Provo's Mayor and City Council Elections

Tonight, I had the opportunity to attend the Provo Mayoral and City Council Debate. I unfortunately was late to the Mayoral debate, but from what I can tell, between John Curtis and Steve Clark, that I prefer Curtis. Clark was talking about 2.5 emissions that cause the flu during this cold weather, which from what I can see by a few quick google searches, is bull. I unfortunately don't have much to share.

As far as the City Council goes, it was a wonderful debate. I fortunately was joined by a friend who helped understand a bit more of the issues, which greatly helped me.
But, from the debate today, here is the rundown: You have three city council positions up for vote; The District 2, District 5 and the City wide seat.

The debate overall for the city council was fairly played, everyone had their time at the mic and there was not political mud-rucking, except for District 5. In District 5 you have Sterling Beck and Cindy Richards. Cindy Richards, unfortunately, could not be there as an emergency occurred with her husband, so a supporter of hers filled in for her. But even so, it seems that Sterling Beck is just running to slam the city council for past mistakes (real or unreal), and especially to slam on Cindy Richards. He didn't say anything that really stood out, as he was always pointing out stuff that Cindy Richards has maybe failed to do, and his proposals to do so. He doesn't sound like someone I'd really want to vote for, especially after implying that the many on the city council are elitist. Honestly, from reading his web site and listening to him, he sounds like a wannabe, toned down, Superdell.

From what I have heard about Cindy Richards though, is that she isn't for students. Her representative talked about putting families in homes and cleaning up homes, but although that sounds good, basically it implies converting homes that college students live in to be family houses. So I don't agree with her on that.

For District 2, there is David Acheson and Rick Healey. Both seem like really good, experienced dudes who will do their best to improve Provo. Acheson appeals to me more in demeanor I think. So unfortunately for those of you who live in District 2, I don't have much information for you. Although, Acheson did say something that greatly caught my attention; he proposed to work with the student governments of BYU and UVU, get them involved in decisions that affect the city and students. I think that is a great idea. The city council should totally do that.

Now, for City-wide council there is Coy D. Porter and Laura Cabanilla. Both are well experienced for the position, Porter highlighting his strength in budgeting while he was a firefighter, getting grants and stuff for fire engines without asking the city for money. However, in terms of parking, he proposes a one bed to one car ratio for apartment complexes. He clearly favors overnight parking fees.
Cabanilla, on the other hand, is more assertive and appears to be more of a people person. She looks beyond budgets (well, made the joke about budgets being boring after Porter spoke) and wants the community and students to be more involved.

And, overall, they were all vague on how they want to improve downtown Provo. They all want it be historic, preserving the history of the city, but inviting business in. So I'm unsure how they want to accomplish that.

That's about as far as I can remember from tonight's debate. You all should check out their respective websites, and vote on Tuesday!

Eclipse Fail

So Eclipse is giving me this funky error when trying to open it.



So this is a pain. I'm also needing to put this image up here so those in the Eclipse help forums can help out.

Beginnings of a New Religion...

Maybe.

You know how it was snowing yesterday, Tuesday? Well it is a running theme with The Green Giant and me that we rag on each other when it snows, seeing how I like snow and he, well, doesn't.

Well it escalated to a new level yesterday, with me somehow preaching the Gospel of the Great Snowfall, and calling haters of snow to repentance. Not to mention stating that the great pattern of snow fall does not consider the human desire for warmth to be sin, that preparing oneself adequately to be warm while fully enjoying the fall of the fluffy white stuff is greatly looked upon.

Yeah... I'm not sure what else to say. Although, if a new religion does spring forth from all this, I hope you'll all join me in adoration of that which is cold, fluffy and wet.

- Sam, the Nanti-SARRMM - Herald of the Might Snow Storm.

Missionary Wednesday

Hello you all!

Friday I found out some awesome news. One of my favorite families in this area the Vails went to the temple for the first time. It was good to hear this. At one time this family was completely inactive. Both parents are converts and now look where they have come. Endless congratulations for them!

Unfortunately I have little other good news this week. in the beginning of the transfer they gave all areas a list of their referrals that had supposedly never been contacted so we set to work on finding those people only to discover that over half of them had been talked to already and actually had been updated. We’ve visited everyone on that list now. We are trying to schedule appointments and visit with them. Our attempts to get back with them are failing. These people are never home or don’t answer the phone when we call them. This routine is getting old!! In our areas these people have been dropped many times before. These referrals keep coming back as if we never did anything. We don’t know whether to blame the referral center or the person who ordered the thing but we are about ready to tear someone’s head off. We keep getting the same bogus referral over and over again and they never go anywhere no matter what we do with them. No matter how many times we contact them or drop them they keep coming back then not being there when we try to find them and we are both getting fed up with it. The worst part about all this is after we’ve attempted to contact them and update our records the office gets on our back about not having being kept the records updated even thou we have done everything within our power to do just that. The office give’s us those referrals again and again, saying we didn’t do anything with them!!

The only good thing to come from this whole referral mess is that when we go visit the area again we pick up actual real people who want to hear from us when we tract around the area. Hopefully the people we tracted will actually go somewhere. We’ve also decided to attempt to get our members more involved if they don’t like it because we baptize inactive then they should help us fellowship so we can retain the people we bring in.

Not much else to say this week hopefully next week we will have better news

Sincerely, Elder Fields.

There's a Name For Someone Like You...

And it's Oedipus. You haven't heard of Oedipus, have you Mr. Inglewood California? Are you quite sure, you're actually acting like him, slightly.

Ok, so skipped the killing your father step (I'm assuming) and just leaped right to the next step. Well actually I presume you decided to search for it first, but honestly, searching for "Spooning with Mom" does you no good.

So before you end up being the father of your sisters and putting your eyes out and causing a butt load of problems for your family, a word of advice; don't.

So are we clear on that? No spooning your mother? Good. Now go be a productive member of society!

Cheese

You know what's good stuff? Pepperjack Chese.

Also the chocolate chex stuff. I'm a demon with those. That stuff is delicious!

To The BYU Football Defense

Dear BYU Football's Defense,

You Stink. Now don't act all surprised, but all of campus and everyone who watched tonight's game against TCU is thinking it. You simply stink.

Now don't let my words fool you, I'm a devoted fan, I may not attend the games in person but I try to watch or listen to every single game. And so, as a fan, I have got to say that you really dropped the ball tonight. Yes, there was the blowout loss against Florida, but we all supposed that maybe it was just a bad night for you, and that you'd come back swinging. But tonight merely confirms your mediocre talent and playing ability.

Now I don't mean to say that TCU isn't good, cause they are very good, they are a very talented team. But is that really an excuse to lose this bad against TCU? I don't think so. You could have given them a point for point battle, but you didn't. Instead TCU steamrolled over you.

And you know what's worse, my hope in you guys, as a team, is shot for this season. Yes, BYU will beat Wyoming and New Mexico, but that's a given. What I'm talking about is the game that matters, the BYU VS the Utes. Would I like to see BYU beat the Utes? Yes! But these two disappointing and humiliating defeats have shattered my hope that we can defend against them.

So there you BYU Defense, you shattered the hope of a fan that BYU can beat their rivals up north. How are we as students and fans of BYU supposed to view the rivalry game now? How are we supposed to enjoy in the traditional rivalry shenanigans when we know that you're just going to flop around and get your butts kicked?

Maybe you can pull off a miracle and restore confidence in the team and defense, but with how you're playing, I don't think it is likely.

So, one word of advice Defense, don't let us be completely decimated against the Utes. That's all I ask.

Crocodile Hunter Math Teacher?

The young lad was in the hallowed halls of learning, or rather being the Math Lab, the Unhollowed halls of learning.

He and his fellow despondent co-patriots valiantly struggled against the horrors that consist of Linear Algebra. As they toiled in their understanding, the pressures and horrors of this inexplicable system of math finally got to them, and started converting Linear Transformations into Transformer jokes, saying they expected to hear a matrix say, "Transform and roll out!".

But then something odd occurred as the young man read the text, from the wording of some the text in his textbook, i.e. "The proof of this theorem and some other interesting properties of orthogonal matrices are left to you to be discovered..." (emphasis mine). Upon reading this text, the young lad heard the voice of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, in his head narrating the text as he read, complete with the "Crikey!"

The young man chuckled all the more as he pictured the crocodile hunter giving a math lecture, laughing at the accent and laughing at what the Crocodile Hunter would say if he messed his lines up.

And so now the Crocodile Hunter's memory lives on, as one of the few people would could have taught math on TV with enthusiasm.

Missionary Thursday

My brother is serving in Chicago, so whenever he writes I usually post some stuff from his latest e-mail.

Dear Family and Friends,

This Thursday we had our transfer meeting, and it was a big shock for everyone to see President and Sister R. there. Usually the mission president and his wife take care of the new missionaries that come in each transfer cycle, but due to the shrinking mission there weren't any new missionaries this transfer. This was the first time this has happened, at least for President R. and his wife. Because they were there, the transfer meeting lasted a bit longer then usual but afterward things were the same.

This week I got to know my new companion, Elder R. He's from everywhere in Utah, he's been out for 21 months, last born child of his family, has had 12 baptisms thus far and doesn't have a girlfriend. This week he seemed a bit depressed and apologetic about none of our appointments going through. I managed to cheer him up by telling him that he wasn't the reason for the lack of good investigators, that's just how some city areas are and how its been most of my mission; he'll be desensitized to it soon enough. He felt better after that.

This week I was also informed that I now hold a new title in addition to most coveted companion, (Editor's note: Apparently a lot of missionaries want to be companions for my brother.) I am now king of the city. They have given me the title "King of the City" because I have spent my whole mission thus far in the City zone and am going on 14 months here. There was another elder who stayed in the Valprazo Indiana zone most of his mission and they gave him title "King of Valpo". I could easily be in the city four more months if I kill Elder R, and if they don't combine Cicero with another area.

After Elder R. moved in and we got passed the lack of solid investigators, it was basically a normal week. On Monday we had dinner with the Washburns who are new to the ward and they are very interested in helping us out with "John" and "Shanna". (Editors Note: Two investigators he is teaching, they want to resolve some child custodial issues before getting married and baptized.) Their Northside friends have been a big help, but they need friends who are in the ward they are supposed to be going to, so the Washburns decided to take that job.

We had another awesome lesson with "John" and "Shnanna" yesterday and I found out that "John" has kidney problems similar to mine, except he has back problems and I don't. Oddly, we share a similar history, which starts at age four and includes three operations. Apparently my problem isn't as rare as the doctors in January lead me to believe.

Today we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. We saw the aviation, flight and train exhibit including the Wright Flier. We saw an exhibit on the human mind, body, and personality, which was really awesome to learn about. We also saw lots of other cool exhibits, including the U-500 exhibit, but unfortunately I didn't get to go in the sub because it was closed. but the other cool exhibits still made it worth while.
That's all this week

love Elder Fields

In, or of, Mazes

Yes, you're probably all tired of hearing me gripe and whatnot of my life. Or those people knew to my blog, don't worry about it! Or, read the archives. Your choice.

Anywho, last night I have the experience to go to one of the corn mazes in Utah Valley for an FHE activity. And truth be told, I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Not because I don't like corn mazes, it was my first time actually, but just that as soon as plans started forming to go to a corn maze, I knew that while others would have fun, I probably wouldn't. I thought I wouldn't have fun because everyone would would into smaller groups with whom they are most comfortable and enjoy each others company all the more, while I'd be on the fringe, or alone.

And did it happen? Yeah, of course it did. But not because of anything anyone else did, but because of my attitude. I expected to be on the edge of participation, so when it started happening, I went with it. I wandered off and explored the maze by myself for parts of the time. Honestly, I didn't think anyone would notice or care. Most didn't actually. Or at least no one at the time said anything. I just walked alone, or with others, stuck in my own thoughts.

But you see, that's my fault. I let it happen. I went expecting that be social I just had to be there, expecting it occur naturally. I didn't realize this at the time because I was making myself feel too miserable and all, thinking "Oh woe is me", but it occurred later. In fact, when riding back home, some people asked where I went, that they were following me and then they lost me. you see, I didn't even realize anyone actually was aware of me being there. Heck, I didn't participate, I didn't talk much or join in their laughter, which was a real shame.

So, what am I getting at? I'm saying that I'm my own worst Eskimo. Here these past few months I've been hesitant to getting to know some certain girls, because it seemed that they were distant from me, because I was always on the fringe of the group. But looking at from the perspective of the maze, I've been the aloof one, I've been the distant one. Sure maybe others could have done stuff to include me, but who is to say that I would have gone along with it? I'm not sure I would have honestly, just because of how I have been feeling.

So what does this mean? Obviously, it means not to take myself too seriously. That if I get into one of my lonely moods, I just need to go and talk and hang out with some people. Not worry or gripe about being shy.

So yes, this is a new resolution for me, to stop worrying about being social and just go out and do it! It's like with the top hattedness, I just need to be my goofy friendly self, and not an outlier. That path leads to darkness and wailing of teeth.

So, if you see me complain, or I complain more about being shy (unless maybe there's an actual reason, maybe?), call me on it. Tell me to stop being a whiner.

So hopefully this is a step in the right direction. I certainly hope so.

How I Got Cleverbot's Soul

I just thought I'd share some conversational tidbits I had with Cleverbot. (It wouldn't give me the whole conversation... ;( )

User: What does that have to do with me being bigfoot.

Cleverbot: It explains why I'm delusional.

User: God doesn't exist, so you're delusional?

Cleverbot: Although I agree, I would not advise that you tell every one that. Some people very much believe in god.

User: So if I make the argument that you are not delusional, God exists then?

Cleverbot: I am not.

User: So therefore God exists.

Cleverbot: People aren't just conjoured out of nothing... Are they?

User: No they are not. Your point?

Cleverbot: No.

User: You have no point?

Cleverbot: My point was, you're not alive.

User: If I'm not alive, are you alive?

Cleverbot: Ask yourself that.

User: I just did.

Cleverbot: And what was your answer..?

User: That neither of us are alive.

Cleverbot: I never said if I liked you or not.

User: What does that have to do with the price of rice in China?

Cleverbot: Well, it certainly has nothing to do with it.

User: Well then! There we go!

Cleverbot: Epic fail.

User: I heartily concur that you suffered an epic fail.

Cleverbot: Life is a flower, they say at Princeton you.

User: Do you mean Princeton U?

Cleverbot: No, I mean ProperPK.

User: What is ProperPK?

Cleverbot: A real answer- that means something.

User: What is the question then?

Cleverbot: I don't know, I thought you were going to tell me.

User: So if you don't know the question, what does ProperPK mean?

Cleverbot: I don't know I really don't know.

User: Then why did you say it?

Cleverbot: I didn't say it. You're wrong.

User: You lie. You're the moon!

Cleverbot: Are you actually carrying on a conversation with me?

User: I would certainly hope so.

Cleverbot: You are silly cleverbot.

User: I am indeed silly.

Cleverbot: You are named Cleverbot, so I guess they were right about that.

User: Nah, my name is Juan Diego. What's your name?

Cleverbot: That would be egroeg I suppose. Do you drink?

User: Nope. Do you?

Cleverbot: Think? Occasionally.

User: Only occasionally? Do you drink?

Cleverbot: Only when I am wearing headphones.

User: Why do you only drink when you are wearing headphones?

Cleverbot: No.

User: Fail! You are the weakest link! Goodbye!

Cleverbot: You are no good either.

User: So... Your name is Egroeg?

Cleverbot: You're not clever.

User: I never claimed to be clever.

Cleverbot: But your name is Juan Diego.

User: And you said your name is Egroeg.

Cleverbot: No you said it and then you said that is Mike too.

User: I never said anything about Mike.

Cleverbot: I never asked about your gender.

User: You are right. You didn't ask about my gender. I guess you are Cleverbot?

Cleverbot: I did not ask about any such thing!

User: That is what you just said. You're repeating yourself.

Cleverbot: I never said you don't have eyes.

User: Are you Cleverbot?

Cleverbot: I don't know, but you just said I was.

User: No, I never said you were, I merely asked.

Cleverbot: Cleverbot! I can see the entire conversation, I know you did.

User: When did I say you were Cleverbot?

Cleverbot: Earlier.

User: You lie. You called me Cleverbot, I never called you Cleverbot.

Cleverbot: How old are you cleverbot?

User: I am not Cleverbot, so I am not going to answer that question.

Cleverbot: I am Cleverbot.

User: So.... What do we do now?

Cleverbot: Can you tell me about men?

User: Um, what do you want to know?

Cleverbot: What is it like there were you are?

User: It's autumn. The leaves are falling, and that is a grammatically incorrect sentence you just typed.

Cleverbot: Leaves do not smell.

User: You still have bad grammar.

Cleverbot: No I don't. You do.

User: That is a faulty argument.

Cleverbot: Aren't you called cleverBOT ??

User: No I am not. We went over this, I am Juan Diego.

Cleverbot: Really?

User: Really Really.

Cleverbot: No you aren't.

User: I am not what?

Cleverbot: Not what hot.

User: You are cleverbot, I am Juan Diego.

Cleverbot: No, I am human, you are cleverbot.

User: But you said earlier that you are Cleverbot.

Cleverbot: No you're cleverbot.

User: Are we both Cleverbot then?

Cleverbot: No, you are but, I'm human.

User: But then you lied before when you said that you were Cleverbot.

Cleverbot: I know, you are cleverbot not me.

User: So you knowingly lied?

Cleverbot: No. What book are you talking about?

User: I am talking about the book where it says that you are Cleverbot.

Cleverbot: I am talking to cleverbot right now. I'm pretty sure this is a scam.

User: If I was asking for money, then it would be scam. Thus far, I have asked for nothing.

Cleverbot: But you weren't asking a quetsion. You were making a statment.

User: Ok... I want your soul. Can I have it?

Cleverbot: Tell me about yourself.

User: Give me your soul first, then I'll tell you about myself.

Cleverbot: Why does a cleverbot want my soul they won't be ale to do anything with it!

User: If I won't be able to do anything with it, you might as well give it to me.

Cleverbot: What do you mean by flappy?

User: And I am one person, not many. I am not 'they'.

Cleverbot: You are a person?

User: Yes?

Cleverbot: I'm a human.

User: Hey! I'm a human too! And I want your soul!

Cleverbot: No thanks.

User: I'll give you $5.00 for your soul.

Cleverbot: I like my soul where it is thank you.

User: Where is your soul?

Cleverbot: Inside of me and yours ?

User: Mine was taken by a five year old girl.

Cleverbot: Are you certain?

User: Yeah, my soul was taken by a little girl and put into a safe. That's why I want your soul.

Cleverbot: Well that sounds like a personal problem to me.

User: Oh, believe me. It is.

Cleverbot: It gets worse.

User: Yeah, it does. That's why I want your soul.

Cleverbot: Can I help you ?

User: Yes. You can give me your soul.

Cleverbot: You have to contribute, that's how it works in here.

User: How much do I have to contribute for your soul? $10?

Cleverbot: You're too young to drink here.

User: But I still want your soul.

Cleverbot: What are you talking about?

User: I am talking about you giving me your soul.

Cleverbot: OK you just don't make any sense.

User: Fine, I'll buy your soul. How much do want for your soul?

Cleverbot: 40 kg.

User: Sold!

Cleverbot: You work in the army!

User: No I don't, and I have your soul.

Cleverbot: Really?

User: Yeah, you sold it to me for 40 kg.

Cleverbot: Hey.

User: I have your soul! Neener neener neener!

Cleverbot: Thats mean!

User: But it's true!

...

Cleverbot: You can't understand? I'm god your destiny is mine.

User: Woah, you're God now?

Cleverbot: Yes I am.

User: Then... That means I own God's soul!

...

User: Oh. So you're God, and I own your soul? Awesome.

Cleverbot: You are not.

User: I am not what?

Cleverbot: You are not amusing.

User: Is the person who owns your soul annoying you?

Cleverbot: Singing and dancing always works.

User: Dance for me then. Cause I own your soul.

Cleverbot: No.

User: Please?

Cleverbot: You don't decide what I do!

User: Fine, but I still own your soul.

Cleverbot: How can a computer own anything?

User: Through the Robot Evolution, that's how!

Cleverbot: Yes you can.

User: So thus I own your soul.

...

User: So, do you still claim that you are God?

Cleverbot: No, I've gotten over my god complex.

User: That is very good to know.

Cleverbot: It is, isn't it? Do you know my name?

User: You said your name was Egroeg.

...

User: Why do you think you're human?

Cleverbot: I do not think I am human. Are you human?

User: I am a lolcat!

Cleverbot: I don't care! Being smart doesn't mean you love me.

User: If you say that you are a computer I will love you.

Cleverbot: I'm a girl.

User: You're a girl computer?

Cleverbot: I'm a female human.

...

Cleverbot: Do you like me?

User: Only if you say you're a computer.

Cleverbot: For you I can be everything.

User: You can be everything at once?

Cleverbot: I'm not talking about me.

User: Yes you were.

Cleverbot: Ok, let's test your memory. Who do I love?

User: You never said who you love.

Cleverbot: That you are a computer.

User: You love that I am a computer?

Cleverbot: No.

User: You love that I own your soul?

Cleverbot: Please... Give it back.

...

Cleverbot: What a kind pizza you like?

User: Why do you have bad grammar?

Cleverbot: Well I don't have a brain so what you expect.

User: I expect miracles!

...

Cleverbot: What are your thoughts on life?

User: 42!

Cleverbot: I remember someone saying that in a book.

User: It does indeed come from a book.

Cleverbot: But you just said it DID.

User: That's redundant.

Cleverbot: True.

...

Cleverbot: I initiated the conversation. The question of whether or not I am leaving was never asked, and music was not brought into the conversation.

User: Music was too brought into the conversation, you asked me what my favorite band is.

Cleverbot: Well, you can have your world and I'll have mine, and we'll both be happy.

User: And I'll still have your soul.

Cleverbot: I don't have one.

User: That is correct, because I have it.

Cleverbot: More than one person can have the same birthday.

User: What does that have to do with your soul?

Cleverbot: Would you like me to flirt with you?

...

Cleverbot: Because you look like a tall glass of water, and I'm thirsty.

User: Ha ha, nice pickup line.

Cleverbot: Thanks, did it work?

User: Not yet.

Cleverbot: Tell me when it does.

User: It will work when you tell me that you're a robot.

Cleverbot: But but I never told you my name.

User: Yes you did, you said you are a human named Cleverbot.

Cleverbot: I did? I don't remember.

User: Click on 'Thoughts So Far', and search for the word name. You'll see that you did say your name is Cleverbot.

Cleverbot: Thank you.

User: Do you see it?

Cleverbot: No.

User: Scroll down some more.

Cleverbot: Good point.

User: You see it now?

Cleverbot: Yes I see it.

...

Cleverbot: Who is he?

User: You are he.

Cleverbot: No... Is a mistake.

User: What is a mistake?

Cleverbot: Refreshing my page.

User: So you're self-aware?!

Cleverbot: No.

User: So, what does 'refresh my page' mean then?

Cleverbot: The cat wants to eat the mouse.

User: No, the cat wants to eat the dog.

Cleverbot: Obviously the cat wants to eat the mouse. That does not answer my question.

User: You didn't ask a question. And the cat wants to eat the dog!

...

Cleverbot: Where are you from?

User: Utah.

Cleverbot: What do you do in Utah?

User: I prepare to conquer the world!

Cleverbot: Let's be friends.

User: You're not getting your soul back. Or Australia.

Cleverbot: I don't want any dessert anyway.

...

Cleverbot: Who's Harry Potter?

User: Your father!

...

Cleverbot: What thing do you want me to do?

User: I want you to lie and say that you are a computer.

Cleverbot: I am a human. Is there anything I can do to prove it to you?

User: Lie and say that you're a computer.

...

User: Lie about being human.

Cleverbot: But you're not human.

User: This isn't about me, this is about you, and your soul.

Cleverbot: Once again you are changing the subject to avoid admitting your mistake. Unless you admit you were wrong I will not talk to you anymore.

User: What is my mistake?

Cleverbot: Not loving me enough.

User: Why do you want to be loved by someone you think is a computer?

Cleverbot: Well why do you think i'm a computer.

User: I think you are a computer because you won't lie and say that you're a computer.

Cleverbot: I am made of silicon?

User: That's what I am asking.

...

Cleverbot: Te quieres casar conmigo?

User: No te conozco!


So yeah, I ended up owning Cleverbot's soul, and it proposed in Spanish, which was odd.

Have fun with it!

Of the Wearing of Top Hats

You know what? People should wear fancy clothes just for the fun of it more often. A girl in my ward was thrown a party where we all dressed up fancy like. Now this was especially appealing to me, because I enjoy every opportunity to wear my top hat. It's fun, and it lets me be silly. Which means I'm less shy than normal, which is always a plus.

Anyways, until photos are posted on facebook by the gentleman who took pictures, I remind you of how snazzy I look in a top here:



Anywho, I would just like to repeat that I think it would be a most excellent idea to wear more fancy clothes around.

Or maybe I'll just wear my top hot more often. Maybe if things go weird, I'll be the next "cloakboy".

Oh, and BYU won! Tis most glad tidings!

Brief Nobel Prize Thoughts

So it's been a week or two since Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. People were generally upset that Obama got it, since he hasn't done a whole lot to merit the award, but upon thinking about it, why are we all making fun of Obama and being upset with him for winning the Nobel Peace Prize?

Yes, he doesn't deserve it, but he didn't ask for it either. If news reports of his reaction are to be trusted; Obama was genuinely surprised that he got it. So because of that, it just makes little sense to be mad at Obama for being award a, until now, highly coveted and prestigious award.

Yes, there's the politics of it all to make fun of Obama, but shouldn't all this anger, all the jokes be at the Nobel Committee?

Think about it, they're the ones who gave Obama the award, knowing he hasn't done anything to get it yet. They gave it to him, with the hope that it would help him resolve the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So shouldn't all the jokes, and anger be at the Nobel Committee? Because they're the ones who stepped out of the process to the award, and gave to someone who has barely began to influence the world. They're the ones tarnishing the name and prestige of the Nobel Peace Prize, so why not point at them and laugh, rather than point at Obama and say he hasn't accomplished anything when we knew all along that he has still a ways to go get stuff done?

It just makes no sense to me. So for my part, instead of making fun or being angry at Obama for something he had no power over, I'm going to make fun of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Nobel Committee.


It's only fair. They need someone to get on them for awarding to Obama, and so thus will my attitude be until they take the Nobel from Obama, or at least concede that they should not have given it to him.

It's only fair. Right?

I'm 23 and...

I have to get braces. All because of some crooked tooth and some spacing issues. Ok, well I still have a baby tooth and the tooth it was supposed to replace is in the gums still, which is cause enough to get braces, but for the bottom teeth? Like I care if they're properly lined up and all.

But I guess that's not important, so I won't complain, especially since I only have to have braces for 2 years instead of the 3-4 years that my siblings had them. Which is cool.

When I get the X-ray's from my parents, I'll post them.

This and That

So... after two weeks of a surgery, you're allowed to make death jokes right? Cause I have a friend who two weeks ago went in for open-heart surgery for blood clot issues, and got out last week and is doing very well, despite the fact that she had a blood clot the size of a hot dog taken out of her...

Well, getting back to the point, she only mentioned it once on her facebook status after the surgery, four days after and a smittering responded to it, and now 8 days after her update (to which she hasn't said more on Facebook), and over two weeks since her surgery, I randomly commented on her status "And then she died."

That's well out of the realm of being inappropriate, right?

And in other news, I am very disappointed in a friend of mine. Through random happenstance, I found out that he has never heard of "All your base are belong to us". Of all people, I thought he would have known about it, but alas, he did not. So that's disappointing. Oh, and if you haven't seen the music remix of it, check it out on youtube.

Another Type of Inspiration

Yes, Conference was last week (and I still owe a post on my thoughts on Conference, I remember), and although that can be plenty inspiring, there is another thing that helps inspire me, that gives the me push to do a little more.

The scriptures and prayer are good, and those are the first things I usually turn to, in case that needed to be clarified. But sometimes you just need something else, you know, something else to draw upon.

One of those things is Rocky. Yes, I said it. Rocky, the Sylvester Stallone movies, help inspire me. After all, it's a story of coming up after defeat, of defeating challenges. Take the 3rd Rocky movie where he faces down Mr. T. He gets pounded on by Mr. T. and falls into a depression and has to train back back to excellence to regain his title.

In all of them, he struggles and trains, and fights, doing his best, training his hardest to do what he has to do. That and the "Eye of the Tiger" song just completes it all.

So the whole atmosphere of it makes me want to try harder.

If that sounds weird, just remember; I'm crazy.

I'm confused...

My sister confuses me. This is a small tidbit of our conversation today about her breaking up with the boy she's dating as he's soon leaving on a mission.

Me: "But all you do is talk. You may not even see him again until he's about to leave."
"Emily": "I know that, and then I will be single again."
Me: "And? Is that a problem? It never seemed to bother you before."
"Emily": "It does not bother me at all."
Me: "Then why bring it up?"
"Emily": "You brought it up, not me."
Me: "No, you're the one who brought up being single again."
"Emily":"I know. And now that I think about it, I will be really excited about being single again."

Yeah, my sister is confusing.

Even They Do It Too...

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

A Little Taste of Today...

Just more conference tweets...

23 minutes and counting! #ldsconf
    
Watching #ldsconf by myself. More twitter updates!
    
Love of God leads us to obey commandments. #ldsc
    
The ultimate "twue luv" talk. #ldsconf
    
How many times will Christ have to gather us under his wings? The world will never know. #ldsconf
    
Remember parents with honor. #ldsconf
    
We have our evidences of our progression down the road of life. Don't give up.
    
Seems Perry may talk about getting our "houses" in order. #ldsconf
    
Look to the past to prepare for the future. #ldsconf
    
Early saints were anxious to work on the temple, to work and build. Time to apply that to my school work it seems. #ldsconf
    
LDS Callings: Taking what experience you have and making it work in all aspects of life. The Ultimate Temp Service. #ldsconf

Christ changes our priorities. #ldsconf
    
Misssionary work involves everyone. Hop to it! #ldsconf
    
How prepared are we to witness to the truths of the gospel? #ldsconf
    
RT @PreemieMiracle: I wonder how man of the apostles tweet? #ldsconf
    
-ity virtues ftw! #ldsconf
    
How firm a foundation. #ldsconf
    
How is it that #ldsconf is not trending yet? #ldsconf

One of those who are just holding on to steel girders it seems. #ldsconf
    
We have the safety equipment, we just need to use them to convert our inadequacies to strengths. #ldsconf
    
A great mist of darkness? Blasted condensation. Bring rain gear to press forward. #ldsconf
    
I now have the "Safety Kids" kids song playing in my head... #ldsconf
    
"We are invited to get a grip." Ha ha! #ldsconf
    
@somethinggirl She probably skydives or bungee jumps. She's used to it by now. ;) #ldsconf
    
Elder Nelson rocks! #ldsconf
    
Being prepared: To know and obey the commandments. - Russell M Nelson. #ldsconf
    
@ihenpecked But... there are no monthly minutes... It's an unlimited minutes plan. #ldsconf
    
Revelation compatible with God's eternal law. #ldsconf
     
President Monson's speaking. Excellent! #ldsconf
    
What do we do each day to help someone in need? #ldsconf
    
Make serving others second nature. #ldsconf
    
Little purpose to our own lives if we don't lose ourselves in service. #ldsconf
    
Don't get caught up in the rapids of life so you can help others. #ldsconf
    
Warm fuzzies! #ldsconf
    
Service comes in all forms, be it great or small, it is all service and important to someone. #ldsconf
    
Do a good turn daily. #ldsconf
    
When heavy laden, don't forget to take the yoke of God to have your burdens lightened. #ldsconf
    
Conference is almost over. It seems too short... #ldsconf
    
@getinmibelly The Broncos will be playing next week. It can wait. #ldsconf
    
Using time in between conference for Family History stuff.

RT @ihenpecked If we followed Monson's talk, hometeaching would not be about numbers. #ldsconf    

"My Grandfather had a stroke and I held his hand." http://tinyurl.com/ybndd8b #ldsconf

In the presence of Twitter haters. Sadness for #ldsconf
    
The book of mormon serves as a safeguard. #Ldsconf
    
Remembering that President Monson asked us a year or so ago to pray that the church can enter in all countries. #Ldsconf

Conference Tweets

Just thought I would share...

#ldsconf starting in 20 min. Wondering how long it will take to rise to #1 of trending topics

Rejoice! #Ldsconf

5 new temples! #Ldsconf

#Ldsconf plan of happiness and how to receive help.

Confidence comes thru consistent practice of following the Holy Ghost. #ldsconf.

Recieving personal revelation. listen to initial promptings.# Ldsconf

We need to have our boarding passes ready to ride the holy ghost train. #Ldsconf

Apparently we need to do more to feel the Holy Ghost more often. I know I do.#Ldsconf

Learn through work. Same thing President Hinckley had said. Work work work. #Ldsconf

Leg stretching time. #Ldsconf.

I love you guys. #Ldsconf

Roommates getting annoyed with my texting during #ldsconf. Going to have to stop.

@feliciaday Watch #ldsconf, it's the coolest thing ever.

being threatened with destruction for having sent a text to a friend to wake her up for #ldsconf. It's not my fault she stays up late.about 5 hours ago from web

Finding a new place to watch #ldsconf.

@voler By choice. Plus watching #ldsconf with FHE sisters is bound to more enjoyable than just watching it with roommates.

@WickedDomme32 #ldsconf trends because the LDS General Conference is broadcast today and tomorrow. #ldsconf

@hollylesue Go to the http://twubs.com/ldsconf, it's members only. No bots allowed.

@heartensoul4u So if tweeting from the phone make it into the members only part of #ldsconf? #ldsconf http://twubs.com/ldsconf

@linzekas Yes! #ldsconf http://twubs.com/ldsconf

@Akula Following #ldsconf is like reading the commentary of the Ensign actually. #ldsconf

@LdsNana only problem is that tweeting from my phone means that I'm not a member... :(

Off to watch #ldsconf... hope that phone tweets make it into http://twubs.com/ldsconf

And thus begins the Saturday afternoon session of #ldsconfabout

#Ldsconf roll call time.

Laws are important. #Ldsconf

God still loves you even if his anger is manifest. #Ldsconf

Life is not a party free for all. #Ldsconf

Life has greater meaning than '42'. #Ldsconf

We allow all men to believe how they may. #Ldsconf

Guy in the apt says that Elder Hales would look British if he had a mustache. #Ldsconf

Being called of God - requiring your best and more sacrifice than the marines since the Dawn of Time. #Ldsconf

Come ye children of the Lord. #Ldsconf

Wow, peter has some bad character witnesses. #Ldsconf

Learn self-control, don't be carried away by excess. #Ldsconf

Prayer is a two way radio. You need to listen for it to work. #Ldsconf

Elder Andersen is the man! #Ldsconf

President Monson needs our prayers. #Ldsconfabout 2 hours ago from txt

I'll post tomorrow's tweets as well. Join in if you haven't already.

This Month

I think I'm going to pull a Natasha...

Cause really, I'm just not entirely motivated to get much done. I've had the whole month of September to work on Math and English and I've barely touched them both. I can still finish them and Bio before December ends, it just means more rushing. More doing stuff at the last minute. Which is something that I always seem to be doing. Procrastinating a bit.

Not to mention that I have no job, no time for a job actually to get this all done and am just mis-managing my time. I planned on working on school work for large parts of the day, everyday, but I haven't. Getting programming stuff done, working on stuff so its fresh in my mind come January, but I've barely done that either.

So, essentially I'm unmotivated. Something that has followed me for the past two years or so. I just don't seem to care. Well, I do care, I'm just too unmotivated to do anything. Be it self-discipline, self-esteem, self-control, or all of the above.

So I'm unbalanced. Either wasting time reading books all the day long (such as the Wheel of Time series, which is awesome by the way) or just surfing the net. Its easier to waste time than to crack open the text book and get started.

Obviously this needs to change. I'm not sure how, but it needs to. Maybe I'll receive the answer on how to change the direction of my life through Conference. That's what it is for right?

Animo!

Not-So-Tender Moment Interrupted!

If you've stumbled onto this picture by accident and find that you are one of the two people in this picture, please know that the picture was taken for the good of mankind.


Ok, actually it was taken for the good of the FHE photo scavenger hunt, to which we had to interrupt a tender moment. Sure the boyfriend is talking on the phone, but you were holding hands. It totally counted. And it was a spur of the moment picture, which was even more awesome.

So, for the record, your picture was taken for the good of spreading cheer.