11.30.2007

Traditions...TRADITIONS!

I love this time of year!

Other than the snow, which I realize I live in the wrong state to even consider the slightest possibility of having a warm December; but mostly for the fact that I get to load Christmas tunes on my ipod and listen to them over and over. After working 10-12 hour days, and listening to nothing but joyous, hallelujah praises that would set your mind straight too!!

But it all comes down to...DUH DUH DUMMMMMMMMMMMM

TRADITIONS


Allow me to start the season off straight with just a few traditions that my family and I do for the holidays. The first, and what I like to consider one of THE most important, the smell.

Yes, I said the smells. As in the aroma in the air. Its not Christmas without the smell of a freshly cut Noble Fir Christmas Tree, complete with the Christmas Wreath scented Yankee Candle from Gardener Village. HO HO HO its definitely Christmas time when you light that thing up.

Secondly, the Christmas Ornaments.

Since the past 5 years, we have purchased nothing but Hallmark ornaments. They come out with different kinds of influential icons every year, from Disney to Star Wars to the Star Trek Enterprise, I call it ODE to Pop Culture. You name it, we have collected the best ones thus far. My all time favorite is the Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow that plays, "A Pirates Life For Me" at will. Gotta love it!

Next, would have to be one I personally started in 2003. Which I throw a Christmas Party for a small group of close friends all of whom I consider to have made a major impact on my life. Believe me, I tend to go all out. From Cooking a complete turkey dinner, with homemade rolls, to desserts of all different kinds. I guess you can call it a way how I show them how much they mean to me and how grateful I am that they're apart of my life (and hopefully for the upcoming year.)

I am planning on another go at it! For those of you reading this, consider this your invitation to attend! You will not be disappointed. Trust me on that one. Its will be on Friday December 21st starting at 6:30 pm and going til whenever you feel like you need to lose your holly berries. I would love to have you attend.

Consider that my attempt at begging and offering my soul...now pass the wassail!!

11.20.2007

Bippy Crocker's Recipe For Dating

I was THAT guy in High School, that there was nothing wrong with, but somehow could never get a girlfriend.

I would open doors, get good grades, flash my million-dollar smile. I chose to live life on the positive side and always dreamed of finding somebody special of whom I would get to know, get engaged, and finally get married. All the way from High School and even into college, dating seemed to be the dead end of any type of relationship.

It wasn't enough to open doors, being a gentleman, paying for dinner, giving them flowers, and even baking cookies for them.

I finally gave up on dating altogether.

In some ways dating is like a recipe for cookies, you need to use the right ingredients.

Self respect

Selflessness

Admiration for the other

Common Goals

Attraction

Communication

The hardest part about making cookies, is that you must allow time for all the ingredients to cook. They smell sooooo good while baking that you're tempted to try them out!!! The truth is cookies are better when they're done.

11.17.2007

Is The AUDIENCE REALLY Listening? I Think NOT

Let me know if you're out there.....

and maybe...

just maybe.....

I will consider posting another blog worth my time, and certainly worth yours of course!

11.04.2007

Gr-ATTITUDE Part I

November has officially started off, and I can say that I am already feeling that sense of gratitude for the things around me. Below are some thoughts that came to me today while at fast and testimony meeting. As much as the spirit was trying to force me to get up to the pulpit to bear my heart and soul, I just couldn't its been waaaaaaaaaay too long!! So for these few things, be sure to check back throughout the month for more additions to my Gr-'ATTITUDE' series!! Enjoy!

  • My mom! Who cannot say that they are grateful to the woman who went through hours of labor to give birth to you?? Mind you, I tend to purposefully not ask how the process went, other than I know that I was supposed to have brain damage, due to the "chord" being wrapped around my neck upon "exit." But straight up, some may tell you I still am mentally disabled...but I promise you my mind works just fine!
Gr-ATTITUDE!
  • My brother Aaron. I have 2 brothers, and 1 sister who I love and am grateful for all equally the same, but my younger brother holds a special place in my heart, ESPECIALLY now since hes married and moved away...gosh maybe something like that COULD happen to me?? You think? Its so embarrasing to say this, but the other night, as I walked into the room that used to be occupied by him, it just hit me how much I miss being around him and enjoying his spirit. Hes definitely the reincarnation of Nephi! But as this thought came to me, and I mentioned it to my mom how badly I missed him, I started to cry....ughh!! Which is probably a possibility why I am still single and almost 30, AND still living at home with my mom no doubt...the emotions!
Gr-ATTITUDE!
  • My Lord and Savior. The Sacrament meeting today was definitely intended FOR ME!! Its hard feeling like you're alone, but he is always there beside you. I am one who cannot imagine going through my day without being on my knees, I am getting better at reading my scriptures everyday, but could use more work. But I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and for the constant companionship of his spirit. I am so glad that I am worthy enough for him to brighten those gloomy moments in my life and make it all seem so trivial.
Gr-ATTITUDE!

There may be some lovely individuals who may think that I am insensitive, conceded, and selfish, but I do have a soft spot in my heart. Even room enough for those moments of gratitude and love for those whom deserve it.