I was eating greasy Chinese takeout yesterday with some friends while watching a Jackie Chan flick from the 80's. I commented on how unhealthy the food was and how I wouldn't touch the fried stuff with a ten-foot pole. Some healthy vs. unhealthy comments on the food were exchanged, and then a guy said the funniest thing I've heard in a while:
"I heard that if you eat every few hours it's better for you than eating just three meals a day." (Yes, that is true, I thought to myself). "So today I bought a pack of donuts and I've been eating them throughout the day to keep my metabolism up."
HAHA! This should be in a comic strip; maybe I will write one. Eating donuts all at once or every few hours is countering any good eating habits. Donuts are probably one of the worst (yet still delicious) foods for you, period. Just thought I'd clear up the confusion.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Vegas Vacation
I got back from a three-day trip to Vegas last night. Right now you are probably thinking "What can you do in Vegas if you don't gamble, go to clubs, drink, etc.?" But it was a really great time. I drove down with a couple friends and we just chilled. Lots of pool time, lots of shopping, lots of relaxing. To me, Vegas is so funny. It's a random development based upon card games and showgirls in the middle of the desert that people travel to from around the world. I met these tourists from Iran at the gas station, and Vegas was on their list of things to do along with seeing the Grand Canyon and San Francisco. The shopping is pretty top notch, but I wouldn't say that Vegas is a "must see" if I didn't live close by. The development is still going crazy down there. They are building these huge high-rises of condos on the strip that looks like something out of Bladerunner. Vegas is such a wake-up call. I forget how worldly (and obese) most people in our country are. I'm materialistic alright, but Vegas just seems to bring out the worst of it in people.
The funniest thing to me was the M&M's store. I really like M&M's, so I went just to see the wall of M&M's. But people were just going crazy in there buying shirts, mugs, stickers, magnets, etc. And I'm sure their houses really need more junk and knick-knacks. Only in Vegas would a store like that survive.
Sorry there are no pictures. I accidentally put my digital camera in the washing machine as mentioned in a previous post. Hopefully I will get a new one before the summer ends.
The funniest thing to me was the M&M's store. I really like M&M's, so I went just to see the wall of M&M's. But people were just going crazy in there buying shirts, mugs, stickers, magnets, etc. And I'm sure their houses really need more junk and knick-knacks. Only in Vegas would a store like that survive.
Sorry there are no pictures. I accidentally put my digital camera in the washing machine as mentioned in a previous post. Hopefully I will get a new one before the summer ends.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
I Forgot the Prophet's Milk
I must say I had a pretty good week. I hit some balls on the driving range in preparation for my first game of 9 holes next week, and I actually got a few into the air. I know some people who love golf so much they would choose it over skiing/snowboarding. If I had to choose between golf and skiing, I think I would choose skiing. Golf is chill, but skiing is thrilling. We'll see though; maybe a golf addiction is in my future.
The coolest part of the week hands-down was serving President Monson. He is such a stud. When I started pouring him sparkling apple juice, he gave me this look that said, "Don't you know I like to drink ice-cold 2% milk with my lunch?" I quickly ran (literally) to grab the milk and he said (out loud this time), "Thank you." Cool story, huh? Pres. Eyring and Pres. Uchtdorf were also at the function. The people at the Prophet's table were talking about David Archuleta and American Idol all through lunch, but Pres. Monson didn't really participate in the conversation. I think he was enjoying not having to speak for once. He was very quiet and it seemed like he was in a serious mood.
Some of the servers were very star-struck from all the General Authorities in their presence. I think it's awesome when I get to serve the big wigs of the Church, but really they are just men who received callings that needed to be filled. In my opinion every calling is important, and being an Apostle or a Prophet is fulfilling what was asked of them- they didn't campaign or audition for the job. There are many worthy priesthood holders in the Church that could serve in those positions. I don't mean to belittle the importance of the calling or seem like I have any disrespect for the GA's because I love and honor them. I just don't see them as celebrities.
Speaking of celebrities, David Archuleta came back to Utah yesterday, and it was complete pandemonium wherever he went. It's crazy that a couple months ago he left a normal Murray teenager, and now he comes back and has the Governor greet him and thousands of screaming girls following him around. I hope he wins American Idol because he is so talented and yet so humble. David C. is cocky and not unique (Daughtry has a much better voice and better presence) and Sayesha doesn't have a big enough voice to ever make it as a "diva" ballad singer like Whitney or Mariah, but hey anyone can be successful in pop music if you have the right producer.
The coolest part of the week hands-down was serving President Monson. He is such a stud. When I started pouring him sparkling apple juice, he gave me this look that said, "Don't you know I like to drink ice-cold 2% milk with my lunch?" I quickly ran (literally) to grab the milk and he said (out loud this time), "Thank you." Cool story, huh? Pres. Eyring and Pres. Uchtdorf were also at the function. The people at the Prophet's table were talking about David Archuleta and American Idol all through lunch, but Pres. Monson didn't really participate in the conversation. I think he was enjoying not having to speak for once. He was very quiet and it seemed like he was in a serious mood.
Some of the servers were very star-struck from all the General Authorities in their presence. I think it's awesome when I get to serve the big wigs of the Church, but really they are just men who received callings that needed to be filled. In my opinion every calling is important, and being an Apostle or a Prophet is fulfilling what was asked of them- they didn't campaign or audition for the job. There are many worthy priesthood holders in the Church that could serve in those positions. I don't mean to belittle the importance of the calling or seem like I have any disrespect for the GA's because I love and honor them. I just don't see them as celebrities.
Speaking of celebrities, David Archuleta came back to Utah yesterday, and it was complete pandemonium wherever he went. It's crazy that a couple months ago he left a normal Murray teenager, and now he comes back and has the Governor greet him and thousands of screaming girls following him around. I hope he wins American Idol because he is so talented and yet so humble. David C. is cocky and not unique (Daughtry has a much better voice and better presence) and Sayesha doesn't have a big enough voice to ever make it as a "diva" ballad singer like Whitney or Mariah, but hey anyone can be successful in pop music if you have the right producer.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Ensenada FUN Ride
My dad posted this as a comment, and I thought I'd repost it here for everyone:
"Along with all the other fun activities Amanda has immersed herself in this summer is a "fun ride" she'll be taking part in September 2008 called the "Rosarita-Ensenada Fun Ride". As the name suggests, it starts in a little sleepy fishing town south of Tiajuana, MEX called Rosarita and ends in the well-known cruise stop of Ensenada.
It was created by an American who wanted to do something to help the children of this region of Mexico enjoy biking. Approxiamately 8,000 riders take part in it twice a year--in April and September. Make sure and check out the website...http://www.rosaritoensenada.com/. It's for ANYONE who considers themselves in fairly good shape. You pay about $35 dollars and get an entry number and a great T-shirt.
Please talk to Amanda about it and see if any of you would like to join us for this BEAUTIFUL COASTAL/MOUNTAIN ride ending in Ensenada where Vespa rentals, Kayak rentals etc. can be had on the cheap. It lasts just ONE DAY and includes a bus ride back to Rosarita to pick up your vehicles."
My dad and I have always loved to bike together. This ride should be a great experience, and I need to start getting in shape now because 50 miles is no cake walk. Anyone who is interested should definitely come!!! The ride is September 27, and we'll probably spend a couple nights in Mex. before and after.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Striving to be Like Him
I love the March special issue of the Ensign which features a portrait of Christ on the cover. The issue is all about Jesus Christ, including testimonies from General Authorities and from members all over the world. The issue is great to order (for only $1.50) and share with friends and family and potential investigators.
"Becoming a Witness of Christ" is a great article by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Seventy. This one part really touched me while I was reading it this morning:
"The central message of the apostles and prophets in all ages is the need to repent to receive a remission of sins through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our own repentance bears testimony of Him and the power of His grace to pardon and cleanse us. We need not have achieved perfection for our witness to be valid so long as we are striving to conform our lives to the Savior's standard."
That last line is awesome! It is so easy for us to be hard on ourselves and get upset about every little mistake we make. It doesn't matter if we trip up once or twice or many times as long as we rely on the Atonement and make an effort to get back on track. The key word here is striving. Christ didn't say "I will only forgive you x number of times." He will always forgive you if you take the necessary steps to repentance. In Sunday School today we talked about experiencing a "mighty change of heart." I believe that even after this change of heart life is hard and temptations are ever-present. That's why it's the path that we are on that's important. We should always strive for perfection, but at the same time we have to realize that we will make mistakes and not get so caught up in the mistakes that we loose sight of the big picture.
To me, that's why it's important not to judge people. Everyone makes mistakes and has their own relationship with Heavenly Father. I try not to judge people for what they do or don't choose to do on Sunday or what movies they watch. The little decisions people make are their decisions and it is their journey, not mine. What really matters is if we are trying every day to be closer to the Savior's standard, and also realizing that is a day-by-day process that will continue throughout our lives. I say: check yourself often, see what you can remove from your life and what you're doing that's good, and keep on improving.
"Becoming a Witness of Christ" is a great article by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Seventy. This one part really touched me while I was reading it this morning:
"The central message of the apostles and prophets in all ages is the need to repent to receive a remission of sins through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our own repentance bears testimony of Him and the power of His grace to pardon and cleanse us. We need not have achieved perfection for our witness to be valid so long as we are striving to conform our lives to the Savior's standard."
That last line is awesome! It is so easy for us to be hard on ourselves and get upset about every little mistake we make. It doesn't matter if we trip up once or twice or many times as long as we rely on the Atonement and make an effort to get back on track. The key word here is striving. Christ didn't say "I will only forgive you x number of times." He will always forgive you if you take the necessary steps to repentance. In Sunday School today we talked about experiencing a "mighty change of heart." I believe that even after this change of heart life is hard and temptations are ever-present. That's why it's the path that we are on that's important. We should always strive for perfection, but at the same time we have to realize that we will make mistakes and not get so caught up in the mistakes that we loose sight of the big picture.
To me, that's why it's important not to judge people. Everyone makes mistakes and has their own relationship with Heavenly Father. I try not to judge people for what they do or don't choose to do on Sunday or what movies they watch. The little decisions people make are their decisions and it is their journey, not mine. What really matters is if we are trying every day to be closer to the Savior's standard, and also realizing that is a day-by-day process that will continue throughout our lives. I say: check yourself often, see what you can remove from your life and what you're doing that's good, and keep on improving.
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