1. It looks like I'll do okay grades-wise this semester
2. My mom made my biscuits and gravy this morning
3. Easter is coming, and that means egg hiding.
Okay everyone, I just got a comment from dbs and realize that some of you may have been wondering where I've been (thanks to those who have noticed. :) ). It is finals time, and along with finals, my wife and I are getting the house organized for the baby, and along with that I've had a lot of good family stuff. With all of this going on, I simply haven't had the time to blog. I promise that I'll be back though, just as soon as the evil finals are over, which will happen after next week. I'm sorry that I've been gone. I really do miss all of you and have wondered what's up with you. Please take care and have a nice day. :)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Bright Eyes is One Awesome Band
1. My wife... all inclusive.
2. I realized that when the picture of my guys on Dragon Age turn to skulls, it does not mean they're dead, it means they got knocked out. I still don't see how it makes sense, but it felt nice to know I hadn't lost.
3. My figurine for the next D&D game came in the mail and it looks AMAZING (think of Kelly on The Office).
"A good woman will pick you apart. A box full of suggestions for your possible heart. But you may be offended, and you may be afraid. But don't walk away, don't walk away."
Landlocked Blue, Bright Eyes
So, I listed yesterday that I am thankful for a wife who corrects me, and she knew what I meant, but I thought there may be some confusion/ I wanted to brag about my mate selection one more time. :)
Part of what makes my wife rock so hard is that she doesn't nag. When she gives suggestions, I can tell that she can see a me that I simply can't see. She tells me all the time that when we got married, she could see who I was, and was happy with who I was, but that she could see a momentum carrying me toward being someone great, and occasionally, she makes suggestions that seem perfectly placed as a catalyst to my already steady movement in that direction. They are almost always perfectly timed, and obviously there to help me reach my full potential, even if I don't see that potential myself.
I am so lucky guys. There are honestly times that I look at her and wonder why she ever chose me. I just don't see that great guy that I'm heading toward I guess.
She threw her pills up again last night. I was playing Dragon Age and heard her get out of bed, so I went to see what was up. She didn't take them as early as is best and I found her worshipping porcelain. She didn't complain or anything. She just said that she figured it would happen that night because she took her pills so late. If I don't teach our child to love and respect their mom, I will have failed as a father, plain and simple.
Anyway, just thought I'd tell you all that my wife rocks hard and I'm very thankful for her.
Have a nice day.
2. I realized that when the picture of my guys on Dragon Age turn to skulls, it does not mean they're dead, it means they got knocked out. I still don't see how it makes sense, but it felt nice to know I hadn't lost.
3. My figurine for the next D&D game came in the mail and it looks AMAZING (think of Kelly on The Office).
"A good woman will pick you apart. A box full of suggestions for your possible heart. But you may be offended, and you may be afraid. But don't walk away, don't walk away."
Landlocked Blue, Bright Eyes
So, I listed yesterday that I am thankful for a wife who corrects me, and she knew what I meant, but I thought there may be some confusion/ I wanted to brag about my mate selection one more time. :)
Part of what makes my wife rock so hard is that she doesn't nag. When she gives suggestions, I can tell that she can see a me that I simply can't see. She tells me all the time that when we got married, she could see who I was, and was happy with who I was, but that she could see a momentum carrying me toward being someone great, and occasionally, she makes suggestions that seem perfectly placed as a catalyst to my already steady movement in that direction. They are almost always perfectly timed, and obviously there to help me reach my full potential, even if I don't see that potential myself.
I am so lucky guys. There are honestly times that I look at her and wonder why she ever chose me. I just don't see that great guy that I'm heading toward I guess.
She threw her pills up again last night. I was playing Dragon Age and heard her get out of bed, so I went to see what was up. She didn't take them as early as is best and I found her worshipping porcelain. She didn't complain or anything. She just said that she figured it would happen that night because she took her pills so late. If I don't teach our child to love and respect their mom, I will have failed as a father, plain and simple.
Anyway, just thought I'd tell you all that my wife rocks hard and I'm very thankful for her.
Have a nice day.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
I'm a Succeeder
1. I slept in a bed last night. I know that not a lot of people get to do that.
2. My wife's ability to make even the smallest thing you do for her seem like a world saving event. I was Super Man and Spider Man all at once yesterday because I made the bed and did a load of laundry...
3. My opportunity to get a college education. I know that a lot of people don't get this opportunity either.
Well guys, I'm not gonna lie to you. I'm remarkably ready for school to be out for summer. I know everyone says this, and it's probably true when they say it too, but you need to know that I really am. Everyday, I drive to the school with the windows down, I walk to the school with the sun on my face, I open those doors, walk in, and hear them shut, like the doors to a prison, after me. Now, I know that I could leave. I know that I could cut class, but I have these things called "a good GPA" and "a family," and those two things make it so that I don't want to miss class.
It's just this semester, then Fall, and then I'm done. I sign up for Fall classes on Wednesday. My Bachelor's is so close I can taste it. It tastes weird, like parchment, morning breath... it may just be parchment, the morning breath may be mine. Either way, I cannot fail my classes now. I'm so close to being done, and do not want to come home and try to tell my wife (let alone myself) that I have to take a class over again, therefore postponing graduation, because the sun and the grass looked too inviting.
So, I'll keep walking through what feel like prison doors for another month, because I want to give up something good now, for something better later, but that's what sacrifice is all about right? And that's what it takes to succeed, and I'm a succeeder... even though I'm pretty sure that's not a word. I can deal with every paper, and every test, and I will emerge victorious, because I am a succeeder. It's what I do. It's what I was raised to do. I can grit my teeth and push through almost anything. And Spring semester is no different. Here I come classes. You'll not beat me.
Anyway, I was just feeling a little tired and needed a rousing speech.
Have a nice day.
2. My wife's ability to make even the smallest thing you do for her seem like a world saving event. I was Super Man and Spider Man all at once yesterday because I made the bed and did a load of laundry...
3. My opportunity to get a college education. I know that a lot of people don't get this opportunity either.
Well guys, I'm not gonna lie to you. I'm remarkably ready for school to be out for summer. I know everyone says this, and it's probably true when they say it too, but you need to know that I really am. Everyday, I drive to the school with the windows down, I walk to the school with the sun on my face, I open those doors, walk in, and hear them shut, like the doors to a prison, after me. Now, I know that I could leave. I know that I could cut class, but I have these things called "a good GPA" and "a family," and those two things make it so that I don't want to miss class.
It's just this semester, then Fall, and then I'm done. I sign up for Fall classes on Wednesday. My Bachelor's is so close I can taste it. It tastes weird, like parchment, morning breath... it may just be parchment, the morning breath may be mine. Either way, I cannot fail my classes now. I'm so close to being done, and do not want to come home and try to tell my wife (let alone myself) that I have to take a class over again, therefore postponing graduation, because the sun and the grass looked too inviting.
So, I'll keep walking through what feel like prison doors for another month, because I want to give up something good now, for something better later, but that's what sacrifice is all about right? And that's what it takes to succeed, and I'm a succeeder... even though I'm pretty sure that's not a word. I can deal with every paper, and every test, and I will emerge victorious, because I am a succeeder. It's what I do. It's what I was raised to do. I can grit my teeth and push through almost anything. And Spring semester is no different. Here I come classes. You'll not beat me.
Anyway, I was just feeling a little tired and needed a rousing speech.
Have a nice day.
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Little Yoga Niceness
1. We had General Conference... in general. I just love it.
2. I got a super good parking spot this morning.
3. I have a wife who let's me know about where I need to improve. It really is such a blessing.
So, just a quick one today. We have the Family Home Evening lesson tonight, and in true Paulsifer form, we don't know what it is. I think I might do it on Elder Scott's address about loving your spouse, and really appreciating them. It hit me pretty hard.
One nice thing that happened today, happened in Yoga (I imagine some of you were wondering where my yoga posts had gone). We used a tool (the name of which I cannot remember) that looks like half of a work out ball. We did a number of poses standing on the ball. We also did some stuff using the ball as our base instead of the floor. It was awesome. And by 'awesome' I mean, super duper hard, and made me sweat within the first five minutes. It was dripping. It was awesome. I almost threw up, because I stayed up too late and ate no breakfast. That was nice. But amid the nearly throwing up, and the difficulty of the workout, I found myself smiling.
It was awkward folks. My balance has never been good. I cannot tell you how many times I fell off of the ball, but it was a lot. But, somehow, amid the awkwardness, I started laughing at myself. I played hockey in high school, when I play pick up basketball I usually play fairly physical defense. I'm by no means a small guy, and yet, half of a ball was kicking my trash, and I loved it. I felt my ego slipping away. I didn't care that I wasn't doing well. In fact, it felt nice to do something so challenging for me without anyone caring that I sucked at it.
After the class, I became aware that I was grinning like an idiot while walking down the hall. Somehow, letting go of my pride lifted my spirits in a way that's hard to describe. It felt nice. I don't know what this has to do with you, it was just something nice that happened to me.
Have a nice day.
2. I got a super good parking spot this morning.
3. I have a wife who let's me know about where I need to improve. It really is such a blessing.
So, just a quick one today. We have the Family Home Evening lesson tonight, and in true Paulsifer form, we don't know what it is. I think I might do it on Elder Scott's address about loving your spouse, and really appreciating them. It hit me pretty hard.
One nice thing that happened today, happened in Yoga (I imagine some of you were wondering where my yoga posts had gone). We used a tool (the name of which I cannot remember) that looks like half of a work out ball. We did a number of poses standing on the ball. We also did some stuff using the ball as our base instead of the floor. It was awesome. And by 'awesome' I mean, super duper hard, and made me sweat within the first five minutes. It was dripping. It was awesome. I almost threw up, because I stayed up too late and ate no breakfast. That was nice. But amid the nearly throwing up, and the difficulty of the workout, I found myself smiling.
It was awkward folks. My balance has never been good. I cannot tell you how many times I fell off of the ball, but it was a lot. But, somehow, amid the awkwardness, I started laughing at myself. I played hockey in high school, when I play pick up basketball I usually play fairly physical defense. I'm by no means a small guy, and yet, half of a ball was kicking my trash, and I loved it. I felt my ego slipping away. I didn't care that I wasn't doing well. In fact, it felt nice to do something so challenging for me without anyone caring that I sucked at it.
After the class, I became aware that I was grinning like an idiot while walking down the hall. Somehow, letting go of my pride lifted my spirits in a way that's hard to describe. It felt nice. I don't know what this has to do with you, it was just something nice that happened to me.
Have a nice day.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Let's Sway to the Rhythm of Love
1. Bought Dragon Age Origins last night.
2. Started playing it at ten, intending to stop at midnight.
2. Started playing it at ten, intending to stop at midnight.
3. I'm thankful for great games that suck you in so well that you don't notice how much time has elapsed until you've reached level 8 and realize that you shouldn't be able to get to level 8 in an evening, and you look at the clock, and realized that you've played for about seven hours. Thank you EA games.
I was driving home from school and had a sudden realization. It happened when this song came on, so give a listen while you're reading this.
It's warm here today. Absolutely beautiful really. The sky is blue, and I couldn't help but roll down the windows to my manual Kia Sephia while driving home from school. My door handle has no paint (because we didn't feel like paying for it), the rear view mirror comes from some other make because mine broke off and I had to get another from the junk yard. I have lady bug seat covers because my wife drove it through college. The summer tires for my wife's car are stacked in my backseat with white plastic wrapped around them so they don't make my car too dirty. And all I can think about is how great it feels to have the sun on my face and the wind in my hair.
I pulled up to a stop light, and looked in my mis-modeled rear view. In it, I saw a red mustang. I looked closer and saw a guy in sun glasses with the top down, obviously enjoying the sun.
Then, I couldn't hold back a smile when I realized that, rich or poor, young or old, bond or free, Mustang or Sephia, we're all in this together.
Let's act like it.
Have a nice day.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Pitfalls of Greatness
1. I got a good parking spot this morning, and was only a little late instead of a lot late.
2. I was able to get most of the living room/kitchen cleaned up for my wife in only fifteen minutes or so.
3. While I may not know where I'm supposed to go next in Castlevania, I'm still having a blast.
A buddy of mine heard that I was a stats tutor and told me that he was tutoring a girl, and was doing fine at teaching the data inputting part of it, but was having trouble teaching the theory behind it all. He asked if I was good at that part and when I told him it was probably what I was best at, he asked if I could help him tutor her. I said yes, and had an hour between my last class and when the tutoring would start. So, I decided to stop by one of my favorite teachers classes to talk about the recent issue at Alta High.
He was in his office on the computer, I knocked, he let me in, I told him that if he was busy I wasn't coming for anything important. He let me in anyway. We started with him noticing my Yoga mat and recounting his Yogic experience in college, when, because he has high arches, his feet would not lay flat while in the downward facing dog position, and the 5'4" instructor got up on his butt and jumped up and down, trying to make his feet lay flat. We both laughed and another student showed up at the door. My teacher said that he did really want to meet with the guy, but that Wednesdays were busy. I of course quickly got up and said that I really just wanted to talk about what happened at Alta, my teacher hadn't heard of it, but quickly came to same conclusion that I had, "It was much ado about nothing," and I left so that the other student with actual needs could talk to him.
Those of you who know me and my teachers well probably know who I'm talking about, and chances are, you are not surprised by this story at all. This teacher is always busy. He knows a lot, about a lot of things, has thought out opinions about those things, and is open to hearing students meanderings about the same subjects. In turn, there are a lot of us who really like spending time in his office. In reality, I didn't need to know his thoughts on what happened at Alta High, I just wanted the pleasure of sitting with him, and pontificating about the state of the world and racism in general. I was not surprised at all that someone else showed, because when I was still going to be a therapist, I had a heart to heart with him about what a good path might be for me.
Really, I'm just thinking now about how great people, often have very little time. Once someone becomes openly great, others will naturally be drawn to that person, and that person, because they are great, will give much of their time and talents to help those who are drawn to them, because truly great people, will want to make others great. I'm sure I'll never have this problem, but I thought it was one that was interesting.
Have a nice day.
2. I was able to get most of the living room/kitchen cleaned up for my wife in only fifteen minutes or so.
3. While I may not know where I'm supposed to go next in Castlevania, I'm still having a blast.
A buddy of mine heard that I was a stats tutor and told me that he was tutoring a girl, and was doing fine at teaching the data inputting part of it, but was having trouble teaching the theory behind it all. He asked if I was good at that part and when I told him it was probably what I was best at, he asked if I could help him tutor her. I said yes, and had an hour between my last class and when the tutoring would start. So, I decided to stop by one of my favorite teachers classes to talk about the recent issue at Alta High.
He was in his office on the computer, I knocked, he let me in, I told him that if he was busy I wasn't coming for anything important. He let me in anyway. We started with him noticing my Yoga mat and recounting his Yogic experience in college, when, because he has high arches, his feet would not lay flat while in the downward facing dog position, and the 5'4" instructor got up on his butt and jumped up and down, trying to make his feet lay flat. We both laughed and another student showed up at the door. My teacher said that he did really want to meet with the guy, but that Wednesdays were busy. I of course quickly got up and said that I really just wanted to talk about what happened at Alta, my teacher hadn't heard of it, but quickly came to same conclusion that I had, "It was much ado about nothing," and I left so that the other student with actual needs could talk to him.
Those of you who know me and my teachers well probably know who I'm talking about, and chances are, you are not surprised by this story at all. This teacher is always busy. He knows a lot, about a lot of things, has thought out opinions about those things, and is open to hearing students meanderings about the same subjects. In turn, there are a lot of us who really like spending time in his office. In reality, I didn't need to know his thoughts on what happened at Alta High, I just wanted the pleasure of sitting with him, and pontificating about the state of the world and racism in general. I was not surprised at all that someone else showed, because when I was still going to be a therapist, I had a heart to heart with him about what a good path might be for me.
Really, I'm just thinking now about how great people, often have very little time. Once someone becomes openly great, others will naturally be drawn to that person, and that person, because they are great, will give much of their time and talents to help those who are drawn to them, because truly great people, will want to make others great. I'm sure I'll never have this problem, but I thought it was one that was interesting.
Have a nice day.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
An Assignment About Complaining
1. I have a mom who is willing to do Psychological tests for me (she's taking the NEO-PI for me right now).
2. Remembered I had downloaded Castlevania on my Xbox and played it a bit. (We're talking old school Super Nintendo Castlevania. Good times.)
3. I'm getting meat delivered to my house and it's a little chilly for this time of year, so I don't have to be too worried about the meat going bad on our porch.
I mentioned yesterday that the not complaining challenge had been going well and Maundering Mutterer asked that I give updates. I also have to write an update for my class this morning, so I'll kill two birds with one stone here.
In my Positive Psych class, we learned about a preacher who was sick of this congregation complaining all of the time, and about everything. So, he gave them all a challenge to try and not complain for 21 days straight. The put bracelets on, and switched them every time they complained. Pretty soon, they realized how much they were doing it and eventually made the twenty one days. Word spread about the challenge and soon, people all over the world were strapping on their bracelets and switching wrists when they fell short, starting their 21 days over again and pushing forward. In the preachers congregation the challenge made a huge difference. People were happier, and more grateful all around. It's hard to say how much of an impact it had worldwide, but I do think it's interesting that years later, and states over, my Positive Psych class is still hearing about it and trying it out.
To say the least, this assignment has been difficult. I knew I was a complainer, but am amazed at how much and how often I catch myself doing it. I've noticed that I don't often ruminate on what I'm complaining about, but I do have a habit of one word complaints. For example, yesterday, after Yoga, I rolled up my Yoga mat, and as I turned away from it to clean up the block and strap, my mat unrolled itself. When I saw it I reacted to it by saying "Awesome." I've done this a number of times since the challenge started a week ago. I have several words such as: Goodness, Great, Nice, Wonderful, and oh, for crying out loud. I've used each of these over the past week to complain about something that has happened.
I have a few weak areas that quickly came up. I have issues complaining during video games. NHL 11 is particularly troublesome because it has a random shot placement generator and the puck goes off the post in some games more than others. Goodness. I also have issue with action games where I think my button push should have been fast enough to beat the bad guy's attach. For cryin' out loud. And I've noticed that some of Orem's streets are made in particularly stupid ways. I don't complain about them often, but when my wife brings up certain areas, it's hard for me not to chyme in. Wonderful.
When I first got the assignment I thought it would stress me out not to complain, but it's actually been nice. I've noticed that I have a more positive outlook on things, and that I look for solutions more that I look for faults (because I can state solutions and not consider it complaining). It's been good for me and I firmly believe that I will eventually make it for 21 days... or die trying. :)
Anyway, if any of you out in the blogosphere want to join in, go ahead and buy yourself some kind of bracelet that can easily be moved from one wrist to the other. My teacher gave us hair things. They work fine. It's been good for me, and since I believe everyone is just like me, it'll probably work good for you too.
Have a nice day.
2. Remembered I had downloaded Castlevania on my Xbox and played it a bit. (We're talking old school Super Nintendo Castlevania. Good times.)
3. I'm getting meat delivered to my house and it's a little chilly for this time of year, so I don't have to be too worried about the meat going bad on our porch.
I mentioned yesterday that the not complaining challenge had been going well and Maundering Mutterer asked that I give updates. I also have to write an update for my class this morning, so I'll kill two birds with one stone here.
In my Positive Psych class, we learned about a preacher who was sick of this congregation complaining all of the time, and about everything. So, he gave them all a challenge to try and not complain for 21 days straight. The put bracelets on, and switched them every time they complained. Pretty soon, they realized how much they were doing it and eventually made the twenty one days. Word spread about the challenge and soon, people all over the world were strapping on their bracelets and switching wrists when they fell short, starting their 21 days over again and pushing forward. In the preachers congregation the challenge made a huge difference. People were happier, and more grateful all around. It's hard to say how much of an impact it had worldwide, but I do think it's interesting that years later, and states over, my Positive Psych class is still hearing about it and trying it out.
To say the least, this assignment has been difficult. I knew I was a complainer, but am amazed at how much and how often I catch myself doing it. I've noticed that I don't often ruminate on what I'm complaining about, but I do have a habit of one word complaints. For example, yesterday, after Yoga, I rolled up my Yoga mat, and as I turned away from it to clean up the block and strap, my mat unrolled itself. When I saw it I reacted to it by saying "Awesome." I've done this a number of times since the challenge started a week ago. I have several words such as: Goodness, Great, Nice, Wonderful, and oh, for crying out loud. I've used each of these over the past week to complain about something that has happened.
I have a few weak areas that quickly came up. I have issues complaining during video games. NHL 11 is particularly troublesome because it has a random shot placement generator and the puck goes off the post in some games more than others. Goodness. I also have issue with action games where I think my button push should have been fast enough to beat the bad guy's attach. For cryin' out loud. And I've noticed that some of Orem's streets are made in particularly stupid ways. I don't complain about them often, but when my wife brings up certain areas, it's hard for me not to chyme in. Wonderful.
When I first got the assignment I thought it would stress me out not to complain, but it's actually been nice. I've noticed that I have a more positive outlook on things, and that I look for solutions more that I look for faults (because I can state solutions and not consider it complaining). It's been good for me and I firmly believe that I will eventually make it for 21 days... or die trying. :)
Anyway, if any of you out in the blogosphere want to join in, go ahead and buy yourself some kind of bracelet that can easily be moved from one wrist to the other. My teacher gave us hair things. They work fine. It's been good for me, and since I believe everyone is just like me, it'll probably work good for you too.
Have a nice day.
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