Wednesday, February 25, 2009

More Waiting


Today we got a letter from GW inviting me to be on the wait list there. It's by far my best prospect (commonly ranked #20), so Christy and I are pretty stoked.

Here's the only rub: we might not find out if I'm in until like August! Rough.

I'm ready to make it clear that I'm very interested in GW; however, I do still have about 14 schools to hear from . . . It's a hard knock life.

Aside from the obvious prestige and potential salary, there's the cost of tuition (duh) and the cost of living. As far as the former is concerned, GW's part-time program is about $40,000 more (overall) than UCONN's full-time program.

I'm going to ask the BYU pre-law advisor if she has any advice.

Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts as well.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

This Week's Spiritual Message: Patriarchal Blessings


In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we receive inspired counsel and blessings through what are called Patriarchal Blessings. These blessings are given by men who hold the office and calling of Patriarch. Often, they are men whom we may have never met before but who are divinely inspired by God to give us guidance and direction.

In the case of my wife, the Patriarch who gave her her blessing was her grandfather. In my case, the man was a gentleman whom I had never met and whom I've never spoken to since he gave me the blessing (at least to my recollection). However, my blessing contains insights about my personality and direction about my life which have been a gentle reminder that God is my Father and that He is very near and always watching over me.

Some might scoff that such things are ludicrous and akin to soothsayers. However, there are striking difference between the former and the Patriarchs who are called of God. For instance, Patriarchs have not sought to obtain their position, they are called upon by men who hold the authority of God to act in his name. Secondly, these righteous men do not use dark and shady techniques to conjure up spirits or other questionable ideas, they simply act as a mouthpiece for the Father of us all who gives them an insight into our life, the words to say, and then closes the vision and understanding from them.

My Patriarchal Blessing has been to me as the Liahona (or divine compass) was to Lehi, Nephi, and their families: another witness that God loves me and that He will always guide me aright if I will simply seek for His guidance and follow His righeous counsel in all things.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

VDAY (without the bloodshed)

I should have posted about this earlier, but I'm just now getting to it. FORGIVE! I hope the image to the right isn't too graphic for you . . . (keep in mind that they're hearts and not blood).

It was a normal day of work, as usual. However, late in the afternoon, just a little bit before I was about to head out, I got a call from one of my coworkers who said that something had happened to my car. I couldn't hear him very well at first and it sounded like he said that someone had "hit [my] car." Great, I sighed to myself. But then he spoke a little more clearly and said that someone had hearted my car. Phew! (See the sideshow for the pictures.)

Yes, my sweet wife and eternal companion had snuck into my car and placed all kinds of Valentine's Day paraphernalia all over the place. Awww. At least a few guys at work had noticed it and I felt like the luckiest husband ever. And I am, of course.

On Saturday, for the real VDay, my wife and I went over to the church for a life-sized version of some board game. It was pretty clever and involved the whole family, taking turns as to who would move the spaces.





In the evening, my wife and I made our usual visit to the MTC for the "teaching appointment" and we nearly fell and broke our necks about five times on the walk into the main entrance. My wife wasn't too happy about this and warmly (understatement) told the girl at the desk that, "You should really de-ice the sidewalks outside because a pregnant woman like myself could fall down and sue the MTC." Hard words from a hard woman.

My wife made a delicous heart shaped pizza for dinner as we sipped some sparkling cider and wolfed down some scrumptious chocolates, all while finishing the last few chapters in our audio version of Hairless Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. (BTW, I guess I never wrote a review about that; if you're dying to see my opinion, do let me know and I'll consent.)

This was a male's ultimate dream: I didn't have to plan anything this time, it was simple and relaxed, and we just enjoyed a quiet evening together. Don't get no better than that, Harry!

My Experience at UCUR

The Utah Conference for Undergraduate Research. I know, I'd never heard of it either, but I got an email from them back in the day last fall, inviting me to show up and make a presentation.

So I submitted the abstract to my Intel thesis and whoever the deciding body is liked it enough to give me a "spot" on the schedule to present.

To be completely candid, I really didn't give a rip about this presentation because I had a feeling (and was right) that there would be like five people in the room and only one (my wife) who wasn't either a moderator, another presenter, or a mentor.

The first kid talked about using computer science to map the human genome. Whoa. I was supposed to go next, but a girl from Dixie College got up and talked about "Digital Signage" . . . come to think of it, I still don't understand what her presentation was really about.

My presentation went pretty well as I added a dash of jokes and a pinch of impropriety. If you know me well, you know it's pretty much impossible for me to go five seconds without cracking a joke and I have no problem extending this trait to what would otherwise be a rote presentation.

After our window of presentation, it was back to Orem and then back to work. That's right, "There's no rest for the weary, commander." (STM, if you can't name the source of this quote, I will be flabbergasted.)

Yes, it was a Friday, so who wants to be at work? But hey, I've got to bring home the bacon and put some food on the table especially with another small mouth on her way.

If you have the inclination, here's the presentation (minus the ad lib jokes).


A Legal Dilemma . . .

Having applied to 27 different law schools, I figured that I would hopefully "have to" make a decision sometime.

Well, it's now official. I got an email yesterday from the University of Kentucky letting me know that I'm in.

I'm not too sure, though. Between full time at Kentucky and part time at UCONN, I'm really leaning toward the latter, principally because I think we would much rather live in CT than in KY and like 80% of UK graduates end up working in KY.

However, I'm still waiting to hear anything back from 18 different schools, so there might be some more decision making ahead . . . (hopefully).

I just wish I could know right now where we're in and where we're not, instead of having to wait forever. I really wouldn't mind just going to UCONN, so I'd like to have the queue end!

I'll keep you posted.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

We Have Acceptance!

Yes, it's very hard to believe it, but I have finally been accepted to at least one law school. And yes, I will be the first to admit that it is only to the "evening" program so far, but we'll take it!

Christy is super excited and you would think that she were about to strap a back pack on or to start carrying a brief case.

I have to admit I don't know a whole lot about UCONN, but it is in the top 50 and that's probably better than I deserve, given my weak LSAT scores. ("Somebody's gotta save us kids.")

One thing that is pretty much nailed down is that we will live on the east coast. How do I know? Pretty much because the only school left on the west coast is Stanford . . . I only really applied to UW, Oregon, and Stanford on the left side of the country, I would take UCONN over Oregon and I didn't get into CU.

Who knows, maybe Harvard will shock the world and admit me by mistake . . .




Sunday, February 15, 2009

Today's Spiritual Message: Behold Your LIttle Ones (Again)

It's official, everyone. Christy and I have been called as nursery workers in our ward! (For those of you who aren't LDS, please note that a "ward" is not a psychiatric unit but merely a local congregation.) The image to the right is actually the cover of our teaching manual.

Yes, yes, please hold your applause until the end of the performance.

We're both really excited and also really enjoyed our first day in the trenches.

If you're not familiar with how LDS church meetings normally work, there is usually an hour long meeting at the beginning where we take the "Sacrament" (often called the "Eucharist" or the "Lord's Supper" in other Christian religions), followed by two other meetings, each also an hour long.

The first of the two meetings is often a conglomeration of adults called "Sunday School."

Next and last, men and women are grouped off by gender, according to their respective ages. For Christy and me, we had been attending Relief Society (for women) and Elders Quorum (for men).

Now that we're in the nursery, we will still have Sacrament meeting together and then the next two hours as well. It's great because we will be with each other the whole time and it will be a marvelous preparation for Maria.

This morning, I was so amazed at how pure and trusting these little children really are. A couple of the little girls were docile and kind enough to even come and sit in my lap. :) Very sweet and illustrative of what the Savior said:
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the agreatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little achildren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall ahumble himself as this little bchild, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my aname receiveth me.
How true it is! I'm so grateful to be among them and to soon have our own little one.

Living up to my Namesake

For all two or three of you who read this blog who are not blood members of my family, you may have wondered what gives with my profile photo.

Lest I keep you in the dark, the history is that, among about 500 other characters, the F-Word (mein Bruder [brother]), fiercely contends that I am the Doppelganger (evil twin/spitting image) of one Hairless Potter (aka Daniel Radcliffe).

Not one to skulk off and stick up my nose in the corner, I have embraced the comparison and made it a vivacious part of my persona.

CLICK HERE AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE

Now to the point:

Christy and I have begun to re-embrace the Hairless legacy. That's right, we've hopped in the saddle and are enjoying every minute of our Jim-Dale-driven journey; what a master.

In fact, we just finished The Sorcerer's Stone last night. Please read my short review if you get a minute.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Rise and Fall of My Avs


To be honest, I haven't really paid too much attention to sports for quite some time. Don't get me wrong, I love my red meat and my sweaty gloves, but I just haven't made it a priority recently.

However, I do occasionally check up on my Avs. If you didn't know, they're currently dead last in the Western Conference . . . a sad day I thought would never come.

Yes, I've lived a privileged life when it comes to the Avs. They came to Colorado and won Lord Stanley's Cup in their very first year. Indeed, the Broncos took over three decades (I believe) to win the illusive Super Bowl; The Avalanche, a Quebec immigrant, wasted no time and won the silver challis in it's very first year.

Although the Avs took another five years to win their second Cup, it seemed like they always made it to at least the semi-finals and turned every series into a glorious journey or at least white-knuckle experience.

In fact, I'll never forget Patrick Roy's last year when the Avs lost in double overtime (or something like that) to the Minnesota Wild in the seventh game of the first round. I was so distraught I refused to go to school the next day.

Such was my involvement.

They've now fallen from greatness to dead last. A very sad tale, indeed.

What are your thoughts?



Take My Spanish Quiz!

One of my recent goals, especially in preparation for Maria, has really been to ramp up my Spanish and to help Christy learn as well.

I've found a website that's simply awesome. www.spanishdict.com.

Here's a kitchen vocab quiz I created on it.

Can you beat me? (I do have the upper hand as I created the list . . .)


Thursday, February 12, 2009

On the Wait List . . .

That's right, sports fans, for all of you who ask me every other day (seemingly) what the good news is, there finally is some.

I'm on the wait list at GM.

In all honesty, though, what's the difference? Haven't I been sitting on a generic sort of waiting list for the past few months anyway? So now I'm on a more advanced or glorified list of extra long waiting?

Oh well, at least in Christy's mind this is a sure sign of, *cough*, the apocalypse that I'll get in, come ASU or high water.

All snarky remarks aside (by the way, a guy actually used this term with me in a work email), I am rather relieved/excited about the development.

But, will I live to see the day of acceptance?

I guess we'll just have to wait . . .

iGoogle, Widgets, and the Future

Have any of you used iGoogle recently? Seriously, what they won't think of next.

From widgets, to gas buddy maps, to Google Finance data, to Google Reader, and, let's not forget, Google latitude. Yes, with iGoogle you can do it all.

But let's get one thing straight: I'm not a feature seller.

I'll just say, if you haven't tried iGoogle yet, you need to get out more and "experience iGoogle" for yourself.

It's honestly one of the most amazing, all-in-one combinations I've ever laid eyes on.

Just try to make sure that you don't lose yourself in the wave of information.

I'm sure that I'll sound like an 80-year-old when I say this, but I honestly can't imagine the possibilities that lay ahead for my children and grand children.

Let's just hope that the TARP doesn't pull it all down . . .

Getting Ready for Our Daughter

My wife and I are almost there. Just look at the countdown to the right. Whenever I see little kids, especially the younglings at church on Sunday, I get kid crazy.

Yes, it's all very sappy and our daughter will most often stare at me with a dull gaze and a string of drool hanging out of the corner of her mouth and a ripe smell in the air . . . But hey, these are the things that make life worth living.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Today's Spiritual Message: Celestial Marriage


My wife recommended that today my Sunday message be the talk that I gave in church today. Hope you enjoy it.

  1. TOPIC - Patterns of the Shopper talk / Celestial Marriage
  2. GOALS OF THE TALK:
    1. Church lessons/instruction teach general principles
    2. Celestial marriage is the highest and most noble union and is essential to eternal happiness
    3. Marriage is not easy and it requires sincere effort from both parties

    Elder Oaks - CES Fireside 2005 (The Dedication of a Lifetime)

    Last week I was talking with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve about comments we had received on our April conference talks. My friend said someone told him, I surely enjoyed your talk.�We agreed that this is not the kind of comment we like to receive. As my friend said, I didn't give that talk to be enjoyed. What does he think I am, some kind of entertainer?�Another member of our Quorum joined the conversation by saying, That reminds me of the story of a good minister. When a parishioner said, �I surely enjoyed your sermon today, the minister replied, In that case, you didn't understand it.���

    You may remember that this April conference I spoke on pornography. No one told me they enjoyed that talk -- not even one! In fact, there was nothing enjoyable in it even for me.

    I speak of these recent conversations to teach the principle that a message given by a General Authority at a general conference -- a message prepared under the influence of the Spirit to further the work of the Lord -- is not given to be enjoyed. It is given to inspire, to edify, to challenge, or to correct. It is given to be heard under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, with the intended result that the listener learns from the talk and from the Spirit what he or she should do about it.

  3. Comment
  4. As a General Authority, it is my responsibility to preach general principles. When I do, I don't try to define all the exceptions. There are exceptions to some rules. For example, we believe the commandment is not violated by killing pursuant to a lawful order in an armed conflict. But don't ask me to give an opinion on your exception. I only teach the general rules. Whether an exception applies to you is your responsibility. You must work that out individually between you and the Lord.

    The Prophet Joseph Smith taught this same thing in another way. When he was asked how he governed such a diverse group of saints, he said, I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves�� (quoted by John Taylor, in Millennial Star, 15 Nov. 1851, p. 339). In what I have just said, I am simply teaching correct principles and inviting each one of you to act upon these principles by governing yourself.

    Pasted from <http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/47286/Elder-Dallin-H-Oaks-The-Dedication-of-a-Lifetime.html>

  5. Comment about principles
  6. Why do we come to this earth?

    36 Behold, the Lord hath created the aearth that it should be binhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it.

    Pasted from <http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/17/36#36>

    Elder Christofferson

    The vicarious ordinances we perform in temples, beginning with baptism, make possible an eternal welding link between generations that fulfills the purpose of the earth’s creation. Without this, “the whole earth would be utterly wasted at [Christ’s] coming.”

    Pasted from <http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=e3cea1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1>

  7. Moses and the lord:
    • Behold, this is my work and my glory . . .

    22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

    23 And they would have had no achildren; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no bjoy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no csin.

    24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who aknoweth all things.

    25 aAdam bfell that men might be; and men care, that they might have djoy.

    Pasted from <http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/25#25>

    1 In the acelestial glory there are three bheavens or degrees;

    2 And in order to obtain the ahighest, a man must enter into this border of the cpriesthood [meaning the new and deverlasting covenant of emarriage];

    3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

    4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an aincrease.

    Pasted from <http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/131/1#1>

    Elder Ballard Ensign Message (Be Strong in the Lord)

    We read in 2 Nephi: “Wo unto him that has the law given, … that wasteth the days of his probation” (2 Ne. 9:27).

    How does one waste the days of his or her probation? Turning to sin is surely part of it, but there is another, more subtle way, a way that may not seem evil at all.

    In the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord gave a similar warning in these words: “Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known” (D&C 60:13). Why would I speak of that with you? Because one of the ways Satan lessens your effectiveness and weakens your spiritual strength is by encouraging you to spend large blocks of your time doing things that matter very little. I speak of such things as sitting for hours on end watching television or videos, playing video games night in and night out, surfing the Internet, or devoting huge blocks of time to sports, games, or other recreational activities.

    Don’t misunderstand me. These activities are not wrong in and of themselves (unless, of course, you are watching salacious programs or seeking out pornographic images on the Internet). Games, sports, recreational activities, and even television can be relaxing and rejuvenating, especially in times when you are under stress or heavily scheduled. You need activities that help you to unwind and rest your minds. It is healthy to go onto the soccer field or the basketball court and participate in vigorous physical activity.

    But I speak of letting things get out of balance. It is not watching television, but watching television hour after hour, night after night. Does not that qualify as idling away your time? What will you say to the Lord when He asks what you have done with the precious gift of life and time? Surely you will not feel comfortable telling Him that you were able to pass the 100,000-point level in a challenging video game.

    One devastating effect of idling away our time is that it deflects us from focusing on the things that matter most. Too many people are willing to sit back and let life just happen to them. It takes time to develop the attributes that will help you to be a well-balanced person.

    We hear of young people, both male and female, who are so focused on academic success or moving up the career ladder that they “don’t have time for dating.” We hear some say that they will postpone marriage or having children until they can afford them. Let me tell you as a father of seven children, you will never be able to afford them. So just trust in the Lord as Sister Ballard and I did. Somehow it works, with His help.

    Remember, you can be exalted without a college degree. You can be exalted without being slender and beautiful. You can be exalted without having a successful career. You cannot be exalted without an eternal mate. So focus the best that you can on those things in life that will lead you back to the presence of God—keeping all things in their proper balance. There are those who may never marry in mortality. But all of God’s blessings will ultimately come to those who are righteous and true to the gospel.

    Oh, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the day of your probation. Do not waste this time away. Plan and prepare and then do.

    Pasted from <http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=fda866dfc311c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1>

    Patterns of the Shopper

  8. Celestial marriage, like the most valuable items, gives a lot more value per ounce, etc.
  9. Elder Nelson

    That proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship.16 The earth was created and this Church was restored so that families could be formed, sealed, and exalted eternally.17

    Scriptures declare that “it is lawful that [a man] should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation.”18 Another affirms that “the man [is not] without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”19 Thus, marriage is not only an exalting principle of the gospel; it is a divine commandment.

    Our Heavenly Father declared, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”20 The Atonement of His Beloved Son enabled both of these objectives to be realized. Because of the Atonement, immortality—or resurrection from the dead—became a reality for all.21 And because of the Atonement, eternal life—which is living forever in God’s presence, the “greatest of all the gifts of God”22—became a possibility. To qualify for eternal life, we must make an eternal and everlasting covenant with our Heavenly Father.23 This means that a temple marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God.24

  10. Temple symbolism: TOGETHER IN CHRIST
  11. The family proclamation also reminds us that “husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other.”25 Children born of that union are “an heritage of the Lord.”26 When a family is sealed in the temple, that family may become as eternal as the kingdom of God itself.27

    Meanwhile, mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in a marriage. In fact, each marriage starts with two built-in handicaps. It involves two imperfect people. Happiness can come to them only through their earnest effort. Just as harmony comes from an orchestra only when its members make a concerted effort, so harmony in marriage also requires a concerted effort. That effort will succeed if each partner will minimize personal demands and maximize actions of loving selflessness.

    Pasted from <http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-28,00.html>

    President Hinckley

    Jesus declared, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6).

    The word man is used in the generic sense, but the fact is that it is predominantly men who bring about the conditions that lead to divorce.

    After dealing with hundreds of divorce situations through the years, I am satisfied that the application of a single practice would do more than all else to solve this grievous problem.

    If every husband and every wife would constantly do whatever might be possible to ensure the comfort and happiness of his or her companion, there would be very little, if any, divorce. Argument would never be heard. Accusations would never be leveled. Angry explosions would not occur. Rather, love and concern would replace abuse and meanness.

    There was a popular song we sang many years ago, the lyrics of which said:

    I want to be happy,

    But I won’t be happy

    Till I make you happy, too.

    (Irving Caesar, “I Want to Be Happy” [1924])

    How true this is.

    Every woman is a daughter of God. You cannot offend her without offending Him. I plead with the men of this Church to look for and nurture the divinity that lies within their companions. To the degree that happens, there will be harmony, peace, enrichment of family life, nurturing love.

    Well did President McKay remind us that “no other success [in life] can compensate for failure in the home” (quoted from J. E. McCulloch, Home: The Savior of Civilization [1924], 42; in Conference Report, Apr. 1935, 116).

    Likewise, the truth of which President Lee reminded us: “The [greatest] work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home” (“Maintain Your Place as a Woman,” Ensign, Feb. 1972, 51).

    The cure for most marital troubles does not lie in divorce. It lies in repentance and forgiveness, in expressions of kindness and concern. It is to be found in application of the Golden Rule.

    It is a scene of great beauty when a young man and a young woman join hands at the altar in a covenant before God that they will honor and love one another. Then how dismal the picture when a few months later, or a few years later, there are offensive remarks, mean and cutting words, raised voices, bitter accusations.

    It need not be, my dear brothers and sisters. We can rise above these mean and beggarly elements in our lives (see Gal. 4:9). We can look for and recognize the divine nature in one another, which comes to us as children of our Father in Heaven. We can live together in the God-given pattern of marriage in accomplishing that of which we are capable if we will exercise discipline of self and refrain from trying to discipline our companion.

    Pasted from <http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f5b5a7b37c11c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1>

    Elder Nelson

    The best choice is a celestial marriage. Thankfully, if a lesser choice has previously been made, a choice can now be made to upgrade it to the best choice. That requires a mighty change of heart37 and a permanent personal upgrade.38 Blessings so derived are worth all efforts made.39

    The full realization of the blessings of a temple marriage is almost beyond our mortal comprehension. Such a marriage will continue to grow in the celestial realm. There we can become perfected.40 As Jesus ultimately received the fulness of the glory of the Father,41 so we may “come unto the Father . . . and in due time receive of his fulness.”42

    Pasted from <http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-28,00.html>

Thursday, February 5, 2009

I Feel Deflated Part II

The images which surround this post tell the tale of my hour-long punishment tonight. I honestly can't remember the last time I slapped on some Bermuda shorts (I don't know if I had ever heard of this term before), kissed my wife good bye, and headed off for some manly, sweaty action. That could actually be because I haven't played a substantive game of basketball since before I was married . . . or maybe even before my mission for that matter (started Feb. 2004). The F-word might contest this declaration but regardless, it's been a while.

For those of you with more decades than you have automobiles, you know what this feels like (not dissimilar to the descriptive display presented here).

Since I've almost got a quarter of a century on my own odometer, I don't want to cry about anything, but my lungs are about as dependable as a Ford Pinto. I could swear that I heard Sparky Pulastri yell from the bleachers, "You, you have weak lungs!" Honestly, my chest literally felt like it was on, well, fire. (Hence the image.)

I'm not sure if I'm just more out of shape than the Newman character on Toy Story (you know, the chicken suit crazy from Al's Toy Barn) or if my lungs are seriously messed up. One thing's for sure though:

There's nothing like a bunch of salty, unskilled, uncoordinated, and grown men playing ball. This is the stuff really weird children's books are made of!

Bamboozled Gaze


I came across the glamorous picture to your left this evening, thanks to my jammin' "Survivor Radio" on Pandora. Needless to say, I was a little taken aback . . .

Yes, for all of you out there, *cough* old enough to remember hair styles like this one (at least when they were common) I can only ask one thing:

WHY???

The dude (I presume it's a man) in the bottom right corner looks like he's screaming, "My music might only have the same allure as chewing broken glass, but at least I've got GORGEOUS, flowing locks and a fan to blow them with!!"

The chick, err, person on the left seems to wonder, "Bro, are you guys like taking the picture yet?"

How did clowns like these ever make money or gain any shred of popularity, for that matter? I almost feel insulted that this kind of "hair style" is a part of my "American heritage."

Hey, girls, Rapunzel wants you to give her long hair back!

I Feel Deflated


No, I'm not talking about my emotions and I won't even require you to validate my feelings on this one. For those of you who know me also know that my wife and I have an inflatable bed. That's right, I'm proud to say it. Seriously, though, we both love it and it makes moves a lot easier.

Anyway.

One night, Christy and I woke up and some unknown force had humbled our bed and leveled it to the ground (well, almost). Being seven months pregnant, you can imagine that Christy was not a big fan of this . . . So as I continued my not-so-comfortable slumber, my wife investigated the situation and sluethed out the problem: a tiny cre-vass (crack) in one of the creases. As young fathers would say, "Good eye, son, good eye!" (And ears, I suppose.)

So, being the handy fix-it man that I am (uproarious laughter), I set to work (although "not at [that] precise moment . . . Amadeus fans) and scratched my head. I tried tacky glue, I tried tape, I tried Elmer's glue (hey, stop laughing already) and we even busted out some "official" air mattress patches. Unfortunately, the bed is fuzzier than a Georgia peach; no dice.

Finally, being the fiscally sound Scrooge that I am, the light bulb dinged in my mind and I had it!

SU-PER-GLUE!!

Sadly, the superglue, in and of itself, didn't seem to do the trick and so I resorted to the clever concoction you now see before you.

And you wondered why they call me D-Money (when I'm not referred to as the C.A.). I will now accept your applause.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Today's Spiritual Message: LDS Temples

There is often a lot of confusion about Latter-day Saint or Mormon temples.

Why do LDS have them? Are they worshiping Lucifer in there? Why are they so big and grandiose?

Aside from any rumors which you may have heard, let me sum up the significance of LDS temples: They are a place where families are sealed (joined) together forever through Jesus Christ. They are a place where men and women make sacred covenants with God to be righteous, upstanding individuals, and to do as He would have them do. They are a place where those seeking comfort and guidance will find refuge and direction. They are a place of peace. They are the house of God.

I've only scratched the surface, but I declare that these temples are holy structures, built for the purpose of ennobling mankind and of reconciling him with Deity. They have nothing to do with Lucifer (other than how to avoid him) and everything to do with Jesus Christ. The symbols therein all point to Christ. I declare Him to be the Son of God and the only source of true salvation in every sense of the word.

The following video clip is from President Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He speaks about some of the work that goes on in the temple and how it is a place of refuge and guidance.


Click here for more similar video clips.

Click here to learn more about LDS (Mormons).

Click here to learn more about LDS temples.