Graduation Party!!

Dreams do Come True!!

It's amazing to think that this day has come! After 2 years and 4 months I have finally (unofficially - because I haven't received my diplomas) graduated!!! The above picture is from graduation ceremonies for the College of Social Work in May 200. They were kind enough to let me "walk" with my cohort, even though I still had two more semesters. That was my first fake graduation.

I took my last final on Monday, December 8. I also turned in my final two papers that day so when I finished my final at 7:30pm, I walked off campus with no further academic responsibilities. That, was a good feeling. So I called Shiree to tell her that I was done and she told me that she and Alex were waiting for me to come home and have dinner. (Amidst the stress of finishing papers and studying for finals I forgot to eat) I was a little surprised to hear that they were waiting for me. But when I got home, I was even more surprised!!!

That's right!! Shiree bought me some A&W Root Beer!! For those of you that have read my profile, you'll understand how much root beer means to me. That could have capped off the perfect night! Thanks Honey!!

BUT...

That wasn't all. Shiree had gotten me some graduation gifts.

As you can tell, that's a blanket that Shiree made (and I didn't even know about it). One side has Weber State stuff (ie old WSU shirts and purple and white fleece) and the other side is University of Utah Fleece. It looks really cool!! If you look in the bottom right corner you'll see a license plate cover that says: "Alumni - University of Utah." That's right, I am a Utah Alum!!! Thanks Honey!!

Now I thought that was it, BUT....

For those of you who have better eyesight than me, you are looking at Ben & Jerry's "Americone Dream" Ice Cream (and yes, that is Stephen Colbert on the container). I would have been happy to just see an ice cream container with Stephen Colbert on it, but the ice cream is actually good. I think it may have surpassed even Cookies 'n Cream on my all-time favorite list (and that is saying something). For those of you that have not tried it, you should, and for those who have, well, you know what I'm talking about.

Overall, it was a great graduation party!! I am happy to be done. But I think Shiree is even happier than I am about it. She gets to have a husband again. It's been a good 2 1/2 years of graduate school and I have enjoyed it. All the ups and downs, the learning experiences and the challenges. But I'm glad to be moving on. Look out real world, here I come!!

And of course, Alex wants to be just like Daddy!!

37 Odd Things About Me

So Shiree sent me this email and I am violently opposed to sending out emails like this to people. So I figured I'd put it on my blog. Yeah for Blogs!!

Here you go!

1. Do you like blue cheese dressing? depends on what I am eating it with. On a salad, never. With other entrees, yes.
2. Have you ever smoked? not cigarettes no. But I have burned my eyebrows, my hair, and my nose hairs (that is a funny story)...so yes I have "smoked" before.
3. Do you own a gun? nope.
4. What flavor Kool-Aid was your favorite? anything red (Cherry, Strawberry, Fruit Punch, etc)
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Only if they call me to schedule the appointment out of the blue.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They're not very talkative, but they're fun to eat.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? All of them. My top three could be (in no particular order) "Grinch who Stole Christmas" - animated; "It's a Wonderful Life;" and Original Christmas movies (not the remakes) -- I guess I just don't like the remake of "Miracle on 34th Street."
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? milk
9. Can you do pushups? Yes.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring/band (I don't wear rings because I'm a guy)
11. Favorite hobby? blogging?? J/K playing sports, watching sports,
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No...it's really more of an anxiety disorder due to school
13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? Yes.
14. Middle name? Jon
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I can't believe my teacher hasn't noticed that I stopped paying attention in class, How am I going to finish my homework by Monday?, My leg hurts.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? water, milk, apple juice
17. Current worry: getting homework done on time to graduate
18. Current hate right now? The Social Work Clinical exam people
19. Favorite place to be? at home with my family
20. Do you like Beef Jerky? Gol durn, 'course I do.
21. Where would you like to go? Scotland
22. Name three people who will complete this: That's not fair because only 2 people actually read my blog.
23. Do you own slippers? No.
24. What shirt are you wearing? A green button-up shirt that I borrowed my Dad and still haven't returned.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't think so.
26. Can you whistle? Yes, but it will give me away and my teacher will make me pay attention in class.
27. Favorite color? Purple and Red (Go Wildcats!! Go Utes!!)
28. Would you be a pirate? Only if someone else found the buried treasure for me.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? You wouldn't recognize them because I just make them up.
30. Favorite girl's Name? Shiree, Callie, Ellie (picking up a pattern...)
31. Favorite boy's name? Boy
32. What's in your pocket right now? My keys, my wallet, a pencil, a little pocket notebook
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Remembering that time I burned my nose hairs.
34. What vehicle do you drive? Chevy Prizm
35. Worst injury you've ever had? It's a tie between broken hand in junior high and knee injury in high school. Both related to football. Hmmm....
36. Do you love where you live? Yes--except for the small space, but I can't wait to get a new place and start loving that one.
37. How many TVs do you have in your home? 1

Tribute to an Apostle

A great man has graduated from this life and entered the eternal realm. I don't know why the passing of Elder Joseph Bitner Wirthlin has affected me more than the passing of President Hinckley or President Faust. I guess that I have come to love Elder Wirthlin even more recently. I always had a hard time paying attention when Elder Wirthlin spoke in General Conference because he was never as eloquent as Elder Neal Maxwell or a great story teller like President Monson or as charismatic as Elder Jeffrey Holland. But every time I would read his talks in the Ensign when it came out after Conference, I was blown away at how powerful they were. Though, in my opinion, he was not a great public speaker, his talks always made me think and ponder about my own testimony. One of the first talks I remember by him was one about testimony where he stated that a testimony is "knowledge buttressed by divine personal confirmation by the Holy Ghost." Of course, everyone will remember forever his final General Conference address, "Come What May, and Love It." I think it important to remember that he lived what he taught and he provided an example for us to follow.

Thank you Elder Wirthlin for living a Christlike Life that I can emulate!!

Winter Movie Letdown

This Stinks!!

I have been waiting since May 2007 for the release of Harry Potter 6: The Half-Blood Prince. I have become quite the Harry Potter fan (just ask Shiree). So when I realized that the release date for the 6th movie was going to be right around the time that I finish graduate school, my excitement could not be contained. (Our neighbors actually called the cops because it was so loud... J/K -- We love the Loudons!!) Anyway, November 21st was to be the celebration that there was only 3 more weeks of school. I have been anticipating it for months.

Then...

I find out that the release date has been moved to JULY 2009. That's 8 more months!!! How can they do this to me?!?!?!?! I don't think that I can wait that much longer (in reality I can, I just want to gain more sympathy by whining).

Then...

To pour salt on the wound, they announce that Twilight will be taking the place of HP6 on November 21st. (Apologies to all you Twilight fans out there) Twilight???? in place of Harry Potter???? What is this world coming to?!?!?!?!

I guess that it's a good thing that HP6 will be released later than planned. That gives less time between HP6 and HP7-part I (which is scheduled for release in November 2010). So I can see the silver lining in all of this. It just ruins my Harry Potter Graduation Party.

Anyway, I guess that I can look forward to a great summer movie schedule with HP6 in July 2009 and G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra in August 2009. (That's right, GI Joe is coming back to the big screen and thankfully, they didn't put Shia LeBeuof in it)

All-Star Cabinet

I was intrigued by this phrase that I have been hearing on news shows. So here's my question: Does making an "All-Star Cabinet" make Obama more of a celebrity or a pragmatist? Is he doing this to heal the partisan wounds of this country, or is he trying to appease everyone and make himself out to be "The One"?

If I could choose Obama's Cabinet, here it is. (The first 3 and the last one, I'm serious about. The rest, not so serious)


Defense: General David Patraeus

He is very practical and at the beginning of his tenure as Chief Commander in Iraq appeared to not play the politics game. He sided with both proponents of the Bush Administration and its critics. Besides, he is one of the only people involved in the Iraq War with a positive approval rating.

State: President and Senator Clinton

What a better tag team than the Clintons. They both know how to play the international political game. Plus they have great relationships with most of the other world leaders. Now, you're probably thinking, "You can't have two secretaries of State," and you're right. But if you pick one Clinton, you get the other.

Treasury: Governor Mitt Romney

Mitt is a money man and knows how to spend and save a buck. I think we need some serious private sector principles of economy and thrift to help turn around this country's economy. Besides you need someone who is thoroughly convinced of the effectiveness of free-market economics otherwise we lose out in the international arena.

(This is where it started to be fun!)

Agriculture: Old McDonald

Sure, he's Old, but farmers are tough, even when they're old. Who better to lead our agriculture production than Old McDonald? Besides, who isn't going to trust produce grown with the help of Old McDonald.

Justice (Attorney General): Judge Judy

Just look at her. She serves Justice! What more can be said.

Labor: Wal-Mart

When I think of fair labor standards, equal wages, and happy working environments, I think of Wal-Mart. They can cut costs like no one else and then raise them so subtley that you don't even notice. Wouldn't the same principle apply when advocating for worker's wages??

Energy: T. Boone Pickens

What? You've never heard of T. Boone?? You've got to choose T. Boone just for his name. It won't be hard to think of a nickname for T. Boone because his name is already cool. Besides, who wouldn't want a retired-billionare-oil-executive-turned-environmentalist as The Guy in charge of our nation's energy needs and our energy future. I mean the guy changes energy schemes when it becomes popular? Who wouldn't want that??

Transportation: Ricky Bobby

Ok. So Ricky Bobby isn't a real person. But what a way to lock in the Southern vote by putting a NASCAR driver in the Presidential Cabinet. You'd win re-election for sure!

Homeland Security: Chuck Norris

C'mon, who wouldn't want Chuck Norris for their Secretary of Homeland Security. Chuck Norris will secure our homeland.

Veteran's Affairs: G.I. Joe

We need a "Real American Hero" to help take care of our Veterans. Who better than the Original "Real American Hero."

Education, Interior, & Commerce - Couldn't think of anyone. Sorry. Unless we have Chuck Norris be in charge of each of those departments as well. Chuck Norris can do it!!

Housing & Urban Development: Joe the Plumber

If this guy can fix a leaky toilet, he can fix anything? Who better to run HUD, than a plumber?

And Finally...

Health & Human Services: Little John (aka Me)

Yes, that is my Halloween costume. Don't I look good? If there were one job that I could pick as an aboslute dream job (that will probably never come true) it would be the Secretary of Health & Human Services. It would be such a great job!! Just think, to be in charge of Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, & Healthcare in America. What a job!! Besides, who wouldn't want to be in the same Presidential Cabinet as Chuck Norris!!

What's your favorite scripture?

In Institute today, we had a substitute teacher and his lesson plan was to go through our "favorite" scriptures in the scripture block, which today was Hebrews. So I dutifully opened my scriptures and figured I would just share one of the first that I found that had been marked. Not being very familiar with Hebrews (having only read it once or twice before), I didn't know what I was going to expect. But I did find one passage that really stood out to me and so I shared it.

Hebrews 2:9-18 (while the entire passage is good, I focused on the first and last verse)

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

We can see that Christ, who is a God and "higher" than the angels, suffered himself to be "lower[ed]" so that he could "[suffer] ... death ... for every man [and woman]." Being a God, Christ did not have to suffer any of the mortal perils that we face. He was already "crowned with glory and honour;" but, He allowed Himself to condescend (Latin root meaning to descend with) to the state of mortality and "[suffer] ... death" and all the other things he suffered (see Alma 7:11-12) for us. He did not do any of this for personal satisaction or glory (He already had it). The reason for His ultimate unselfishness is found in v. 18

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Thus, the reason Christ suffered as He did was so that He could "[succor]" all of us who are tempted. Alma says the same thing (Alma 7:12). My favorite definition of succor is one given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Ensign, Oct. 1997, p.66) where he said that to succor means "to run to." As Christ succors us, He is running to us. Are we running back? or do we turn our backs on Him and try to make it on our own? To often, I find myself trying to do the latter. Relying upon the arm of the flesh sure didn't work out for the Lamanites who tried to kill Ammon (Alma 17:36-38), and yet, still I think that if I just think about it long enough and approach the situation rationally, I can figure it out.

Yes, God has blessed us with intelligence, gifts, and abilities to "work out [our] own salvation" (Phillipians 2:12). But we forget too often (at least I do) the last part of the scripture: "with fear and trembling." God does not want us to approach decisions with an unrealistic fear and despair for the future. The "fear and trembling" that this verse describes is one of spiritual fear that Job had for God (Job 1:1), meaning reverence and obedience. The trembling denotes a spirit of repentance and humility at God's awesome power (1 Samuel 14:15; Mosiah 15:26-27; Alma 12:1,7). If I am able to use the gifts that God has given me in "fear and trembling" as described here, then I am not alone--I am trusting in God, reverencing His power, seeking His forgiveness, and acknowledging my nothingness before Him (see Mosiah 4:11-12). That, is "fear and trembling."

So this kind of turned into more than just what I shared in my Institute class today. It has helped me realize better my relationship with God. If that is all it accomplishes, then I am happy. If I have somehow influenced someone else in their relationship with Deity, all the better (see D&C 18:15-16).

Post-Election Blues

Now that the election is over, I am sure you are all wondering what in the world I will have to blog about regarding politics. Well, let me reassure you that politics is a year round game. And for those of you suffering from post-election blues, let me remind you that the GOP elites have already begun forming their platforms for the next presidential election in 2012-- whether it be Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, or somebody else (hopefully not Ron Paul), we will get a good dose of "What is the GOP up to" during the next 2 years, and then... it's off to the races for another round of "Who wants to be President?" For those of you Democrats out there who are thinking that you won't have to worry about choosing a candiate for a while, you're probably right. But just remember... Hillary 2016!

For the rest of us who aren't as concerned about the next Presidential election as we are about the current transition of Obama's Administration, let's take a moment (because that's all we have) to remember everything that Obama has promised. Unfortunately, it is going to take a lot longer than just one moment to remember this laundry list of items. (Perhaps a series of moments over the next month) The good news, with a democratic congress and a democratic administration, I don't see how Obama could not accomplish most of his aspirations within the first term (I mean look at everything W. Bush was able to do for 6 years with a Republican congress). Let's just remember that politics is a game that is played very well by anyone aspiring to the Presidency. There is no way that anyone, regardless of how charismatic or motivating he/she is, that can attain the office of the President of the United States without knowing how to play the political game very well. Our HOPE is that Obama can remember the HOPE that he promised.

On another note, I would just like to give a shout out to the entire 52% of Californians who voted to adopt a State Constitutional Amendment to keep marriage legally defined as between a man and a woman. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Traditional marriage is safe (for now) and our outlook is bright. It will be a sad day when the voice of this people desires to abolish traditional marriage in our land (see Mosiah 29:27). What a great ploy of the Adversary, to seek to abolish families by weeding out procreation. He's smart; BUT thanks to 52% of Californians (and everyone outside of CA who helped out), God will always be stronger than the devil.

Now that the election is over, maybe you can look forward to seeing more pictures of my family on this blog. (I know that's a shocker)

You Decide -- 4 Days Until Presidential Judgment Day

Let's see if I can catch up with the political pundits in one post. (This could be a long one)

The debates are over and it is left to the voters to decide the fate of the next 4 years. I felt that the debates were entertaining, if you had already decided for whom you would vote. However, for the undecided it was lest instructive. I watched the debates on CNN and was intrigued by the real-time response at the bottom of the screen by some "Undecided Ohio Voters." According to that, either McCain truly did extremely bad in the second and third debates or the pool of "undecided" were leaning Obama. You decide.

McCain sure is a great campaigner-- just not for himself. When Palin first came on board, he touted her ability to lead and her expterise in executive government. Now, some say that she will run for office in 2012 (if McCain doesn't win--if he does, then she'll for sure run in 2016). Then we have "Joe the Plumber." If John McCain bolstered you into the national spotlight and made it possible for you to get national media attention for more than 2 weeks, then was able to ensure a book deal out of it, not to mention the talks of country album (can you imagine "Joe the Plumber" with a record deal??). If this all happened for me, I would for sure vote for John McCain. Nevertheless, it doesn't seem like a very good campaign strategy because you don't really know what "Joe the Plumber" is like. I don't care who you are, but when you make racist comments about a nation like Israel and then imply that if Obama is elected he's going to let them all die, that is innapropriate. You decide what that says about John McCain's judge of character in other people.

Whether or not Obama is a celebrity is pretty much a moot point because he is spending money like a celebrity. I am a realist and understand what role money plays in this country (if you don't, just look at the reasons for this economic crisis--money, greed, and power); but to spend more than $5million on 30 minutes of airtime seems a little too much for me. Not to mention how much money he is acquiring through his campaign contributions (I think we could make a significant dent in the national debt if he used that money to help pay it off). You decide what that says about Obama's ability to balance the budget and cut spending.

Here's what I like about...
McCain: His national security experience and record of consistently voting for what he thinks is right. In that sense, he is a maverick. I like his choice of Sarah Palin for showing that he has the ability to be open about appointments and choosing someone that has executive experience. I like that he is human, he get's mad just like everybody else when he doesn't get what he wants. I really like his conservative approach to appointing judges to the Supreme Court. In the next administration, we could have 2-4 judges retire and that is a significant sway in the balance of the court. I like Chief Justice Roberts and that he tries to seek consensus (at least during the presidential campaign season) but consensus doesn't matter when you have a huge majority. I like his healthcare plan in that it allows for more portability.

Obama: Regardless of what anybody says, he is a motivator. He has helped so many young people become active in the politcal process again. That is remarkable. I like that he is smart and has experience working with the low and middle income workers to help make their lives better and increase their wages and benefits. I like that he is a Christian and has strong family preferences. I really like his ability to bring everybody to the proverbial table and get things accomplished. He can see the expertise and good qualities in other people and he surrounds himself with those good people to help him. I like his healthcare plan in that it allows for children to be insured and gives the opportunity to everybody that wants it.

Here's what I don't like about...
McCain: He doesn't have a good grasp of the economy (and he said this himself). This is further evidenced by the fact that his campaign almost went bankrupt in Summer 2007. He was not making good financial choices. I felt like he wanted to win this campaign more than choose a more qualified VP. Palin is good but she isn't the best choice, especially given the economic situation. I don't like his maverick attitude that he thinks he knows what is best regardless of other's opinions. I don't like that he seems to have tunnel vision when it comes to the issues. I don't know how much focus he is going to put on healthcare, education, social rights, immigration, and environmental issues with his extreme focus on national security.

Obama: I don't know enough about him to be able to say that udnerstand his character. He seems genuine, but he is also so eloguent that I haven't had enough exposure to him to be able to break through the charismatic facade (if indeed there is one.) I remember that Bill Clinton was the same charismatic campaigner and even though he did good things for this country, his character was most disappointing. I don't like his philosophy of appointing judges. I am pretty conservative when it comes to Constitution and the Law (more letter of the law) and I do not approve of judges being chosen to influence decisions, rather than the best qualified candidate based on their judicial interpretation of the law. Judges should not make laws, that is what the legislature is for. I don't like Obama's lack of experience in the international scene. Biden has plenty of it, but unless Obama gives Biden the same latitude that Bush gave Cheney, Obama will be the one making the decisions on international politics.

In the end, on Tuesday, the choice lies with the average American. You have the power to decide which direction this country goes. The good news, it's not going to pot with either choice. We have two really good candidates that love their country and would make good choices about governance. The difference is how those decisions are made and what they are. I would ask that you take the time this weekend to study the issues as deeply as you want, and make a decision based on your personal philosophies about government and competence and cast your vote for the person you think will be the best choice. You Decide the fate of the next four years. You Decide the direction that this country is heading. You Decide what kind of country will be here when you retire and your children grow up. You Decide the next election. So get out and vote and make sure that you bring your family and friends with you. Voting is Power!

You Decide!

An Unexcused Absence from Blogging

I am sure that you are all shocked that I have made a new post (make sure you have the AED closeby). My last post was more than 3 weeks ago. (How embarassing) I feel that I need to explain myself. Here are a few reasons (whether they are weak or justified, I'll leave that to you)
1) There has been so much back-and-forth between the campaigns it would require 24 hour a day blogging just to keep up with it all (and I don't have that time)
2) At my internship, we recently had the accreditation surveyors come to accredit our Homeless Program. Since I have been in charge of this accreditation process, I have been very busy the past couple of weeks. But now they are gone and we passed with flying colors.
3) I've been lazy and haven't made blogging a priority.

I guess that's about it. Judge me if you must. But I can say that I am back for the final stretch before November 4th.

Is it just me, or...

I often wondered about the generational differences between me and my father and my grandfather. Not necessarily personal differences, but the differences of a generation. My grandfather worked at the same job for his entire career. I'm sure that's true of most of your grandparents. He worked for Hill Air Force Base as an electrical engineer. My father is currently on his second career, but both of those are in the same field. He worked construction since he returned from his mission until I was about 9 or 10. I grew up on a construction site (it was dangerously fun). Now he works for the LDS Church as a project manager where he oversees the construction, demolition, and remodeling of church facilities (mainly meetinghouses and CES buildings). I'm pretty sure that he'll work in this job as long as they'll let him before he's forced to retire.

As for me, my resume more than doubles that of my father and grandfather combined. I've worked in a restaurant in various positions (though not something I want to do for the rest of my life, I wouldn't mind owning a restaurant); in construction (mostly commercial, but I would love to have worked residential); telemarketing (about as long as it took me to get through the probationary period - 2 weeks); teaching (I taught LDS seminary for 1 year and enjoyed it very much, but came to realize that I couldn't do that for 40 years); temporary staffing (I learned a lot in the business world, but wouldn't/couldn't make a career in sales); social services (this is what my graduate education includes). There's peak into my resume.

I guess my pondering comes from the fact that even though I enjoyed all of these jobs (except telemarketing), it would be hard for me to do any one of them for 40 years and retire with the same company I began my career with (like my grandfather or father). Is it just me that has this divested interest in occupational pursuits? Or is it the byproduct of a generational shift to a more impatient, want-it-now ideology of Generation X? Will I ever find that magical job that excites me so much that I want to work there for 40+ years? 3 years of graduate school and you'd think I'd know the answer to that question. So much for a formalized education ;o)