Friday, July 1, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Coming Soon
Excitement is in the air!!!
I am currently anticipating so many exciting things that are about to happen in the near future!
To list them off:
I am blessed.
<3
I am currently anticipating so many exciting things that are about to happen in the near future!
To list them off:
- The final Harry Potter movie comes out July 14th (Hardly 2.5 weeks away)
- Justin Bieber's next album comes out on Nov 17th
- Colbie Caillat's new album comes out July 11th ( 2 weeks baby!)
- I finish recording my cd album in 2 weeks
- I start my teaching career in 7 weeks
- I get to see Aubree Hellen Ruth Johnson and Heidi Jensen in 6 days
I am blessed.
<3
Monday, June 13, 2011
Too excited to sleep!
On Wednesday (via Skype video stream):
"My last question is simply, when will I find out if you are offering me the job?"
"We'll definitely have a decision by Friday. We want to fill this position soon, but we need to check references first."
On Friday:
-no email
Saturday & Sunday:
-same story
Monday:
-I think I checked my email every two hours, just in case. (I have issues.)
-And remarkably at midnight, England time, which is 5 pm Utah time I checked my email and there it was!
All I needed was to scan the first line quickly to read "we'd like to offer".
Offer! Offer! I know exactly what they'd like to offer! Do I dare read on? Or should I try to breathe first? Am I really this blessed?
I jumped up and hugged my brother-in-law. Where is my sister at a time like this?! (Stuck in a stuffy plane flying home from a wedding photo shoot in the states) Oh, but I cannot wait to tell her! Good thing she has no access to the internet for the next 15 hours.
In short, I will be working as a full-time Spanish teacher at Eastmont Middle School starting in August. Yay!
"My last question is simply, when will I find out if you are offering me the job?"
"We'll definitely have a decision by Friday. We want to fill this position soon, but we need to check references first."
On Friday:
-no email
Saturday & Sunday:
-same story
Monday:
-I think I checked my email every two hours, just in case. (I have issues.)
-And remarkably at midnight, England time, which is 5 pm Utah time I checked my email and there it was!
All I needed was to scan the first line quickly to read "we'd like to offer".
Offer! Offer! I know exactly what they'd like to offer! Do I dare read on? Or should I try to breathe first? Am I really this blessed?
I jumped up and hugged my brother-in-law. Where is my sister at a time like this?! (Stuck in a stuffy plane flying home from a wedding photo shoot in the states) Oh, but I cannot wait to tell her! Good thing she has no access to the internet for the next 15 hours.
In short, I will be working as a full-time Spanish teacher at Eastmont Middle School starting in August. Yay!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Diapers and Sword Fights
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| Weslee experimenting with my camera. I was showing him how to take a picture, and he actually took a fairly decent picture of me. |
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| Sleeping baby Kent. My little sweet pea. |
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| A new development: Kent holding his own bottle. (4 months) |
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| Daddy, my bro-in-law Kevin, brushing Weslee's teeth |
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| My awesome sister Teri and Sweet Pea |
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| Love that cheese! |
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| Kent's favorite swing |
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| Kevin and Weslee washing their hands |
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| Crazy man! |
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| Weslee's amazing hair |
Monday, May 16, 2011
It's a Toaster!
I may be single, but I have 155 kids...my Spanish students.
I may not have biological children...but today I got a toaster.
It's not a boy. Not a girl.
No.
It's a toaster!!!
So, today I said goodbye to 3 of my 6 Spanish classes. And after an entire semester of hard work and disciplining, I decided to bring my guitar to work, pop some popcorn and play a video of everything we've done in class.
It turned out to be a greater success than I had imagined. And a few of my students surprised me with their various gifts.
Zack with his kind and thoughtful note.
Carson, who lingered after school just to hear me play and sing one more song.
A handful of kids who told me thank you and that they'd miss me.
And then there was Bryen.
Bryen is the kid who makes strange faces at me while I'm explaining a task to the class. Bryen is the kid who draws a circle with a X through it on every white board in my room. (I erase them frequently). Bryen is the kid who invented "the game". (Basically if you think about the idea of "the game" or a game or the word combination "the game", then essentially you lose the game.) And mostly, Bryen is the kid who would blare this voice recording on the loudest setting of his speakers when we were in the computer lab that yelled, "It's a toaster!"
It happened twice.
It was because of this that all semester I would hear students from his class say this phrase at random moments ALL THE TIME. Giggles would follow ceremoniously. Then I started seeing this phrase written on my white board when I wasn't looking, or on homework assignments for me to read. This one time I made the mistake of handing them an assignment with an array of pictures of household items on them, including... you guessed it... A TOASTER! You can imagine what these papers were covered in when they were turned in to me: large circles and arrows pointing to the toaster, and that coined phrase, "It's a toaster!" in capitalized, bold letters.
So, as you can see, Bryen has made himself quite the celebrity in this one Spanish class. Sometimes when he raises his hand, I am afraid to call on him. You never know if he's going to contribute to the lesson or throw it off entirely. Well, after playing my first song today, up went Bryen's hand, and what did he say?
"I have something for you."
The next thing I see emerging from his backpack is a shiny, new toaster. He hands it to me. Next come bread, a butter knife and some jam. Laughing inside, I held up the gift, and surrendering said, "It's a toaster."
I may not have biological children...but today I got a toaster.
It's not a boy. Not a girl.
No.
It's a toaster!!!
So, today I said goodbye to 3 of my 6 Spanish classes. And after an entire semester of hard work and disciplining, I decided to bring my guitar to work, pop some popcorn and play a video of everything we've done in class.
It turned out to be a greater success than I had imagined. And a few of my students surprised me with their various gifts.
Zack with his kind and thoughtful note.
Carson, who lingered after school just to hear me play and sing one more song.
A handful of kids who told me thank you and that they'd miss me.
And then there was Bryen.
Bryen is the kid who makes strange faces at me while I'm explaining a task to the class. Bryen is the kid who draws a circle with a X through it on every white board in my room. (I erase them frequently). Bryen is the kid who invented "the game". (Basically if you think about the idea of "the game" or a game or the word combination "the game", then essentially you lose the game.) And mostly, Bryen is the kid who would blare this voice recording on the loudest setting of his speakers when we were in the computer lab that yelled, "It's a toaster!"
It happened twice.
It was because of this that all semester I would hear students from his class say this phrase at random moments ALL THE TIME. Giggles would follow ceremoniously. Then I started seeing this phrase written on my white board when I wasn't looking, or on homework assignments for me to read. This one time I made the mistake of handing them an assignment with an array of pictures of household items on them, including... you guessed it... A TOASTER! You can imagine what these papers were covered in when they were turned in to me: large circles and arrows pointing to the toaster, and that coined phrase, "It's a toaster!" in capitalized, bold letters.
So, as you can see, Bryen has made himself quite the celebrity in this one Spanish class. Sometimes when he raises his hand, I am afraid to call on him. You never know if he's going to contribute to the lesson or throw it off entirely. Well, after playing my first song today, up went Bryen's hand, and what did he say?
"I have something for you."
The next thing I see emerging from his backpack is a shiny, new toaster. He hands it to me. Next come bread, a butter knife and some jam. Laughing inside, I held up the gift, and surrendering said, "It's a toaster."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I believe in LANGE
- Oh great... another talk about lange - droned Aubree.
- Lange? - I snickered
- Ha ha! Lange?! No! Change, I said change! - retorted Aubs.
- Lange. I love lange! I’m all about lange.- me
-Your face is lange! –you guessed it
The stake high councilman’s talk was langed forever after that. But, I guess that’s what happens when you sit next to your best friend in Stake Conference. I’ll have to review my notes to remember what exactly I got out of that meeting, other than a good back scratch and a new nonsense word. But we’ll save that for another post on another day. Today, I want to talk about lange.
Sick of that word yet?
Well it just so happens that THAT word, if there were ever a word that you could roll the past 3 years of my life up into, would be the word. So, sick of it or not, I guess I’d better get used to it. And while we’re on the topic, why don’t we take a look at my “recent langes” list.
RECENT LANGES:
So, as you can see, not all the langes are bad langes. And though I will miss chillin’ with Aubree and adding to our endless list of inside jokes, I will start adding again to that list that my sister and I had to put down when she moved to England. I miss that list. And most of all, I miss my family. (Did I mention I get to go to Spain?!)
Hasta el agosto, Provo. ¡Te extrañaré!
- Lange? - I snickered
- Ha ha! Lange?! No! Change, I said change! - retorted Aubs.
- Lange. I love lange! I’m all about lange.- me
-Your face is lange! –you guessed it
The stake high councilman’s talk was langed forever after that. But, I guess that’s what happens when you sit next to your best friend in Stake Conference. I’ll have to review my notes to remember what exactly I got out of that meeting, other than a good back scratch and a new nonsense word. But we’ll save that for another post on another day. Today, I want to talk about lange.
Sick of that word yet?
Well it just so happens that THAT word, if there were ever a word that you could roll the past 3 years of my life up into, would be the word. So, sick of it or not, I guess I’d better get used to it. And while we’re on the topic, why don’t we take a look at my “recent langes” list.
RECENT LANGES:
Plan | Langed Plan |
| Live in Provo all summer | Live in England all summer |
| Get a tan | Live in England all summer |
| Finish Independent Study course in Provo | Finish it in a week and a half to go to England |
| Chill with Aubree | Skype Aubree |
| Spend summer with friends | Spend summer with adorable nephews and sister |
| Get some boring job to make a couple of bucks | Read tons of books, play with babies and go to Spain |
| Finish and distribute my cd in Provo | Finish cd quickly and distribute in England |
| Play my guitar ALL THE TIME | Play bro-in-law’s guitar ALL THE TIME |
So, as you can see, not all the langes are bad langes. And though I will miss chillin’ with Aubree and adding to our endless list of inside jokes, I will start adding again to that list that my sister and I had to put down when she moved to England. I miss that list. And most of all, I miss my family. (Did I mention I get to go to Spain?!)
Hasta el agosto, Provo. ¡Te extrañaré!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
And this little piggy went "Wee Wee Wee" all the way home!
Teaching.
It's a test of one's ability to multitask.
A way of proving to one's self that no matter how many things you're already carrying, it's always possible to carry one more.
So, the other morning...not day but 6 am at the teacher's butt crack of dawn, I found myself walking out the door with a backpack jammed full and zipped tight on my back, and a purse, paper/file container, oatmeal bowl, water cup and keys all in my hands. I wasn't sure how I was going to open and close the door to the garage. But then I discovered the incredible utility and strength of my pinky finger. With my one little pinky...and mind you the other 4 fingers were already being used to carry or hold something, I opened and shut the door, and I managed to even push the garage opener button on the wall!
Never underestimate the power of "The Pinky!"
"SKA-DOOSH!"
It's a test of one's ability to multitask.
A way of proving to one's self that no matter how many things you're already carrying, it's always possible to carry one more.
So, the other morning...not day but 6 am at the teacher's butt crack of dawn, I found myself walking out the door with a backpack jammed full and zipped tight on my back, and a purse, paper/file container, oatmeal bowl, water cup and keys all in my hands. I wasn't sure how I was going to open and close the door to the garage. But then I discovered the incredible utility and strength of my pinky finger. With my one little pinky...and mind you the other 4 fingers were already being used to carry or hold something, I opened and shut the door, and I managed to even push the garage opener button on the wall!
Never underestimate the power of "The Pinky!"
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
I love my high school students already
"My friend totally made me this fire airbender necklace out of wood. I love it!"
"This class is so boring."
"Senorita Aranda, do you actually LIKE working here?"
My name's not Nate, it's Bryce."
"Conjugar? What does that even mean? I never understand what he's saying. Ugh!"
"Senorita, que tienes anos?.... "Cuantos anos tengo?"
"When are YOU going to start teaching us? Today? Tomorrow? Soon?"
So, it's been a week and a half, and I'm already loving these high school kids. They are so hilarious that I find myself constantly trying not to laugh at things they say and do. On Wednesday I officially get to take over the class. They become MINE! I'm having a blast thinking about real (vs. imaginary) students when I plan my lessons.
"This class is so boring."
"Senorita Aranda, do you actually LIKE working here?"
My name's not Nate, it's Bryce."
"Conjugar? What does that even mean? I never understand what he's saying. Ugh!"
"Senorita, que tienes anos?.... "Cuantos anos tengo?"
"When are YOU going to start teaching us? Today? Tomorrow? Soon?"
So, it's been a week and a half, and I'm already loving these high school kids. They are so hilarious that I find myself constantly trying not to laugh at things they say and do. On Wednesday I officially get to take over the class. They become MINE! I'm having a blast thinking about real (vs. imaginary) students when I plan my lessons.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Christmas music, oh how I love thee...
Since December hit...wait, make that November, a certain local radio station has been playing Christmas music. Sick of being brainwashed with Katy Perry, Pink, Bruno Mars and Sarah Bareilles and their most recent hits played over and over again, I have found myself listening to that station on a fairly regular basis. And in so doing I've noticed how much calmer I feel when I'm singing along to my favorite Christmas songs. They carry a message of hope, of love, of faith.
Sunday was a Christmas music festival for me. I had the privilege of singing several beautiful and touching Christmas hymns and arrangements with my ward choir and stake choir. My calculated Christmas hymn singing time on Sunday summed a total of 5 hours! FIVE! And it was entirely rewarding.
One of the most simple yet most spiritual and touching songs for me was "Silent Night."As I reflected on the birth of the Savior, I sensed the sacredness of that night. I am so grateful for all that He has done for me. His birth and life on this earth comprise the true hope that I have in my heart that I can make it home one day to live with my Heavenly Father again. I know that Jesus Christ made it possible for me to repent and become clean of every sin, to become whole despite my many weaknesses, to be healed from the many difficult challenges and trials I continue to experience.
Here are a few videos that help me to feel the Christmas Spirit:
CLICK THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE SIDEBAR TO TURN OFF MY BLOG MUSIC-->
Sunday was a Christmas music festival for me. I had the privilege of singing several beautiful and touching Christmas hymns and arrangements with my ward choir and stake choir. My calculated Christmas hymn singing time on Sunday summed a total of 5 hours! FIVE! And it was entirely rewarding.
One of the most simple yet most spiritual and touching songs for me was "Silent Night."As I reflected on the birth of the Savior, I sensed the sacredness of that night. I am so grateful for all that He has done for me. His birth and life on this earth comprise the true hope that I have in my heart that I can make it home one day to live with my Heavenly Father again. I know that Jesus Christ made it possible for me to repent and become clean of every sin, to become whole despite my many weaknesses, to be healed from the many difficult challenges and trials I continue to experience.
Here are a few videos that help me to feel the Christmas Spirit:
CLICK THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE SIDEBAR TO TURN OFF MY BLOG MUSIC-->
Remember the reason for the season. Spend time serving others, spend time with family, spend time pondering on the birth and the life of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I know he Lives. I know he loves us. I'm so grateful for all he has done for me and for my loved ones. Merry Christmas Everyone!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Lamericks
I had some time to kill today while waiting for a meeting in the JFSB. So, I decided to take a little stroll down the 4th floor. And I began reading a bulletin board that read: Lamericks. Feel free to add your own lame limerick to the board. As I perused the hand-scratched limericks, I felt inspired to write a few of my own.
Liverick:
Have you heard of Old Man Quiver
Who lives down by the river?
They say that his van
Is stocked full of cans
Of preserved onion and liver!
Smellerick:
There once was a foot with six toes.
The sixth one resembled a nose.
It sniffed in a shoe,
And then turned quite blue
From smelling a smell that it loathed.
Limericks...a wonderful way to waste time and still feel semi-productive.
Liverick:
Have you heard of Old Man Quiver
Who lives down by the river?
They say that his van
Is stocked full of cans
Of preserved onion and liver!
Smellerick:
There once was a foot with six toes.
The sixth one resembled a nose.
It sniffed in a shoe,
And then turned quite blue
From smelling a smell that it loathed.
Limericks...a wonderful way to waste time and still feel semi-productive.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Paper Cuts Were Worth It!
Living off student loans and any job that fits between classes, I've worked many random jobs during my time at BYU. Here's a list:
-Deseret Towers custodian (These dorms no longer exist...that's how long ago I was as freshman. I cleaned S Tower. I chose not to live in the dorms my freshman year, but ironically I ended up cleaning them.)
-Elementary school speech tutor (The little kids I worked with were adorable. I loved teaching this one little boy named Remington how to say the letter "X". The whole "ecks" sound was a daily challenge for weeks. Then one day, he got it!)
-ESL teacher for Koreans using Skype (I now love S. Korea. And most if not ALL S. Koreans love Americans. They must be some of the sweetest people on earth.)
-Bindery worker (I worked in a gigantic paper factory for 3.5 yrs. My favorite task was jumping in the huge paper bin to smash down the shreds of paper and make room for more...word to the wise: empty your pockets before entering paper bin. You just might lose your tiny ipod and spend precious time diving and searching through the horrific mass of paper to find it.)
-EFY counselor (I loved it!)
-Door to door pest control saleswoman (This was the longest summer of my life. I discovered quickly that I am not into selling people...nor am I a huge fan of being sold by a salesman. If I want it, I'll buy it. Don't pressure me.)
-Call center representative (I called people and signed them up for online college. I also spoke to several angry people who did NOT want to go to college.)
-Sales company translator/claims/collections/dispatch/customer service person (This is the job I just put in my 2 weeks notice at today! Let's just say I'm not a fan of sales companies.)
And so...after years of working these types of jobs...I am incredibly excited to begin my student teaching in January. I received my assignment yesterday: Riverton High School in Riverton, Utah. It is there that I will embark on my journey to becoming a Spanish Teacher! I love teaching. I love Spanish. And I love working with the youth. I know it will be a challenge, but I'm up for it. With all this random experience under my belt, I can handle anything! Bring it on!
-Deseret Towers custodian (These dorms no longer exist...that's how long ago I was as freshman. I cleaned S Tower. I chose not to live in the dorms my freshman year, but ironically I ended up cleaning them.)
-Elementary school speech tutor (The little kids I worked with were adorable. I loved teaching this one little boy named Remington how to say the letter "X". The whole "ecks" sound was a daily challenge for weeks. Then one day, he got it!)
-ESL teacher for Koreans using Skype (I now love S. Korea. And most if not ALL S. Koreans love Americans. They must be some of the sweetest people on earth.)
-Bindery worker (I worked in a gigantic paper factory for 3.5 yrs. My favorite task was jumping in the huge paper bin to smash down the shreds of paper and make room for more...word to the wise: empty your pockets before entering paper bin. You just might lose your tiny ipod and spend precious time diving and searching through the horrific mass of paper to find it.)
-EFY counselor (I loved it!)
-Door to door pest control saleswoman (This was the longest summer of my life. I discovered quickly that I am not into selling people...nor am I a huge fan of being sold by a salesman. If I want it, I'll buy it. Don't pressure me.)
-Call center representative (I called people and signed them up for online college. I also spoke to several angry people who did NOT want to go to college.)
-Sales company translator/claims/collections/dispatch/customer service person (This is the job I just put in my 2 weeks notice at today! Let's just say I'm not a fan of sales companies.)
And so...after years of working these types of jobs...I am incredibly excited to begin my student teaching in January. I received my assignment yesterday: Riverton High School in Riverton, Utah. It is there that I will embark on my journey to becoming a Spanish Teacher! I love teaching. I love Spanish. And I love working with the youth. I know it will be a challenge, but I'm up for it. With all this random experience under my belt, I can handle anything! Bring it on!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Facebook...virtue or vice?
One of my friends recently deleted his Facebook account. He didn't say why. And it's caused me to wonder what would happen if I deleted MY Facebook account. Let's examine the pros and cons of Facebook:
Pros:
Facebook is great for...
-Networking
-Sharing pictures
-Inviting friends and family to important and recreational events/activities
-Keeping in touch with people.
Cons:
-It's addictive for many people.
-Can become a time waster.
-Gives people access to your information (granted, there are security settings for preventing this)
-People can post ugly pictures of you. (this one really isn't too important, yet it happens frequently)
-It's an easy way for people to digitally stalk you. (ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, creepers, other people)
That's all I can really think of for now. I guess I can add to that list later. Feel free to comment and I'll add yours to the list too.
So, what good things would I be missing out on if I were to delete my Facebook Account?
-Status updates that tell me how my friends/family are doing.
-I'd probably miss a lot of peoples' birthdays.
-People might find it more difficult to contact me since most have become so dependent on Facebook.
I know these aren't really life-altering things. But, they do affect my social life. It's kind of nice to see how my friends who have moved away are doing.
In conclusion, I think I will keep my Facebook Account for now.
Pros:
Facebook is great for...
-Networking
-Sharing pictures
-Inviting friends and family to important and recreational events/activities
-Keeping in touch with people.
Cons:
-It's addictive for many people.
-Can become a time waster.
-Gives people access to your information (granted, there are security settings for preventing this)
-People can post ugly pictures of you. (this one really isn't too important, yet it happens frequently)
-It's an easy way for people to digitally stalk you. (ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, creepers, other people)
That's all I can really think of for now. I guess I can add to that list later. Feel free to comment and I'll add yours to the list too.
So, what good things would I be missing out on if I were to delete my Facebook Account?
-Status updates that tell me how my friends/family are doing.
-I'd probably miss a lot of peoples' birthdays.
-People might find it more difficult to contact me since most have become so dependent on Facebook.
I know these aren't really life-altering things. But, they do affect my social life. It's kind of nice to see how my friends who have moved away are doing.
In conclusion, I think I will keep my Facebook Account for now.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Good Things Are Happening!
After months of worrying about financial aid for Winter semester, today I opened my email to find a delightful surprise: a Pell grant that covers tuition entirely and a subsidized Stafford loan that I can live off of for the next 4 months. This means I won't have to work while student teaching! Yay!
Also, my friend Ty Trejo in my ward invited me to open for his show on December 15th! So, I'll be playing a song I wrote earlier this year on my guitar, and as I sing, Ty will be joining in on the piano. He also invited me to sing some harmony vocals to his original songs. So, I am incredibly excited about this. I love music. And I love singing. It's nearly impossible for me not to feel happy, even on the crummiest of crummy days, if I'm singing to music I love.
As far as the cd recording goes, I am currently wrapping that up, now that I can afford to. I have half of the vocals completed now! I'm actually hoping to have the vocals all recorded within a week from now. Fingers crossed. I was going to go in this morning, but my voice was hoarse. So, Thursday we shall try again. My goal is to have the cd mixed and mastered before Christmas.
And lastly, I am going home for Christmas!!! Yay! I miss my family. There's just something about being with family for the holidays that makes life ten times more meaningful. Working at a job where I speak with strangers everyday on the phone. Living far away from all relatives, Utah,...when everyone I love lives in England, Massachusetts (thank goodness for spell check, b/c I definitely did not spell that correctly on my first try...my second try being me clicking on the spell check's correct spelling option), Texas, Oklahoma and so on. And spending most of my time worrying about MY life. My car, my rent, my job, my schooling, my bills, my crushes (or the lack thereof), my everything. Buying a plane ticket tonight with my mom on the phone suddenly shifted all my thoughts from me to my family. And thank goodness for that.
So, this past year, and especially these past few months have been rough for me. But, things are now looking up. Good things really are happening!
Also, my friend Ty Trejo in my ward invited me to open for his show on December 15th! So, I'll be playing a song I wrote earlier this year on my guitar, and as I sing, Ty will be joining in on the piano. He also invited me to sing some harmony vocals to his original songs. So, I am incredibly excited about this. I love music. And I love singing. It's nearly impossible for me not to feel happy, even on the crummiest of crummy days, if I'm singing to music I love.
As far as the cd recording goes, I am currently wrapping that up, now that I can afford to. I have half of the vocals completed now! I'm actually hoping to have the vocals all recorded within a week from now. Fingers crossed. I was going to go in this morning, but my voice was hoarse. So, Thursday we shall try again. My goal is to have the cd mixed and mastered before Christmas.
And lastly, I am going home for Christmas!!! Yay! I miss my family. There's just something about being with family for the holidays that makes life ten times more meaningful. Working at a job where I speak with strangers everyday on the phone. Living far away from all relatives, Utah,...when everyone I love lives in England, Massachusetts (thank goodness for spell check, b/c I definitely did not spell that correctly on my first try...my second try being me clicking on the spell check's correct spelling option), Texas, Oklahoma and so on. And spending most of my time worrying about MY life. My car, my rent, my job, my schooling, my bills, my crushes (or the lack thereof), my everything. Buying a plane ticket tonight with my mom on the phone suddenly shifted all my thoughts from me to my family. And thank goodness for that.
So, this past year, and especially these past few months have been rough for me. But, things are now looking up. Good things really are happening!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Let Us Be Writers!
Are we losing the ability to express ourselves in writing? Just look at the upcoming generation of youth. With all the texting that goes on and its associated acronyms, and with all the hours spent in front of a screen, be it a laptop, a TV, a cellphone, an I-pod, a kindle, an I-pad, are they dooming themselves to a life of horrible communication skills? I mean I think of the time spent in front of these screens as time NOT spent interacting with other people. As an important form of communication, writing is an art that needs to be nurtured, developed, encouraged. And, I'm sorry but Facebook just doesn't cut it. When I say writing, I'm not talking about typing up a one sentence blurb or comment on how much you love Justin Bieber, or how disappointed you are that you're going to miss watching your favorite reality TV show tonight. No Sir, I am talking about writing about thought provoking ideas. I am talking about developing the ability to analyze and decipher the world in words, be they typed up, written down, or even orally expressed.
There is something beautiful that happens during the whole process of writing. --We were talking about this at FHE last night at Brother Tucker's house. (He's the first counselor in my single's ward bishopric)-- You see, when you take the time to write down what you're thinking, experiencing, or feeling, you somehow, during the whole process of putting it all in words, come to understand better what is actually taking place, what you are actually thinking, experiencing or feeling. You, in the act of writing, are forced to truly clarify your version of reality for yourself.
It's always a funny experience for me to try writing in my journal about something or someone I am mad at. As I'm getting those childish, one-sided, and often selfish feelings in black and white, I see them for what they are: childish... one-sided... and... selfish. And I begin to realize more what it is that I need to fix.
Also, as we write about our most spiritual and meaningful experiences, they are captured in black and white as a reminder, as a reference for us to return to in the future. How many amazing experiences have I had with Heavenly Father that I have failed to record? I guess I'll never know...I can't remember them all.
So, this is my goal...I want to start writing more. I want to keep this blog more updated. I want to write in my journal every night. I want to record those special and spiritual experiences as soon as they happen. I know that through writing, I can also open up another line of communication between myself and God. As I write my way through problems and questions, I know He will help guide me to an answer.
There is something beautiful that happens during the whole process of writing. --We were talking about this at FHE last night at Brother Tucker's house. (He's the first counselor in my single's ward bishopric)-- You see, when you take the time to write down what you're thinking, experiencing, or feeling, you somehow, during the whole process of putting it all in words, come to understand better what is actually taking place, what you are actually thinking, experiencing or feeling. You, in the act of writing, are forced to truly clarify your version of reality for yourself.
It's always a funny experience for me to try writing in my journal about something or someone I am mad at. As I'm getting those childish, one-sided, and often selfish feelings in black and white, I see them for what they are: childish... one-sided... and... selfish. And I begin to realize more what it is that I need to fix.
Also, as we write about our most spiritual and meaningful experiences, they are captured in black and white as a reminder, as a reference for us to return to in the future. How many amazing experiences have I had with Heavenly Father that I have failed to record? I guess I'll never know...I can't remember them all.
So, this is my goal...I want to start writing more. I want to keep this blog more updated. I want to write in my journal every night. I want to record those special and spiritual experiences as soon as they happen. I know that through writing, I can also open up another line of communication between myself and God. As I write my way through problems and questions, I know He will help guide me to an answer.
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