This weekend had some ups and downs, but probably not enough downs.
On Friday evening, I decided to be nice and I bought dinner for Samuel and myself. Unfortunately, I also decided to be lazy and I picked up some burgers. I went to a place that I've been to before, but this time was different and I felt sick the rest of that even and had trouble sleeping that night.
Early Saturday morning, I had to take Samuel to the Bishop's storehouse to pick up his food order. I was sleepy, but not I've had worse, so I shrugged it off. Later that day, I made some chocolate cupcakes with chocolate-marshmallow frosting to take with me when I went to visit with the Larsens that night. Amanda had a training to go to early in the morning and I since Ian was her ride, I stayed the night so the kids wouldn't have to be woken up. However, even though I enjoyed my time seeing them again, I was still dealing with that lousy hamburger from the night before and I couldn't sleep. While I did finally fall asleep, my adorable niece and nephew woke me up much earlier than I was comfortable with. I visited a little bit longer while I ate breakfast and then I headed home.
I got home in time to meet my home teachers for a scheduled visit. During the visit, I was getting more and more tired. I just ignored it, but when I got up to show the two brothers out, I suddenly felt exhausted. I said a prayer asking if I should go to church or make arrangements and sleep and felt that I should do the latter. While Samuel was showering, I called and found him a ride and got a replacement teacher for my Sunday School class. It wasn't long after Samuel was out the front door that I was out cold. I awoke feeling much better.
I missed attending church and teaching my lesson, not because I visited with my family, but because I had an upset stomach from some bad food. In the future if I'm feeling lazy, I should probably just eat some ramen.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Friday, July 18, 2014
Do Americans Have the Right to Be Stupid?
Recently, celebrity doctor, Dr. Oz, has come under fire for faulty advice he's given out on his show. As a way to pay for his show, in addition to traditional commercials, he has endorsed homeopathic products with little or no scientific evidence of being effective. Some people have even put Dr. Oz's advice over that of their own physician. He is being sued for his false claims.
Here's the question that no one is asking: is he responsible for people blindly following his advice? This isn't really about him endorsing products (celebrities do that all the time), this is about Americans wanting to place the blame for their own stupidity on someone else.
So, going back to the title of this post, do Americans have the right to be stupid? I believe so. If I want be lazy and not work, I shouldn't be forced to - nor should I be cared for if I take that route in life. If I want to only eat junk food and avoid vegetables like the plague, the FDA shouldn't be there to put broccoli on my hamburger. I'm not suggesting that all regulations cease; it's nice to know that there can be no more than one rodent hair per 100 grams of chocolate produced in the US and I don't want that to go away. What I'm saying is that too often, we want to be protected from ourselves.
I for one do not see Dr. Oz as a villainous person that is taking advantage of his show to hock sugar pills to unsuspecting saps. I also don't see him as a victim who was duped into selling worthless crap. He's a guy that got caught up in being a celebrity. People say that as an actual doctor, he should know better. I say that we should know better than to treat an advertisement as medical advice.
I realize that I'm at an advantage when compared to the average American: I'm a member of a church that teaches it's members to look beyond the surface and gain a deep understanding of the truth for themselves and not to simply take someone else's word for it. With that kind of outlook, it's a lot harder to get swept up in lies and half-truths.
Here's the question that no one is asking: is he responsible for people blindly following his advice? This isn't really about him endorsing products (celebrities do that all the time), this is about Americans wanting to place the blame for their own stupidity on someone else.
So, going back to the title of this post, do Americans have the right to be stupid? I believe so. If I want be lazy and not work, I shouldn't be forced to - nor should I be cared for if I take that route in life. If I want to only eat junk food and avoid vegetables like the plague, the FDA shouldn't be there to put broccoli on my hamburger. I'm not suggesting that all regulations cease; it's nice to know that there can be no more than one rodent hair per 100 grams of chocolate produced in the US and I don't want that to go away. What I'm saying is that too often, we want to be protected from ourselves.
I for one do not see Dr. Oz as a villainous person that is taking advantage of his show to hock sugar pills to unsuspecting saps. I also don't see him as a victim who was duped into selling worthless crap. He's a guy that got caught up in being a celebrity. People say that as an actual doctor, he should know better. I say that we should know better than to treat an advertisement as medical advice.
I realize that I'm at an advantage when compared to the average American: I'm a member of a church that teaches it's members to look beyond the surface and gain a deep understanding of the truth for themselves and not to simply take someone else's word for it. With that kind of outlook, it's a lot harder to get swept up in lies and half-truths.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Laughable
The other night, I received a call from an OSU student who was calling to make sure that my contact information was up to date. After I confirmed my address and phone number, she asked if I had a few minutes to answer some survey questions directed to alumni. I obliged, though I'm not a member of the Alumni Association, so technically I'm simply an OSU graduate.
Most of the questions were about my experience at the University, including why I chose it over other schools (when I said that I was originally from California, I could tell that the student worker was impressed, as if geographical location can make someone cooler). I decided to be completely honest with the survey questions, saying that I felt that I received a good education but that OSU had several administrative policies that I disagreed with. My answers were noted and we moved on the point of the call: donations.
I was expecting something like this, though the administrators were being particularly bold by asking for $250. When she mentioned the amount, I excused myself, pulled the phone away and held it at arm's length, and laughed loud enough that my neighbors two floors below probably heard me. I apologized for the interruption and explained that as long as I still have student loans to pay, I have no intention of making donations to my Alma mater - I did manage to refrain from expressing my opinion that the money would probably just go to the football coach's salary.
I feel a little bad that I acted like such an acute jack-ass to the young woman who was simply doing her job and supporting her school. I have tried to root out those kinds of outbursts but I guess my cynical side comes out when my former over-priced college tries to bleed even more money out of me. Perhaps this was still a success when it comes to behaving nicely: I didn't express anger at the donation request, I literally laughed it off. Maybe by the next call I'll be more civilized and be able to get through the call without vigorously guffawing. Maybe.
Most of the questions were about my experience at the University, including why I chose it over other schools (when I said that I was originally from California, I could tell that the student worker was impressed, as if geographical location can make someone cooler). I decided to be completely honest with the survey questions, saying that I felt that I received a good education but that OSU had several administrative policies that I disagreed with. My answers were noted and we moved on the point of the call: donations.
I was expecting something like this, though the administrators were being particularly bold by asking for $250. When she mentioned the amount, I excused myself, pulled the phone away and held it at arm's length, and laughed loud enough that my neighbors two floors below probably heard me. I apologized for the interruption and explained that as long as I still have student loans to pay, I have no intention of making donations to my Alma mater - I did manage to refrain from expressing my opinion that the money would probably just go to the football coach's salary.
I feel a little bad that I acted like such an acute jack-ass to the young woman who was simply doing her job and supporting her school. I have tried to root out those kinds of outbursts but I guess my cynical side comes out when my former over-priced college tries to bleed even more money out of me. Perhaps this was still a success when it comes to behaving nicely: I didn't express anger at the donation request, I literally laughed it off. Maybe by the next call I'll be more civilized and be able to get through the call without vigorously guffawing. Maybe.
Monday, July 14, 2014
United in Friendship
Samuel mentioned to me recently that Mary, the sister from Nigeria, had had a birthday party for her daughter and no one from the ward showed up. As Samuel put it, she felt that "no one loves her." Seeing an opportunity to help amend some feelings, I invited her to a picnic sponsored by the Elder's Quorum. She was happy to accept the invitation.
While at the picnic, we hung out with a newly moved-in family, Mike and his wife Allison. While Mary did take some time to play with her daughter on the playground equipment, the four of us also played Bocce ball, though we were in a grassy field and not a sandpit. I also brought some fresh-baked cookies to share.
Afterwards, I asked Mary if she was happy she came. Her answer was an enthusiastic "yes." While I can't say that all of the damage of hurt feelings has been mended, it does appear that Mary is at least open to the idea of spending time with members of the ward.
This was "family-style picnic" and it was expected for everyone to attend with their families. As someone who is on his own, it would have easy to not attend. However, I made plans so that not only I would have some place to be if I went, but I also invited a single mother who is in a similar situation. It was an opportunity for me to work on making more connections and building friendships and I'm glad I took advantage of it.
While at the picnic, we hung out with a newly moved-in family, Mike and his wife Allison. While Mary did take some time to play with her daughter on the playground equipment, the four of us also played Bocce ball, though we were in a grassy field and not a sandpit. I also brought some fresh-baked cookies to share.
Afterwards, I asked Mary if she was happy she came. Her answer was an enthusiastic "yes." While I can't say that all of the damage of hurt feelings has been mended, it does appear that Mary is at least open to the idea of spending time with members of the ward.
This was "family-style picnic" and it was expected for everyone to attend with their families. As someone who is on his own, it would have easy to not attend. However, I made plans so that not only I would have some place to be if I went, but I also invited a single mother who is in a similar situation. It was an opportunity for me to work on making more connections and building friendships and I'm glad I took advantage of it.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Elephant in the Room
Today, July 11, 2014, Allison and I have been married for five years. We've been separated for roughly half that time.
It's awkward talking to people since the fact that I'm married and separated eventually comes up. I don't hide either that I'm married or that said marriage is estranged, but I rarely delve into anymore detail than that. It's difficult for me, playing things so close to the vest: I'm usually a pretty open guy, but somethings aren't appropriate to share with the public, so I usually end up saying something stupid and vague like "it's complicated," which offers no real information.
Every couple goes through tough times, but being separated for nearly half your marriage is downright torturous. I recently shared more details with a friend and he stared at me, nearly slack-jawed, and said, "I don't know how you manage. If I had to go through that, I'd be a wreck." It was a nice sentiment: I'm so accustomed to my situation, I sometimes forget what I'm really dealing with.
I don't write a lot about our separation, nor do I often talk about it. I know that my friends and family worry about me and probably want more updates on our situation than I give but sometimes staying silent is best for all us. I respect and appreciate the fact that everyone pretty much let's me be the one who decides when I share things and how much I say on the matter. Believe me, I'm more frustrated about than anyone, which is why I often need to focus on other matters in which I am in more control.
Today's a weird day, but, if I'm being honest, all days are at least a little weird.
It's awkward talking to people since the fact that I'm married and separated eventually comes up. I don't hide either that I'm married or that said marriage is estranged, but I rarely delve into anymore detail than that. It's difficult for me, playing things so close to the vest: I'm usually a pretty open guy, but somethings aren't appropriate to share with the public, so I usually end up saying something stupid and vague like "it's complicated," which offers no real information.
Every couple goes through tough times, but being separated for nearly half your marriage is downright torturous. I recently shared more details with a friend and he stared at me, nearly slack-jawed, and said, "I don't know how you manage. If I had to go through that, I'd be a wreck." It was a nice sentiment: I'm so accustomed to my situation, I sometimes forget what I'm really dealing with.
I don't write a lot about our separation, nor do I often talk about it. I know that my friends and family worry about me and probably want more updates on our situation than I give but sometimes staying silent is best for all us. I respect and appreciate the fact that everyone pretty much let's me be the one who decides when I share things and how much I say on the matter. Believe me, I'm more frustrated about than anyone, which is why I often need to focus on other matters in which I am in more control.
Today's a weird day, but, if I'm being honest, all days are at least a little weird.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Additional Assignment
I was asked to attend Ward Council this week, despite the fact that my calling is just as a Sunday School teacher. The reason? I have volunteered my services as a tech writer to anyone who needs help beefing up their resume, so I was there to assist the Ward Employment Specialist.
I have not worked on too many resumes for ward members. I've honestly helped with about three or four, but I'm now considered a required stop for all members seeking assistance from the ward. The Bishop told me that I am performing an important service for the Ward, not just because I'm helping people improve their lives, but because I'm also acting as a gatekeeper of sorts: if members can't at least email me their resume to look at, then they may not deserve financial assistance.
Anyway, I attended Ward Council to confirm if certain members had contacted me with their resume or not. Most had, though not all. It was kind of weird being invited as an expert in my field and not because I'm serving in a leadership position. I know that I've worked hard to obtain the skills that have but its still new to be recognized for it. It's kind of cool.
As the meeting ended and I left, I reaffirmed my commitment to helping out anyone that needed it. After all, it wasn't so long ago that I was in the same position.
I have not worked on too many resumes for ward members. I've honestly helped with about three or four, but I'm now considered a required stop for all members seeking assistance from the ward. The Bishop told me that I am performing an important service for the Ward, not just because I'm helping people improve their lives, but because I'm also acting as a gatekeeper of sorts: if members can't at least email me their resume to look at, then they may not deserve financial assistance.
Anyway, I attended Ward Council to confirm if certain members had contacted me with their resume or not. Most had, though not all. It was kind of weird being invited as an expert in my field and not because I'm serving in a leadership position. I know that I've worked hard to obtain the skills that have but its still new to be recognized for it. It's kind of cool.
As the meeting ended and I left, I reaffirmed my commitment to helping out anyone that needed it. After all, it wasn't so long ago that I was in the same position.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Independent Celebrations
To celebrate Independence Day on Friday, I went and hung out with the Larsens. It was very nice to spend time talking with Ian and playing with the kids. It's still cool to have the kids run up to me to give me a hug, excitedly shouting "Uncle Jordan!" whenever I visit. I doubt that will ever get old.
I also shared my granola that I made, which went over better with Ian than the kids, but that's fine; it has a bit of a roasted flavor, so it may be an acquired taste.
After dinner, we walked over to the park for the kids to play around on the equipment there. This happened:
And, yes, the kids thought my longish hair was funny and asked a couple of times why I had a mustache. Ian said I looked like a "hillbilly sage," though not a trustworthy one. Also, he alluded that bushiness of my facial hair was evidence of substantial levels of testosterone - which means, even if you don't like it, my facial hair exudes masculinity.
In the end, everyone was happy to spend time together and I can't think of a better way to celebrate the 4th of July.
I also shared my granola that I made, which went over better with Ian than the kids, but that's fine; it has a bit of a roasted flavor, so it may be an acquired taste.
After dinner, we walked over to the park for the kids to play around on the equipment there. This happened:
A happy crowd.
And, yes, the kids thought my longish hair was funny and asked a couple of times why I had a mustache. Ian said I looked like a "hillbilly sage," though not a trustworthy one. Also, he alluded that bushiness of my facial hair was evidence of substantial levels of testosterone - which means, even if you don't like it, my facial hair exudes masculinity.
In the end, everyone was happy to spend time together and I can't think of a better way to celebrate the 4th of July.
Friday, July 4, 2014
A Day of Independence
On Sunday, the Ward Choir sang our nation's anthem. While that's not particularly special, I realized during our performance that when we sing only the first verse, we're really doing ourselves and our great country a disservice. The first verse ends with trepidation, not knowing if the USA will survive the War of 1812. By the final verse, however, we proudly proclaim that no only are we strong but we have God on our side. It's really a beautiful song, inspiring feelings of patriotism, jingoism, and national pride.
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Clean Bill of Health
I went to my doctor yesterday as a follow-up to my last visit about my depression. He quickly assessed that I have improved to the point of not needing anti-depression medication. It felt quite good to have my positive suspicions confirmed.
I then explained how when I first moved to the area, it was to find work, so my priority was not on meeting people. Now that I'm finally secure with my employment again, I need to focus on making friends. He hardily agreed. He suggested that I look into either volunteering somewhere or signing up for an activity through the county's community program. He seemed to think that competition would be good for me for some reason - I didn't bother explaining that I'm not terribly competitive. The point is that he agreed that I need to be around people on a regular basis in a setting where I can talk to them and get to know them. Signing up for an activity would give me an obligation to stick to; I just need to figure out what I should do.
I am happy to have my positive feelings confirmed by my doctor. Now to find something to sign up for!
I then explained how when I first moved to the area, it was to find work, so my priority was not on meeting people. Now that I'm finally secure with my employment again, I need to focus on making friends. He hardily agreed. He suggested that I look into either volunteering somewhere or signing up for an activity through the county's community program. He seemed to think that competition would be good for me for some reason - I didn't bother explaining that I'm not terribly competitive. The point is that he agreed that I need to be around people on a regular basis in a setting where I can talk to them and get to know them. Signing up for an activity would give me an obligation to stick to; I just need to figure out what I should do.
I am happy to have my positive feelings confirmed by my doctor. Now to find something to sign up for!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Aches and Pains
I'm a bit sore from my activities this weekend. The activities involved baseball, church, and granola.
On Friday, my office went to watch a professional baseball game during office hours. We watched the local team, the Baltimore Orioles, get spanked by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. It was fun to hang out with my coworkers in a more relaxed setting and get to enjoy some of the local scene. While at the game, I realized that while I'll probably never follow sports, if I did, I'd follow baseball. The biggest reason is that I knew what was going on the whole time (unlike American Football). In fact, I even explained the game to the five-year-old son of one of my coworkers without needing any help from anyone. I have my Grandma Bonnie to thank for that! Anyway, despite putting on sunscreen, I got sunburned on my arms and right knee (I didn't apply it as well as I thought, apparently).
After the game, I picked up Samuel and we went to help a family in the ward move. We arrived just in time to help carry their piano down the front steps and up the ramp of the moving truck. It's a good thing that we arrived when we did since they only had the help of one other brother from the ward and two neighbors. Six men moving a piano is not very easy but not only did we get it in the truck, we even unloaded it once we got across town. However, even though I exercise regularly, I am still a bit sore from the move, though not in pain.
On Saturday I made granola. I was inspired to do so when I made some oatmeal raisin cookie bars that completely crumbled to pieces when I tried to take them out of the pan. Since granola is mostly oatmeal, I figured it would work out pretty well. I added slivered almonds, chopped pecans, dried mixed berries (cherries, blueberries, and cranberries), and more oatmeal to the bowl of crumbs and mixed everything together. For the binder, I heated up a mixture of honey and canola oil and mixed it into the dry ingredients. Finally, I spread everything out on to two cookie sheets and baked them for an hour and a half at 250, mixing every fifteen minutes. Once it was all nice and brown, I let everything cool down before I transferred it all to a plastic, air-tight container. However, in the process of moving the granola (which is quite tasty, by the way), a hardened grain of oatmeal was shoved under my thumbnail and pushed in. Who knew that cereal could be so painful?!
All in all, it was a fine weekend: one filled with new experiences and service. I should be recovered by Wednesday or so.
On Friday, my office went to watch a professional baseball game during office hours. We watched the local team, the Baltimore Orioles, get spanked by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. It was fun to hang out with my coworkers in a more relaxed setting and get to enjoy some of the local scene. While at the game, I realized that while I'll probably never follow sports, if I did, I'd follow baseball. The biggest reason is that I knew what was going on the whole time (unlike American Football). In fact, I even explained the game to the five-year-old son of one of my coworkers without needing any help from anyone. I have my Grandma Bonnie to thank for that! Anyway, despite putting on sunscreen, I got sunburned on my arms and right knee (I didn't apply it as well as I thought, apparently).
After the game, I picked up Samuel and we went to help a family in the ward move. We arrived just in time to help carry their piano down the front steps and up the ramp of the moving truck. It's a good thing that we arrived when we did since they only had the help of one other brother from the ward and two neighbors. Six men moving a piano is not very easy but not only did we get it in the truck, we even unloaded it once we got across town. However, even though I exercise regularly, I am still a bit sore from the move, though not in pain.
On Saturday I made granola. I was inspired to do so when I made some oatmeal raisin cookie bars that completely crumbled to pieces when I tried to take them out of the pan. Since granola is mostly oatmeal, I figured it would work out pretty well. I added slivered almonds, chopped pecans, dried mixed berries (cherries, blueberries, and cranberries), and more oatmeal to the bowl of crumbs and mixed everything together. For the binder, I heated up a mixture of honey and canola oil and mixed it into the dry ingredients. Finally, I spread everything out on to two cookie sheets and baked them for an hour and a half at 250, mixing every fifteen minutes. Once it was all nice and brown, I let everything cool down before I transferred it all to a plastic, air-tight container. However, in the process of moving the granola (which is quite tasty, by the way), a hardened grain of oatmeal was shoved under my thumbnail and pushed in. Who knew that cereal could be so painful?!
All in all, it was a fine weekend: one filled with new experiences and service. I should be recovered by Wednesday or so.
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