Stand Up for Freedom

I read this speech today. It's as timely now (maybe more so) as it was the day it was given. Definitely worth a read.

Ezra Taft Benson, Stand Up For Freedom

I Believe...

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."

--Audrey Hepburn

Special Delivery

This mailbox has been sitting at Sara's desk for months. It was time to return the box, and the contents, to the rightful owner!

Fruits

"Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it."

-Richard G. Scott, October 2009

Parking Lot Visitors

A Series of Unfortunate Events

I should have known it would be a crazy day when I woke up to snow. Yup, snow in March. Isn’t spring supposed to be here by now? And then, I got to work and we had a dance off…at 10:30 a.m. We never have dance offs that early in the morning.

Today was a day unlike any other.

Banana and I went to buy some metal for her magnet board. The lady that helped us asked if Banana was my daughter. She’s 26 years old. Do I look old enough to have a 26 year old child?

Today was a day unlike any other.

Then, we went across the street to get some lunch. Poor Banana spilled her full drink all over a man with white shoes. Luckily, Dr. Pepper did not get all over the white shoes. And we used almost an entire package of napkins to clean it up. I saw a lady come over after we were all cleaned up with a “wet floor” sign.

Today was a day unlike any other.

We came back to work and Noack’s windshield wipers were sticking straight up, the Yorkshire was yapping about not being able to do her job (what else is new), and Bill told me not sleeping is the same as not peeing.

Today was a day unlike any other.

I think I'll move to Australia. Or maybe it's just time to go home.

My Answer to the Age-Old Question

The other day I found myself sitting with a group of people, most of whom were complete strangers to me. I was being asked all sorts of interesting questions and coming up with some pretty creative answers, if I do say so myself. One particular question was this, “What is your favorite movie?” I know we’ve all been asked that question a million and one times in our lives. My answer is always the same: Dead Poets Society.

I know what you’re thinking? “I thought your favorite movie was Pride & Prejudice?” Pride & Prejudice is quite possibly my favorite book (nothing beats Lizzy and Darcy) and the BBC version is an excellent movie. But my all-time favorite is Dead Poets Society.

Have you seen it? It’s a wonderful mix of drama, comedy, inspiration, and motivation. Robin Williams is brilliant! I first saw the movie when I was in the 7^th grade at the Payson Huish theater. I remember thinking, “I like this movie.” I was inspired to do more with my life than what was expected of me. I was determined, at 12-years-old, to become a “somebody” and to make a difference in the lives of others.

I’m still on that quest to make a difference and to really make something out of my life. You know, it’s likely going to be a life-long process. Thinking about my life and my personality, I’m certain this will be a life-long process. I may never be satisfied in this earthly life. However, I do believe I’m influencing lives…and in a positive way. That really makes me happy. I want to do more and be better, who doesn’t, but I’m doing the very best with what I have at this very moment.

Whenever I watch Dead Poets Society, the exact feelings I felt that day in the 7^th grade sitting next to my best friend Desi still come up. I am still inspired. I am still motivated. I am still moved. Now, all these years later, I realize it’s quite a sad movie. I didn’t understand the sadness when I was younger, but I can relate now. It’s a classic destined to stay in my collection for the rest of my life.

If you find yourself looking for some inspiration, to be inspired, or longing for more out of life, I highly recommend sitting down and watching Dead Poets Society…whether for the first time or the hundredth time. And to you I say, “Carpe Diem!”

Growing Up

"As you grow up, you will learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin."
--Unknown