Super Girl

Gratz to my honey! This post is to brag about my incredible wife! She graduated today in style and on camera. Even though the commencement was terribly boring and I noticed Cari pull out a gameboy from under her robes during the presentation, I am so proud of her! Afterwards I took Cari out to eat with most of our good friends to Red Lobster to celebrate. Cari picked a 2lb lobster from the tank, called him Fred, and then ate him. I went with a pound and a half of King crab legs and Web got the big sampler type plate. It was a lot of good food with stuffed mushrooms and some new drinks for people to try. Red Lobster makes a new pina colada(sp?) that was very good. Some strawberry cheese cake capped the night. On the downside Cari's friend didn't like the seafood part too much and Nicole wasn't terribly hungry. But my friend Jared ate enough shrimp for both of us and he looked content. A new adjective in respect to drinks was discovered, "Mega!" But, I will let Web comment on that afterwards at his free time. Also, thx for cleaning the pad and buying me spam!

Also being celebrated tonight was Cari's incredible job offer! She starts the beginning of June and actually landed a very professional pseudo-code programming job in south Provo! This is a major blessing to us and has our spirits in the clouds.

I almost posted a comment on Kathy's blog about beauty but decided to do it here instead. I fell that men should date for looks... I am more shallow than others I agree, but if a man falls in love with a woman's personality, attributes, talents, and customs after he thinks she is hot, he gets the complete package. Cari is the hottest girl I have ever met and will always be. The picture below will prove that. I could never go though life trying to convince myself she is pretty, she just has to convince me. Whether I am blind or biased(sp) is irrelevant because good looks are in the eye of the beholder and the one being observed. I firmly believe a 10 cow wife and a 2 cow wife are only different because the 2 cow wife doesn't believe she is a 10 cow wife. In conclusion, the stated fact is Cari is beautiful on the outside and the inside! And I will never have to argue it or defend it because I know shes hot and she proves shes hot.
2000 words coming right up:

Pretty Flowers

Just wanted to show all of you the pretty flowers Bret got me for our anniversary today! There are tulips, irises, and lillies. He also took me to Breakfast to the Good Egg, which I love. My sweetie is now on his way to Nashville, TN for business. I will miss him. These last ten years have been so wonderful and I feel so lucky to be married to Bret. He is a good husband, a good father and a good friend. Unfortunately I am not that eloquent at writing romantic, mooshey things, but suffice it to say, I love him very much and am so glad to have shared these last ten years with him and am looking forward to many more to come. 

Three's a Charm

As I sat in the waiting room of the office where Tevia was going to have her ultrasound this morning, I felt something I didn't expect: fear. I rarely am scared, so I thought wondering why I would have butterflies. Perhaps it was just excitement to find something out - will it be a boy or a girl? Or perhaps I worried that they would find something wrong in this level 2 ultrasound, as we know this third child will have a higher chance of heart problems and muscle conditions. But it was comforting having my family around as we brought Malik and Jarek to witness the spectacle.

After a rather long wait - can these be avoided any more in doctor's offices? - we all crammed into a pint-sized room and watched as the nurse lotioned up Tevia's abdomen. I had the boys sit on my lap so they could see the monitor as small flashes of skeleton-like images came in and out of shape. It is always fun to see these ultrasounds. My favorite part is seeing the heart beat and watching erratic movements of hands and feet. The nurse indicated that all looked good and asked if we wanted to see the sex.

For some time we have been guessing the sex of this baby. There was good indication that this would be a girl since Tevia was much sicker than ever before. I had been paying attention during the ultrasound and had seen no evidence of a boy during the whole procedure. So I was a little shocked when the nurse brought up an angle that clearly showed something in between the baby's legs. I'm not quite sure what she said - "it's a boy" or something like that. Tevia seems to think she said there is his outdoor plumbing, but I didn't catch it. I was a little surprised. I would have been even more surprised had I not recently felt the baby move a few days ago. Tevia had me feel her stomach and I felt a hard jab. I thought, that was pretty strong for such a young baby. Maybe it is a boy...

As the nurse stated the sex, Malik mentioned that "she is wrong - it is a girl." Malik actually says "girl" like "gwirrell" and it is so cute. I looked at Tevia and asked if she was okay. She said yes - but I saw a small tear rolling down her cheek.

So it would appear we will be parents to a third boy. It seems a little odd that we could have three boys. Maybe I can only make boys. I am excited. I was kind of wanting a boy - mostly because the thought of raising a girl seems scarey. But I would have been fine with a girl. And who knows, maybe the ultrasound was wrong. But not likely. So now it is time to come up with names. I have been pushing for Thrace - and Tevia is very against it. But at one point she was very against Malik as well...

A Beautiful Person

I have been thinking about this subject today because it was the topic for our RS and Priesthood meeting. The lesson was taken from a talk that was recently given by the counselor I think in the RS presidency. She does not feel that it is right to do "extreme makeovers". Or to spend an extraordinary amount of effort to fix our outer image. She comments that by doing such we are working hard to adopt and conform to the image of the world. I think I agree with her, but I think the image of the world position was a bit harsh. After all, aren't we supposed to try and look good?

So what constitutes a beautiful person?

I am not planning to answer this question. I suspect I am not even qualified. Besides I am not sure I know the answer. Certainly I cannot dictate either right or wrong in the matter. After all Kathy's contribution to family discussion earlier today was to define "preside" as to be the one to pick someone to say the prayer. That was the lesson taught in YW this week.

I do think, however, that women may have the more difficult time with this rather complex issue. They really need to feel pretty and beautiful on the outside.

So given this, I just wanted to say something to Karen. She is the most beautiful person I know. This beauty is outside and inside. On the inside she is so giving and helpful and charitable and forgiving and loving and wise and spiritual and capable and full of faith. Now the outside. I remember my first view of her in a romantic way. I was stunned shocked surprised upset concerned. After all I was a missionary. I went and talked to the mission president. I was not a girl person. Never had been. I was into being good. The mission president said to me, so what, I met my wife on my mission. Big help he was. He continued, just don't do anything about it until you get home. Great thanks Pres.

Anyway, Karen's outward beauty is wonderful. It always has been. And the best part of it is that she gets better looking every year. Now some of you may think that there will eventually come a time where this trend of increasing beauty will be reversed will pass its peak will decline and recede. But I cannot see it. I truly cannot. What I see in Karen's outward appearance is an ever more endearing image of my permanent friend.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

I blog, therefore I am.

Names

Okay, I am not really asking for help on finding a name for this kid, but I do want to blog about it a a bit. So, I have in mind a name that I have liked for a girl for quite some time now. ( I will not divulge the name until we find out what we are having, although I may have told a few of you the one I like. DON'T tell it if you know it PLEASE!!!) I feel like Bret isn't as keen on it as I am, so I was looking at alternate baby names on line today. It is quite a daunting task to be sure. As you are all well aware, I don't want to pick a name that is very common, but I don't want one that is so out there, that the child will hate the name forever. I know I can't really ask for anyone's opinion on names, because we all have very different tastes in names, but I am going to list a few names I have come across that I kind of like, and would like your reaction on these ones. I am not set on any one for sure, but if you care to give your two cents that would be nice.

Here we go: And, they are all girls names since I didn't look up boys names yet. NO, I am not saying I think it is a girl. ;)

Thea
Elsa
Maura
Zohreh
Mitra
Zerrin

I know, you are all probably laughing your butts off at my name picks. I haven't shown them to Bret yet because he is sleeping. He came home from work sick this morning. Either the stomach flu, or food poison. Not to be mean, but it is kind of nice to have him feel how I felt the last three months!!! :) Poor guy.

Anyhow, that is my blog for today. Adios amigos.

technical support

OK, so how is it that I had to spend 2 hours on the phone and call 5 times to Norton Antivirus, and then run a program, and then 2 hours later it still doesn't work, but, the interesting thing is , I talked to 5 different techs, all from India, 2 I could hardly understand, and these were there names, no kidding - Sam, Patrick, Kevin, Fred, and Roger. whatever! I can take the Roger. the
rest are actually changing their names! I guess it is good customer service to have the customer be able to say their names. unfortunately, none of them could help me. duh. but the name thing is funny.

treats in life

so cari wrote a blog the other day saying how life seemed so wonderful and i have to say i felt the exact same way yesterday. since this week was spring break and my friends and i didnt get to go anywhere, karen and i decided to treat ourself to the spa one day. we just got massages and a paraffin but it was absolutely amazing. tevia, im so glad that you introduced me to this incredible treat. it is something that will be one of my favorite things to do for the rest of my life.
well after our time at the spa, we came out and it was the most beautiful day. so we drove home with the music on and our windows down and i felt like i had everything, which i do. then when we got home we made macaroni and cheese, something that may sound boring and simple to some, but is actually my favorite food, and we ate it outside on a blanket in the back yard. we talked for a while and then we decided to go bike riding. it was so much fun. then we came back and put the sprinkler under the trampoline and jumped for awhile and got soaked but it felt so good. i felt like we were little kids again. it was great! then we came in and watched a movie. it was probably the best day of spring break. i am so blessed to be able to have days like that where i have no cares in the world. why am i so lucky? and i love karen so much. she is the only girl in the world i dont get sick of and i really think leaving her will be the hardest part about going to college. we have talked everyday for about 2 and a half years now and we see eachother almost everyday. life without her each day is going to be torture for me.
so right now i have to say, college does not sound appealing. sorry both jacobs and cari. i just wish i could stay here, being an east coast girl, having days like yesterday for just a bit longer. now i would ask for advice about how i could make me leaving karen easier but im sorry to say that i dont think anyone has really had what me and karen do. but if you have any suggestions, i would appreciate it. anything to make this situation easier for me. and i know its still alittle ways away but its already making me upset. k well happy easter everyone. i love you!

Flat Iron

Last week I went on a hike with Kipp, Carlos Aragon, and Janet McIntyre. We headed to the Superstition Mountains East of Phoenix and headed up to a mountain top called Flat Iron (it looks a little like an iron). The hike was about 5 hours up and down and about 3,000 feet in elevation. I hadn't been hiking in a while and admit it was tougher than I had suspected. But the company was great and the view at the top was worth it. It renewed my love of hiking - and it wasn't so much hiking as it was "scrambling," very similar to Mohonk.

I was pleased that I wasn't too sore the next few days - probably since I have started running a little in the evenings. But the beautiful weather and fresh air gave such a great sense of awe of nature and the beauty of the desert.

This morning I took Tevia and we did a short little hike up at Thunderbird park. It was fun. I am hoping to do a few more hikes to get ready for Havasupai at some point this summer.

El conejito esta veniendo

happy easter!

new missionary

Hi all, Jenny Cangelosi was just called to the Oakland, CA mission. she leaves in July. Ben Ricks gets his call any day now.

My Day of Sunshine

Usually, I'm really stressed at the end of the semester, trying to do whatever I can to pull my grades up a little more, or finishing projects and preparing for finals. This semester has been wonderfully different. I have found other ways to stress myself out: trying to find a job, trying to run a race without dying, etc. But regardless of that or anything else, today has just been a good day.

It didn't start off well. I didn't get to bed until late the past few nights, so I've been waking up crabby. And Jacob Wall hasn't been sleeping well, which means I get strange things said to me in the middle of the night and I get the occasional elbow to the chest in my sleep. My morning was ok, but nothing spectacular. Water aerobics was pretty fun, but then I had my second class of the day. And the professor let us vote if we wanted to have the final optional or not. Ok....YES!

So that's one more final I am not taking, on top of my final that is 5 questions long and we have all the answers to, the one that is a 15 minute essay question, the one that I helped write last year, and the one I'm taking tonight for about 10 minutes. Though I should have realized it long ago, my life is pretty stinking nice right now. I only have one more college class ever, and it's water aerobics. All my projects and papers are done, graduation is almost here, and it's a beautiful day outside. I've got a couple job interviews in the works and complete confidence I will find the right job in the next few weeks.

I love how your attitude and outlook on life can change if you just wake up and decide that "My life is awesome". I am just so thankful right now for all that I am continually blessed with no matter how much I don't deserve it. It is a bright, beautiful, sun-shiny day.

Little sisters & such...

So, I've been away from the blog for a few days and after pretty much a month or so of nobody posting, I find that just about everyone has posted. It took me a while to read and reply to them all. Not that I feel obligated to post a comment to every blog... but I like to give my two cents now and again.

I realize that my comments to Kathy's blogs are usually quite leangthy. I think it might have something to do with the fact that I kind of see her as a little sister. I've never had a little sister. I never really had the chance to protect one from boys in school or be her big brother who she could turn to if she just needed to cry and be an emotional wreck to. I can only assume that older sisters just don't do this, since neither of mine did... however, I have to factor in that I was probably not the person that either of them would have gone to in school even if I were older. But things change, I've changed. I have to admit, I've been there for Tevs a time or two in the last few years, but it still seems a bit different being the younger brother. I see Tevia as such a better stronger person that I don't have a lot to offer her as advice or strength... all I feel I can do whenever she comes to me is listen and be there... but I guess, when a girl comes to a guy that's USUALLY all she wants anyway... right ladies? No fix, no answer, just listen?

Anyway... back to my point... Kathy, you can be my little sister. I think I'm just as excited as Jacob and Cari for you to come out to BYU. You really are going to love it!! And that's not a statement, that's an order! jk! But you really will love it! Do everything you can in your first year. Niether Tevs or myself ever really got that "Froshmen" expereience, so you have to live it up for us, k! Do the dorm thing, get involved in EVERYTHING and date as much as you can... You think getting a number from a cute guy on a mini road trip was a great thing... I'd like to see you walk to class without getting a number at least once a day at BYU!! You'll be bringing something to Utah that most boys here never really get too see (of course, Jacob, your brother, married one of these rare enomilies)... A beautiful girl with a testimony to match, that didn't grow up in the bubble. What does that mean? Well... basically that what you believe and who you are isn't just a product of going with the crowd and doing it because everyone else is doing it. I don't know if you've realized this yet, but coming from a guy, we can really decifer between those girls that live the gospel because they grew up in Utah and those that live the gospel because they want to, and they realize that by doing so, comes their greatest joy.

Because of who you are and who you become each day (even from getting lost on your way to The Cheesecake Factory) you will have that much better of an experience at BYU and in life. So have fun makin the most of it!

oh, and ps... Tevs is right... it is MUCH more difficult to get lost out here than in NY... so enjoy such experiences while you can! :)

sunday night games

since we don't watch TV on Sunday night, we play games. tonight, we did 3 games of Probe, and dad used bad words like poop. we don't use the cards anymore, so Jacob would like it. then we talked Tom into playing Boggle, even though he hates it. we learned a few new words, due to the fact that dad writes all made-up words, so we have to look them up. so tong is a word, so, next time you are out using your grill, you can say to someone, tong me a hotdog! :) it was fun. wish you could all play.

Getting Lost

well bret and tevia, im sure you remember even though you probably dont want to that when you guys lived in connecticut for awhile i would come up all the time and hang out with you guys. probably one of the best summers ive had i might add, just because i got closer to all of you (bret tevs and jarek) especially tevia which i was so grateful for. but anyways to my point, we would go several fun places but almost every time you guys would get into a fight, simply due to directions. and i remember in the back seat i would just laugh to myself because i thought you both were crazy and that it couldnt be that hard. well from now on i give you both alot of credit because you held your cool alot better than i did yesterday on my way to and from the palisades mall.

karen traci and i all decided to go to the palisades mall yesterday to go get dessert at the cheesecake factory. because one, we love that place, two, we wanted to do something fun and different, and three, we love taking little road trips (us driving, with our sunglasses on, the windows down, and the music loud) ha, well this trip was quite different.

now i was driving mind you, and before i left mom of course said, are you sure you know how to get there? and miss know it all me said yes. i mean i pretty much knew what i was doing and i figured traci and karen must know alittle something too so we would be okay. but of course i was wrong. we get into the car and i ask if they know how to get there and they said not at all so we went on map quest really quick and not till i was almost at the bridge did we realize that the map quest way was completely bogus. so we decided to just wing it. boy was that a wonderful idea. we must have stopped and turned around a hundred times. since im horrible at directions i was hesitant and even though i knew what i was doing, when traci or karen would say do something i would and then we would be lost again. eventually i was screaming. the girls found us getting lost amusing and this made me even morefurious. oh ya and did i mention it was hailing and beyond foggy. finally after i called almost everyone on my phone list and lost half a lung we finally got there. and it was amazing. the food was incredible. we got both appetizers and desserts. for dessert i just got strawberries with whip cream because i was full from my crab cakes but it was so good and we had so much fun. then while we were walking out, this cute bus boy who i had been eyeing the whole time came up to me and gave me his number lol. it was a good time.

well by then i was in a great mood and expected the ride home to be quick and relaxing. once again i was wrong. we got even more lost. well, to make my story somewhat shorter if thats even possible, we ended up an hour from home after already driving an hour and half in a town called goshen and me calling mom hysterically crying. and i wasnt crying in some corner by myself. i was at a highschool who just happened to be having a school play that night and i was passed by at least 50 people staring at me like i was some freaky alien. and mom was not at home alone either. she was in the middle of her talent show and told the whole stake that i was lost. it was a great experience, let me tell you.

the only good things about this little trip was, we got to eat at the cheesecake factory, i got some cute kid's number, i got to talk to some cute police officer, and i no longer think bret and tevia are dumb when they drive. (sorry i thought that before guys) i was a whole lot more frustrated than either of you. i have to say though i did have to laugh at myself acouple times. it wasnt THAT bad, but none the less i have a road rage and temper problem that i need to work on. k well hope you werent too bored by my crazy story.

Thoughts on a Sunday

I'm home from church with Jarek as he is sick. It has been a tough year on the health of the Wall boys. While here I was typing up my missionary journal - a project I have been working on and will actually post as a separate blog for anyone interested in reading here in the next few weeks - adding a new month to my mission each week or so. Today I was typing the part about General Conference during the Fall of 2003. What a great conference it was! I have put some of the highlights that I noted in my journal below:

Pres. Joseph B Wirthlin
- to know God is to think what He thinks, feel what He feels
Joe J Christensen
- anything not good for children is rarely good for adults
Spencer J Condie
- Pride is concerned with who is right – humility is concerned with what is right (Pres Benson)
Boyd K Packer
- the most devastating effect of the war (WWII) was the damage to the family
- a child left by himself brings a mother to shame
Ben B Banks
- The church can not be a substitute for parental caring
- The best thing to spend on your children is time
Gordon B Hinckley
- to the critics I say “so what?”
- the vision: did it happen? I have no doubt of it
- “it is wisdom to believe the heart”
- our responsibility is not to please the world!
- It is not enough to provide food and shelter for your family: be a man!
- To men who abandon their children: God will hold you responsible, for they are God’s children also!

eagle for Tom

His official Eagle court is joint with Scott on April 22. there will be banana splits and volleyball after. all our welcome!

Our Backyard Paradise

Sorry to Bret to post pictures right after his Immigration blog, but I just wanted to share. Here are the boys relaxing this evening after using our bbq grill for the first time, as well as the little fire pit. We are really enjoying our backyard so far this year. We look forward to sharing it with whomever visits!
Oops, I forgot to add the picture of Bret using the grill. Maybe later.

 

Immigration

The last few weeks there has been a lot of discussion and even demonstrations about the new immigration laws going through the senate and congress. And there are very strong opinions. On one side you have people who think all illegals here in the US should be found and sent packing and walls should be set up to keep them out. Others are for providing amnesty and making them part of society. As with most issues, I think the logical solutions lies somewhere in between.

Last night was a great example of how I really didn't realize how strong some people's opinions are about this subject. While playing basketball a few guys were discussing the situation and starting going off on how illegal aliens have "ruined" society in the USA: from taking our jobs to making Americans learn Spanish. Certainly I have a different perspective. It would be near impossible for someone here illegally to take my job. True citizens have a hard enough time getting hired by Prudential (ask the few people over the past few years that have not passed the Prudential background check!). And the people that I hire that have legal visas (I have a few of these) take months of background checks to get on board. So I guess I don't fear that aspect of the latin invasion. And when it comes to learning Spanish - I'm all aboard! Hey, I say let's all learn Chinese now.

But I understand that if you do not have a college degree and are looking for work that doesn't pay well and that most people don't want to do - then the threat of losing a job to an illegal alien is real. I guess my response would be to then go to college, but hey, once again I have a different perspective on the value of education.

So what should we do. Obviously there are perhaps millions of people here illegally. I know many and some are even in our family. I, for myself, don't have a big issue with them being here. I know there are many arguments - and little data to really support. How much do we spend on medical care for them? How many do we have in our jail system? On the other hand, how much money is being put into our tax system and Social Security by people with fake SSNs? Should we just go and kick them out?

That seems drastic to me. I care for many of these people and many contribute positively to our society. I think the true solution would be to have companies stop hiring them. This would be tough, though. Get rid of the illegals and inflation will go up. Services and products will dramatically increase in price. And how do you know if they are illegal, some ask? They have fake IDs. My comment would be that I believe 90% of the companies that hire illegals know they are illegal, even if they have fake IDs.

So, what does genius Bret suggest to the US government and thinktanks? I certainly think we need to try harder to limit the people coming into our borders illegally - if we need a border. Why not be more like Europe? But that is another discussion. For now we have a border and the law says to enter the USA from ANY country, you must follow a process. I don't propose a wall - but perhaps a little more vigilence.

Then make larger penalties for companies hiring illegals. These are seldom enforced - but even if it is only a few companies, if the penalties are high enough, they will be scared. It's like the lottery - you never know.

For the people already here I think the current laws in motion may be on the right track. Let's not grant amnesty altogether, but let's provide an easier way for many to become citizens/legal residents. One way might be to let them register to let it be know they are here. Currently if you are here illegally you have no record as crossing the border. Therefore if you try to apply for residency, they realize you are here illegally and kick you out. Let's register them and put them on a program. The program may consist of x number of years of waiting and several things they must do to qualify - like get tax IDs and pay taxes/social security, etc., even though they would not benefit from some of these. Senate is saying they must learn English - so fine, make them learn English even though it is not our official language (we don't have one). In time these people can then become residents legally and continue living the "dream" they came here for.

Certainly my plan has many holes - like the ones being proposed by congress (and mine seems very similar to theirs now that I read it) - but it's not like I've put hours into thinking about it. I just thought it might start some good conversations. In the end, I guess I feel for these people. They risk a lot to come here. And some that do we welcome with open arms (baseball players from Cuba??). They contribute to our society and do jobs that many Americans would not do. How many of your kids wake up excited to work on farms or bus tables? But I also can not look past the fact that they are breaking laws - current laws. And as a member of the Church I know we are supposed to keep the laws of the land. I also know many illegals have been brought here (as children) against their will or at least with no understanding. And now they are stuck here. They can't go back to Mexico as they may not even relate to that culture now. But here they are illegal. And they can't even apply for residency or they'll get sent back. It is a tough situation and one that won't go away for a long time. That is because this is the promised land and God shines on this country. People want to be here even when they hate us. And so they will come - legally or not.

Okay, I guess I kind of figured it out. Here are some pics of the kids making their pinecone bird feeders. If this doesn't post too well, I will have bret show me how to do it a different way. I just used Picasa.

Have a great day all.

 

Our Family Night

Last night we had a very fun family night. We started off reading the illustrated Book of Mormon as a family. It was the story of Korihor and the kids paid attention. We then created bird feeders out of two pinecones from our yard. We had the kids (and us) put peanut butter on them and then roll them in birdseed. We then put them in the freezer overnight.

Afterwards we went for some ice cream as Tevia had been craving Cold Stone. As we got there I noticed a new Smoothie place next door and decided I would rather have a smoothie than ice cream - better use of calories in my mind. As I walked in I realized that the store actually was not open yet, but they were training. A group of 8 or so teenagers and the owner of the franchise all stared at me as I told them I thought they were open and sorry to interupt. They told me they were training and would love to make me a smoothie for practice. So I picked the Coconut/Pineapple/Banana smoothie (can't remember the fancy name) and they went to work. As I went to pay they said that it was "on the house" as they were still training and said I was their first customer. I thanked them and tipped the young lady who actually made the drink and waltzed back to Cold Stone to be with the fam. The name of the place was Tropical Cafe. It was pretty good.

Tonight we hung up the bird feeders. We'll see if they work. I then was inspired to go out and buy a real birdfeeder and a hummingbird feeder. I am excited.

Out.

My realization...

I know it's true that personal revelation most readily comes when we are worthy and righteously seeking it. One thing I have tried to do during the last few general conferences is approach them with the intent to receive some personal guidance. This conference I forgot to right off and so I wasn't prepared to receive any during the Saturday sessions (I didn't have anything to record the promptings as they came so I'm pretty sure I missed a few). However, I repented and was ready to listen, and receive, during the Sunday sessions.

One major "revelation" or inspiration came to me not DURING the conference talks (not necessarily) but rather during the world report that comes on between sessions. The program covered what the church is doing in developing countries (mostly in South America) to better life. Or rather, to simply better the chances of life. Groups are being sent to countries (they touched mainly on the stories in Ecuador - which I have an exceptionally large soft spot for) to train hospitals to be better prepared for problematic births (mostly infant asphyxia). I know there are many programs and groups that the church sends out to help the people of the world. I feel it's what I want to do. As I mentioned in my comment to Kathy's blog, I didn't really receive any comments, direction, or much of any indication that I would have a wife or family in this life. Perhaps it's not my calling. I have always (well, I can't say "always" because Tevia knew me growing up) but for a long time, I have wanted to help others. I think it's something I learned from the example of my dad. Whatever it was... it's what I enjoy doing now, and feel I should do. After I finish my degree (actually starting now I'll start researching it) I will pursue service with the church in traveling and educating people in Mexico, Central, and South America.

I already have some Spanish training (from my mission) and I think I will take more during the remainder of my college education, and upon graduating, I will have a degree in Business Management, plus years of hands on training and experience in a number of different fields of work from various jobs I've head throughout my life. I know I will most likely never become wealthy, but the more I think about it, I will be DOING everything I would want to do if I were wealthy anyway!!! Traveling (and basically living) in areas of Mexico, Central, and South America and helping others... and since I don't (and apparently won't) have a family to provide for, it's perfect. :)

whats going on with me

so i finally decided to join this blog thing. i figured this way i can let all of you know whats actually going on in my life instead of just hearing bits and pieces from mom especially now when so much is going on. plus i love hearing from all you guys. why i havent joined already, is simply because of plain stupidity.
anyways, im doing really good. i just got my patriarchal blessing acouple weeks ago and it was probably one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. before brother edmonds even got to the blessing, tears were streaming down my face. i felt the spirit so strong and really knew that heavenly father was talking directly to me and it felt so amazing and comforting. so even though boomer's name was not mentioned lol it was still a wonderful blessing. plus alittle something i would like to share from it is that i was blessed that i would have much love and romance in my life. hehe. mom and dad said that was pretty unusual so i found it both cool and exciting. since after all, i think we all know that i am a hopeless romantic. hint the name lovebug. so my future is looking pretty fun.
besides that i am going to be going to 2 proms soon. boomers and my own. and im going with sean to mine. im excited about going to both but i have to say, i think that boomers will be way more fun. then school is going okay. im ready for it to be over though. it seems like its just a waste of my time. im looking forward to actually learn some important stuff when i get to BYU however that is another story in itself. each day i feel differently about college. some days i cant wait to go and other days im completely dreading it.
then lets see acouple other little things about me, i just finished reading the fellowship and thought it was incredible. it is now one of my favorite books. it is so different from the movie though and like Tevia, i dont like that. im reading the two towers now and im finding this one to be just as good. i also just saw the movie 16 blocks. if you havent seen it. SEE IT! it is soooo good and made me cry in the end. i think its a great story and has a great lesson. well mom dad and tommy want me to go play probe so im going to go play. im glad i finally joined this thing. i love all of you =)