The World We Live in

The world needs to slow down.

This small realization came to me the other day while driving back from Provo. I was cruising along doing about 77 or so, yeah I know a bit about the posted 65, just keeping up with traffic. I definitely wasn't the fastest car on the freeway, which means of course there were other cars passing me. Not a problem. Well you that moment when you're driving in the middle lane, the one that you're technically SUPPOSED to drive in unless you are going slow, which is the right lane, and then the left if you are passing (Although it seems to be switched here in Utah. Go figure), and since you aren't flying or going way slow, you have to get over to one of the lanes. Logical choice would be the left lane right? Well, that's what I did, because it made sense. So I get over, continue at my approximate speed, and pass the car that was previously in front of me. I check my rear view mirror and see this White SUV barreling up behind me. Well on the left is the carpool lane, and on my right are two cars, so guess what? He had to slow down. Oh man!!! The END of the world!!! He starts tailing me a bit, so I speed up to pass the cars and get over and let him by. As he flies by, I take a glance at this person that was in such a hurry. He was talking on his phone, of course, had nice looking shades on, and a sense of extreme importance on his face. Now, I don't mean to judge and I don't know the situation he was in. Perhaps his wife was in the hospital in labor and he was rushing to get there before his new child was born. However, he looked like an impatient man who just wanted to get from A to B as fast as possible, which is fine I suppose, but this whole situation just made me think: What's the rush? Really?

We are here, on this earth, living our lives and doing the things we feel are important. We have such busy lives and many times hardly take any time to ourselves to reflect and take in everything that God has given us. My buddy Adam hiked the Appalachian Trail this past year, and well I can only imagine how he felt. People as a general rule are so obsessed with getting things done, getting good grades, doing well on a test, finding that one person, going to meetings, getting from A to B in a precise time. The Holidays are just around the corner and everyone will be going 10,000 mph trying to find that perfect present for that special someone, which is great, but is this really the point of what Christmas is all about?

This semester has been amazing for me. Getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to me (aside from the getting fired part), and has really helped me to put life into perspective. All I know is I am going to try and take some time to be thankful, to think and ponder over the marvels the Lord has given me, us. My invitation to all those that might read this is to make this Christmas the best one EVER. Not because you got the BEST present ever, or even GAVE the best gift possible, but because you were able to feel the true spirit of what it's all about and the reason we even have Christmas.

Take some time, slow down, and be happy.

Please?

Dear Winter,

Please go away. I know it's about time for you to rear your ugly face, but I wouldn't mind another week or so of short sleeves and flip flops. Please take this into consideration, and I will at least try to enjoy the freezing frozen white moisture you tend to send in abundance. Thanks for trying. Much appreciated.

Sincerely your A-biggest fan,

Jeff

Thisblogposthasnotitle

Yes. I made the title like that on purpose, because I couldn't think of an actual title.

I really should be studying right now, like really, but I felt like I needed to post this.

Basically my life is actually........wait for it..........good. Yeah I know right? Me, being optimistic about my life? Yeah I know I tend to take a pessimistic viewpoint at times, but sometimes it's hard to see the light when you feel you are surrounded by darkness.

7 months ago I was in a rut. I felt I was so deep, it was literally going to be impossible to get out. Then the best thing that could have happened to me, did. I got fired. Getting fired SUCKED, of course, but I've come to realize that most times in life when you feel like the worst thing ever is going on, it's going to have good results. Things are going so well right now, I just feel like something "bad" is bound to happen. If it does, well I will try to remember how i'm feeling today, October 22, 2010.

Moving home was a hard decision, not something I ever wanted to do, but I know I needed to be there. When Austin came home, it was a confirmed right decision. Even though I'm not around much because of school and work, the entire family is currently living there. It's kind of crazy to be honest, but we all have different schedules so there are rare moments when we get to spend actual time together. One such event was last week when I went to Brent's swim meet. He's been swimming for 3 years, and this was the first opportunity I have actually had to go. It required driving to Roy, but it was worth it. I love that kid and am proud of him for taking swimming seriously and improving from last year. I love being around Austin. We went to Tucano's last Saturday, just the boys (Him, Brent and myself) and had a blast. I forget how awesome my brothers are. Camille is getting married in less than a month, and I'm so happy for her. I'm stoked to have Tony as a brother-in-law as we already get along and have sports in common. I look forward to the days and times we will get to spend together. I know my parents are behind me in life. I know they don't seem to have words of comfort at times, but I know they are there.

I'm doing well in school, meaning I'm actually doing ok on my tests. I've scored above 80 on 2, and another in the high 70's. The first of the year doesn't count because I wasn't in this groove yet. Basically I'm learning to enjoy school, and actually LOOK FORWARD to going to my classes (except one because it's exceptionally boring...grammar "Language Structure" class). I have people around me in my classes who want me to succeed, who truly care about my efforts and are willing to help me.

I finally am able to go to church on a weekly basis, and have decided I will go for all 3 hours. This has been a challenge for me in the past couple years. But I know it's important, and now have a calling (Second Counselor SS) and will need to be around. I also received some pretty intense promised blessings when I was being set apart by Brother Zarbock, especially in regards to my future family.....Sorry, that's too personal to post here :) I just know being in the ward is where I need to be

So did I get fired for all these things to happen? Did I get fired to possibly meet my wife? Did I get fired to actually do well in school and be excited for it? I know the Lord has plans for all of us and by trying our best, he'll make things work. I've just never felt like things are so on track before, even before I was in the rut.

I finally feel like I'm ACTUALLY figuring out How to Live Life and Be good at it. Guess I never really knew before.... :)

Hilarious!

I'm sure this has been circulated a billion times, but so worth it.

http://melodymaker.posterous.com/the-reason-some-girls-stay-single-very-funny

If the link doesn't work, then just Google "The Reason Some Girls Stay Single" or something. The guy is an idiot.

"I'm completely single, i'm very intelligent, i'm great in bed, I make good money, believe it or not i'm a complete catch"

"There's nothing wrong with me, matter of fact, i'm one of the few men in the city that has nothing wrong with him."

WOW. That's all. Good luck dude!

Drama

Oh how I hate it. When it happens to me.

However, when it happens to someone else...and that someone is a someone I'm not a huge fan of, and the drama causes them to lose their work just like it did mine, it makes me smile.

Is Vengeance bad? Maybe I should be more Christ like and feel sorry for them. But you know, Karma is real. What goes around comes around, and all I can say is it makes me at least feel even more vindicated that before.

Good luck in life VS!!!!!

My Day Today

6:30 am Wake up and Scriptures and family prayer

7:05 am: re-wake up

7:15 am: Shower

9:00 am: class

10:00 am: class

11:00 am: class

12:30: Thai food with Josh. Man I miss that kid.

Drive back to Sandy, pick up Dad and Sister to make it to Brother Swim meet: 3:30

Finally get home: 6:30 pm

12 hour day; 170 miles driven; 3 hours of class; 4 hours (with travel time) of family time.

Homework and studying done? None. Today was a good day.

Here I am

Ok. I suck. At blogging. I was so sure I was going to do AWESOME at it this year........and it started out good, then summer came and laughed me away!! But I'm BACK!!

A lot........I mean A LOT has happened since I last wrote. Since I last really.......wrote........

I am living at home still. Yeah, I know. How many times did I say to myself "I will not ever live at home!!" Well, it happened and I'm here to stay at least for now. I'll get into that in a bit.

I'm currently working at Musicians Friend. I think I may have mentioned this before, but i'm not sure. It's a boring old call center job, where I was hired on at $10.50/hour. Not amazing. However, at this job we have the chance to make more by selling "Incentives" such as products on special, warranty's, etc. So it's not too bad. They have me working Sundays, although it's gotten better recently where they're going to schedule me a Sunday every once in a while, or like every other. I guess they NEVER do that and it's a pretty large exception for me. Guess they like me staying around. The nice thing too is they are working around my school schedule.

School. Has begun. I was really debating this semester what I should do. There are a few classes I need to probably retake, but retaking them, my Pell Grant doesn't pay for them anymore. So I decided just to go ahead and take ones I need to.

Hearing Tests and Measures: This class will be the most difficult. It's the second "Hearing" focused class in a row. I didn't do too well with the preceding class last semester, but the teacher is less hardcore (or so it seems), and I feel more comfortable already. That's probably a mistake itself, but I'm positive I can make things work.

Medical Speech Pathology: This class is the one I've enjoyed the most (as far as classes for my major go) and I don't see it having a ton of homework, more than just knowing the stuff we are talking about in class and such. Essentially, as far as I can tell, it's a break down of the medical field side of Speech Language Pathology, which is EXACTLY what I want to do with my degree later on. We've only had the class 3 times, but I've enjoyed every minute of it. Dr. Channell can be a bit tedious and boring, but the class and information is great. It's encouraging to me mainly because it is giving me a glimmer of hope to get a foot in the medical field, which is my dream, and which I will succeed someday.

Language Structure: I should have taken this class a year ago. I didn't. I'm taking it now, and essentially by not taking it back then, I delayed myself graduating for a semester. This class is just based around grammar and everything related. the book is "Rediscover Grammar" It hasn't honestly gotten into anything I don't understand or already know yet, so I don't think it's potentially a problem class. Maybe studying and getting down the terms and what he wants me to know.

Old Testament: This is my last religion class. Honestly, the "core" classes were bothersome, but the ones i've taken in the past year have been extremely enlightening. American Christianity really opened my eyes to the world of Christians and why they believe like they do. Writings of Isaiah really took me into a whole new world of understanding the ancient times. That class was AMAZING, and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone at BYU (Take it from Brother Ball). It seriously took Isaiah, which anyone can agree is SO CONFUSING and SO hard to understand, and made it actually enjoyable. This O.T. class has a good outlook. I think. The teacher seems to know his stuff, and it's going to be good. I think it will have way more work than should be required for such a class, but whatever.

Judaism and the Gospel: Yep. Another one. This one is only 1 credit, but as soon as I saw the class title, I wanted in. There was another one for Islam, which I think would be even more fascinating, but this is the one I got into. I don't even NEED the religion credit, and I'm taking it. It's only once a week so that's kinda crappy........I mean how often do you actually LOOK FORWARD to a class? yeah, it's that cool. I'm excited to get into what Judaism is and how it relates to my beliefs.

So those are my classes. Since i'm living at home, I am taking the bus down to class as much as I can. Monday and Wednesday's I have a full day of classes, so I don't even work those days. I get to the bus at 7:50 or 8:05 and then don't get back until 6:50 or so. The other days, T, Th, Fri., it just depends on my work schedule. If they schedule me later, I can take the bus. If not, then I get to drive. But at least two days a week, I get to take the bus. GET? Yeah, really, I ENJOY taking the bus. Weird I know. Brent reminded me that in high school, I used the term "Gay" in reference to taking the bus. Isn't it weird how things change?

Well that's it for my life. Now for my family.

Ozzy. He's home from his mission for a hopefully temporary medical release. He was diagnosed with clinical depression. Crazy I know. However, after staying there as long as possible and trying to "fight" it, all decided (himself and the mission) it was best to get home and get it taken care of. It's something I can't understand, and to be honest it's a little trying, but I know he can get through. He has a TON of support from the family and all those around him. I think he just needs to realize what a special kid he is and that he's not alone. Today in my Judaism class, the teacher said "Christ's Assets are greater than our Liability's" WOW......Seriously.........all day today, All i heard were things I can say to help my brother......so yeah, he's here. I also know I'm living at home for this reason. When I debated on whether or not to move back to Provo, I just DIDN'T feel right about it. At all. Now It's all clear. So here's the mind boggler......did I get fired for THIS? Was that all for my brother? I mean I know I learned a TON from it, and wouldn't change it now that it's over, but how can things be so foreseen? Obvious question I know. I just can't comprehend it. Maybe i'm not supposed to, so I'll just try not to.

Dating life: Non existent. Right now is just nuts. I've tried this past summer, but the one girl who I thought I had a chance with, was just a frailty (not sure if i used that word right or even in correct context) My Aunt had someone lined up for me, but I put off calling her and now she has a BF. I even played around on eHarmony. Nothing there. Dating will happen. I will get married. I just need to figure out how to make it work. Kinda like everything.

This post has no pictures. For this I apologize. I'm not sure who even reads this, but I have a pretty awkward experience that happened today that I need to share. However at this time, I'm hungry and am going to go eat food.

LOVES!

Summers

Summer? What Summer? It's almost August........that means school is starting. What am I doing about it? Am I moving back to Provo? Job? uhhhhhhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhh about that........

Also, I suck at blogging in the summer. That's all.

FINALLY OVER!!!!!!!!!! (99% sure.......)

So today, June 29, 2010, at 7:30 am, was the scheduled date for the hearing with my former company Nuskin regarding Unemployment. (See this and this )

So I have literally been losing sleep over this stupid thing for the last 2-3 weeks. Essentially since I found out Nuskin appealed it and wanted a hearing, which was I think June 11th.......yeah, it's been on my mind that much. I know it wasn't/isn't a big deal, but really to me, this whole thing, well the decision that would be made, would completely validate my feelings on what happened and the whole issue. If the decision was made against me, then it's a lesson learned and I move on. If it was made in my favor, I was right and never should have been fired, and the lesson would be learned for those involved from Nuskin.

So I rolled around all night waking up literally every half hour thinking it was time to get up to face the music. I wrote things out last night that I wanted to say; points I wanted to make, rebuttals to the "evidence" they sent to me, so I was ready to go. My parents were up and we were just talking about how I needed to be calm and collected on the call and just be open and honest about everything (hmmmmmm isn't that my philosophy on life ANYWAY?). My phone rings, finally, at 7:31. On the other line is Judge *Last name* (yeah I didn't write his name down.....oh well). He informs me that he called my former employer first, and they didn't answer. He left a message and told them they'd have until 7:45 am to call him back, or the case would be dismissed. Huge smile on my face, I told him that would be great. He said he'd let me know as soon as he had them on the phone, or if they never called back. I almost jumped out of chair with excitement. My Dad just laughed. How IRONIC!!!!!!!!!! Part of the reason I got fired was because of problems with being tardy.........seriously........to not make your OWN HEARING!??!?! WHO DOES THAT!!!!!!!! There are a lot of things that could have happened. Maybe they decided it really wasn't that big of a deal since I was just a nobody at Nuskin. Maybe the CEO aka my Parents Bishop, caught wind and told them they would not continue with the hearing. Who knows. All I know, is the CASE IS DISMISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't felt so relieved, so happy, in a long time. When I got the email from the unemployment office saying I wasn't at fault, that was a great moment. However, this tops it for sure. It's an amazing feeling. The only 2% of uggghhh still, is that they can reopen the case............if they do, they have to do it in writing and submit a valid reason why they didn't make the time. THEN it will be CONSIDERED to be opened again. I'm pretty sure it's over (that's where the 99% came from).

I have work off today. I'm playing Tennis at 10 with Steve. Japan is playing (USA and Mexico both lost........World Cup........so I chose Japan as my new team ) and they're going to win. Today is my day!!!!!!!!!

Vindicated. That is all.

Music!!!!!!!

So my Dad's company, First National Bank of Layton (but he works in the Draper branch, in the mortgage department. Or something.), had a picnic thing last Monday night, June 14th. There was food, then a free concert. The performer was Peter Breinholdt, a LDS/Folk Musician. The concert was pretty amazing to be honest. I seriously love live music in any form, especially if the people performing actually have real talent. While watching him perform, I thought..........why can't I do this? Really? I mean I have written a fair amount of songs, I'm comfortable playing for other people, and I really want to start pursuing at least a part time career in Music. I really want to make music more of a part of my life, not just something I casually do on the side. I don't need to be completely famous or anything, just have good music and be able to relate to people through that. I know that I'm the only one holding myself back. So I'm going to start looking into recording gear, and getting my stuff out there. Anyone I've shown my songs to, always tell me they are good. Maybe they're just being nice, or maybe it's just my own self doubt or insecurities, but sometimes I don't feel they are "World ready" or Good enough to be put out in the public. But I'll never know if I don't know.

Anyway, during the concert there were a few songs that Peter told all the kids to come up to the front and dance along with him. There was this one kid (you'll see in the video below) in a Football Jersey who would come up and just dance like crazy. He'd turn around to the crowd and put his hands in the air like at a rock concert. His dancing was HILARIOUS. We were all completely BUSTING up. I also love the girl in the striped dress right in front of the camera. Kids are so innocent,and they just don't care what other people think. They were told to dance, so they did. And they had FUN! So, I took some video, I mean how could I NOT take video of this? So I hope you enjoy it as much as I did then :)

Random stuff

So I rarely upload pictures. I love taking pictures, I just never do it. So here are some recent pictures and things. So enjoy :)

I took this picture randomly. I was bored. I actually shaved off my goatee today.......It was just buggin me. But I still have the Patch.

I finally went to a Bee's game. I didn't go to any last year, and wanted to go. A bunch of people went, however the Bee's lost......Lame

I think a big reason of why we went the night we did, was the fireworks. I only took a couple pictures. I can't seem to get a good picture of fireworks......ever

Tiki In the Sun........yeah I know........She's adorable. Oh, and there's my Mom too :)

Brent Can Literally sleep anywhere. We were out with my Dad one day, and my Dad took a motorcycle on a test drive. While we were waiting I wanted to see if the latch in my trunk actually works. So I made Brent get in the and I closed it on him. It DOES!! It even glows in the dark! So while we were waiting, he chilled there......and literally fell asleep.

Tiki is Small. That is all.

Not quite there

I thought I was done dealing with Nuskin. Nope. They appealed the unemployment decision. I have a PHONE HEARING (yeah, what the crap?) This next Tuesday (June 29th). I'm kinda freaking out, even though I know it really won't be that big of a deal. Hopefully they will find out I have a new job and let things go. I will update on that after it's over.

~~Vindicated~~

There are certain words in the English language that one can rarely find a use for. Personally, I've always wanted to find a really good excuse to use the word Vindicated.

Dictionary.com defines Vindicated as: to clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like.

My last post, over a month ago (yeah I jacked up my 4/month goal.....i'll write 8 this month to make up for it), mentioned how I lost my job. I want to go a bit more into detail on the specifics of what happened, and how unfair it was; nevertheless, at this point, I am beginning to see it more as a blessing.

So Ricky Martin came out of the closet, big deal right? Well not really, I'm sure as he was losing popularity, he came out to cause a stir and be recognized again. Pop Stars, Famous People, the Media, the paparazzi, Whatever; I could care less. I was at work when one of my friends messaged me to tell me to check out a fellow co-worker/friends FB status. His status was simply "OMG RICKY MARTIN!!!!" or something to that effect. After seeing a few of the comments on the status, I decided to join in on the conversation. There was no bashing, (that I recall) and everyone commenting back and forth, the majority of which are members of the LDS church and share common beliefs, were just stating their opinions on the subject. So after work, I go home and think nothing of this. A month later (April 28th), I wake up to a text from the same friend who informed me of the conversation happening. This friend told me that everyone in her department, Distributor Support, had all been suspended for this conversation. Even those that withdrew their comments. I was informed that while asking about me, the HR rep that suspended them, told them that I would be disciplined as well. I go into work that day expecting to be suspended. I hadn't had any problems being tardy and what-not for almost a year. I was prepared to take it like a man, be apologetic, humble, and accept the consequences.

I was there for 2 hours, and get an IM from Tina. Tina isn't my manager, but basically the head of the call center. I'm thinking: This is weird......why wouldn't it be with my manager? I go in, and the HR person, with whom I haven't ever had a good relationship with, is there. I told them I knew what it was all about, and I understood what was going on. They had me sit down then proceeded to tell me why it was wrong, blah blah blah, etc. I was expecting that to be it, but then she informed me she had gone back into my chat history to see if there were any other things they could find (WTF? What cause?) and found a conversation i had had with another friend, regarding my manager and a team leader in the call center. This conversation wasn't vulgar, even though later I heard they found it to be "embarrassing and offensive." BS. But it was just about them possibly having an affair or something since they seemed to be spending a LOT of time together, in the managers office with the door closed. Then HR proceeded to tell me I had been put on a Language Action Plan (AGAIN, WTF!!! I was told EVERYONE had to do it and it wasn't just me or just the gringos......EVERYONE, was I lied to?)(This was also like the day before....) They felt, they being this specific HR person, that with all these things combined, It was enough for dismissal.

I went to the CEO, Truman Hunt, since he's my parents ward Bishop, and told him how I felt and my side of the story. He had been informed with an extremely exaggerated story, with sketchy details, and inconsistencies up the wazu. He told me he'd look into it all, and see what he could find out. I didn't expect my job back, and to be honest I doubt I'd want it back after that crap. I never heard back from him.

Unbelievable. Completely unjust and unfair. Not right. Not rectified. I could go on, but that was that.

Honestly, It was time for a change. I have been feeling stale for the past year, 2 years, maybe longer. I've lived in this house for 3 years, of which I have no regrets. My roommates are some of my best friends. But change needed to happen.

I informed my parents, of course, and then went from there. I applied for unemployment and started searching for jobs. About 3 weeks later, after being unsuccessful and even being turned down from one place because of why I was fired, I received a call from the unemployment office. She called to clear up a few things regarding my vacation pay I was paid out, and some details on what happened. She informed me what she had been told, and then asked for my side and rebuttal. Nuskin had told them/her the only reason I was fired was from the Facebook Conversation. They didn't include anything else, like tardies, or the "Language probation," or anything. Why? Because it WASN'T RELEVANT!! They also didn't mention the fact that 7 other people were involved, I know of at least 2 of which had had past disciplinary actions, and they weren't fired. Just suspended. With these inconsistencies, and crucial details, she told me she needed to talk to them again to clear some things up, and would get back to me. It wasn't even 2 days later (I think...) that I noticed an unemployment payment in my bank account!

The relieve and stress lifted from me, there is no description except one word: Vindicated. I feel completely vindicated from what happened. To make things even better, I got a letter from the unemployment office saying the following:

"Based upon the information presented to this Department, it is determined that you were not at fault in your discharge from work."

The words "You were not at fault" made me the happiest I've been in a LONG time. Something so simple, but something I knew that really made everything that had happened, feel it had happened for a reason. I'm a firm believer in that, things happen for a reason and you need to learn from whatever it is that has taken place, and go with it and take the changes with your head held high and a good attitude. Sure I was really really depressed for the first couple days after I was discharged, but looking back I know it was meant to be. I've needed to change my life around, in many areas, and I can honestly say I know this was a push from God. Some would say that's far fetched, and unlikely, but after all that has happened, I know differently.

I am currently in process of moving back home; it's not something I really want to do, but I haven't felt better about a decision in the last 3 years, as I have with this. It'll be temporary, especially after I find a job. Who knows what will happen; perhaps I will transfer to the U (totally theoretical at this point), perhaps I'll find a job that can lead into a career and take that for a while, really anything can, and i'm going to take it as it comes.

I'd like to leave you with some words. The song Vindicated by Dashboard confessional. Even though the song is really about him parting ways with a girl, or something along those lines, the part I have noted down, relates to me perfectly.

Hope dangles on a string

Like slow spinning redemption

Winding in and winding out

The shine of it has caught my eye

And roped me in

So mesmerizing, so hypnotizing

I am captivated

[Chorus]

I am Vindicated

I am selfish

I am wrong

I am right

I swear I'm right

I swear I knew it all along

And I am flawed

But I am cleaning up so well

Sorry this post has no pictures, no anything, and might be kinda boring. I promise to write more this month and to be more exciting. I just felt this story needed to be told, and hopefully someone can gain hope or inspiration from what I have gone through.

4 Years...........Gone

I was fired today. After 4 years. Their excuse? I was having inappropriate conversations at work.

The people that were involved in these conversations, were only suspended or given verbal warnings.

Because of my "track record" I was terminated. So being tardy 3 times a month, instead of 2, is the same as having a good conversation about homosexuality and personal views and beliefs on the topic? Apparently so.

What have I learned from this? Corporate Worlds suck. I need to have my own job, with my own company, and set my own rules.

I realize rules are in place for a reason, but when the person from HR is looking for reasons to fire you, it doesn't help the scenario.

Anyway, I need a job. Anyone out there reading this that has a good job you can line me up with, that would be great!!

Finals. Ugh.

At least I only have 3. I'm sure I'll be in grad school one day, looking back on how easy this all actually was. I guess it's worth it. Right?

Ducks and Springtime on Campus

This is my current view on dating..........

Everything SEEMS nice. You meet, get to know each other then.....

Bam out of no where, the Girl runs away

Ok, Maybe it's not THAT extreme. But that's how it feels sometimes. I only bring this post up because it's Spring time!! Finally!! And all the signs are out. It's intriguing to watch people as you're walking along on campus, noticing couples sprawled out on the grass together, or groups of boys or girls laughing and drinking Jambas.

I had to study for my class and had an hour to spare; the Ducks are what I observed. The boy duck would calmly walk around and kinda follow the girl. Sometimes the girl would hide in the bushes, then when the boy duck wasn't watching, run away really fast. But the boy would casually walk around and follow her. The only duck making ANY sound was the girl duck. And the sounds......weren't pleasant.

As you can see, and hear, in the video, the Girl duck wasn't too thrilled. But that's nature, and that's life. Guys can chase girls, but only one will not squawk back at them. Maybe i'll find my Girl duck someday......Maybe I'll she'll squawk at me, maybe not. Hopefully I can be as calm and casual ast the Mallard in the video :)

***MUUUUUUUUUSE***

Yes, that is Matthew Bellamy on the screen, and that is the stage they played on. To bad there were too many lights to get any really quality photos from my camera......should have taken my video camera. Live and learn!

Matthew, Chris and Dom rockin my socks off!

Love the Piano..... (crappy quality. I apologize.)

The concert was amazing. That's all there is to it. It was definitely longer than the Vegas show I went to, however I do think it lacked in song choice. The problem is they can't play EVERY song. Nevertheless, It was still mindblowing and amazing. I thouroughly enjoyed myself. My brother Brent came with me (The ticket was part of his Christmas present, and this was his first concert), my two roommates as well (also their first concerts......which is shocking to me). Everyone loved it. Everyone sang their voice almost gone. It was just purely just a good time and a good show. Although there is one thing I really don't understand. Muse=Snow. Somehow. Well at least, MUSE + Me= Snow. Last time I saw them, in Vegas, we had a near death experience on the way home that was caused by snow. This time we didn't have anything near that, but it was almost a white out when we were driving home. PLUS Muse got stuck in between here and Denver, and had to postpone their Denver show. Glad I dont' live in Denver......

~~The Goonies~~

I'm always amazed when i meet people who HAVEN'T seen this movie. It's a travesty, and to be my friend, it's required you watch it. I'll watch it with you. I watched it with two newbies last night, and still enjoyed every minute of it. They laughed some, especially at the things Chunk and Data would say and do. I half wonder if even some of those were courtesy laughs, but you know what? I don't care! I LOVE IT! It made me happy and put me in a good mood. It always does.

I found on google there's a video game remake that was made for a competition in 2006. Totally going to d/l it and play it. Heck yeah!

"Dear Jack"

I have been realizing and pondering a lot of things lately. The most recent came from watching the Documentary called "Dear Jack." For those of you who don't know the band Jack's Mannequin, I highly suggest you look into them. While they aren't new to me at all, after watching the story of all that Andrew McMahon went through, it gave me a renewed spirit of an I CAN attitude and a deeper respect for the band. Summed up, Andrew contracted and lived through a bout of Leukemia. The entire 60 minutes of the documentary shows his treatments and struggles, while trying to record an album at the same time..........there are hardly 5 minutes of him being down or sad or negative about his situation. Even when he use a lint roller to "shave" his head. I'd like to think if I were in any kind of similar situation (and I'm not wishing this in any way Karma.......) I'd hope to be have the will power he has to stick it out and get through it. I'm sure there were times he wanted to just die and move on and get it over with, but he knew how precious life is and fought through it. Currently it's on the Comcast On-Demand program (where I watched it) but can be purchased through the Jack's Mannequin site, or through amazon. By purchasing it through the site (at least, i'm sure any purchase does this...)Part of the proceeds go to the Dear Jack foundation. Anyway, just thought I'd throw this out there.

Jack's Mannequin Site

Amazon

You can also download it from iTunes for $10

I Just know how lucky I am to have the life I have. To not have had to suffer something massive like Leukemia, or losing a parent or sibling, really never having any drastic thing happen. I guess it doesn't mean it can't happen. It can. But at the same time, if it did, hopefully I would be able to get through it and be strong.

That is all :)

~~Aida~~

I would like the Blogging world to meet my new friend. Her name was in debate for a while (ok only a day). Some options were: Bertha, Red Dragon, Vanespa, and some others. Alex wins though. AIDA (pronounced ah-EE-Duh) is her name. I can't believe I ACTUALLY won a Vespa. I still had to pay quite a bit of money for the taxes, title, Freight, blah blah blabbity Blah. But..........Still, worth it to me. I'll save quite a bit of money on gas this summer. Filling up the gas tank for $4.30 and it SHOULD last me about 120 miles or more.....yeah pretty amazing. Anyway, this is her

The Irony: I go to BYU, and Aida is red. Yep. Crazy I know. (Yes I wrote this ALL in Blue on Purpose)

Questions to Ponder

"Goals: There is no end to the amount of things you can accomplish"

Sometimes I wonder things. I wonder things like "Is this actually where I want to be?" "What if I had made a different choice 10 years ago?" "What If i was born in Rhode Island?"

I know that many things that happen to us are not in our control. We are born where we are because our parents conceived us and my belief is that we are put into the families we are because we chose them. I can't imagine living in a different family, being raised by different parents, having different siblings or none at all, not having the friends I do.

I also wonder things like when People I have been interested in get married "Was she one that got away?" When a friend who I thought would be a friend forever doesn't want anything to do with me, "Was this my fault?" When I see close friends of mine going through a rough time OR "getting" everything they could have ever wanted and I think "Why do they have to go through that" or "Why are they so fortunate?"

There are things in my life I want. There are desires I feel I will never achieve. I had an interesting conversation with Adam last night about progression. I have felt stale for the past 2 years, maybe less but probably more, like I'm going no where. But really, it's no one's fault but my own. My own disbelief in myself, in my abilities, in my talents, is the cause of me not progressing. We as human beings have the power to change our own circumstances. That is the most beautiful gift God has given us: Agency, the ability to choose for ourselves what we want to do, what we want from life, where we want to go. As I'm writing this it almost makes me depressed realizing my own faults and weaknesses are preventing me from getting where I want. However, it also gives me some comfort knowing I can change. I really can. It's up to me, no one else. If I REALLY want to be a doctor, and/or work in the medical field, all it would take is extra work, more schooling, and superior dedication.

There's that whole quote about Abraham Lincoln, how he failed so many times at so many things, but eventually was able to achieve a goal and is still recognized as one of they key leaders in American History. Imagine if he had given up after his last failure, before achieving his first victory, where would America be today? Would someone else have done the same thing? It's possible, but the good thing is he DID try again and he DID achieve greatness.

I started a new goal, well re-started, on March 1st. It's simple: No drinking soda. I don't know why I feel it's so important, but it really isn't that hard. If i can do something as simple as that, I know I can put my mind to other things. This week, the week of March 7th, 2010, I am going to go and talk to the Pre-Med advisors and see what they suggest I do to achieve the dream I have. Dreaming is only helpful if you go after your greatest desire.

........Vespa....who'd have thought.........?

First, let me start back in December when I went to Las Vegas to see Muse, I was introduced to a new Band. The Paper Tongues. (see full post) That trip was pretty crazy by itself, but it seems it has gotten even more interesting 2 months down the road.

I got home and went to the Papertongues website and joined to be on their email list. Well apparently they had/have a sweepstakes going for a Paper Tongues Vespa....a Vespa...really? Kinda random, but cool none the less. So by signing up on their website, you would get entered automatically.

There are certain things in this world that a person would most likely never buy for themselves. Some good examples, for me, would be a jar of pickles, a Honda element, World of Warcraft, among other things the least likely thing I would buy for myself is a Vespa. If I were a single guy....well I AM single....but a Single guy living in Italy, I'd probably have one. However, I am not. So I wouldn't ever really see any need to buy a Vespa. However If i got one for free....that could be cool. I mean who doesn't want a free....anything?

This week has been busy. Studying, taking tests, working, being sick, working on a project, studying, almost non stop stuff. I rarely don't check my emails, but ever since I got my DROID, and have email on my phone, I don't really check other accounts anymore. Last night I get on and open up my old email, the one i signed up on the PT website with, and lo and behold I had an interesting email from them. This is what it looked like.

Dear Jeff Mabey,

We're writing to inform you that you've been randomly selected as the Grand Prize Winner of the Paper Tongues 'Ride to California on a Vespa' Contest. You've won a brand new Vespa S50. As per the official rules of the contest, you are required to provide all of the following documentation prior to being awarded the prize.

1. Proof of residence (copy of valid drivers license)
2. Proof of a valid license to operate a motorized cycle (winner is responsible for determining the appropriate class of license within their state of residence)
3. Proof of motor liability insurance
4. Completed W-9 form (attached) for tax reporting purposes.

Please contact us via email confirming receipt of this notice and acceptance of the grand prize offer as well as a the best phone number(s) to reach you. All documentation outlined above must be received by us via registered mail at the address below no later than 6pm EST March 12, 2010 or your status as the winner may be forfeited. Upon certification of eligibility requirements, you will be contacted to schedule delivery of the prize.

Please send the aforementioned documentation to the address below:

Paper Tongues - 'Ride to California on a Vespa' Contest
c/o A&M Octone Records
113 University Ave
11th Floor
New York, NY 10003

NOTE: we strongly suggest that you alert us via this email address with the detailed tracking information once your documentation has been sent to ensure prompt review.

Once again, Congratulations!,

Paper Tongues

To ME, that LOOKS pretty dang legit. Octone records is Legit, Paper Tongues is legit ( I saw them in concert), the contest is Legit (at least appears to be on their website), and well...I think I actually really DID win a Vespa. I was basically freaking out last night when I read the email. There was actually an email from this past Tuesday, saying "please read the email we sent you last Saturday, AND respond by Friday February 26th, or forfeit your prize." So I did. I haven't heard back from them yet......I'm just hoping Everything is cool. I don't know why it WOULDN'T be legit, but who knows I guess. Anyway I'll keep you....blog world....updated :)

YAY for a WIN!

My ThEoRy

This is My Theory on Dating, well not really on dating, but more on girls and guys. Today, not 30 years ago. I haven't met many people that disagree with me because there is truth in this.

The Way Things Are

Men: Simple.

Women:Complicated.

Simple Explanation: Many times girls will say "MAN GUYS ARE SO COMPLICATED!!!" but the reality, is that we are not. We ARE simple, but a girl's mind thinks so differently and so much more complicatedly, that they can't grasp how simple we must be, so we MUST be complicated. They're complicatedness, MAKES us SEEM complicated, when we're really simple.

Complicated Explanation:There is none. It needs none. Simple as that. (see?)

Ok there might be some biased conjecture seeing that I'm a guy, but just really think about relationships....and the issues people have. It really boils down to miscommunication. I had a recent relationship, which ended in us being just friends, where the whole thing was based on an open and honest communication-ship. It just makes sense: SAY the things you want to say. Don't HIDE things, be yourself. Instead of Analyzing, JUST ASK. I know it SOUNDS hard, but really....It's harder on the person to guess and freak out about things than it is to just talk. Communicate.

I don't feel my theory really needs any further explanation. I just do know that in today's day and age, Dating has become something people loath instead of enjoy. I haven't been actively dating lately, and I know I need too. My Mom made a good point yesterday; I can have fun with my roommates and I will miss that in the future, but a forever roommate and companion will be even more fun and kinda the next step in life. I just wish I could make it happen. Maybe I should try my Dad's approach: Find a Girl I like, go out a few times, then say "I think we should continue this relationship." (My Dad said that word for word. Yeah we make fun of him pretty much all the time for it.) Hey, It worked.

$$ MONEY $$

Let's be honest; If someone walked up to me and handed me the above pile of Bills, even if only the top one was a Benjamin, and the rest were George's, would I not take it? I'd love to say no, but of course I would!!!

Money, I believe, is the root of 99% of all stresses and problems. Of course many other factors can cause these stresses, however most likely it could be rooted back to the one thing that drives us as human beings to do the strangest things. I searched "Money Quotes" on Google, and found a few interesting and extremely true thoughts.

"They who are of the opinion that Money will do everything, may very well be suspected to do everything for Money" ~George Savile~

You walk down the street, you see garbage cans out, sometimes overflowing and sometimes empty. A truck drives by and picks it up and takes it away. It's one of those things we take for granted. One of those jobs that "someone has to do it," but how glorious is being a Garbage man? Growing up my Dad always said things like "you better get an education, or you'll end up a Garbage man." I honestly have no problem with a person being a garbage man, but it comes down to the point of doing almost anything for money. Picking up other peoples trash and taking it to a dump (that smells horrendously), and disposing of it for them. It's a job. I guess that is the important part. However in today's age of game shows, media, and greediness, people will do literally almost anything for money. I remember seeing commercials for a recent show basically flaunting a family and their problems and dishonesty for entertainment. I don't remember if it even took off, or if it's still around, but the fact is: People will do anything for money.

Meet James......

"The only reason a great many American families don't own an elephant is that they have never been offered an elephant for a dollar down and easy weekly payments" ~Mad Magazine~

James is the name of the elephant I will have one day....................America is all about "I want the best, and I want it now!" America is (insert insanely large number) Trillions of Dollars in debt. Yet the Government bails out the car companies? I guess that doesn't really reflect the true point of this quote, but people, as an example, want cars. Nice cars. Expensive cars. Unnecessary options. I will admit, I drive a nice car. I didn't buy it, but at this point in time i'm debating on getting rid of it to help my parents out. I don't NEED a really nice car, it's not necessary. How often do we as people see something we want, and just HAVE it. "Zero interest, no payments for a year, blah blah blah...." While these stipulations may be nice, generally people fall further into debt (mainly from fine print materials) than they would have saved by not splurging unnecessarily. Who needs an elephant? Who would want an elephant? Would it be completely AWESOME to have an elephant hanging out in your back yard? YESSSSSSSSSSSSS, is it completely unnecessary!?!?! Even more so.........But they have a good point. It's never been offered. Maybe it has, i doubt it, but if it were.......I'd probably want one. Who wouldn't want a pet elephant? James would be a good elephant.

"I'd like to live as a poor man with lots of money"~Pablo Picasso~

Who WANTS to live poor? No one. Who COULD live poor, most likely everyone. People have done it for thousands of years, and we're still here. It's not preferable by any means, I would rather have money than not, but I've discovered in the past 3 or 4 weeks I can get by with almost nothing. Cutting out fast food, not buying things that I WANT (unnecessary items aka movies, music, new guitar...etc.), and just watching my budget, I've been ok. The only drawback to this is the what If's. What if something happens and I need to pay some random bill. I know however everything will be ok, even if i have to go in debt, things will work out. It's the cycle. Things have to come full circle, it's just how life goes. Life is not ALWAYS so bad for one person, good things do happen. It's hard to see those things, or realize them when it seems all is downhill, but they do and will happen. I just have to keep telling myself that. My mission President once said "Money isn't the most important thing in the world, but it's great not having to worry about it." You don't HAVE to live the life of a rich person if you are rich, in fact I wouldn't. But having money to do what you need and support yourself and family without problems, that would be great.

Life is not meant to be lived in fear, stressed, in sorrow and depression. Life is meant to be enjoyed, as hard as that can be at times. Because of financial stresses on my family right now, I have let my guard down and let these stresses get to me. I've been debating making some major changes in my life because of this, but perhaps these stresses were the reason.

Only God knows how much my life needs to change, He and I both do. Maybe he is letting things happen to help me on my way during this time of my life, to change some things to help me progress beyond where I am now. Being stale is getting old, and changes are needed, and hopefully on their way. I'm not sure exactly which changes yet, I have made a list of pros and cons about one big change that would completely alter how I live life currently, and right now the change is looking more positive than negative. Of course if these changes occur, I will update to the 2 or 3 people that read this blog................:)

Lines, Tests, and Taco's

8 hours on campus, 2 hours spent taking tests, 1 hour 40 Minutes in class, 3 hours studying, one hour standing in line. Not too unsimilar from the one seen above. (the picture above is NOT the line i was standing in)

Today is February 4th, 2010. It's a Thursday. It isn't close to any midterms, not remotely close to finals, just an average day of the week in, during an atypically warm day in February (this is somewhat relevant). Along with the a-typicality of "warm" weather in February, why not throw in a long line at the testing center?

Normally I don't put tests off until the last 3 hours of the last day to take them, however in this case it was the only choice I had. Generally teachers give at least 2-3 days to take a test, but for the first time in my college career I had only 1 day to take a test. On top of that I had another test for a class within my major, scheduled yesterday and today. Is it really THAT hard for 2 teachers to coordinate their exams? Do teachers do this on purpose to throw us off? I mean what was the difference of one test being Wed-Thurs, and the other class Thurs-Fri. Or even if the teacher wanted to keep it at one day, why not put it on Friday instead of on the same day as the two-day exam? The teacher did in fact cancel class today, which gave her reason to say we could take it during that class time at the very least. It just isn't logical. I realize that this is college, and teachers just do what they want because, well, they're the teacher. However, I believe they should take into consideration the fact that we as students, as human beings, have a life outside of BYU. REALLY!?!? What a SHOCKER!!! (Note: I really don't have much of a life, but I do work.....and Do other stuff too...)

I planned my day out relatively simple. I took work off to study more, which gave me the option to sleep in some (which was needed since it still ended up being a long day). I went to campus at 12:30 ish, took my first test, Hearing Science, from 1-2:15 or so, then met up with some people to study for the second test on my agenda. By this point we had all studied our brains out, and extra studying, especially group, turned into chatting and joking around. In the 2 hour period i was with those friends, we probably studied for half that, or less. But that was ok; it was good to relax a bit and actually enjoy life as a student for once. I took off to grab some food and study for a quiz in my upcoming class at 5: Writings of Isaiah. (It sounds intense, and it actually is somewhat, but more than that it's quite exciting. I always skip through the Isaiah chapters when I get to them in the Book of Mormon; now that I have a class with a teacher that knows historical and cultural background to the things Isaiah is saying, it's interesting to realize how "Plain" he was speaking to those people.) After class I planned on heading to the testing center and taking my last test: Phonological and Articulation Disorders. Exciting huh? As the testing center is the next building over from where I had my Isaiah class, I realized my plan was horribly foiled as soon as I walked out that door.

When a person goes to a theme park, a concert, an autograph signing, or a prime example would be Black Friday shopping, waiting in a line is expected. The only time waiting in a line for a test could be said to be, "expected," would be during finals week. Is it finals now? No. Should there be a line OUT THE DOOR, over to the next building over, on a THURSDAY in FEBRUARY? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently the printer, that prints out scan-trons, pooped out and it forced the staff to write the student names and information in the test, thus causing the back up and extra abnormally long lines. For a COMPLETE report on what happened, go here.

Have we become so dependent on technology, the second it craps out on us, it completely halts all traffic and stops everything? I can't even remember what it was like to not have the internet, a cell phone, Electricity........Even on my mission in Bolivia, in the middle of the jungle, we had electricity and running water (not to say everyone there does). I realize that establishments, such as BYU, have a system in place to make things work even if something does happen. I also suppose it could have been worse. It was one of the warmer days we've had recently, and even though it was well past dark, it wasn't completely unbearable to be outside for 20 minutes I had to be. I found a friend in line that so happened to be in my Isaiah class, AND taking the same test I was, so it made the line not seem so boring and gave us a chance to study and ask questions.

There's always someone worse off than yourself. Sometimes I forget this, but there is a lot of truth in that statement. My new friend, Kimbri, tried to keep a positive outlook on things as we got closer to the........finish, not sure if that's the right word since taking a test isn't exactly something to look forward to...........And it reminded me of something my 2nd companion taught me. Look around you, look around the world, look anywhere, and you will find someone worse off than yourself. I know I am truly blessed and have such a good quality life. Sure it's not exciting sometimes, but I really do have it good.

Taco's: I made Taco's tonight. I finished them past 10, but it was my dinner night. My roommates and I have kept a good thing going for the past 3-4 weeks. All taking turns making dinner and taking a dish night. I really do appreciate their willingness to make things better. I'm attempting to make new dishes weekly. So far I have Made BBQ Biscuit Casserole and Poppy Seed Chicken, both thanks to my good friend Megan. I did my amazing Taco's tonight. I think they are. Any readers out there, I know they are few, If you have any good, simple or somewhat "challenging" recipes you think I should try, throw it out there. I want to LEARN!!!!