Today I found my copy of my Patriarchal Blessing on my shelf; and I had thought it had been lost when mom switched the rooms around over the summer. Tonight I decided to go through it again, though I already thought I remembered what it said. It has been months since I've read it.
Tonight as I looked over the talents, promises, and prophecies God has given to me personally, I couldn't help but feel a comfort I haven't felt in a very long time. I feel like I've forgotten who I really am. I feel like my life focus now is to totally change myself into a totally different person than I once was; to grow up, to man up, to get tough, to become independent, to get what I really want. But I feel like I've been trying to do so in a way that is unpleasing to the Lord. As I look over my blessing, I realize that I've been playing this whole game of life with a disorganized, weak, uncontrolled, unplanned strategy. I've been thrown new trials this year unlike anything I have ever faced before, and I allowed them to let my grip on the iron rod grow weaker.
My Patriarchal Blessing showed up at a perfect time; I just wish I had been reading it all along. It's my personal guide, my own instructions from my Father in heaven. Now, I recommit myself to centering my life on God and working on what he has instructed me to do; no more time wasting, arrogant, impatient, lazy, disrespectful, darkness in my life!
I'm beginning to find my purpose again.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I'm Back!
Hello public journal!
I have returned to stay; I realize that life if better and more organized when I keep a blog, and so I'm going back into it once again.
This school year so far has been difficult. I've been trying to get a district transfer to Grants Pass High School, and they have denied me once. But that hasn't stopped me; I have resent my request and letters and today at the soonest I will find out if the Three Rivers School District lets me go. Oh how I hope it is so! But if not, I will just try again with extra support; maybe I can get my director to send a letter.
Which reminds me! I have been muchly enjoying practicing in GP's play The Sound of Music as Captain Von Trapp! I'm still trying to get everyone's names down, but I am loving practicing all of the songs for this play! The girl who is playing Elsa is an amazing singer, all of them are. Thomas (the first Von Trapp) is a great guy to be around too. Keeps himself busy with lots of stuff, and he also gave me some more info on the school on our first day. I'm so excited to get in!
As for fun things I've been doing, I've been organizing a lot of meets with the Music Partiers; it has almost become a weekly thing. When Emma came over to visit, we had a water fight at the park. A couple of weeks ago we performed on the streets at First Friday then watched Jurassic Park II. Last weekend we went to a dance in central point and I got to meet one of Miranda's old-time friends (well, I guess we're not old-timers yet, are we? Well, okay, in less catchy words, she's known this girl for awhile). I can perceive lots of fun we'll have in the future in our shared hobby: board games!
Last night I got to go to Cole and Arren's troop meeting. I love their troop already; I'm excited to get transferred. Fall Encampment is coming up and I'm looking forward to it muchly; I have never been to it before (which is kind of dumb because I've been a scout my entire life!). It's a weekend camp with service projects and competitions and such; should be worth going to. Oh, Cole and Arren are two great musicians I met while working at Camp Makualla; they go to GPHS and I am very excited to see them there too! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!
GAH!!!!!! SOO Excited!
I liked Makualla; I'm looking forward to next year. Anthony Jarvis might be coming along; he will sure make camp a great experience for everybody.
I'm trying to figure out how on earth I will be able to come up with all of the money I will need for Philmont next year; I intend to make it. I guess I can keep working for Brother Davis. Not sure yet; got to talk to my new scoutmaster Mike this afternoon if I have any chance of coming along. Got to get some money!
I have returned to stay; I realize that life if better and more organized when I keep a blog, and so I'm going back into it once again.
This school year so far has been difficult. I've been trying to get a district transfer to Grants Pass High School, and they have denied me once. But that hasn't stopped me; I have resent my request and letters and today at the soonest I will find out if the Three Rivers School District lets me go. Oh how I hope it is so! But if not, I will just try again with extra support; maybe I can get my director to send a letter.
Which reminds me! I have been muchly enjoying practicing in GP's play The Sound of Music as Captain Von Trapp! I'm still trying to get everyone's names down, but I am loving practicing all of the songs for this play! The girl who is playing Elsa is an amazing singer, all of them are. Thomas (the first Von Trapp) is a great guy to be around too. Keeps himself busy with lots of stuff, and he also gave me some more info on the school on our first day. I'm so excited to get in!
As for fun things I've been doing, I've been organizing a lot of meets with the Music Partiers; it has almost become a weekly thing. When Emma came over to visit, we had a water fight at the park. A couple of weeks ago we performed on the streets at First Friday then watched Jurassic Park II. Last weekend we went to a dance in central point and I got to meet one of Miranda's old-time friends (well, I guess we're not old-timers yet, are we? Well, okay, in less catchy words, she's known this girl for awhile). I can perceive lots of fun we'll have in the future in our shared hobby: board games!
Last night I got to go to Cole and Arren's troop meeting. I love their troop already; I'm excited to get transferred. Fall Encampment is coming up and I'm looking forward to it muchly; I have never been to it before (which is kind of dumb because I've been a scout my entire life!). It's a weekend camp with service projects and competitions and such; should be worth going to. Oh, Cole and Arren are two great musicians I met while working at Camp Makualla; they go to GPHS and I am very excited to see them there too! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!
GAH!!!!!! SOO Excited!
I liked Makualla; I'm looking forward to next year. Anthony Jarvis might be coming along; he will sure make camp a great experience for everybody.
I'm trying to figure out how on earth I will be able to come up with all of the money I will need for Philmont next year; I intend to make it. I guess I can keep working for Brother Davis. Not sure yet; got to talk to my new scoutmaster Mike this afternoon if I have any chance of coming along. Got to get some money!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Final Post
Readers,
I find it time to begin a new chapter of my life, for two reasons:
1. I have a desire to add variety to my life.
2. I have been using an email account different from my blog-email account for months.
I will continue my blogging adventure on a new site. On A Stripling Warrior my writing will not be a trivial ramble of my life experiences (my personal journal gets enough of that!). Instead, I will place a higher emphasis on being a more inspirational/motivational writer. I have been studying many blog posts written by a personal development expert named Steve Pavlina, and I would like to give his style of writing a try. Of course I will continue to write about my life, but it will not be the sole purpose. I want whoever reads my work to have gotten something spiritual and uplifting from spending the time required to look at the blog.
In turning over a new leaf, I bid this white, plain-looking blog farewell. Goodbye.
I find it time to begin a new chapter of my life, for two reasons:
1. I have a desire to add variety to my life.
2. I have been using an email account different from my blog-email account for months.
I will continue my blogging adventure on a new site. On A Stripling Warrior my writing will not be a trivial ramble of my life experiences (my personal journal gets enough of that!). Instead, I will place a higher emphasis on being a more inspirational/motivational writer. I have been studying many blog posts written by a personal development expert named Steve Pavlina, and I would like to give his style of writing a try. Of course I will continue to write about my life, but it will not be the sole purpose. I want whoever reads my work to have gotten something spiritual and uplifting from spending the time required to look at the blog.
In turning over a new leaf, I bid this white, plain-looking blog farewell. Goodbye.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
HAPPY!
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!
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!
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.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Epic Spring Break
This was a crazy spring break. It was supposed to be a super catch up week for school work, but I allowed other things to get in the way. Don't get me wrong; I got some work done. I just didn't get %100 all caught up. This next going to be so good; I'm so excited to have these lessons done. Anyways, let me tell you of my springtime adventures.
3/21 (Monday)
I woke up at grandpa Seable's house. Dad left me there while I was talking to Ceana via cell phone in g-ma's back room. I guess he heard me mention that I wanted to stay for the night in some of the conversation and just decided to go. This morning I spent some good quiet time doing schoolwork on g-ma's laptop. I love being able to take school everywhere. Then again, I suppose I can never escape, can I?
I also got to spend some time with my cousins, of course. The Jarvis family decided to go to a local museum today, and I decided to tag along. As it turned out, the museum was closed, and so we went to the local pharmacy for 25 cent phosphates instead. I got some wonderful humble-time walking around in public wearing grandpa's oversized sweats and itchy sweater; it was fun playing hobo for the day. All the same, it was nice when dad dropped off my track clothing for the afternoon.
That's right; an athlete never rests, not even for spring break. There was a skeletal number of the team there today; most of them were off traveling. But we had practice just like any other day.
This evening for family night we got to watch The Secret on Netflix. Whoever thought up this idea made it sound really epic and intense and whatnot. A lady puts together a group of authors, psychologists, and visionaries and they explain the "law of attraction". In other words, they put the concepts of faith and hope into a fancy-smanshy-science-y documentary. It was very very interesting. As it turns out, you attract everything and everyone around you via thoughts, whether you realize it or not. You can have anything you want if you just focus on it and eliminate all negative thoughts concerning it. "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you..."
For example, if you hope that, "I don't want to be late", you are thinking negatively. You will most likely be late. Whereas is you think "I am on time" as you're waiting in that traffic line, your chances for being on time will dramatically increase only because you are thinking positively! It works, ask Einstein! Or Lincoln, or Beethoven, or Buddha, or Rockefeller... fun psych, indeed.
3/22 (Tuesday)
Today was meant to be another work day, only I got an employment opportunity by noon so I had to cut my quality school time short. The Harmons in our ward are killing, felling, and chopping up some trees on some property they just bought so they can have room on it for the new house they are building out in the woods. I got to come and help for ten bucks an hour. I think that their spot is nice, but it seems rather lonely. I guess no one will be bothering them out there, but I feel like when I'm looking for a place to live, I'm going to find a more social environment. I wonder if there is some way you can get a bomb permit that you could use to level ground and blow away trees on your property; that would save a lot of time for projects like this. I bet Brother Dauge has one or two we could use next time we eradicate trees.
3/23 (Wednesday)
I got a good bit of school done today + a special surprise. Tiernan H, a wonderful classmate of mine from Portland, happened to be down here for Ashland's Shakespeare Festival this week with her grandma. Allie, of course, had to plan a get together. So she called me up a couple of days before and badda bing= we got to spend the morning visiting, listening to music, and playing music at Allie's house. We even got to pester Jacob O on the phone, which led to some pretty interesting conversations. Tiernan is such a character.
This afternoon my father and I went to the cannery in Medford to get our family's food storage all re-stocked. I am so glad we did, but now my room is filled with boxes and cans. Where are we going to put all of this stuff?
3/24 (Thursday)
Today I finally finished the rough draft for the speech I have to do for next week for Government. Nothing else too exciting, other than track and piano lesson. Patience with self is a virtue.
3/25 (Friday) COMMANDO!
That's right, today I got to play commando. I'll tell you more about that in a minute.
This afternoon I got to go to the park to spend some time with the music group again. As it turned out, only the faithful Miranda and the diligent Jessie came. So we didn't have enough people for a band once again, but we got to play music and chat all the same. We'll get the whole group together one of these days, just you wait! After playing at the park for a bit we went to Miranda's house to hang out. While over there we played some pretty intense rounds of chess. As I was challenging Miranda's mom to a game of chess, I explained Education Week to her as an alternative to the now $400+ priced EFY. Both she and Miranda sounded excited about it; I hope she'll be able to come along with us this year!
Later that afternoon, Sister S was informed about a Commando game going on in town tonight. She was told that a group of LDS people decided to put it together, and that Miranda, Jessie, and I were invited. I had never heard of Commando before, but this is what I was told: You start at one point on foot, and then you have to get to another point without getting caught by other players looking for you in cars.
So Jessie and I called our moms to ask for permission. Jessie's mom said no, but mine said yes. And so, at 9 that night, Miranda and I went out to join 40-50 teenagers in this exiting game, beginning at the Denny's on the other side of the town. The end of the commando course was the All Sports Park, right on the opposite side of town. It turned out that it was organized by an LDS kid, but he invited a majority of non-LDS kids. There was smoking and foul language galore. Even a couple of police men showed up, just to see what we were all up to waiting in the parking lot. They told us that Denny's was complaining about us being there, and so we all moved to a different parking lot: McDonalds. It took the leader of the group (I believe his name was Thomas) awhile to find enough kids who wanted to be the drivers and spotters for the drivers. The most memorable line I remember hearing him say was, "EVERYBODY SETTLE DOWN. You haven't done anything illegal. Yet." (You're not allowed to run through private property in the game, but I remember hearing Noah had other plans...)
Once we had everything ready someone shouted "go" and the pack dispersed in seconds. It was kind of fun just sprinting and sprinting through the cool night, running and jumping over walls, and actually using the stamina I've been accumulating in distance running for something new. I looked over my shoulder a bit after jumping off of a tall ledge onto parking lot, spotting Miranda. She looked like she had injured herself jumping off of the wall, so I just had to run back and see what was the matter. She rolled her ankle, and was not able to run for the rest of the night. And so we hobbled along for a few more minutes and were caught; I couldn't just leave her there. We were caught at an intersection still in the downtown area, on 5th street I believe. The driver that caught us (Jordan F) flashed his lights and honked the horn while his spotter Noah yelled at us out the window.We piled into the back, and zoom: their search continued. Jordan was driving way to fast in town that night, stopping and turning sharply and abruptly, looking for kids on the run in the night. We found a lot of hobos walking around in the dark. Miranda and I were considering dressing as hobos for this occasion to make avoiding spotters easier, but we ended up using dark clothing instead.
Jordan dropped us off at the All Sports Park, where we waited for the rest of the pack to get there or be captured and taken there. The leader and his small team of 3 made it there first without being caught, and the rest of them were either dragged in or ran into the center of the park victorious. While we were waiting for everyone to come along, we decided to scare people in the dark. We saw two silhouettes in the dark moving towards us from a long distance, so we hid behind a bush, waiting for them to come along. At the right moment, we yelled "RAR!!" and scared two young adult men riding bikes in the middle of the night. The first one freaked out, and then said the F word more than any other person I have ever heard in my life, then raised his hand, as if to strike, but turned out to be a high five. He complimented us for scaring them, then we tried to explain what we were doing out in the park in the middle of the night. Then the capped, foul mouthed man mentioned, just before he was about to leave again, that he would have punched me in the face if Miranda wasn't there. Someone must be watching out for me.
The second couple I scared (Miranda had to go sit down) was two of the commando players, Matt and Sarah. I yelled, he looked surprised, she screamed, ka-ching.
Sooner or later everyone showed up at around 10:15. Some of the drivers and runners were acting pretty rowdy and dangerous; I am so grateful that none of them got hurt riding on top of speeding cars in the park or throwing bananas (that's right, bananas.) at each other like knives.
They were going to have a second round past curfew, but Miranda and I decided to pass it up. She called her mom, she came, picked us up, and dropped me off at my house. I am SO grateful that we got out of that safely; my mom's prayers worked. I don't believe I will be playing commando with that group again. BUT, I think I'll have to use it in a more legal setting for group dates in the future.
When I got home, the kids were excited to show me a surprise. They showed me to the little girl's pink room, and there I found my desk, my bed, Henry's bed, my drawer, my guitar...
I'm so happy; I have a pink room! It's cozier than our family's storage room, that's for sure. The little girls had their beds moved to the classroom. I think I'll be able to work in hear more comfortably; I'm so grateful for such a thoughtful mom.
3/26 (Saturday)
Today I slept in; I fell ill. I felt too tired to do any school, but I was able to help a bit with the cleanup work the family was doing today.
Haley had her 16th birthday party today; that was fun. They did a Twilight trivia, which I knew all about; I read Nightlight, so I knew all of the right answers to the questions. There was food and cake and Haley's most favorite music. Ah, and Savannah F was able to make it there; I haven't seen her in months! It was so good to see her again; it brings such joy to my heart. I miss my seminary friends from town. Candice ("The cowgirl dancer from that talent show a few years ago?" "Oh yeah, that one!") was also there.
3/27 (Sunday)
I am feeling really tired today. But I'm going to just ignore that fact and pretend I'm totally energized this week. In sacrament meeting today Sister Black gave a really good talk about putting Christ first. She mentioned using the Attributes of Christ in the Preach My Gospel book for self improvement, which I remember doing last year. I think I'm going to try that again. The Christ like attribute of the week is Charity, I will be working on this one and studying it all week long and then record how my behavior improves. This is going to be so helpful for me. I love Sister Black!
Parker gave a really good lesson about forgiveness in Priesthood today.
That's pretty much it for this week; now remember the Secret! "I will be able to accomplish my set tasks in all of my responsibilities this week easily!"
3/21 (Monday)
I woke up at grandpa Seable's house. Dad left me there while I was talking to Ceana via cell phone in g-ma's back room. I guess he heard me mention that I wanted to stay for the night in some of the conversation and just decided to go. This morning I spent some good quiet time doing schoolwork on g-ma's laptop. I love being able to take school everywhere. Then again, I suppose I can never escape, can I?
I also got to spend some time with my cousins, of course. The Jarvis family decided to go to a local museum today, and I decided to tag along. As it turned out, the museum was closed, and so we went to the local pharmacy for 25 cent phosphates instead. I got some wonderful humble-time walking around in public wearing grandpa's oversized sweats and itchy sweater; it was fun playing hobo for the day. All the same, it was nice when dad dropped off my track clothing for the afternoon.
That's right; an athlete never rests, not even for spring break. There was a skeletal number of the team there today; most of them were off traveling. But we had practice just like any other day.
This evening for family night we got to watch The Secret on Netflix. Whoever thought up this idea made it sound really epic and intense and whatnot. A lady puts together a group of authors, psychologists, and visionaries and they explain the "law of attraction". In other words, they put the concepts of faith and hope into a fancy-smanshy-science-y documentary. It was very very interesting. As it turns out, you attract everything and everyone around you via thoughts, whether you realize it or not. You can have anything you want if you just focus on it and eliminate all negative thoughts concerning it. "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you..."
For example, if you hope that, "I don't want to be late", you are thinking negatively. You will most likely be late. Whereas is you think "I am on time" as you're waiting in that traffic line, your chances for being on time will dramatically increase only because you are thinking positively! It works, ask Einstein! Or Lincoln, or Beethoven, or Buddha, or Rockefeller... fun psych, indeed.
3/22 (Tuesday)
Today was meant to be another work day, only I got an employment opportunity by noon so I had to cut my quality school time short. The Harmons in our ward are killing, felling, and chopping up some trees on some property they just bought so they can have room on it for the new house they are building out in the woods. I got to come and help for ten bucks an hour. I think that their spot is nice, but it seems rather lonely. I guess no one will be bothering them out there, but I feel like when I'm looking for a place to live, I'm going to find a more social environment. I wonder if there is some way you can get a bomb permit that you could use to level ground and blow away trees on your property; that would save a lot of time for projects like this. I bet Brother Dauge has one or two we could use next time we eradicate trees.
3/23 (Wednesday)
I got a good bit of school done today + a special surprise. Tiernan H, a wonderful classmate of mine from Portland, happened to be down here for Ashland's Shakespeare Festival this week with her grandma. Allie, of course, had to plan a get together. So she called me up a couple of days before and badda bing= we got to spend the morning visiting, listening to music, and playing music at Allie's house. We even got to pester Jacob O on the phone, which led to some pretty interesting conversations. Tiernan is such a character.
This afternoon my father and I went to the cannery in Medford to get our family's food storage all re-stocked. I am so glad we did, but now my room is filled with boxes and cans. Where are we going to put all of this stuff?
3/24 (Thursday)
Today I finally finished the rough draft for the speech I have to do for next week for Government. Nothing else too exciting, other than track and piano lesson. Patience with self is a virtue.
3/25 (Friday) COMMANDO!
That's right, today I got to play commando. I'll tell you more about that in a minute.
This afternoon I got to go to the park to spend some time with the music group again. As it turned out, only the faithful Miranda and the diligent Jessie came. So we didn't have enough people for a band once again, but we got to play music and chat all the same. We'll get the whole group together one of these days, just you wait! After playing at the park for a bit we went to Miranda's house to hang out. While over there we played some pretty intense rounds of chess. As I was challenging Miranda's mom to a game of chess, I explained Education Week to her as an alternative to the now $400+ priced EFY. Both she and Miranda sounded excited about it; I hope she'll be able to come along with us this year!
Later that afternoon, Sister S was informed about a Commando game going on in town tonight. She was told that a group of LDS people decided to put it together, and that Miranda, Jessie, and I were invited. I had never heard of Commando before, but this is what I was told: You start at one point on foot, and then you have to get to another point without getting caught by other players looking for you in cars.
So Jessie and I called our moms to ask for permission. Jessie's mom said no, but mine said yes. And so, at 9 that night, Miranda and I went out to join 40-50 teenagers in this exiting game, beginning at the Denny's on the other side of the town. The end of the commando course was the All Sports Park, right on the opposite side of town. It turned out that it was organized by an LDS kid, but he invited a majority of non-LDS kids. There was smoking and foul language galore. Even a couple of police men showed up, just to see what we were all up to waiting in the parking lot. They told us that Denny's was complaining about us being there, and so we all moved to a different parking lot: McDonalds. It took the leader of the group (I believe his name was Thomas) awhile to find enough kids who wanted to be the drivers and spotters for the drivers. The most memorable line I remember hearing him say was, "EVERYBODY SETTLE DOWN. You haven't done anything illegal. Yet." (You're not allowed to run through private property in the game, but I remember hearing Noah had other plans...)
Once we had everything ready someone shouted "go" and the pack dispersed in seconds. It was kind of fun just sprinting and sprinting through the cool night, running and jumping over walls, and actually using the stamina I've been accumulating in distance running for something new. I looked over my shoulder a bit after jumping off of a tall ledge onto parking lot, spotting Miranda. She looked like she had injured herself jumping off of the wall, so I just had to run back and see what was the matter. She rolled her ankle, and was not able to run for the rest of the night. And so we hobbled along for a few more minutes and were caught; I couldn't just leave her there. We were caught at an intersection still in the downtown area, on 5th street I believe. The driver that caught us (Jordan F) flashed his lights and honked the horn while his spotter Noah yelled at us out the window.We piled into the back, and zoom: their search continued. Jordan was driving way to fast in town that night, stopping and turning sharply and abruptly, looking for kids on the run in the night. We found a lot of hobos walking around in the dark. Miranda and I were considering dressing as hobos for this occasion to make avoiding spotters easier, but we ended up using dark clothing instead.
Jordan dropped us off at the All Sports Park, where we waited for the rest of the pack to get there or be captured and taken there. The leader and his small team of 3 made it there first without being caught, and the rest of them were either dragged in or ran into the center of the park victorious. While we were waiting for everyone to come along, we decided to scare people in the dark. We saw two silhouettes in the dark moving towards us from a long distance, so we hid behind a bush, waiting for them to come along. At the right moment, we yelled "RAR!!" and scared two young adult men riding bikes in the middle of the night. The first one freaked out, and then said the F word more than any other person I have ever heard in my life, then raised his hand, as if to strike, but turned out to be a high five. He complimented us for scaring them, then we tried to explain what we were doing out in the park in the middle of the night. Then the capped, foul mouthed man mentioned, just before he was about to leave again, that he would have punched me in the face if Miranda wasn't there. Someone must be watching out for me.
The second couple I scared (Miranda had to go sit down) was two of the commando players, Matt and Sarah. I yelled, he looked surprised, she screamed, ka-ching.
Sooner or later everyone showed up at around 10:15. Some of the drivers and runners were acting pretty rowdy and dangerous; I am so grateful that none of them got hurt riding on top of speeding cars in the park or throwing bananas (that's right, bananas.) at each other like knives.
They were going to have a second round past curfew, but Miranda and I decided to pass it up. She called her mom, she came, picked us up, and dropped me off at my house. I am SO grateful that we got out of that safely; my mom's prayers worked. I don't believe I will be playing commando with that group again. BUT, I think I'll have to use it in a more legal setting for group dates in the future.
When I got home, the kids were excited to show me a surprise. They showed me to the little girl's pink room, and there I found my desk, my bed, Henry's bed, my drawer, my guitar...
I'm so happy; I have a pink room! It's cozier than our family's storage room, that's for sure. The little girls had their beds moved to the classroom. I think I'll be able to work in hear more comfortably; I'm so grateful for such a thoughtful mom.
3/26 (Saturday)
Today I slept in; I fell ill. I felt too tired to do any school, but I was able to help a bit with the cleanup work the family was doing today.
Haley had her 16th birthday party today; that was fun. They did a Twilight trivia, which I knew all about; I read Nightlight, so I knew all of the right answers to the questions. There was food and cake and Haley's most favorite music. Ah, and Savannah F was able to make it there; I haven't seen her in months! It was so good to see her again; it brings such joy to my heart. I miss my seminary friends from town. Candice ("The cowgirl dancer from that talent show a few years ago?" "Oh yeah, that one!") was also there.
3/27 (Sunday)
I am feeling really tired today. But I'm going to just ignore that fact and pretend I'm totally energized this week. In sacrament meeting today Sister Black gave a really good talk about putting Christ first. She mentioned using the Attributes of Christ in the Preach My Gospel book for self improvement, which I remember doing last year. I think I'm going to try that again. The Christ like attribute of the week is Charity, I will be working on this one and studying it all week long and then record how my behavior improves. This is going to be so helpful for me. I love Sister Black!
Parker gave a really good lesson about forgiveness in Priesthood today.
That's pretty much it for this week; now remember the Secret! "I will be able to accomplish my set tasks in all of my responsibilities this week easily!"
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