Sunday, January 31, 2010
Civil Rights Day Weekend 2010
I had been missing my Lu for awhile and decided that the long Civil Rights Day weekend would be the perfect time to visit. Lucky for me, she and her husband said I could come visit. The sad thing was that I ended up needing to be back on Sunday, which meant that I only got to spend Saturday with one of my most favorite people in the entire world. My youngest brother went with me, and it was really nice to have his company on the drive. Pretty much the visit consisted of LOTS of talking, as well as eating a delicious breakfast (which was actually at lunch time - we slept in!) in honor of the husband's birthday and watching various things on their new projector. Besides that, we took a drive, and I got a few pictures from it. Isn't it nice to take off and visit great friends?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Apathy
Recently I went on a little rant to my students - pobrecitos! they really have to put up with a lot sometimes - about how we don't appreciate our abundance. I continue to think about that. Last night I was with a friend who told me that he's not really into politics. Hence, the title of this post. I think we have a responsibility to try to be politically active. I feel like a hypocrite because there is so much I don't know. However, I really think we have an obligation that many of us ignore to take an interest in our government. Otherwise, the historian in me says, like the cliche, history is doomed to repeat itself.
I think that our generation has been so blessed in having our own needs met (and even a lot of wants) that we selfishly don't think we need to worry about anything. And then there are people in dire need in places like Haiti. It makes me so mad at us. We have so much, even during these hard economic times. A lot of people in the world would probably much rather be in our "hard" times than in their current situations. If we don't take an interest in our government, how are we going to feel if things go south? And maybe it won't affect us too much. Maybe we won't have to reap the rewards of our apathy, but I kind of think somebody will - like maybe our children, or theirs. Why are we okay with doing that to them, especially when there have been many generations of people before us, working so that we could have this abundance that we enjoy?
I think that our generation has been so blessed in having our own needs met (and even a lot of wants) that we selfishly don't think we need to worry about anything. And then there are people in dire need in places like Haiti. It makes me so mad at us. We have so much, even during these hard economic times. A lot of people in the world would probably much rather be in our "hard" times than in their current situations. If we don't take an interest in our government, how are we going to feel if things go south? And maybe it won't affect us too much. Maybe we won't have to reap the rewards of our apathy, but I kind of think somebody will - like maybe our children, or theirs. Why are we okay with doing that to them, especially when there have been many generations of people before us, working so that we could have this abundance that we enjoy?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Haiti
I just read an article on Yahoo about an 18 month old girl rescued in Haiti by some Australian news crews, as well as Haitians. Then I found the video that covers the rescue. I wanted to link to it so that you can watch it, but I warn you that it's pretty emotional; at least, it is for me. One of the elders in my mission is from Haiti. Since the earthquake I have wondered about his welfare, as well as that of his family - and friends, for that matter. I'm kind of nervous to try to find out. Anyway, I haven't been following the news on Haiti, which makes it easier to be less upset. Watching the video makes the situation more real, and I feel so upset for out brothers and sisters there - which is what they are. I don't know what to do besides send aid. My roommate prayed for the Haitians tonight, which I think is about the only other thing most of us can do, and I hope that we do pray for them.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Happy 1st Birthday, Emilee!
Today is my nieces 1st birthday!! Why do we call it that? Last year was her birth day - this year is her 1st birthday anniversary. I got to go over to her place for presents and cake and ice cream. It was great! She doesn't understand presents yet - she really wasn't very interested in them. Maybe that's a good thing. She also didn't attack the cake - she's unaccustomed to eating food with her hands, I think. However, she did eat her cake. Her mom even gave her some ice cream, which she seemed to enjoy. Happy birthday, Em!! I love you so much!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
History
Today I read this article about the upcoming change to Texas' social studies curriculum. It was interesting to me, especially because it looks like the changes in Texas can affect curriculum in other states. Whether you read the article or not, I would like to draw your attention to a few things.
A) I think that it is good to address the religious beliefs of the Founding Fathers when teaching about them. What they believed affected the founding of our country. There's nothing wrong with bringing that up.
B) I really have a beef with revisionist historians, who I feel are too quick to apply (unconsciously, I would hope) presentism to their revision. Christopher Columbus was not the devil. I really get upset with today's views that he was a horrible man. He wasn't. I'm sure he wasn't perfect, but he wasn't trying to destroy the world when he left Spain, nor was he trying to destroy the world when he discovered America. And I feel fine in saying "discovered." Sure, other people also found it, but his arrival influenced a heck of a lot of European history to come. Some may argue that I'm just a pompous W.A.S.P., but I don't think there's anything wrong with being a W.A.S.P. They've accomplished quite a lot in the past 250 years. Not only that, but given my religious background, I can claim mistreatment, misunderstanding, displacement, etc., etc. And although those things are a part of my religious history, they don't keep me from celebrating this country or its people.
A) I think that it is good to address the religious beliefs of the Founding Fathers when teaching about them. What they believed affected the founding of our country. There's nothing wrong with bringing that up.
B) I really have a beef with revisionist historians, who I feel are too quick to apply (unconsciously, I would hope) presentism to their revision. Christopher Columbus was not the devil. I really get upset with today's views that he was a horrible man. He wasn't. I'm sure he wasn't perfect, but he wasn't trying to destroy the world when he left Spain, nor was he trying to destroy the world when he discovered America. And I feel fine in saying "discovered." Sure, other people also found it, but his arrival influenced a heck of a lot of European history to come. Some may argue that I'm just a pompous W.A.S.P., but I don't think there's anything wrong with being a W.A.S.P. They've accomplished quite a lot in the past 250 years. Not only that, but given my religious background, I can claim mistreatment, misunderstanding, displacement, etc., etc. And although those things are a part of my religious history, they don't keep me from celebrating this country or its people.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
About Conan and The Tonight Show
I'm not a big watcher of The Tonight Show or any of the other late night shows:
1) I don't regularly watch t.v.
2) These shows are on late.
3) They're usually a bit racy.
That being said, I have enjoyed many clips that I have seen. My dad used to watch Johnny Carson. I don't think I really watched Jay Leno, but I know a lot of people did. I did spend a summer watching The Late Night Show with Conan, and I kind of liked it. I think it's great that he moved to the earlier show, too, and I loved his driver's license commentary early in his new, California life - I would link to the clip, but I didn't see it on YouTube. Anyway, I found an article talking about how NBC is placing Leno's show later, which would push The Tonight Show to a later time slot. Conan won't do it, and I kind of like what he has to say. I think it's cool that in addition to how he feels about moving The Tonight Show to a different time, he doesn't want to push Jimmy Fallon and The Late Night Show to a later time - I wouldn't have a problem with that because, let's face it, Jimmy Fallon does not seem meant to host that type of show. Noble of Conan to not push him, though, when that very thing is happening to him. And I agree with him that NBC hasn't given him enough time.
I probably wouldn't even be commenting on this - I'm very much not a regular watcher, but I like Conan's statement, and I wanted to share it.
1) I don't regularly watch t.v.
2) These shows are on late.
3) They're usually a bit racy.
That being said, I have enjoyed many clips that I have seen. My dad used to watch Johnny Carson. I don't think I really watched Jay Leno, but I know a lot of people did. I did spend a summer watching The Late Night Show with Conan, and I kind of liked it. I think it's great that he moved to the earlier show, too, and I loved his driver's license commentary early in his new, California life - I would link to the clip, but I didn't see it on YouTube. Anyway, I found an article talking about how NBC is placing Leno's show later, which would push The Tonight Show to a later time slot. Conan won't do it, and I kind of like what he has to say. I think it's cool that in addition to how he feels about moving The Tonight Show to a different time, he doesn't want to push Jimmy Fallon and The Late Night Show to a later time - I wouldn't have a problem with that because, let's face it, Jimmy Fallon does not seem meant to host that type of show. Noble of Conan to not push him, though, when that very thing is happening to him. And I agree with him that NBC hasn't given him enough time.
I probably wouldn't even be commenting on this - I'm very much not a regular watcher, but I like Conan's statement, and I wanted to share it.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Reflections on 2009
1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2009?(What did you create? What challenges did you face with courage and strength? What promises did you keep to yourself? What brave choices did you make? What are you proud of?)
I survived? I'm not sure if the reflections on this past year will be very good because I don't think I can recall too much. I made Chinese dumplings. I made pies for the first time in my life. I moved without having a nervous break-down. I actually took my S.E.I. courses for work. I flew by myself twice without freaking out about it. I realized that I am over a grudge that I didn't want, but couldn't quite let go of before - the Atonement is great! Most important, I think, I have started forming a better habit with saying my prayers at night.
2. What is there to grieve about 2008?(What was disappointing? What was scary? What was hard? What can you forgive yourself for?)
I didn't finish Nanowrimo or Nablopomo. I didn't post for over a month. I didn't stay caught up with grading. I wasn't as social as I should have been. I think the worst thing about me this past year is that I was casual in my worship of God and in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I will try to forgive myself for not being perfect. One of my friends actually talked to me about how I feel about myself, and I think he was right and that I need to allow myself to be imperfect while I am trying to be better.
3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?
To declare 2009 complete, I think I need to say that I feel like the Lord has really blessed me with better mental health this past year. I am SO GRATEFUL for that! It has been so wonderful to feel much better - not perfect, of course. I have just felt so much healthier. To declare this year complete, I also need to mention the wonderful experiences I have had with my family this year. I have seen my parents a little more, I think, which has been great. I have spent more time with my siblings this year, too, and have really enjoyed that. And Emilee came - she is the joy in most of our lives right now. She was born almost one year ago and has been a source of wonder and light and beauty! She has made my life more meaningful and complete.
2010 is my year of balance, I hope, as I try to tackle goals a few at a time all year long.
I survived? I'm not sure if the reflections on this past year will be very good because I don't think I can recall too much. I made Chinese dumplings. I made pies for the first time in my life. I moved without having a nervous break-down. I actually took my S.E.I. courses for work. I flew by myself twice without freaking out about it. I realized that I am over a grudge that I didn't want, but couldn't quite let go of before - the Atonement is great! Most important, I think, I have started forming a better habit with saying my prayers at night.
2. What is there to grieve about 2008?(What was disappointing? What was scary? What was hard? What can you forgive yourself for?)
I didn't finish Nanowrimo or Nablopomo. I didn't post for over a month. I didn't stay caught up with grading. I wasn't as social as I should have been. I think the worst thing about me this past year is that I was casual in my worship of God and in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I will try to forgive myself for not being perfect. One of my friends actually talked to me about how I feel about myself, and I think he was right and that I need to allow myself to be imperfect while I am trying to be better.
3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?
To declare 2009 complete, I think I need to say that I feel like the Lord has really blessed me with better mental health this past year. I am SO GRATEFUL for that! It has been so wonderful to feel much better - not perfect, of course. I have just felt so much healthier. To declare this year complete, I also need to mention the wonderful experiences I have had with my family this year. I have seen my parents a little more, I think, which has been great. I have spent more time with my siblings this year, too, and have really enjoyed that. And Emilee came - she is the joy in most of our lives right now. She was born almost one year ago and has been a source of wonder and light and beauty! She has made my life more meaningful and complete.
2010 is my year of balance, I hope, as I try to tackle goals a few at a time all year long.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
After a Silence
For the first time ever, I think, I have gone for more than a month without posting, which is really a shame because I did not want that to happen. I have been pretty stressed with work and other things, as of late, and I feel like I am really behind in most aspects of my life. Hurrah for the new year and resolutions, though, right? The chance to try to do better - I have written several goals for this year, and I want to try to accomplish them Benjamin Franklin style - a little at a time. I still need to complete my inventory for the past year. Stay tuned . . .
P.S. Happy Birthday, Brother-in-law!
P.S. Happy Birthday, Brother-in-law!
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