RULER OF THE WORLD

One day. That's all you need. If, by some miracle of miraculous design, I was named ruler of the world for one day, there only one thing I would do. Scratch that. There's only one thing to do. Implement an exercise program to stop obesity from infecting our nation.

 All over the world, people struggle daily with obesity.  From difficulty with climbing the stairs and completing menial tasks to a lack of self-control when a bag of chips are placed on the table, this all adds up to a real problem. The ridicule, harassment, and constant embarrassment is personal as well.

In order to stop this, I would create an exercise program to put an end to this problem. Soon we will be rid of this disease as a country, and hopefully the world.

Conflict or Confrontation?

What is the difference between arguing and fighting? I believe that arguing is trying to resolve a disagreement whereas fighting can involve physical or emotional abuse. Both have negative connotations, but fighting usually is more malicious and includes intent to harm, rather than resolve a conflict. Arguing can evolve into fighting and fighting can subside into a argument. When I face a conflict, I tend to avoid confrontation and resolve an argument by peaceful discussion.

Bubble Bread

So our family has this great tradition where we make bubble bread every Christmas Eve! It kind of tastes like a cinnamon roll but each piece is the size of a golf ball. So one of us hides a piece of tinfoil inside of one and while we are eating them whoever finds it wins a dollar! It's pretty fun because everyone goes crazy and eats as many as they can. And who doesn't like free money? So there we go. Best tradition ever.

Relaxing Activity

The best remedy to get rid of stress and to relax is buying some good mint cookies and creme ice cream and crawling up on your bed and then turning on some Frank Sinatra. With that rich, deep voice serenading your ears and that ice cream tickling your taste buds...there's not much room for anything but happiness to occupy your thoughts. This is by far the most consoling method to deal with a failed test or a hard day.

How to Steal a Million

Audrey Hepburn. Need I say more? This little gem has slipped under the radar for much too long. Perhaps one of Audrey's most captivating films, she joins Peter O'Toole (dashing, yes I know) in the comedic heist where they have to steal a famous statue from a Paris museum. I could go into details about why it's such a good movie but the reality is Audrey Hepburn is the only reason why it's a classic. If you are a fan of hers, I highly recommend this film.

Comment

I would just like to comment on Peter's post about his greatest fear. Not knowing who your roommates will be is a scary thing. I also didn't know who my roommates were when I was coming into Heritage Halls but I have found that even though they have their quirks, you can always find the good in people. I have come to love my roommates through serving them and being a listening ear. Though I was scared of not knowing my roommates, I think it has been a wonderful opportunity to make new friends.

FEAR

What is my worst fear, you may ask? Well to be prefectly honest, I am terrified of death. Old age, the nursing home, the coffin, the whole shabang.

On a positive note, this fear does not usually impact my daily life except on the rare occassion it crosses my mind. I seem to be much more concerned about not tripping on my shadow and looking like a complete fool.

I suppose eventually I may grow out of this fear, however, it does not seem like the fear that one simply grows out of. The older I get, the closer it comes.

RIP. Rest in Piece. More like Rest in Pieces.

Happy Halloween everyone.
Enjoy those few short years you have left.

Conference Rhetoric

For a bunch of guys who know everything about the gospel, they sure know a whole lot about writing too. General conference talks are full of rhetoric. One rhetorical technique from this past conference was in Elder Nelson's talk. His repetition of the phase "Ask the missionaries. They can help you!" along with his amusing hand gestures made his talk memorable. Not only was it catchy, but it emphasized that the missionaries can help you with basically anything you are struggling with. The light and direction that the gospel brings is a powerful tool that can change lives. Elder Nelson's repetition of that point left the audience with a clear understanding of the importance of missionary work.

Emerson

I've been waiting for this prompt for a long time. This is the lovely part of the blog where I get to tell you why the URL is so awesome. Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance essay is probably one of my favorite pieces of literature. The beauty and eloquence of his words are extremely influential. Emerson says in this essay, "It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude". I've tried to live by this notion. Even when it seems that everyone is doing it, we can stand strong and live by the values that we’ve constructed. We are individuals, and as such, we are entitled to stand alone. We just have to find the self-reliance and strength within ourselves to do so.

Roomies

Once upon a college life, Emily had some pretty dang awesome roommates. One Sunday, they decided to cook dinner for some boys in their ward. But alas, all was not meant to be. The spaghetti overcooked and the french bread was horribly burnt and the girls did not know what to do. So they carefully baked a frozen "homemade" pizza and the boys did not know the difference. Emily and her roommates had a wonderful time and they lived happily ever after. Such is the life of a college student.

Presidential Dinner

If I could invite one person over for dinner, living or dead, I would have to invite my favorite president, Abraham Lincoln. What a champ. My roommates and I would feed him all the best food of today's age: Oreos, peanut butter, Cheetos, Twinkies...everything this poor guy lived without. It certainly would be a memorable moment watching him eat the snack food of our era. But in some rare case if he did not enjoy such novelties, we would have smoked ham, vegetables, mashed potatoes and homemade rolls as back up.

Heads Up

First day of class was like walking into Walmart on Black Friday. I felt like holding up a white flag of truce just so I wouldn't get trampled. Who knew that BYU could be so crowded? Schedule in hand and looking down, I clearly set myself apart as one of the freshman. People trying to explain where the SWKT (Gesundheit?) and the MARB were located using compass directions were no help seeing as my understanding of North consisted mainly of elves and reindeer. While struggling to find buildings on my microscopic map I ran into several different people. Though I did find my classes in the end, I learned something very important in the process. You've got to keep your head up. Both literally and figuratively. Not only will you avoid black eyes and bruises but with 30,000 students on campus you are bound to make a new friend. So keep that chin up! Let's make our first year of college one to remember.