Brittany snuck onto the blog .... =)

ha! its Brittany! =) lets see how long it takes John to notice that I updated his blog =)
Hello everyone,
life is pretty good right now. Just recovering from my surgery, slowly but it gets better day by day. John has been a sweetheart though! He has been over here everyday, including rushing over when I was getting really sick on Saturday night. He is an amazing guy for sticking through these past couple days. =)

Just felt like saying hello! and i was bored...ha ha

i love you baby!! <3 enjoy the spontaneous post!

---{-@

Do I hear wedding bells? . . . . Wait! I DO! I DO! I DOOO!!! May 14th @ 10:00am!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

Novemberness

Last month was a pretty good month safe to say :) It ended on a very high note when the family got together for Thanksgiving! If nothing else, that alone was something to be thankful for!! The cherry on top was that Brittany was able to come too!! :) I am very happy that she was able to meet all the sib's BEFORE the wedding, instead of the day of.

On Wednesday we all went to San Francisco to check out the Golden Gate Bridge and then went to the beach! That brought me back to when I first saw the Pacific Ocean :) The smell is a little more "fresh" than the east coast here (or at least New Jersey lol) Nonetheless, we all had a good time there and we could see the Oakland Temple from a distance. It was surreal for me to see it from the GOlden Gate Bridge - when I'd go to the temple on my mission, the view was perfect, seeing both Oakland, San Francisco, the bridges, the Bay, etc. and I wondered when I would be able to see all of that - and with who? I am happy that I was able to be there with my family AND Brittany! <3 She was absolutely sweet to watch with the nieces and nephews, and I could see, but most importantly feel a genuine love between them and her. :)


SO SWEET!!! :)

Also, Brittany and I were happy to have done our engagement photos last week!! We did them at a park in downtown Sacramento - Kristy was great to help us with that! (Thank you Kristy!) I am so happy that my family was able to meet together! THank you Josh & Kristina for welcoming everyone into your home. It was a week to remember! :)

Oh, and, also...

I love you Brittany!!!!! <333

Moments to remember

A few years ago, my companion at the time and I taught a woman in her small apartment in Fremont, California. Her name was Maria. When we first began talking with her, like most people we contacted, the light of Christ was present - we not only saw it, but more importantly, felt it. Maria woked full-time, while caring for her special needs daughter, who took up the majority of all her other time and energy. It was during that phase of my mission where I began to truly witness the tender mercies of the Lord in the lives of not just myself or that of my family, but in others as well.

Because of her schedule, we visited her once, sometimes twice a week. Our lessons with her always went well and we could tell that she was being very receptive. She would always express how much she loved God; and even though her young daughter would be impaired for life, it made her love and cherish her even more. She would often tear-up in expressing how much she had been blessed throughout her life because of a loving heavenly parent and that her daughter was her miracle and motivated her to keep going.

However, there came a point where Maria had to realize if what we were teaching her was true. The last time we saw her she came to her door and told us not to come back, saying that she felt that our message was true, and despite it's validity, it went against her whole upbringing as a Catholic. After a few minutes of her explaining to us her reasoning for not wanting us to return, my companion and I got the reassuring feeling through the Holy Spirit, that she would some time in this life, accept the gospel and be baptized.

Disappointing as it may have been to not finish teaching her the lessons and seeing her baptism, we knew that in time she would accept it and truly understand the love of her Heavenly Father.

In 2 years I came into contact with many many people. Many people rejected our message openly and sometimes offensively; some gave half-hearted attempts in keeping commitments; some progressed far into the lessons and had baptismal dates. Some I was privileged to see accept the gospel and eventually enter the waters of baptism; some I had the choiced experience of witnessing their sealing in the temple for time and for all eternity. And then there are a select few, like Maria, who accepted the gospel in their hearts - but it wasn't their time.

Sometimes each of us are instruments in the progression of God's children. It may be an initial salutation, or a smile, or a discussion, or bearing simple testimony. We were instruments in the Lord's hands during those months we taught Maria. And it is evidence to me of a loving Heavenly Father to have the sweet assurance of knowing that Maria will come to know the truthfulness of the gospel. Knowing that gives me great comfort. <3

I love this day!!

Brittany and I have been together for 8 months. It seems much longer than that, though. I know each of you can attest to that when thinking on how long you have been married/in a relationship - whether it has been 8 months, 5 years, or 30, time seems to fly by for just about everyone who is in love. :)

*ahem* .. so, enough with the mushy stuff :D

This coming Saturday is Halloween!! :) And this year, I get to spend it at the temple doing baptisms for the dead! Doing work for the dead on the day of the dead :D Pretty cool, I'd say.

School is school. I have some assorted papers to do and exams coming up - but all that is normal. Being the Elder's Quroum President has been gangs of fun (in a good way); the home teaching in our quorum is getting a lot better and I feel taht we are slowly but surely becoming a better quorum all around.

Earlier this month, Brittany wasn't in the best of health because of 'mono'. Thankfully, she is getting a lot better and was able to take off work last week to recuperate. (I love you Brittany!)

Other than that, I love this day!! :) It makes me grateful for what I have and for what I have to look forward to! 6 1/2 months until the big day!! WOWIE!! It'll come sooner than I think, no doubt - which is just fine by me :)

And I make an end. . .

Sweet Blessing

These have been some of the best days that I have ever had - all because of this precious woman <3 My heart is just swelled up with so much love for her!! :) I love you Brittany!!!! <3

And I make an end... ;)

New Stuff

Hey there everybody! Just a little updateroo on my most incredible blog...*ahem*... I mean, on my most FANTASTIC BLOG!!! HAHAHA . . . anyways, I added some new features:
- A site counter... I started it at 100 hits because I've had this blog since January and I roughly guesstimated the amount of visitors since then (excluding me of course); and I also wanted to start it on a nice, healthy round number :)
- I added a search bar at the bottom... because I can.
- On the bottom of this page, there is also a bar for current news updates. I don't know what all will be included, but nonetheless, I am trying to increase this blog's performance and quality and eventually will sign-up with AdSense.

Nonetheless, I am exciting about this and have good feelings that eventually down the road I can use this blog as a precursor for another once I am making six figures :D (Hey, a guy can dream!) School will end some day, and my career will jump-start soon after :) Work is work, and it seemes as if I'll be in this job for awhile longer - which is fine with me since I have been getting a steady flow of new projects to do!

Aside from all of that, I am having the best time of my life being engaged to my sweetheart Brittany. I can't wait for the everyone else to meet her! You'll then see why I am a happy little guy :)

I'm just happy :)

I can't describe it, I'm just happy and content right now. :) Life has been on the upswing these past several months. Brittany has played a major role in that. She just makes me a better person. :) I love her!! <3

That's all I wanted to say. :)

I AM ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO MY ANGEL BRITTANY!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) :) :) :)

As evidenced by the title of this post, I AM ENGAGED TO MY ANGEL BRITTANY!!!!!!!!!!! I am completely in La La Land right now!! I am so so ssoo happy that I will be marrying the most precious woman I have ever and will ever meet! :) :) I can't even begin to express what I am feeling :) She is such a great light to me! A precious miracle!! <3333

It all went down last night at a nearby park which we have gone to on occasion. Yesterday was our 6 month mark of dating, and my angel Brittany made me the most sweetest gift I could ever receive. :) I then gave my gift to her, a cute Teddy Bear I had made at a REALLY cute store. I put the ring in-between its paws which were magnetic - thus, concealing the ring quite well :) I told her to close her eyes really tight and to make a wish. Then, I instructed her to rub the paws together and to next hold out her hands. I then opened the little paws allowing the ring to fall into her hands. :) :) I have never seen Brittany light up as much as she did at that moment. It was one of those moments when time literally froze in place. <3

I love her so very much and cannot wait for the day for the both of us to be sealed in the temple forever and ever!! :) :) :) <3 What a great blessing the gospel is and our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness to His children! :) The promises we are given can really become true blessings in our lives. Mine is Brittany :)

And I make and end... for now ;)

Hello all!

So... this is Britt, sneaking onto Johns Blog. Cause its fun! I am just sooo sneaky....;) I would just like to say that we are doing quite well. =) We bought our plane tickets on saturday to go out to Cali! I am so excited to meet all of his siblings,! except sarah wont be there! saddd. =( , come November! A little nervous....but it should be fine! Yeah thats about it. I really have nothing else to talk about right now haha. I Just wanted to be funny and sneak on here. =)

Love you baby!! hehehe. <3

Goodbye all!

Brittany

August Rush

Yesterday, I was set-apart as the Elders Quorum President in my branch. Let's just say it has been a wild ride these past couple of weeks, leaving an administrative calling and transitioning into a more ministrative calling. It'll be gangs of fun, for sure - and I mean that in a good way. Lucky for me, I have a great support-base to rely on, from good parents/family, to a great presidency, and a beautiful woman who keeps me on my toes ;)

There is a lot to do in the next several months, with school, and finding another job, saving money, and . . . planning for the future ;)

Aside from all that, I am looking into the field of graphology (or handwriting analysis). An odd career choice, some may say - but it encompasses all of my interests: government, criminology, history, psychology. And to my amazement, it includes art interpretation. Nonetheless, it is the direction I feel I need to go in. If it leads to something else, then so be it.

Elder Scott said: "If it is a good impression, then do it!"

Recent News from the Keystone State

Here is the low-down: A week ago Monday I had an appointment to take a Spanish CLEP Exam, which if I passed I would get 12 credits automatically - that's IF I scored well. The exam all-in-all wasn't that bad - I was struggling with the comprehension because the people were talking proper Spanish, rather than Mexican Spanish. Nonetheless, I got my grade - a 67/70!! SOOO. . . that meant I received ALL 12 CREDITS!!!!!! Therefore, that is 4 less classes I need to take, and hundreds of dollars I can save on buying text books, and paying for each individual credit. *Phew!!* :) SO, goal #2 is done.

Last weekend I went to the Hill Cumorah Pageant, along with the Barclay's. The pageant was fantastic, and I can't remember ever seeing a more beautiful night sky in a long time. Every so often I'd look up for a minute or so, to let my eyes get adjusted, and see what I could see. I saw 2, maybe 3, satellites! It was completely clear, and faintly I could see a couple of swirls from the Milky Way. And to add to this natural display of splendour and beauty, I was sitting next to my angel Brittany. :) *ahem* but back to the pageant, ;) as usual we had the familiar protestors out on the road wasting time and energy in the efforts to disprove something they don't understand, because they don't care to. Ignorance is bliss, I guess...

We went to the sacred grove as well, and met up with a few YSA's from our branch who traveled there for the weekend as well. What a special feeling and spirit that resides there on those hallowed grounds. It was where it all started, a simple act of faith - which goes to show that even the smallest person can change the coarse of the future.

As far as news from this week, I had the glorious opportunity to do some actual, physical work here in the office. We had to mvoe around some things, beautify one of the Conference rooms, and add some wall stuff to various rooms. We got a free lunchg out of it :) So there's a plus! :)

And last, but most certainly not least, Brittany and I are fantastic! . . . well, at least she is. :) I can't wait for her to meet the sib's this November. She is an amazing woman <3


And I make an end...

Good times

I don't have much to say for this entry, just that I am as happy as I can be. :) One thing to mention, Britt and I are gonna be going to California for Thanksgiving!!! :) :) :) So it'll be great for her to meet the sib's. Yaaayyy!! we're SO excited for it - and hopefully we'll be able to head down to San Jose for a day and she can meet my mission mommy and the Perry's. :)

She is absolutely amazing in every way.

Counting blessings . . . tender mercies . . in La La Land . . . mhmm <3 I'm just all over the board! :D

I GOT A NEW CAR!!!!!!!!!!

So I've been toying with the idea of getting a new car for the past few months, until last week I made a check list of things to get done this summer. #1 was to get a new car. So Dad and I went to the dealership on Saturday, and there she was! My little 2007 KIA Rio (the name has yet TBD). So, yesterday and today I was getting all of the paper work, insurance, etc. over and done with. It cost *gulp* more than a little and less than too much, but I am happy that:

1.) I could check off goal #1

2.) No more procrastinating on buying a new car

3.) I got a car with fully-funtional air conditioning

4.) I don't have to worry having it breaking down somewhere :P

Sooooo... on another happy note, Brittany and I are doing very well :) I couldn't ask for a greater blessing right now :) ... Tender mercies, that's all I can say :) Next Spring is lookin' pretty good for the both of us *wink wink*.

Hopefully it works out for all of the Sib's to meet up for Thanksgiving in Sacramento - we'll be there ;)

And I make an end....

Dual Reunions are pretty sweet!!

This past week I had the privilege of attending a family reunion for the Champion's, and on Sunday with the Rolph's!! The Champion family reunion was in Heber City, Utah in HUGE house, with a pretty sweet view. Altogether we had 48 people. I won't go into detail because Mary thoroughly explained what went on at both places. All I can say, is that I am part of 2 great families and an impressive heritage. :) Moments like last week give me such joy to know how important families are. Living the gospel brings joy, and can solve any and all problems, no matter how set someone is in their way - there is ALWAYS hope through the gospel.

Miracles do happen. Believe me, I know ;)

Who are we?

Revelations 3:16 --- "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
Joshua 24:15 --- "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Ammorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Matthew 6:24 --- "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

It's time to choose what you truly believe. Our country is going to hell - it's up to us to make a stand and be Americans. Every single civilization that has ever existed has fallen the same way we are: from the inside out. Progressives and intellectual socialists try to sugar coat what they say with mindless jargon full of sophistry, and lazy Americans accept it because it's easier to do that rather than fighting back with TRUTH!
Hebrews 4:12... "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The ravenous wolves in sheeps clothing have taken over our government, and the flock have been frightened and dispersed into appeasing and giving in to the usurpers rather than making a stand.

We must become the change we want to see in the world.


PS: I love you Brittany <3

Semester's End

It has been QUITE the semester! School, work, church, relationships - what a wild ride!! :) It has all been worth it and I haven't been this happy for some time now.

I passed the semester with 2 'A's and a 'B' - not too shabby. I had some pretty good motivation this time around when compared to other semesters ;) She is quite the persuasive individual ....

Wait, who? Oh yeah! BRITTANY!! :) :) :) Mhmm .. she has been such a help to me this semester, getting my school work done and studying. (Thank you angel! :)

I"m getting pretty syked about the upcoming Family Reunion 'cause it has been 10 years since the last one - now there are many more spouses/children - good times! :) I suspect that we'll be outdoors a lot, so I have an eye exam next week and am gonna get some new shades - not Oakley's, but some nice prescription ones. My eyesight continues its downward spiral to blindness. I guesstimate that in 10 years I'll be Mr. Magoo; however, if that is the case, then I'll have my own cartoon. . . . . *cough* *dog barks in the background*

Yeah, so that's it for me. :P

Updates... :)

The semester is finally coming to a close - just got a few finals to take and it'll all be done! ... for now :P My internship here just keeps going and going and going - last week we emptied out the company's storage and brought it back here to the office - gangs of fun :P I did, however, enjoy all the "field work" it allowed us to do. We've come up with a new title for ourselves:
'Baby Wipes' - multi-purpose and disposable. :D Good times.

We had our Stake Conference last weekend - a broadcast actually, where we were able to hear from Elder Perry and President Monson. During our Saturday meetings the stake is asking for more members to become temple workers in response to the upcoming Philadelphia temple. I finished the Book of Mormon in spanish on Sunday - so apparently a chapter a day takes about 8 months to do... now I'm starting to go through the scripture references for the missionary lessons each day. Since there's 5 lessons, I'll do a principle a day, so that my knowledge gained on those topics won't go away.

I uploaded some more pictures on Facebook of my infamous car collection from my mission. I had quite a few - along with some various figurines.

As far as Brittany and I, we are doing absolutely fantastic! :) My year thus far has been so precious to me. She is absolutely amazing :) :) :) Apparently, we are the talk of the stake (literally) - since both of our families are well known by many in the stake, we have somewhat been a focus of attention and within some circles (a hot topic)... <3>

Anyways, that's all... for now.

Food For Thought

When I was 12, I remember catching a glimpse of an awards show on television, and lo' and behold there came Mr. Rogers to accept an award. We witnessed a rare moment in history that night when celebrities showed a degree of humility. Given that award shows haven't ever appealed to me (except the time when Return of the King won 11 Academy Awards... :)... here is the excerpt from what Mr. Rogers said there:



"All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take, along with me, ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are. Ten seconds of silence."

I simply cannot express how impressive that kickball is!!

Howdy!! Since my last post, I've been jubilantly fantastic.. (is that a word? jubilantly?) anyways, things are going very well with me. I was ecstatic with the results of one of my research papers - A+ !!! WAHOO!!!

School is passing by slowly, week by week. My job has been going the same - at times there are things to do (constructive things); other times, well... hehehe there isn't much to do other than processing data.

In not too short of time there'll be another family reunion!! YAAYY!! It's been 10 years already! Yikes! and 2 little additions will be added to the Rolph Family in the coming months :) :) As I realized on January 1st, this year is gonna be wonderful! - and it's only April!!

Oh, and by the way, Brittany is absolutely amazing! <3

And I make an end...

Mhmm... yes, I think so too.

Care to know why I have been so incredibly happy lately?

Well, I'll let you all figure that one out. :)

Go and Do

When we say our prayers, we traditionally ask for those things that we need - preceded by what we are grateful for. Oftentimes, we seek for certain things (blessings) or maybe simply to have the comfort of speaking with our loving Heavenly Father and that He does listen.

Unfortunately, we suddenly get fearful when we receive those answers; possibly due to the method it was answered or simply that it WAS answered and we don't know what to do or say - we maybe have not prepared ourselves well enough (or at all) in the event that an answer would in fact come. We all have wishes and worthy desires, and sometimes we don't think of how our life would be different when we get that answer... like those who seek for praise by others but are in reality afraid of all the attention they would unexpectedly receive... if that makes any sense.

I've received soooo many answers to prayers, and regrettably I hid from some of those answers, because it meant I had to change - that I had to accept God's will in that moment. And sometimes, I had to realize, that I couldn't stay where I was at - I had to move forward and endure through those changes and LEARN because that is what we are commanded, or rather, expected to do. Even if it means us letting go of some bad habits, or our time, or even sleep, we must do and say what has been revealed to us. There is no other way to get around it. We must go and do.

It often gives me strength, when I think of what happened to me 4 years ago - an unexpected answer, or rather, answers. That was a spring-board, per se, of what I needed to do in that segment of my life. I cannot always dwell on that one experience which I hold very sacred to my heart, we are to seek for more experiences to reinforce our strengths and testimonies. My flu bug I caught on January 1st of this year, was my spring-board for this year... and each of my pitfalls thus far in the first 3 months have consumed much less of my time and energy, because I quickly realize what I have, and that this year is not a year for me to be sad, but a year to be the most happy thus far in my life - that thought instantly makes me so much more happy and positive. And hopefully I will not cower at what is revealed to me, but accept it, and go and do it.

And just like Abraham Lincoln said: "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." :)

Mission lessons

I was speaking with my mother last night about tonight's Institute Class lesson - 'The Great Apostasy', and remembering how much fun I had teaching about it as a missionary. As odd as that may sound to some, it was the only principle that I could teach almost entirely from history. However, I didn't always have the chance to explain it thoroughly enough for the person to understand its significance and necessity in bringing about the Restoration of the Gospel. But aside from that, I remembered that at times I would get so into it that I unwittingly said too much, because it was so simple for me to comprehend - yet, it isn't the same for everyone else. We all learn things line upon line, precept upon precept; not everyone can immediately understand the import of the gospel message all at once - that requires faithful and diligent prayer and studying the scriptures, etc. etc...

Nonetheless, the valuable lesson I was able to obtain from it, was that I needed to depend more on the Spirit while I taught: to pay attention to my feelings, and those small whispers of what to say and to do. If the Spirit is not present, then one cannot teach the gospel. It didn't matter how much I perceivably knew about certain principles: what mattered was that I taught what needed to be said by the Spirit. While I was reconfiguring my teaching methods to apply this concept, my brother Ben sent me an e-mail with this counsel: To not make my lessons long and over-speak the doctrine. The gospel message is simple and the explanation of it should reflect that. The Spirit teaches through us, and when we simplify the doctrines, the person(s) will understand it - but most importantly FEEL it.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited our mission in August of 2006; we had a special mission conference and after he had spoken to all of us, he opened the rest of the time to Q&A. An elder stood up and asked: "How are we to know when to act on an impression?" Elder Scott responded: "If it is a good impression, then do it."

And I make an end...

24 things...

Hey there!!! Buenos dias!! I'm feelin' A-Okay! :) I had a fantastic birthday yesterday!!! I'm apparently 24 now... so I'll see how different this new year of my life will turn out than the previous years. On Sunday, my mommy made me my FAVORITE dinner - chicken stir fry w/ Chocolate Cream Pie for Dessert (and I could actually have some w/o it being picked at... haha! you know who you are ;) - and Monday evening I had fun @ FHE beating up on a Piñata of Dora the Explorer (revenge is sweet muahahaha!!) *ahem* anyways, I got some good gifts and cards from friends and family and had an enjoyable birthday and would like to thank all those who helped to make that possible :)

So, as evidenced by the title of this blog, there are 24 things I'd like to list that I am thankful for - the catchy thing, is that it will be one thing from each year of my life - oooooooooo!! I know, slick, eh? Okay, well, probably not, but whatever:

1 yr old.. learning to walk
2 yrs old.. learning to talk
3 yrs old.. getting my first big-boy bed (woot woot!!)
4 yrs old.. my white sail boat I got for my birthday
5 yrs old.. having a best friend
6 yrs old.. starting kindergarten (because it was only half the day!)
7 yrs old.. first learning about computers and cursive (handwriting at its best)
8 yrs old.. being baptized
9 yrs old.. having a lot of friends at school.. good times I miss :(
10 yrs old.. getting my glasses for the first time... it has had its perks :/
11 yrs old.. learning how tender my mothers heart really is... :)
12 yrs old.. receiving the Aaronic Priesthood
13 yrs old.. when my patience truly began to be developed
14 yrs old.. having activity period in school - a nice break!! :P
15 yrs old.. not succombing to the Y2K scare
16 yrs old.. having a memorable surprise party
17 yrs old.. when I first began to love reading
18 yrs old.. ENDING HIGH SCHOOL!!!!
19 yrs old.. when I woke up
20 yrs old.. starting my mission
21 yrs old.. the happiest year of my life thus far
22 yrs old.. the second happiest year of my life thus far
23 yrs old.. attending the sealing of Antonia and Francisco Gonzales and their daughter Paola
24 yrs old.. we'll see :)

January 1st - A real blessing

As some of you know, shortly after midnight on New Year's 2009, I got very sick all of a sudden and was incapacitated for that whole day. I was laying on an air mattress in the living room of my brother's apartment, contemplating what all this meant. People have attested that "mind over matter" works - I became a believer of that. I put things into a positive perspective, and had an overwhelming impression, that since this was happening to me - on the first of the new year, in a foreign environment, before a major road trip excursion - the rest of the year would be completely uphill and amazing and that great things were bound to happen. And lo and behold, I took that mindset and I was able to recuperate quickly; I think that was the most enjoyable experience of having the flu (I know, who thinks that the flu is enjoyable? I sure did, without it I wouldn't have experienced what I did), because of all these thoughts and impressions coming into my mind.

I realized also, that gaining a positive outlook on things from the previous few years, allowed me to have this great experience - a real blessing.

I don't know what will transpire this year, but I have a feeling it'll be freakin' awesome! :)

Videoesque horror on the road!!! Muahahahaha!!! ... actually, not really

A video which came about under extreme boredom and drowsiness during my trek to California.... it was a long day.

One of the elders, Elder Wilkes, acts as a zombie in this video with the theme of 'JAWS' playing in the background.

Elder Gardner... loved to take my camera and waste the battery. I wasn't too happy... >:(

A visit to Idaho last March... and little Noah was alllll smiles!!! :)

By Popular Demand... RANDOMNESS GONE WILD!!

I really do like to randomize things a bit. Sometimes I can get carried away, though. But you know what they say? ..... WHATEVER!!

So, here is a compilation of some real stochasticity:

Firstly, I think I should post words that I learn. It's good to expand one's vocab and sound intelligent in conversations (especially when no one knows what the word means, and when the word doesn't even apply to the conversation - but that's the beauty of it!).

Secondly, I collect quotes like a beast. I could put up some sort of "enlightenment" box for all to see and learn.

Thirdly, I'll post some videos in my archives. What will be shown? Who knows? MUAHAHAHA!!

Oh, that is just ridiculous!

I love this picture (Aurora Borealis).

Well, this week will be the last week for scanning medical documents!!! YYAAAAYYY!!! Starting at over 500 boxes in October '07, I am now down to just a few. In the process, I have scanned over 1.3 million pieces of paper - give or take several thousand. This may seem as something meaningless to most people, but I find it to be fantastic; in the sense that I stuck to this goal and now I am just about done! Persistence pays off in the long haul!

Woot! Woot!

So anyways, I'm doing very well right now. No complaints; just anticipating the days to come.

I'm still working on updating this blog, and hopefully I can get it all done by next week sometime. Now, of course there are many things I can post on this blog, but I'm holding back for now because any new "status" of mine would immediately be interpreted by my family (no offense). So, I'll hold off on any "details" for another time when it is convenient. :P

Adios!

Wow, 2 posts in one week!

If some believe that the US Constitution is inadequate to today's more "modern" society, then is the Bible inadequate too? Some perceive and preach (over the airways and in print) the Constitution as a document forged by wealthy, oppressive, white land-owners who were Deists that raped their slaves. Every possible method and maneuver have been attempted (and will continue in the years to come) to destroy the only document that has made this country the best in the history of the world in almost every area. A common ailment among people is that believe their history begins the day they were born, and thus transpose their current philosophies onto those who lived hundreds of years ago.
One argument among the Left, is that the Constitution is a "living document" and can thus be changed based on current creeds or philosophies. Typically, this argument is two-sided. When the Constitution goes against liberal policies (pretty the whole document does), then they feel justified in calling it a "living document" and must change it in order to get their way. However, the hypocrisy of it all, is that they immediately uphold the Constitution when it goes their way (especially their little baby the 1st Ammendment) and say that it can't be changed.
In the beginning, I mentioned the Bible and asking if it too was inadequate for today's modern and "sophisticated" society. God doesn't change - people do. They plead for His divine guidance when times are tough (ie: 9/11) and once all things are "good", they revert back to a state of complacency and they go against all those things that they promised not to do or forget. The scriptures contain countless examples of people not learning from their own history. They repeat it over and over again and somehow they can still find ways to rationalize and justify the hell out of it. The sin of pride turns like a wheel - it is what destroyed the Greeks, the Romans, The Kingdom of Israel, the Babylonians, the Egyptians, the Nephites, the Lamanites, the Byzantine Empire, numerous Asiatic empires, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. And yet, still, people consider themselves better than those ancient peoples and so much more "wise".
If people would take the time to look at history's lessons, and the rise and fall of the "great people's" that lived, and WHY they fell, and actually APPLY it into today's society, then things might be a little more positive. But the face of evil changes with every new theory, philosophy, credo - and it adapts. It tries to show us that a failed philosophy (for instance, socialism) works, or a certain belief would be accepted if we just give up certain of our liberties. Technology, in all of its advancements, sadly has increased evil's "acceptibility" among many people through various means and advanced the cause of that same spirit which beguiled our first parents.
I pointed out that the US Constitution is under assault by individuals who want to thwart and subvert democracy and those precious principles that have sustained this great and miraculous, Divinely-established country. They seek to re-teach history as something negatve and only full of pain and misery and darkness caused by those who professed they were doing "God's will"; and unfortunately many have succombed to that illusion. Much of the pain, misery, and darkness that has come to this planet has come from those who refused to listen to their Creator and thought that they were better than Him and pit their accomplishments, wealth, status, and armies against our loving Father in Heaven and what He has done for us. And one by one, when those "wise" and "learned" people reached the pinnacle of their decadence, they fell like Dominos.
And now, today, history is coming back to kick us in the pants. And that Evil One, along with his counterfeits, are blinding the minds of the simple through their words and fair speeches, which is nothing more than mindless jargon and sophistry. That same spirit, and his cohorts, have worked relentlessly on portraying our Founding Fathers as a bunch of liars and opressors - rather than 56 divinely-inspired men who for the first time in history said: "Enough! You either give us liberty, or give us death."; these men, who out of a miracle were in the thirteen fledgling colonies at the same time; in a time in history when the dark curtain of Apostasy was about to be lifted and the gospel was soon to be restored. This country, if you really look at it, has grown immensely. It has become "the last beacon of hope" and a "shining city on a hill."
Anything good that comes from God, is now considered "out of fashion" and not "cool". Life. liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness - this trio has made this country great. We are a country of God. And whenever we forget that, we will be forced back down to our knees to be humbled in order to remember it. It has happened in times past and will continue to happen. When we follow what is said to us from above, we will be happy. When we learn from the scriptures, we will be happier and make less mistakes. When we are humbled, we will prosper.

Random stuff to pass the time...

Well, well, well. Good times! First random point:

- According to my Cultural Anthropology teacher, the reason why we hiccup is a result of a genetic trait passed down from our "fish ancestors." ..... Huh? Apparently, tadpoles breathe by hiccupping in the water; and somehow, (may I add that this is a baseless theory taught as fact) that gene passed down to modern humans............

- Second random item: yesterday, there was a stake meeting at church and some of us made some spaghetti and meatballs, a salad, and italian bread - because our meetings ended late and there was a "limbo" period of time in-between. Soooo, everything was going great, and we put the bread in the oven on "broil" and that was that. But, of course, all good things must come to an end, and one of the guys yelled saying that re had forgotten about the bread. It had been almost 15 minutes, and the bread was charred, and smoking. The odor went through THE WHOLE building. It was gangs of fun, let me tell you!

- Third random item: there was some snow that passed through last Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. So, no work (wahoo!); but the day didn't end there. Our neighbor came by and offered to use his snow bloer to clear out some of the snow alongside our cars. After that, he said he had a television set in his house that he was wanting to give away. (Now bear in mind, his house is very old, like ours, but very cluttered with random things, and it smells like a log cabin; and not many people get a tour of the house - I did!) So, he takes me upstairs to the study where there is an old television set. I declined to take it (cause it was really old), but while he's going off about the TV, I was just contemplating how landmark-ish that moment was. I was in that house, on the second floor! Only those in my family will fully appreciate that, cause not too many of us have ventured past the kitchen cause of what lies beyond... :P

- Fourth random item: if any of you endured the Inaugaration speech, and who's IQ is still relatively stable after watching it, do you recall what was said at the very end with the "closing prayer?"
'We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man and white will embrace what is right.'
I don't know about you, but among the many possible interpretations, that whole oration of mindless spew, to me was a "Rameumpton prayer." (Alma 31: 12-23)

- Fifth random thingy: I just love every single day!

Little Tiny Post...

Well, I'm doing absolutely fantastic! The first few weeks of 2009 have treated me well. I started classes last week at MONTCO and will have a somewhat of an interesting semester. Nonetheless, Tio is hangin' in there and has the bestest of expectations in the coming months.

I'm lovin' life and am grateful for all of my family and friends! I'd most likely be a totally different person if I didn't have that.

I've been debating on what I should do first... well, maybe I should tell you what they are!

In the fall, I would like to buy a new car because my poor little Delila is close to seeing a hospice. The other option, was to get laser surgery for my eyes because I can't stand being near-sighted - and it's only getting worse. So those are the options. Hopefully I'll get some feedback about that and make the best decision.

Cuidense y que tengan un buena semana!!

Adios!

Step by Step

It always is amusing how when we first take on a task, such as a new job - or we start a new semester in school, or we get a responsibility in church, that immediately we feel a huge weight placed on our shoulders; mainly because we have never served or worked in that capacity before, and we contemplate how much time it will take to "learn the tricks of the trade." We sometimes try to do everything at once and learn all of our responsibilities in one day... that is impossible. It takes time, and effort, and learning - along with experiences.

When I started my mission officially in California, I saw how much I needed to learn. Not just sticking to our regimented schedule, but our many responsibilities, rules, code of conduct, studying the gospel, learning spanish, and being physically fit.... the list kept going on and on. I thought: "How can I do this?" "How can I learn all of this so quickly?" Answer: I wasn't required to learn those things all at once.

With each passing hour, and day, and week, and transfer, I gained more experiences while learning more about the gospel and how to teach it effectively, and the importance of keeping to the schedule and following all protocols. I had to learn patience and learn each duty one at a time. Like anything, once something is learned it becomes second nature. It is easy to be overwhelmed once we are given a new responsibility. We think, like I did: "How am I going to do all of this?" The Lord reveals His will to us line upon line, and precept upon precept. Is it any different with life? Does a law student automatically know how to try a case upon starting their first day of Law School? Does a parent know what to expect when they have their first child? Does a young missionary know what to expect once they enter the mission field? Once a foundation is placed, one can then build off of it. We learn things according to our faith and understanding AND patience.

I would try to do so many things at once to stay ahead and not be behind - but even if one is perceivably successful in that, it only creates feelings of depression, hopelessness, and often hiding from our responsibilities because we have unwittingly overwhelmed ourselves to the point of "throwing in the towel." I knew that the gospel was true and that a mission was where I needed to be. I knew the power of prayer and was therefore blessed with patience and understanding throughout my mission and after. I took "baby steps" and learned only what I was ready to learn.

When we feel so overwhelmed and can't seem to fully comprehend what it is we are required to do, sometimes the heavenly virtue of patience is required. When we seek to know God's will for us and are prepared to do it, we are in the strongest position to receive maximum help from our loving Heavenly Father.

January 1-8: In one word: WOW!!

A nice sunset - Texas style.

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A nice, almost sinister-looking sunset - Ohio style.

On New Year's Eve I traveled by train to my brother's place down in Virginia. He and his family were going to be moving to Sacramento, California the following day. It was a very chilly, windy evening. That night, about an hour or two after midnight, I was feelin' a bit queasy, and decided to make my own confetti in celebration of the new year... in the bathroom. I got a 24-hour flu bug which slowed things down as far as leaving for California. My sister-in-law Kristina and the twins left for Saint Louis later in the morning on January 1st, while Josh and I remained in the apartment.

The following day, I was feeling good enough to get out so Josh and I left around 10:30 am. We passed through Cumberland, Maryland and nice little weekend getaways in the "mountains" and lots of hills and forests and other little towns until we came to Indianapolis - where we stopped for the day. The following day we drove to Saint Louis to Kristina's parents' place and had a great visit; I then took on the responsibility of driving the mini-van (YAAYY!!) and Josh drove the truck with his car in tow.

We passed signs for Cuba and Lebanon (Missouri) - and stopped in a little town called Miami, Oklahoma. We attended sacrament meeting in what was perceived as a new building for the Miami Ward, a very welcoming and humble little ward. The day before, a teenage girl had been baptized - and all the members were ecstatic about it; they bore such sweet, simple testimonies (the best). We left after sacrament meeting and drove through the rest of the state and through north-western Texas and seeing the "Largest Cross in the Western Hemisphere" (that's what the sign said) and drove through Amarillo - all the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. For almost three hours there was a semi-truck with a flashing headlight behind us. I know that another hour of it would've given me a serious seizure. :P

The largest cross in he Western Hemisphere

That's something to be proud of...

That night, at the hotel, and took a picture of our hallway - mainly because it reminded me of 'The Shining' and at the end it looked like someone or something was behind the curtain.

Spooky!

We left Monday morning with a sense of anxiety to get as far as possible into California... however, round two came, but instead of me, it hit my brother. We stopped in the beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona around 4:30 pm, so that my brother could rest and get better. Since we both had different rooms, I found myself in an interesting situation... what do I do? Well, it's safe to say, that for the next 8 hours I enjoyed the free cable and Wi-fi access. Josh luckily was feeling better enough to drive the following day, so we set out after 9 am. Once we were out of Arizona, we passed through a checkpoint to get into California. Apparently, as I soon found out, no foreign fruits (meaning not native to California) were permitted into the state. The agent asked if I had any fruit, in which I responded with saying I had an apple. He then took it, observed it, and told me to be on my way. I forgot to tell him "Thanks" for taking my lunch, but it was all good.

The beauty of Southern California.

The loneliness of the drive...

...could cause one to go mad.

I thought driving through Oklahoma was long............ holy almost. California is a looonnnggg state. The first half was nothing but desert and Rest Stops every 100+ miles, and signs for 'Road Construction' even though there weren't any workers. The signs should have instead read: "Caution: No Road Work Ahead: Left Lane Closed: Merge Right." or "No Construction: Turn On Headlights." That lasted for over 80 miles or so. But after we passed through a small town we got into the hills. At the beginning it seemed to be smog covering the hills, but as we passed over them, it turned to fog, and there was instead of brown and death - a lot of green and life!! The temperature got more temperate and we entered the ENDLESS produce fields of California. (Ahhhh!! It was great to be back!) We passed through Bakersfield, Fresno, and Modesto until we got to Sacramento at around 9:30 pm. We gained an hour during the day which meant an extra hour of driving. WAHOO!!


This is a short video... on... well, just watch it.

But the fun didn't end when we got to the house. Oh, no. It got 10x better! There is no need to go into detail, but all I can say is that it was blessing the electricity was on as well as the water - cold it may have been, it doesn't matter in the bathroom.

So, the next day, we spent unpacking and setting up the beds and cribs, and loving to see the twins ecstatic about all of the space they had to run around and make a lot of noise and throw things down the stairs into the living room. :) Kristina and her niece Angie and the boys got picked up at the airport by Josh Wednesday afternoon, and that night we all went out to the Sizzler to celebrate. I have to say that Shrimp Fettuccini is my new favorite platter!

Thursday morning I left to go home (it is safe to say that flying is a lot faster than driving). I got home around 11 or so in the evening.

It was quite an amazing adventure from start to finish. My new favorite Hotel, is the Hampton Inn. Those beds are miraculous!! My fetish for buying things in vending machines came back full-force (like 'On Demand' with cable, vending machines are 'Food On Demand'). I am so glad I got to drive out and see the diverseness of this great country and enjoy it all through the inside of a blessed mini-van (even though it was a Honda). :)

WOW!!! This is so exciting! I have a blog!

I'm standing here at the dock of Single Island, awaiting the Boat of Engagement to sail to the Land of Marriage.

I mainly created this blog because my older siblings each have one; so, in all fairness, I decided to go nuts and make my own. I'll see what eventful occurrences tranpsire so that I can put them all on the blog, here.