This Blog is for the journaling of my college life, starting in fall of 2007. The blog that precedes this blog is "The Formal Operational Stage of Life" which is about my high school life. If you want to read that one, you are more than welcome to see the link that is available on my personal profile page. To those of you who read my "College Student" blog, I hope that you enjoy reading it. Lots of Love, Always ~Holly Elizabeth
So, for a class paper in my Philosophy 1000 class, we had the choice to write about one of four things. I chose to write about solving the problem of evil through theodicy. My essay is as follows:
__________________________
Does God Consider Our Souls with the Existence of Evil?
Does He Even Exist?
Does the existence of Evil (suffering) in the world give us good reason to think that God does not exist? Any answer you give to this question must consider both Soul Making and Free Will theodicies.
Many make take the position that God does not exist because of one thing, the existence of Evil (suffering). Many wonder how an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good being could allow the humans to experience such pain and sorrow due to Evil being present in their lives, when He has the capability to prevent Evil from being present, or at least decrease the amount of Evil one must experience through their life. This is a justifiably understandable viewpoint and if it weren’t for the certain Christian religious beliefs, this viewpoint would not even be questioned and it would be deemed true – God cannot exist because of the existence of Evil. Religious beliefs aside however, it is a point to be proven through the theodicies of Soul Making and Free Will, that God does exist. The first theodicy to be addressed in regards to proving God’s existence is Soul Making.
What is the theodicy of Soul Making? The idea of Soul Making as a theodicy is the thought that the reason why humans must endure the pains and sorrows of Evil is because such a trial builds us up, makes us stronger, better people characteristically, spiritually, mentally and sometimes physically as well. So it could be said that without the existence of Evil, our persona, our soul, our entire being, wouldn’t be as strong as it could be without the trials and hardships that Evil presents us with. The idea of Soul Making proving that God exists is similar (on a smaller scale) to that of good parenting.
Sober notes that any good parent allows their child to experience some hard times because it allows them to build their character and to learn a lesson which may not be fully understood if the parent shielded their child from every adverse thing they may encounter. This is analogical to prove that God exists. God allows Evil to exist, he allows us to endure painful trials so that we can develop more fully than if everything we ever needed was essentially “handed to us on a platter.” God, like a good parent, wants to see his creations, his children, grow and develop in more than just physically but a morally, and characteristically as well. Soul Making is just a part of proving why God exists and allows Evil to exist. The second and greater part of this proof is the theodicy of Free Will.
The theodicy of Free Will is basically the idea that Evil exists because God allows his children to make the choice to do good or to do evil. Relating back to Christian religious beliefs, most believe that humans are created in God’s image, therefore, we, like God have the ability to choose what we do in life. It so happens however, that everything that God did was good. The problem with Evil occurs when more humans choose to do Evil than good and it is supposedly from a majority of people choosing to do Evil. What needs to be changed is the realization that choosing to do good does not inhibit what one is able to do, it allows one to be happy and it allows more good to exist in the world than Evil. Another thing about God allowing his children to make the choice between good and evil allows us to understand what “good” and “evil” really is, because really, we wouldn’t know what good is without knowing evil; we wouldn’t know what evil is without knowing good.
In review, it is arguable in spite of the existence of Evil that God does exist because of the thodicies of Soul Making and Free Will. Soul Building as the idea of building one’s character through the trials and tribulations of the evils we encounter, and Free Will as the idea of being able to choose good from evil and more people seem to choose evil over good. These are the theodicies as to why Evil exists and as to why God exists still as an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-good being.
__________________________
So, that's all I have for you, it's my view without really incorporating my religious beliefs. It was difficult to write without the bias of my belief. But, I think that the firmness of my belief and because of my testimony, this was easier to write with a persuasive, authoritative sense.
You will find, at times, I tend to refer to my sister's blog for information that she and I share. I figure that if she has already posted it, there isn't a real need for it to be posted again since those of you who read this can just click on the link to and read the info I would have posted myself if I had thought to post it before her.
So, with that little tidbit in mind, my post begins. Admittedly, these past two months (to be exact) have been tough. I have found that weekends seem to be the rougher of times since weekends were the times when I was able to see my dad the most.
See, two days before my twenty-first birthday, on December 2, 2009, my father unexpectedly died. I hadn't been home much those few days before his
death since I was at the end of the semester, so I stayed late to study and Clarinet sectionals ran late into the evening on Tuesdays. So, Tuesday night, when I got home, my dad was asleep. Mom said that he thought he had a cold or something that is easily gotten over. We all thought that he'd drink his Mount Olympus water, and Tropicana orange juice, (he was particular about his brands) take some meds and feel better in a few days.
I remember that Wednesday well, I remember being in bed and hearing my mom talk to dad before she left that morning. His responses were a bit different in the sense that he seemingly kept falling asleep, or so I assumed when I heard her wake him up repeatedly to talk about whether or not he needed to go to the doctor.
They had decided it was best to go to a clinic and figure out what was wrong. Mom went early to school to make plans for a substitute and returned back home to take Dad to the doctor. When they were headed out to the car, dad lost his balance and fell on the back porch. Mom called the paramedics to help get him up and make sure that he was ok, after falling on cement. He seemed ok and the paramedics helped him get into the car so he and mom could go to the doctor.
Without warning, Dad went into cardiac arrest and after life-saving attempts from the paramedics and a hospital trip, he had passed away from this life into the next.
I remember, it a few minutes before the hour and I had just come out of Private Lessons for Clarinet with Matt, taken my instrument and music upstairs to the storage room, and come back down to head for Anthropology. I had seen the text from my mom to call her when I could. So, as I headed down from GT 5 to GT 3, I called her.
She explained what had happened, I remember feeling completely and totally numb. Unable to comprehend what she had just said to me. Well, Dad wouldn't have wanted me to miss school and cry all day over him so I continued with my classes. I was hard, admittedly, but it kept me focused and sane.
I had stopped to sit while I talked with her on the phone on GT 3 and then realized that I had to make it over to the other side of campus within a couple minutes to make it to my next class, so briskly I walked from GT 3 down to GT B, over to WB 1, through the Hall of Flags, past the Science building, through the PE concourse, PE 1, and down to the garden level of the LA building.
After class, I briefly saw my close friend Christine Cottle, a hug from her was all I needed at that moment, and I was, for the most part, able to get through the day. She is such an amazing and caring friend.
Another hug that was so good to get was from my bestest and most favorite sister ever, Christine! Mom and Chrissi came down to campus while I was on break so I could cry my tears and just be with them for a bit. Hugs are amazing it was good to get a hug from my sister too.
I remember walking around campus, feeling totally and completely numb, sort of unaware of what was going on around me. Then Liz called me, just wanting to make sure that people on my street were ok since she had heard there were paramedics by my house. I remember how it felt to tell her the news, as if saying it solidified it as an unmistakable truth. Liz is so amazing though, she has really been there for me, more as a friend than the woman who was my YW President or as one of the women in the RS Presidency. I love her and her family so much, they keep me smiling. I honestly don't know what I would have done without Liz on the day when I felt so awful with my Kidney infection. Argh! I love you Liz! *HUGS!
A part of American Sign Language is using your face to help get your message across, using emotion and expression. So, it isn't surprising that most friends in my classes saw that there was something wrong. My friends were so good to me, so supportive and caring, especially my
classmates in my Tolkien class,
(yes a class about JRR Tolkien) where everybody was each other's friend including Professor Fullmer. Without being creepy or weird, I have to say that I love Professor Fullmer, he is probably the most kind, influential and understanding professor I have ever had. I lovehis classes. He excused me from class work and even class for the rest of the semester, but I don't know what I would have done without my Tolkien buddies to get me through the rest of the semester.
~*~
I remember going to the mall with mom and Chrissi to go shopping for a new dress for the funeral. I remember looking through the hangers of dresses while mom and sis were over in another part of the store and I thought to myself, "I never thought, at 21, I would be
searching for a dress to wear to my father's funeral." I remember calling my bestie, Breelyn,
wishing that she were there with me searching for the dress because she always knew best about what looked good on me, she always did a fine job of dressing me up. I remember wishing that she could have been around that weekend, but because of school, she was down south and I was here. I knew she wanted to be with me, just as much as I wish she could be been with me and it's ok. Just that knowledge that she wanted to be there for was enough and I just had to get through to the end of the semester so I could see her again.
On December 7th, 2009 which, in back in 1988, is also the day that I was adopted into the family, we held a funeral for my father.
We displayed pictures of him from his youth back in the 50s and 60s to the time of his mission, to when he graduated with his masters from the U of U, his wedding day, the day I became legally a part of the family, trip pics, and his most recent and my most favorite picture of him and his beloved on the 4th of July 2009 after a day at the movies where we saw Harry Potter 6 and the new Star Trek.
At the funeral, I spoke, reading his obituary (as written by Chrissi) and, with as much composure as possible, giving my thoughts for and about him; Shane Liedtke spoke reminiscing some of Dad's best qualities; and Brother Dave Fair spoke, reminding us of what Dad stood for, and the example he set for all of us.
I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came. And all of the different people who came! Our family dentist came, people from his old job and the union came, people from our old ward of over 10 years ago came and even the Mayor came! (Given of course, that the Mayor is a family friend through Grandma Ferrin)
~*~
Well, we made it through Christmas, sticking with the traditions and creating a few new ones, New Years was good, spent with my Aunt and Uncle and cousins, it was also Christine Cottle's birthday that night so we celebrated that too. We celebrated my mom's birthday (as well as mine) by going to Wendover on the "Fun Bus" to play our Five bucks and see what we could win. Dad had meant to take us all to Wendover after the end of the semester for my 21st birthday, we figured he would still want us to go.
My grades came out to be A's and B's for my classes and I know that my Daddy would have been proud of me for that.
January has been rough with the start of school and then with me getting sick with that Kidney Infection. But it has gotten a bit better. This past Friday was good, we saw "When In Rome," which I will have to give my review of later. Saturday was a great day, seriously a girls-day-out, we spent the first part of the day in Utah County, first at my school so I could finish an assignment, then to Barnes and Noble to look for books, then to the Fabric Mill to inhale that fresh fabric scent and then to the un-passable In-N-Out Burger, then we spent the later part of the day in Davis County, seeing "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at WXHS, then heading to see Chrissi's bestie, and then to Ben Franklin's Crafts and finally to a great dinner at Chili's. Dad paid for dinner, so to speak... he had this deal with Visa where he'd get gift cards after spending so much on the credit card and we figured we had better use them. I had steak and shrimp for dinner and as Chrissi pointed out, dad would ALWAYS say the same thing when he ordered his steak, when the waitress would ask how he'd want it cooked, he'd say, "Well-done, I want that sucker dead." and then he would raise his eyebrows and widen his eyes at the waitress to make sure she understood that there was to be no red, no pink, no sign of life in that piece of meat.
Heavens I miss that man... But I know that he's with me still, I know that I will see him again and I know that he is my Father Forever.
I saw this on my sister's blog (a loooong time ago). Looked fun, so here you go!
Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title.
Your Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Are you male or female: Miss Independent Describe yourself: Ready How do you feel about yourself: You Thought Wrong Describe where you currently live: Impossible The first thing you think of when you wake up: Be Still If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Where Is Your Heart Your favorite form of transportation: Just Missed The Train Your best friend is: Already Gone Your favorite color is: Behind These Hazel Eyes What’s the weather like: Sober If your life were a TV show, what would it be called: What's Up Lonely What is life to you: My Life Would Suck Without You What is the best advice you have to give: Don't Let Me Stop You If you could change your name, what would it be: Whyyawannabringmedown (that was just for giggles) Your favorite food is: All I Ever Wanted How I would like to die: Save You My soul’s present condition: Beautiful Disaster The faults I can bear: Haunted How would you describe your love life: The Trouble With Love Is What are you going to post this as: If No One Will Listen
It has been over six months since my last blog entry. My reasons for not posting? It may have to do with the lack of readers/comments in my previous posts, it may have been the demanding schedule on my time.
It may have been the fact that I am just... (fill in the blank)
I found myself looking at other's blogs and either wishing they would update theirs, like some of my college friends) or marveling at how some people manage to find the time to blog daily (thank you KalebNation). With those observations in mind, I began musing about what I could do about it, this one person who really... wait, who even reads this again...? Yeah, well to those of you who do, I hope this makes some sort of dent in your day.
As I re-read that past informal paragraph I note that there seems to be a twinge of complaining to it. Lets get back on point here.
First, I want to say that I think some of the cause for my lack of blogging is due to my involvement with Facebook. I mean, status updates alone are like a long journal of informal blogging, are they not? Now, am I blaming Facebook? Not at all! I blame myself for neglecting my poor blog - I've missed it here, the feeling that I get when I type what I want to say without any list of demands as to what my topic should be or how many words long it must have.
I tell myself that I will go back and cover all that has been missed from my last post, but even if that does happen, it won't be to the extent that I want. So, if I manage to muster out an update about what has been going on in life, help me celebrate this feat by commenting. 'Please' and 'Thank You' are included.
My next intention is to go over some stuff that has happened in my life since my last post and then I intend to do some sort of media review(s).
What would YOU like to see? Movies? Music? Books? Gossip Articles?
Some thoughts I've had is doing a review on
Thoughts on the humanitarian aid given towards the disaster in Haiti vs. towards those of Hurricane Katrina.
Taylor Swift as a general topic, and the new movie she is featured in "Valentine's Day"
The the new movie called "Runnaway" featuring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. (I will probably go into a rant about New Moon as well since they were both in it)
Some of the other things that Chrissi and I did were, going to the Coca Cola and M&M stores, doing some serious exploration of the Strip, and shopping for good little trickets and such. We made sure to stop at the Bellagio's beautiful fountain where Danny and the boys (Ocean's 11) stood and marveled at how beautiful the spring of sychronized spouting water was.
Places like the Coca Cola and M&M stores, were amazing, with so much stuff, T-shirts, socks, PJ pants, watches, jewelry, pins, shoes, flip-flops, you name it! I bought a necklace from the Coca Cola store that was made out of the old glass bottles. Chrissy and I saw a 3D show at the M&M store (which has like umpteen levels of M&M stuff, I might add) and it was a'mmmmazing!
Coca Cola Store -
Awesome!
Chrissy, her Coca Cola goods and the classic Coca Cola Bottle!!!
Red and I
Me and the M&M Nascar
Another show that we saw while in Vegs was "Race to Witch Mountain," which was perfect for the trip since the storyline was set in Las Vegas (among other parts of Nevada). We decided to see that since we didn't want to blow all of our money on a Vegas show, however, it just amazes me how just going a few miles south and all of a sudden movie and popcorn prices are through the roof! "Race to Witch Mountain," was a lot better than Chrissi and I ever thought it would be and I would highly reccomend it.
Something else I would reccomend is getting the "Duce" Pass, for only a small reasonable fee, you can ride the Duce up and down the strip, get on at Caesars Palace and get off at the MGM Grand, or not, the choice is yours!
Supposedly a Hard Rock Cafe is being built on the Strip of Vegas, which would be really cool! The one that me and my family used to go to went out of business... from lack of business I suppose. I plan on eating there the next time I am in Vegas! Rock on!
I think that about sums it up as far as the final part of Las Vegas goes, if you would like to see more, or at least on a different perspective, check out my sister's blog about Vegas.
Alrighty then, so this post has been delayed... I am so sorry for my lateness. So on March 20-22, I spent my Spring Break weekend in Las Vegas with my cool sister, Chrissy! We left early on Friday to head to Salt Lake International to get a flight. Chris got a good deal on the tickets through T-mobile so we figured, why not fly?
Upon arrival, we checked into the Excalibur hotel and proceeded to walk almost all of the Las Vegas strip. It was amazing to see everything... each casino/hotel was distinctly different, like different worlds or planets. I made the observation that it's probably that way so that there is at least one hotel/casino that is appealing to any one person who is in Vegas, and honestly, after seeing Ocean's 11, who could go wrong with the Mirage, Bellagio, and MGM Grand? (Those are all Terry Benedict's) I guess that Excalibur was appealing to me... it's a freakin' castle! I loved it.
Excalibur features a show called "Tournament of Kings," which is similar to Medieval Times California (for all of you WX Spring Break trippers!), you are served yummy food, you eat without utensils, you watch the tournament while rooting for your king, which includes, joust, javelin, hand-to-hand combat, and lets not forget the creepy dragon king!
Norway's Flag
Dinner... Yum-O!
Me and Prince Christian!
We had zesty tomato soup, our own little chicken, broccoli, baked potato wedges, and a desert. Our king was the king of Norway, but I was able to meet Prince Christian, who ended up being the "winner," and I think we may have had a moment. I would have taken more pictures of the tournament, but flash photography is distracting to the horses and the performers. Oh, another cool thing about the tournament was that there was bit of amazing acrobatics/gymnastics that was done by a small woman and it was all through two guys holding up a board and she did her thing that way... Amazing!
Well, this is the end of what I have for the first part of my report about Vegas, be on the lookout for Part 2!
Hey readers, this is going to be a short post, I PROMISE that I will get another post up here ASAP about my fun time in Vegas. Until then, let me direct you to my latest work of creative writing.
Well, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Gung Hay Fat Choy, Happy Martin Luther King Day, and Happy Valentine's Day everybody!!! I can't believe that I haven't posted something really juicy since before Thanksgiving... I figured that I should post something before it gets to be St. Patrick's day or else I would have to add that to my list of days to be celebrated that I missed. Well, to do a quick catch up I would like to direct you to my sister's blog which covers a little bit of what I missed.
So, as of this current semester I have made a few new friends at school, one of my friends, she and I pretty much became best friends when we met each other. Her name is Jen and I love her so much, she is such a sweet girl and she really sees the best in people, she sees past the outer appearance and sees your inner beauty. Now, while she sees people's inner beauty, she does know how to make people look pretty. She did my hair for the February Institute Date Dance and I personally think that I looked awesome! You know, it's interesting, to look at us, you might wonder what made us be such close friends, but the truth of the matter is that we are pretty much "kindred spirits." The picture on the left is from her facebook profile picture folder, but I love this picture of her. She is even sweet to God's smallest creatures! Jen, I love you hon! Thanks for being there for me!
There are a couple of people who I have really gotten to know better, even though I've known them since last semester. First there's Josh. I've known him for a while, but since we started taking a dance class together we have really gotten to know each other a lot better. He is such a sweet guy, he is really good about reading me and my moods. He knows when to give hugs and he knows when to back off. Josh and I are pretty much like brother and sister now. I don't know what I would do without him! He really knows how to make me laugh. Oh and did I mention that he is a great dancer? I think I've had the most fun doing the Cha Cha with him, and then he taught me a bit of Latin dance as well. Thanks "Joshy Washy" you are pretty much awesome! The picture at the right is at the Dance Lab this last week where my class competed in Triple Swing. Josh wasn't my dance partner, but he danced one of the general dances with me that night and he gave me one of his sweet hugs.
Next there is sweet Stacy.
Stacy is probably one of the bubbliest, funniest, and sweetest girls that I know. She has a pure heart and mind, she is a marvelous example to everyone that she knows and interacts with and she is always good for a laugh. In fact, I think that it is her laugh that makes us all laugh. If something is really funny to her, she will snort. I love her little snorts, they always get a giggle and a smile out of me. Stacy is the Cha Cha Queen, and if you ever need someone to critique your Cha Cha, she would be happy to practice with you and teach you some sweet Cuban action - ow ow! Stacy and I have had some really good times at breakfast and at Institute dances. The picture on the left is on the main level of the new Library, where Stacy spends a lot of her time doing Math and Biology.
Last, but not least, there is Mark.
I don't think I could pin a time down in my mind when we started to be really good friends. I think that me and Mark have always been rather good friends and I suppose that if you want me to pick a specific time that we started to be closer friends I guess it would be when we started taking dance class with him. It was actually his idea that I take dance with him and Heather and Josh. He is an exceptional dancer, especially at bronze level. I am sure that he could easily dance at silver level with no problem and that he could be a gold dancer with just a bit of work. I think what I like most about his dancing is that he is such a good leader. I tend to not mess up as much when I dance with him. I've known Mark since my first semester of college and he was the one who taught me how to play pool. He was my band-tour-buddy last year when I didn't know very many people. He is basically like a big brother to me, always there for me. The picture on the above right is of us after the Cha Cha competition back in February. We didn't place but we sure had a good time! Thanks Mark!
Well, even if there have been many rough patches so far in 2009, they have been a bit easier because I have really good friends. Where would I be without them?! I love you all you guys!
So, my 20th birthday was three days ago, on December 4th, and since it was a school night and I didn't get home until like 10ish since it was a game night I didn't really have time to blog on my birthday, but my sister did! She wrote a lovely post and it made me so happy! Click here to view it. So, if the 4th was my birthday, then why are we celebrating today? Well, it is because, today is the day that I was adopted into the Ferrin Family! Yes, well this is a very short post, but I am still celebrating none-the-less :D If you want to know more about all of this just comment.
So this week seemed to be a week of remembrance, first there was the national holiday on November 11, to celebrate and remember veterans who gave their lives for our country, veterans who served and live today and those who are currently serving. I had the marvelous opportunity to go to a veterans day concert that was held at the Huntsman Center, it featured the 23rd National Guard Army Band and various high school madrigal choirs from Granite School District. Alex Boye was a guest performer on the program.
I really liked going to the concert. The patriotic nature was stirring and it took me back to the days of Girls State in my Junior year of high school. The soloists, both vocal and instrumental were fabulous - my favorite would have to have been the clarinet soloist... she hit octaves that I didn't even know could be played on the clarinet! My friend, Mark, is a trombone player in the Army Band and I told him that he needed to set me up with the soloist so I could get some tips from her on how to improve my skills and abilities (and man, in comparison to her, I really need some improvement!!!). There was one part of the concert where all of the songs for each area of the armed forces were played and we were supposed to stand for which armed force(s) represented our family members. Both of my grandfathers were in the armed forces, but the thing that made it sort of sad for me was the fact that I didn't know them at all, at least not in this lifetime.
I know that there was more that I wanted to say for this post, but that's all I've got for my brain power for right now.
November 1, is the first day that Christmas songs play on play on FM 100, with all of that Christmas swirling around I've begun to think about things I'd like Santa to bring me this year as well as things for my birthday, since it is in the same month. I am posting this letter here, because at this point I am sure that Santa is online, and I'd bet that it makes the whole list-thing go a lot faster.
Dear Santa,
This is Holly, remember me? I've been trying my very best to be a good girl this year and I just want to let you know that anyone who tells you any different is lying! Just be aware Santa, that I am using this same list for my birthday so I suppose you might have to watch to see which presents I get. There are a few that may be hard to come by, I suppose that as the world's children get older, the things that they ask for get harder for the little elves to make. Well, with that being said, Santa, here is the list.
Movies I'd like:
“Kung Fu Panda”
“Made of Honor”
“No Reservations”
Movies I'd like to See:
see “The Prince of Egypt”
“Pirates of the Great Salt Lake” (?)
see “Eagle Eye” – Dollar Theatre or Redbox is good
see “Twilight” in Theatres ☺
Music I'd Like:
“Made of Honor” Soundtrack or select songs
“Pirates of the Caribbean” 3 soundtrack
“Don’t Forget” Demi Lovato
“The Open Door” Evanescence
“Spirit” Leona Lewis
“Fearless” Taylor Swift
Select David Cook tracks (if available?)
Select Brooke White tracks (if available?)
Select Sara Barilles tracks
Select Maroon 5 tracks
Select Linkin Park tracks
Gift Cards I Like:
iTunes Gift Card
Megaplex gift card/package
Old Navy Gift Card
Target Gift Card
ShopKo Gift Card
Fabric Center Gift Certificate
Music Stuff:
Clarinet Cleaning from Riverton Music
New Synthetic Ligere Reed size 2.0-2.5
New Vandoren Cane Reed size 2.5-3.0
D-String for Guitar
Makeover… one or more of the following:
Manicure
Pedicure
Massage
Make-up that works for me and my face!
Herbal Essences Curly(or body…whatever special type…) Shampoo & Conditioner
Well, I think that about covers it, Santa. Thanks so much for taking the time to read it!
**NOTE: This letter is just for fun, but the wishes are true.
Anyway, this was just to get back into the Christmas Spirit and revert back to the thought process of a child. Make comments, ask questions, and please make your own list and letter for Santa!
Ok, so I've been to a little over 10 classes thus far and I am finding that I am having a hard time with the class in general. Now, my intention isn't to bash on my professor or his teaching methods. I just thought that I would highlight some of the things that I liked, some of the things that I found interesting.
My professor says that sociology is really "the study of the obvious," rather than "the study of society." It may be the obvious, but some of the things that I have thought while in class are pretty profound. And by the way, what is the true definition of society? He uses that word a lot.
August 27, 2008
Never accept something as pure truth at face value, take time to consider and question it.
We are who we are because of how and where we live and because of who we live with.
We are taught how to think in different ways - it depends on the environment we live in.
August 29, 2008
To find out what ideas mean, find applications for them.
Rather than accepting something as a pure truth, discuss different ideas in abstract perspectives to see all the possibilities behind the statement. Consider authority and power, how and why someone has it and if they are really right.
Do we conform?
How do we conform?
Why do we conform?
When do we conform?
Why are you in college?
What do you gain for it?
How do morals, ethics and values fit into sociology?
Things that we respect and things we ought to respect are very different.
Why do we respect and attract the things we do?
September 3, 2008
How does being born into different societies effect who you are, what you do, and what you accomplish?
How do you find a balance between conformity vs. unique identity?
We are all the products of circumstances of which we come.
September 5, 2008
The situations in which we live, shape our ways of being/thinking.
Think about these things, tell me what you think...
So, I have had some interesting experiences these past few days...
~*~
Last Friday was really a pretty good day. The devotional that I attended was very good. The speaker was Jack Christiansen, he is a alumni of the staff at the Orem Institute of Religion. I really enjoyed his talk. It was on kindness and doing the right thing because it is right. Let's not forget the munch and mingle that occurs after each devotional - they always serve something good!
I played a few rounds of pool to end up the school-week and then just hung out with the people in the game room. By the time closing time came, I hadn't returned the pool equipment to the main office yet, so one of the secretaries came to get it. At that point, I remembered that I needed to pick up my UVU Plus card from the office since you have to trade your ID for the equipment. Well, to my dismay, my ID was no where to be found and the thought that it might be in the hands of someone dishonest and irresponsible was shocking and horrifying. So that in and of itself really sort of ruined the weekend for me and my family just with the worry of it all.
So, instead of risking the loss of money to someone who may have picked up my card I called up the 24 hour line to the bank that is linked with the card and I froze my account.
Thankfully, and luckily, I checked my e-mail and found that a young lady named Amy had sent me a message on Facebook that said that she had my ID card and to call her at the number she gave me. I checked out what I could see of Amy's profile and she was in the Provo network and that she was married so I guessed that she either attended institute on campus or at least went to the young married socials at the institute that happen in the evening. She said that she found it late on Friday night.
So, obviously, excited with anticipation I called her up once it was 8:00 am, today, and asked for details on where and when I could get my card back. We set up a time and place and I met here there and she had it! I was so thankful to her for that! At least some kind and honest people still exist in this world.
~*~
Saturday was a pretty good day, I got up early and went to work at the Fabric Center. I usually don't work there very often; I was just subbing for another clerk. It was so good to be back at the place I love to be and to help people with their sewing projects. Best of all, I was able to work with Marilyn and Allyson, I think I have had some of my best times working with them. It was really good to see Allyson again. I love that girl, she is probably the sweetest girl that I know and a lot of times I just want to hug her!
~*~
Sunday was a pretty good day, there weren't very many kids in nursery and there seemed to be more adults than kids. I think it was a hard day for a few of them. I went to YSA, which was good and interesting. I like to go to YSA because it gives me an opportunity to go to Sunday School since I am in nursery during the time that the adults go to Sunday School. I am not complaining about that, don't get me wrong, but it is also nice to be able to see people my age who I don't see very often anymore.
~*~
Today was a pretty good day. ASL seems to be going pretty well, my professor seems to see that I am trying very hard in class. The same goes for my Ethics and Values professor. Both classes are small and I don't mind speaking up in those classes.
However, I must say that I found my Sociology professor to be very annoying today. He talked about many things, about how society shapes the expectations of what comes with differing roles and status' that are established just with living within society.
The thing that bothered me though was the fact that he was justifying that society sees it as OK to not pay women the same wage as men. His reasoning behind it was that women are not as commited to their jobs because they have to work in the home as well, be mothers and homemakers and housewives and are more likely to quit their jobs and work as a mom. While I understand the reasoning behind it, I still think it is wrong. Even if the majority of women in Utah Valley do want to be housewives, that is no reason to pay them less than the men. Women are doing the exact things that men do in the workplace. Most working women that I know are very commited to their jobs and it seems like the only way for women to get ahead romancing their way to it. I think that too many times, women who are committed and work hard don't recieve the merit that they deserve. I honestly think it's a bunch of B.S. that women still get paid less than men ! My professor stated the fact that 33% or one third of all women in America are the bread-winners of the family. With that being said, how are women supposed to support their family and keep up a household when she has to work more hours to compensate for the lack of pay?
My professor went on to say that men that are in positions of power and management are respected when they are assertive and authoritative. However, he went on to say that women who are in positions of power and management are not as respected, he went as far to say that they are bit**es. That made me so mad! He made it seem like it was OK to see women of power that way. It is not OK! I don't appreciate what he said. However, I do realize that he may have been saying that to just get us thinking and to get a rise out of us. Even so, I still don't appreciate it!
~*~
Anyway, thanks for reading the vent about my Sociology professor. Please comment! Let me know what you think about my past few days that have been "bueno y malo."
So, in my institute class - Dating & Courtship (AKA Date & Mate) - we discussed fun & inexpensive dating ideas. My friend Brittany and I came up with a list of possible dates that are fun but don't eat a hole in your pocket. Here is the list that we made.
1. Dinner making and movie (fav veggis) 2. Childhood dinner favorites 3. Game night 4. Scavenger hunt 5. Church dance 6. Pet washing 7. Study date 8. Special smoothie (fav fruits) 9. Musical Chairs (fav music) 10. Cloud Watching 11. Star Gazing 12. Teach each other a new skill 13. Walking 14. Coloring 15. Face Painting
What are some of your thoughts? Do you have some fun experiences? What would you like to do if you could choose?
By the way, if you want to know more about any of my ideas, just ask about it (them) in a comment.
Well, this week has been... interesting... I will give you the quick recap.
Monday
Work
Tuesday
Helped Mom at WX
Ate Breakfast with Briahna and Kaylee
New Epileptologist Appointment
Psycho Phlebotomist
Talked with U of U student on TRAX
Hung Out with Jeff M.
Ate at Litza's Pizza
Shared music on our MacBooks
Wednesday
Helped Mom at WX
Took Frontrunner/TRAX/UTA Bus to Campus
Found my classes
ASL Level 3
Philosophy
Shakespeare
Sociology
Symphonic Band
Explored the new Library
Saw Joe...
Bought my books
Signed up for Institute
Dating and Courtship
Friday Devotionals
Thursday
Hung Out With Breelyn
Breakfast at Johanna's Restaurant
Saw Mama Mia at Jordan Commons
Work
Friday
Work
Shopping at Dad's Work (Caterpilliar [CAT])
Shopping at Wal-Mart
New Shirt
Tink Bag
Purple iHome
School Supplies
Jewelry
Saturday
Wrote the most of my talk
Work
Finsihed writing talk
Sunday
Nursery Calling
Gave Report on Hill Cumorah Pageant Experience in Sacrament
Went to YSA Class
Pretty much all I have been doing today is exactly what I want... I have been able to surf the internet and just listen to music and enjoy the day. This is probably the last week that I will have a weekend, let alone a Sunday that I won't have to do homework. I am hoping though, that I won't have to do homework on Sunday. I start school this Wednesday and I am pretty excited about it.
I've sort of had a lot on my mind lately, stuff pertaining to work, school, and my new epileptologist. I won't be working nearly as much now that school is starting. It is a good thing that I won't be working because I get so tired so easily but at the same time, I am going to miss the people that I work with and I am going to miss the fabric...
I don't know what to think about my new epileptologist... she seems nice, and kind, but I am really sort of nervous about the whole thing... I have some new perscriptions that I am going to start in a month...
There is so much more I want to tell you right now, but my mind really isn't working too well with me...
This was the outcome of the test that I took on Blogthings.com, I would have to say that, for the most part this is true. Some of it I don't think applies to me. However, I think that some of my closest friends would already most of this know this about me. What do you think about my outcome? Do you agree? Take the test and post it on your blog!
Well, among other things that have happened this week, I thought I would talk about some of the good things that went on. Let’s see, I’d have to say that within the last seven days my first highlight would have to be last Friday. I had made plans with Briahna to go to her house and have a get-together with some friends from high school before we all headed back to college. I got my stuff together, including some snacks to share with the gang.
I went to the TRAX station that was closest to my house and I got on to make the journey to Salt Lake. It took about 45-50 minutes on the train, but I passed the time by listening to my “Purple Pixie” iPod Shuffle. I absolutely love listening to music while I am on the train or bus. It let’s me be in a different time and place, away from anything that bothers me. Not to mention that I can sound-out the din of anything or anybody that is making noises that I don’t want to hear. So there I sat just enjoying the ride.
Once I was in Salt Lake, I went to the platform where the Frontrunner boards passengers. I had to get my ticket first because my Ed-pass doesn’t currently cover the cost of Frontrunner. I had never been on Frontrunner before. It is a rather recent addition to UTA. It is a really nice commuter train; it has nice large seats and plenty of leg-room. There are two levels to the train so more passengers can fit. I haven’t had a chance to see the view from the upper level but I think that it would be a really neat experience.
The Frontrunner is very smooth, it doesn’t sway and it isn’t a bumpy ride. It only took me about 15 minutes to get to Woods Cross, where Briahna picked me up.
Once in the car with Briahna, we talked and chatted about how our lives were now and what our plans were for the fall. We talked about the young men that we knew who were on their missions or getting ready to go on their missions.
Getting to hang out with my friends from Woods Cross and the general North Salt Lake area is pretty important to me. It is really hard for me to see them since I live about 25 miles away from there and the cost of gas is just obnoxious. Not to mention the fact that I don’t have a car. ☺
I arrived at Briahna’s house and her mom was kind enough to let me have some of their dinner, since I hadn’t eaten. Actually I hadn’t thought about it much before I left from home. So, I had Spaghetti with “Farmer John” cheese, a slice of toast and something that I had never thought to have with Spaghetti before - Peeled and sliced cucumbers! I never would have thought that it would be such a refreshing side for marinara pasta! I think it is sort of a way to refresh your taste buds after tasting the pinches and scoops of onion, tomato, basil, and garlic. I will definitely consider adding cucumbers to my next dish of Spaghetti; thanks to Briahna’s family!
After waiting for a little while for people to show up, we chatted and talked until we decided that we should get down to business in the sense of watching a movie. We watched something that most of us hadn’t seen before. It is one of Kiera Knightly’s first big movies, The Princess of Thieves. It was a very good movie, it was thrilling, it was suspenseful, there was a little bit of romance but it was a clean flick! I will do a Media Review on it if I get a chance to watch it again. This worked for everyone there too, since there was only one guy, we didn't really want to subject him to chick-flicks, even though he is practically immune to them by now.
We watched the movie, at popcorn, M&M's, Chex Mix and had drinks. It was really fun to see a few friends from school. Especially Briahna and Kaylee. I saw BJ, Stephanie and her little sister, Rachel, (BJ was the guy I mentioned earlier.) BJ and Steph are so cute together, you can just tell how much they care about each other and how close they are to each other. I am happy for them, that they are lucky enough to have found each other... Steph and BJ graduated a year ahead of me and Briahna but we still knew them pretty well.
It just boggles me that I didn't know Briahna until the end of our Junior year. When you see us together and if you were to listen to our conversations you wouldn't think that we had only known each other for a little over 2 years. We have sure had some times to bond. I can think of a few, such as NHS and the music trips to Cali.
After the movie was over, BJ, Steph, and Rachel headed home but me and Briahna stayed up to watch 27 Dresses in her room, on her laptop. Katherine Heigl was the star of the show, and I liked her so much better in this movie, as compared to the role that she plays in Grey's Anatomy...
And may I just say that James Marsden does a spectacular job in this movie? He just seems to play himself... he isn't Cyclops, he isn't Corny Collins and he isn't Prince Edward. *Sigh* I think that with a few word edits here and there that 27 Dresses would be a spectacular movie!
Even after the movie was over, Briahna and I stayed up, having girl-talk. We probably got to bed around 2 am only to wake around 7:45 am and have yummy French Toast. Again, I give my thanks to Briahna's mother for a scrumptious breakfast!
After breakfast it was home to change and off to work. But I hope that I can definately see my High School friends again soon - and more of them too!!!
Well, that's all for right now, Blogging Later, ~Holly Elizabeth AKA ~~Holls
So, now and then I like to do media reviews on the latest stuff that I have seen, read, or listened to. I did a few of them in my other blog (The Formal Operational Stage of Life) and I thought that these summer releases would be a great place to start.
After Chrissi and I were released from the Hill Cumorah Pageant we were on the road again. We watched Disney Channel and the Food Network most nights that we stayed in hotels. As many of you know, when you watch Disney Channel, there are mini-music-videos (they are less than 2 minutes) that promote the latest Disney Channel Pop-Star.
How many of you have seen Miley's 7 Things music video? Can I see a raise of hands? Well, Chrissi and I had only ever seen it on those nights that we watched Disney Channel, and the video was very weird for someone who had never seen the whole thing because, if you are familiar with the song, Miley goes through the 7 things that she hates about her guy and then the 7 things that she loves about her guy.
Well, it shows her and a few other girls and how sad they are from how their guys hurt them and then it breaks to the verse where Miley sings about the 7 things that she loves about her guy... Needless to say, we found that rather confusing because Miley and the other girls are supposed to be sad... but then they sing about how they love their guy...? So, on one of the nights that we stayed at a hotel that had WiFi, I looked up her 7 Things music video on YouTube. Again, needless to say, it cleared things up for us, it was most helpful to see the whole thing.
Christine and I decided that they shortened the video for one or two reasons, the first being more obvious but the second reason is a real possibility. The first reason would be for just keeping the time in commercials and in between shows to be not too long, or so they could fit more promotional things in there too. The second reason, we thought, might have been because the younger Hannah/Miley fans' parents probably don't want their children hearing about how their pre-teen popstar idol sings about hating someone. A big no-no! *wink wink*
Now you know the story about how I came acoss Miley's album, now it's time for the review. Here is the list of her songs on her newest album, Breakout.
Breakout
7 Things
The Driveway
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Full Circle
Fly on the Wall
Bottom of the Ocean
Wake Up America
These Four Walls
Simple Song
Goodbye
See You Again (Rock Mafia Remix)
Holly Elizabeth's Rating: 3 and a Half Stars My overall thought about Breakout, is that it is a great debut album for her break-away from the Hannah Montana name. While most of her songs have the same upbeat peppy nature that Hannah performs there are a few songs that shows a different side that most Hannah-fans are not used to and a side that the older teenagers and young adults can better appreciate.
When I first listened to the first song on the album, Breakout, I was reminded of a song that was on her previous album Hannah Montana 2, many Hannah fans would know it, it's called We Got The Party. Both songs are basically about partying and breaking out of the norm of everyday life. I would put Breakout as a song that is geared more toward the younger fans.
Miley's hit single, as was mentioned above, 7 Things, I think reminds me of a sort of Avril Lavigne-ish nature or attitude with the whole "seven things I hate about you" thing. However, on a different side, the audible acoustic guitar, and southern drawl reminds me of Carrie Underwood. Either way, it is a great song for when you are mad at your guy. It exhibits adequate passion, confusion, and frustration for the inexperienced dater. I would say that 7 Things was meant for the older fans, but it still sort of goes toward the pre-teen fans.
One of the songs that is different from her usual peppy beat would be track 3's The Driveway. It is definitely meant more for the older fans. It took me a few times to figure it out, but my interpretation of the song is that she tries for so long to make her relationship with her guy work but it just isn't working and so then one night when he is driving her home they break it off and she watches him leave her driveway, knowing that she won't see him again. This is a song that I favor a bit more, but the thing that I wonder is that if you really think about Miley's age, and then think about the nature of the song, how much relationship experience could she really have had? And if she has had her share of relationship experience do you really think that is alright for someone her age to be in such a relationship?
I'd have to say that the best song on the album would have to be the fourth song, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Miley and her co-writers did a really nice job on covering this song. I absolutely love the upbeat tempo and how there is a forte of strings. It was the perfect mix of nostalgia, classic rock and pop.
Full Circle, now that's a name of a song that makes you wonder, what could that song be about? Well, I still haven't figured it out yet, I think it's about how Miley always goes back to the guy who she is most comfortable with. Please, listen to it and then comment my blog and explain it to me!
Don't YOU wish that YOU could be a Fly On The Wall? Ok, what other song does this remind you of? It's a guy who sings this other song, he came up second in one of the seasons of American Idol, comment who it is that sings about flies on walls and I will reward you. Besides the fact that flies on walls has already been covered in the area of pop music I would have to say, that, in a weird way, this sixth song is by far one of my most favorite from this album. I think what I like most is that the above mentioned male singer sings about longing to be a fly on the wall, while Miley is singing about how she KNOWS that her guy wishes that he could be a fly on her wall. It's just ironic... I think though, as far as fans go, I think that the younger fans will like the beat, but the older fans will appreciate the irony and the nature of the song.
It's on the Bottom of the Ocean and towards the bottom of my rating list. This song is a great one, if you are in the right mood. It is definitely slower and it just... Well to be honest about it, if I have lost the love of someone that I loved then I probably don't want to be more depressed I probably want to listen to something that helps me vent my anger and frustration. If I become depressed and uncaring at all... that is a scary thing to see... So, it is a good song, it isn't bad, it's just not my thing. I think that this was meant for the older fans and I think it is those fans who will appreciate it most as well.
The next song, Wake Up America, has a great message, but it just doesn't cut it for my liking... I think that today's pop stars are trying to gain a little bit more attention by letting the world know that they are a part of the plan to "Go Green." I understand why it's so important to "go green" and I will do my small part, but it seems like such a politically charged issue and as with most politics, I don't like hearing about it or having to think too hard about it. Call me a "blond" or whatever, but politics just aren't my thing, just as the seventh song on Miley's album just isn't my thing either.
These Four Walls, doesn't get four stars from me. Ok, this is another, "not my thing" sort of song. It is a good song, if you are in the mood to listen to it. I believe that this was written to be for the older fans. I would, however, love to know your opinion about These Four Walls, because I know it is a good song. What do you think about it?
To take a break from the reading of my review take a look at the music video for 7 Things, as mentioned above.
You know, sometimes you get to listening to music and there is so much going on within it that you don't understand it, sometimes that's how life is too - you get to much going on around you and within you that you get lost and confused. That is what the tenth song in the album says to me when I listen to it. It's called Simple Song, and I think that the title fits nicely. I think that for the younger fans, they might like the song, but I think that the older fans will like and appreciate it more. This is one falls into my top five of the album. Where does it fall for you?
The second-to-last song, Goodbye, is also in my top five with Simple Song. This song has more acoustic music such as guitar and strings such as violin and has more of a country feel. I love the sound of the song, I love the lyrics. But the nature of the song causes me to again wonder how much real relationship experience young Miley could have had thus far in her life. This song I'd say is meant for the older fans and I think it is those fans who will like it and appreciate it.
Last but definitely not least is the twelfth song that is well known at dances/stomps (at least the ones I go to) and it's called See You Again (Rock Mafia Remix). This song is most definitely in my top five. I really love good remixes - they are fantabulous! The thing that I like the most about this one is that Christine likes it and when we listen to it in her car she makes me laugh when she lip-syncs along and then I just have to join in. We have had some good times listening to See You Again, both the original and the remix.
Top Five Songs (In Order of Appearance)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (4)
Fly On The Wall (6)
Simple Song (10)
Goodbye (11)
See You Again (Rock Mafia Remix) (12)
Well, this has been the first Media Review of a College Student, I hope you enjoyed it. Please comment any answers to my questions within the blog and your thoughts about my post.
Blogging Later, Always, ~Holly Elizabeth AKA ~~Holls
Here are the directions: 1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! 2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog, like I did after I saw my sister's blog, and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
Well, today is Sunday, I have been home from my trip for 11 days now - not even two weeks yet and it seems that Post-Pageant-Depression is settling in. No worries though, that is just another way of saying that I miss being at the Hill, I miss being with the people at the Pageant and I miss the feeling that I had while I was there.
I am pretty sure that I can try my best to keep that feeling with me, even here at home, but it isn't quite the same. I will liken it unto the feeling that you would have at Christmas-time... Do you know the phrase, "Keep Christmas with you, all through the year?" Well, that's what it's like, you can try and keep that feeling with you all the rest of your life but it isn't the same as being there, or it isn't the same as it actually being Christmas. If anything at all, I am going to have to try and keep it alive at least until Sunday, Auugust 24th, Brother Fair asked my sister and I to speak in Sacrament meeting on that day and tell about our experience at the Hill Cumorah Pageant. I will make it my goal to try and have a post or two about the Pageant up by that time.
In other news, I had a pretty good week, I worked everyday this week except for Wednesday and, of course, Sunday. I read the new book, Breaking Dawn, starting on last Sunday through Tuesday, (Look for another post on Media Reviews) I hung out with my friend Jaynee, and we watched The Village. I've been watching the Beijing Summer Olympics, which has been good too. The only thing that wasn't so great about this week is that Allyson, one of my co-workers at work, has been pretty much gone this week.
Allyson is the Drum Major at WJHS and therefore must be at the practices that they have. Therefore she wasn't at work, which was sad for me because I love working with her, and because her not being there made me the default folder, which added more work for me at the store, even on slow nights...
I think it was Friday night that I didn't get out of there until after 10:00pm, which is unusual for me since we close at 9:00pm and are out of the store by twenty after. Anyway, on the happier side of things, Wednesday was one of my better days this week.
I started out around 10, going to run errands with my Aunt JoAnne, we headed first to Office Max for some colored paper, since the Library at Church was in dire need of colored paper for the new copy machine. The paper was easy to find, but you couldn't help but get sucked in looking at all of the different things for school and all of the pens! I know I am weird, but that's what scrapbooking does to you, just seeing all of the different possibilities of what different pens can do and their different colors and designs. I don't know why, but colors and designs intrigue me in any form, not just pens, another form is shoes!
After making our purchases at Office Max (mine being a couple of little notebooks and the new Sharpie pens) we headed down a couple of stores of the Family Center Strip-Mall and went into Famous Footwear. JoAnne said that she needed some new shoes for her new job at the local elementary school. It took a lot of self control to not try on shoes for myself and then buy them. Instead of trying and buying for myself, I channeled my "shoe-energy" to helping JoAnne find some cute shoes. And why buy just one pair when it is BOGO? (I know that is a Payless thing, but Famous does it too) So my task was to help her find those kinds of shoes that are easy to slip on, but stay on nicely too - generally the kind that have a bit of elastic in the tongue of the shoe.
After a bit of looking and trying on of shoes, JoAnne ended up getting some nice white Sketchers with little gems on them and she also bought some RocketDog shoes that were multi-colored, mostly in the colors of brown, blue, pink and purple. They are so very cute!!! I wished that I could have bought some for myself, but I remembered that I stopped at the Sketchers store in Park City on my way home from Pageant and that I still owe Chrissi a bit of money...
After I put our spoils in the trunk of JoAnne's beautiful green Pontiac, we headed over to Chili's and had some lunch there. I was reminded of the first time that I had gone to Chili's, which was the only other time I had been to Chili's before this last Wednesday. I had gone before with Julie C. before we had gone to the Jonas Brothers, A Little Bit Longer Tour, concert. I remembered that I had the Big-Mouth Bites, which are the epitome of what I love on a burger and that Julie had a Chicken Ranch Sandwhich. So I suggested that JoAnne have the Big-Mouth Bites and I had the Chicken Ranch Sanwhich... Oh my heavens! It was absolutely delicious!!! I am not a huge fan of spice, but this was just right! Oh, and I will say, on behalf of Chili's that their Cherry Cokes are Fan-Tabulous!!! I downed three of those they are so good. Usually I don't get past one and half drinks let alone two! After lunch, we made a stop at Wal-Mart just to look around and I picked up some stuff for my mom. My self control to spend money on frivoless things nearly broke, if it hadn't have been for JoAnne. They had so many Tinkerbell things and so many shiny things! All for a low price - ha ha
After my close call at Wal-Mart, we headed home and I got JoAnne's stuff in her house and took my stuff home to drop it off. Afterwards, I headed over to Jaynee's house to just hang out, we watched The Village, painted our nails, and ate Twizzlers and Popcorn. It was good to finally see The Village, because Jaynee always talkes about the character, Ivy Walker and one of the guys in the movie, Joquain Pheonix - who is a very handsome man. *wink wink* It was a nice change too, I am forever watching chick flicks or action flicks with cute guys in them, but this was a thriller flick that had suspense, the right amount of romance between a modest young man and woman and suspenceful action! The Village kept me on "the egde of my seat" except for I was on my stomach on the floor with my chin in my hands and my feet waving back and forth. I love hanging out with Jaynee. I can totally be myself when I am with her. I think she is one of my truest most loyal friends and one of the few friends that has been friends with me for more than 3 or 4 years.
So, by 5:00 pm on Wednesday I was home and I was in store for an interesting night. I went with Chrissi to the Library and checked out some new books, texted a lot that evening after dinner. Then I went outside to help do yard work. I took my phone with me, since I knew that friends would be texting me from conversations that were still going and also because I needed a reason to be distracted from yard work - it isn't my most favorite thing in the world. Anyway, I was really glad that I brought my phone out with me because by 7:00 a guy from college texted me.
I met this guy during my first semester of college, I saw him pretty much everyday through my second semester, but I never really got to talk to him - he was just one of those people who you say "Hi, how ya doin'?" to everyday and then move on with life.
Back in June, I went with Jaynee and Marcie to an Institute dance on campus and I saw him there, we danced a couple of dances together and then fast danced with his group of friends. I got his number at the end of the dance and we texted a few times in June, but obviously nothing in July, and then out of the blue, I got a text from him last Wednesday. By 9:15 pm we had texted here and there, until finally he said something that just made me think, "what?!" and so I called him and we chatted until after 11:00pm during which time he asked me out for a date this week! Keep an eye out for more to find out how the date went. Anyway, he came by to see me on Thursday night to tell me a bit about his business and it was good stuff to learn about. I got a hug and a half out of it so that's a good sign (I think).
On Friday, I have got to tell you that I made the absolute best breakfast for myself that I have ever had in a long time. I will share the ingrediants with you...
Quarter Green Pepper chopped to desired sizes
2 and 1/2 tablespoons of Pico De Gallo
Pinch of Onion Powder
Pinch of Garlic Powder
Salt & Pepper
Three Medium Eggs Scrambled with Vegetables and Seasoning in small bowl
Pour in frying pan
Let it begin to cook
Add and let melt...
Grated Cheddar Cheese to desired amount
One slice of Provolone Cheese Torn into desired sizes
Cook until desired firmness is reached
Enjoy!
Saturday was the last day of Harvest Days but I had to work... so instead, my mom and sister went to the park to see what the little booths had to offer. They were nice enough to buy me a pair of purple earrings, and a pearl ring with a purple bead with it - my favorite!!! After work ended I went to a YSA Activity/Birthday Party at Lizzy's house, played Eygptian Rat Screw, had a quick bite, and headed home to meet Chrssi, Mom, and JoAnne to go see Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband for free at the park! It was so freakin' awesome to see them! I never get tired of seeing Ryan and his band live. Their music is fantabulous and I really hope that more people give it a chance. They are all so full of energy and their music is down to earth and not punked up. It rained off and on during the performance, but it was nothing compared to the rain back east! The rain ended for a bit and then it was time for the fireworks that signified the end of Harvest Days and another year of being Midvale City. During the fireworks, it began to rain again, and I wrote the following poem in response to what I felt while I watched, heard, and felt it.
Firedrops
The sky lit up, brilliant with color.
It seemed, as if, human memory or photography could ever allow justice to be served to that dazzling sight
Volumes of sound shook the atmosphere around us and reverberated off walls of houses behind us
It seemed, as if, it was causing an internal earthquake for my ribs, but excitedly so.
Suddenly, It seemed, as if, the sparks and charred ends of the bursting light were falling to the ground in a frenzy.
The night was warm. The drops made the air hazy.
But I was not sodden for the leafy shelter kept it from my face making the night more ominous
The gleaming blasts would not be frustrated So dangerous, so beautiful… Kept silent and peaceful until provoked and tempted to explode into their beauty, if only for a moment
The drops amongst the fire only made everything so much more…
I hope you got through my post without falling asleep, and I hope you liked my poem. Please comment! I would love to hear what you have to say, and answer any questions I can. Here is my question for you tonight.
Is there someone who just makes you smile? Who? What can you do to let them know that?
Also, I am going to try and post at least one picture from my Vaction on the rest of my posts so you will get to see a lot of them. Here is tonights...
This is the last church historical site that we visited before we got home. There is a replica of the Jail housed inside of the visitors center, it is inside of the domed part of the building that you see on the right side. I really enjoyed what I learned there and what I felt there. It was a true testiment to faith and endurance on the part of Joseph Smith and the others who were with him. Enjoy the pic! Ask questions! Comment!
