Preston Dale

Bumps on the Way Up

2011-11-15T23:22:00.001-08:00

It’s been a killer semester so far. Good and bad. The quick catch-up is this. The move to Logan has gone well so far. A job in Accounting, my gallbladder removed after a surfing trip, offer for a 3 month internship in Peru, trying to catch up after missing a month of school, etc. You get the point.

I think that’s how life is though. Everyday, you get up, you take a breath (or maybe just hit the snooze button), and then hit the day with the best hopes. The hard part is balancing the responsible with the wants. The best part is when responsibility aligns with those wants. The want of wanting to be apart of something bigger and better than yourself, of pushing yourself outside of your own boundaries.

The day you walk into High School, you’re labeled. You’re the jock, or the band nerd, or the punk. The scary part is how sticky the labels are. I graduated almost 5 years ago and somehow, I think I still let those labels define me. Now, don’t worry – I’m not about to go all High School Musical or Glee on you. I’m just saying that somehow, someway, I’m still letting labels define me and it’s about time I put on my big boy pants and got out of them. People are always saying they wish they could ‘get a fresh start'.’ I have to wonder though what makes them think things are going to change. Sure, the place may change, but that’s not what people are going for. They’re trying to change themselves. If WE don’t change, then moving locations wont do anything. Change has to happen inside before an external change will make a difference.

That means slacking off the labels and trying new things, pushing yourself where you didn’t think you could go, even its uncomfortable.

And now, Glee;)

Larson Wedding

2011-04-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

Larson Wedding

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Yeah. I took a couple pictures. I’m kind of a big deal….

I’m Movin’ On…

2011-03-13T22:37:00.001-07:00

I don’t know if I'm going to be able to articulate what I want to say right now, and part of what I want to say, I think I’ve already said before but, its MY blog! Don’t I have the ‘write’ to say what I want?

I think so.

The only problem with a public blog, is the public part. I wrote in my journal last night to try to get this out of my system, but obviously it didn’t work, so I'm going public.

I'm excited about what lies ahead in my life. It stresses me out, but I am excited. My job may or may not be all that I hope for, moving to USU is going to offer me ways to grow and experience things that I wouldn’t have had in Texas or Provo, and with some luck, school has been going pretty well. I really don’t have anything to complain about.

Yet here I am.

I value loyalty and honesty above all else when it comes to friends. If you lie to me, I will call you on it. If you are ‘fake nice’ I will laugh at you and walk away. But if I do let you in, if you get pasts the countless barriers, endure the façade that is me, you are important.

The fact is I’ve made mistakes in the past, a lot of them actually, But ‘I’ve dealt with my ghosts and I’ve faced all my demons. Finally content with a past I regret.’

Familiarity is always a thing of the past.

Find something, loose it. Find someone, loose them. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that as tight as I grip, nothing ever stays the same.

If I had it my way, I think I would take Justin Clark, Jeffrey Johnson, Sam and Matt Wilmore, Scott Haynie, Brittany Bailey, Chad Hyland, Andrew VanEvery, my family, and a few others to an island, and just live out our days by working and living together. Every night, we would end things by sitting around a campfire on the beach talking about whatever slips out of our mouths.

Unfortunately, a cold hard reality strikes and I'm pulled back to sitting at the crossroads. I know that some of the above people will eventually read this. To them, thanks for the times (good and bad). Thanks for teaching me what you did. I wish things could stay the same forever, but I’m forced to realize they cant, even as bad as I want it to. Sometimes, good things end, and sometimes things just change. Don’t give up on me yet.

“At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me, and I know there’s no guarantees, but I’m not alone. There comes a time in everyone’s life when all you can see are the years passing by and I have made up my mind that those days are gone.”

‘I sold what I could and packed what I couldn’t, stopped to fill up on my way out of town. Ive loved like I should but lived like I shouldn’t. I had to lose everything to find out. Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road. I’m moving on.’

Here goes nothing…

Sam I Am

2011-02-19T21:16:00.001-08:00

Hi, My name is Preston. I want to tell you a little bit about myself. I was born into a perfect family. My parents great great (etc) grandparents crossed the plains to settle Utah. I’m pioneer breed Mormon. I have not-so-distant relatives who are General Authorities. In High School, I was on an All-state Basketball team, became a piano virtuoso, and graduated Valedictorian. My time as class president in my seminary class prepared me to serve a full-time mission. I always knew that I was called to serve and couldn’t wait for my turn. My family is ‘highly favored of the Lord.’ There are 10 of us in the family. My dad is the Bishop and my mom the Relief Society President at church. My dad has his JD MBA and makes more money than he knows what to do with.

By my 19th birthday, I knew the scriptures well enough that I subbed for the Institute teachers as needed. As the Assistant to the President, he asked me to be the first missionary to be officially recognized in China, where I served the remainder of my mission. After returning from my mission, I attended Brigham Young University. I had a ring before Spring and have been happily married to my wife for a while know. I play for one of the sports teams at BYU. Between my athletic ability and my brains, I am being paid to go to school. Although its nice to have that taken care of, its not necessary. My parents are willing and able to pay for my schooling but even if I didn’t have the scholarships, my internship in my chosen field pays more than enough to support me, my wife, and my soon-to-be son.

No, no. Wait that’s not right. Lets try this again.

Hi, my name is Ferg. You can call me “ferg". I want to tell you a little bit about myself. I was born into a horrible family. My mom had me when she was 16 and gave me up for adoption because she didn’t want to have anything to do with me. I spent most of my childhood in a ‘boys home’ where I was mistreated. I was finally adopted only to find myself in an abusive home. With everything that had happened to me, High School was a joke. To escape the new parents, I didn’t mind spending time in Juvy. I ended up dropping out of HS and have been living on the streets every since.

Wait, that’s not right either. One more try.

My name is Preston Dale Ferguson. I was born into the perfect family for me. Although we’ve had our fair share of trials, we have also had our fair share of successes. My parents were married in the temple after I was born. Growing up, I was able to participate in a wide range of activities. Although I was no Lebron James or Albert Einstein, I was on the varsity basketball team, took college level credited classes, and help start a broadcast journalism class in high school.

Although I always wanted to believe in the Church, I didn’t always know it was true. I had (and still have) my fair share of ‘sins and short-comings.’ Although I didn’t really know why to start, I served a mission in the Anaheim California Mission, Spanish speaking. I loved my time there and was able to serve as a zone leader for nearly a year. After I returned, I was denied entrance (3 times total) to BYU but attended LDS Business College. Looking back, it was the perfect path for me.

Although, I’m not able to focus on school full time, I have been able to pay for myself. I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and grow from the jobs that I’ve held. I’ve recently been able to land an internship (3 positions out of 100 applicants) in the field that I want to go into. I don’t know that it will work out.

What does all this mean? It means that I don’t live a perfect life. It means that life happens and you take what you get and roll with it. It means, like everyone else, I have my own set of trials and successes.

The real question isn't what has happened in the past, but what I choose to do in the future.

The answer?

USU

Imma be an Aggie baby.

And The Clock Keeps Ticking…

2011-02-02T18:40:00.001-08:00

Tick…Tick…….. Tick………….Tick…….

Have you ever waited on time? I think it has to be one of the most boring, wasteful, and frustrating things a person could ever do. I would know, I’m a pro.

Seriously, lets see if we can quickly recap a fraction of the time that I've spent waiting.

Waiting for class to be out
Waiting for class to start
Waiting for church to be out
Waiting for a date
Waiting to open presents
Waiting for the other person to say something
Waiting for someone else to fulfill my expectations
Waiting for life to make sense
Waiting for someone to explain my choices to me
Waiting for the next big thing

I think you get the point. I’m frustrated with myself for trying to wait on the next big thing and not really progressing. I find that by waiting on some things that need to be waited on, I inhibit my progression in other areas of life.

It gets worse.

I also find myself wanting to stop time

Stopping to be with friends my senior year of high school
Stopping the joy of my mission from ending
Stopping time from giving me more responsibility
Stopping WW III from happening
Stopping my age
Stopping time when I’m on the lake at mornings break
Stopping time when I’m on the mountain at dusk
Stopping relationships from ending
Stopping from having to make responsible choices
Stopping time to enjoy long talks deep into the night with good friends

Good News Though – I found a way to actually accomplish this one I think. Next time something good happens Ill try it out.

I’m incredibly anxious right now. I’m anxious about what life holds, where I should go, who I know, what I know. I’ve recently made some decisions and in all honesty I don’t have a clue where they will lead me. I feel like I’m in the dark and the only thing I can actually see is that stupid second hand slowly ticking by, for better or worse. It wont stop. It wont go faster. It just goes. At a slow, steady, predictable rate, it moves forward and no amount of wishing, whining, pleading, or anxiousness will change it. My last option so far is the oven timer but I don’t have much hope for it.

So, I’ll do what I always end up doing at the end of these posts. I’ll suck it up and enjoy life. I’ve had the chance to in my life to rub shoulders with some really amazing people. I don’t know that they will be President of the US or solve world hunger, but they are good people. I hope that one day I can be worthy of their friendship.

I’ve learned that the only thing I truly cherish, the thing that drives most of decisions, are people. Every second I stare at that clock isn't a second I’ve gained but a second I’ve lost.

Tick………..Tick…………..Tick…….Tick……Tick….Tick…Tick..Tick..Tick.Tick Tick

CANT BELIEVE IM POSTING THIS

Because I sign my cards and letters BFF ;)

Fireworks….

2011-01-10T17:07:00.001-08:00

There are very few positive things to say about Katy Perry. I found one…

Every morning I wake up (before I put on my make-up) to my phone’s alarm clock. This is no ordinary alarm clock. Its starts off by gradually increasing the volume to a randomly selected song. After about 10 seconds of playing the volume fades down and (we will call her) Delilah comes on. She says to me ,

“Good Morning! Dale, Its time to get ready for school (or church or work – depending on the day). Today is [Date]. It is [time]. The forecast is [forecast]. Today you have [my calendar events].”

Now, I don’t always allow Delilah to go on for the whole spill. I’m not sure if that’s out of courtesy to my sleeping roommates or the fact that I don’t want to hear how busy my day is going to be. Either way though, whether I hear my calendar at 6 AM or not, my day happens. I get up and tackle the days events.

Lets take my church assignment for example. This week I introduced some new things to the members. I created a new Facebook page (complete with discussion boards) and created an automatic way to to schedule an appointment with the bishopric. We also retrofitted the database with some changes for the new directory, made some calling changes, and introduced the new people from this semester to the bishopric.

With that being said. Some of this needed to be done (calling changes) and some of it probably wasn’t essential to the survival of the ward (automatic scheduling). There should also be noted a difference in complexity. Anybody can hop on Facebook and create a page for an organization. It really isn't hard. Yet not every ward has a Facebook page or automatic scheduling. Conversely, just because other wards don’t do things the way I do them, doesn’t make them bad.

Here is where everything starts to make sense… hopefully

If the worst complaint that people have about me is that ‘he tries to hard’ or ‘goes overboard with everything,’ I’m ok with that. I’ll be proud to be thought of as a person that fights for what he believes in and tries to do the best in everything he does. I want to be known as a guy who won’t give up easily and has some ‘spark’ to his life. Its not about ability, its about effort. Give everything 100% all the time. Who cares if I don’t know how to build a custom website that would be better than Facebook and the scheduling site combined. I’m just going to DO WHAT I CAN DO, AND I’M GOING TO DO THE BEST WAY I KNOW HOW>>> NO REGRETS.

You don’t have to feel like a waste of space. Your original, cannot be replaced. If you only knew what the future holds. After a hurricane comes a rainbow.

Maybe you’re the reason why all the doors are closed. So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road. Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow. And when it’s time, you’ll know.

You just gotta ignite the light and let is shine. Just own the night like the 4th of July.

‘Cause baby you’re a firework. Come on, show’em what you’re worth. Make ‘em go, Oh! As you shoot across the sky!

Baby, You’re a firework. Come on , let your colors burst. Make ‘em go , Oh! You’re gonna leave ‘em falling down.

Enjoy…

“Cause baby you’re a firework

There’s a Place For Us…

2011-01-03T21:23:00.001-08:00

Blog Changes

So if you have visited my blog before, you may notice that I’ve gotten a new layout set up. I don’t want to spend a lot of time on it , but it functions pretty much like the previous one did. One notable improvement is the tabs on the top. They have different links. Forgive me if the pages they link so is not completely set up yet.

New Years

Last year, I made a pretty big focus on identifying some goals and making myself accountable to them. I failed at this, quite miserably actually. Looking back at my goals, I realized that I didn’t do very well with them. I think most of them are still applicable. In all honesty, I think that in this past year, I haven't only not gotten any closer, but I’ve fallen farther away. I cant very well expect to progress until I’ve made some minor course corrections.

Every now and then, my elders (in years) say something worthy of their title (actually its probably a lot more than I give them credit for). I’m going to paraphrase something my grandmother said.

“I was watching the news this morning and a ‘de facto’ on the subject on New Years Resolutions came on and suggested that in order to make our New Years Resolutions effective, we shouldn’t focus on the goals but instead focus on recreating ourselves to be able to accomplish the goals. I thought to myself, ‘How would I reinvent myself?’ Then the answer came, ‘I wouldn’t. its taken me most of my life to become the person I am today and I’m perfectly happy with who I am.”

No I don’t think I'm quite to that point yet. But I’ve got a plan to get there.

My New Years Resolution

I hated Jr High. Its composed of a bunch of sweaty little want-to-be teenagers who don’t really know who they are. I feel like if I truly understood the importance of reaching my goals, I would try harder. Unfortunately I’m not at the point where I can say to myself, ‘Self, I’m perfectly happy with who we are.’

My mission president always told us that ‘Repentance’ isn't a check list. Its about the light and the dark and where you stand in relation to the two. Its about standing a little taller and holding your chin a little higher everyday. So that’s what I’ll do. I’m to focus on becoming a better person and I’ll let the goals follow. I have a lot of big decisions and some tough challenges to go through in the year that comes but I don’t want to make/do them at my worst. Ill do them at my best.

There's a place out there for us.

More than just a prayer – or anything you’ve ever dreamed of.

So when you feel like giving up ‘cause you don’t fit in down here

Fear, Its crashing in. Close your eyes and take my hand.

We could be the Kings and Queens of anything if We believe

It’s written in the stars that shine above

A world where you and I belong. Where faith and love will keep us strong

Exactly who we are is just enough, there's a place for us.

From “The Chronicles of Narnia – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” – Enjoy (and forgive the pink–Words are important/relevant anyway)

Thankamony…..

2010-11-30T19:01:00.001-08:00

Things I’m thankful for…

Life
1. I’m not incredibly in shape. Actually, in all honesty, I’m rather out of shape. Yet I’m still in really good shape.. My health is good. No major illness. I even have all my teeth. I should really show my thankfulness by eating better and exercising more.
2. I’m also thankful for the experiences that life brings. I’m in a volatile time in my life. Most people I talk to say that would never go back to the college/dating years. Life is just to stressful. I rather enjoy it. It definitely has its trade-offs though. With that being said, even the rough spots have taught me. I've learned and grown an incredible amount since graduating high school. Ask anyone who really knows me and they will probably just smirk, say yeah – he has, but he’s got a lot more to go. Bring it on.
Family
1. My Mom – What an amazing example. Always there and always patient. Let get real, If Bill Cosby hadn't coined the “ I brought you into this world and I can take you out’ phrase, Mom may have gotten it. Don’t worry, I know she threatens because she cares and I’m thankful for it. I wouldn’t be where I am today with out her.
2. My Dad – I’m constantly handed a piece of ‘humble pie’ when I’m around my Dad. I have a nickname for him that has kind of stuck around. Its POGA – Professional Old Guy Assistance. Ssshhhh! Don’t tell him this but I think he knows everything. …… Well all the important stuff anyways… Never been very good at Chess. We’ll work on it. Thanks Dad, For being an example, for being a man. I think a lot of people have lost that “we are men’ attitude where they refuse to ask for directions and have a tool for everything. I’m glad I’ve had someone to teach me to stand on my own two feet, even if I sometimes land on my face.
3. Jodi – You know whats coming. One word. 'ImCorasFavoriteUncleAndTheresNothingYouCanDoAboutIt!" . For real though. You did good Jodi. Aaron is a great guy. You give me hope of a good marriage in a young life. Not a normal one… but a good one.
4. Chris – You’re brave. A little naïve, but brave. God bless you girl for getting out there. Here's to all the times we teamed up on Jodi… and won! oh… and sorry about the whole mop incident.
5. Everyone Else -
Friends
1. Brittany – You make me nervous. Thanks for making me want to be a better man.
2. Scott – Your my best friend. Thanks for putting up ‘Me’
3. Andrew – You’re a punk. But I don’t care what your mom says, your alright.
4. Everyone Else
Religion
1. Jesus Christ – I believe in Christ; he is my King! With all my heart to him I’ll sing; I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy, In grand amens my tongue employ. I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.
  On earth to dwell his soul did come. He healed the sick; the dead he raised. Good works were his; his name be praised.
2. Book of Mormon -
3. Calling -
Sports
1. Wakeboarding
2. Snowboarding
3. Basketball
Possessions
1. Car
2. Computer
3. Droid
Talents
1. Music
2. Computer
3. Organization
School
1. Education
2. LDSBC
3. Smarts
Simple Things
1. Little things
2. Big Views
3. Quiet Moments
Financial
1. Work
2. Learning
3. Where it should be…

And now for some Feel Good Music…

If I Die Young…

2010-11-27T20:23:00.001-08:00

Things Happen

I’ve been involved recently in some ‘happenings.’ These are the kind of happenings that make you think. Now, I’m not going to be giving out a lot of details. One thing I will say though is that life can be ended quickly.Sometimes it can be by accident, sometimes its sickness, and sometimes, unfortunately, its on purpose – even choosing to end one’s own life.

I’ve seen it happen before. I’ve been to funerals. Old and young. Some where a little harder on me than others. Especially the younger ones. I think that’s just the way things go.

After-Life

Now, if you know anything about me, you probably know that I have some beliefs. Very strong and deeply rooted. They’re comforting but I think anyone who tells you that there not afraid of the great beyond is one of two types of people. Type one are the people who are lying to themselves and type two are the ones who have seen God.

The truth is, If I could know the exact date I was going to die and how. I wouldn’t do it. Some say it would be ‘liberating.’ I doubt it. You ever seen someone who knows they’re time is limited?

What’s the point of this post?

Time is Precious… That’s all I’m saying.

And the Choir Sings…

2010-10-09T13:31:00.001-07:00

Warning

What I’m about to write, may be harsh for some to hear. However, let it be known what my stance on this is. Each of us have our own favorite sins. For some, a single sip of alcohol leads quickly to alcoholism, while others just cant resist the temptation to gossip. With that being said, light is light and darkness is darkness. I believe that the universe has created and was created by certain laws and try as we might to twist these laws into our own understanding, they don’t change. Hate the sin, love the sinner.

The Dark

Thursday night, Lindsay and I went to see The Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse for a class assignment. A cold calm lay across the twinkling lights of the Salt Lake City. The sun had already gone down and as we walked toward Temple Square, Lindsay commented on how cold her hands already were. Crowd noises and lots of honking horns soon filled our ears. Flashing police lights illuminated the growing protest of Elder Boyd K Packer’s talk from General Conference. 1000 people surrounded Temple Square. In bold contrast to the brilliant lights of temple square, they were dressed in black. Twisting doctrines, they protested they very thing they themselves scream to protect when it best suites them, freedom of speech. Blinded by what looked like years of slow steps down the wrong path, we heard songs from the Hymn book with lyrics mutated into something sick. Under the guise of ‘freedom,’ they promoted slavery to temptations and sin. The tension of the scene churned our stomachs into a knot, of course, getting my hand accidently held by a guy looking for his partner probably didn’t help.

The Light

After some uneasy looks and quick walking, we finally found our way to the south exit where security guards stood careful watch. As we entered into the tabernacle, immediate warmth flowed back into us. Peace and reverence

MoTab–Oct 7 2010

stilled the scene of what had just happened outside. As I entered the tabernacle that day, I didn’t see the respectful spectators or the skilled choir. I saw and heard angels. They twisted sickness of the outside melted away. Voices sang praise, timpanis sounded as guards to the gate, and the master stood, in perfect control of all. Not one thing passed his gaze, and as he gave the command, he was followed with perfect obedience. “I Believe in Christ” hallowed that place that night. It provided a perfect contrast of power of both sides. I however, ‘will never, no never, no never forsake!’

Never, no never, no never forsake!

Dale out.

Summer Storm

2010-08-04T21:59:00.001-07:00

Utah Mountains

I live in Utah, surrounded by, arguably, some of the most beautiful country God ever made. I’ve grown to love the mountains. I think the only thing that could compare to mountains is the ocean or lake. To one up it, you would have to put the mountains by the ocean. Combine that with perfect weather and that is probably why it cost so much to live in SoCal. If you want to one up that, throw a deep, dark, billowing thunderstorm in the mix.

Storm

A rare occurrence happened today in Utah. A thunderstorm. I happen to be sitting in a park under a pavilion watching it unfold. In front of me were the mountains. The sun was just starting to set. I wish i could have gotten a picture of it . Haloing (if that’s even a word) the mountains was this beautiful ring of the most amazing pink, purple, blues, and black that you’ve ever seen. It looked to be straight out of national geographic. Behind the mountain was the storm rolling in. The lighting danced just over the ridges. Behind the beauty raged a storm. You could literally see the clouds building up behind the mountain, is if the mountain was doing everything in its power to keep back the darkness. And then the inevitable happened.

Like a flood, the storm spilled over the top, raging into the valley below. Cracking thunder and an the almost deafening pound of rain drops sent everyone running for cover.

A few minutes into the storm, I looked across the park and saw 3 women with a baby stroller frantically trying to hide under one of the smallest trees in the park.

Lesson Learned

You may already see where I’m going with this, but I’m going to give a shot at explaining it anyway.

People work hard to build mountains of protection in their lives. Spiritually, emotionally, educationally, and financially, all to hold back the storm. When something hard comes up, we put our heads down and go to work because we know that the protection it will provide will be worth the effort. Years of saving, studying, and work provide the comfort of peace of mind.

However, with that being said, eventually, a storm will still hit. The darkness rages into our lives and we are absolutely helpless to stop it. No amount of pleading, bargains, whining, or threats will stop it.

And when they do, some of us are in the worst position possible, like the 3 women. Some of us, sit and just accept it, taking it in as is. Others run to get out of it.

Lesson learned? Stuff happens.

Dale out.

P.S. If your wondering, yes, I did give them a ride home. ;)

I’ve Got the Music in Me

2010-07-22T13:44:00.001-07:00

I live in Provo and go to school in Salt Lake. It is about an hour drive with decent traffic. I usually only go on Tue. and Thurs. This summer however, I have to go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and I HATE IT. The only thing that is worse than having to go 3 times a week are the classes that I’m taking. “Marriage Prep” followed immediately by “Statistics” and “Calculus.” Stats and Calc are in the same classroom with the same teacher, back to back. Point of all this is to explain why by the time I go home, I’m about to explode from sitting still so long. I seriously have the attention span of a gnat.

Yesterday was one of “those days.” I skipped out of class early and caught a matinee of “The Last Airbender 3D.” On the way home though, I did what I usually do on “those days.” I rolled down the windows, cranked up the volume, and sang at the top of my lungs. I have made that drive so many times that I sometimes kind of space out (dangerous right?). The music consumes me and for a few minutes, I have an outlet. Every emotion, feeling, and thought that gets cramped up inside of me gets to escape. Even the old lady yesterday that was giving me the stare down as I was cranking out some David Archuleta doesn't matter. It all just fades in the background. I am America’s next Idol.

I love getting into other people’s heads and figuring out what makes them tick, but rare is it that someone gets into mine. Instead, I lock everything inside. Consequently, it needs a release. While singing at my shower head is great and all, its only a temporary fix. The music isnt mine. It’s someone else’s release. Singing, writing random blogs, photography, and playing piano are all temporary fixes. I think that the worst part is that I can hear the music I want to perform in my head, I just cant seem to get it out. I even bought new guitar strings finally. No luck. Maybe i should take up cross-stitching.

Man in the Mirror

2010-07-13T02:07:00.001-07:00

Normally, I’m not a huge Michael Jackson fan. With that being said, I have to give credit where credit is due (and lets get real, nothing like being awake at 2AM to bring out the muse). Michael Jackson was an amazing artist and performer. I know that some of you are now rolling your eyes and thinking “Not another ‘praise MJ’ article! Just let the man go!” Ok, I will. This post isn't going to be about the man, but about the idea. After all, that's how we learn and grow right? Every lesson learned could have been learned easier if we had let someone else show us instead of screwing it up ourselves. Please, enjoy the idea:

If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.

I think its a story of priorities. The potential that most people have is immense. For example, back in the year 1820 a young boy decided to make God a priority in his life. He said a simple prayer in a grove of trees in upstate New York (Full story here) For this point, I don't care if you believe what happened to him or not. Here are some ‘fruits’ of that man’s priority shift:

Current Membership 13,824,854

Current Full Time Missionaries 51,736

Humanitarian Cash Donations Since 1985 $327.6 million

Value of Humanitarian Material Assistance Since 1985 $884.6 million

(More Information available here)

That’s a big difference made in a little shift.

As a college student…

my finances are less than… um… ‘ideal'’. Ok, they’re down-right hideous and a little scary. I recently read an article that said ‘no significant difference in happiness can be determined after an annual income of $12,000.’ That is not a lot of money and what's worse is that I’m not making any where near that. Money does stress me out, but I’m learning to deal with it.

I love my life. I get to go to school, and I love the things I’m learning there. I (occasionally) can earn a buck a two. I’m surrounded by family and friends (from near and afar). I have an amazing girlfriend. Although, my responsibilities at church are demanding and time-consuming, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. And as busy as I get, I still have time to go do some really cool stuff.

Have you ever slept in a hammock in the middle of the woods under a crystal clear sky, soaked in natural hot springs, climbed/repelled rock canyon, ran through random people’s yards in the middle of the night, met literally hundreds of new people in short periods of time…for years, or climbed Mount Everest? I have…except maybe last one, (but it’s on the ‘to-do’ list).

I’m getting to the point…

Think of it this way. How much ‘leisure time’ do the rich get? Really? If you spend all of your time worried and obsessed with money, when do you get to enjoy the small things in life? And by that definition, who is ‘richer’? The rich may get the big vacation, but they may miss out on the small pleasures, like seeing a rainstorm come in, holding hands with some-one, or learning about a new hobby.

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change

and just for kicks:

Timon and Pumbaa

2010-06-28T19:58:00.001-07:00

First, to start out, I think I may actually get a few comments off of this one. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

Redirected

I made a comment a few days ago to moving on to a ‘Wednesday’ post to Andrew. He, maybe with a little sarcasm in his voice (which is hard to believe coming from Andrew) shot back, “You can’t do that, you have more important things to write about – AKA – Lauren!” We laughed it off but today I saw a clip that I think is going to explain things quite well. Here is a key:

Simba – Me (Dale)
Nala – Lauren
Timon – Roomate #1
Pumbaa – Roomate #2 (I’ll let them decide which one is which)

Enjoy.

I can not even begin to describe the applications that this little jewel has.

But let me try;)

Simba – Me, Lots of past, not always the most open about certain things. (Click here for more details about why that is)

Timon and Pumbaa – Fairly obvious one. My roommates are my best friends. With that being said, they give me a rough time occasionally about Nahla.

Nala – Lauren;)

There are plenty more comparisons to draw, but considering this is a public blob, I’m going to keep private thoughts…. private;)

Dale Out.

Quiet Moments

2010-06-08T14:39:00.001-07:00

I have a new calling at church and it is a beast. I’m the Executive Ward Secretary. More or less, I handle all the appointments for the Bishopric, follow up on callings and assignments, and pretty much anything else the Bishop needs me to handle. This is a pretty intense job in a regular ward, but throw it into a BYU student singles ward and you get something similar to a cross-eyed air traffic controller during rush hour. Put that on top of college and work and you start to get an idea of what happens everyday. Yet here I am writing a blog;)

Now, I don't consider myself to be special. I know people who are much busier than I am. But it is still nice to have quiet moments.

SOME PLACES

help me focus. These are the places where I like to go when no one else is around. For example, at the lake, their is a point, and out on that point, the sun dances. Every morning and every evening, the water slicks off, the air cools down, and the sun dances in a beautiful bright line that stretches from where you are across the lake as far as the eye can see. Something just feel rights when your there, like times stands still and suddenly I can see the bigger picture of what's going on. I feel connected to the past, present, and future. Memories flood black to solve pressing issues of the day.

An empty chapel, old high school gym, or even just a picture of a place with a lot of memories. The picture to the right is of the bell tower at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. It’s where I went to EFY for 5 summers in a row.

Nature does the same thing. I took the pictures below last week on a hike that we did. Being outside, puts me in awe and wonder at God’s creations.

If anyone actually reads this, feel free to add your own ‘personal happy place’ ;)

Dale out.

God Bless Texas

2010-05-22T11:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a long day. You know, one of those days where you wake up, your eyes pop open, and you realize that it might be better to pretend like your alarm clock didn't go off? Guilt got the best of me however and I did it. I got up and started my day.

I’m not going to tell you about the next 14 hours of work. Instead I’m going to tell you of the 2 hours that kept me going.

On Thursday evening, Dad packed up and headed to the lake to set up camp. Friday, during the day, Mom and Christina left to join him. That's how I got left at the house by myself working. I got as much done as I could. Then, finally at about 6:30, I took off towards Jasper. I took the Jeep. For those of you who don’t know, I have a Jeep here in Texas and the Jeep has me;) Its a 93’ Red 4X4 Jeep Wrangler. So with no top, radio turned up, and cool set of shades, I left my worries, responsibilities, and some sleeping gear in little Buna Texas.

For nearly two hours, I was free. You hear old adages such as, ‘Nothing but me and the open road’ or ‘riding of into the sunset’ or ‘it’s not about the ride, but the journey.’ Yeah, I did that.

I’m not sure what everyone else thinks ‘fresh air’ smells like but I got a whole bunch yesterday. For me, it smells like fresh cut grass, a cool summer breeze, a friendly bonfire, and a touch of manure all rolled into one. Combine that with a beautiful Texas sunset and you’ll understand why everyone else knows that “God blessed Texas with his own hands”

Can I get an Amen?

~Dale out~

Virgo

2010-05-16T19:15:00.001-07:00

DISCRIMINATING ≠ ANALYTICAL

People like to talk about themselves. Especially when the ‘things’ being talked about are good ‘things’. Just to make it believable though, sometimes you have to include some not-so-good ‘things’. The funny ‘thing’ though is that we humans usually figure out a way to turn even the criticism into praise.(just in case you were wondering, I just used the word ‘things’ 4x)

For example, I’m a Virgo. In my “Virgo Characteristic” is says the following.

In modern times, you Virgos are known for your ability to be highly discriminating -- especially when it comes to matters of personal desire.

I look at that and think,’Wow, that must mean I’m very analytical.’ Truth is, it just called me ‘discriminating!’ How does that get turned into ‘analytical?’

The Truth about Horoscopes.

Its a load of bullock. How do I know this? I found an article entitled “How to Catch the Virgo Man.” The reason I can’t trust is IT’S TOO TRUE!! (Well, most of it, I’ll let you decide which parts;) Here are the cliff notes of the article.

Virgo men are the object of many a woman's affection these days, and for a reason. Here are a few tips on the true nature of the Virgo man and how to go about bagging one of these wonderful men for yourself.

Tip #1: Know What You are Getting Into

Virgo men can be a real catch for any woman, especially those who are looking for the type of man that will take their time with the relationship and put real devotion into it, rather than a one-night stand or short term type of relationship.

Tip #2: Do Not Rush Things; They Probably Won't

Virgo men can be real toughies when it comes to the dating world; at times they can seem so emotionally detached but that might be just because they are extremely observant and are taking the time to actually learn about you.

Tip #3: Be Ready to Settle Down...If All Goes Well

If you really want to get a good Virgo man in your life, make sure you are in it for the long haul because when it comes to meeting the right woman, Virgo men usually are.

Yeah right.

Dale out,.

Heart and Soul in the Boondocks

2010-05-03T17:07:00.001-07:00

4 YEARS

in the big ‘ole city ‘aint come close to beatin’ the boondocks out of me and I’m still causin’ nuff trouble to prove it!

Best part is that you can count on it not gettin any better;)

Here is the thing, I’ve lived away from home long enough that if you were to ask me, ‘Where do you live,’ I would probably respond “Utah.” But if you ever ask me where I’m from, you best be ready to sit yourself down and listen to stories of ‘where I’m from.’ Be ready to hear of beautiful land, amazing food, and good people. Your going to hear ‘bout the back country, of a little boy’s wildest adventures, and everything else about a small town nestled deep in the piney woods of south east Texas. Listen close enough, and you may even get a little twang to slip;)

WE GOT FOOD

WE GOT CREATURES

AND WE GOT SOUL

Best part is I’m going there this week! We’ve had a few… er…’bumbs in the road’ but I’ll get there. You see, I though that the tickets were tomorrow, turns out there not until the day after. Which wouldn’t be that big of a deal except Taylor (Chris’s ‘friend’) bought plane tickets for tomorrow. Soooo, he gets an extra day with the rents all to himself. Special ‘aint it? ;)

Dale Out.

A World of Pictures

2010-04-23T17:11:00.001-07:00

THAT’S A PARKING SPOT.

Are parking spots a normal subject of photography? No. But I kind of like this one. Here is a quote.

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” -Elliot Erwitt

With that being said, Here are some pictures of my apartment complex:

ARE YOU GETTING THE POINT?

2010-04-19T20:30:00.001-07:00

There has started to be a pretty common theme in my blogs. It is one of optimism and hope. Its about seeing the best in people and in your circumstances. I hope this post can do some justice to what I want to say.

BISHOP HENRY WESTBROOK

If there was ever a definition of a man that could open his heart to anyone, I would have to say it was him. He was always the first to admit on Fast and Testimony Sundays that he was going to need a box of tissue. Today, however, he unfortunately passed away in an unexpected accident. Don’t you dare think that you deserve more time than him.

LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING.

Scott asked me some interesting questions a few days ago. Here is a brief recap of the conversation:

Scott: If you were knew you were going to die in a few months, would you live differently?

Dale: Absolutely! I would backpack Europe, see the pyramids, do a walk-about in the outback, the whole nine yards!

Scott:Why? and Why don't you live that way now?

Dale:Well because it’s not the most productive way to live. If i was dying, I wouldn't need to be productive. Doing whatever I fancied would be the most productive thing to do at that point.

Scott: What about love? Would you date differently? Be more open with people?

Dale:Yeah I suppose I would.

Scott: Well why don’t you do THAT now?

Dale: I dunno.

I Loved Deeper and I Spoke Sweeter and I Gave Forgiveness I’d Been Denying.…

I took him up on the challenge. You see, I have been harboring some feeling for quite some time now. Maybe it was typical guy stuff. Not wanting to face the truth and trying to avoid it. Whatever the cause was though, it was tearing me up. I think they call it Love.

Now, I’m pretty new to this ‘love’ topic. Ok, lets get real, when It comes to ‘love’ I'm more lost than the needle in the haystack is. But I did learn something recently. Are you ready for the secret? Here it is:

“Say what you need to say”

For some reason I’ve been afraid to say it. But can you imagine the relationships that could develop if you were only more open with friends and family? Bishop Westbrook did. When he looked at me, I could see that he didn't care what I had done or where I had been. He had the ability to see the good in anyone.

WHAT IM SAYIN IS…

Maybe ‘living life like your dying’ IS, at least in part, backpacking Europe, seeing the Egyptian temples, and skydiving. However, I have no problem saying that Henry Westbrook lived life to the fullest. He loved deeper, spoke sweeter, and gave forgiveness without denying. Besides, we have our own temples.;)

God Bless Bishop Henry Westbrook.

Tanya Ferguson A.K.A - “Mom”

2010-04-16T12:39:00.001-07:00

The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men - from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

I’m going to hope that no one gets offended at what I’m about to say (and if you do, frankly, you can go climb a tree) but, I have “THE WORLDS BEST MOM.” Period. The roles that she plays in my life are endless and I hope with what I am about to say, I can at least do them some justice.

Tomorrow is her birthday. And what kind of stripling warrior son would I be if i didn’t wish my mom a happy birthday? So here goes;)

FRIEND

My mother is one of my best friends. I probably call her too much. I can hear it in her voice when she picks up the phone, that “What Dale? What? This is the 3rd time you have called today! But I’m going to pretend to be interested in idle chat with you because I love you” tone. (and lets get real, sometimes I call just to bug her;) She is patient, forgiving, and selfless. At times she gives me counsel, and, whether I want to listen or not, I am appreciative because I know that there is some in this world that loves me enough to tell me what I need to hear and not always what I want to hear.

TEACHER

In my last post, I mentioned one of the lessons that she taught me. Here are just a few of the others that she has taught.

As mentioned earlier, “Christ found his followers when they were working, the Devil finds his when their idle."
Clean. Now and not later.
Look for the best in people.
Be respectful.
Things aren't going well? So what? Figure it out.
Love for family.
Every Christ-like trait mentioned in D&C4.
The importance of a Mother in the home.
How to support others
Maybe even a thing or two about cooking;)

MOTHER

I guess this is the most important role. Mom, I know you told me not to tell Dad but, I don't think he will care. Every time I get back on a plane to leave home, Mom gives me one last hug, shakes my hand, slips a $20 into it, and whispers, “Don't tell your dad!” Ha ha. I think that characterizes how she is. Helping me to the point of her own detriment.

Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

-The Family: A Proclamation to the World

I don’t think that she has anything to worry about.

Happy Birthday Mom -

Love Dale.

P.S. – Hey Jodi and Chris, Beat that for brownie points;)…….j/k

Tuesday

2010-04-13T18:05:00.001-07:00

BY POPULAR REQUEST…

I’m dong a Tuesday post. So get ready as I unleash a furry of jaw-dropping, action-packed, potentially lethal amount of humor and whit about the day “Tuesday.” Yes, it really is that amazing of a day.

Here is the deal. My Tuesday is kind of of like everyone else’s Monday, and my Thursday is like everyone else’s Friday. Rough life right? But this Tuesday is different from all the rest. Because as of 21:00 hours, I am free for the summer.

Here is the downer. It is being 22 years old. Out of school means into work. Of course I rather like the work I am doing right now and I can’t complain too much. However, there is no way it compares to summer as a kid.

SUMMER AS A KID…

was the best. Last day of school was full of parties, candies, and funny ‘graduating to 3rd grade’ ceremonies. If we behaved, we would get an extra cookie and we wouldn’t have to worry about anything being written on the dread “Permanent Record.” Usually, we were out early that day as well. Of course mom was ready to have us home, or at least she thought she was. Pure, innocent, laziness would set in for the next 2 weeks. I remember having to try my hardest to force my self to sleep in until 10 o’clock. I think I mainly did that because of Roxanne Robison. That girl could sleep! I could never figure out how, but she apparently didn't budge until at LEAST 2 PM.

That okay though. It didn't stop me. I said earlier that we were lazy for about 2 weeks. The reason being is this,

“Christ found his followers when they were working, the Devil finds his when their idle."

It held true for us to. About 2 weeks was all it took before mom would make the “new” rule that she created every year. The rule was this : “Get up, get breakfast, get out, you can come back in at dark. And if your going to carry a machete, at least don’t run with it.” Can I just say, ‘best rule ever!?’. The happiest times of my life are when I’ve been living by this rule.

I wish that I had pictures of the adventures we had back in those woods behind my house. Forts, lean-tos, canoes, “Snake Alley”, paintball wars, and everything in between. Needless to say, Jeffrey Johnson and I are the world’s BEST fort-makers. PERIOD.

When we got hungry, we would usually get a picnic lunch and bring out to whatever we were working on. Sunshine beating down on us, covered in mosquitoes, and minor injuries were no way to keep us from turning some rope, leaves, and tarp into a castle. We would make fire pits, talk of building second stories, and even connecting them with bridges. That was the life.

When It was finally time for a break, there was only one answer; “Chocolate malts at Grandma’s.” We knew where she kept all the ingredients (including the raw eggs that we used for ‘protein’) and Grandma always kept a running supply of vanilla ice cream in the deep-freeze out back.

NIGHTS END…

was what made it worth it though. When I moved out to California was the first time that I realized how much I missed the stars. I had grown up staring at them. A favorite memory is dad driving his truck out into the pasture and us laying there while he attempted to explain the constellation. Big task. And then, a nice soft bed to lay down a very tired, worn-out little boy.

THOSE WHERE THE DAYS.

Dale out.

Time

2010-04-12T13:20:00.001-07:00

A QUICK GLANCE…

at this would probably leave you wondering what in the world I am about to talk about. The title “Time” and a picture of Star Trek probably means I about to go off the deep end. Well, let me tell you, ‘Your out of your Vulcan mind if you think that!” ;)

I don't know if everyone knows what Hulu is but in one word, its “AGreatReasonToCancelCable”. Check it out at www.hulu.com. Not only does it host all the latest TV episodes (i.e. “LOST”) but it also has a ‘movies section” The movies are usually older but some of the goldies are in included.

A FEW NIGHTS AGO…

ago, I saw “Star Trek – Generation” and thought it was worth a shot while i was falling asleep. Let me say now, ‘Engage!” I did in fact become a fan, even with William Shatner trying to play a serious role. Here is the quote that inspired the post though:

Picard: Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived. After all Number One, we're only mortal.
Riker: Speak for yourself sir, I plan to live forever.

I STARTED A NEW BOOK…

today. It is entitled “Last Lecture” by: Randy Pausch. Here is the intro:

A lot of professors give talks titled ‘The Last Lecture.’ Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while thy speak, audiences cant help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?

When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegi Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave - ‘Really achieving Your Childhood Dreams’ – wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because ‘time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think’). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.

If you want to know how valuable time is, talk to one of these guys. Apparently they know.

WITH THAT…

I give you a challenge.

Do today what you could do tomorrow. Don't wait to fulfill dreams, even if its not in the manner you expected to be. Don’t wait to forgive, forget, or say a nice thing to someone.
Enjoy the clip below.

AND JUST FOR FUN….

some more Star Trek Quotes:

Lursa: Ugh! Human females are so repulsive.

[Wiping blood off her mouth after Soran strikes her]
B'Etor: I hope, for your sake, that you were initiating a mating ritual.

Dr. Soran: [to Geordi] Normal is what everyone else is and you are not.

Kirk: Did we make a difference?
Picard: Oh, yes. We made a difference.

Kirk: You left spacedock without a tractor beam?
Harriman: It doesn't arrive until Tuesday.

Dr. Soran: They say time is the fire in which we burn. Right now, Captain, my time is running out. We leave so many things unfinished in our lives.
[softly]
Dr. Soran: I know you understand.

Dr. Soran: Now, if you'll have to excuse me, Captain. I have an appointment with eternity and I don't want to be late.

Kirk: Risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that chair.

Picard: If there is one thing I have learned, Number One, is never underestimate a Klingon.

Dale Out.

Another Big Change.

2010-04-12T00:32:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, i get bored with things. I often rearrange a room for no other reason than I’m tired of looking at it the same way. Same thing happens with the blog i guess. Here is a quick list

Main Page

Icons across top link to homepage, and to resume blog for ‘contact’ and ‘about me’ info.
Shows slide show. Links are active and do work. The three things that show are as follows:

Link to the Goals Page. I have created a whole new blog dedicated to the Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength goals i have. Since it is a separate blog, if you want to follow it for some reason, you will have to follow it separately from this one. Of course I live for comments and encouragement, so feel free to check it out.
Link to Resume site.
Latest Post.
Also, all posts on all blogs are divided into the four categories (heart, might, mind, and strength)

Also shows only a synopsis of posts. That way you can see more and then select one to read on.

Individual pages are pretty much the same. They also show related posts.

Well, for now, its bed-time.

Dale Out

180th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

2010-04-03T09:59:00.001-07:00

Saturday Morning Session

President Thomas S. Monson

What a cool guy.Always seems to be in a good mood and is completely and totally in love with his wife. “You cant keep a Swedish girl down.”

Elder Boyd K. Packer

The Story of Gideon
The army was successful because they stood everyman in his place.
The priesthood of Aaron and Melkizedek was restored of old.
It has never been easy to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we will never dominate in numbers but we hold the priesthood.
Priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected.
The father should give the blessing in a home as patriarch.
We are built upon a foundation of apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.
Power of the priesthood comes by faithful living.
All that is done in the church is to the perfection of the individual and the protection of the family.(the few)

Sad to see him in a chair, but his testimony of the plan is as strong and ever. I could sense urgency in his voice as he bears his witness as an apostle of the power of the priesthood.

Sister Julie B. Beck

Media messages are deceiving
We constantly receive messages that we deserve better by avoiding our responsibilities but by revelation we can be guided to always have the Lord’s spirit with us.
Every day scripture study and prayer are an aid to revelation.
Being in the right places help us receive guidance.
Charity is embodied in all good women.
If we don't get the praise we deserve, So what?
We can feel successful we are worthy and able to receive guidance
Female exemplars in the church will be both a numerical and spiritual part of the growth of the church.

What an incredibly power testimony to the women of the church.

Elder Keith B. McMullin

Though disasters are hard, they can awaken us to our duty.
God Forgives.
One of the guards at robins brook approached a the prisoner and asked her forgiveness.
“I can lift my hand, you provide the feeling”
Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence.
Doing one’s duty is a manifestation of one’s faith.
We should seek to do good in this world, this is our duty.
As we do our duty to God, we feel duty bound to serve our family, friends, government, community, and neighbors.
To know our duty in the midst of crisis, we pray.
Our path of duty is marked by faith in our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our faith equips and protects us.

An amazingly powerful story of forgiveness to begin with. Our duty to each other is the our duty to the Father, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Elder Wilford W. Anderson

The Nauvoo saints were forced out (again) but they had learned that hope doesn't not depend upon circumstance, but upon faith in the atonement of Christ.
No missionaries injured in Haiti
Truckloads and Plane load of supplies and volunteers and doctors were there in hours.
Sadness melts away when we put our faith in the author of the plan of happiness and our turmoil when we look to the prince of peace.
Remember that it is upon the rock of our redeemer that we must build our foundation.

I think the first sentence summed it up best. Hope does not depend on circumstance, but upon faith in the Atonement of Christ.

Elder M. Russell Ballard

We as brethren can not do what you as women were divinely ordained to do since before the foundation of the world.
Daughters to Mothers
Mothers to Daughters
- Daughters will mimic you, even if they don't acknowledge it.
- Your daughters may not understand the possible destruction of the world unless you help them.
- The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home.
- Don't gossip.
- The nature to nurture is always being undermined by Satan. Care enough to correct.
- Have frequent open discussion about the temptation and effect of sex in society.
- Teach them how to repent and remain pure and worthy.
I have been speaking to parents and youth for the last 3 conferences in a row.
In these last days, it is essential that parents and children listen to each other.

Even thought the church can assist and sustain us, our families are the most important

thing we have and are not meant for time, but for all eternity. An amazing message not just for mothers and daughters but for entire families with specific counsel of how to overcome the buffetings of Satan.

President Henry B. Eyring

Our father wants our help to bring his children home.
Our choices when we are young usually start out small but it is a slippery slope.
Bishops often call the strongest individuals to serve and protect the primary kids.
Faithful prayers bring rescue and rescuers in our path.
The standards placed on the youth are evidence of the trust placed in them.
Encourage and praise everything that good.
They should feel in our praise and corrective counsel the love of God.
Make plans that are not only wishes, but covenants.
We exemplify the life we expect them to live.
Help them to hear the words, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

President Eyring is “da bomb” (if that phrase can be used to speak of General Authority.) The best that one can do for the youth is instill in them the love of God. If they wonder, they will return because the will have drank of the living waters and know that Jesus is the Christ.

[Adjourned until 2:00 PM]

__________________________________________________________________________

Saturday Afternoon Session

Statistical Report

Stake - 20865
Missions - 344
Wards/Branches - 28424
Members – 128,248,54
Converts - 280106
Missionaries - 51736
Temples – 2
Temples In Operation - 130

Elder L. Tom Perry

The lessons that his mother prepared was far more than could be taught in a single lesson but was used to teach repeatedly the gospel in the home.
His mother was far more demanding as a teacher than his teachers at school.
Idle thoughts should not be allowed to enter even if we are engaged in physical activities.
Teach by example and precept.
The most important thing we can do to improve teaching in the church is to improve the teaching in the home.
It is our sacred duty to do our very best.

Very hear felt testimony of the importance of teaching in the home. We can use our lesson to improve our home and family.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

William Tindal – translated the bible into English.
We owe them all a deep gratitude for being willing to die for bringing the word of God out of obscurity.
Helaman – Scriptures had enlarged the memory of his people.
God shows his power to save his children through the scriptures.
The scriptures help to remind us of what we knew in the pre-existence.
Lehi left with the scriptures.
Scriptures tutor us in essentials that are needed for society.
The central purpose of scriptures is to fill us with faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Never in history have people possessed such a quantity of scriptures, and availability.

Solid. Powerful testimony of the importance of scriptures. I realized last night at the mission conference that no one ever game me permission to stop studying the scriptures like I did when i was a missionary! What's my deal!?!?

Elder Koichi Aoyagi

The Elder he met to join the church were filled with love and light.
He struggled after baptism.
After a heart felt prayer, he served a mission and was sealed in the temple.
Church members not only follow the prophet from duty but also from love and faith.

Bruce A. Carlson

Story of two sportsmen that wanted the bush pilot to pack on the extra weight into the plane. Upon crashing one asks, the other, ‘what happened?’ and he responded “we crashed after take off about a hundred yards from where we landed last year.”
We are constantly looking for shortcuts
Don't Apply to Us
Their not important

Elder David A. Bednar

We often receive symptoms or warnings of future problems
We can do things to help us be prepared to receive those warnings.
- Read and talk about the Book of Mormon.
- Talking about the Book of Mormon provide opportunities for parents to listen to their children. The questions and comments that children make can help parents discern and receive early warning signs
Bear Testimony Spontaneously.
Once again, theses opportunities provide insight to the thought and feelings of the youth and can provide vital early, warning signs.
Invite children to Act
Parents are not in the business of distributing fish, but teaching to fish.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Pornography
“blast a crater in their brain’
Lust is the most deadly of the 7 deadly sins.
Lust defiles the highest and holiest relationship that God gives us in this life, that between a husband and wife.
Love is blasted from the house top while lust is in secret.
“Lets Talk”
Start by separating yourself from immoral things. The pole of proximity can be fatal.
As Joseph and Potipher’s wife, just run.
Picture the faces of those that love you
Make sure they are welcome in your heart by invitation only.
I will give place no more to the enemy of my soul

Smack Down… ‘nuff said.

___________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Morning Session

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

My hands are your hands.
You are known for goodness and compassion all around the glove.
Those who need are service the most are new members.
Well have fallen short. We should extend to others the mercy and forgiveness that we would have others extend to us.
We can not measure the worth of a soul anymore than we can measure the span of the universe.
Christ not only taught, but also showed us how to succor the weak.

Elder Richard G. Scott

Easter is that sacred season when the heart turns in humble gratitude to our Savior.
Jesus Christ Lives.
Can you imagine what the atonement required of both the Father and the Son?
Immense responsibility feel upon the Savior and he knew it. And he had to do it alone.
“Why hast THOU forsaken me?!”
Establish a personal study plan to better understand Jesus Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the atonement.

Elder Donald L. Hollstrom

The Prince of Peace extends his invitation.
Trials often turn us towards or away the gospel. It does not just effect us but often effects others for generations after us.
Giving up is not an option.
Let him take our burden from us for He has descended below all things

Elder Quentin L Cook

Easter Message of the atonement of Christ.
The sacrament allows us to repent and become a disciple and saint.
We will be known as His disciples if we love one another.
No disciple of Christ is exempt from the trials and tribulation of today.

President Thomas S. Monson

TO All in the sound of my voice, I testify HE LIVES.
‘Never’
HE LIVES!

____________________________________________________________

Sunday Afternoon Session

Elder Russel M. Nelson

Satan is attacking the family.
Make the temple process a part of your life today.
Temple work has the ability to bless those on both sides of the veil.
We are exalted when we can dwell with our families in the presence of the almighty God.

Elder Robert D. Hales

Do our youth know what we know?
Take advantage of teaching opportunities every chance we can get..
Be willing to listen, and then listen some more.
“Are you there?”

Bradley D Foster

Mother told me.
Some of our loved ones may stray but we must never give up.
We must go back for them and find their lost ones.

Elder Neil L Anderson

Youth are the best to have come and they come in a troubled time.
Salvation can only come in and through the name of Christ.
As we speak of Christ, we will fill the power of heaven through us.
Two men can do anything, as long as one of them is the Lord.
“His name be praised for ever and ever

A Weekend in Pictures

2010-03-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

amen

I’m in a Hurry….

2010-03-23T22:32:00.001-07:00

I'm in a hurry to get get things done,

I’m in a Hurry…

I’m in a hurry to get things done. Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun All I really got to do is live and die But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

Guilty

I get so sick and tired of hearing people say, “uhhh, treat me special because my life is so hard and I just want to hurry up and get this day over because its been so hard on poor little me!” And I think to myself, " ‘What? like tomorrow is going to be any better for you? or are you really thinking that just because its named ‘Saturday’ your day is going to magically better?’ Why rush through a day pretending like life is miserable just to get to another one?

Now here is the sad part. I’m guilty. I’ve done it. I look forward to hitting that bed and knocking out for the night. I look forward to the weekends. But I wonder how much I pass up during the day?

I’m a dude. And as such, at times I have a very one-tracked mind. When there is work to do or something going on, I’m very good at digging through the fluff and getting to the root. Focused and determined. All-important (at the time) and all-inclusive. Like I said though, I gotta look up.

Look Up

In an interview with my mission president, he said something that really stuck with me.

“Elder Ferguson, I’m going to tell you something that you aren’t going to understand until your probably 30 years old. You have to pick your head up. You think your on a treadmill and your not. When you pick your head up, your going to realize your on a highway, with lots of lanes, all going to the right place, and the scenery is amazing. And the best part is, your not in a race like your think either. So enjoy it. Life is beautiful.”

Live life so that when your feet hit the ground in the morning, the Devil says, “Oh crap, you got up….”

-Dale Out-

Monday

2010-03-15T06:31:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post called Sunday… I thought it only appropriate that i move on to Monday.

Monday

This weekend was spring forward for daylight savings. If I only had to observe half of this ‘holiday’, I would pick the “fall back” half. Either way it is 6:30 AM and my alarm clock is singing “Its a Party in the USA” (don't ask.). Rolling out of bed, all I can think is ‘It is way to early and way to dark for Miley Cirus or a party’. I turn off the alarm clock ( aka – my phone) and roll right back in to bed thinking “just 5 more min.” One of the proud accomplishments of my significant life is knowing when I’m lying to myself and Monday morning’s are a time to lie to yourself.

That being said, I figured I had better get out of bed again before the sleep set back in.

The good news is that, Its 6:30 and I am up and ready to hit the week full on. Today is as follows.

6:30 – wake up breakfast, scripture study, and blog
7:45 – head to the gym
9:00 – Grocery shopping
10:00 – Laundry/Homework/Work
4:30 – Snowboarding
10:00 – Reading
10:30 – Go to bed so i can start it all over.

I know, I know, its pretty impressive;) j/k. Looking at it, makes it look really tedious and boring but to be honest, in a weird little way, I’m excited about it. Its a lot to get done. So wish me luck on a Monday

-Dale out-

A Steel Magnolia…

2010-03-07T19:05:00.001-08:00

Warning – This might be a long one;)

Have you ever heard the term? A Steel Magnolia? (Besides being an 1989 Comedy-Drama Film) The order of the words are just a matter of language so lets start with the Magnolia part first.

When I was a kid, there were two weapons that could be found in the yard for battles. 1) rotten figs picked from the curiously shaped fig tree in between my house and my Grandma’s house. 2) Magnolia Grenades. There were the magnolia blooms that we would pick before they had bloomed. Perfect for throwing as a grenade and equipped with a brittle end perfect for breaking off right before yelling “GRENADE!!” made them the weapon of choice to play with for a bunch of kids.

However, after blooming , they become one of the most beautiful flowers in the south. While the boys are throwing magnolias, the girls let the bloomed ones fill their nose with their sweet delicate smell.

A steel magnolia, at least in the south, refers to a woman who, though beautiful and graceful, are also firm in their resolution of who and what they are. They keep the boys and girls alike, entertained, but more importantly, they keep them honest. For all know that one step out of line and the steel part of that magnolia will come flying out.

A steel magnolia once asked me, “What are your dreams?” I don’t remember what I answered. I am sure however, it was, “be a millionaire” or something similar. Back then, life was motivated by just that, dreams. The world was limitless and it was yours. Anything could happen. The possibilities tickled your imagination to fantasize about what could happen over the next few years.

Last night, however, I was asked the same question. “What are your dreams?” I realized that things had changed. No longer am i motivated by dreams. Unfortunately, I have been motivated lately by fear. I fear not having money, so I work. I fear getting fat, so work out. I fear rejection, so i don't try. The question shouldn't be “Who is going to let you?" but,

“Who is going to stop you?”

Suze Orman talks about this fear. She relates the following story.

When I was very young, I had already learned that the reason my parents seemed so unhappy wasn’t that they didn’t love each other; it was that they never had quite enough money even to pay the bills. in our house money meant tension, worry, and sorrow. When i was about thirteen my dad owned his own business, a tiny chicken shack where he sold take-out chicken, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. One day the oil that the chicken was fried in caught fire. In a few minutes the whole place exploded in flames. My dad bolted from the store before the flames could engulf him. This was when my mom and i happened to arrive on the scene, and we all stood outside watching the burn away my dad’s business. All of a sudden my dad realized that he had left his money in the metal cash register inside the building, and i watched in disbelief as he ran back in the inferno, in the split second before anyone could stop him. He tried and tried to open the metal register, but eh intense heat had already sealed the drawer shut. Knowing that every penny had had was locked in front of him, about to go up in flames, he literally picked up the scalding metal box and carried it outside. When he threw the register on the ground, the skin on his arms and chest came with it. He had escaped the fire safely once, untouched. Then he voluntarily risked this life and was severely injured. the money was that important. That was when i learned that money is obviously more important than life itself. From that point on, earning money, lots of money, not only became what drove me professionally, but also became my emotional priority. Money became, for me, not the means to a life rich in all kinds of ways; money became my singular goal.

Fear can not drive us if we are to live healthy, successful lifestyles. I will not let fear drive me. I will drive my life and i will fill it with the things that make me happy. Including Steel Magnolias.

Sunday

2010-02-28T14:50:00.001-08:00

Selfish Reasons

I love Sundays. No really, I LOVE SUNDAYS. Sundays are the best days of the week easy. I am not even talking about the religious aspects (being Sunday, we will get to that a little later). I am saying the Sunday is the best purely out of selfish reasons.

Everyone has a that little part in them (some more suppressed than others) that wants to deny all responsibility. A Sunday afternoon is part of that. Waking up slowly from a long afternoon nap without a single care in the world. Whatever it is, it can wait for Monday.

Long afternoon drives with the windows down. Laying in the cool grass with the warm sun coming down and a quick breeze dancing with the trees. Friends and Family. Hot, fresh home cooked food.

The first breath of a new chance at the week happens on a Sunday. Re-focus, Re-decide, Re-commit.

More Appropriate Reasons…

Its only 2 min long. You can afford to watch it, I PrOmIsE!

Men Pride.

2010-02-19T22:51:00.001-08:00

Kailash Kalau Singh

Do you know who this guys is? Of course you don’t. That is why I am going to tell you. This is the guy who hasn’t bathed in 35 years……35 years… yeah. I know what your thinking, “WHY?” The answer: He doesn't remember. He just decided to stop bathing one day and at the time it seemed like a really good idea but looking back he can’t remember. He has decided to keep it up until all the problems of his home country (India) are solved.

Last night i slept in my clothes on the couch. I woke up, I had to go somewhere so I dragged myself upstairs and walked into the bathroom to get in the shower. Then i had a brilliant thought. I thought to myself ‘self, instead of undressing, bathing, drying off, re-dressing, yada yada yada, why don't you just change shirts?!"’ Brilliant. So I did. and no-one was the wiser. I went and put on one of my favorite shirts, walked back into the bathroom, tried to pat down that annoying patch of bed hair, thought I looked pretty good and walked out.

Do you know why I can do that? Because I’m a dude and not a betty. I love the fact that I'm a guy. Here is a short list of why:

No Makeup.
Deciding who to date.
Seat up.
Jesus was a man…. just saying
I can put on a t-shirt and call it a makeover.

I’ll stop there but you get the point. Now, I AM NOT SAYING MEN ARE BETTER THAN WOMEN!!! I am just saying I'm glad to be a man.

Dishes

Now, with that being said, I like to have a clean house…. kitchen included. I know I'm asking a lot, living in a college environment and all but, “Mothers! C’mon! Teach you sons how to wash their dishes!” I am not a neat freak by any means. Ask my mother. BUT, I do know how to clean when things get dirty. That’s how it works. Things get dirty, you clean them. YOU DO NOT LEAVE THEM!!

News Rules

The kitchen table is not a desk. I understand if you want to set your stuff there while you do some homework, but when you finish, take your stuff with you. Don't leave your books and computer there for weeks.
If the garbage is filled, push it down. When it feels up again, it really is time to take it out.
If someone is washing the dishes (most of them yours) and has just put the last one from the sink into the very full dishwasher, you do not walk over, set YOUR dish in the sink and walk off. WASH YOUR DISHES!!!!
If your roommate is forced to sleep on the couch downstairs because your room reeks from not having been cleaned, CLEAN IT!!

thats all I’m saying,

dale out.

1000

2010-02-17T18:54:00.001-08:00

1000

Do people actually read this thing? If you look over to the left, there is a counter. It recently passed the 1000 mark. Granted, 100 of them are probably mine, another hundred probably belong to my mom, but where did the rest come from?!?!

Read On…

You wanna know why i think people read this thing occasionally? Well if your reading this, then you are one of those people, and probably already know why. BUT, I’m going to tell you anyway.

Avoiding responsibility. Your at school, at work, or at home with loads to do, and yet your desperate to avoid the responsibility. You may have even convinced yourself that you had something important to do on-line (or maybe your more honest than that and know you want to just quickly check your fb) and you somehow ended up perusing through links to find your way here. You don't know that you find it interesting, but since it is the personal thoughts of another (to which your usually not privy to) its worth a glance, especially to avoid responsibility.
Blind stumbling. Your even more bored than the previous group and have been hitting the “Next” button. I'm going to say that you’re part of the group that doesn't have responsibility. Its not that you are avoiding things to do, you simply don’t have anything to do. Consequently, you have resorted to clicking through random people’s blogs to entertain yourself. Either a catchy title or a nifty picture will catch your attention but no for long, before you off to explore another.
Choosing to look. Your my favorite group. Granted, as stated above, this is probably mostly my mom. But still, i relish to idea that some few individuals find my thoughts intriguing and important. To put it simply, “Thank you.”

Till next time,

dale out.

New Features…

2010-02-17T16:50:00.001-08:00

Blogger came out with some new features. Namely, if you look to the left of this, you will see a box named ‘pages.’ One of the pages is called ‘Resume’. On the ‘Resume’ page, you will see link which goes to a completely different blog which consists of my ‘awe-inspiring resume.’ Ok, so its pretty entry-level but still. I had fun making it.,

Another page is the goals page. Instead of wasting my faithful followers time (that means you mom) by whining about how I'm not reaching my goals, i decided to take care of that on a separate page.

That Moment…

2010-02-06T13:21:00.001-08:00

Have you even been here? You know, the calm before the storm. When time seems to stop even though what's coming only seems to be getting closer. You close your eyes and take a deep breath. Your nostrils fill with the sweet, moist smell of rain and its almost like your primal instincts come raging back to tell you what is about to happen. A calm excitement runs down your spine because you know you just took part in nature. That's the moment.

It is the same moment that happens when you cross the point of no return. Time stand still to you and nothing else matters except what you are feeling. It’s the moment that happens to me as i cut across glassy water to pop of the wake at sunset on a wakeboard.

Its right after i put on my goggles and right before i head over the edge on a snowboard. Or right before the wave hits my surfboard and i know that is it. It’s my chance to bridle nature.

Its the moment right before you accomplish something that everyone told you was impossible. It’s rising to the top.

It’s looking into a girl’s eyes after the first kiss who you think might be the one. Trying to see if they feel the same.

If in any of these situations, you hold anything back, even a little, your doomed to failure. But your not thinking about failure then. Your eyes dilate a little as you focus, your heartbeat rages in your chest, and then its time and you do it. There is no turning back.

That moment keeps me going. It keeps life interesting. Its what i live for. To find more of those moments. Help me;)

Dale Out.

“The View”

2010-01-31T20:24:00.001-08:00

Goals

So, instead of making yet another post about how my goals are going. I'm just going to let it go this time. Hopefully sometime this week ill get enough spare time that i can make a separate post that i can use to just update about the goals. but for now, we will let them be.

The View

I have decided that life can be boring or exciting. It just depends on how you look at things. For example, i could go on and on about how much i hate my telemarketing job (boring) OR i could tell you about how i somehow managed to go on a solid string of about 5 or 6 people, asking for persons that had been deceased between 1 and 12 years. Yeah.. Awkward.

I could also tell you that school is really hard and i hate it (boring) or i could tell you how I managed to get stuck in the elevator with my one of my teachers and it was either the teacher or I who had really rank body odor. ( I wear deodorant… just sayin)

I could mention how my dating life is pretty much non-existent and wine about it (boring) or i could tell you how i won courtside tickets to the Utah Flash Basketball game and then called up the only girl I'm mildly interested in only to not even hear a single word back since…… wait, no, that really sucks…. (if you (the ‘girl’) are reading this, thanks…..)

What I'm getting at is that its all a matter of perception. For example: The picture to the right. How old is the lady in the picture. To some she may look 20. To others you may see the 70 year old. Keep looking until you can see both views. If that isn't clear for you check out the story from below from Steven Coveys “7 Habits of Highly Effective People:”

“Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. I was serving on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge as night fell.The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities. Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing of the bridge reported, "Light, bearing on the starboard bow."

"Is it steady or moving astern?" the captain called out.
Lookout replied, "Steady, captain," which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.
The captain then called to the signal man, "Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees."
Back came a signal, "Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees."
The captain said, "Send, I'm a captain, change course 20 degrees."
"I'm a seaman second class," came the reply. "You had better change course 20 degrees."
By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, "Send, I'm a battleship. Change course 20 degrees."
Back came the flashing light, "I'm a lighthouse." We changed course.

For now, Changing Course-

~Dale~

REEEEEEE-Start

2010-01-24T19:45:00.001-08:00

GOALS

I have been setting here for nearly 1/2 hour trying to get my ‘muse’ to write this blog. Here goes.

I made some “Goals’ at the beginning of the year. As expected, I failed. ;) Well, not completely. The point though is this, I'm ready to take shot # 2 at it. Let go through it.

Category	Goal	Progress
Heart
	Temple attendance once a week.	;)
	Study journal	;(
Might
	Learn Song on piano every 3 months	;\|
	Get a steady job	;)
	Get a girlfriend	;(
Mind
	4.0 GPA	;\|
	Read two book not required for school	;(
Strength
	7% body fat	;(
	180 lbs	;\|
	Keep to workout routine	;(
	No fast food	;(
	No carbonation	;(

There are a lot more frowns than smiles. The good news is that i have a very important smiley face. – That's besides ‘Job’. You see, for some reason, “Job” makes a huge difference. When i don't have money/job – i do nothing. I'm serious! I feel bad, i don't go out, i don't want to be social, i don't do my homework like i should. I completely shut down. I found a scripture today that reminded me of this.

“And the spirit and the body are the soul of man.” – D&C 88:15

Meaning that the two are inseparably connected. That whenever your body is sick, your mind is affected. When your mind is uneasy, so is your body. For example, my mind is stressed about money, so i lose the desire to form that habits that i need to accomplish my goals.

So, why the ReStart? I actually have a small income… i know – crazy right? . The idea is that I am going to open up a checking/savings account at Wells Fargo and start setting aside money. Here is the break down:

70% budgeted daily expenses and the other 30% is broken evenly into tithing, short term savings, and long term savings. Now… if i could only actually get the check, we may be going somewhere with this;)

Short Story

I have been snowboarding a lot lately. A few days ago, i was going up the lift and some how got put on a lift with 2 other girls. The three of us start going up and i start flirting… well, then they take off their ski masks and one is about 30 and the other a little older… defiantly was a long ride up after that…. ;)

Dale out

T.O. please?

2010-01-17T16:07:00.001-08:00

GASP! TIME OUT!!!! Are you kidding me? Geez. This week has been one heck of week. Non-stop. Now admittedly, some of it has been self induced. Still though, I think that this semester is going to be one crazy ride. Watch….

California

Last week, i went down to California. I have to say that it was one of the most amazing experience of my life. I watched as the Amezcua Family was sealed together for time and all eternity. Elder Van Every, Elder Noyes and i all went down. to the big event. We talked about it afterwards and decided that it wouldn't have mattered how long we had to stay out knocking doors. Seeing that one family make it to the temple was worth it all. What is even better is that in about 2 weeks, I get to see the whole scene over again. Stephanie Fair will be getting married in the Manti, Utah Temple. I have to say, it is nice to see that you have actually done some good in the world. All glory to God of course…. but still.;)

The Work Week

As far as the rest of the week goes. ..WOW…. Long. getting home from class at 11 PM is rough. The classes are great… well all except my math teacher laughs at everything she says…. by herself…. alone…. but besides that, i think it will be fun.

Work on the other hand…. well.. umm lets see if i can find some words to describe it. “Suck”, “Scumbucket”, “Awkward”, “Demoralizing”, “Unprofitable”, “Disgraceful”, “Boring”,…. I think you get the point. I have put in another application to work in catering at a place called Einstein Brothers Bagels. My motivation for finding a job now isn't to have money, It is to get out of IPV Marketing!

Snowboarding is going pretty well actually. Scott and I are both getting better. Friday I went and i think i may have screwed up my shoulder. Here it is Sunday and it still hurts. Its making some kind of weird popping noises and stuff.

Now I'm avoiding homework. So I'm gonna just go;)

Dale out…

Potential..laitnetoP

2010-01-08T13:57:00.001-08:00

It’s back to the grind here in Provo. The thing though is that, the “grind” aint looking too bad this semester. Believe me, as much as i try to be an optimist, I have to admit, I am more of a pessimist. I guess I will just have to see how things play out. Lets start with School.

School

TIME	TUESDAY	THURSDAY
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Personal Finance	Personal Finance
3:50 PM – 4:50 PM	Religion – D&C	Religion – D&C
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Managerial Accounting	Managerial Accounting
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Advanced Computer Applications	Advanced Computer Application
8:05 PM – 10:00 PM	College Algebra	College Algebra

The Good – I only have class two times a week and there all in the afternoon. They also happen to be on the days that my ski pass is not;)

The Bad – There is only one 20 min brake once after the first class. My brain is going to be fried. On top of that, last class ends at 10PM, which puts me getting home at like 11PM on tuesday and thursday. Add snow to that equation and it could call for some rough nights.

Goals

HEART – I’m going to see a family get sealed this weekend in California. Got the BoM out and am looking to start with the journal at the beginning of next week;)

MIGHT – Got a song recorded to MIDI that i have been playing forever! Start a Job on Monday (More details to follow) and got a few ideas for dates next weekend.

MIND – kinda of hard to get started on this one. See above table for details.

STRENGTH - I have started a new way of eating. The food is actually pretty good. Its just the work getting the food ready. I found a program called ‘Crosstrainer’ that I'm going to use to keep me on track. Between that and Sarah, I’m stickin to it. (Of course , i fell the other night snowboarding and hit my head, therefore, somehow, giving me an excuse to get a coke;)

Job

I GOT A JOB!!! It is going to be an interesting one though. Cold calling for security systems… yeeeaaahhh,.. this one should be fun. not. It will be good experience? Anyways. I don't even know the actual name of the company. I found the listing on craigslist and sent in a resume. They called me back that afternoon and set up an appointment for this morning. Here is the deal. They cold call people and qualify/set up appointments for field reps. I work from 8 AM – 1PM Monday – Fri or Sat. The pay is only $7.50 hour but hey, its better than nothing. You are expected to be dialing 75% of the time. You should get 1 appointment set a day (though the good ones get 3-4 set a day). For any appointment that gets closed, you get a commission of about $150. About 30%-60% of the appointments set will actually close. So, lets do some math.

$7.50/hr X 5 hrs a day = $37.50 a day X 6 days a week = $225 a week + $300 (1 sell every 3rd day at $150 a pop) = $525 a week X 4 weeks in a month = $2100 a month.

Going from $0 a month to $2100 a month…. i can live with that. I’m a poor starving college student. doesn't take a lot to please me.;)

Other Stuff

I went snowboarding for the first time this season a few nights ago. One word. Amazing. The first 20 or so min was mostly spent on my rear, trying to remember how to turn. Once i got it back though, things went pretty well. It is hard to believe how fast you can get going with a board strapped to your feet on top of snow;) I had one bad mistake. The weird thing is that i don't really remember it. I was going down a kind of narrow section and then the next thing i remember, i am flat on my back and i hear a loud crack in the back of my head followed by a horrible headache. Some old guy that worked there came by and said i needed to be checked out because i ‘just had a headache now but in 20 min i could be dead’… did i go? nope. didn't want to waste the time for the next run. ;) I figure it wasn't to bad. i mean, I'm still alive and all right?.

Anyways, The point of this post is that there is quite a bit of potential for this semester to be an awesome one. Just keep your figures crossed for me;)

How Else Would I Start 2010?

2010-01-03T15:36:00.001-08:00

I have been sitting here for a few min trying to start this post. I type a few words, and then I erase them. Type a few, erase. The thing is, I don’t know how to best explain how i started 2010. So I have just decided to start at the beginning and hopefully ill get enough in there to fill in the gaps.

Well, Calvin asked me if i was going to the new years dance. I knew i had work the next morning but i thought to my self, “Self, you can go to the dance, leave right after midnight, sleep on the way home and have enough rest to work at 8 the next morning. I also figured it was my best chance at NOT sitting at home by myself for new years so i said yeah, if your driving me. He agreed. I have to admit, personally, i was thinking this was going to be beyond lame but hey, what chance did i have? Turns out, i was right;) Well sorta….

We left from the Beaumont Institute in Calvin’s truck. In the truck was Calvin, Judson, Lena, Me, and we picked up Sabrina. Well the night started off interesting right off the bat. We were heading out of Beaumont on I-10. We are all pretty good friends, such we cutting up and carrying on a pretty good conversation. Calvin is driving. Normally, when you are on a highway, all you should see is a tail lights right? Wrong. We look up and there are a pair of headlights staring at us! weaving through traffic!. Finally, this early partier finds his way to the side and passes us. We were stunned. Complete silence filled the truck. Of course, then everything registered and we bust up laughing and couldn't believe what had just happened.

We finally get to where we are going. Calvin and I walk in to the dance, look for about 2 seconds, and walk back out again. They were serving pizza in the kitchen . We grabbed a piece and went and found an empty table. Then it happened. We met It.We call it “PAT!” As we were sitting down, we heard a thundering voice from behind us say “oh! i have boys at my table now!” What happened next was close to life threatening. (I’m not sure how though) “Pat” sat down and asked what my name was. I said “Dale” to which it wiittingly replied “oh! your parents must like computers!” ha…. ha….. ha…… … …Anyways, it proceeded to ask Calvin his name and then introduced its self as Purity, but everyone called her Pat….. mmm.. not real sure about that one but anyways. Calvin had a full plate of pizza when we sat down. At this point, i look over at him and he looks like and oversized chipmunk who had tried to stuff to many pieces of pizza in his cheeks and he was leaving! GONE! he left me high and dry with IT! About the same time he left, Sabrina walked up and sat down. I figured “do unto others like they have done to you” would be a good policy on this one so i jumped ship first chance i got and left Sabrina;)

The dance was pretty lame. Mallori finally showed up. She wanted us to come over to her place because she said that she had fireworks. Well, by then, Calvin has already informed me that he isn't driving anymore. So we head over to her house. We get there to find that there are no fireworks because her parents werent there. We finally head towards home at like 1:30 AM or so. I am still driving. About half way home, we learn that Sabrina rode up to the institute building with Andrew Stewart and that he was suppose to bring her home. Well apparently, he had decided to go “Bar Hopping”. Oh Joy. We got to the institute building and he was there waiting for us. We had already decided that if he had been drinking, we would take Sabrina home. Some people just like to be difficult and Andrew Stewart is one of them. He wouldnt say that he hadnt been drinking. All he would say is that “its my own buisness.” Sabrina piles back in the car and we ask her where she lives. She says, LAKE CHARLES LOUISIANA!!! Then her friend asks for a ride home. Then Daniel Ross asks for a ride home. Lets just say that one long drive, a monster energy drink, and a break of dawn later, i finally got home at about 6:45 AM.

At 7:30 AM mom wakes me up and i go to work for eight hours chopping wood. Needless to say, i slept pretty well that night. I mean honestly, how else would i start of 2010?

New Years Resolutions……err.. “Goals”

2009-12-30T16:06:00.000-08:00

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2009

What a year. I can’t believe that I've been home from the mission for 15 months now. At the same time though, its been a long 15 months. A lot has changed in that time.

At the beginning of the year, i moved to Utah. It was the first time i had lived away from home (minus that whole mission thing). I moved into an apartment with an old companion, and now best friend, Scott Haynie. School went ok. I got a 3.7 that first semester. I learned to drive in the snow really fast. I started and ended a relationship. This summer i went to Houston and tried my hand at door-step sells to the flavor of Homeshield Pest Control. Nik kept me sane. It was a disaster. Started and Ended a relationship again. nuff said. This last fall, i headed back to school, broke as ever. I roomed at Liberty Square in Provo. My roommates were/are Nik Day, Steven Nelson, Scott Haynie, Andrew VanEvery, and Mark Tikalsky. School went better. 4.0 Job search did not. Neither did the girl search.

2010

This is the part I have been looking forward to. Usually, i don't even try to make new years resolutions. I’m practical. I know that new years resolutions don't last long. However, this year, i figured i would try it out but instead I’m going to call them “Goals.” Resolutions are too absolute. Goals are a little more “working on it;)” So, here goes;) I have divided them up into four general areas (thank you Hermana Nyman;)

Heart

Temple attendance once a week
Start on study journal with an emphasis on apologetics.
Re-read the Book of Mormon

Might

Learn a song on piano every 3 months.
Get a steady job
Get a decent relationship going.

Mind

4.0 for all classes
Read two books (not required for school)

Strength

Get to 7% body fat and stay there.

Stay at about 180 lbs.
Keep to a workout routine.
Eat healthy (thank you Sarah;)
- No fast food
- No carbonation. (this one is going to kill me)
- Health food store?

Well, i think that will do. I am making it public and so you are all responsible for helping me to keep to it. (Good luck;)

A Life Full of Amazing People….

2009-12-24T20:33:00.001-08:00

It is Christmas Eve. I thought it would be appropriate to share some blog thoughts. After all, I'm “just another guy shouting into cyberspace;) But i think that even if just one in a billion shouting something worth shouting, then its important.

This afternoon, i was over at my grandmother’s for the family-get-together. My cousin was telling us about her son Kyler. Apparently, Kyler hasn’t seemed to worried about Christmas presents. When asked why he like Christmas, my 3 year old cousin Kyler said, “because you get to see people.” He was just excited to see people. I don’t think i need to comment to much on the object lesson of this one.

SOUP KITCHEN

This morning, my buddy Spence got me to go along with him to a soup kitchen. Running off of a rough 3 hours of sleep, i have to admit, i wasn't really excited about going this morning at 6:30. I would like to tell you that i got there and was suddenly filled with Christmas cheer and had tons of energy.;) I wasn’t…. and i didn’t;) Matter of fact, that place was full of stinky, grouchy people. BUT, it also had humble, grateful people in it too. It brought back some old mission memories. It made me happy to be able to serve. I made a personal promise today that my family will always participate in some kind of Christmas Service. Even as a kid, it didn't matter how much i didn't want to go before hand, afterwards, i was/am always as grateful (if not more) than those who received.

AMAZING PEOPLE

I remember hearing in church, when i was younger, that the youth were “amazing’ and ‘chosen for the latter days’ and such things. I guess then, i kind of thought it had to do with your birth date. I’ve learned over the last few years that that’s not entirely true. They are amazing because they are nice to people, they are talented, they care about you, the have standards, they make the world a little better to live in.

My family amazes me. My parents are amazing people. They have given me an amazing platform to build off of. As I look back, I realize how instrumental my mother has been in teaching me life skills. I’ve grown rather fond of counseling with my dad.

My sisters amaze me. Jodi is happy. I can see it in her. She is courageous and excited as she and Aaron start their lives together. Congrats on the house Jodi! Christina is fun and challenging. She knows what she likes and goes for it.. (well, most of the time;)

My friends amaze me.They are so stinkin talented! And is if that's not enough, they are genuinely good people. They make me want to be a better person. Thank you for puttin up with me. If i don’t know you that well, chances are its because i think your to cool for me. Say hi to me sometime. I’ve lost contact with/ not as close with some friends. I have friends now that amaze me, and I don't think I'm done meeting people yet.

CHRISTMAS TIME

This time of year brings up alot memories obviously.

One of them is the “Claymation Christmas.” We used to watch this all the time but i doubt anyone else has ever even heard of it. But there is a bigger meaning with Christmas.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Christ is my King. He is my Savior. I bear witness to the world that is is real. I know him. I have felt his presence wrap around me in good times and bad. He saves me from my sins., I am thankful for his birth because i know about his death, for with out Easter, there would be no Christmas. I had a wonderful mission president and mom that set an example to me and helped me get to know my Savior and I am thankful to them for that.

Well, I think that I've rambled quite a bit and its time to go to bed so Santa can come. Once again. If you are reading this, Thank you for being in my life. i appreciate you and look forward with with hope and optimism.

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!!!

Almost…

2009-12-14T09:32:00.001-08:00

2 More days…

I have been out of school for nearly a week now and I think that it is starting to take its

13 websites to visit when your bored;)

toll. I am bored. How bored? Check out the video. I think that my favorite was the Zoomquilt. Finding some of these sites was like Christmas in July. Your not sure why Santa is there, but you don't really care.

Wednesday, I'm leaving on a jet plane. Can’t wait to get home and see the family for Christmas. Someone in church yesterday brought up that fact that, even though there excited for presents and things, they are way more excited to just be at home for a little while. Mormons don't usually holler Amen, but if they were ever going to, I'm pretty sure this would have gotten a loud one.

Besides being ready for things to end. I think I’m equally ready for a new beginning. Every semester some how seems like a fresh start. At the end of the semester, I'm tired of school, of the classes, of the stress, of the social aspect. Everything just wears on you… At semesters start, everyone makes all the ridiculous promises to themselves like, “I will study harder” and “I’m going to work out more.” Especially with New Years rolling around. (topic for another day) The truth of the matter is, “no you wont.” But does that mean you shouldn't try? Absolutely not! At least you start out the right way. And who knows, maybe one of them will stick.

So here is to the semester being “almost” over, to “almost” keeping promises to yourself, and to “almost” a new year!

Dale out…..

Mish-Mash

2009-12-12T22:25:00.001-08:00

Random Pictures/Movie

Ok, i promise that there is a post after the media. Just indulge me for a second.

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I got kind of board last Thursday and so i went out with Mallori and we took some pictures. It was FREEZING!! We went up to Nunns Park and also down to the Provo River. If it weren't for the 7 degrees, it would probably have been a lot of fun.

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Yesterday, we went down to temple square to see the lights. Night photography is hard. I think i got a few decent shots though. As always, comments are welcomed and appreciated.

This last little bit of media isn't really anything to do with me. I just think its freaking hilarious. Its sorta of become an anthem around here. Well, at least with the regulars (which is to say Andrew, Scott, and I.) Im sure that these kids parents are proud ones. And P.S. if the music industry can make a couple of kids sound like this. What that to say about Miley Cirus eh? ;)

Redbox

if you want a free nights rental at Redbox – Here are some ‘promo’ codes to enter before checking out.

PROMO CODE	COMMENTS
‘Redbox’	first time users only
‘breakroom’	only works once per card
‘mcdmedvd’	Works at McDonald’s
‘walgreens’	Works at Walgreens

Well, i was going to right an actual post, but we are playing Halo (again) and then some people are coming over to watch a movie so I'm out. Ill try to write a post tomorrow ;)

Dale Out…….

The "Decent Looking Guy" Phenomenon...

2009-12-07T10:37:00.001-08:00

The sound isnt great but you get the point;)

I've learned a little more. Girls think way differently than guys. Last night, Abby came over and watched the Christmas devotional with us. It felt good to listen to the first presidency, and their optimism. It went really quick. (Probably because i was working on finishing a video while listening.)

After the devotional, Abby stuck around and Scott, Andrew, Abby, and I all looked at the site called People of Wal-Mart. Someone brought up Christmas Gifts during all of this, and we started talking about what we wanted for Christmas. I said a job, Abby said her car to be brought from home, and Andrew said a girl-friend! We all got a good kick out of it, but it was only funny because we were right there with him! So then started the conversation about who has it harder in the dating world. Guys or Girls? Well of course Abby was outnumbered, but she still held her stance. She said that girls cant be proactive about getting guys. They just kinda of have to wait. THEY have to be asked before they can say yes. We rebutted with "while that is true. The girl does the asking in her own way. If she isn't open to a guy and trying to 'throw out the bait' not alot of guys are going to be confident enough to try." So then what about those guys (and girls) who use the periodicals section of the library to pick-up/be picked-up? We decided it was shallow and usually a waste of time to date that way. BUT thus was born "in the natural course of life..."

"IN THE NATURAL COURSE OF LIFE" means that while it is NOT okay to walk up to random girls at Wal-Mart and ask for their phone number, if your 'natural course of life' intersects with theirs, then an intelligent and meaningful conversation can be had to determine if their is a further interest in this person besides their looks. Now, with that being said....

"GAME" can be defined as a guy's ability to make the 'intersection' to look as "natural" as possible. If there is a pretty girl in produce, then a guy who may have been more interested in 'dairy' can change his course and become interested in produce. If while in produce, he happens to say, squeeze past her to get something and throws out a conversation starter in the process, then game on;) ... Yet... here we were sitting, all four of us, without a girlfriend/boyfriend.

I asked Abby if she had ever tried to force herself to like someone because she didn't have a reason not to. She said no.... but she said that sometimes she wonders if she is being to picky. Most of us agreed to that thought process. We also determined that if we became less picky, all we were really doing was lowering our standards or what we think we could get and would therefore never be happy with what we end up with. So how do we know "what we can get?"

I told Abby that i think most people consider themselves 7s on a 1-10 scale. Once again.. she said no.... We determined that most guys consider themselves 7 (obviously there are a few exceptions. Some guys think there 10s (and lets get real, they may be) and some consider themselves 2s (and they may be). But most guys see themselves around the 7 range.

Abby said that girls on the other hand consider themselves at polars.. They either have all the confidence in the world (10s) or they have no confidence and consider themselves lower numbers. There wasn't really much room for middle ground.....

Thus the "DECENT LOOKING GUY" Phenomenon was born...... most guys will say, "I'm a decent looking guy. I'm not the best but I'm definitely not the worse. Why cant I get more girls?"

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? " IS THERE A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF '7' GUYS WALKING AROUND? ARE GIRLS REALLY THAT SELF JUDGMENTAL? DO GUYS/GIRLS RATE THEMSELVES APPROPRIATELY? .... LEAVE A COMMENT...

Sunrises...

2009-12-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

   Today was the next to last day at school. I am ready for this semester to be over. I have a test left in math, Luke 2 in Rel, 2 chapter of Business law and thats it! I'm ALMOST there! and I'm feel like the energizer bunny is about to run out of juice. For example, In the BusLaw class, the first two test i got a 192/200 and 196/200. The last test, i got 152/200. And to make it worse, I DON'T CARE!!! haha. Yesterday i got an email from Dr. Hoagland (the teacher) to come see him after class about the test. He told me today that i could get some extra credit work to make up for the test. The thing is, I don't know if I'm going to do it. Its like a freshman's version of senoritis.;) SUNSET.
   SUNRISE. I had a job interview yesterday. and i have one tomorrow. The one yesterday was sales for a legal service. I think i could make some good money. But its sales. The good news is that i think that the interview went pretty well. The bad news is that if I get the job, i may not get to go home for Christmas.
   SUNRISE. I have a job interview tomorrow at Scott's Trading.. Its an internship in Sale Lake that i really hope goes through.
   SUNRISE: Wal-mart on Monday night in Orem is full of 7's, 8's, and 9's and 12's;)
   SUNRISE. On the way to the job interview yesterday, i got some really random texts. Bear with me on this one.
?????: Is this Dale?
DALE: Yup. - who is this?
?????: I know this is about 2 b very strange.. Lena (hayleys friend). Im not even sure u remeber me. I dont recall ever having a conversation with you, and def havent seen yo in years.
DALE: uh hu?
LENA: phhh. Well i had this dream. You were driving..fast car.. black seats..night time. I could barely even see ur face from the low blue glow of the gages.I was in the back seat..buckled in but not really scared of ur speed. You seemed calm. We didnt speak.. I studied ur composure. Blank stare. gripping knuckles. clintching jaw...Finally the sun started to break thru the night sky... and right at morning we arrived at a garden...you looked over in teh passenger seat... and katie ruggles was there the whole time. She smiled as a tear kinda ran down her face.. she hugged you but you really didnt move..she turned around to me and spoke...then she got out...you motioned to me to get in the front seat. you pulled away...didnt even look back. I asked you if we were going to wait 4 her... you finally looked at me and said... shes not coming back. Isnt that the wierdest dream
DALE: Sounds intense. Thank you for sharing. Any ideas as to what i means?
LENA: Ive read twilight 2 many times and i miss my best friend? Or we were suppose 2 be friends.. or i ate cookies too late last night.?

...SUNRISE...

Back at Home...

2009-11-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

WOW.. its been one heck of a trip so far. So, Sunday night, Destiny calls me and says "hey, i broke my tail bone and my bf has a suspended license, you drive and ill pay for gas." I said deal. Scott decided to (against his parents consent) come with. I am so grateful that he did.

So Wed morning we take off towards Texas. We drove the whole thing straight through. We drove, and drove, and drove... I don't know how many times i had the thought "What was i thinkin?" Luckily, Scott was there to keep me sane and he did a ton of driving. Props to you "Scotty boy" ;) I was going to try and be original and figure out some way to surprise Mom and Dad. All i got was honking the horn as i drove up the driveway... Man, if only life where more like the movies.. Everytime something cool happens there should be fireworks, dramatic music, and a miracle (like snow should start falling). Anyways. It was pretty cool regardless, I was happy to see the family, and heck, lets get real here, it felt pretty good to get out of the stinkin car as well. ;)
So the food at Grandma's was the same as every year. Awkward company, traditional (yet disliked) food, and everyone explaining to grandma what is going on a few times before she quite catches up. Speaking of, I spent quite a bit of time yesterday with her getting her computer working a little bit. But the other think i did was work a little bit with her on some Genealogy stuff. Just a few tid bits of missing information and we can do a few generations worth of work. Its pretty cool. Im just the mediator between mom and grandma. I sure wish they would stop complaining about the other one and just do it. Anyways. I got it figure out exactly what we need, so hopefully we can get this show on the road pretty soon.

After Grandma's, Scott and I rode horses for a little while. Me and Chris almost got killed when they both decided that wanted to try to jump a flower bed box, we survived. Then Scott and I took the horses in the old trails in the back by they creek. I couldn't believe how much everything had changed. It seems like i used to know every tree and bush in that place like the back of my hand. I guess after the hurricane came through, and we stopped using the trails so much.. stuff changed... Kinda of what happens around here though.
Anyways, I have homework that i have to get taken care of before everyone starts showing up for here for round two. Tonight we are having a small get-together with some old friends. Should prove to be interesting.

Dale Out

Fickle Women....

2009-11-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

Fickle women. What are they? Where do they come from? How long have they been here? These are the questions that every guy asks himself every now and then. Lets get real. We men are going to be asking that question for a long, long, time.

Example #1
   Boy 1: Hey, we are going to watch the meteor shower tonight. I thought you might like to go. We are leaving at 9:30 . You wanna come?
   Girl 1: YES!! WOW, that sounds great! oohhh, im so excited! I cant wait! I love the stars! (bla... bla...... bla......)
   Boy 1: Great! Yeah, its going to be really fun. I'll see you tonight a little before 9:30 then!
   Girl 1: OH! I almost forgot to ask, Its okay if I bring John right?
   (stunned silence...)
   Boy 1: umm .... yeah - more the merrier right?
   Girl 1: K thanks!
Later that night, Boy 1 feels himself lucky when he gets the call that he wont have endure the sight of Girl 1 with John because she suddenly found some homework that needed doing right then... No biggie right? Right... well at least until the next morning when Boy 1 see's pictures of Girl 1 snogging with John underneath the stars...

Example #2
   Boy2: Hey Girl2, wait...... Where is Girl2?

Example #3
   Boy3: What the matter Girl3?
   Girl3: I just want you to know that i dont like Bob.

   Boy3: umm ok?? .. If you say so...
   Girl3: Ok good. I like you!
   Boy3: Great! What a coincidence, I like you too!
   (Month passes by)
   Girl3: So it turns out i like Bob.
   Boy3: I know. Goodbye.
   (Month passes by)
   Girl3: I want you back
   Boy3: Ok. Done.
   (Month passes by)
   Girl3: Boy3, I know what i deserve and well....
   Boy3: Goodbye and Good riddance.
   (Week passes by)
   Girl3: I like Bob
   ( Week passes by)
   Girl3: I like George now...mmm
   (Week passes by)
   Girl3: I think i like handsome boys chasing me
   etc....

Are you getting where I'm going with this? How in the world is a guy suppose to build up confidence with girls when there so difficult to read?! Seriously, Help me out here. Tell me what to do!

To copy jodi,

Dale out;)

2009-11-11T19:06:00.001-08:00

Interview failed...

Two

2009-11-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Update number 2 to the blog. Its weird. I keep checking this thing thinking that its going to somehow have changed;) I gave up on that and decided to do something about it. So, im making another entry;)

School is going. Im doing pretty well EXCEPT for Math.. Always been one of the strong subjects;) The good news is that i have a great way to get the great way up high. The bad news is that i have to drive all the way back to Salt Lake tomorrow morning at 8:00. Not really excited about that but i guess that doesn't really matter;) Do what you have to do.

ALSO tommorow, i have an interview... i reeeaaaallllyyy neeeed a job.;) just enough to keep me afloat... This one should be interesting. Its selling legal services to fix your credit rating. Its with a company called Lexington Law Group. Wish me luck;)

Also on the 'of not' list is that fact that Judson is getting home tonight. Kenny is too. I'm looking forward to the trip home for Christmas. Lots of people are going to be there and i think we are planning on having some fun. Plus somewhere in there I'm going repelling with Brother McCallon ( and a whole bunch of stake priests and laurels) ;) .

Till next time;)

First Post

2009-11-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

Most people in life have a release. Something that they are really good at(and/or at least enjoy.)

Some people use sports. I think i can understand that. In high school, home was the basketball court. We were horrible as a team, but we didnt care. We were having fun. From running the "LA Drill" to watching Brant Stimits getting dunked on, we had a blast. Or even now, being on a wakeboard, skateboard, or snowboard, just somehow feels right.

Some people use music. I'm finally getting to where i can through entire pieces of music. And even sing with a few of them. About the only 'alone' time i got on the mission was sitting alone in the chapel banging out my frustrations on church hymns while my companion was in the restroom.

Others use other more artistic forms of expression. Maybe painting, photography, or even more digital like webdesign and stuff.

Another release is being with friends. Meeting new people. Last night, Scott and I were sitting around the apartment bored out of our minds. I called up Spencer and he said to come over so we did. We ended up playing fugitive with a whole bunch of people. Somehow, running across Provo with our faces painted, hiding from cops, and trying to not get run over or shot was actually a lot fun. (Im paying the price being sore today, but it was fun) Caroline ended up coming and picking us up... Thanks Caroline;)

So what i'm trying to get at, is that this is the first blog. Its the start of another way to express myself. Some of it will be corny, some will be funny, and some just needs to be said somewhere. This is the place that its going to happen. After all, whether your my mom catching up with me or a Facebook stalker, I've kept your reading this far right? ;)

Current Membership	13,824,854
Current Full Time Missionaries	51,736
Humanitarian Cash Donations Since 1985	$327.6 million
Value of Humanitarian Material Assistance Since 1985	$884.6 million

Preston Dale

Bumps on the Way Up

Larson Wedding

I’m Movin’ On…

Yet here I am.

Familiarity is always a thing of the past.

Sam I Am

No, no. Wait that’s not right. Lets try this again.

Wait, that’s not right either. One more try.

The answer?

And The Clock Keeps Ticking…

CANT BELIEVE IM POSTING THIS

Fireworks….

There are very few positive things to say about Katy Perry. I found one…

Here is where everything starts to make sense… hopefully

Enjoy…

There’s a Place For Us…

Blog Changes

New Years

My New Years Resolution

Thankamony…..

Things I’m thankful for…

Life

Family

Friends

Religion

Sports

Possessions

Talents

School

Simple Things

Financial

And now for some Feel Good Music…

If I Die Young…

Things Happen

After-Life

And the Choir Sings…

Warning

The Dark

The Light

Summer Storm

Utah Mountains

Storm

Lesson Learned

I’ve Got the Music in Me

Man in the Mirror

If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.

As a college student…

I’m getting to the point…

Timon and Pumbaa

Quiet Moments

SOME PLACES

God Bless Texas

Virgo

DISCRIMINATING ≠ ANALYTICAL

The Truth about Horoscopes.

Tip #1: Know What You are Getting Into

Tip #2: Do Not Rush Things; They Probably Won't

Tip #3: Be Ready to Settle Down...If All Goes Well

Heart and Soul in the Boondocks

4 YEARS

WE GOT FOOD

WE GOT CREATURES

AND WE GOT SOUL

A World of Pictures

THAT’S A PARKING SPOT.

ARE YOU GETTING THE POINT?

BISHOP HENRY WESTBROOK

LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING.

I Loved Deeper and I Spoke Sweeter and I Gave Forgiveness I’d Been Denying.…

WHAT IM SAYIN IS…

Tanya Ferguson A.K.A - “Mom”

FRIEND

TEACHER

MOTHER

Tuesday

BY POPULAR REQUEST…

SUMMER AS A KID…

NIGHTS END…

THOSE WHERE THE DAYS.