yeah, so I viewed a few of my friends' blogs. I liked all the Halloween stories, especially Greg's story of watching a furby get hit by a car...(?) entertaining. And Ben's story of playing ultimate fisbee until two something in the morning...And Marcus's story of being the phantom of the opera. alas, it's interesting to see what goes on in people's lives.

RESisTANce

HAha...I am a person without flaws...just kidding. I have found that I am not a person who can easily focus on one task. Especially focusing on my homework. I have found that I put off my homework until later in the evening and go to bed late because I am unable to focus on the daunting task of learning.
What I have found that works is reading my scriptures before I start on my homework. I have found that the Spirit is able to teach, and will help me understand and therefore I am able to focus a bit better on my work. I learned this simple thing not too long ago, and it has really helped me tremendously.

Halloweenie

So my Halloween was not your typical Halloween. I went to the Provo Temple with my new found interest, Greg. We went in to do baptisms of course, but sadly he was not needed down in the baptistery. So, he went upstairs to do other needed work while I celebrated the thought of commemorating the dead and doing work for them. We then went to Cafe Rio, which is awesome cheap Mexican food on University Parkway (if you wanted to check that out yourself). Then I sadly had to go back on campus to do some necessary work...: (
Afterwards since I felt the need to spend my day with someone I care about, of course, Greg. Greg and I decided to go to the Nickel Arcade where he proceeded to kick my butt at DDR and other amazingly fun video games.
Later my evening consisted of dressing up as a princess and going to my writing teacher's house for homemade donuts with my roommate, Bethany and a friend of ours, James. And then we went to Denny's and had a late delicious dinner. We decided to watch The Phantom of the Opera at home, and I ended my day at that.

The value of Work

Growing up, my parents had the same attitude towards work. We all had our chores or assignments around the house. It was not as organized when I was younger, but we all had to participate in our house projects or do what we were told by our parents. Later on, we had to learn the value of taking the initiative. Even though you are not told to do something, and you see it needs to be done, do it. That was something I learned quickly especially as the oldest child of a single parent.
"You do not grow unless you work." I love this quote; it is completely true in all respects. You can not progress at all if you do not work. Work on your talents, schooling, relationships, testimonies, etc. There is another quote by Gordon B. Hinckley that says something to the respect of when a person gains a personal testimony, he is not motivated by outside things, but by the conviction of his heart. It remind us that faith is such a big part of our lives. We push ourselves to be better and closer to Heavenly Father because we believe--know it's true. We work on our testimonies, we are stretched because we believe it's true. We work on these Gospel principles because we have made it a goal in our life to return to our Father in Heaven.
I also like how Gordon B. Hinckley says that we like play and that we do need it. But play does come in moderation. When I went to the Lion House about a month ago, I found a really cool saying by Brigham Young, "Eight hours of work, eight hours of play, and eight hours of sleep makes a day." We need work, and we need play, and we most definitely need the play, but it all comes with balance.

Education in Zion

So I really liked the exhibit on Education in Zion. It shows the need for education and how far it really has come. One thing I love out of this whole exhibit is the example of Joseph Smith. I think the example of Joseph Smith is something we should all follow. He was a poorly educated person who translated the Book of Mormon, tried and failed at starting a bank in Ohio, was able to receive revelations, organized the School of Prophets, organized the Church through inspiration of the Lord. it really goes to show that men will be strong through their weaknesses (Ether 12:27) , and Heavenly Father does teach us through our trials and experiences. Joseph Smith learned to really listen to Heavenly Father's counsel when he let Martin Harris take the manuscripts. He learned to overcome trials and have faith when things were at their worst. He continued his education even though he was an adult. I think that people have it wrong when they say that they will not have to continue learning when they get out of college. there are so many things in the world that could be better understood and necessary for our use. Like Joseph Smith, Jr., my mom has kind of had to do that. She quit school and got married, then went into the military when she got divorced. Learned another language, continued her education through the military and after she got out (thanks to the G.I. bill!). and it's crazy because she has so much education, and hardly the job market to support her in the place she lives. But education is a continuing thing that is totally worth one's time. I love the promise in Doctrine and Covenants 130:18(-19) "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection." So Learn all you can, and learn to be more like Heavenly Father.

Homecoming Week...

I don't know what it is, but I feel really un spirited here at school. Maybe it's because I am indifferent and feel like not celebrating. I have no idea why because I love school, learning, the friends that I have made, etc.
Anyways, I attended the True Blue Football, and was not really impressed. First of all, the game like ended when I got there like (4:45ish) and people were like all about this volcano like thing spewing foam! yay! So, yeah, I was kind of thinking, "odd. people going crazy over foam...interesting...scary." And then I waited a while in line for the huge hill in which one could slide down on in and get "foamed", and was thinking this is so not worth it. I think I will go home now. So I walked home with blue feet and that was that.
I think I will attend the parade.
* * *
As for the parade, I found that it was like any other parade except it was stinkin' cold and I didn't stick around long. I think I maybe perhaps have a terrible attitude problem, and have become anti-yada-wada. it's bad, I know, but I think it might be friends who seem to be a bit anti-this and that, too, and so it has become a social kind of a thing. I think I should fix something here.

General Conference

so the talk that really meant something to me was Elder L. Tom Perry's during the first session on Saturday. The quote "the best is yet to come" (Robert Browning) really helped. I know now that I feel worried or stressed, but I shouldn't because there is somthing better coming. It really means a whole lot. i liked that about this General Conference; a lot of the speakers spoke of hope and faith in ourselves, Heavenly Father of course, and in the future. It's hard to look forward with faith, but when we realize that Heavenly Father cares specifically for each one of his children, it makes it special, easier, and worth wild. Elder Perry based his talk off of Thoreau, which I really liked. I think Thoreau is such an awesome person. Anyways, I think when we really simply things like Thoreau had, it makes it so much the better. we don't have to worry about this and that which makes us stress. instead, we focus on the things that are important. Especially with the crazy economy we have now. I really think the counsel given under shelter can especially apply to me: live within means, SAVE for a Rainy day, and stay out of debt. Anyways, I enjoyed a lot of the talks given; they were all very uplifting and encouraging to do what is right.

Once a Cougar, always a Cougar. meow.

Okay, so I find myself not too fond of tours. I like to do that on my own time. Sadly, I did not pay attention as I probably should have (probably because I don't like standing around hearing explanations, sorry!!). But I did like the large conference room with plush, leather chairs and a large desk to keep me as far apart as I possibly can.
I did find the pictures very interesting, and unique. I feel bad for the women's basketball team because they probably couldn't pay as best as they could in outfits like that. Of course, i think they were very genteel, non-violent women. - terrible stereotype!!
As to being a Cougar, yay. But I don't think I have enough spirit any more. It's hard to believe, but I have had enough of the whole "we're better then you" because we are such 'n such. whatever. I like being a student here because I do have wonderful peers, teachers, and a overall great environment. As for responsibilities of a college graduate student. Carry on the Legacy, and the things you learn and teach them to others.

to whom it may concern

Well, considering the fact I like assignments that don't involve me telling the inner most personal thoughts of my soul, I will let you know that this experience of attending Brigham Young has been great for the most part. I have enjoyed the experience of living on my own. I do like the things that go on and the people i am surrounded by. the only thing I really have had a hard time with is the fact that everyone in my ward is the same age, and it's really disappointing to not be able to have the age groups, etc.
I don't like the lectures I get in my physical science class. I don't feel like he is talking directly to me, and I am just a face in a sea of people. It makes it hard for me to really want to pay attention in that class. Why do they have classes that huge in the first place. it's rather said and kind of silly. My Hebrew class is wonderful, and I wish that I could understand everything in it. it drives me crazy because I have a hard time with pronunciation, that I can't really speak at all. ARGH!!!
I hate the fact that I have netflix, because now I can watch movies and The Office all the time. So I waste my time on that, and I really don't have any discipline against it. It makes me sad.
I anticipated a great time here, and I am having a great time. Although, today I had like an anxiety attack. And I think I am over it. So in anycase, I know that if I continue to read my scriptures, go to the temple, and do what I need to be doing, I can get things done and not feel worried.

My grand adventure

So, for my adventure around campus i was unoriginal and went to explore the HFAC basement. Yeah, so I asked this really cool, very cute guy I work with to go exploring with me. So the only bad thing was that he was not feeling very well and didn't enjoy exploring as much as I did. So, we explored the basement as much as our heart's desired and well I think we were both disappointed with it. OOhh cool water heater. Oh the walls go from gray to white. Wow. A death threat on a door. Mmmm...better reconsider that option. Oh pianos for sell? dont have enough Money for that. Oh well. so we ended our adventure there and looked at all the spiffy paintings and artwork displayed. So much more entertaining.
Oh, I don't know if this counts, but I attended the tunnel singing on Sunday night. I have never been there, but it was so super awesome. It's right by the Marriot Center and we sing hymns for an hour or so. But it was really neat, and it's a good way to make new friends. I sadly lost my voice, and left a little early. Anyways, something we should all try.

Christ Healing the Sick at Betheseda

Man under the tarp; one can't see the face well enough since it's dark, but his eyes are in awe of Christ. It's great seeing how thrilled he looks. Christ has his hands out like Come follow me; i can do all things for you if you will have faith in me. He wants to heal you, but sometimes we are ignorant or prideful of being healed. Which is quite sad. I, like the man in the red cap do not always recognize the Lord and the healing power he can offer. I haven't seen such sorrow on a person's face in a painting. like without tears, but it's so recognizable in him. I wonder if it's the lack of faith or of desire of help. Some look distracted and others see past the miracles and think of the law of the Sabbath. you would think that those who knew the law, etc. would care of spiritual things and would want to be spiritually edified. They are going about their daily lifes instead. The man under the tarp didn't seek to be healed of the Lord. Yet Christ sought him and asked if he would not be healed of his infirmities.