2004 Journal Entry

I found an interesting journal entry in one of my Word docs and would like to post them here. As you'll see they were dated in February of 2004 before I was married. It is interesting how things have changed and at the same time stayed the same. Well without further adieu:

February 15, 2004

What an interesting day I had today. It was not a typical Sabbath. Every six months we have Stake Conference and our time had come for that very meeting. The session was excellent. The speakers were very inspired, I recall the first counselor speaking on forgiveness and how it is a commandment to forgive others when we they have wronged us. An important point that I especially remember was, “not forgiving others only hurts the individual unwilling to forgive.” How true that is. I have experienced that very thing and continue to struggle with it. The rest of the day went just fine. I had my weekly PPI with Bishop Fehlberg what a tremendous help he’s been in my life. I know he’s been called of God and leads the Cascade Center Ward according to how the Lord wishes it to be led. Having been in the ward for so many years, he is the second bishop to serve but I’ll save those thoughts and feelings for another time.

Now for some trivial thoughts that have been on my mind these lasts couple of days. First, I despise how Major League Baseball is run. It can no longer fan friendly, unless you live in New York. What has just occurred will go down in history as one of the biggest travesties in sports. One of the best players in the game today, Alex Rodriguez, was traded from the lowly Texas Rangers to the Yankees, a team that will go down in history as the “Evil Empire” for its ability to buy anyone and anything and not let any of the 29 others teams have a chance at winning. Now one may say they haven’t won a World Series since 2000 but a better rebuttal would be if they win, again they will have won the World Series 27 teams, yes that’s 27 times more than 98% of all the Major League teams. Competitive balance doesn’t exist and will never occur as long as George Steinbrenner is allowed to rule the league with his checkbook. Next to the Players Association, another evil entity that is probably the strongest in the world. Unions are good for business but probably only half the times are they fair and equitable. How this organization has the last word on anything, which occurs, is beyond me. Knowing a little about the history of MLB I can see where unions were needed but they have outlived their existence. By now I’m sure you’re thinking I need to get a grip and I probably do to some extent, however, if you think this is bad trying talking to a Red Sox or a Chicago Cubs fan.

Before you think I’m obsessed with many worldly things, I have been doing some adjusting of my past habits of staying up too late. By turning the TV off 11:00 and being in bed no later than midnight, I have found this be successful so far and can feel the habit slowly being broken. I know that with the Lord’s help I will be able to continue to endure and soon make it a good habit, which will allow for more freedom in my life. Right now, it has given the extra time to write down my thoughts here. This part of my life has been off and on. I know writing in our personal journals is a commandment; however, I have for so many years omitted it from my life and I vow to not let it happen again. I pray for the strength to remember to make it part of my daily routine before I retire for the night. I definitely beats sitting in front of the TV until the wee hours of the morning. It one of many steps I am taking and will continue to take to make sure I am doing all I can to be worthy of all the blessings that the Lord sees fit to bestow upon me such as an eternal companion, and the ultimate blessing of salvation in His kingdom.

February 16, 2004

Today was President’s Day, a day off from the rigors of school but also a day which there was a necessity, work. I currently work at Macey’s Food and Drug in Pleasant Grove. I work in the butcher block back in the store’s Meat Department. I have been working there since August of 2002. My work is enjoyable and my fellow employees make work pleasant. I especially enjoy my interaction with a wonderful deaf man, James Killoran. While I am no way fluent in Sign Language, we are able to communicate. He is very skilled at being able to communicate with everyone; however, it sure helps when I have a tiny bit of background in Sign. For this very purpose, I took a beginning sign language course last semester in order to increase my level of proficiency. It is amazing despite our language barrier we can carry on conversations like any other. It might take extra work but it is sure worth the effort. I am grateful for my association and friendship with him. He truly makes work the best.

Before I went to work, I spent the day enjoying the fact that school was out. While I should have caught up on my reading, instead I treated myself to a movie and lunch. Prior to that, however, I made sure to study the scriptures. This is something which I have promised myself that I would continue to do until it became second nature. So far, I am doing excellent. I now need to work on the problem of studying on the weekends as well. Of all the days, Sundays should be the most intense. As the day went on, I went to the theater and watched an excellent movie, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. It starred Russell Crowe and Paul Betany in a period piece during the Napoleonic wars, with the majority of the film taking place on the water. Crowe was captain of a vessel that was off the coasts of South America, chasing and being chased by French privateers. Privateers are mercenaries hired by a country, given their particular flag, and set out to wreak havoc on the enemy, usually completely obliterating the vessel or ship. It was extremely profitable for them because not only were they paid by the country they were aligned with they also kept whatever spoils were available. Afterwards I ate lunch at Pizza Hut, excellent food but horrible for my body, another thing I am trying unsuccessfully to curb, my diet of junk.

After work, I came directly home and proceeded to watch the BYU vs. Colorado St. basketball game that was one by BYU 79-76. A well fought road win, their second consecutive one. That was the highlight on the sports front. Unfortunately, ARod’s repulsive trade from the Rangers to Yankees was signed off by MLB’s Commissioner Bud “The Little Weasel” Selig. And to make matters worse the “Evil Empire” continues to throw money around like it was candy at a parade are on the verge of signing a future Hall of Fame pitcher fresh off an incredible stint with the Atlanta Braves, Greg Maddux. With the inability and the unwillingness of many of players to sign with other teams who wish to employ them the Yankees casually stroll in flash the cash and continue to create controversy with every breath all the while every other team and specifically every fan outside of New York swearing under their collective breaths. When will this madness ever end? I think it would take a miracle the stop the money mongering Steinbrenner from buying up every All-Star player. I think the only thing stopping him is there are just nine positions on a baseball team with a few bench players and relief pitchers. I am seriously at the point where there is no longer fun waiting for Spring Training when no serious-minded baseball person knows the Yankees are unstoppable. Believe me I have thought about the saying that is commonly used in sports and in fact contributes to almost all the players on that hideous Yankees roster, “if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em.” If it weren’t for my incessant vitriol for George Steinbrenner and the Yankees, I would do just that. For all those of my progenitors who may be reading this, don’t worry I need this space to give vent to my feelings. While it doesn’t change one thing, it helps to release some anger and resentment. I promise in the future to have different aspects of my life recorded. Until then, I hope every player on the Yankees roster has their worst year, a miracle does occur, and the Yankees fail to win the World Series for the fourth consecutive year!

February 17, 2004

How my feelings of angst have been kindled since my last entry. While I am still disgusted in how business is run in professional baseball, I am consigned to the fact that I can still enjoy rooting for the Yankees to LOSE. I have also realized that there are definitely more important things to concern myself with such as getting my sorry self back to the temple. I have, for the last few months found reasons and excuses not to attend the House of the Lord. Today in my Doctrine & Covenants class we were discussing Zion and how to achieve that perfect state of the pure in heart. Many things that I am currently doing well are stepping-stones for bigger and better things. My troubles and trials need extra attention, meaning I need more than prayer and scripture study. The Spirit touched me deeply in that class when my teacher, Sister Christensen once again challenged us to attend the temple in whatever capacity. I am promising myself and the Lord that my temple attendance will increase. If for some reason I cannot attend a session I will at least be on the holy grounds. I am in the need of all the assistance the Lord can spare. I know through his Son and the power of the Atonement anything and everything is possible. I prayer for success in all I do. The Church is true and I am truly blessed to be a member of the Lord’s kingdom here on earth.

Last updated February 18, 2004 at 12:43 AM