"Japanese schoolchildren are taught how to practice self-criticism both in order to improve their relations with others and to become more skilled in solving problems. This stance of perfectionism through self-criticism continues throughout life. Sushi chefs and math teachers are not regarded s coming into their own until they've been at their jobs for a decade. Throughout their careers, in fact, Japanese teachers are observed and helped by their peers to become better at their jobs. Contrast this with the American practice of putting teacher's college graduates into the classroom after a few months of training and then leaving them alone to succeed or not, to the good or ill fortune of a generation of students."
- Richard E. Nisbett: The Geography of Thought. Ch 3, pg 55
First of all, this just made me laugh. The Japanese tutor their graduates. We just throw 'um in and hope they swim. lol Creates a very funny picture in my head.
So I'm in a Social Psychology class, and I have to read this book. And it's actually a lot better then I thought it was going to be! Yeay! It's been comparing Eastern culture to Western culture. And knowing a lot of anime, I have at least a general grasp on the culture. And the funny thing is that a lot of things I do, seem to be more Asian then American. (which I have no problem with)
For instance I do a lot of self-criticism. Not in a bad way like "Oh, I'm a horrible human being." But that I know my faults and I'm willing to work on them. I'm very practical that way. (which, I realize stating that in a blog is very American... But I am American, so it's ok)
This class leaves me feeling white, but not pure white. I feel more off-white. Which makes me happy.
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Thursday, October 29, 2009
On chocolate
I wonder if chocolate would catch on in today's world? We all (ok, most) love the stuff. But only because we know what it is...
I was at a health food store with my mom drooling over the seaweed and spinich pasta and thinking how sad it is that "normal" people don't know what wonderful food possibilities they're missing. I've grown up in a home where when mom gives you something you don't recognize, you eat first, ask questions later. That's just how life was.
I saw some chocolate syrup and that got me thinking about chocolate.
Chocolate is roughly a toasted bean thing with sugar and milk. Now that doesn't sound good to me. "New and Improved! Roasted bean paste with milk!" ... yum?... But then you taste it... Chocolate. Yum. ^.^
So yeah... It's odd what things catch on, and what things don't.
(I was also thinking how gimmicky phones are now... A phone... with games and music? It's an odd world we live in)
I was at a health food store with my mom drooling over the seaweed and spinich pasta and thinking how sad it is that "normal" people don't know what wonderful food possibilities they're missing. I've grown up in a home where when mom gives you something you don't recognize, you eat first, ask questions later. That's just how life was.
I saw some chocolate syrup and that got me thinking about chocolate.
Chocolate is roughly a toasted bean thing with sugar and milk. Now that doesn't sound good to me. "New and Improved! Roasted bean paste with milk!" ... yum?... But then you taste it... Chocolate. Yum. ^.^
So yeah... It's odd what things catch on, and what things don't.
(I was also thinking how gimmicky phones are now... A phone... with games and music? It's an odd world we live in)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Id- Inevitable?
I got into Id, not into B. I mentioned that in my last post.
And I just thought it was interesting the reactions I got from some of my friends. They were all happy for me, 'cause Id is a good school. But one in particular... She said something like "Oh, well maybe you weren't meant to get into B. So Id is for the best!"
Now, I realize she was trying to console me, 'cause I really really wanted to get into B. But I thought it was interesting, first of all that everyone assumed that I was going to Id, but that she implied that since I didn't get into B the first time, it wasn't for me.
I'm not sure, in fact I know that isn't necessarily the case. Just because you fail something the first time, does it mean you give up?? Gosh, I hope your answer is no. I failed my driving test the first time, does that mean I'm not meant to drive? My first date didn't ask me to marry him, does that mean I'll ever get married?
Now I do trust that everything happens for a reason, and I'm pretty sure that's what my friend really meant. I trust God and know he has some things planned for me. Maybe I'm not meant to be at B right now. Maybe there's something I'm supposed to do/learn at Id. I don't know. I probably won't know 'till I'm watching my life over from the other side and go "Ohohoh!!! Ok. Now it makes sense!"
But I don't think just because you fail at something once, that it's not meant for you.
And I just thought it was interesting the reactions I got from some of my friends. They were all happy for me, 'cause Id is a good school. But one in particular... She said something like "Oh, well maybe you weren't meant to get into B. So Id is for the best!"
Now, I realize she was trying to console me, 'cause I really really wanted to get into B. But I thought it was interesting, first of all that everyone assumed that I was going to Id, but that she implied that since I didn't get into B the first time, it wasn't for me.
I'm not sure, in fact I know that isn't necessarily the case. Just because you fail something the first time, does it mean you give up?? Gosh, I hope your answer is no. I failed my driving test the first time, does that mean I'm not meant to drive? My first date didn't ask me to marry him, does that mean I'll ever get married?
Now I do trust that everything happens for a reason, and I'm pretty sure that's what my friend really meant. I trust God and know he has some things planned for me. Maybe I'm not meant to be at B right now. Maybe there's something I'm supposed to do/learn at Id. I don't know. I probably won't know 'till I'm watching my life over from the other side and go "Ohohoh!!! Ok. Now it makes sense!"
But I don't think just because you fail at something once, that it's not meant for you.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Who's speaking
Other religions rely on their power in speaking and their presence as they give an idea.
LDS people don't (usually) speak very powerfuly. We're more humble. We let the spirit speak.
Just my thoughts... Not trying to rag on any other religions. I think any religious person is a good person. I just was listening to something and thought of this.
LDS people don't (usually) speak very powerfuly. We're more humble. We let the spirit speak.
Just my thoughts... Not trying to rag on any other religions. I think any religious person is a good person. I just was listening to something and thought of this.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Faith Validated ^.^ (worry 2)
^.^ *happy sigh* Inkheart...
It is a book. One of my all time favorites. I don't say favorite lightly, but favorite I do dub it so. So like I said in the Worry post, I was worried about what Hollywood would do to it. Especially with that dude from the Mummy movies playing Mo. >.O One of the main characters... He's a soft-spoken dad type figure, no mummies to be seen... But I love the book and so I was curious to see what they'd do to it... *nibbles fingernails*
I saw it today...
WOW!! It surpassed all my expectations. ^.^ They did a phenomenal job with this movie. BIG thumbs up from me. They stayed true to the book (minor details, but we'll forgive them since movie format is shorter then book) and they made a reference to duct tape. ^.^ How could it possibly get better. ^.^
And yes, I am a dork. That was me in the theatre, cheering, clapping, laughing and saying how glad I was that they matched the book. ^.^
It is a book. One of my all time favorites. I don't say favorite lightly, but favorite I do dub it so. So like I said in the Worry post, I was worried about what Hollywood would do to it. Especially with that dude from the Mummy movies playing Mo. >.O One of the main characters... He's a soft-spoken dad type figure, no mummies to be seen... But I love the book and so I was curious to see what they'd do to it... *nibbles fingernails*
I saw it today...
WOW!! It surpassed all my expectations. ^.^ They did a phenomenal job with this movie. BIG thumbs up from me. They stayed true to the book (minor details, but we'll forgive them since movie format is shorter then book) and they made a reference to duct tape. ^.^ How could it possibly get better. ^.^
And yes, I am a dork. That was me in the theatre, cheering, clapping, laughing and saying how glad I was that they matched the book. ^.^
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration 2009
Well, today we have a new president. President Obama.
Overall I don't really know what to think about having a new president. I don't know what he'll do in office. I have no real say, so I don't worry about it much. Yes, I do vote. But in a I-am-only-one-person sorta way.
Overall I don't really know what to think about having a new president. I don't know what he'll do in office. I have no real say, so I don't worry about it much. Yes, I do vote. But in a I-am-only-one-person sorta way.
- Heh... on the news station I was watching they were saying how "even if you don't like Bush's policies, you can see here that he's a nice person."... And Ok, that may be... But I laugh how yesterday he was this EVIL MAN... and today he's a wonderful person. The ficklness of the media and the general public never ceases to amaze me.
But my mom made a good point. It's the right thing to do. Even if you have to lie and air brush what you think of him, he's out of the spotlight, and it's still the right thing to do. - I find it interesting about how when Obama was running that they asked him "Do you think that your color will be an issue for some voters?" Or some other similar question... Um... Doesn't the fact that you're asking mean that it's an issue?
- This is a global event. My mom, crazy person that she is, regularly chats with people around the world. Europe mainly, but Japan and stuff too. And the people she's chatting with are watching it too because they think it will effect them. I don't know how directly it will, but even the fact that they care enough to watch is amazing... I'm not even sure what type of governments most of Europe has... and they know the name of our president, and care enough to watch his inauguration... O.O Wowzers...
- flubbed swearing in... >.<>thing that went wrong, was the fault of the leader because he'd messed up that special ceremony... I really hope that doesn't happen with Obama...
- Victory. This whole thing of electing a black president is being talked about as a victory. That seems odd to me. I thought the whole racial issues were gone...? But I'm young, and I know they were saying that sixty years ago this wouldn't have been thought possible. So maybe it's just me that sees this as odd. *shrug*
- Two things that I found interesting in the prayer that was said over the lunch, "In your soverign name" and "protect them from moral arrogance"... The second just 'cause it's cool. But "in your soverign name"... That struck me. 'Cause the guy saying the prayer is saying it for the next president, the next soverign of our country. And saying "in you soverign name" signifies that God is higher then Obama. GASP! I'm glad he said it, I just thought it was bold.
- And one last thought... 'cause this is turning out longer then I'd thought... I remember a show that played in... Oh, I forget the year, but Clinton was president and we were going through the whole Monica Luinsky thing... But the series was set in the future and Terry was taking a test on the presidents and couldn't remember who came after Clinton. He asked a class-mate, Max (Terry=guy, Max=girl) who was next. She said something like "Well it was really boring till we had Clinton, and that's when things really got interesting... After that it was boring again." Lol. I can't help thinking about that when we had the whole re-count thing with Bush, and now Black Obama... Heh, and Max was black herself. Lol. ^.^ It's funny how she wouldn't think that was exciting.
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year! And a few quotes...
I don't really feel like saying anything, but I feel left out being the only one who hasn't blogged in the new year... Well, last of this little slot in the webbing that is the net...
I feel like I should have some big grand thoughts in this new year... And for the life of me I can't think of any... Mauve maybe... Aqua... Puce... But nothing awe inspiring...
As far as the new year, I think it will be a time of change. Don't know good, bad or ugly... but change. We're getting a new president and such. Our economy isn't looking too good. Stuff like that.
Also lots of change for me personally. I plan to move this year. Like out... Like out of the house... on my own... O.O That's a tiny bit of a change... ^.^;
So yeah... Big changiness...
Anyway... since I have no real thoughts I figure I'll pretend like I planned this and post some of my favorite quotes from the quote book I keep. I'll just pretend that I wanted to start off the new year with great words from great people. ^.^ You'll believe that, right?? Sure ya will. ^.^ 'Cause if it's on the Internet it must be true!! (plus I'll number them in case you wanna talk about them in the comments or something)
1"Each of us makes his own weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits."
-Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
2"Nothing happens unless first a dream."
-Carl Sandburg
3"Knowledge is Power. Power is corruptive. Study hard, be evil!"
-sign somewhere... dunno where, but I liked it. ^.^
4"There are some who never seem to believe themselves capable of anything; they see others press forward to attempt and achieve, and shrink back into a despoding inactivity. Having no faith in themselves, they undertake nothing and affect nothing. If they are convinced of some fault or bad habit, they have so little hope of being able to cure it that they scarcely make and effort. If some avenue of usefulness and honor opens before them, they drive back, almost sure they should not succeed, and decline to enter. If some duty presses urgently upon their conscience they try to quiet its promptings by pleading inability. Thus their lives pass away in uselessness, their faculties do not develop or their characters improve, their abilities are wasted, they dwindle into insignificance, and all this, not for lack of power, but or the want of a confidence and courage that would set that power into practical working order."
-dang... I wish I knew...
5"To live your life in your own way, to reach for the goals you have set or yourself, to be the you that you want to be- that is success."
-...?
6"We sow our thoughts, we reap our actions.
We sow our actions, we reap our habits.
We sow our habits, we reap our character.
We sow our character, we reap our destiny."
-I don't know... but I got it in young womens...
7"There is no one who does not carry scars on his heart. If there was someone in the world like that, he would be a shallow soul"
-Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho ^.^
8"Those who discourage your dreams, likely have abandoned their own."
-...
9"To truly convince someone, you must play their game by your rules."
-Me ^.^ (that's right, I have a thought now and again... ;P)
10"One who makes no mistakes, never makes anything."
-English proverb
11"I wonder who it was defined man as a rational animal. It was the most premature definition ever given."
-Oscar Whilde ^.^
12"Always love your enemies. Nothing annoys them so much."
13"Someday I must read this scholar Everyone... He seems to have written to much- all of it wrong."
Emperor Mage pg 25
14"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."
-Wilde
15"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible."
-T.E. Lawrence
16"You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It's their mistake, not my failing."
-Feynman
17"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel as if you've lost a friend."
-anon
18"When you sell a man a book, you don't sell him 12 oz of paper and ink and glue-you sell him a whole new life."
-Christopher Morley
19"Our feelings are determined by the way we react to them."
20"Teaching is the profession that inspires all others."
-I think I read it on a magnet somewhere...?
21"She said that I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, where more educated and even more intelligent than college professors."
-"Mrs. Flowers"
22"The World is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair. Though in all lands love is mingled with grief, love grows perhaps the greater."
-The Hobbit
23"I would rather be ashes then dust. I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than to be stiled by dry rot. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall use my time."
-Jack London
24"Man's real life is happy, chiefly because he is ever expecting that it will soon be so."
-Edgar Allen Poe
25"The differences in this world are what divide us, and unite us."
-Friend of mine. We'll call him Sunshine.
26"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has-or ever will- something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression."
-Fred Rogers
27"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than be false, and incur my own abhorrence."
-Fredrick Douglass
28"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
29"...In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love- they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock."
-The Third Man
30"Acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of religion. Rejection without proof is the fundamental characteristic of western science."
-Dunno, but I told my science teacher this and she laughed. ^.^ (The one in high school, with the curly hair? The cool one? Yeah, her. She liked it. ^.^)
31"Sometimes the appropriate response to reality is to go insane."
-Philip K Dick
32"Art is something into which you place a portion of your soul. Art succeeds when another person can find and feel that piece of soul it carries within it."
-Th, when we were talking about art on Schmetter's blog. I can't find it... but I know it's there...
33"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book."
-Groucho Marx
34"The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive o the environment in which you first ind yourself."
-Mark Caine
*phew* Well, enjoy. ^.^;
I feel like I should have some big grand thoughts in this new year... And for the life of me I can't think of any... Mauve maybe... Aqua... Puce... But nothing awe inspiring...
As far as the new year, I think it will be a time of change. Don't know good, bad or ugly... but change. We're getting a new president and such. Our economy isn't looking too good. Stuff like that.
Also lots of change for me personally. I plan to move this year. Like out... Like out of the house... on my own... O.O That's a tiny bit of a change... ^.^;
So yeah... Big changiness...
Anyway... since I have no real thoughts I figure I'll pretend like I planned this and post some of my favorite quotes from the quote book I keep. I'll just pretend that I wanted to start off the new year with great words from great people. ^.^ You'll believe that, right?? Sure ya will. ^.^ 'Cause if it's on the Internet it must be true!! (plus I'll number them in case you wanna talk about them in the comments or something)
1"Each of us makes his own weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits."
-Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
2"Nothing happens unless first a dream."
-Carl Sandburg
3"Knowledge is Power. Power is corruptive. Study hard, be evil!"
-sign somewhere... dunno where, but I liked it. ^.^
4"There are some who never seem to believe themselves capable of anything; they see others press forward to attempt and achieve, and shrink back into a despoding inactivity. Having no faith in themselves, they undertake nothing and affect nothing. If they are convinced of some fault or bad habit, they have so little hope of being able to cure it that they scarcely make and effort. If some avenue of usefulness and honor opens before them, they drive back, almost sure they should not succeed, and decline to enter. If some duty presses urgently upon their conscience they try to quiet its promptings by pleading inability. Thus their lives pass away in uselessness, their faculties do not develop or their characters improve, their abilities are wasted, they dwindle into insignificance, and all this, not for lack of power, but or the want of a confidence and courage that would set that power into practical working order."
-dang... I wish I knew...
5"To live your life in your own way, to reach for the goals you have set or yourself, to be the you that you want to be- that is success."
-...?
6"We sow our thoughts, we reap our actions.
We sow our actions, we reap our habits.
We sow our habits, we reap our character.
We sow our character, we reap our destiny."
-I don't know... but I got it in young womens...
7"There is no one who does not carry scars on his heart. If there was someone in the world like that, he would be a shallow soul"
-Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho ^.^
8"Those who discourage your dreams, likely have abandoned their own."
-...
9"To truly convince someone, you must play their game by your rules."
-Me ^.^ (that's right, I have a thought now and again... ;P)
10"One who makes no mistakes, never makes anything."
-English proverb
11"I wonder who it was defined man as a rational animal. It was the most premature definition ever given."
-Oscar Whilde ^.^
12"Always love your enemies. Nothing annoys them so much."
13"Someday I must read this scholar Everyone... He seems to have written to much- all of it wrong."
Emperor Mage pg 25
14"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."
-Wilde
15"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible."
-T.E. Lawrence
16"You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It's their mistake, not my failing."
-Feynman
17"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel as if you've lost a friend."
-anon
18"When you sell a man a book, you don't sell him 12 oz of paper and ink and glue-you sell him a whole new life."
-Christopher Morley
19"Our feelings are determined by the way we react to them."
20"Teaching is the profession that inspires all others."
-I think I read it on a magnet somewhere...?
21"She said that I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, where more educated and even more intelligent than college professors."
-"Mrs. Flowers"
22"The World is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair. Though in all lands love is mingled with grief, love grows perhaps the greater."
-The Hobbit
23"I would rather be ashes then dust. I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than to be stiled by dry rot. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall use my time."
-Jack London
24"Man's real life is happy, chiefly because he is ever expecting that it will soon be so."
-Edgar Allen Poe
25"The differences in this world are what divide us, and unite us."
-Friend of mine. We'll call him Sunshine.
26"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has-or ever will- something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression."
-Fred Rogers
27"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than be false, and incur my own abhorrence."
-Fredrick Douglass
28"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
29"...In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love- they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock."
-The Third Man
30"Acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of religion. Rejection without proof is the fundamental characteristic of western science."
-Dunno, but I told my science teacher this and she laughed. ^.^ (The one in high school, with the curly hair? The cool one? Yeah, her. She liked it. ^.^)
31"Sometimes the appropriate response to reality is to go insane."
-Philip K Dick
32"Art is something into which you place a portion of your soul. Art succeeds when another person can find and feel that piece of soul it carries within it."
-Th, when we were talking about art on Schmetter's blog. I can't find it... but I know it's there...
33"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book."
-Groucho Marx
34"The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive o the environment in which you first ind yourself."
-Mark Caine
*phew* Well, enjoy. ^.^;
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Passion
I had an interesting conversation with one of my neighbors last week when I crashed at their house for an hour when I locked myself out of the house...
We got talking about what I want to do with my life, and what my passions are, what I'm passionate about. I said something like "I don't know if I'm passionate about anything but breathing. But I enjoy art, so I think art." Now she went into this whole thing of "You know when you're passionate! You're not 'cause you don't draw as much as *insert name here*!" yadda-yadda... And not to disregard what she said, but I don't really remember, and it got on my nerves and I don't feel like ranting... so...
That got me thinking. What does it mean to be passionate about something??
After I put a band-aid on my wounded ego, and talked to my mom a bit, I decided that I don't know if I am truly passionate about drawing. I like it, but I don't start twitching if I miss a day. I do love art. I love looking at it, and I love stories. Everything I love has some sort of story behind it. Characters, story lines, I love it all. But I still don't know if I'm passionate about it...?
Thoughts appreciated... I'll give you a cookie or something...
We got talking about what I want to do with my life, and what my passions are, what I'm passionate about. I said something like "I don't know if I'm passionate about anything but breathing. But I enjoy art, so I think art." Now she went into this whole thing of "You know when you're passionate! You're not 'cause you don't draw as much as *insert name here*!" yadda-yadda... And not to disregard what she said, but I don't really remember, and it got on my nerves and I don't feel like ranting... so...
That got me thinking. What does it mean to be passionate about something??
After I put a band-aid on my wounded ego, and talked to my mom a bit, I decided that I don't know if I am truly passionate about drawing. I like it, but I don't start twitching if I miss a day. I do love art. I love looking at it, and I love stories. Everything I love has some sort of story behind it. Characters, story lines, I love it all. But I still don't know if I'm passionate about it...?
Thoughts appreciated... I'll give you a cookie or something...
Monday, December 1, 2008
Be yourself
My mom commented that she read my blog, and that reminded me that I haven't posted lately...
Well, I've had some thoughts running around in my mind.
Well, I've had some thoughts running around in my mind.
I've been listening to Jason Mraz lately and one song, and one line inparticular always catches my attention.
"When you play the fool, you're only fooling everyone else..." (about 1:15)
And then it goes on about loving yourself.
I think that's an interesting line... When you play the fool, you'll fool everyone but yourself. So then you're stuck in this false persona. Everyone thinks you're one thing because that's the part you've played. But you know diferent. That's bad... It's like killing yourself in a way... You smother yourself.
"When you play the fool, you're only fooling everyone else..." (about 1:15)
And then it goes on about loving yourself.
I think that's an interesting line... When you play the fool, you'll fool everyone but yourself. So then you're stuck in this false persona. Everyone thinks you're one thing because that's the part you've played. But you know diferent. That's bad... It's like killing yourself in a way... You smother yourself.
Also this line... I found this pic on DA. ^.^ I've always liked it. The origional doesn't have the words, but they said that they were inspired by them, so I put them in.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
For Veteran's Day
Yesterday I went and heard a Vet talk about his time in WWII... Scary stuff...
And I just kept thinking about 911. So I figured I'd post this.
Good song.
Scary stuff, good song.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Comfort
My dad said something interesting today... I thought I'd share.
"We don't want to be too comfortable here. We don't want to feel like this is home. We want to feel just uncomfortable enough to not feel out of place, but know that we should move on."
Then my mom said, "It should be like a hotel, not like a permanent residence."
It's out of context, but oh well...
So, anyway, I was thinking that that's how Heavenly Father wants us to be here. That's one of the reasons he gives us trials. We can't be too comfortable here, because this is not our home. We need to progress, we need to "move on" and not be content with where we are in life.
"We don't want to be too comfortable here. We don't want to feel like this is home. We want to feel just uncomfortable enough to not feel out of place, but know that we should move on."
Then my mom said, "It should be like a hotel, not like a permanent residence."
It's out of context, but oh well...
So, anyway, I was thinking that that's how Heavenly Father wants us to be here. That's one of the reasons he gives us trials. We can't be too comfortable here, because this is not our home. We need to progress, we need to "move on" and not be content with where we are in life.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
lines
Hey all! I'm still kick'n!
Who... I'm not going to say, but I'm still kick'n. ^.^
Anyway, working in retail as I do, I work with a lot of people who are annoyed at the length of time they have to spend in the line... -_-;
You know them, you may have even been one at one time or another. (I haven't, 'cause I'm just perfect like that. ^.~) They yell at you as they come through the line, or if they're especially proficient, they do it while still in line. I forget who said it in General Conference... But they said something like this about angry drivers, "They act like you've insulted their mother, father, aunt, uncle, friends, dog, and all of your ancestors all the way back to Adam." I think that summarizes it pretty well. ^.^;
Anyway, rather then trade horror stories, I was thinking about the different reactions people have to different lines.
1. retail lines
2. grocery lines
3. theme park lines (ex: MM)
1- Well... I kinda already talked about these. You're willing to wait a little. But when it comes down to it, you're not going to wait more then about 15 minutes.
2- Groceries. Very similar as far as I've been able to compare. But I think people are a bit more willing to wait longer since, y'know... you kinda need food. Y'know... To live. To make it easier, I'll say 30 minutes, although it's probably more like 20.
3-Theme parks... For this, I'm gunna use Magic Mountain. ('cause I've been there recently-ish. And y'know... MM rocks!) ... (*ehem*) Now the average line there is about an hour, right? Longer? Maybe two if it's really popular? Probably three or four in the peak season.
So... We're willing to wait up to 8 times longer for a two minute thrill then we are for life-sustaining nourishment?...
I do it too. Don't get me wrong. But why???
I have no answer, but I just thought I'd throw that out there.
Who... I'm not going to say, but I'm still kick'n. ^.^
Anyway, working in retail as I do, I work with a lot of people who are annoyed at the length of time they have to spend in the line... -_-;
You know them, you may have even been one at one time or another. (I haven't, 'cause I'm just perfect like that. ^.~) They yell at you as they come through the line, or if they're especially proficient, they do it while still in line. I forget who said it in General Conference... But they said something like this about angry drivers, "They act like you've insulted their mother, father, aunt, uncle, friends, dog, and all of your ancestors all the way back to Adam." I think that summarizes it pretty well. ^.^;
Anyway, rather then trade horror stories, I was thinking about the different reactions people have to different lines.
1. retail lines
2. grocery lines
3. theme park lines (ex: MM)
1- Well... I kinda already talked about these. You're willing to wait a little. But when it comes down to it, you're not going to wait more then about 15 minutes.
2- Groceries. Very similar as far as I've been able to compare. But I think people are a bit more willing to wait longer since, y'know... you kinda need food. Y'know... To live. To make it easier, I'll say 30 minutes, although it's probably more like 20.
3-Theme parks... For this, I'm gunna use Magic Mountain. ('cause I've been there recently-ish. And y'know... MM rocks!) ... (*ehem*) Now the average line there is about an hour, right? Longer? Maybe two if it's really popular? Probably three or four in the peak season.
So... We're willing to wait up to 8 times longer for a two minute thrill then we are for life-sustaining nourishment?...
I do it too. Don't get me wrong. But why???
I have no answer, but I just thought I'd throw that out there.
edit:
Picture!! ^.^ A quicky pic, but it gets the point across.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Gemz vs Gems
I've had this thought in the back left corner of my head for a few days now... And the CES broadcast last night brought it to the top center where I actually look occasionally...
Well, it started when I was thinking about why Heavenly Father gives us such hard challenges. I mean, he knows us better then we know ourselves, so why does he give us a test that he knows we'll fail? It just didn't make sense...
And I had a thought (I suspect an inspired thought, but dunno). It's to show us our true nature. I equate it to a mineral, or a gemstone 'cause that sounds more poetic.
Each gemstone has it's own chemical properties. An emerald will melt at one temperature, a diamond will melt at another. One gem is magnetic but will crack under pressure. Another doesn't attract anything is rather ugly, but thrives under pressure and is very dependable.
It's the same with people. We have our own little chemical properties, when we crack, how magnetic we are, etc. And our trials help us realize and develop them. As I said, Heavenly Father knows us. He already knows that we'll crack when circumstance "A" happens, but that we'll grow from going through circumstance "qXzz". But we don't. We have no idea how strong we are.
Heavenly Father could've easily skipped this whole Earthly existence and just shuffled us into our respective spots. But that would have been unfair because he was judging us without proving us.
This world is a test. (original idea, I know...)
We go through these times to show our metal. The hard times differentiate the copper from the gold. If we break at temperature A, we're copper. If we don't break until temperature B, we're gold. (a poor example, because I think copper has the higher melting point, but you get the idea)
And as much as we don't wanna, it's good for us to go through the hard times.
I saw a commercial the other day for "Color Me Gemz" The basic idea is that you get these little clear plastic gems and you color them with these special markers. It claims they "Look like real gemstones" and that you can "Create your own sparkling gems and awesome accessories!" But they really don't... Way don't...
If we didn't go through life's difficulties, we'd all be a Color Me Gem. We'd look like a precious gemstone from the outside, but we wouldn't have the stuff, the properties and characteristics of a real gemstone.
So be a gem! Not a gemz.
Well, it started when I was thinking about why Heavenly Father gives us such hard challenges. I mean, he knows us better then we know ourselves, so why does he give us a test that he knows we'll fail? It just didn't make sense...
And I had a thought (I suspect an inspired thought, but dunno). It's to show us our true nature. I equate it to a mineral, or a gemstone 'cause that sounds more poetic.
Each gemstone has it's own chemical properties. An emerald will melt at one temperature, a diamond will melt at another. One gem is magnetic but will crack under pressure. Another doesn't attract anything is rather ugly, but thrives under pressure and is very dependable.
It's the same with people. We have our own little chemical properties, when we crack, how magnetic we are, etc. And our trials help us realize and develop them. As I said, Heavenly Father knows us. He already knows that we'll crack when circumstance "A" happens, but that we'll grow from going through circumstance "qXzz". But we don't. We have no idea how strong we are.
Heavenly Father could've easily skipped this whole Earthly existence and just shuffled us into our respective spots. But that would have been unfair because he was judging us without proving us.
This world is a test. (original idea, I know...)
We go through these times to show our metal. The hard times differentiate the copper from the gold. If we break at temperature A, we're copper. If we don't break until temperature B, we're gold. (a poor example, because I think copper has the higher melting point, but you get the idea)
And as much as we don't wanna, it's good for us to go through the hard times.
I saw a commercial the other day for "Color Me Gemz" The basic idea is that you get these little clear plastic gems and you color them with these special markers. It claims they "Look like real gemstones" and that you can "Create your own sparkling gems and awesome accessories!" But they really don't... Way don't...
If we didn't go through life's difficulties, we'd all be a Color Me Gem. We'd look like a precious gemstone from the outside, but we wouldn't have the stuff, the properties and characteristics of a real gemstone.
So be a gem! Not a gemz.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
out on a limb
I'm gunna go out on a limb and write something a little personal. >.< But I think it's poignant, sooooooo here goes.
I am perfect for someone.
I had a guy that I liked. He was perfect. Cute, smart, funny, the works... And recently I discovered that I am not right for him. Not my fault, not his. I still like him, but I am not what he needs. And on reflection, he's not quite what I need either.
But I am perfect for someone. I don't know who yet. But somewhere out there, there is someone who is perfect for me, and who I am perfect for. I find that very uplifting.
I am perfect for someone.
I had a guy that I liked. He was perfect. Cute, smart, funny, the works... And recently I discovered that I am not right for him. Not my fault, not his. I still like him, but I am not what he needs. And on reflection, he's not quite what I need either.
But I am perfect for someone. I don't know who yet. But somewhere out there, there is someone who is perfect for me, and who I am perfect for. I find that very uplifting.
-----
And on a side note, the job is going well. A whole lot to learn. O.o; But good. ^.^;
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Magic Student N Things
Hey ya'll! I'm not dead!!!
....well, anymore... I was for a while, but those mushrooms must've done something to me (other then giving me a third arm) and I was only dead for 7/22 of a solar muplex. So, not as long as last time.
Now, while I've been dead, some pretty darn cool stuff has been happening. First of all...
I HAVE A JOB!!!!
Yes... me... Fei-chan... Finally has a job. I had the interview Saturday, and they called me back Sunday. About had a heart attack when I heard the gal say "I would like to hire you..." O.o Really? REALLY??? HAZA!!!!
I think my family's ears are working again after the sound of my ecstatic scream of joy. ^.^; Linens N Things. A home furnishings department store. Not my typical haunt, but a job is a job. ^.^;
Secondly, we have a French exchange student for three weeks. ^.^ She got here Thursday (and since I don't want to abandon her to go type random ramblings on my computer, I haven't posted lately...). I like her a lot. ^.^ She's really fun. (plus we both like anime/manga ^.^ *evil smile*) We had an exchange student last year too, and I liked her... But I didn't click with her like I have with this one. So that's been a lot of fun.
We went to Magic Mountain yesterday. ^.^ All the French students, then I tagged along. It was a lot of fun. We didn't end up going on many rides though... We got there a little late, we had a lot of people (10...ish) and decisions with ten people take a while... Plus the lines were kinda long. But we did get to go on some stuff, and everyone had fun. ^.^
Let's see... Tatsu, good, but not quite as good as I remember. Lunch. Viper, good but kinda head-bangy. X2... WOW... Two hour line... But SO worth it. Then was Goliath. Awesome! First step is a doosy though... O.o Then was Riddler. I liked it more then last time. ^.^
And then after that, we went home.
So... yeah. My life in a walnut shell...
Now, I said I have mixed feelings about the job...
*Warning!: Religious Content Ahead!*
... I said I would work on Sundays... I am way not happy with that... I always said I wouldn't... I always thought I would wait until I found a job that allowed me to not work Sundays... It is a commandment. I am willingly breaking a commandment. *sigh* ... The flesh is weak...
Although, I did say I won't work till after church. I insist on going to all three hours of church. I will not be moved in that!
... I am not happy with myself. But I am still taking the job. Why? Well, frankly, I'm tired... I've been looking for a job for months, I need money so I can go to school and stuff in a year. Plus, I'm bored out of my mind with third degree stir crazies. -_-;
... but I will have to work some Sundays... Now, the gal who I interviewed with said that people are free to switch hours with someone, as long as it's OK-ed with a supervisor. So, I'm hoping to switch whenever I have Sundays... But we'll see how it goes... ^.^;
....well, anymore... I was for a while, but those mushrooms must've done something to me (other then giving me a third arm) and I was only dead for 7/22 of a solar muplex. So, not as long as last time.
Now, while I've been dead, some pretty darn cool stuff has been happening. First of all...
I HAVE A JOB!!!!
Yes... me... Fei-chan... Finally has a job. I had the interview Saturday, and they called me back Sunday. About had a heart attack when I heard the gal say "I would like to hire you..." O.o Really? REALLY??? HAZA!!!!
I think my family's ears are working again after the sound of my ecstatic scream of joy. ^.^; Linens N Things. A home furnishings department store. Not my typical haunt, but a job is a job. ^.^;
Secondly, we have a French exchange student for three weeks. ^.^ She got here Thursday (and since I don't want to abandon her to go type random ramblings on my computer, I haven't posted lately...). I like her a lot. ^.^ She's really fun. (plus we both like anime/manga ^.^ *evil smile*) We had an exchange student last year too, and I liked her... But I didn't click with her like I have with this one. So that's been a lot of fun.
We went to Magic Mountain yesterday. ^.^ All the French students, then I tagged along. It was a lot of fun. We didn't end up going on many rides though... We got there a little late, we had a lot of people (10...ish) and decisions with ten people take a while... Plus the lines were kinda long. But we did get to go on some stuff, and everyone had fun. ^.^
Let's see... Tatsu, good, but not quite as good as I remember. Lunch. Viper, good but kinda head-bangy. X2... WOW... Two hour line... But SO worth it. Then was Goliath. Awesome! First step is a doosy though... O.o Then was Riddler. I liked it more then last time. ^.^
And then after that, we went home.
So... yeah. My life in a walnut shell...
Now, I said I have mixed feelings about the job...
*Warning!: Religious Content Ahead!*
... I said I would work on Sundays... I am way not happy with that... I always said I wouldn't... I always thought I would wait until I found a job that allowed me to not work Sundays... It is a commandment. I am willingly breaking a commandment. *sigh* ... The flesh is weak...
Although, I did say I won't work till after church. I insist on going to all three hours of church. I will not be moved in that!
... I am not happy with myself. But I am still taking the job. Why? Well, frankly, I'm tired... I've been looking for a job for months, I need money so I can go to school and stuff in a year. Plus, I'm bored out of my mind with third degree stir crazies. -_-;
... but I will have to work some Sundays... Now, the gal who I interviewed with said that people are free to switch hours with someone, as long as it's OK-ed with a supervisor. So, I'm hoping to switch whenever I have Sundays... But we'll see how it goes... ^.^;
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Equality
Huh... Reading other blogs and about other people's strifes of life... Interesting stuff...
We're all so darn human. We all have our struggles. And what really boggles me is that we have a lot of the same struggles. Person A felt pressure to grow up three years ago while person B was trying to figure out how to apply makeup. Well, tomorrow B will be forced into a situation where they need to be mature, and A has a date and doesn't know how to put blush on.
I'm amazed how often our trials and problems match someone else's. The timing may be different, I know it's been that way for me, but we all pretty much deal with the same things.
Stress, annoyance, discouragement, family, death, temptation... We all deal with it, it's just a matter of when.
Y'know... I think God knew what he was doing when he sent all us down here... Who'd a thunk it!
We're all so darn human. We all have our struggles. And what really boggles me is that we have a lot of the same struggles. Person A felt pressure to grow up three years ago while person B was trying to figure out how to apply makeup. Well, tomorrow B will be forced into a situation where they need to be mature, and A has a date and doesn't know how to put blush on.
I'm amazed how often our trials and problems match someone else's. The timing may be different, I know it's been that way for me, but we all pretty much deal with the same things.
Stress, annoyance, discouragement, family, death, temptation... We all deal with it, it's just a matter of when.
Y'know... I think God knew what he was doing when he sent all us down here... Who'd a thunk it!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance
I'd never heard of this before my dad told me about it. But I watched it and thought it was very...poignant.
It's especially interesting to me at the end where he says that "wouldn't it be sad if 'Under God' was taken out of the pledge" >.<
Saturday, June 7, 2008
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit
I ran across an interesting statement in my scripture reading last night...
"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
(I was reading it in 3 Nephi, but this statement is also in Matthew)
Now, I have heard the second part referred to a lot, or at least I've noticed it more then I have the first half. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. As I take it, a bad person... Well, let me say that a person with bad intentions, can not do something good. It won't do him any good. (bad tree, no good fruit) Ex: If you give someone a gift, but do it grudgingly, then it won't do you any good. It won't bring you closer to eternal salvation.
But the first part... "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,"... That really caught my attention yesterday.
I don't know that I've ever really thought about that... Now, I don't take it to mean that a good person (the tree) can never do anything wrong (bad fruit). I think of myself as a good person, and I know I've done my share of bad things...
The main thought that comes to my head about this is that with good intentions, even if they fail, you did your part. You did good.
I find that very uplifting. Even if you fail. Even if you had the best intentions and the thing you were trying to do failed horribly... it's ok.
Now, I should probably clarify my thoughts... Maybe intentions isn't the best word to use... If you... If you truly believe you are doing the right thing. Not for the press, not because that cute guy next door is doing it, not for Aunt Marge... But if you truly believe you are doing the right thing...
I'm reminded of a "Sabrina: The Teenage Witch" episode I saw... Sabrina was on a guilt trip on a bus, and one of the other travelers on the guilt trip (don't blame me, I don't write the jokes) was having this sort of problems. He was a financial advisor who gave out stocks advice. And lately the advice he had given people had pretty much left them bankrupt. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, he felt kinda bad. Sabrina pointed out to him that it wasn't his fault. The stocks are a risky business. But if he had given them the advice in the belief that it was the right thing, he had no reason to feel guilty.
That's what this reminds me of. If you are a good tree, if you are a good person, and you try your best, then you cannot bring forth bad fruit. You cannot do bad things.
A good tree cannot bring for evil fruit...
Cannot...
"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
(I was reading it in 3 Nephi, but this statement is also in Matthew)
Now, I have heard the second part referred to a lot, or at least I've noticed it more then I have the first half. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. As I take it, a bad person... Well, let me say that a person with bad intentions, can not do something good. It won't do him any good. (bad tree, no good fruit) Ex: If you give someone a gift, but do it grudgingly, then it won't do you any good. It won't bring you closer to eternal salvation.
But the first part... "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,"... That really caught my attention yesterday.
I don't know that I've ever really thought about that... Now, I don't take it to mean that a good person (the tree) can never do anything wrong (bad fruit). I think of myself as a good person, and I know I've done my share of bad things...
The main thought that comes to my head about this is that with good intentions, even if they fail, you did your part. You did good.
I find that very uplifting. Even if you fail. Even if you had the best intentions and the thing you were trying to do failed horribly... it's ok.
Now, I should probably clarify my thoughts... Maybe intentions isn't the best word to use... If you... If you truly believe you are doing the right thing. Not for the press, not because that cute guy next door is doing it, not for Aunt Marge... But if you truly believe you are doing the right thing...
I'm reminded of a "Sabrina: The Teenage Witch" episode I saw... Sabrina was on a guilt trip on a bus, and one of the other travelers on the guilt trip (don't blame me, I don't write the jokes) was having this sort of problems. He was a financial advisor who gave out stocks advice. And lately the advice he had given people had pretty much left them bankrupt. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, he felt kinda bad. Sabrina pointed out to him that it wasn't his fault. The stocks are a risky business. But if he had given them the advice in the belief that it was the right thing, he had no reason to feel guilty.
That's what this reminds me of. If you are a good tree, if you are a good person, and you try your best, then you cannot bring forth bad fruit. You cannot do bad things.
A good tree cannot bring for evil fruit...
Cannot...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
On adulthood
Well... since I just got wisdom teeth pulled and can't talk... I figured I'd post something that I've been thinking about lately.
What does it take to make an adult??
I'm at that funny little stage in my life where I'm still clinging onto childhood and all of its magic, yet circumstances and life in general are pulling me to become an adult... Rather scary... I don't deal well with change, and I certainly don't deal well with heading off into dark enigmas... *shudder* Not nice thoes enigma things...
Now, I've come to realize that it's not a sudden change... When you're in that pesky imbetween stage you have periods of childhood, and periods of adulthood. Never got that concept when I was younger... Just saw adults as these big powerful people who could do anything and knew just about anything.
Although maybe that's part of my problem?... I still kinda see adults as these amazing people, and I see little me who just barely learned to tie her shoes by herself and go "I'll never be there!! You can't make me!!! O.o" (well... ok, I learned to tie my shoes a month ago, but you get the idea. ^.~)
But even so, I'm not even sure what an adult is?... I mean, Ok, my parents... your parents... But when did they become adults??? I want a concreete timeframe dag-nabbit! >.< ... Like I said, I don't do well with enigmas... And adulthood is kinda a big one...
I don't think age has a very big part of it. A part yes, but not a terribly huge one. I know people who are 18 and 19, and going "OK! I'm an adult now! So you can't tell me what to do!!"
...
So I refuse to believe that age has that big of a part in it.
I do think it's the experiences that come with the age though... But again, which experiences... *sigh*
So yeah... those be my thoughts. ^.^; Comments?? Anyone??? Please????
What does it take to make an adult??
I'm at that funny little stage in my life where I'm still clinging onto childhood and all of its magic, yet circumstances and life in general are pulling me to become an adult... Rather scary... I don't deal well with change, and I certainly don't deal well with heading off into dark enigmas... *shudder* Not nice thoes enigma things...
Now, I've come to realize that it's not a sudden change... When you're in that pesky imbetween stage you have periods of childhood, and periods of adulthood. Never got that concept when I was younger... Just saw adults as these big powerful people who could do anything and knew just about anything.
Although maybe that's part of my problem?... I still kinda see adults as these amazing people, and I see little me who just barely learned to tie her shoes by herself and go "I'll never be there!! You can't make me!!! O.o" (well... ok, I learned to tie my shoes a month ago, but you get the idea. ^.~)
But even so, I'm not even sure what an adult is?... I mean, Ok, my parents... your parents... But when did they become adults??? I want a concreete timeframe dag-nabbit! >.< ... Like I said, I don't do well with enigmas... And adulthood is kinda a big one...
I don't think age has a very big part of it. A part yes, but not a terribly huge one. I know people who are 18 and 19, and going "OK! I'm an adult now! So you can't tell me what to do!!"
...
So I refuse to believe that age has that big of a part in it.
I do think it's the experiences that come with the age though... But again, which experiences... *sigh*
So yeah... those be my thoughts. ^.^; Comments?? Anyone??? Please????
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