Movies 2005

Here’s a list of the movies I watched this year, with the format and rating (1 being the best).

TITLE Year Format Rating

Spiderman 2 2005 DVD 1

The Village 2005 DVD 1

House of Flying Daggers 2005 Theater 1

Shall We Dance? 2005 DVD 1

Finding Neverland 2005 Plane 2

After the Sunset 2005 Plane 2

Without a Paddle 2005 DVD 2

Goldmember 2005 TV 2

I, Robot 2005 DVD 1

Alien vs. Predator 2005 DVD 1

The Forgotten 2005 DVD 2

The Incredibles 2005 DVD 1

Star Wars: Clone Wars (Season 1) 2005 DVD 1

King Arthur 2005 DVD 3

Elektra 2005 DVD 2

Spanglish 2005 DVD 1

Ocean's 12 2005 DVD 3

Behind the Sun (Brazilian) 2005 DVD 2

Meet the Fockers 2005 DVD 2

To Live 2005 DVD 1

Star Wars - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 2005 Theater 1

In Good Company 2005 DVD 2

The Count of Monte Cristo 2005 DVD 2

Hotel Rwanda 2005 DVD 1

Terra Estrangeira 2005 DVD 2

The Pacifier 2005 Plane 2

The Work and the Glory 2005 DVD 1

Shaolin Soccer 2005 DVD 2

War of the Worlds 2005 Theater 2

The Aviator 2005 DVD 1

Harsh Realm (the TV Series) 2005 DVD 1

Pay it Forward 2005 TV 2

The Cave 2005 Theater 2

Scream 3 2005 TV 3

Bride and Prejudice 2005 DVD 2

Saints and Soldiers 2005 DVD 2

Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries 2005 DVD 1

Sahara 2005 DVD 2

The Transporter 2 2005 Theater1

The Transporter 2005 TV 2

Monster-in-Law 2005 DVD 2

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 2005 DVD 2

GI Joe: The Movie 2005 DVD 2

Coach Carter 2005 DVD 1

Batman Begins 2005 DVD 1

The Matrix: Reloaded 2005 TV 2

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005 Theater 2

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2005 DVD 2

Mr. And Mrs. Smith 2005 DVD 1

Resident Evil 2005 TV 2

The Fantastic Four 2005 DVD 2

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 2005 Theater 1

The Island 2005 DVD 2

Star Wars: Clone Wars (Season 2) 2005 DVD 1

My year-end review

Well, I just finished reading The BofM!! I think that in itself is a good way to finish off the year... of course... I had to read the entire book of Alma in two sittings (first 31 chapters yesterday and the last 32 chapters today). I have to admit, even if I were to have read the entire book without getting a hint of spirituality added to me I can deffinitely say there is a great sense of accomplishment in fullfilling the challenge of the prophet... and don't worry, I do feel I've increased in spirituality as well. Because I read the entire book in so few sittings (which is not something I've done before) I got quite a different perspective as to timelines and relationships (both familiar as well as interpersonal) within the book. I also have to admitt that I think reading and getting into the Harry Potter books so much has really helped me in visualizing the events of scriptures. Finally, I think one last thing that aided me in reading so much in so little time (aside from the spirit and promise from the Lord that he nor his servants the prophets will give a commandment without providing a way to fullfill them) is that I listen to the Braveheart soundtrack (all instumental) and read in a Scottish accent... really adds a whole new life to those long war ridden chapters From the last half of Alma, most of Heleman, Ether, etc...

Anyway...

This year was a fairly good year for me in many aspects, and unfortunately it was a very bad year in terms of "I really could have done better." Thank goodness for repentance and the atonement. I really resolve to make this coming year one of spiritual grwoth. I think this last year was moreso dedicated to spiritual digression... These last couple of months I've really been trying to get things together and figure out just where I stand with myself and in all things. I have to give thanks to such a great family and good friends who have continually prayed for me and never gave up on me to come around. There are few, if any, who I feel really know me or why I make some of the choices I do... but regaurdless, I do have a testimony of the truthfullness of the restored gosple and continue to nurture my faith in the living Christ.

Some highlights from this last year include two trips to Disneyland with dear friends, and an unforgetable trip to the East coast with my favorite family! I also finished out my first semester of college with straight As, and got a couple of good raises and added perks from a job that I really do enjoy. I think I'm finally aclimatizing to Utah, but don't think I will ever get used to the lack of sunshine here and ALWAYS look forward to spending time in AZ... which by the way I think I made more visits to AZ this year than any other since moving away.

I think I've become more indifferent as to what my mother thinks or wants of me. I realize that nothing I ever do will cause her to be proud of me and I don't plan on going out of my way to apease her anymore. This doesn't mean that I don't love her, but I know I've missed opportunities in my life and made sacrifices that will forever go unnoticed just to get her approval, and failed to do so.

I think I finally share Tevia's hope too that this may be the year I at least find someone to marry... whether it happens this year or not... I dunno... the fact that I'll be commencing this year without a single prospect somewhat dampens my hopes... but then... anything can happen in Happy Valley.

So here we go... Another year on its way.

2005 - not that bad of a year

As the end of 2005 quickly approaches, I have sat and thought about the year, where I am in my life, etc. This was mostly done while driving - thus thank goodness I was sitting. I have come to realize that it hasn't been all that bad of a year. Though in my career it has been the busiest and most stressful so far, I still have a job I enjoy, work with people I respect and like, and get paid pretty well to do so. In 2006 I have already thought of some things to change some of the things that happened in 2005 at Prudential to make it an even better year. One of those things is to play my cards and let Prudential show me how much they care. I did this in 2004 with great results. It is now time for the next step.

Outside of work I have been blessed with the most wonderful family I know. I pray every night in gratitude for the love I have for my wife and children, and the love I feel from them. How many people can say that they know the people that surround them love them. And that they truly love the people around them? I do. Tevia is the greatest mother to my children I could have chosen, and the best woman I would ever want to marry. There certainly are days we struggle, but they are so few and far between, and over such petty things, that I know we are blessed in our relationship. My children are the best boys I have ever met. They are respectful, love God and others, and are inspirations to me daily. God was so wise to provide us with families to make us think twice about anything that might be a temptation. I would hate to dissapoint Tevia; I would be devestated to disappoint my boys.

Physically it has been a good year. I am able to play basketball at least once, if not twice, per week. I still love this sport so much. I have put on a few pounds, but I am confident I can get them off. Metabolism has caught up, and so sacrifices need to be made (mostly just waking up a little earlier to work out).

Spiritually I feel that I have progressed. I know I need to do more. 2006 will be a year of spiritual goals. But my primary non-calling and reading the book of Mormon this fall (maybe I'll finish!) have renewed my belief that this gospel is true. I am grateful for this knowledge. It comforts me in a time of chaos and lack of spiritual beliefs. I am not ashamed to be a Christian or a Mormon.

So - how can I complain. I sit and think what more I could possibly have wanted from 2005. There may be a few material things, but these are insignificant. I'm not even sure I deserve what I got in 2005. So here's to 2006. It will be a great year. I look most forward to our 10 year anniversary (with Sparkles - aka Tevia - aka Darevco). Peace out.

bowling news

Tom and dad tied for first in the first game, Jacob won second game. I couldn't bowl, but we had fun. where are all the post-Christmas blogs?

First day of Jacob... Webb

I got in SUPER late last night, thanks to delayed flights across the country... but that's okay, thanks Tevs for coming to get me, I'll learn my North and South for my next flight! :)

I stayed up last night till almost 3am messing with my own computer (Maxwell, my laptop) I took it in to the dealer the other day to try and figure out why a 30G hard drive only has 600MB of space left when I only have about 20G of stuff on there... they couldn't figure it out so I erased EVERYTHING and reinstalled my OS, music and photos. Now I have the 10G of space I should have... but I'm missing my Office Suite and I need to connect to the internet to get my iphoto and itunes update... what a pain... I'll have to do it when I get back to Orem and my high speed internet... In the mean time, I have Baby, my new 60G video ipod. :)

Today we (Tevs, Jarek, Malik and I) went to IKEA. This was my first time there. I LOVED it. we had breakfast and lunch there, it was pretty good. Tevs ended up getting a desk, mirror, chair, and shelf thing... but I geuss I should let her tell about it if she wants.

We got home, and Bret Tevs and I put the desk together. Tevs assembled the chair all by herself, and I'm actually sitting on it right now... so, good job!

I think our first day of Jacob here in AZ has gone ok, despite the fact that I lost some info on my laptop, forgot my dad's christmas present in my apartment in Orem, and left my doors wide open on my car in Salt Lake... oh well... Merry Christmas, tis the season to go brain dead... I guess.

puerto rico

I played my first game of puerto rico today. I won by cheating by mistake. oops. it was boring at first, but more interesting later. it reminded me of Settlers.

Happy Birthday Joseph - Wikipedia

For a few weeks now I have wanted to blog about Wikipedia. If you have not used this online encyclopedia, you are missing out. It is awesome. Just looking up something dumb like Battlestar Galactica will give you hours of reading with wonderful information (i.e. did you know that the Mormon symbols/terms in Battlestar are not just coincidental? The producer of the original series was/is Mormon and did it on purpose).

This is a reason the internet is awesome. Well, a few weeks ago I was reading the info on Mormons (which is extensive, well-done, and I even learned some things!). The article on Joseph Smith had been requested to be the "featured article" today - on his birthday. There was a lot of back and forth over whether or not it should be, but in the end they did make it today's featured article. Pretty cool! Take a look and enjoy one my favorite websites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

quote of the week

"Well, I think I plugged something into something..."

guess who?
Bret, are you off today?

3rd day of Jacob

a dramatic reading to the tune of 12 days of Christmas: "on the 3rd day of Jacob, amazing to our eyes, 3 broken computers, and another one that wouldn't go on line."

2nd day of Jacob

On the second day of Jacob he managed to break our computer. our power source is now fried. Kathy is fuming, and we are down to one computer, cause Cari's won't work.
Dad managed to beat him in Acquire, and Daisy loves Cari.
we will keep you updated so you don't miss out on any amazing fun.

new driver

we have a new driver in the family! nice job, Tom!

Cleanliness is next to...

It's a good thing I keep my bathroom clean!... I ended up spending the night (Tuesday night) on my bathroom floor... the sad thing is, it's probably cleaner than either of my roommate's beds. You know, neither has washed their sheets or blankets since I've lived with them... and I'm willing to bet all I have that they haven't washed their bedding this entire year.

SICK SICK SICK!!!!!

Plus, the one I share a room with is still working on his same 12 oz bottle of body soap (used with a lufa) since before I moved in in August!!! I think he's showered less than 8 times since I've lived here.

SICK SICK SICK!!!

Cleanliness is next to... well... not my roommates. thank goodness I'm not married to them!

The Lion, The Witch, and the Principal's Office

I had a wonderful weekend. Friday night Kipp and his boys came over. The boys stayed up late and then slept over in tent (all four of the boys) in the playroom. We stayed up with Kipp talking until almost three in the morning. In the morning we decided to go see the movie The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I LOVED it. Based on the book by Mr. C.S. Lewis, the story is allegorical in nature, with the Lion being a Christ figure. I thought the filmmakers did a great job of capturing that religious symbolism. Tears came to my eyes as I would lean over to Jarek and point out the similarities between Aslan and Christ. As Aslan gives up his own life in order to save Edward - and meet justice - to the seen of the two women weeping over his dead body - to the return of the Lion was all well done. Then at the end you see Aslan walk away as the characters discuss his eventual return. Not often do you get a fun, exciting movie mixed in with the Spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Saturday night we had a few friends from work come over and we played Scattergories. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoy my coworkers. Work has been a little less stressful lately, a large part of the reason being that I have taken more time off to be with the family. This has helped a lot to get my priorities in line and get away from the everyday stress. It has been nice.

Today I got a call from Tevia at work. She was emotional as she mentioned she had received a call from the principal of the school. Jarek had gone to the principal's office due to the fact that he was involved in a fight. Yes, you read correctly - Jarek got in a brawl. Now this was no Pacers/Pistons brawl, but rather some kid named Noah approaching him in the bathroom and telling him he was going to "beat him up." Later on, as we were going to the temple Christmas lights, Jarek mentioned that at this point Noah began to punch and kick him. There was another kid in the bathroom with them, and I guess he tried to help Jarek, or at least separate them, but Jarek took things into his own hands, and according to Jarek he began to "punch and karate chop" the two kids - since these are his "strongest moves." Eventually a teacher got involved and separated them. Jarek was not hurt. In the end the third kid was the only one hurt and needed ice on his arm.

Now as Tevia related this story, I found it amusing. I certainly am not one to espouse violence, but I know Jarek is tiny and weak due to his disabililty. I have always thought that he would have issues with bullies at some point due to both of these things. I always wondered how he would deal with it, as it is hard for a parent to see a child subjected to bullies. A few times this year he has told us about kids that have pushed him or some other thing, so we've seen hints of this. But in Jarek's first real encounter, it appears he took control and fought back. I must say that I am proud of him. For fighting, he will miss a lunch and a recess, but the principal noted "off the record" that Jarek had every right and was just defending himself. If anything, this will be a major morale boost for Jarek and might avoid any future issues. On the way to the lights Jarek mentioned that he is now friends with Noah. Jarek wasn't upset at all. When I asked if he had been hurt, he said only his feelings - and wondered why people have to hurt people's feelings. He is such a good kid. I would have never expected to see Jarek in a scuffle like this. I am glad to see he escaped unscathed and hopefully he has earned some respect on the playground of first graders.

Sunday Dinner

Last night I had one of the best dinners I've had this entire semester here in Orem. I went down to Jacob and Cari's for chicken enchiladas (made by Cari, but accreditted to Jacob... or so the story goes)... either way, they were excelent! We also had taco salad that I brought as part of the main course. For dessert, Cari made this AMAZING Jell-O cake, thing... it's my new favorite dessert!

It was a good dinner. The Walls had a couple of friends over, and I brought a friend (Brittney)as well... and yes, that's all she is, a friend. It was kinda funny because I was the oldest there, and Brittney was the youngest... and Cari's little sister was there too, but Brittney was still the youngest by 6 months... kinda funny, and see?... I'm in SUCH a young ward! Oh well.

I wish we could have stayed longer and played games, but Brittney had to get back to finish a paper (final) that was due this morning at 9am. I was kinda dissapointed, but I guess I'll just have to make sure that whoever I bring to the next dinner doesn't have to be back so early so I can kick Jacob's butt at Puerto Rico or something... HA!! you heard me!!

Anyway... I hope we can make these Sunday dinners a reocurring event... maybe even just every other week or something... eh?

snow day!

Yeah! snow day number 1 of the winter! 8-10". Tom and dad are out shovelling. dad actually came home early. wow! it is soooooo pretty! Daisy loves it too!!

Dogs Really Suck

Sorry for any of you that actually like these creatures, but I really can't stand dogs. Well, dogs that bark. We have these neighbors that live behind us and they have dogs that bark. At first it was only two dogs. Beagles. Then, this week they added two more dogs. Mutts. The four dogs get released outside at about 6:30 in the morning and start barking. Then, they continue to bark for about eight hours straight. It is so annoying my brain is going crazy. The owners are hardly there so I am going to just have to leave a note. I called the barking dog hotline, but in order for them to take any action, you have to actually file charges against the owners of the dogs with evidence of barking, neighbor signatures etc...

I guess I better just go out and go shopping so I don't have to hear the dogs bark and end up doing something to them that could land me in jail, since everyone in Arizona loves stupid animals more than they love kids!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!

The last day of class

Drumroll please....yes, we're still alive out here in Provo. Surprise, surprise. :-)
Today was the last day of class and I haven't been so happy to be done with a semester since high school. My classes this semester have just been so....ugh. I don't think there's a better word for it. But at least my professors are being nice about finals are most aren't too hard. I'm doing the take-home final tomorrow, 3 or 4 on Monday and then 1 on Tuesday (if I don't get to it on Monday). Then I'll work for a couple of days, clean our filthy house, pay a bunch of bills and then go to New York! I can hardly wait to get out of Provo for a little while.
Life has been pretty regular the last little while. Lots of school and homework and video games to relax. Tevia, I promise that it's Jacob's fault that we haven't been in touch. If he hadn't gotten me addicted to video games, then I would have more time to email and post here. So it's all his fault. :-P
We've only had a couple events of any excitement around here. Thanksgiving was pretty fun, though no offense to my sister or her relations, but I think in retrospect, we wish we'd gone to Arizona. Especially because Logan is really, really cold. The week after Thanksgiving was really hard for me because one of my good friends and her mom died in a car accident while traveling back to Provo. I have never lost anyone I was that close to so that week was extremely hard for me. One group of her friends threw a memorial service for her last Sunday and that helped a lot with closure and such things. Lots of introspection from this particular event. Most of all, I just hope that all of you, and all the rest of my friends and family, know how much I love and appreciate all of you. I think about you all the time, even if I don't write very often.
Really the only other excitement was Jacob's first car-to-car fender bender. There was us, a car, ice, and another parked car. I'll let him fill in the details. :-) Nothing too tragic, but it made us drive a lot more carefully the rest of the day and we think that may have saved us from some worse car crashes. Now we just have to get through finals. It's not too big of a deal for me, but everyone send Jacob some good luck vibes.
Oh, and this Sunday, we're going to try to have a bunch of people over for dinner. So Jake Webb, if you read this before we call you tonight, you're invited. :-) We're also going to get in touch with Maggie and a couple other people from around here.

Rockeffeller center and Chinatown

Yesterday, dad and I went with Sandi Wong and her non-member husband to the city before our ward temople trip. I only mention the fact that Mike Wong was not a member because when Sandi called and asked for a ride to the temple, dad explained that I wanted to go on a date first to see the Tree and eat at Chinatown, since I had never done either of those two things yet. Sandi jumped on board, and said she'd love to go with us, and so would Mike. He said he would just walk around while we were in the temple. so we drove down at noon and used the subway system after parking near the temple, and we had a lot of fun. the city was packed, which we hadn't thought about. the subway so crowded we were packed in like sardines and some people couldn't even get on. the tree was ok, just a large tree, but fun to see all the decorations around the area. dad liked the ice-skaters, and wants to ice-skate there sometime. I was surprised at his response, especially when he told Kathy and Tom about our day when we had family time this morning. He loved being around the people and the excitement of doing things just to say you did them. I would have thought he didn't like being around that many people. He said he'd go back down just to ice-skate, and I personally would rather ice-skate closer. He loved Chinatown, and said he would like to go back and shop! we learn so many new things about our spouses over the years. he hates to shop. we didn't have a lot of time to shop, so we ran past all the shops very quickly, and walked through the Soho area also. the city is interesting when you see all the expensive yuppy shops, with people outside of them going through the garbage cans looking for food. we went to the first Chinese restaurant we arrived at in Chinatown, and I said to them, is this one good? they laughed and said they were all good. Sandi ordered in Chinese, and the place was fun to see. whole ducks with heads on hanging in the window, etc. not much ambience, but good food. they ordered lobster, chicken, shrimp, rice, spare ribs, and sea bass. everything was cut so differently. we saved the last little pieces of chicken, (we ate everything else) and gave it to a homeless lady. the city was cold, but everyone was bundled up. it looked beautiful all decorated for Christmas. it was fun!

Pacers/Suns Game

Wednesday night we went to the Phoenix Suns vs. Indiana Pacers basketball game. I purchased the tickets for our family via Prudential, which had a special on the price. It was a stressful ordeal purchasing the tickets as somehow I managed to purchase the Toronto Raptors game tickets! Fortunately the Suns organization was able to switch my tickets - so I am grateful I didn't pay that much money to see the worst team in the NBA!

This was the first time either of our kids have been to a NBA game. It was fun to see them so excited as the game began. They were overwhelmed with the noise, lights, and atmosphere. I was too! I love being at these games. Unfortunately the night was not as fun as we would have liked as the Pacers played terrible. It was their worst loss of the season. I must say, I have seen about 4 Pacers games now - and they have lost each one! I must be bad luck for them. But it is still fun.

One fun moment was when they gave out free pizzas to people sitting two rows in front of us. So close! The Gorilla was there and the kids loved seeing him close up. I think he would have given us some pizza too, but I was wearing a Pacers jersey. We left midway through the third quarter as the game was out of hand and the boys were getting tired. I had a lot of fun enjoying the game with my family. I think we will go to another game later in the year. We were hoping to go with Kipp and his boys, but I haven't heard from Kipp since the last blog. I have reached out to him a couple of times. Hopefully we will hear from him soon. We were planning on having him and his boys over next weekend for some fun. This situation has certainly made me feel uncomfortable. It seems too odd to even be true. It is the first time in a long time I have felt "surreal." I'm sure it has felt weird for Jake, too. He is much better at keeping things to himself than most people. I know Jake didn't do anything to try and hurt our relationship with Kipp - and hopefully Kipp will realize that. But I wouldn't expect Kipp to want to golf with Jake anymore. LOL.

nevermind

Well... I guess it doesn't matter now. Bret, PLEASE don't metion it to him since I guess he already found out and had it out with her this weekend... but the girl that tracked me down and that I've been "seeing" recently was Shanna. I don't doubt that you and or Tevs had already figured that out... by me not wanting to say anything... but she assured me she wanted absolutly nothing to do with Kipp because of what he did during and after the marriage and divorce. I want you to be able to keep your friendship with Kipp, but I think I may have been wrong trying to keep this from you and Tevs. Shanna was just worried that he'd be upset... which aparently, he was. I was under the impression that she didn't want anyone to know untill we knew if we'd actually start seeing each other, or have to worry about telling anyone, or making it official. But it comes to this. There will be nothing to come of us, and there was nothing that happened... which I'm glad, becuase I had the chance and denied her... that is SO not like me... Tevs, you know that.

So.... why do I write this? Well... like Bret, this is the closest thing to a journal I have. Although this might not have been the best way to inform you of my secret "girlfriend" that never was, but I record it in part for my own benefit and in part to get it out. I have to say, I had a good weekend, and when it came down to it, nothing happened. But the thought of marring a girl, with ready made cousins for my nephews (that are already friends) seemed like a very apealing idea... plus, we all know how she and I made eyes at each other that night she came over for dinner.

Oh, well. Another failed relationship. I'm just about one shy of turning gay.

Bret, I'm sorry if I've comprimised your friendship with Kipp. For what it's worth, you can sleep well knowing that nothing happened. AND, if he asks... you can honestly say you didn't know anything about it.

The Park on Monday

Well, just a quick little blog here. We just got back from the park. Now, normally this wouldn't be so amazing that I would want to blog about it, but this particular trip to the park was quite eventful. Bret drove us to this park so that we could play and enjoy the nice weather. Oh, by the way, Jacob Webb is here with us for a couple of days. So, here we are at the park, and everything was just normal as can be. Kids swinging, adults pushing, blah blah blah! Well, somehow, I am not quite sure how, a nice little game of tag errupted! We were running around the play equipment chasing each other and laughing so much. It was so fun running and playing. I realized just how out of shape I am in. I could never catch Jake or Bret. They are so fast. I had such a fantastic time laughing and playing together with the kids and with the other kids! LOL!!!! It was so fun to watch Bret and Jacob jumping and running all over the playground. They are still pretty fast and agile. I felt like an old lady!!!

Now here is the highlight. I was it. I was chasing Bret around in the sand, around the play equipment and all of a sudden, BLAM! I was eating dirt. I totally tripped up and did a face plant in the sand. I was laughing so hard! I had sand in my mouth, in my teeth, in my hair, on my clothes, it was fantastic! There was a girl on the swings and bret said she made a funny face after watching me eat it! I haven't had so much fun in so long. I forgot how much fun it is to play. I think Jarek and Malik had a good time too. We should probably play more often!!!

junket

Just wanted to use my word of the day. Kathy's junket to the city with Scott was fun for her, but seemed to disappoint Scott. He was sad all weekend, and even left church early. He did email her this morning saying he read his scriptures last night and was doing better. love sure makes it hard to be happy all the time. He wants Kathy, she wants Boomer, Boomer isn't allowed to like her, Scott hates Boomer, it is such a circle over here. :) I love my word of the day calendar. there are just some things in life that make each day a bit brighter, like having this family Blog. I even went out and spent a little extra to buy Christmas lights that stay on even if one goes out. I'll see if it works. we bought a white-lighted deer two years ago, and this year, we can't get half of the lights on the one side to light. ugh. I am in the Christmas spirit! I love this time of year! poor dad, he had a bad weekend. he hurt his thigh in basketball, got one of those "I saw you go through the red light photo" tickets, and he is not happy with the choir at church. he did get the dishwasher in, so that should make him happy. I sure am! thanks, Hon and Tom! work is still a stress to him. I made him a good dinner by candlelight, but the only thing that seems to cheer him up is reading Harry Potter. :) well, I am off to walk, it is 45 outside today!!!

thanksgiving

we had lots of fun with all the chaos and little kids. it was different for me. I didn't get to play any games, but I did enjoy watching the Ward kids act like they were in toy heaven, going from room to room playing all our stuff. we had plenty of food, 20 people, and Miya and Greg came over later at 7 for pie. I tried not to eat too much, but she brought over this delicious chocolate pie. yummie! I had already had pumpkin pie, but, oh well. so I will have to be good for awhile. we had been invited to go bowling with the ketchesons at 8, but everyone was still here. the Wards couldn't get their kids to leave. Megan, 4, drove me crazy, as usual, opening cupboards and my frig, going upstairs and bringing down stuff, without any supervision from her parents. Kathy and Tom impressed everyone with DDR, and everyone tried it, including most of the adult women and all the Ward kids. they loved it. Ana DeMoura intends to buy it now. they played chinese ping pong, and that was a hit. Kathy had fun in the city. what a wonderful experience she will always remember. she ate at Tavern on the Green in Central Park, saw the show at Radio City music hall, stayed over night and had a wonderful time seeing what the family she stayed with live like in Manhattan, and got to see the parade. she is a lucky girl. we missed you all, but kept busy. I was glad we had decided to invite over a big crowd. I was exhausted by 9, and in bed by 10. hope you all had as much fun.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I think most of you have probably seen this movie by now, so I thought I would blog about it. We saw it Friday evening (thanks Tevs for arranging a babysitter!) with some friends. We saw it at the CineCapri, which is the largest movie screen in AZ (not IMAX). It was exciting to get in line, though the line seemed mostly comprised of children. The theater clapped and cheered as the movie started - so it felt like Star Wars.

To start out, I must remind everyone that I have not particularly enjoyed the Harry Potter movies. I love the books, but the first two movies I didn't like all that much. The third I loved, mostly due to the fact that Alfonso Cuaron directed it, and I love his style. I was, however, looking forward to this movie - and had just reread the book recently.

I would have to say that for the most part I was disappointed. I know they have to take a long book and shorten it, but it seems like they left out some good stuff and kept some stuff in that didn't need to be there. An example would be Rita Skeeter. If they weren't going to show what happens to her (thanks to Hermione), why would they even have her character in the film? The movie seemed strung together with little flow. You don't even really get to see who wins the Quidditch World Cup. I understand that the movie is made mostly for fans of the books, and so we know, but it seemed silly to leave little things like that out. I also did not like the directing/acting. Hermione did a good job, but Ron, the twins, Mr. Weasley, and others seemed uninterested. I was especially underwhelmed by Dumbledore's acting. Maybe this is more because I really did love Richard Harris in the first two movies (one of the few things I liked). In this film Dumbledore seemed mean and not calm, like I picture him in the books. He even pushes and is semi-violent towards Harry when he finds his name has come out of the goblet of fire. That is definitely not how it happens in the book.

In the end we did have fun. I think most people will love the movie. It is always hard to see movies of books you love, since the director will have a different view of things. I also find it so weird that they change so much at times. I understand this is necessary to shorten the time of the movie, but I thought they would have had it right to make two movies out of this book like they had originally planned. Then we could have seen more fun things like S.P.E.W.

I will probably end up seeing it again on DVD at some point, but for me, the movie was not all that great. Sorry Potter fans - but I say we demand Cuaron be brought back for number 6! I think they already have a director for number five.

I did like Voldemort. Mr. Fiennes did a good job.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I wish we could all be together, see the parade, have biscuits and berries, and play games. that would be my perfect Thanksgiving. ( this includes you, Jacob Webb!) but, I will be happy with having over the DeMouras and Wards, set a fun table with Kathy, and watch the parade on tv. dad wants to set tables up in the family room so we can all sit together, (15 people), and then play games. kathy wanted to go to the parade really bad, as did I, but Tom didn't. since they are having a turkey bowl that morning for the YM, we decided to go Tom's way. Kathy is going to the city with Scott on Wed to see the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. now she may stay later and watch them blow up the big balloons for the parade. if she does, I may talk dad into going down and seeing that also. fun! I have Christmas music on, and am ready! from Sept to Jan 1st is always my favorite time of year. I hope all the visits with my family went well.

Vague news brief...

Life is funny... ok, so maybe not life itself so much as how it unfolds sometimes. I don't want Bret and Tevs to feel like I'm keeping anything from them, but... I am. This last week I was tracked down and contacted by an old friend. Maybe not so much as a friend, more like an acquaintence. Okay, so, not even an acquaintence, more like, uh... we met once before a long time ago. Under the circumstances that we met, we were unable to really get to know each other... it was a complicated situation. Apparently there was some attraction and maybe even chemisty at our first meeting though because she and I both thought of trying to find each other again to get to know one another a little more. She, however, took the thought one step further and actually found me. That is a story in itself, but we'll just say she did.

So this last week or so she and I have been in communition with one another and getting to know each other. We live in different states so our conversation is all by phone, text, email, and IM. I love technology! (kinda like the Napoleon Dynamite song, for those of you who've seen the very end of that movie) Anyway... she and I seem to have quite a bit in common... it's almost scarry just how much. I guess at this point it's hard to say, but I think we both could see this resulting in marriage. She's a little older than me, has some children (perfect cousins for my nefews) and is LDS... oh and of course, very attractive, and apparently attracted to me too. Sounds good, right? I think so... but like I siad, our first meeting was a complicated situation and it remains as such. So, for the time being, I just want you all to know I am looking forward to what this year may bring for me. In fact... she is supposed to be coming up here in a couple of weeks for her brother's wedding reception and she and I are going to get together. I'll probably let you all know how that goes, and barring unforseen... uh... complications... I'll keep you informed on everything else as well... maybe. :)

Wedding and a great surprise.

Just this weekend we went up to my parents house for my brother Quentin's wedding. Risa and I got to leave from the Valley on Friday morning, and this ended up being a great help to my mother, as she was starting to get very stressed with everything coming down to the wire. We were able to help with the decorating and last minute details. My kids were so good, especially since they had two of their cousins to play with while we worked.

I was sad because I really wished that my brother Jacob could be there, but had consigned myself to the fact that he just couldn't make it. On saturday morning we were all sitting around the table talking about Jacob when all of a sudden he comes walking in the back door. I thought I was going to pee my pants! I jumped up on him and hugged him and started crying. My mom and sister also ran over and were hugging him and crying. Good job Jake, making all of the women in your family burst into tears of happiness. That was such a fantastic surprise I still get teary eyed just thinking about it. That was one of the best surprises ever. Thanks for coming Jacob. It meant a lot to everyone!!!!!

Back to the wedding part. The wedding itself only took four minutes. They, Quentin and Yesenia, opted out of the ring ceremony and the rest was very short. I was taking the picuters and as always am very nervous that they aren't going to turn out as well as I expect them to. But wait, this isn't about me!

Quentin's new wife, Yesenia, looked very beautiful, and my brother looked very handsome! They looked happy.

The reception was very fun too. We had a delicious dinner, catered by our favorite mexican food restaurant, La Casita. I could eat there every day, the food is so good. They had a live band that Yesenia's friend/coworker hired so that we could have a dance. That was so much fun!!!! Unfortunately, halfway through the dinner our kids started to have meltdowns. Malik was so super tired that he fell asleep while Jacob was holding him, and Jarek was having a really bad earache. Ultimately, we had to take them back to my parents house which meant that Bret had to miss out on all the dancing fun. On a side note, Jarek's ear started oozing again at about 3:00 in the morning. I am taking him to the doctor today.

My sister and I had so much fun dancing all night. Many of Yesenia's cousins asked her to dance and she is so good at it. I tried dancing with one of her cousins, but I am just not a good follower when I dance with a partner. I can do fine if it is just everyone dancing around, but any dancing that requires coordination, like swing or salsa or any of that, I am not so great at. But I had fun, and he was nice enough not to tell me I was horrible. Maybe that was because he didn't speak very good english! :) All in all it was a fun night for me. Not so much so for Bret though. Sorry babes.

It will be fun getting to know Yesenia, she seems like a really nice girl, and her family was very nice too. I hope that she and my brother are happy in their lives, and that they will strive to make it to the temple.

With the two weddings we had this year between our families, I learned something important. Parents are crazy. Maybe, hopefully, I will not get crazy when my kids get married. I doubt that, but at least, being the oldest kid, I will learn what to do and what not to do when our kids get married by all the mistakes and good choices our parents made. We shall see. ~~~~~~

Peace out.

kathy ACT

Kathy got her results today! 26!!!!!!!!!! yeah! we are so happy for her. that should be good enough to get in.

The Old Lady

Two weeks ago I sang in church. So I had to get to church early in order to pratice with the guys I was singing with. I decided to walk since we are fairly close to the chapel and it was a beautiful morning. On the way to church I noticed an old lady walking across the street from me. She looked quite old and had difficulty walking. She noticed me looking at her and said hello. I was feeling more cheerful and friendly than usual, so I responded with a hearty 'good morning' and smiled. Next thing I know she is crossing the street and asks if she can walk with me.

Now, I am not really very nice to strangers. I can blame it no NY or it might just be my personality, but I try to avoid interaction with strangers. But I was feeling inspired and couldn't imagine being rude enough to say "no." So we walked to church as I asked her about her life. She was a widow living in Phoenix with her son. She said she was very lonely and pointed which street she lived down. I told her about my family and how long I had lived in AZ. Abruptly we arrived at church and, without knowing quite what to say, we said goodbye and went our separate ways.

This encounter has had an unusual effect upon my life. First of all, I was happy that someone found me friendly enough to want to walk with me. Maybe some of my NY crust is falling off (no eye contact, ever!). But mostly it was what I didn't do that has bothered me. Certainly I was being kind and was interested in her stories, but I wasn't interested in her. I think this is what keeps me from being a better person. Afterwards I thought of many things I could have done. I could have invited her to church. I could have found out exactly where she lived and have home teachers - or better yet me - visit her. My family could have had a large impact on her life, and vice versa. But I didn't do any of those things. I was scared, uninterested, and busy. This is one area I would like to improve my life in. I want to be more interested in helping and being a part of those around me. I want to give more.

Later that week on my perfunctory trip to the gas station to get Gatorade after basketball at 11 PM, the cashier asked me a question and I actually answered - and asked him a question! We talked for a few minutes and I hope that I made his tough night at work a little better - either that or he thinks I'm gay. :-)

The Impact of Religion

For the past couple of weeks I have been reading two books (well, reading one and listening to another): The Handmaid's Tale and The Giver. They are actually similar books set in a distant future. I have enjoyed them both (I have read the Giver before and loved it). The Handmaid's Tale, as far as I can tell so far, seems to be about how religious extremism could lead to a terrible future. And I agree with this. But it has made me wonder what effect these types of books have on society. Similar books, like 1984, had huge impacts on society to help us avoid a "communistic" future. So does a book like the Handmaid's Tale have too big an impact? In other words, does it affect people to avoid religion at all - instead of extremism? I fear that this is what happens in our society - and it scares people to be religious at all instead of being "too" religious. It seems to be happening in the regular world. With strange stories now of not being able to have the ten commandments on display, or use the word "God" in the pledge of allegiance, or the large discussion about 'intellingent design," it seems people are getting more and more afraid of religion. And what might happen is the creation of a further divide between the religious right and the liberal left. People will be forced to choose extremes, instead of principles, and will be judged for it.

This came up with the recent nomination of Bush's friend for supreme court justice. Since she attended church, it was assumed she was too conservative and couldn't be objective (I am not supporting her nomination here, just making a point). Soon someone will judge me as being religious or not based upon some extreme notion such as abortion or euthanasia (sp?) or evolution, and NOT upon the fact that I believe in a God or pray with my family. I will be judged both by believers and non-believers in this extreme way. It is thinking like this that make me fear the future as we divide as a world no longer in communist vs. capitalist (that battle is over), but religious vs. non-religious (moral vs. amoral?). We already see this in the issues of the middle east as Muslim countries perceive the USA as immoral and sinners. And this makes them ready to kill and sacrifice to eliminate our poison from entering their world. And we see their extremism as "illogical" and "crazy," based upon some belief in a false god, and perhaps just as easily can justify killing.

Not even looking at the scriptures, the logical next world issue would seem to be religious in nature. Even if a country like ours (USA) says that our exportation of democracy is not religious in nature, in reality it is. We are convinced in our minds due to our heritage of religion and freedom of religion that all men should have this choice. We separate it from religion in our minds, but it is seen as evangelistic to other nations. As we export democracy we also export our religion - or anti-religion. There is no way to separate it from who we are. We may say they are separate (church vs. state), but they never can truly be separated. That is why we see left vs. right being much more agnostic vs. believer.

In the end, I enjoy reading how we can take religion to an extreme and limit ourselves as humans from the experiences we need to learn in this world. But I fear that these types of books can scare people from religion - and see all religion as extreme or radical. We know that this is not true. The gospel of Christ accepts all men and women and understands the need for free will.

omen?

Cool thing happened last night on the way home from book club. My friend was driving, and we saw something in the middle of Jackson road up ahead of us. it was too small for a deer, and too big for a raccoon or skunk. as we got closer, it looked like just a plastic bag blowing, and then, when we were right on top of it, it was a huge owl! she had to swerve to avoid it, and when she got within one foot of it, it dropped whatever it had in its claws, and flew off, and the other animal ran out under our car and off into the woods. I never had that happen before. Really cool.
Hey, why is no one blogging? It is Kathy's birthday today, the big 18! of course, she has not been here all day, ran in at 5 to change and redo her makeup and hair and they all went out to dinner. then her friends are coming over tonight, but not for a party, just to chill. she did not want a 'party'. I guess an official party these days has too many responsibilities and expextations. so we got her a DQ cake and soda and chips, and we will chill also and watch the Matrix Reloaded, although why we are going to watch it, I don't know, since I still don't get the first one, and we all heard this one was even harder to understand and not very good. hey, what else are we gonna do on a Friday night? love ya all.

Big gulps huh?.... Welp....

It seems that a number of the posts I have left on this blog have been somewhat negative. I really hope I don't come across as a negative person, I've just used this space to vent frustrations that I don't want directed at anyone, and get words of encouragment from those I love at the same time. Yes, there have been a couple of things that were irritating me SO much these past couple of weeks... however, instead of venting here, I decided to use my own blog spot on myspace. So, now that my frustrations are out, I wanted to write about something happy... to me at least.

Yesterday was employee evaluation day here at Trophy Homes. It's an annual process which includes each employee filling out an evaluation sheet for themselves, then they review it with their supervisor in a private meeting. I have to admit, there are times at work where I feel I'm really not being productive, or at least not at the level of tenacity that I had when I started 2 years ago. I didn't rate myself below "meeting expectations" on anything, and above that there was "exceeds expectations" and "outstanding." Part of the reason I gave myself "meeting expectations" was becuase I truely feel that that was all I was giving, the other reason I did it was because I remember Bret's evaluation(s) (both the ones he gave an the ones he recieved for himself) and i just wanted to feel prepared for whatever "construcitve critisism" may come. Well... my supervisor is a great guy, and the evaluation went very well. He said he would rate me as outstanding and exceeds expectations on everything, and an overall outstanding. He also dismissed my feelings of underproductivity (if that's a word) as just being "settled into the company after two years." Then he also gave me a $0.50 raise. So, now I'm up to $11.50/hr which, although it's really not that much... it's really good for happy valley as a college student.

I've been really blessed working for this company. They have always been more than willing to work with my school, vacations, sick time, unexpected deaths, etc... I like everyone I've worked with over these past two years, and with the exception of this new jerk they hired to be over our sales department, I still think we have a great staff here.

It's raining here, and it's pretty cold. We have a soccer game tonight (outdoors) and unfortunately Jacob Wall can't make it... looks like I'll be in goal again! :) but that's okay... I hurt my knee playing basketball with our elder's quorum last night (we play every Thursday night) and so I'm not up to running today.

A great dinner

This week Bayer made a visit to our office in Scottsdale from Pittsburgh, PA. They wanted to come to meet the team (I had met them, but my IAMs had not) and clarify a few things. Whenever clients come in Prudential typically likes to take them out to dinner. I always hope that they leave this option up to me as I always pick Zinc Bistro. This is a small French restaurant that I love. Bayer left the option open and I booked our dinner.

I think one reason I love this little place is because it reminds me of Paris. I loved Paris so much and especially the food. This is the only place I have ever been to that feels and tastes like Paris. We went on Tuesday evening. That night I enjoyed one of the best dinners of my life. For an appetizer I had a consumme (a soup) made with herbs and gnocchi. It was fantastic. For the entree I had the pork tenderloin. This was actually the first dish I ever had at Zinc and is what made me fall in love with it. They eventually took this off the menu - so when I saw it back on, I even passed the special of the day which was scallops! The tenderloin is served with carmelized cabbage and other "wonderful" things I'm not sure what they are. It was amazing. Then for dessert I ordered a date shake - a shake made from "dates" (think Indiana Jones). It was perfect. The other great thing is that portions aren't big - so even with three courses I was not too full and was able to play basketball just an hour later with no issues.

Friday night Malik and I went to a birthday party for Kip's kid Ian. Jarek was sick so could not go. We had a lot of fun. Malik was happy until he realized the party was not for him - and he wasn't the one getting the presents. He cried for a bit, but eventually got over it. It was cute.

optimum voice

OK, we need more input. do you know anyone who uses optimum online and optimum voice? we are thinking of switching from Verizon. is the online stuff really way faster? ours is pretty fast already. then I heard that if the electricity goes out, we will have no phone. let me know. love ya all!

GRRRRRR

Grumpy, grumpy
Jiggly, lumpy
This is how I feel.

Hormones wacky
Muscles lacky
How's a girl to deal?

Kids are crying
Husband sighing
I need to pop a pill.

Bed is calling
Eyes are falling
Go to sleep I will!

Just having a rough day due to being a girl. I will perk up tomorrow since my friend is coming over to play games with me. Hopefully our kids don't demolish the house. Okay, I mostly mean her kids, okay I really mean her one kid! Should be a fun day since it is a half day of school! Take care all!

Tevs

GAME DAY!!

For those of you who happened to watch college game day this last saturday saw quite possibly the best series of games in a LONG time!

First off... the Minnesota vs Wisconsin game. Wow... what a show! What a heartbreaker for Minnesota! I was cheering for them as the underdog... not that I really care too much about either team.

Notre Dame vs USC - WOW!!! Here's the thing... I like USC more... not sure why... but it is such a show to see Bush run that ball! I'm pretty sure he's taken ballet too with the way he moves.... However, I also wanted ND to win because BYU plays them next saturday... and despite how bad BYU loses to them next week, if they would have beat USC... it would have made BYU look not AS bad losing terribly to the team that beat the #1 team in the nation.... Despite all my mixed expectations for game... it was more than I could have asked for, right down to the repeated last 7 seconds of the game!!!

Finally... BYU vs CSU - This was BYU's homecoming. Although both teams looked like high school teams after watching the USC ND game... I was VERY excited to see BYU take an early lead thanks to the domination of Brown and Tahi with their running game... not something BYU is usually known for... but Colorado just kept giving us the room... so I'm glad Mendenhall didn't screw it up and try something different. I gotta say, way to hold on the the ball BYU!!! GOOOOOO COUGARS!!!!

San Diego

Last week we decided to take a trip away from normal life and head to San Diego. Tevia, the boys, and I loaded up into the Stratus and began the trek to the West Coast. We had never been to San Diego. We had been to LA a couple of times - a place neither of us enjoyed. But the five hour trip or so found a very nice place. It reminded me of Phoenix with a beach and not hot. Certainly a place I could live. We arrived Sunday evening and headed to Old San Diego and found the Mormon Trek Memorial Center. This was in comemoration of the Mormon Trek that a few hundred members did for the US Military - and became the longest infantry march in US history. It was neat to see the missionaries and see how the Church has influenced such a nice city. That evening we broke the Sabbath and ate out. We had not brought enough food to eat for dinner, so we ate at a restaurant referred to me by a colleague at work called Rocky's Baja Lobster. I ordered a bucket of seafood, as was suggested by my colleague and enjoyed lobster and other fun things. It was fun.

Monday we headed to Sea World. On the way we wanted to find a place to get some breakfast and were willing to stop at any old fast food joint. You would be amazed how difficult a chore this was. After considerable frustration we found a Jack In The Box and were able to eat. We were a little worried Sea World would be crowded as we had not intended our Monday trip to coincide with Columbus Day. But in truth the park was not very crowded. We enjoyed the whole park. My favorite parts were the Seal and Otter show (the main performer was very funny and talented - he was human), the Shamu show, the shark encounter, and the Dolphin exhibit where you can touch and feed the dolphins. This lead to a fun moment. Malik, who loves animals, was laying over the edge like me and trying to get the dolphins to come over. We finally lured one over and as it came up to us at the last minute it opened its mouth - looking for food - but Malik thought it was going to bite him! This freaked him out and he didn't want to be near any more dolphins.

It was a lot of fun. Malik really liked the shark encounter, so we did that one twice. He did NOT like the arctic experience, as the music was scary and the beluga whales looked like "ghosts" to him. Jarek liked everything. We left around five or so and decided to go up to Oceanside. This was a suggestion from Jacob Webb, and it was a good one. It was beautiful as we walked the pier at sunset and watched the surfers and fishermen. One fisherman had caught a small shark. Malik slept through this whole part - and then later told us the "beach" was his favorite part.

Once again that evening we struggled to find a place to eat. We ended up at a small diner called Ricky's. I would have to say that almost every meal was a struggle as we had a hard time finding places to eat. But it was still fun.

The next morning we decided to go to the beach one last time so Malik could see the ocean. Once again we could not find a place to eat breakfast, nor the beach. So eventually we found another Jack in the Box and probably ate our last meal there for years. We are officially sick of it. Afterwards we just started back and decided to stop at some sand dunes half way back. That was also very fun and a great stop.

San Diego was a fantastic place and the trip was very enjoyable. I'm sure we'll return. We'd love to go with Jacob Webb and have him teach us to surf some day.

Direct TV and send an ark! and Happy Yom Kippur!

OK, they are two different subjects. we can get Direct TV for $7. a month cheaper than our cablevision, more channels, all digital, but is it worth the change? dad has heard bad things about digital tv, like if it rains the channels don't come in. ask around and we'd like to hear your comments.
we got so much rain last weekend, 8" in some places. we got 3" more already this week, and it is supposed to rain all day today thru Sunday. things are flooded everywhere, from New Hampshire to MA to N J. we have a wet carpet now all along the back downstairs door, and it keeps getting wetter. we have never had trouble before. roads are closed, like the Taconic and Saw Mill. I have to say, I know it is nothing compared to the suffering of the world, but having 2 dogs who won't pee in the pouring rain really sucks. (we have Cookie this week, Scott's grandmother died). they go out there and shiver and whine and run back to the door and cry to get in. duh. Bugle used to go right out and get it over with and come right back. these dogs seem so stupid. I left Daisy out yesterday morning on her chain for 15 minutes, while she sat and whined. she came in a soaked rat, smelly, and still hadn't peed. I had to get all dressed in raincoat and umbrella and walk her out until she did. this morning, I let Cookie out and she wouldn't even leave the deck, and she was loose. she begged and begged to come back in, so again, I got ready and walked her out and she would jump all over me and she gets wet in 5 seconds because she is all hair, and she got my pants soaked, and finally peed. ugh. when she comes in she is soaked from head to foot. lucky for me the kids are home today, yes, again. today is Yom Kippur. so be thankful you don't have a dog in the pouring rain, and take a walk for me cause I miss walking this week so much!

Embracing Change

Embracing Change

Something we discuss much in the workplace is change – and helping employees to understand that change will always occur.  As a manager it is expected that you help your employees accept and even embrace change, and I feel like I do that quite well.

I also tell others that they must embrace change.  I hear many stories of people who have had friends, spouses, or even children who have “changed,” and it is very difficult for them to deal with it.  It has been so easy to say, “hey, people change – that is part of life; deal with it.”  

But when it happens to me, that is a different story.  I have noticed lately that when those I care about change, it is difficult for me to accept.  Certainly I expect them to accept if I happen to change.  But how dare they change?  I like them for who they are – and this new person, or part of this person, is new and different.  I don’t want them to change (unless, obviously, it is something I don’t like).  It makes me feel uncomfortable.  So, in essence, I have been a hypocrite.  I finally realized that people have every right to change.  In fact, hopefully we all do change.  God wants us to get better and that certainly requires change.  It may even necessitate very large changes in our personalities, habits, etc.  

So how can I get mad if somebody I love changes?  Unless it is a change for the worse (and in this I mean by fact, not just some opinion like they are now a democrat and therefore I think they are evil), I need to embrace this change.  It shouldn’t make me like them less.  If I truly love them, I will accept the change.  

It has been eye opening to me.  I have never really thought of this before.  I finally was able to see that accepting change in loved ones is hard, especially when you are used to them being a certain way.  This can certainly be a reason parents have difficulties with teenagers who “find” themselves.  It is indicative in the many divorces for couples who have someone change (i.e. the woman who starts to stand up to her husband).  I am going to try and embrace change more around me.  And hopefully when I change, those whom I love will accept it in me.

*I posted this with the new Blogger Word plug-in*

Classes

So I'm enjoying this semester of classes... apart from the tuition that is.

A couple of weeks ago, I had my first exams. I usually don't bother to study for exams, a bad habbit carried over from that joke we all call Blue Ridge High School. I was pretty worried about my American History exam at first. You never know what kind of questions an instructor will be asking in a class like that. It's such a broad subject, with SO many fine details. However, the day before the exam we had our "review." This review consisted of the instructor staning up in front of the class and reading word for word each (multiple choice) question on the exam, AND the correct answer for each question. He waited to give each student enough time to write it all down and "study" from it. Well, I'm great at regurgitation of information, so I just went the next day and took it. I aced it. 100%. What a joke. But hey, I'll take it, it's always nice to get a boost like that for the 'ol GPA, and honestly, I'll never have to use any of the class material in the "real world" anyway... so I'm fine with that. I'm basically just paying to raise my GPA.

My other class, Macroeconomics, is another story. I really like economics. The instructor looks, and kinda sounds like, Leslie Neilson (from the Naked Gun movies). He's actually a really good teacher. I like how he covers the course information and applies what we learn to real life situations. It is difficult since the class is only twice a week (MON & WED) for one hour and we go through a chapter every class period!! That's just a LOT of information to be cramming into my little brain each week. Well, my first exam was alomst a review of my Microeconomics class I took at ASU some 4 years ago. I got an 83%, the highest grade in the class!! Average on that exam was 62%. I just took our second exam yesterday. My instructor indicated that this could be the most difficult exam of the semester and it is imperitive to UNDERSTAND the information in the chapters it covers. So, I studied like I never studied before. I felt pretty confident going into the exam... unfortunatly, that is usually an idicator that I will do poorly.
Well... I got out of the exam and got my score, 81%!! I only missed one more question on this exam than the last!! I'm pretty sure I am the first in the class to take it since it just opened yesterday, and most of the students put off to taking it the last day it's available.

So, long story short, classes are good. Work is good (our company holiday party is coming up begining of Nov!!). Dating life, nonexistant.

Love you all!

treatment of women

Tom just finished "Streetcar named Desire". I just finished "Poisonwood Bible", and started "The Good Earth". we had a great dinner discussion. I never realized before how closely the P Bible and good earth are connected. Pearl Buck's father lived in China as a missionary, and made his wife and Pearl, as a child, stay there even during political revolution and danger to whites; same as in P Bible. we told Kathy that being a woman in America, esp in this day and age, is a remarkable blessing. Tom thought his book was dumb, which is to be expected for a guy his age reading that book. why they still feel that is a classic to read in high school is beyond me. Kathy had a question that we thought Bret could answer, are people from Brazil and Chili considered Hispanic? she loves hearing the stories from Juan about Chile. she doesn't remember any stories from you about Brazil. also, she asked dad, where did the people from China come from? I figure we will find out someday with another scripture. Tev, thanks for the blog on exchange students. I am waiting for Bret's before I finish the subject. and Jacob Webb's. how are you doing, Jacob? hang in there.

foreign exchange students

I would love to hear some of your opinions of foreign exchange students. Jacob has quite an interesting one, so I hope he will blog about this. Cari didn't know any. Kathy has met one at Ketcham, Juan from Chili. we met him last night. cute.

famous last words... "it can't get any worse"

Well, it most certinly can get worse. In fact, a lot worse. But, rather than go on about how lame the last 26 or so hours have been, I have decided instead to continue and try to be thankful and use optimism. Carolyn and I have an almost free weekend! This has not happened in a while. Also, got the second highest grade in my ECEn 224 class! Take that EE majors! Unfortunatly I failed my pass fail programming exam tonight along with most of my peers. Not sure what that means yet. I am excited to keep getting to play sports even though my leg might argue. Its pretty bad, so i might have it looked at soon. The bone seems really hurt but not fractured, the skin however is pretty ugly and i'm not sure how well it will recover. But hey, whats more scar. I love my wife and my life is great! And after all isnt stress what keeps us alive? I think I would be bored out of my mind if I had a regulr life... regular not sure I know that that means anyway. Anyway, this entry is done.

Malik's sad day

Well, I am taking up more blog time and space. Yesterday wasn't the peachiest day of the year, that's for sure. So, Bret got to come home early from work yesterday and was playing with the kids and Malik started getting upset about something, then just threw up all over the floor as well as all over Bret. It was pretty gross and he was very pale., Malk that is! The boys were all supposed to go see Madagascar at the dollar theater with Kipp and his boys, but Malik had to stay home, which meant that I didn't go to the Stake Leadership meeting. I got to stay home and clean up vomit all evening! I think he threw up about six times. I am guessing that something must not have sat well with him. It must have been something he ate at school for breakfast, because he didn't really eat any lunch or dinner. This morning he seems to be much better, but I am only giving him easy things on the stomach, like ice pops etc... He likes that! He just wants to sit on the couch and watch The Mupppet Show. (My sister let us borrow her DVD's. The kids love watching them over and over!)
Anyhow, I don't think it is any virus or anything because he seems a lot more perky this morning and his eyes aren't glossy, or his face isn't as pale as last night.

Hope everyone enjoys conference this weekend.

Jarek's Sad Day

Well, Jarek had a sad and embarrassing day today. When I went to pick him up from school, I noticed that he had on different clothes. He was walking slowly (well, slower than usual) with his head down and eyes sad. He came up to me and told me that he had had an accident. He had peed his pants while in his project class. He was very embarrassed. I asked him how it had happened. At his school they are very into not wanting the kids to take restroom breaks during class, and "encourage" them to always go while at recess or lunch. So, Jarek said that he didn't need to go during recess or lunch, but then had to go during the last part of school. He being the kind of kid that doesn't want to break the rules by having to ask for a pass (he says he teacher doesn't like to write passes) decided to try and hold it until it was time to go home. Well, he couldn't make it and wet his pants. I felt so bad for him. I wanted to cry right then, but didn't want him to be even more upset or embarrassed. Poor guy! I just hope that the other kids don't start to ridicule him. Luckily he is a very nice, likeable kid and maybe the other kids will just forget about it. More than likely though I am the only one who is really worried about it at all!

next year vacations

HI, after just returning, it sounds silly to already be planning next year, but we had to think about it while we were with the other Walls. we will obviously be in Utah next summer at the end of August to take kathy to school, so our vacation will be there. this may not work out so well with Jarek's school starting so early in August, but maybe you can come up for a long weekend and play in Utah with us. I would like to show the kids some mountains and maybe even camp or hike. maybe we could meet halfway, like at Zion National park. which made me realize we could try and make the desert trip this spring. anyways, our plans are just outlines at this point, but people do need to know. we are hoping to see jacob and Cari for Christmas and take them down to see my family. then we are hoping to see Bret and Tev and the boys, or just Tev and the boys, or just the boys, whoever comes, in January or so. Tom really wants to spend his spring break in AZ, if we don't do the desert thing. that's it so far. boy, do I plan ahead!

trip out west

Well, I have way too much to do to be blogging, but since I sat down to read my emails, I thought I'd at least summarize the trip for some of you, since we never had time to call. it was great! day by day summary: Phoenix, wonderful to be with all, your place looks great, weather was great, great dinner, yep, great is the word. Las Vegas- egh, I will never go back. sex everywhere, on every taxi, billboard, bush, and pole. we did get to see the volcano explode at Mirage. everyone was over 70 and white. smoking everywhere. we were impressed with the inside of Ceasars and how classy it was. I kept thinking the town was going to be burned down any minute and I didn't want to be caught there.... we did like the temple the next day, and our visit with Mike and Regina and Angela was great. they were nice and talkative. the drive to Vegas and to Zion's was better than the city itself. Zion's was awesome. perfect time of year to hike, great hotel, beautiful scenery everywhere you looked. the ST George temple was also wonderful. one of the temples had the most beautiful celestial room I have ever seen. I forget which one. our drive to Jacob's was fast and easy. I got to shop at BYU bookstore and buy some fun stuff we don't have available here. Jacob and Cari's open house was fun! Curtis Larson came, Maggie, Tammy Fitz and her 2 babies, Ben Ricks, and Jesse and Stacie. they asked for you, Jacob Webb. I also missed seeing you. anyways, again, the weather was perfect, great food, really, and it was fun to meet their friends. we loved their ward, and enjoyed real mormon talks. we loved their place, and they cooked for us! how fun is that! now we have 2 kids that feed us when we come! the drive to Idaho was also fast and easy. mom and dad come over for Patty's awesome dinner. Monica's husband comes home from Iraq by Thanksgiving! she had her 3 kids there, Debbie came over, and Seth and his wife. mom couldn't take the noise very long, so they did not stay long. we took lunch over there the next day, and had a nice visit. she did pretty good. she knew us well, and went on and on about Bonnie and how wonderful she was for over an hour. but she couldn't remember who Mike Wall was. sad. dad has his hands full. we got back to Bonnie's in time for dad to take a nap and I helped her with setting all the tables with real plates and tableclothes and silver ware. she is amazing. she served chicken haystacks, and they were the best! her sauce had some other stuff added. yum. I guess I eventually should list everyone that was there for Bret's sake, and now I have a list of all their kids names. news flash here: David Noalle's wife couldn't come cause she had a miscarriage on Saturday. let me remind you they got married a few weeks before Jacob and Cari did.
it was great to see so many people come so far to see us and Jacob and to meet Cari. Patty and Monica and Crystal and Cami drove all the way down, then back up the same night. there are lots and lots of babies. I hope it wasn't too tempting for you, Cari. :) I actually might have saw them all and immediatley have said, no way, not me. I will make a list and send it out some day this week. so, we had no problem at all. dad stayed calm as a cucumber all week, but he did get a bit stressed on the day we went home cause our rental car had some damage on the grill and we didn't know if we did it or not. but it should all work out. we were 1/2 hour late arriving, and Kathy gave us her sad eyes and how tired she was story. ok, everyone sigh here. but she is already over at Karen's today with Sean Paino, so she ca't be too tired. we did a great job planning a really fun trip! the kids lived fine without us, Tom grew another inch, the dog went into depression a bit, but all in all, it was worth it.

Mortal Kombat

Hi all, I was just wondering if our Mortal Kombat N64 game is hanging out at one of your all's residences. I was looking for it the other day and couldn't remember if someone had borrowed it during Christmas. No big deal, I was just wondering! :) Hope everyone had a lovely Sunday.
Tevs

Take Control ... and BYU Sucks

I'll make the post title more clear - BYU Football Sucks. So we finally get cable this fall so that I can actually watch a few football and basketball games this year since so few are now on regular TV. I was able to watch the BYU game against TCU and watched them take a 41-29 lead into the fourth quarter. At which point I turned it off with about 8 minutes to go since they looked in control and I had other things to do. Not until I just logged on did I even fathom that BYU would have lost in OT 51-50! So frustrating. Maybe it is better just not to watch.

But that was not what I originally intended to blog about. We have all heard the saying that "good things come to those that wait." But it is so untrue. Why do people believe this stuff? Who makes up some of these maxims? The past few months at work have been a perfect example to me that this is not, generally, true. If you want something, if you really want to change something in your life, you have to change it. Does your job suck? You have to be the one to change it. Is your marriage difficult? Sitting there and waiting won't help. But so many people just think that things will naturally change if they just "wait it out." It is a little like the people that stay in these cities when the hurricanes come through (those that have a choice), and they just think that everything will be fine.

But most people are not leaders. Most people don't make an effort to change. Therefore, unless you are fortunate to have some good people around you, nuttin go'in change. You have to stand up and make the change yourself. A much better saying is, "if you want something done right, do it yourself." That one is very true, at least in my experience. Things at work have been a little hectic lately, and people have been a little down since the same things that have always been broken (processes, people) are still broken. I've gotten to a point where I need to do one of two things - move on or fix it. (there is a much better saying that is a little vulgar but is a fantastic metaphore - it goes something like "you either got to take a dump (usually more vulgar) or get off the toilet!" See, I knew you'd like that one). I don't really feel like moving on - I like my job and company - so it's time to fix it.

It is interesting. I am a grateful person who is not obsessed with money and usually don't worry about how much I get paid or anything since I am happy to make what I make. But in a capitalist society, when I look at the people around me and above me - I am a dang good bargain! I don't think any company could really pay me what I am worth. :-)

Farewell to a friend

So I got the call last night that everyone dreds getting... The call that someone very close you has been killed. Shane Sirois was shot and killed Saturday night in Tucson, AZ. Although I somewhat half expected that would be how he went, I didn't think it'd be so soon. He always seemed a little rough around the edges. The kind of kid who defied athourity wherever it was presented. He was raised LDS but chose to follow a different path in life by the time he got into high school. Despite his drug use and drinking, he and I remained friends. A few months younger and quite a bit bigger (built) than me made him the leader in many of our childhood escapades, and no matter the adventure, we were like brothers... the kind of brother you get along with though (which I didn't get along with mine when I was younger).

So I reflect now (and all last night) on memories of the Shane I knew. He and I walked to scouts together in elementry and mid school. We would stop on the way at Whiting Bros. gas station and buy a Dr. Pepper. They had the "win under the cap" lottery going so we would cover for each other to look under each cap before buying them so we could get free drinks.

We spent summers playing in my grandpas equipment out behind our house. Usually we would pretend that he and I were brothers (with a lot of guns and even some super powers) out to find our family, or rescue someone. He was with me the day I got appendacittis (sp) and the first of my friends to come visit me in the hospital afterwards.

We often went to the local flea market on weekends to try and buy a knife or some other taboo item for young 10-12 year olds to have.

As explorer scouts, we went on a number of "moon-capades." He was never shy to share his ham with the world. On one outting we were camping near the slat river canyon (miles from anything) and hiked out to the main road around 10pm (with 4 other scouts) to moon passing cars. Of course it was his idea, and of course, I was afraid to go along, but he always had a way of convincing me to go anyway. Looking back, I'm greatful for small things like that, just to say I've done them. Besides, the thought of driving out in the middle of absolutly nowhere at 10'oclock at night and seeing 6 little white butts shining over the gaurd rail sure gave us a great memory to laugh about for years, and will for years to come.

He and I also were together when we discovered that a can of beans will explode if you put it in a campfire to heat up its contents and don't open the lid... the same happens with cans of compressed shaving cream.

When we were 15, I bought a small Honda 50 motorcycle and we would both sit on that, (me on the gas tank and him on the seat) and cruse the trails in the forest behind my house. Out near the Mogollon Rim, there was an irrigation river (ditch) that we would drive along and sing CCR "Rollin Down The River" everytime we rode there. We were crossing Hwy 260 to take him home from riding one time and accidentally jack-knifed the bike. We both got scraped up, and my leg was badly burned by the exhaust pipe. His grandpa (ex-millitary man) was up visiting from Tucson so he cleaned my wound... one bottle of iodine later, I learned the price for sterilization, and you know, it didn't even scar.

Shane and I would ditch sunday school on occasion to go to the gas station down the road and buy treats. We attempted to do this one night for mutaul and were chased down and tackeled by Shane Hall (an advisor from Show Low who should have even been there). My friend Shane came back for me and kicked Shane Hall and we resumed (and succeeded in) our escape.

When I left on my mission to Ecuador, he was at my farwell. It was the first time he had entered a church since we were 17. He wrote me the entire time I was in Ecuador, and although I could never get him to return to church again, and we pretty much went our seperate ways a couple of years ago, we always tried to keep tabs on each other.

There was always some sort of comfot that I got just knowing he was out living his dream being an international stunt man. Although he never really excelled in school, I knew his potential and always urged him to reach it. Being a stunt man really was his dream in life, and along the way he became fluent in Chinese and well versed in German.

I think the hardest part about all this is that not only was he a brother to me, but he was a brother AND a father to his two younger siblings. Their father died when Shane was only 6 years old and his mother went through a number of bad marriages thereafer. Shane was always there as the family protector; not only for his younger siblings, but for his mother as well.

Although very few, if any, people ever knew the Shane I knew, it is the Shane I will always remember and love. I don't know exactly where his death has taken him, but I know that our Father in heaven is both just and merciful. No matter where he is now I'm sure it's better than where he was on the night of his murder.

I know this was long. I don't really expect anyone to read it. It was more for myself to just get out on "paper". However, if you do read it, you are welcome to still comment if you feel inclined.

batman and courage

Well, dad and I paid the $2. and went to see BatmanBegins. he didn't think we would like it cause he heard it was a chick flic. it wasn't. to me, scary and ugly and violent. but I did like it, and I always try to get something out of each movie. so once again, my take on it was courage. I am working on this particular trait this year, so I see it everywhere, and make note of it. I liked the idea of facing your fears. it was kind of what Bret said in one of his blogs about fear. it was worth the $2.

Flatline

So, last night one of my co-workers invited me to go to a "life skills" class. It's pretty much a two bit self help therapy group session where a bunch of poor and depressed gay and lesbian singles and "couples" try and figure out what they should be doing to find happieness, peace and acceptance in life. No, the co-worker that took me is not any of the above, she's actually married. She just invited me because her husband couldn't make it and she didn't want to miss the session nor did she want to go alone.

The session was on "committment" and learning to recognize when we actually have a subcouncious committment that we are following rather than the verbal committment we say we are. For example, someone said they are committed to saving money and being financially stable, yet they keep spending whatever money they get, so, in reallity, they are actually committed to spending whatever money they get. Also, someone who says they are committed to loose weight with a diet yet keep eating and gaining weight, are actually committed to eating food and gaining weight. Basically, it was one of those DUH!!! kind of classes that most people would just think and see, well... yeah, that's obvious, I don't need someone to tell me THAT!!

Anyway, one exercise we did lead to me explaining that I don't really have huge ups and downs (emotionally) or at least that's what I try to do, and when there are ups and downs, I try to make them as little and short lived as possible. Someone pointed out that I'm trying to "flatline" myself. My response to that was: "yeah, so? The bad side to that is...?"

What do you think? Is it really that bad of a thing to try and "flatline" yourself emotionally? This is something I've been working to accomplish ever since my first area in Texas. My companion was an elder from California who (to me) seemed to never be super excited, nor super sad, about anything! It really bugged me since I was always all over the place emotionally. (those of you who realy know me, and know me from my younger youth know what I'm talking about... you think I have female (domestic) traits now... I was probably worse than most emotionally stressed female teens). Anyway, when this companion of mine explained his reasons for his lack of ups and downs it made me think, yeah, that seems logical enough!

I don't really think I'm apathetic either. Although, I'm sure I may come off that way at times. I've thought more about all this since last night and just wanted to know what you all think of it.

Is it really that bad to try and maintain an emotional "flatline" (or stability if you will)? (Exchanging high highs which may include preventing me from getting emotionally attached to anyone because of the inevitable low lows that come with it)?

It's open for disscussion and feedback.

Where have I been?

So where has Darth Wall been for the past couple of weeks. In reality, nowhere. It has been a hectic few weeks with work and busy weekends. Work continues to be quite busy, and this week is our annual Prudential Forum where people come in from all over the world to stay at a nice hotel and have cocktails while they pretend work is getting done. On my side, work is getting done. I am able to avoid all of the fancy, schmancy meetings and "hold down" the proverbial fort. That is okay with me, since I have been behind for a few weeks. It seems I never quite got back on track after the NY vacation (though it was worth it!).

Last week Tevia and I were able to attend a night of cocktails for a local charity that provides help to children with physical disabilities. It is a neat organization that has a great goal and some good people. We were asked to attend to consider joining their board and adding new blood to come up with new ideas. Tevia, I believe, is going to step up to this challenge. She will do a fantastic job. She is the full package: intelligent, creative, a leader, and gorgeous. Though you wouldn't think good looks mean that much in business/leadership, they actually do. They certainly don't mean everything, but having a nice face will get you attention that otherwise you may not have received. Therefore Tevia is the perfect poster child. She will do a fantastic job and I will be there to support her. I think it is a good organization that deserves our time and effort.

Other than that life has been somewhat boring from a writing perspective. We did watch a neat miniseries this weekend that made me think - something I love to do. It was the Battlestar Galactica miniseries (based on the original show made in the 70's). It was a neat concept with deep questions and metaphors. It is based on a group of humans (there are twelve tribes, originating from the planet Kobol - seems an awful lot like Kolob!) that create sentient "robots," called Cylons, that eventually lose control. Yes, this is a story played in many shows/movies for years. But it takes it to a deeper level than most. The Cylons believe they were created by God - through humans - to show how much He was disappointed in the humans. The humans believe the Cylons have no soul, so can not be creations of God. In the end most of the 12 tribes are destroyed by the Cylons and a small group of humans flee in order to save the race (time to make lots of babies) and search for a legendary planet of a 13th tribe called Earth. Tevia and I both liked it. Season One, which was created due to the popularity of the miniseries, comes out next week on DVD and they are on our Netflix queue.

Speaking of Netflix - I am very impressed by this company. Here is a company that may singlehandedly put the neighborhood rental stores out of business. Since we began using the service, nearly half of my team at work has started. And everyone loves it. It is so much cheaper than renting at local stores and compared to the theater is a bargain! It has changed our paradigm on DVDs, and has become a fun addition to our entertainment side. If I had a ton of money, I'd invest in it for the next two years and then dump, because at that time you'll probably just download movies to your hard drive.

Too bad that Agassi lost, but it was fun watching the US Open again. I want to play tennis again.

post something blues

I never realized before how easy it is to diagnose others and not be able to see it in oneself. this week I have really been feeling odd, and last night I couldn't sleep at all, and while worrying away the hours, it came to me, I am in one of those post-something depressions. I feel gulity about laying in a nice comfy bed, having delicious and nutricious dinners, and having time to do whatever I want. I don't feel like going back to school, work, or even help at the church social services, a job I absolutely loved last year. I don't even feel like shopping. clothes and nice things for the house seem stupid. I guess this cancer thing with my friend and then this hurricane and almost 9/11 has gotten to me, and I didn't even know it. I have a list of things I plan on doing this fall: painting the up bathroom, putting pictures on the hall wall, painting all the white spokes on the front porch, genealogy, sewing, organizing the attic, and I could go on. I think it wil be harder than I thought to get motivated to do any of that. I had no energy all week, but that could have to do with getting up at 6 am now, and it does take 2 weeks to get your body rhythm in a good cycle. I am ready my scriptures, and exercising, which are the two things that usually boost me up everyday. so I get to feel like what others feel when I say to them, just read your scriptures and do yoga or something..... this is good for me. my next trick will be to help someone else. I made cookies yesterday for Chris Paul, but that was too easy, since I ate most of them myself. I won't have time to help someone else today, cause in order to save gas, I saved all of my errands to today, and I have to be done with them all by 11 because I am babysitting 11-1. By then I will need a nap. there are 5 kids, 2 of them crazy 2 year olds. 3 people want me to go to lunch with them, and it actually just sounds boring and a waste of money. and I am a bit afraid to leave the kids for so long and go on vacation. well, I didn't mean for this to get long. sorry. I hope I can print this for my journal. oh, also, don't worry about me, this is just a short term thing for me, and it was actually good for me. just realizing it has helped me already. things that happen like Katrina can really bring us down, but the key is to still be cheerful and go out there and help others. and I will. :)

Golf

Here's one for you...

So I've been asked to represent Trophy Homes (the company I work for) in a couple of golf tournaments. One of those tournaments took place today. It was put on by a non-profit organization that helps struggling middle to high school age students improve in reading and other necessary life skills.
Anyway... our second hole of the day was a fairly short par 4 (some 230 yards or so, but it was all uphill). Well, I opened up and out drove the green, not by much though. The ball actually bounced on the green and was stopped by the hill that went up behind the hole. So, picture this, the ball is about 15 yards from the pin on a slope of rough with only about 5 yards of the green between the rough and the pin. I lined up, took my shot... the chip came off the hill, landed right on the rim of the green, and rolled in for an eagle!!!

I know it's a bit much of an explanation for something that happened rather fast, but it was my first eagle ever! The entire day went fairly well for me in fact. Yes, it's shot like those, and days like this that keep me playing the game!

Silence

Sometimes silence is golden.
Sometimes silence is sad.
Somtimes silence is healing.
Sometimes silence is bad.

Silence is discord.
Silence is brooding.
Silence is rebellious
Silence is a blanket.

Silence is solace.
Silence is peace.
Silence is reflection,
A moment dropped in a bucket of eternity.

Wherever it settles,
Its effects are felt deep.
When the silence is lifted
No hurts will I keep.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Cari! have a wonderful day, and I hope you like the gift! love, mom

End of the World?

In NY we had discussed how soon we thought the "end of the world" would arrive. Jake Wall had thought it was coming soon. I was thinking it was a ways off. But it certainly seems that darker times are coming. With Katrina, the Tsunami, etc., it seems catastrophes are commonplace and scriptures seem to be fulfilled left and right. If the end is truly on its way, I have been thinking of how to best prepare my family. Obviously living right is the way to go, but I admit I am also concerned about the physical needs of my family. If we can avoid being vaporized in the last days, I'm all for it.

So recently I have seriously considered moving somewhere else - like outside the USA. One idea would be to purchase a home in Mexico in some small town a few hours from Phoenix. Then if anything seems to be heading in the wrong direction, I take my family down there to live off the land and avoid any difficulties to be expected in large US cities. I doubt too many Americans would head south of the border, so I don't foresee any issues crossing the border. If we could find a small town with a market supported by local farmers, then we wouldn't have to worry about our food arriving by truck/train. We could avoid the main dangers of invasion as a small Mexican town would hardly be the target of war or terrorism.

But I wonder if this is what the Lord wants. Does this appear to be running away? I mean, in Mexico we would even have a near temple (the colonies). Would we provide more help if we stayed? Could the Lord use my (our) talents to help in the face of a tragedy? I mean, in New Orleans you can see the people are just looking for leaders; someone to tell them what to do. We could do that.

So is this merely the beginning? It would seem so, which paints a fairly grim picture of the future. Of course, we know nobody knows the time when Christ will return, or when the things that will lead to that point will take place. I take some solice in the fact that while watching the news yesterday I see that just one local TV station had collected nearly $200,000 from watchers. This was just after two days of asking and only from Phoenix people watching that particular station. This shows me we still have many wonderful people that understand money is not important and that charity is. Prudential has provided its employees with a matching charity opportunity (as they do for most charitable contributions - excluding tithing - imagine that, if I could just pay 5% and have Prudential match it for my 10% contribution?) where they will match any amount you donate to Katrina support. I told Tevia to send in our check today.