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

Contemplations

Our vacation to Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Chicago has, as previously mentioned, given me a newfound respect and heartfelt appreciation for our nation’s history. For one interested in US History and Political Science it was crucial I go back East to see the places that represent our past. I thought about many things yesterday while at work, one of them being the opportunity to walk where famous historical figures lived and walked themselves so many years ago; to see, touch, and smell pure history. It is extremely difficult to express in words or comprehend the full meaning of it all. We truly have an amazing history! I am privileged and honored to step foot on hallowed and sacred ground as we visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Civil War Battlefields of Antietam and Gettysburg, and the National War Veterans Memorials. We also walked through Ford’s Theatre and toured The House Where Lincoln Died, in addition to the Capitol where upon entering the Old Senate Chamber I experienced a profound feeling of respect and humility. Within that room many incredible historical events occurred.

I was overtaken with a sense of pride in our nation for we in just a short amount of time have accomplished a great deal. Who would have thought the American Colonies would become the United States of America, a country that 99.9% of the world’s nations look to as an example of democracy. Our past is unbelievable and instills a sense of deep contemplation; I even commented to Emily that in several locations I felt that the history was “so thick it could be cut with a knife!” Those days combined with the many others I have and will write about will remain with me for the rest of my life. I am extremely grateful and feel privileged to have been born into this great nation; to be considered a citizen of the United States of America . . . land of the free and home of brave!

While most of our time was spent visiting D.C. and the surrounding areas, we did have time to develop a stronger relationship with Matt, Shelly, and Ellie Astle. We owe them a debt of gratitude for allowing us to spend such a long time there. I miss our daily association and being adored by our cute niece, Ellie. She is such a sweetie. I will always remember waking up to her running and dancing, as well as her calling us “Na-non” and “Emmy.” Matt and Shelly are doing and excellent job as parents and we hope to be able to emulate their exceptional parental example someday.

Future Persian Gulf War Veterans Memorial?

For those who may or not know, Emily and I just returned from our unbelievable trip to D.C. While there we visited many things, one of them was the war memorials along the Mall. I have had much to think about today and was contemplating whether one day there would be a Gulf War Memorial somewhere along the [National] Mall. I would love to hear what each of you have to say about this, so if you have time please will you let me know how you feel?

I proposed that question, grammatically incorrect, to all of my brothers and sister, my parents, as well as Emily my wife, and sister-in-law Lissa and Shelly and her husband Matt. I wanted to see if either of them had an opinion and if so gather their thoughts for my Blog. Here are some of the first responses:

Mike Smith: “Any significant/prolonged military engagement should have a memorial in my opinion. My guess is they’ll eventually erect one for the Gulf War (1st and 2nd) once time passes and the voice of opposition cools … much like what happened with the Vietnam Memorial.”

Dad Smith: “It depends on weather we pull out before the job is completed. If the Democrats really wanted us to withdraw, now then why not cut off the funds? They are (some Republicans as well) making these moves purely for political reasons. If Iraq turns into a form of democracy that is friendly to the West then there should be one for memorial for both wars.”

(To Be Continued . . .)

The Day After . . . Part II

After I had dropped Emily off at school I returned home and spent the majority of the time on the computer doing what Emily calls "playing on the computer." I worked on reorganizing this new blog of mine and adding/editing music on my iPod. Time flew by and it was time to pick Emily up again.

Upon returning not much of significance occurred before dinner or after besides the arrival of the ADT tech who as it turned out was of no help. We requested an alternative to the already installed motion detector due to the fact that Sage kept setting it off. He outright told us that cats are a pain to deal with and we both felt his overall presence lacked professionalism. We will definitely be asking for a second opinion.

The Day After . . .

Our arrival into Utah was later than expected but as everyone must do, we had to jump right into reality and go back to work. We only received a small amount of sleep due to jet lag and the aforementioned late arrival, which made for an interesting day at work. At work it was nice to be back and hear from Pam that I was missed immensely, not personally but professionally of course. I can never truly fathom how much they rely on me to help keep the International Dept. running. If you wondering if I am high up at Nu Skin I am not. I assume it's the little things that I do that assist Pam, in particular, every day in the running of her team.


As said, things were going just fine. I had jumped in with locating, counting, and pulling the day's set of jobs when about 8:30 my stomach started acting up. The time in D.C. my body held together and I didn't have much of a problem despite of all the junk we ate. I guess this was when it all came apart . . . unfortunately, it didn't go as planned and I had to go home early. I was of no use when I spent my time running to bathroom. You might wonder why I didn't take some diarrhea pills? The reasoning was that I had taken some the night before and wanted to avoid further problems.

You might be wondering why I am going in such detail about this particular subject, right? Well, as said in another post, this will be my journal. If one doesn't want to read this part all I can say is skip it.

It's getting late and will finish this in either another post.

(To Be Continued . . .)

A Semi Truck Headache!

Today was an interesting day following our late arrival back home after an adventurous and wonderful two weeks in D.C. and Chicago. More of our experiences will be back-blogged later. The original plan went somewhat awry and that will be explained in a different post. I have decided to make all of my posts both journal entries and random thoughts from each day (like this one about semis).

Driving back from Payson after dropping off Emily at Mt. Nebo Junior High for summer band I had some difficulties navigating on I-15. If one has ever driven in Utah or in on any interstate for that matter you have experienced what I call "A Utah Roadblock." What this entails are vehicles all going the same speed in every single lane leaving no way around going slower than traffic thus creating the roadblock. Well, this occurred today but with large semi trucks in all three lanes. Not only was it annoying but it was also against the law. If I am correct they are not allowed in the far left lane. For all those truckers who drive respectfully you are not included, it is to those who driver recklessly treating his/her truck like a race car. Not only is it stupid but more importantly it is dangerous. I have two words for those who fit the above description, "MOVE OVER!"

Sage Couldn't Be Happier . . .

Our arrival from Washington, D.C./Chicago took longer than expected and boy did our darling little Sagey miss us. Dad picked us up and just prior to entering our home I had Emily turn the car alarm so it "chirped," with hopes that our kitty would hear and become overwhelmed with excitement. When the door was opened she began a meowing non-stop for several minutes. She really missed us we could tell and now all are extremely happy to be home.

Back-blogging

Just a quick note regarding what I will be doing to include our whole D.C. trip into this blog despite the creation it after about a week into my vacation. The term back-blogging will be used to describe the above process. I am not sure if it's an original word but either way it will work.