Can I just say, I LOVE WORKING IN THE TEMPLE! True statement right there. I just got home from week 4 of working in the temple. I get to spend 5 hours a week with the greatest people on earth--the workers and the patrons. It seriously is so incredible. I just love all the middle-aged and old ladies there. Sweetest women ever. I mean, who wouldn't want to work in a place where everybody is nice and helpful and just genuinely good?! I looked at the amount of names on the prayer roll today, and it was crazy to think about all the emotion behind those pen scratches. Then later I watched a young mother come out to the lobby, dressed in white, with an absolutely adorable baby, also dressed in white--they had just been sealed. Wow. So cool and precious. I also found out tonight that they didn't used to let young adults work in the temple. Boy, am I ever glad they changed that....Best part of my week, ladies and gents. Another true statement. There are some women on my shift that have been working in the temple for 14 years! I don't blame 'em! And how cool is it to work with my sister and my grandma?
Alright, I'll stop. At work today, I had to man our ISP booth at the Major Fair. Not "major" as in the adjective, but "major" as in the noun. I got to answer all sorts of questions, and also I did lots of people watching. THE funniest things happen at BYU. As I was walking through the Bookstore, I saw the photo area. They changed it so there are no workers there anymore--so they have the computers you can order prints on, and then they have about 5 boxes set up with peoples' pictures in them ready for pick up. No sort of supervision. Honor system--which BYU should be able to run by anyway. But only at BYU would you see that. Also, everytime I see a guy outside with his guitar, playing and singing all by himself in a public area, I want to gag. And when I see a girl go up to him and actually listen, I want to snip the guitar strings with a pair of scissors. Is that dramatic? haha Usually I just end up laughing to myself.
Alright, I'm tired. I think I might hit the sack.
PS Hermana Doxey gets back in a month and 4 days! Woohoo!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Graduate School
This morning I finished submitting my applications for graduate school in the United Kingdom. I still have a lot of work to do, applying for funding. I've spent hours and hours already on this, and I think I got to the point where I just submitted my applications, regardless of many corrections which could and probably should have been made to personal statements and the like.
Graduate tuition as an overseas student is expensive. Well, it seems that way since they lump it into a yearly sum rather than by term. If you really think about it, though, it's not that bad. (By the way, this post will be useless to anyone but me, I think lol). Tuition in the UK for me will be around $20,000-$30,000. That sounds really expensive, especially after you add in living expenses and such. If you divide that into semesters, that's about $7,000 a semester. That's still a lot more than BYU grad tuition ($2800/sem), but then again, BYU grad programs are 2 years long rather than one. So, at BYU I'd be paying about $16,800 for grad tuition altogether. It doesn't come out to be that different from studying in the UK, and in the UK I get done faster and at a higher-ranked school. I can work 20 hours per week as a student in the UK. I'm hoping this is feasible as a grad student should I be admitted because that would be very helpful financially. If I can get some funding at least, it will be very helpful as well. That's that much more in loans I don't have to take out. I should probably shut up since I could very well not be accepted to any of the places I applied. The most likely to accept me is Newcastle, since they are the lowest ranked of those I applied to.They are 24th in the UK, but they are 7th or 8th for medical programs there.
My parents are supportive of me, which is always nice (they always are supportive.) I think it will be very hard in certain ways if I get to go over to the UK for grad school. I was thinking about that the other night--how I may well be very lonely, the program may be super hard, or I might not even like the program. And then I thought of the Church, and how I have an automatic network no matter where I go in the world. Shabam.
Graduate tuition as an overseas student is expensive. Well, it seems that way since they lump it into a yearly sum rather than by term. If you really think about it, though, it's not that bad. (By the way, this post will be useless to anyone but me, I think lol). Tuition in the UK for me will be around $20,000-$30,000. That sounds really expensive, especially after you add in living expenses and such. If you divide that into semesters, that's about $7,000 a semester. That's still a lot more than BYU grad tuition ($2800/sem), but then again, BYU grad programs are 2 years long rather than one. So, at BYU I'd be paying about $16,800 for grad tuition altogether. It doesn't come out to be that different from studying in the UK, and in the UK I get done faster and at a higher-ranked school. I can work 20 hours per week as a student in the UK. I'm hoping this is feasible as a grad student should I be admitted because that would be very helpful financially. If I can get some funding at least, it will be very helpful as well. That's that much more in loans I don't have to take out. I should probably shut up since I could very well not be accepted to any of the places I applied. The most likely to accept me is Newcastle, since they are the lowest ranked of those I applied to.They are 24th in the UK, but they are 7th or 8th for medical programs there.
My parents are supportive of me, which is always nice (they always are supportive.) I think it will be very hard in certain ways if I get to go over to the UK for grad school. I was thinking about that the other night--how I may well be very lonely, the program may be super hard, or I might not even like the program. And then I thought of the Church, and how I have an automatic network no matter where I go in the world. Shabam.
The "Justice" System
On Friday one of my good friends was convicted of various crimes, including a conviction for racketeering influenced and corrupt organization (RICO) crimes. As I read the article this morning, I felt sick inside for him. He's served three years already in a state penitentiary, and was offered a plea deal which would have given him two more years maximum served in prison. He felt strongly that he shouldn't take the plea deal. Now he faces ten years minimum on one charge alone, and he could serve up to 57 if he receives the maximum sentencing.
I believe in prosecuting crime. I also truly believe that some of the guys being tried with my friend truly do need to be locked up for a long time. But it's crazy to me how different my perspective is on the justice system having a friend being tried who I know on a personal level. When I read about criminals in the news, I'm unsympathetic I'm writing about this to go on a tirade about the injustice of our court system because I know that it's a complex issue I know very little about. All I can say is that this issue has served to make me extremely grateful that we have a God who is both just and merciful, who knows us perfectly. There isn't a possibility that we will be judged unfairly or receive a sentencing not in alignment with our actions. God knows our hearts. There is no possible way for us to make a truly just judgment of others. C.S. Lewis said:
I believe in prosecuting crime. I also truly believe that some of the guys being tried with my friend truly do need to be locked up for a long time. But it's crazy to me how different my perspective is on the justice system having a friend being tried who I know on a personal level. When I read about criminals in the news, I'm unsympathetic I'm writing about this to go on a tirade about the injustice of our court system because I know that it's a complex issue I know very little about. All I can say is that this issue has served to make me extremely grateful that we have a God who is both just and merciful, who knows us perfectly. There isn't a possibility that we will be judged unfairly or receive a sentencing not in alignment with our actions. God knows our hearts. There is no possible way for us to make a truly just judgment of others. C.S. Lewis said:
What can you ever really know of other people's souls--of their temptations, their opportunities, their struggles? One soul in the whole creation you do know: and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands.Like I said, I feel sick for my friend. He made mistakes--that is obvious. But such a significant portion of his life in prison he does not deserve. Like Elder Oaks said, our justice system isn't concerned with repentant hearts. I'm so grateful to know that, despite the injustice that exists in this world, there is better to come.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I HATE GRAD SCHOOL APPS
If I have to write another personal statement or statement of intent, I'm GONNA spontaneously combust.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Conference Culture
Imagine the first chapters of Mosiah where King Benjamin gives his famous speech. I'm so sure that the night before, the young adults all got together to celebrate, and danced around a bonfire until 3 am, and then missed his speech. Right?? Anyone?
On that note, I was thinking about this past weekend and some of the funny parts of Mormon culture that have developed here over the years. I was thinking about the dances, the concerts, the activities that happened over General Conference weekend; how people go out, dance til late (often to music that's not even close to being in line with Church teachings), then go out to eat even later, returning home (or not home) in the wee hours of the morning, only to get up when the first session of General Conference is already over. OR, if they manage to get up, they can barely keep their eyes open. Then they put on the clothes they bought specifically for Conference weekend and head over to Temple Square where they "listen" to Conference aka take pictures and look around at who else is there. And another personal favorite, going to Temple Square (which has been sacrilegiously dubbed 'Club T' or even 'Kalapu T') at 11, midnight, even 1 in the morning--times when the Square is actually closed.
What probably used to be celebration of the bi-annual, beloved counsel of the Brethren has become over-celebration which now distracts and detracts from a weekend which, in all reality, needs no embellishment whatsoever. General Conference stands alone as a marvelous celebration, but somehow we've managed to clutter it with other, much-less meaningful activities. This whole over-celebration is a perfect demonstration of a concept we talked about in Social Psychology. Our professor gave an example of an old man who loves children. The neighborhood children love coming to play in his yard, and he loves hearing their voices and watching them enjoy themselves. Because he enjoys this so much, he starts to give them a quarter every time they come. In time, they start to associate the enjoyment they used to receive from the actual playing instead with the money. The same applies to General Conference. People begin to associate Conference weekend with social rather than spiritual uplifting. Social activities are all fine and dandy, but I think we can all agree what the priority is.
I've most definitely been guilty of participating in all of the above activities, but happily the ridiculousness of it all has started to strike me a bit. There are 50 weekends of the year when we can, if we must, stay out late dancing and eating--even then it's not recommended by our leaders. Conference weekend should be the exception weekend, if anything.
And now for some awesomely straightforward and lovely counsel from Elder Holland's Priesthood Session talk I just listened to:
"In this battle between good and evil, you cannot play for the adversary whenever temptation comes along and then expect to suit up for the Savior at temple and mission time as if nothing has happened. That, my young friends, you cannot do. God will not be mocked."
"The Lord has drawn lines of worthiness for those called to labor with Him in this work. No missionary can be unrepentant of sexual transgression, or profane language, or pornographic indulgence and then expect to challenge others to repent of those very things. You cannot do that. The Spirit will not be with you, and the words will choke in your throat as you speak them. You cannot travel down what Lehi called 'forbidden paths' and expect to guide others to the strait and narrow one."
Elder Holland. Shizzam.
On that note, I was thinking about this past weekend and some of the funny parts of Mormon culture that have developed here over the years. I was thinking about the dances, the concerts, the activities that happened over General Conference weekend; how people go out, dance til late (often to music that's not even close to being in line with Church teachings), then go out to eat even later, returning home (or not home) in the wee hours of the morning, only to get up when the first session of General Conference is already over. OR, if they manage to get up, they can barely keep their eyes open. Then they put on the clothes they bought specifically for Conference weekend and head over to Temple Square where they "listen" to Conference aka take pictures and look around at who else is there. And another personal favorite, going to Temple Square (which has been sacrilegiously dubbed 'Club T' or even 'Kalapu T') at 11, midnight, even 1 in the morning--times when the Square is actually closed.
What probably used to be celebration of the bi-annual, beloved counsel of the Brethren has become over-celebration which now distracts and detracts from a weekend which, in all reality, needs no embellishment whatsoever. General Conference stands alone as a marvelous celebration, but somehow we've managed to clutter it with other, much-less meaningful activities. This whole over-celebration is a perfect demonstration of a concept we talked about in Social Psychology. Our professor gave an example of an old man who loves children. The neighborhood children love coming to play in his yard, and he loves hearing their voices and watching them enjoy themselves. Because he enjoys this so much, he starts to give them a quarter every time they come. In time, they start to associate the enjoyment they used to receive from the actual playing instead with the money. The same applies to General Conference. People begin to associate Conference weekend with social rather than spiritual uplifting. Social activities are all fine and dandy, but I think we can all agree what the priority is.
I've most definitely been guilty of participating in all of the above activities, but happily the ridiculousness of it all has started to strike me a bit. There are 50 weekends of the year when we can, if we must, stay out late dancing and eating--even then it's not recommended by our leaders. Conference weekend should be the exception weekend, if anything.
And now for some awesomely straightforward and lovely counsel from Elder Holland's Priesthood Session talk I just listened to:
"In this battle between good and evil, you cannot play for the adversary whenever temptation comes along and then expect to suit up for the Savior at temple and mission time as if nothing has happened. That, my young friends, you cannot do. God will not be mocked."
"The Lord has drawn lines of worthiness for those called to labor with Him in this work. No missionary can be unrepentant of sexual transgression, or profane language, or pornographic indulgence and then expect to challenge others to repent of those very things. You cannot do that. The Spirit will not be with you, and the words will choke in your throat as you speak them. You cannot travel down what Lehi called 'forbidden paths' and expect to guide others to the strait and narrow one."
Elder Holland. Shizzam.
Changes
Today is a day of change. That's what I decided on my work commute this morning. These are the changes I'm going to make:
-I'm going to start budgeting-->keeping track of my spending, earnings, expenses
-I'm going to attempt to memorize a scripture every day. The frequency of this may change...
-I'm going to take a break from facebook for a month and see how my life feels
I feel great about these changes
-I'm going to start budgeting-->keeping track of my spending, earnings, expenses
-I'm going to attempt to memorize a scripture every day. The frequency of this may change...
-I'm going to take a break from facebook for a month and see how my life feels
I feel great about these changes
Monday, October 3, 2011
Whatttta weekend...
Home. Mom. Dad. Siblings. Conference Center. Temples. Talks. Food. Pajamas.
That, my friends, is a recipe for happiness.
Conference weekend is always epic. This one was no exception.
-->The post-Priesthood Session gathering at Grandma's was fantastic. Spending time with the extended family is so much fun! I spent a lot of it with little Brooklyn. She was wearing a cute sweater dress. I asked her if I could borrow it sometime. She said, "No! This dress is a 5T, and you're too big for a 5T." Also, right before we ate, I said, "Brooklyn, are you as hungry as I am?" She said, "Nooo!" as though my question was preposterous. Later in the evening, as we were cleaning up, Grandma offered me $20 if I could get my Dad home haha. She offered it to Tim and Sarah as well, the result of which was Grandma chucking $20 bills on the floor since we wouldn't take them from her. I love my family haha.
-->I got to go to Saturday Morning and Sunday Morning sessions. I pay much better attention in the Conference Center. I got so much from both of those sessions. President Monson wasn't there at the beginning of Saturday Morning session. He walked in at the end of the congregational hymn. President Eyring got up and said, "We will now have the pleasure of hearing from our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson." President Monson startled, being unaware apparently that he was going to speak haha. It was pretty funny. He came up to the podium and said, "Hi!" haha I love him.
-->I felt such a general but strong love for the leaders of the Church. What amazing men! Elder Nash wasn't there Saturday, but he was on Sunday. I honestly can't do justice to the love and gratitude I feel for him. I will never forget my experience with him in Peru and Bolivia. I feel that that opportunity I was granted with him will really shape my pursuits to be Christlike and to help "the one." Also, it was fantastic to hear Brother Matt Richardson speak yesterday afternoon. He is so great. So great. I sure missed seeing Grandpa Neal up there on the stand, sitting in his chair with his chin resting on clasped hands, eyes closed, pondering. It's always fun to remark the Brethren and how their personalities are manifested even in how they sit. Elder Nelson, sitting very straight, on the edge of his chair; Elder Holland with his head back and eyes closed, pondering; Elder Oaks leaning his elbow on his chair, close to his good good friend Elder Nelson. I love those men.
-->This time, I took notes very differently. I didn't take them copiously, as I usually do. Instead, I only wrote down things when I felt inspiration. I've meant to do this for a long time, but I finally did, and it was great! I got to listen so much better, and I felt impressed about certain specific things I can do to obey the counsel I heard.
-->Elder Ardern talked about managing time wisely. Uh-oh. He talked about social media.
This Conference weekend, I also tried not to go out because I didn't want to detract from the purpose of the weekend. I don't regret my decision in the least. It was much easier to concentrate when I wasn't falling asleep from having stayed out too late.
I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the gospel, for the opportunity to repent and improve myself through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to be a member of His church.
That, my friends, is a recipe for happiness.
Conference weekend is always epic. This one was no exception.
-->The post-Priesthood Session gathering at Grandma's was fantastic. Spending time with the extended family is so much fun! I spent a lot of it with little Brooklyn. She was wearing a cute sweater dress. I asked her if I could borrow it sometime. She said, "No! This dress is a 5T, and you're too big for a 5T." Also, right before we ate, I said, "Brooklyn, are you as hungry as I am?" She said, "Nooo!" as though my question was preposterous. Later in the evening, as we were cleaning up, Grandma offered me $20 if I could get my Dad home haha. She offered it to Tim and Sarah as well, the result of which was Grandma chucking $20 bills on the floor since we wouldn't take them from her. I love my family haha.
-->I got to go to Saturday Morning and Sunday Morning sessions. I pay much better attention in the Conference Center. I got so much from both of those sessions. President Monson wasn't there at the beginning of Saturday Morning session. He walked in at the end of the congregational hymn. President Eyring got up and said, "We will now have the pleasure of hearing from our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson." President Monson startled, being unaware apparently that he was going to speak haha. It was pretty funny. He came up to the podium and said, "Hi!" haha I love him.
-->I felt such a general but strong love for the leaders of the Church. What amazing men! Elder Nash wasn't there Saturday, but he was on Sunday. I honestly can't do justice to the love and gratitude I feel for him. I will never forget my experience with him in Peru and Bolivia. I feel that that opportunity I was granted with him will really shape my pursuits to be Christlike and to help "the one." Also, it was fantastic to hear Brother Matt Richardson speak yesterday afternoon. He is so great. So great. I sure missed seeing Grandpa Neal up there on the stand, sitting in his chair with his chin resting on clasped hands, eyes closed, pondering. It's always fun to remark the Brethren and how their personalities are manifested even in how they sit. Elder Nelson, sitting very straight, on the edge of his chair; Elder Holland with his head back and eyes closed, pondering; Elder Oaks leaning his elbow on his chair, close to his good good friend Elder Nelson. I love those men.
-->This time, I took notes very differently. I didn't take them copiously, as I usually do. Instead, I only wrote down things when I felt inspiration. I've meant to do this for a long time, but I finally did, and it was great! I got to listen so much better, and I felt impressed about certain specific things I can do to obey the counsel I heard.
-->Elder Ardern talked about managing time wisely. Uh-oh. He talked about social media.
I sense that some are trapped in a new time-consuming addiction; one that enslaves us to be constantly checking and sending social messages and thus giving the false impression of being busy and productive.Talk about a message for me specifically! So now I have some thinking to do...Do I delete facebook altogether since I struggle to use it in moderation? Or do I really apply myself to learning how to use it in moderation? The dependence I feel upon facebook is not a good thing. That much I know. So, it's time to figure out how to apply his counsel.
This Conference weekend, I also tried not to go out because I didn't want to detract from the purpose of the weekend. I don't regret my decision in the least. It was much easier to concentrate when I wasn't falling asleep from having stayed out too late.
I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the gospel, for the opportunity to repent and improve myself through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to be a member of His church.
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