Okay blog world, guess what? I'm not going to continue this life-sob-story style of writing anymore! It's all looking at life in the wrong way; there are so many more interesting things to focus on instead.
The past few days have been pretty sweetastic! I've been really cracking down on Biology; it has been so much fun! We got do do virtual frog and squid dissections; it was really great. I can't wait until college when I'll be able to dissect animals and body parts for real!
(this blog post is off of the top of my head, btw)
Okay, so, last Tuesday I went to another track meet. I had a really good time at it! Just did my best with what I had that day; next time I need to prepare much better! I notice I need to be drinking much larger doses of water more frequently throughout the day. Just that alone will give my organs the fluids they need to do their best. Javelin throwing has been coming along great! Coach Standley has been very encouraging and helpful in helping me get the basic techniques down. Next season I am confident that I will be able to actually throw it a good distance! I sometimes wonder about the Romans; in Latin we've been reading a lot about ancient Rome, particularly Caesar. We watched a movie about Cleopatra like, a month ago. The film seemed to be 4 hours long! Okay, so at one point in it, Octavian kills the Egyptian Embassador by throwing a javelin at him after the Roman gave a dramatic speech up on some raised plain. It made me think of this whole track experience that I've been having.
What if we actually used javelins in warfare today? Accuracy would be much more important. What about shot puts? I can imagine Jefferson Jarvis in Roman armor chucking one of those 12-pound balls covered in spikes or something off of the edge of a castle wall at barbarians below. It is just insightful for me to think that activities such as sprinting and distance running and hurdles and long jump and pole vault were also really useful in Roman warfare, but now they are all considered sport today. Well, I suppose the running activities are still important, but now we're so dependent on our technology as compared to the "strength of our own arm".
I noticed today that I am much better at sprinting than I am at distance running. I bet my endurance will improve once my water levels stay at a healthy level. My good buddy Josh has been making some fantastic PRs in his running lately. I've also enjoyed making a ton of other friends-
WAIT, OH YES! I need to tell you about Cabaret! Mwahahahahahaha!
Okay, so, last week on Thursday and Friday, I got to be a part of HVHS's Cabaret. For my performance on the first night I played "Hey There Delilah", and the crowd sang along on the final chorus! I think they enjoyed it. There were a ton of other awesome performances. One boy scout troop did a WW2 skit. "Oh John!" "Is that you, Hans?" *stands up and waves* "Ya!"
Nick did a crazy guitar solo of Wanted Dead or Alive. A number of beautiful young women sang as well.
I love life! I just had to say that just now.
One kid did some crazy beatboxing, and there were a couple of gay skits as well. But Mr. Lawson's act outdid them all. Not only is he the only music teacher in our district, but he is also in charge of the Student Government. Anywho, he and his band played a big pop medley using the B-F#-A#-E chord sequence. It was very funny! When Nick tried to pull of "Take On Me" by A-Ha, the song was put in a ridiculously high key, and you couldn't even comprehend the last line because he was screaming so hard in falsetto to hit the notes. "Da-da-da-da-, AHHHHHHH!"
After Nick's loud interruption, they began the chord sequence again, with Lawson starting "It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday-", but as soon as he started to sing the rest of the band members groaned loudly and walked offstage. Then says Lawson as he ran after them, "you guys do this every time! Come on; it's my most favorite song!"
Then he appeared onstage once again with Nick's guitar and smashed it to pieces on the ground! IT WAS AWESOME! He did the same thing the second night too!
(I found out later that he wasn't really smashing poor Nick's guitar; he was using old ones that were obviously being saved up for this annual event in the band room!)
I melted Kaeli's heart while practicing a special tune before the second night's performance. Yessss.
All of this talk on public school makes me want to go there! I feel like I missed out so much at middle school. I'll live, but I am seriously considering ditching Connections and finding a transfer to GPHS, where they have vocal classes and band classes as well as cooking classes and other awesome stuff like that. I'll be looking into that more; see what happens.
Oh, I've got a new scout goal: go to Philmont summer 2012 (It's in New Mexico)! It's a big, gritty 10-day backpack camp through the elements, or at least that's what I've heard it can be. There are lots of things to do at that camp I hear. I'll be going with Troop 24 (a REAL scout troop in town), who will also help me out with fundraisers and etc. to get the funds and preparations for it. I'm so excited! I need to find some real employment soon. Oh, I'm so excited for scout camp this year! GAHHHHHH!!!
I really feel like letting off some steam right now. I want to hang out with a bunch of really hyper singing teens RIGHT NOW.
Oh boy...
There are days when I just want to go and hit something! I want to go back to karate! It was so much fun. I am so darn excited for the great fun in May that Sabrina and I will have at the Baxter's house. They're into taikwondo, and I overread that Sabrina and I will be able to come along with them when they go practice! YAY!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
What a week
"And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done."
This whole week has been difficult for me. Has life gotten any worse? No, in fact, it's gotten a lot better. There are so many things to look forward to and so many productive things to do. Yet, my state of mind has been in the land of pessimism. Instead of being guided by the spirit, I have been dragged by Satan's angels to feel this way and that way about life; making molehills into mountains and falling apart over the smallest things. I have felt my life has become clouded, and my priorities have become hard to see.
Today's Easter Devotional helped take those clouds away. The beautiful music that was heard throughout it was just what I needed to feel uplifted from my miserable state. I fell into (another) breakdown when my dear friend Austin sang a solo of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Throughout the week, I have been wondering where God was in my life, and why things had become so difficult, even simple daily work. I have distanced myself from my God, and my family, and it has led me to fall back into depression, Satan laughing at my folly all the way.
There was something about this song that took those clouds of darkness away. Just skim the lyrics:
This whole week has been difficult for me. Has life gotten any worse? No, in fact, it's gotten a lot better. There are so many things to look forward to and so many productive things to do. Yet, my state of mind has been in the land of pessimism. Instead of being guided by the spirit, I have been dragged by Satan's angels to feel this way and that way about life; making molehills into mountains and falling apart over the smallest things. I have felt my life has become clouded, and my priorities have become hard to see.
Today's Easter Devotional helped take those clouds away. The beautiful music that was heard throughout it was just what I needed to feel uplifted from my miserable state. I fell into (another) breakdown when my dear friend Austin sang a solo of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Throughout the week, I have been wondering where God was in my life, and why things had become so difficult, even simple daily work. I have distanced myself from my God, and my family, and it has led me to fall back into depression, Satan laughing at my folly all the way.
There was something about this song that took those clouds of darkness away. Just skim the lyrics:
I know that my Redeemer lives!
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living head!
He lives, my ever living head!
He lives to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above;
He lives my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives to plead for me above;
He lives my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives to grant me rich supply;
He lives to guide me with his eye;
He lives to comfort me when faint;
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to guide me with his eye;
He lives to comfort me when faint;
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly friend;
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!
He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same;
Oh sweet, what joy this sentence gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!
He lives, my Savior, still the same;
Oh sweet, what joy this sentence gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!
It helped me get the message: He lives! He is there "to help in time of need", "to hear my soul's complaint", "to wipe away my tears", "my mansion to prepare". The heavens have remained silent for me all week, though I've desired guidance from above, I guess I wasn't really listening for it; I was too busy worrying. The spirit fell upon me as I heard this hymn written for me like a tidal wave.
I know that my Redeemer lives. He is there, and will strengthen me throughout the rest of this school year. I can do it! I do not need to focus on my to-do list as much. I should read up Uchdorf's talk about "slowing down" again from last year. Focus instead on listening to the spirit and doing what I know is right. I don't need to be hard on myself for being imperfect, because bashing my head against the wall is not going to make it easier to think, so to speak. If I calm down, put away my weapons of rebellion (again), I know that my Redeemer can guide me to accomplish the goals HE has for me.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Another BIG Blog update
Thursday (3/31)
"I threw my planner in the air today, singing ay-o, gotta let go..." That's how my planning has been for the past few weeks; I think I'm in a stress rut. I've just got to endure to the end here; summer is so much closer, and its all of the fun things we've planned for it that's motivating me to push through. The actual today (4/10) was so uplifting, but first I'll get these journal entries in.
Yesterday grandpa spilled the beans about the Baxters coming over for Conference weekend, but I still didn't know any details about it (until I heard mom talking to Rory on the phone in the other room about seeing me at today's track meet). I was so happy to see them there!
Everyone did well at the meet; I personally saw Jefferson Jarvis make a new PR (and High School record). He let out a scream and hurled the discuss out into the stratosphere; it was mind-numbing to watch him throw 172.something ft today.
After the meet, the Baxters and I went to g-ma and g-pa Seable's house for a delicious dinner and a temple prep class that my grandparents were doing. Tonight's lesson was about the symbolism of the temple; it was very interesting stuff. I'm so excited to go to the temple to do all of the ordinances someday.
After the class I just kind of sat there on the couch staring at Ceana and Kaeli for the next hour or so, mentally tired from the day's events. I stole Jefferson's guitar and we wrote a little song to sing for Sabrina on her birthday. Ceana and I were considering waking up the next morning to make German pancakes during the "magic hour": 4 in the morn! I am fasting today (4/10) that I'll be able to change my habits so that I will be able to wake up that early; I have faith that I can once again become an early-to-bed-early-to-rise guy. I just need to choose the right and be more responsible with my time. Goal of the week!
Friday (4/1)
We woke at 6 instead for early morning seminary; brother Beckstead did a great lesson once again. The lesson was about polygamy, and the reason why our church once practiced it: because God said so. After class Ceana and I got to chat a bit more in the quietness of the church foyer. I gave mom a call after waiting for awhile, and she said to start walking home, and so we did. We were picked up from the road about 10 minutes after we began our walk.
After doing a bit of cleaning, all of the young women in the house had a wonderful day! Sabrina, Ceana, Kaeli, Rory, and my mom went out to lunch with a bunch of Sabrina's friends, and then had a surprise sleepover at Savannah D's house. I was considering an attack on the evening event, but mom didn't think it would be appropriate. The idea was simple; play a guitar under or next to one of Savannah's windows while wearing a monkey mask. Once found by someone, scream and run. I guess I'll have to save that idea for some other occasion.
Ceana was so polite and patient today (as usual); it really touched me. Rory and I convinced her to come to track practice with me. I had some strange fantasy idea that the coaches would allow her, unregistered and all, to practice with us. But it didn't work out as I had hoped, and she had to wait through the whole 2 hours or so of practice. But how did she respond when I came up to apologize? Irritation? No, just kind, calm, reassuring words. "It's okay."
I still have to do something special for her for showcasing her amazing selfless attitude and heart-of-gold on this occasion; what a good example to me!
Saturday (4/2)
General conference, yay! I got to go see the first session at Savannah's house with all the ladies there. It turns out that Cassidy and Allie were able to come to; it was so good to see them!
During the time between sessions, the Baxters, Cassidy, Allie, and my whole fam decided to go to the local pharmacy and get some 25 cent phosphates. Afterwards dad had this urge to quickly stop at our most favorite chocolate store in town and get Sabrina a bite to eat. He gave her money, she ran in, and brought back snickerdoodles to share with the whole bus-load; how thoughtful! They were gone in seconds.
We watched the second session of conference at home, then we went out to the backyard to play on the trampoline and the trees and everything. It was so fun, and Rory got some good pics. Visualizing coach Goodell in my mind, I had the urge to go do that 45 minute run that he told me to do, or else. So I tried to set up a walk for everyone to go on. Well, just to save the reader's brain a lot of trouble, it ended in me "getting lost" and getting late for the priesthood session. Another fantastic idea, Keenan. Planning things like this is a skill that you must develop over time, right? I hope so.
Anyways, when we arrived at the stake center for the priesthood session, whoever was in charge of getting the broadcast set up was having trouble getting the stream from Salt Lake. After 15 minutes after conference started they had it working. Anthony joked that once it would start working again we would see Thomas S. Monson saying, "-and that is everything you need to know to not get burned tomorrow. Over and out."
"FIND THAT TALK ON YOUTUBE!"
Anthony never ceases to crack me up.
It was a good meeting; it was actually a bit more informal than the other ones. Eyering's opening played cleverly on Uchdorf's talk, and President Monson's talk about marriage was just plain funny.
After the conference my father and I drove to grandma's house listening to Voicemail blare loudly from our car speakers and singing along like there's no tomorrow. "THE SPIRIT OF GOD, LIKE A FIRE IS BURNING..." It felt so great, just that time I had with dad in the car. We should sing together more often; it's a hobby I believe we both enjoy.
That night was full of some good board games, specifically Tribond and Heroscape. After playing these, we watched one of Anthony's most favorite movies: What's Up Doc? It was a very confusing film apparently designed to confuse the viewer. It was ridiculous.
Sunday (4/3)
Ah, today was a really good day. But it was also a sad day. Rory, Ceana, Kaeli, Sabrina, and myself got to watch the rest of conference at grandma's house. During the break time we watched this special program about retarded children and adopted children that made Rory and me cry. Grandma made some really yummy food while we were there, and the Baxters got to have a look at grandpa's workshop. On our way back to my house, the girls had a random notion to stop at a couple of signs that they found utterly hilarious to take some pictures: "Idle" and "Drury".
At the house we got to show the Baxters a few parts from the Liken video collection; some of our most favorite songs. Then Ceana and I played a few hymns on the piano together, just stalling to avoid having to leave. But they eventually had to go. We always have such good times every time we get together; I miss the Baxters. I hope I'll be able so see them again soon.
Monday (4/4)
Today was a really good day. Recharged spiritually and emotionally, I was able to do very well in my studies, track practice, and family life. I had better go through the general conference talks often; I could use everyday days like this more often. Excelsior!
Tuesday (4/5)
Today I went on a long bus ride to Klamath Falls for a track meet. Rule of life #3849201: Do NOT sit in the back of the bus.
Wednesday (4/6)
What happened today? I didn't record stuff very well here. Must have been too busy getting mounds of schoolwork done.
Thursday (4/7)
Similar to Wednesday, except today there was that one leadership seminar LL by Ms. Tuerk, which was really cool. Next time we do it the students that have been attending the seminar are going to be doing the whole meeting for a group of people. I love Ms. Tuerk; I would advance to say that she is the best ORCA teacher I've ever had. I am so excited to be in her AP Psychology class next year. GAH! Next year! I feel like singing "One Day More" from Les Mis. It just fills me with joy; next school year is going to be so fun. AP English Literature, Honors Algebra II, AP Biology, and AP Psych! I just want to scream; it's going to be fantastic! And karate; will be doing that too. And I'll find a consistent job, AND I'll be able to drive to it. Mwahahahaha!
I must keep on working, and remember the future is bright. "He gave me hope when hope was gone, He gave me strength to journey on..."
Friday (4/8)
More work, more track, more this and that. Tonight they did commando again, but I decided not to go; I was too tired. I heard that tonight's game of commando was police approved, but I learned otherwise the following morning.
Saturday (4/9)
I woke up this morning and went to a ward service project. We did some cleaning and leaf raking at a local cemetery, and I honestly had a pretty good time there. Haley, who went to commando last night, was prompted to text her aunt to get a ride home early in the night. It was a really good thing that she listened to the Spirit, because the whole thing turned out being pretty bad; she didn't even go into the details. Oh, by the way, Miranda's leg is still injured from the last time we played commando. But today she was feeling good enough to go without crutches.
As I walked past graves throughout the cemetery, I noticed one that caught my eye. It was a newer looking one, and had small statues of children playing around it. The name clearly etched in the marble was Austin Fryer, a name which tugged at my heartstrings and caused me to stop raking for a minute or two in respect. Austin was one of my childhood buddies, one of the best friends I can remember. He died of cancer at age 8, in 2003. I miss him so much, I cried there, looking at his grave.
After the service project, we had an exciting trip to the library. I have not been to the library in a very long time, and just loved being there! I'd like to just live at my local library, and I bet I could too, considering I just do online school. Maybe when I can drive... Anyways, I got a bunch of psychology books directed to teens. One of them, The 7 Best Things Smart Teens Do, has been simply fascinating; it has been really hard to put it down. I even referenced it in my Sunday School lesson today (4/10).
This evening was a ton of fun! Miranda had heard that there was a dance way out in Ashland, and her dad was willing to give rides! And so I was able to make it there thanks to Brother S' kindness. While driving there and back, Miranda and I had fun reading aloud from The 7 Best Things Smart Teens Do. She's a psych fan too; she's just wrapping up Sean Covey's The 6 Most Important Decisions You Will Ever Make. Her dad gave a ton of really interesting insight on what we were reading aloud; it was a really fun car ride for me.
The dance in Ashland was Neon themed, and there were a bunch of glow bracelets and necklaces there for people to just grab. It was a ton of fun! Haley was able to make it there too, and she had a great time. She reminds me so much of my cousin Jessie; it really makes me laugh. She seems a bit... emotional. How do I describe her? Well, we found the skeleton of a deer in the cemetery while cleaning earlier today, and she started crying. Tonight she wouldn't stop freaking out about some cute boy she danced with. Then she asked me if I would get some guy's number. I did, and she wouldn't stop thanking me even the next day in Sunday School. I believe that that young lady is a crazy-hyper ball of energy, poor lass. Love her anyways.
Sunday (4/10)
Today I woke up and realized, "oh no, I was supposed to prepare a lesson in priesthood today!" I had lesson 15: Enduring to the end. I scrambled to make an outline of what I would cover and stuff I would use throughout the morning and on the drive to church. At church, after taking the sacrament, I walked Faidra in the hall throughout testimony meeting. Yes, today is our ward's fast Sunday. In Sunday school we continued to learn about the parables in Matthew; we discussed chapter 14, the one about the wheat and the tares. It was a very insightful lesson for me; there are a lot of different ways you can look at parables. I got to see Fa and Carmen in Sunday school too; they've been up in Portland to celebrate Fa's 16th B-day. Her actual birthday is tomorrow; I had better start writing a song. It should be interesting, because I already just love to use Fa's nickname in scatting anyways.
When it was time for priesthood, after some announcements of more service projects (I love how so many service projects are popping up all over the place now!), it was time for me to give my lesson to two other quorum members: Parker and Bryce. I tried as hard as I could to not follow the lesson and make it a more organic learning experience. Since I spent a lot of time yesterday just studying psych for fun, I included a bit of explaining about emotions that humans feel and that we are different than other animals because we can choose how we act because of a stimulant instead of reacting like an animal. As I talked more about the trials of Joseph Smith and the Pioneers, the more I realized that this talk was really for me. I finished off the lesson bearing my testimony, feeling refreshed and strengthened once again by the message shared. I think the scripture with the most impact to me was D&C 12-
AHAHA!! I just found my old triple combination with all of the stickers and markings and everything; thank you mom!Oh, thank you Heavenly Father!
Anyways, the scripture that really recharged me for today was D&C 122:7-8; read this aloud to yourself: "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
I have been needing this verse for a long time; it was just what I needed for my emotional state. Give me any task and I'll do it, Lord!
Let's do it.
"I threw my planner in the air today, singing ay-o, gotta let go..." That's how my planning has been for the past few weeks; I think I'm in a stress rut. I've just got to endure to the end here; summer is so much closer, and its all of the fun things we've planned for it that's motivating me to push through. The actual today (4/10) was so uplifting, but first I'll get these journal entries in.
Yesterday grandpa spilled the beans about the Baxters coming over for Conference weekend, but I still didn't know any details about it (until I heard mom talking to Rory on the phone in the other room about seeing me at today's track meet). I was so happy to see them there!
Everyone did well at the meet; I personally saw Jefferson Jarvis make a new PR (and High School record). He let out a scream and hurled the discuss out into the stratosphere; it was mind-numbing to watch him throw 172.something ft today.
After the meet, the Baxters and I went to g-ma and g-pa Seable's house for a delicious dinner and a temple prep class that my grandparents were doing. Tonight's lesson was about the symbolism of the temple; it was very interesting stuff. I'm so excited to go to the temple to do all of the ordinances someday.
After the class I just kind of sat there on the couch staring at Ceana and Kaeli for the next hour or so, mentally tired from the day's events. I stole Jefferson's guitar and we wrote a little song to sing for Sabrina on her birthday. Ceana and I were considering waking up the next morning to make German pancakes during the "magic hour": 4 in the morn! I am fasting today (4/10) that I'll be able to change my habits so that I will be able to wake up that early; I have faith that I can once again become an early-to-bed-early-to-rise guy. I just need to choose the right and be more responsible with my time. Goal of the week!
Friday (4/1)
We woke at 6 instead for early morning seminary; brother Beckstead did a great lesson once again. The lesson was about polygamy, and the reason why our church once practiced it: because God said so. After class Ceana and I got to chat a bit more in the quietness of the church foyer. I gave mom a call after waiting for awhile, and she said to start walking home, and so we did. We were picked up from the road about 10 minutes after we began our walk.
After doing a bit of cleaning, all of the young women in the house had a wonderful day! Sabrina, Ceana, Kaeli, Rory, and my mom went out to lunch with a bunch of Sabrina's friends, and then had a surprise sleepover at Savannah D's house. I was considering an attack on the evening event, but mom didn't think it would be appropriate. The idea was simple; play a guitar under or next to one of Savannah's windows while wearing a monkey mask. Once found by someone, scream and run. I guess I'll have to save that idea for some other occasion.
Ceana was so polite and patient today (as usual); it really touched me. Rory and I convinced her to come to track practice with me. I had some strange fantasy idea that the coaches would allow her, unregistered and all, to practice with us. But it didn't work out as I had hoped, and she had to wait through the whole 2 hours or so of practice. But how did she respond when I came up to apologize? Irritation? No, just kind, calm, reassuring words. "It's okay."
I still have to do something special for her for showcasing her amazing selfless attitude and heart-of-gold on this occasion; what a good example to me!
Saturday (4/2)
General conference, yay! I got to go see the first session at Savannah's house with all the ladies there. It turns out that Cassidy and Allie were able to come to; it was so good to see them!
During the time between sessions, the Baxters, Cassidy, Allie, and my whole fam decided to go to the local pharmacy and get some 25 cent phosphates. Afterwards dad had this urge to quickly stop at our most favorite chocolate store in town and get Sabrina a bite to eat. He gave her money, she ran in, and brought back snickerdoodles to share with the whole bus-load; how thoughtful! They were gone in seconds.
We watched the second session of conference at home, then we went out to the backyard to play on the trampoline and the trees and everything. It was so fun, and Rory got some good pics. Visualizing coach Goodell in my mind, I had the urge to go do that 45 minute run that he told me to do, or else. So I tried to set up a walk for everyone to go on. Well, just to save the reader's brain a lot of trouble, it ended in me "getting lost" and getting late for the priesthood session. Another fantastic idea, Keenan. Planning things like this is a skill that you must develop over time, right? I hope so.
Anyways, when we arrived at the stake center for the priesthood session, whoever was in charge of getting the broadcast set up was having trouble getting the stream from Salt Lake. After 15 minutes after conference started they had it working. Anthony joked that once it would start working again we would see Thomas S. Monson saying, "-and that is everything you need to know to not get burned tomorrow. Over and out."
"FIND THAT TALK ON YOUTUBE!"
Anthony never ceases to crack me up.
It was a good meeting; it was actually a bit more informal than the other ones. Eyering's opening played cleverly on Uchdorf's talk, and President Monson's talk about marriage was just plain funny.
After the conference my father and I drove to grandma's house listening to Voicemail blare loudly from our car speakers and singing along like there's no tomorrow. "THE SPIRIT OF GOD, LIKE A FIRE IS BURNING..." It felt so great, just that time I had with dad in the car. We should sing together more often; it's a hobby I believe we both enjoy.
That night was full of some good board games, specifically Tribond and Heroscape. After playing these, we watched one of Anthony's most favorite movies: What's Up Doc? It was a very confusing film apparently designed to confuse the viewer. It was ridiculous.
Sunday (4/3)
Ah, today was a really good day. But it was also a sad day. Rory, Ceana, Kaeli, Sabrina, and myself got to watch the rest of conference at grandma's house. During the break time we watched this special program about retarded children and adopted children that made Rory and me cry. Grandma made some really yummy food while we were there, and the Baxters got to have a look at grandpa's workshop. On our way back to my house, the girls had a random notion to stop at a couple of signs that they found utterly hilarious to take some pictures: "Idle" and "Drury".
At the house we got to show the Baxters a few parts from the Liken video collection; some of our most favorite songs. Then Ceana and I played a few hymns on the piano together, just stalling to avoid having to leave. But they eventually had to go. We always have such good times every time we get together; I miss the Baxters. I hope I'll be able so see them again soon.
Monday (4/4)
Today was a really good day. Recharged spiritually and emotionally, I was able to do very well in my studies, track practice, and family life. I had better go through the general conference talks often; I could use everyday days like this more often. Excelsior!
Tuesday (4/5)
Today I went on a long bus ride to Klamath Falls for a track meet. Rule of life #3849201: Do NOT sit in the back of the bus.
Wednesday (4/6)
What happened today? I didn't record stuff very well here. Must have been too busy getting mounds of schoolwork done.
Thursday (4/7)
Similar to Wednesday, except today there was that one leadership seminar LL by Ms. Tuerk, which was really cool. Next time we do it the students that have been attending the seminar are going to be doing the whole meeting for a group of people. I love Ms. Tuerk; I would advance to say that she is the best ORCA teacher I've ever had. I am so excited to be in her AP Psychology class next year. GAH! Next year! I feel like singing "One Day More" from Les Mis. It just fills me with joy; next school year is going to be so fun. AP English Literature, Honors Algebra II, AP Biology, and AP Psych! I just want to scream; it's going to be fantastic! And karate; will be doing that too. And I'll find a consistent job, AND I'll be able to drive to it. Mwahahahaha!
I must keep on working, and remember the future is bright. "He gave me hope when hope was gone, He gave me strength to journey on..."
Friday (4/8)
More work, more track, more this and that. Tonight they did commando again, but I decided not to go; I was too tired. I heard that tonight's game of commando was police approved, but I learned otherwise the following morning.
Saturday (4/9)
I woke up this morning and went to a ward service project. We did some cleaning and leaf raking at a local cemetery, and I honestly had a pretty good time there. Haley, who went to commando last night, was prompted to text her aunt to get a ride home early in the night. It was a really good thing that she listened to the Spirit, because the whole thing turned out being pretty bad; she didn't even go into the details. Oh, by the way, Miranda's leg is still injured from the last time we played commando. But today she was feeling good enough to go without crutches.
As I walked past graves throughout the cemetery, I noticed one that caught my eye. It was a newer looking one, and had small statues of children playing around it. The name clearly etched in the marble was Austin Fryer, a name which tugged at my heartstrings and caused me to stop raking for a minute or two in respect. Austin was one of my childhood buddies, one of the best friends I can remember. He died of cancer at age 8, in 2003. I miss him so much, I cried there, looking at his grave.
After the service project, we had an exciting trip to the library. I have not been to the library in a very long time, and just loved being there! I'd like to just live at my local library, and I bet I could too, considering I just do online school. Maybe when I can drive... Anyways, I got a bunch of psychology books directed to teens. One of them, The 7 Best Things Smart Teens Do, has been simply fascinating; it has been really hard to put it down. I even referenced it in my Sunday School lesson today (4/10).
This evening was a ton of fun! Miranda had heard that there was a dance way out in Ashland, and her dad was willing to give rides! And so I was able to make it there thanks to Brother S' kindness. While driving there and back, Miranda and I had fun reading aloud from The 7 Best Things Smart Teens Do. She's a psych fan too; she's just wrapping up Sean Covey's The 6 Most Important Decisions You Will Ever Make. Her dad gave a ton of really interesting insight on what we were reading aloud; it was a really fun car ride for me.
The dance in Ashland was Neon themed, and there were a bunch of glow bracelets and necklaces there for people to just grab. It was a ton of fun! Haley was able to make it there too, and she had a great time. She reminds me so much of my cousin Jessie; it really makes me laugh. She seems a bit... emotional. How do I describe her? Well, we found the skeleton of a deer in the cemetery while cleaning earlier today, and she started crying. Tonight she wouldn't stop freaking out about some cute boy she danced with. Then she asked me if I would get some guy's number. I did, and she wouldn't stop thanking me even the next day in Sunday School. I believe that that young lady is a crazy-hyper ball of energy, poor lass. Love her anyways.
Sunday (4/10)
Today I woke up and realized, "oh no, I was supposed to prepare a lesson in priesthood today!" I had lesson 15: Enduring to the end. I scrambled to make an outline of what I would cover and stuff I would use throughout the morning and on the drive to church. At church, after taking the sacrament, I walked Faidra in the hall throughout testimony meeting. Yes, today is our ward's fast Sunday. In Sunday school we continued to learn about the parables in Matthew; we discussed chapter 14, the one about the wheat and the tares. It was a very insightful lesson for me; there are a lot of different ways you can look at parables. I got to see Fa and Carmen in Sunday school too; they've been up in Portland to celebrate Fa's 16th B-day. Her actual birthday is tomorrow; I had better start writing a song. It should be interesting, because I already just love to use Fa's nickname in scatting anyways.
When it was time for priesthood, after some announcements of more service projects (I love how so many service projects are popping up all over the place now!), it was time for me to give my lesson to two other quorum members: Parker and Bryce. I tried as hard as I could to not follow the lesson and make it a more organic learning experience. Since I spent a lot of time yesterday just studying psych for fun, I included a bit of explaining about emotions that humans feel and that we are different than other animals because we can choose how we act because of a stimulant instead of reacting like an animal. As I talked more about the trials of Joseph Smith and the Pioneers, the more I realized that this talk was really for me. I finished off the lesson bearing my testimony, feeling refreshed and strengthened once again by the message shared. I think the scripture with the most impact to me was D&C 12-
AHAHA!! I just found my old triple combination with all of the stickers and markings and everything; thank you mom!Oh, thank you Heavenly Father!
Anyways, the scripture that really recharged me for today was D&C 122:7-8; read this aloud to yourself: "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
I have been needing this verse for a long time; it was just what I needed for my emotional state. Give me any task and I'll do it, Lord!
Let's do it.
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