Valentines: My Thoughts On Love

Valentines is soon approaching. The day where some of us celebrate, while others hate the date. :)

Here are some of my thoughts on love

• Searching for Love: Nobody ever found love by searching for it. Love is something that finds you. No one can plan to "be in love." In fact, the only thing they can plan to do is what to do with that love once it finds them.

• Falling easily: Nobody "falls" into love. It's a growing process that results by letting go. A more appropriate term would be, "I let myself love."
  

• Love at first Sight: I do believe you can be smitten at first sight. It is magic when you feel it happen, but it's like what Amy Bloom said, "it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle."

• Courage to Love: Love is an act of faith. To give a piece of yourself willingly to another is at the core of the human experience. It yields the greatest happiness but unfortunately can yield the greatest sorrow. Mohandas Gandhi said it best by saying, "A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave."

• Why we Love: C.S. Lewis asked, "Why love if losing hurts so much?" It's a valid question. I don't know a girl who doesn't love that song from Disney's Hercules. It' starts out with the main girl, Meg, singing "If there's a prize for rotten judgement I guess I've already won that. No man is worth the aggravation, that's ancient history been there done that." Why try again if I fail? C.S. Lewis also answered his question with, "We love to know that we are not alone." Having someone to say, "Your life will not go unnoticed. I will be your witness." That is the miracle of love.

• Lucky in Love: Do you ever notice how some people just keep falling in love and it seems to you that they are "lucky?" Love is a choice, a choice that requires decision moment to moment. The reason why some find love is because they choose to love others first. As Arthur Rubenstien said, "Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back." And even more notably The Beatles said in their hit song, The End, "And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make."

• I can tell who you are by love: Show me who you love and I will tell you what kind of person you are.

• Love is a gift: "Love cures people -- both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.", said Karl Menniger. Do you have those friends or family who's presence just seems to heal your sorrows and worries? And they aren't even aware they do it? It's their love. It's easy to see if someone love you. The evidence is in there words, their actions, their thoughts, their kiss, and their smile. Think about it when they aren't around and see how you feel when your with them.

• Love gives us cause to act: The Savior Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Or in other words, "If you love me I already know you'll be obedient." Love is what God wants us to obtain. Aren't the two great commandments to Love God and Love you Neighbor? If we do all other commandments fall into place and are easier to obey. Love give us impossible strength to accomplish miracles. In my mind faith is just another word for love

• Finally, I echo the words of Gandhi when he said, "Where there is love there is life." So on valentines I hope you feel alive in love. :)
  

2008: Highlights

With the year winding down I look back and want to share some of my highlights with you. So sit back and enjoy the ride!

(In No Particular Order)

• Rock Band Parties at good ol' 327 Mountain View Dr
• "Why Girls are so Freaking complicated" debates with Traci Farnsworth
• "Girls,.... am I right?" (High Fives to all the guys)
• July 11th - The day I stood 5 hours in line to get my iPhone.
• Singing with Brian Wall at Bread & Soup Nite
• Watching LOST non-stop
• "The Office" Parties in the Spring
• The Elders Quormn Meeting where I got Erin Marble's Phone Number
• The Valentine Dance with Sarah Michelle Lamoureux
• Diet Coke and Mentos Fight with Brian Wall, Jon McNaughtan, Marc Taylor, McKall Christensen, and Emile Andersen.
• I bought a Lightsaber
• My First Kiss with Sarah
• Being accepted into SUU Housing
• Discovering the $1 Big Mac
• Seeing the Midnight Showing of Dark Knight
• Buying my First HDTV
• Reading to Pre-school Class
• Playing Rock Band with the Family
• Shooting with Brian Wall
• Heroes Parties in the Fall
• Rock Band Competition where our band won best band name -- "Courtesy Flush"
• Discovering the Twilight Series
• When Sarah got her mission call
• Teasing Chris our room mate
• Winning the Institute's "King Tute" Pageant
• Holding my new niece Addison for the First Time
• Lord Hubbard's Tabletop Hockey Tourney Jan and Aug
• My niece Avery actually liking me
• Settlers of Catan Matches with Brian, Peter, Johnathan, and Megan
• Barack Obama winning the Presidency
• Jim and Pam getting engaged
• Being Promoted at my work
• Midnight Showing of Twilight with Monica Workman, and me being only 1 of 10 guys in the theatre
• Doing Improv Sports
• My and Sarah's 21st Birthday date in Mesquite, NV
• 1st Annual Bruns' Brother's Golf Touney
• Volleyball with RA's and Residents
• My first date with Cindy
• Basement discussions with Brian Wall, and Bryce Daley in 327 Mountain View Dr
• Playing games at Alyssa's and Jordan's House
• Flaming High Fives at Jon's House
• Seeing Iron Man for the first time
• Announcing SUU Government Results
• My hug with Liz Day
• Debates/Fights with Katie Danner
• Everytime I went to Costa Vida
• Finding comfort in Costa Vida
• The taste of Costa Vida
• Walks with Morgan Livingston
• Heading to the Driving Range with Brian
• Retro Night in Juniper!
• Teasing Jessica Brooks
• My birthday date with Sarah, which included the perfect kiss
• Having Jacob vs. Edward Discussions with girls
• 80's movies Sunday
• Getting my first letter from Sister Lamoureux
• Watching the Olympics
• Gears of War with Darin
  
• Seeing Camille eat sushi for the first time
• Ninja with Marty Paz
• Making Salsa
  
• Picking up chicks with Brian a.k.a. Going to Wendy's
  
• Man Night
• Teaching Sunday School
• Having Dance Offs and seeing the creation of the "I dropped my Glasses" move by Funky Brian Wall
• Breaking my No-Throwing Up Record at Brian's House
• Institute Dances
• Speaking Chinese whenever I could.
• Hanging with Sarah
• Mixing Drinks at Jon's House
• Watching Scary Movies with Katie Robinson
• Going to the One SUU Football game I went to
• Sunday Cocoa Parties/Disney Night at Traci's & Stacey's house
• Having Talks with all my friends
• Getting Ice Cream with Jayde Udall
• Snowball fights on Mountain View Dr
• Snuggling with all my friends on Brian's Love sac
• Sitting in Blue Heaven
• Seeing "Off the Cuff" with Monica
• Having Syrup, Crayon, Sherbet debates with Brian
• Having Tea with Sarah
• Eating the Cotton Cookie
• Discovering "Arrested Development"
• Seeing Cindy Spill on herself.... mulitiple times
• Singing hymn after family prayer
• Casino Night
• Super Smash Bros on the wii
• Drinking McDonalds Milk that Bryce brought home
• "Ooh La La" FHE
• Seeing my friends smile
• Taking comfort from my family
• Giving Priesthood Blessings
• Doing Baptisms
• Having Honest Prayers
• And Loving Life

Uh-oh.

Crazy Cedar City! I'm used to it being quiet and calm. But like the Salmon of the Capistrano, students are flocking back to SUU. (I guess Salmon don't "flock").
Anyway, it's so great to make new friends. I've met so many nice people. Of course the majority are the female folk, who seem to give off the "mia maid" vibe. Weird. Seriously I feel old. I'm 23, a RM, single, and I've read the entire Twilight series. Yep, I'm in the minority.

But RHA (the on-campus activities board, which I am on) have kicked off the year with a great "Campus Tie-Dye" activity last Wednesday. It was a hippie good time!!! We gave away white t-shirts, which students took to our tie-dying stations and created a little bit of their 60's nostalga.


And oh yes last Saturday marked the 7th Lord Hubbard Tabletop Hockey Tournament. This was the fourth tourney I've been in, and probably the worst I've done. I got eliminated fast in the Singles tournament. Liz and I are were off to a good start in the doubles but were denied. I still walked away with Male MVP. You hear that? Most valuable player.....even though it was a single match.... But I brought 3 people with me from Cedar City. 2 of which were give less than 12 hours notice, and I suppose I bring a lot of pep to the table. It was great to see the Fam. Ethan and Avery are getting way too freakin' cute.

And yesterday I finally finished Breaking Dawn. And my decent into non-manliness is almost complete...

This week is going to be crazy but fun!!!

"But where did the Lighter fluid come from?"

So some stuff has happened, but all not too exciting.

The first is that I've finally achieved my holy grail. I finally have an iPhone! I went on the opening day, 7/11 to the Apple store at the Gateway and stood in line for 5 hours. The wait was long, but the phone is so worth it! Seriously is the best phone I've ever had and it constantly surprises me with all the things it can do.

The second is my discovery of the best tv show I've ever seen -- Arrested Development! I've been watching it at work and have fallen in love with it. It seriously beats "The Office" on it's writing, simplicity, and the likability of it's characters.

So that's really it. New phone, new show, and that's all.

Divots & Piccolo Petes

Well, I'm glad to see you're back reading my blog. I'm glad that the emotional venting of my last blog didn't deter you.

Things are going well. The world didn't crumble or end. Sarah (now Sister Lamoureux) went into the MTC with a her loins girded...(can I say that about a Sister?) and full of faith. I have nothing but high expectations for her and look forward to hear her stories of trial, and faith.

It is weird though not having her around. It's like when you walking down the stairs in the dark and you think there is another step, only to find that you just pulled off a successful imitation of a horse. I miss her so much, and wish for the best for her and I.

But I'm trying to kickstart my life again. I'm making new friends, enjoying old ones, and taking up new hobbies. Namely, G to the Olf!

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen. Lorin Bruns has picked up on a sport that you can't play in a institute game room! It started with my Brothers and I having our 1st Annual Bruns Brothers Golf Tourney. On Friday the 4th of July we hit the links in Tooele. Being the 1st time I've ever actually golfed <---- (Looks Weird) on an actual 18 hole course I was looking forward to a afternoon of broken tees and broken confidence. But after I got into the "Swing" of things I picked it up, and by that I mean I about quadruple bogey'ed every hole, but it was fun. My brothers are hilarious and fun. It was a blast and I quickly developed an "itch" for golf.

The 4th was fun, the whole family was down in Tooele. Ethan and Avery were as cute as ever and the family had a lot of fun! I love the fam.

........... And yes it is approaching July 11th. The Pilgrimage to Mecca is coming! This Thursday, Brian Wall and I are heading up north to the Apple store to get myself an iPhone. Morning Glory and Hallelujah!

Good Week

Thoughts Come And Go. Feelings Stay.

Lately my mind and my heart have been so full.
A thousand thoughts that give birth to new feelings.
One feeling of my heart that will spawn the creation of a thousand thoughts.
The consolidation of previous wounds and holes into one large gap which creates the expanse between feeling alive and feeling dead,
the gap being big enough to fit only myself.

It's amazing how love amplifies every feeling, making dreams into reachable reality.
The blocks that so often deter me from reaching higher potential now belong in the reach of my outstretched hand.
My heart that once would feel content with present goals and with a present purpose,
now aches for the other heart to bind itself to, that perhaps,
just maybe,
it's purpose for beating, for living, extends to a greater purpose.

My brain exhausts itself trying to make sense of the "why",
the "who" having been decided much earlier on.
Surely there must be a reason why I feel this way?
Songs that speak of sunsets, and stars finally finding their designed space in constellations in the heavenly firmament,
surely I can belong? With her?
Divine feeling that reach beyond mortal desires and wants.
There must be a purpose for such feelings.
I know that I have never felt this way.
A truth I don't know if you believe.

In moments of reflection I shut my eyes.
My steady breathing fills my lungs, but I still seem to gasp for air.
It's a surprise to me I feel this way.
That she could have such an effect upon me.
But I should have known, with a girl like her.

My heart feels sore.
Strained by the constant demands I've put upon it.

I am glad I feel this way.
I guess it is proof that those countless moments, where my heart reverberated against my chest
at the touch of your hand,
the sound of your voice at the other end of the line,
and the feeling of your lips finding mine,
and the resolve to see that you come to no harm,
the faith that I could swallow up every pain,
every moment of self-doubt,
and you could find peace being held in my arms,
were not just equated to butterflies, whose life-span extend only as long as my interest.

I know I must let you go.

Feelings of absolute pain and joy which occur at the same time,
as if a blissful nightmare could exist.
Having the ability to see, but choosing to close my eyes.

Irony strikes as I realize that the only way I can let you go,
was because I'd let go of all my fears of trying,
knowing I could have left before I was here.
Getting out relatively unscathed by choosing a selfish exit of an ending.

But I don't feel like a fool.
It was worth it.
You were worth it.
You are worth it.

23... and STILL playing with Lightsabers.

Zhu wo Shengri Kuai le! What a Freakin' fun weekend! This past weekend I have been planning for a while now.

My old room mate Brian Wall and his friend McKall came down from Provo/Lehi to the holy town of cedar city. You may question the use of the word "holy" but if you've ever been to Provo you know that anywhere but there is a step up.

For my birthday I bought myself a Lightsaber. No joke. I love it! It's a lot of fun to play with, and to agree with what Brian said, "If you had this when you were a kid you would have been the coolest kid ever!" I highly agree. Friday night we played around and went to Wal-Mart for old times sake.

Saturday morning we went to Denny's and took some naps amid watching a movie. We also went outside to get some sun. I fell asleep and somehow had my shirt partly up, so now my stomach is half tanned. It looks like I've been belly slapped.

In the afternoon we had a Diet Coke and Mentos fight, or a Mentoke fight. We had 56 2 liters of Diet coke and 15 packages of Mentos and 6 of us just had a free for all. By the end we all were soaked in Diet Coke. We taped it and the video will be short coming. It was sOOOO much fun!!!
(Wish you could have been there Crumbs)

After a much needed shower, we ordered some pizza and played Yahtzee, with McKall winning all 3 games! In the evening we organized a steal the flag game (some would debate on calling it capture the flag, but.....) on SUU campus. We had 15 people show up. I realized that terms like "Puppy guarding" or "1..2..3.. NOT IT!" just never seem to die. It was so much fun and much needed exercise.

Sunday I went to church then made the 3 1/2 hour drive to Tooele and spent the day with the Fam. They all came down and oh how much fun it was! For dinner we had Spaghetti, my favorite food, and had a cheesecake birthday cake, as usual. I got some cool shirts from my sister, and board games from my brother, and cash.... Mmmm I like cash.

So now it's back to life in cedar city. For my birthday I went to a business meeting in Salt Lake, which wasn't too bad, and in the evening played board games with my friends. So now I'm 23 so old that I'm ready to fart out dust. ;)