing of the evil spirit, have turned their backs on true happiness, and denied themselves the ability to live forever and eternally in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
We have been given the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and modern Prophets. It is like having a tutor with you while you take a test. How can we be so prideful as to purposefully ignore the advice of a tutor, who happens to have the professor on the phone answering his questions. How can we be so blind as to think that we should trust another student, who has never attended a single class, what the correct answers are?
I am one doctors visit and an interview process away from sending my mission papers to Salt Lake City. I am mere months away from changing my life forever. I still have no idea where I am going, but I can't wait to go. All I can do is pray every day for guidance, direction, understanding and strength, and search the scriptures, pondering over their words and teachings.
May you all have the spirit of peace and understanding in your live, and may you find pure joy.
Monday, October 3, 2011
The way to a woman's heart is through her stomach
I have often pondered on how to make a marriage work. Half the time I am trying to figure out how it can be so hard. I mean, how often do you get in an actual argument with your best friend. The other half of the time, I am trying to figure out how 50% of people DON'T get divorced.
This might stop half of you from continuing reading this post, but I have not found the single secret to a happy and fulfilling marriage. But I found something out about relationships today. I played catch with my dad.
Now my dad is a 68 year old man with silver hair who was commonly mistaken for my grandfather, but for a man that is a multi-year starter for the AARP, he is still in pretty good physical shape. (especially when you factor in the drugs, and alcohol, and military service, and crashing into a wall with a truck, and... well, I will stop there). Now my dad played 2 years of high school football in Tennessee. He is married to a rabid Packers fan, and helped raise another rabid Packers fan, who also ends up being a rabid football fan overall, who would love to put on pads and join a team (Don't worry, this post will not also be all bout football). And today, I ran tons of hooks, short slants, some streaks, even half a dozen post routes before finishing the day with a handful of fades. My dad only threw a handful of balls farther than 12 yards (I started my streaks 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage), but I explained when each route would be run, against what coverage, and gave examples of how these tactics had been used the previous day in the Packers-Broncos game. After a mere 20 minutes, my dad told me it was the most coaching he had ever received on football.
Prior to that, I thought my dad just screamed along with his wife and son, not really knowing what was going on. Today, I learned that he had learned most everything he knew about football, aside from the obvious you want the ball in your offenses endzone, by watching the game and trying to ask questions. much of the time, I either shushed him, or rushed my answer. Today I was able to calmly explain, and demonstrate, what happens in the passing game.
And that, in a nutshell, is the secret. My passion is football, and my dad took time out of his schedule to subject his 68 year-old arm to repetitive punishment, because it is what I wanted. He was willing to put aside his wants for the day, and work on making my 'want' a 'has.' (bad sentence?) When I asked a friend the secret to his, seemingly perfect, marriage, he told me to remember the small things, the little likes and preferences and passions, and surprise them with it. If they like cheesy movies with chocolate ice cream, break it out for them. If they like trap shooting, take'em for a ride to the club.
I had though of all these other ideas; a bi-monthly adventure, alone time, a monthly group date night with other couples, date night alone every week, taking a vacation every year, spending time learning something new and interesting (dance, instruments, photography, a language, gardening, auto care, facial reading, massage, yoga, film, poetry, surfing, etc.), going window shopping and then for real shopping. All these things seemed like great ideas, but the one that would make them all work was1) good communication and 2) a willingness to compromise. That's why Romeo and Juliet didn't work out. Lack of communication.
I think I can compromise, simply because I am indecisive, but communication is a little harder for me. I am not at all good talking about emotions. I laugh when I want to cry (and then I cry during the google Chrome commercial with the dad eJournaling his daughter's life... sooooooo adorable). I know that there are a number of relationships I need to work on (namely with my sister), and all it should take is some taking, and compromise... and maybe a touch of bribery.
Also, if anyone else has any fun, interesting ways to keep marriages and relationships fun, happy, and exciting, please email me. gavin.strawn@gmail.com
This might stop half of you from continuing reading this post, but I have not found the single secret to a happy and fulfilling marriage. But I found something out about relationships today. I played catch with my dad.
Now my dad is a 68 year old man with silver hair who was commonly mistaken for my grandfather, but for a man that is a multi-year starter for the AARP, he is still in pretty good physical shape. (especially when you factor in the drugs, and alcohol, and military service, and crashing into a wall with a truck, and... well, I will stop there). Now my dad played 2 years of high school football in Tennessee. He is married to a rabid Packers fan, and helped raise another rabid Packers fan, who also ends up being a rabid football fan overall, who would love to put on pads and join a team (Don't worry, this post will not also be all bout football). And today, I ran tons of hooks, short slants, some streaks, even half a dozen post routes before finishing the day with a handful of fades. My dad only threw a handful of balls farther than 12 yards (I started my streaks 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage), but I explained when each route would be run, against what coverage, and gave examples of how these tactics had been used the previous day in the Packers-Broncos game. After a mere 20 minutes, my dad told me it was the most coaching he had ever received on football.
Prior to that, I thought my dad just screamed along with his wife and son, not really knowing what was going on. Today, I learned that he had learned most everything he knew about football, aside from the obvious you want the ball in your offenses endzone, by watching the game and trying to ask questions. much of the time, I either shushed him, or rushed my answer. Today I was able to calmly explain, and demonstrate, what happens in the passing game.
And that, in a nutshell, is the secret. My passion is football, and my dad took time out of his schedule to subject his 68 year-old arm to repetitive punishment, because it is what I wanted. He was willing to put aside his wants for the day, and work on making my 'want' a 'has.' (bad sentence?) When I asked a friend the secret to his, seemingly perfect, marriage, he told me to remember the small things, the little likes and preferences and passions, and surprise them with it. If they like cheesy movies with chocolate ice cream, break it out for them. If they like trap shooting, take'em for a ride to the club.
I had though of all these other ideas; a bi-monthly adventure, alone time, a monthly group date night with other couples, date night alone every week, taking a vacation every year, spending time learning something new and interesting (dance, instruments, photography, a language, gardening, auto care, facial reading, massage, yoga, film, poetry, surfing, etc.), going window shopping and then for real shopping. All these things seemed like great ideas, but the one that would make them all work was1) good communication and 2) a willingness to compromise. That's why Romeo and Juliet didn't work out. Lack of communication.
I think I can compromise, simply because I am indecisive, but communication is a little harder for me. I am not at all good talking about emotions. I laugh when I want to cry (and then I cry during the google Chrome commercial with the dad eJournaling his daughter's life... sooooooo adorable). I know that there are a number of relationships I need to work on (namely with my sister), and all it should take is some taking, and compromise... and maybe a touch of bribery.
Also, if anyone else has any fun, interesting ways to keep marriages and relationships fun, happy, and exciting, please email me. gavin.strawn@gmail.com
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Do you want to be entertained? Watch the ball. Want to know who wins? Watch the line.
While watching highlights and and live feed of a number of football games this year, was able to pick up on a handful of things.
First off, Wisconsin is going to be a beast to stop. Russell Wilson has the easiest deep throw I have ever seen. He hardly steps into the throw, and his arm doesn't go back at all. His release goes from his chest immediately into a flick that sends the ball sailing 50 yards in the hands of Nick and Jared. He has benefited from a year in the minors and playing for a team that has an offensive line bigger than many NFL teams, and a two headed monster at the running back position that limits coverage down field. Montee Ball plays stronger than he looks, and fights for extra yardage the way we all hoped John Clay would have last year. Abbrederis needs to put on some weight and may become the next Jordy Nelson, and Nick Toon as developed into a good deep threat.
For BYU, they need to find an offense. Last year they worked on a Quarterback by committee, and it didn't turn out too well. This year, Jake Heaps has not gotten the offense going (topping out at 24 points in a game and and average of 16 a game). Riley Nelson performed well in place of Heaps, but must cut his hair. When I applied to BYU, hair could not touch the collar of a button up shirt, or cover your ears. Receivers got lucky getting to the ball at the right time, and Utah lost the game after BYU gave it to them. They are averaging barely over 300 yards a game, allowed over 350 per game, seem to be lacking speed all around, and have not had a consistent performance for four quarters on either side of the ball.
Then there is Green Bay. Rodgers stands tall in the pocket, and always has his eyes down field, his feet are moving, and he is willing to take a hit to make a run or wait for a play in the secondary. The performance of the interior line was good today, but both Clifton and Newhouse allowed pressure to reach Rodgers and Starks (though they were up against an elite pass rushing duo). Starks showed flashes of playmaking ability that we saw in the post season, but at other times seems hesitant. Once he creates space, he becomes a different player than when he is bottled up. Cobb once again showed his ability to find an opening, but also demonstrated his lack of home-run speed. Jordy caught another big touchdown, and never even needed to hit top gear. He didn't start sprinting until he angled to the sideline, turning Brian Dawkins' hips out, and then cut back in, but actually had to slow down to a jog in order to allow Rodgers' pass to hit him in stride. No qualms here. Untouched, TD, and then a recovered onside kick for good measure. Jennings continues to run great routes and find openings, Driver goes to work every game, and Jones continues to be hit or miss (a great TD catch and then off his hands high for an INT [btw, not a catch. the nose of the ball hits the ground before his hands even touch the ball]).
On the defense, we have a number of players in the secondary that can make plays on the ball, and that leads to big plays... for both teams. Woodson undercut a route for a pick six, Morgan Burnett bites on a play fake for a deep pass that leads to a touchdown, Decker is left in one-on-one coverage deep for a beautifully thrown ball outside of coverage, then Bishop cases down the play from behind for a forced fumble, Shields uses his speed to catch up to an underthrown ball after biting on the double move that Lloyd had used to carve them up underneath, and the defensive line was left alone a great number of times. However, the underneath routes to tight ends and running backs were mostly eliminated, allowing better rushing lanes to McGahee ( who is very difficult to bring down), but overall a good performance. Matthews, though once again without a sack, ate up blockers all day, and pressured Orton into a number of hasty throws. It's like when Aaron Kampman was moved to a 3-4 OLB, and people said it wasn't working. It was. Kampman drew blockers and cut off running lanes and pressured the QB, allowing everyone else a chance to make the big plays. I like the turnovers, but the coverage needs to tighten up and play the man before playing the ball, eliminating the explosive plays (Green Bay had allowed 21 in the first four games, meaning 5 plays of 20 or more yards a game).
Other NFL teams are surprising. Darren McFadden, who I thought was a jacked behemoth coming out of college, was unimpressive as a rookie, a proven starter last year, and has already been titled as an up and comer in the the ranks of the best back in the NFL. Tom Brady continues to throw the ball around, and his running game does just enough to take up and extra defender in run spy, allowing Brady an open receiver. Stafford to Johnson is a combination that scares me, and I do NOT look forward to trying to cover that come Thanksgiving. I am glad that Houston has forgotten how to lose in the fourth, and Arian Foster combining with Ben Tate will be a dangerous duo, especially when paired with Schaub-Johnson, and Johnathon Joseph taking advantage of pressure created by JJ Watt and Mario Williams.
Now to talk about my least favorite topic; Cam Newton. Though I don't like him, he plays well, and is quick, big, and strong. He can make all the throws (if he has time he can even make them accurately), and he is a beast trying to take down. He shows determination and guts... but I just can't cheer for him... or the Eagles. Keep on losing, just for me. And Vick; the next time you think you are treated unfairly, watch Rodgers get knocked around, or Sanchez get walloped, or Andy Dalton getting his head knocked in. Which reminds me; stop calling Suh for roughing the passer. The ball barely got out of there when Romo got hit (And Romo takes a lot of hits, too).
To sum up, I am so darned happy that it is football season, the Vikings are 0-4, and Ohio State can't even seem to find the endzone with a map.
(And then there are the Brewers... I know they have won a lot lately (included the NL Central title), but I am not a baseball fan... sorry. But it looks like they should advance in the playoffs for the first time in 29 years!)
First off, Wisconsin is going to be a beast to stop. Russell Wilson has the easiest deep throw I have ever seen. He hardly steps into the throw, and his arm doesn't go back at all. His release goes from his chest immediately into a flick that sends the ball sailing 50 yards in the hands of Nick and Jared. He has benefited from a year in the minors and playing for a team that has an offensive line bigger than many NFL teams, and a two headed monster at the running back position that limits coverage down field. Montee Ball plays stronger than he looks, and fights for extra yardage the way we all hoped John Clay would have last year. Abbrederis needs to put on some weight and may become the next Jordy Nelson, and Nick Toon as developed into a good deep threat.
For BYU, they need to find an offense. Last year they worked on a Quarterback by committee, and it didn't turn out too well. This year, Jake Heaps has not gotten the offense going (topping out at 24 points in a game and and average of 16 a game). Riley Nelson performed well in place of Heaps, but must cut his hair. When I applied to BYU, hair could not touch the collar of a button up shirt, or cover your ears. Receivers got lucky getting to the ball at the right time, and Utah lost the game after BYU gave it to them. They are averaging barely over 300 yards a game, allowed over 350 per game, seem to be lacking speed all around, and have not had a consistent performance for four quarters on either side of the ball.
Then there is Green Bay. Rodgers stands tall in the pocket, and always has his eyes down field, his feet are moving, and he is willing to take a hit to make a run or wait for a play in the secondary. The performance of the interior line was good today, but both Clifton and Newhouse allowed pressure to reach Rodgers and Starks (though they were up against an elite pass rushing duo). Starks showed flashes of playmaking ability that we saw in the post season, but at other times seems hesitant. Once he creates space, he becomes a different player than when he is bottled up. Cobb once again showed his ability to find an opening, but also demonstrated his lack of home-run speed. Jordy caught another big touchdown, and never even needed to hit top gear. He didn't start sprinting until he angled to the sideline, turning Brian Dawkins' hips out, and then cut back in, but actually had to slow down to a jog in order to allow Rodgers' pass to hit him in stride. No qualms here. Untouched, TD, and then a recovered onside kick for good measure. Jennings continues to run great routes and find openings, Driver goes to work every game, and Jones continues to be hit or miss (a great TD catch and then off his hands high for an INT [btw, not a catch. the nose of the ball hits the ground before his hands even touch the ball]).
On the defense, we have a number of players in the secondary that can make plays on the ball, and that leads to big plays... for both teams. Woodson undercut a route for a pick six, Morgan Burnett bites on a play fake for a deep pass that leads to a touchdown, Decker is left in one-on-one coverage deep for a beautifully thrown ball outside of coverage, then Bishop cases down the play from behind for a forced fumble, Shields uses his speed to catch up to an underthrown ball after biting on the double move that Lloyd had used to carve them up underneath, and the defensive line was left alone a great number of times. However, the underneath routes to tight ends and running backs were mostly eliminated, allowing better rushing lanes to McGahee ( who is very difficult to bring down), but overall a good performance. Matthews, though once again without a sack, ate up blockers all day, and pressured Orton into a number of hasty throws. It's like when Aaron Kampman was moved to a 3-4 OLB, and people said it wasn't working. It was. Kampman drew blockers and cut off running lanes and pressured the QB, allowing everyone else a chance to make the big plays. I like the turnovers, but the coverage needs to tighten up and play the man before playing the ball, eliminating the explosive plays (Green Bay had allowed 21 in the first four games, meaning 5 plays of 20 or more yards a game).
Other NFL teams are surprising. Darren McFadden, who I thought was a jacked behemoth coming out of college, was unimpressive as a rookie, a proven starter last year, and has already been titled as an up and comer in the the ranks of the best back in the NFL. Tom Brady continues to throw the ball around, and his running game does just enough to take up and extra defender in run spy, allowing Brady an open receiver. Stafford to Johnson is a combination that scares me, and I do NOT look forward to trying to cover that come Thanksgiving. I am glad that Houston has forgotten how to lose in the fourth, and Arian Foster combining with Ben Tate will be a dangerous duo, especially when paired with Schaub-Johnson, and Johnathon Joseph taking advantage of pressure created by JJ Watt and Mario Williams.
Now to talk about my least favorite topic; Cam Newton. Though I don't like him, he plays well, and is quick, big, and strong. He can make all the throws (if he has time he can even make them accurately), and he is a beast trying to take down. He shows determination and guts... but I just can't cheer for him... or the Eagles. Keep on losing, just for me. And Vick; the next time you think you are treated unfairly, watch Rodgers get knocked around, or Sanchez get walloped, or Andy Dalton getting his head knocked in. Which reminds me; stop calling Suh for roughing the passer. The ball barely got out of there when Romo got hit (And Romo takes a lot of hits, too).
To sum up, I am so darned happy that it is football season, the Vikings are 0-4, and Ohio State can't even seem to find the endzone with a map.
(And then there are the Brewers... I know they have won a lot lately (included the NL Central title), but I am not a baseball fan... sorry. But it looks like they should advance in the playoffs for the first time in 29 years!)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
In the day and age of '16 and pregnant' and 'teen mom,' should we really follow Nike's motto?
This evening, I had the privilege of attending a meeting where I listened to the Prophet, as well as other prominent members of my religion, speak to us directly through a world-wide, satellite teleconference. It is a truly spectacular experience. We are blessed with hearing the mouth piece of the Lord speak to us regarding today's issues, giving to us guidance and direction that we may be able to live a life of worthiness and true, eternal, and everlasting happiness.
Thomas S. Monson, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, spoke directly to thousands assembled in the building with him, as well as thousands upon thousands of others gathered in church buildings around the world. And yet, with his message going out to all these hundreds of thousands of men, I felt that his message, as well as the messages of each of the other five speakers, spoke directly to me.
How glorious that I can be given direction from God in this day and age; a day and age when the popular concepts of what constitutes morality have diminished so greatly; where those select few who are actually religious are seen as strangers and odd balls and old fashioned and unbelievers of science; a period of history where I feel, at times, lost and alone in the world. But whenever I feel alone, I can pray for comfort and guidance, and feel the spirit of the Lord.
Of all the things in this Church, one of the things that most amazes me is the acts of selflessness that so many people demonstrate. I have spent most of my young adult life caring for an elderly women in my congregation to the point where I may even love her more than my own grandmother. She taught my Sunday school lessons for 2 years, and I have helped care for her farm house, and now her much more domesticated house for 10 years. I have spent countless hours mowing her lawn, shoveling her walk ways, cleaning her garage, helping her garden, planting trees, going grocery shopping with her, stacking firewood, painting, assembling shelves and peg board walls, organizing her basement, working on her windows, caring for her cats, taking out her garbage... and all that I know that I have asked from her in return is the recipe for a scrumptious, yet terrifyingly unhealthy, dessert she affectionately calls Fungus Cookies, so named by her son because "they grow on you." I would also like to make a pitch for her wonderful Volvo when she no longer has need for it, but that seems far to insensitive a topic to bring up.
I have devoted much of my life to service toward this wonderful, optimistic, caring women, and I believe that I do love her. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" we are told. Well, truth be told, I find loving her easier than loving myself at times. She has never led me astray, or let me explore twisted and dark paths that lead to transgression. She has only ever inspired me to want to live in a way that I may be with her in heaven.
In loving her, I learn first hand what charity, the pure love of Christ, really is.
Another that I love is a former Young Men's leader who calmly and affectionately promised us the blessings that could be ours if we dared to strive for them. Through stories of his own life, and being a part of it, I have learned what comes of following the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Happiness seems to simply permeate from his house, and spread to all those who step within their walls. Their family is a joyous group of smiling faces at the supermarket, and their spirit touches all those who come in contact with them. Through his easy going ways, he helped convinced me to go on a mission by answering my questions, and then letting me decide. He did not prod, did not pester or attempt to entice me to go. He simply planted the seeds, and let the spirit do the rest. I thank him for his patience, and thank him for his example.
These two individuals are amazing examples of how to live a Christ like life. They are generous in word and deed, and live the gospel in their daily lives. I am thankful that the Church has brought these people into my life, that the spirit is able to guide me in my daily activities, and that I have the opportunity to help spread that Gospel of love, joy, and happiness to the world.
I can bear witness that I feel the love of my Heavenly Father, and the mercies of His plan of Salvation that allow me to return to the glories and eternal wonder of and everlasting life with Him who sent me here. I feel joy at the simplicity of repentance, and feel sorrow mingled with elation whenever I dwell on the sacrifice that Jesus went through to atone for our sins, in providing a way that we might be able to become clean, and unstained.
I believe wholly that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true and everlasting church of God, and was restored to the earth by Joseph Smith, who was an inspired prophet and leader for this generation. I believe that the Book of Mormon was translated through divine inspiration by the prompting of the Holy Ghost and that it is the defining text by which we should base our gospel learning around. I believe that Christ will one day come again, and bring about the resurrection of the dead, and what will follow will be eternal life. I believe that my local authorities are loving and gracious men and women who sacrifice so much to teach me and support me that my life can be made better.
Thomas S. Monson, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, spoke directly to thousands assembled in the building with him, as well as thousands upon thousands of others gathered in church buildings around the world. And yet, with his message going out to all these hundreds of thousands of men, I felt that his message, as well as the messages of each of the other five speakers, spoke directly to me.
How glorious that I can be given direction from God in this day and age; a day and age when the popular concepts of what constitutes morality have diminished so greatly; where those select few who are actually religious are seen as strangers and odd balls and old fashioned and unbelievers of science; a period of history where I feel, at times, lost and alone in the world. But whenever I feel alone, I can pray for comfort and guidance, and feel the spirit of the Lord.
Of all the things in this Church, one of the things that most amazes me is the acts of selflessness that so many people demonstrate. I have spent most of my young adult life caring for an elderly women in my congregation to the point where I may even love her more than my own grandmother. She taught my Sunday school lessons for 2 years, and I have helped care for her farm house, and now her much more domesticated house for 10 years. I have spent countless hours mowing her lawn, shoveling her walk ways, cleaning her garage, helping her garden, planting trees, going grocery shopping with her, stacking firewood, painting, assembling shelves and peg board walls, organizing her basement, working on her windows, caring for her cats, taking out her garbage... and all that I know that I have asked from her in return is the recipe for a scrumptious, yet terrifyingly unhealthy, dessert she affectionately calls Fungus Cookies, so named by her son because "they grow on you." I would also like to make a pitch for her wonderful Volvo when she no longer has need for it, but that seems far to insensitive a topic to bring up.
I have devoted much of my life to service toward this wonderful, optimistic, caring women, and I believe that I do love her. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" we are told. Well, truth be told, I find loving her easier than loving myself at times. She has never led me astray, or let me explore twisted and dark paths that lead to transgression. She has only ever inspired me to want to live in a way that I may be with her in heaven.
In loving her, I learn first hand what charity, the pure love of Christ, really is.
Another that I love is a former Young Men's leader who calmly and affectionately promised us the blessings that could be ours if we dared to strive for them. Through stories of his own life, and being a part of it, I have learned what comes of following the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Happiness seems to simply permeate from his house, and spread to all those who step within their walls. Their family is a joyous group of smiling faces at the supermarket, and their spirit touches all those who come in contact with them. Through his easy going ways, he helped convinced me to go on a mission by answering my questions, and then letting me decide. He did not prod, did not pester or attempt to entice me to go. He simply planted the seeds, and let the spirit do the rest. I thank him for his patience, and thank him for his example.
These two individuals are amazing examples of how to live a Christ like life. They are generous in word and deed, and live the gospel in their daily lives. I am thankful that the Church has brought these people into my life, that the spirit is able to guide me in my daily activities, and that I have the opportunity to help spread that Gospel of love, joy, and happiness to the world.
I can bear witness that I feel the love of my Heavenly Father, and the mercies of His plan of Salvation that allow me to return to the glories and eternal wonder of and everlasting life with Him who sent me here. I feel joy at the simplicity of repentance, and feel sorrow mingled with elation whenever I dwell on the sacrifice that Jesus went through to atone for our sins, in providing a way that we might be able to become clean, and unstained.
I believe wholly that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true and everlasting church of God, and was restored to the earth by Joseph Smith, who was an inspired prophet and leader for this generation. I believe that the Book of Mormon was translated through divine inspiration by the prompting of the Holy Ghost and that it is the defining text by which we should base our gospel learning around. I believe that Christ will one day come again, and bring about the resurrection of the dead, and what will follow will be eternal life. I believe that my local authorities are loving and gracious men and women who sacrifice so much to teach me and support me that my life can be made better.
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