In defense of Mormons (myself included)

I am not brainwashed. I am capable of forming my own opinions.

And when my opinions align with the opinions of my church I don’t appreciate people telling me that I am “blindly following whatever you're told to do” as I was recently accused of doing.

I was also informed that I do not follow any of Jesus Christ’s teachings and that my personal goal is to take away the rights of blacks and gays.

Thank you for informing me of my personality and goals.

This is not okay.

And what I’m looking for in this post isn’t a bunch of comments saying things like “Oh Becky, you totally follow Christ. You’re a good person.”

I am looking to clear the air.

We’ll begin with me apparently trying to take away the rights of others. I suppose that means that I am at fault for Prop 8 being voted through twice.

Fine. Even though I didn’t vote, donate money or spend time in call centers trying to convince others over the phone… I will take responsibility for that. I am not bothered by this.

Less than 13% of the Californian population is Mormon. That means that if every Mormon voted for Prop 8 and every non-Mormon voted against it, Prop 8 would have failed by 87%.

But it didn’t.

Yes, Mormons had something to do with that. Yes, members of the Mormon church donated their personal time and money to trying to pass a law they believe in.

But surely we can’t take all the credit.

And yet, of the 39% of the rest of the Pro-Prop 8ers, no one seems to be harassed to the same extent that we were and are.

If Mormons stand up and say, “We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God” that is not secret code for “We hate Gays and so does God.”

We do not hate gays. Most of us don’t even dislike gays. Sure, when hordes of screaming homosexuals spray paint rude, profane and frankly bigoty things on our homes and churches we feel uncomfortable and maybe (quite understandably) afraid for our lives.

But I have yet to hear a Mormon say “Gays are evil. Gays are wrong. Gays do not deserve the same rights as us.”

We don’t preach or practice those doctrines.

Most Mormons, myself included, believe that being Gay isn’t something you can control. We don’t even see being Gay as being a sin, since God doesn’t punish you for things you can’t control.

In fact, nearly every Mormon I’ve spoken to about this has expressed grief for the hardships that homosexuals endure. Because, yes, we do believe Sodomy is a sin. And we understand that to be attracted to someone and never be able to act on it may be one of the hardest trials to live through on earth.

But we also believe that people are blessed for living the way that God wants them to.

I know that probably makes Gays angry (and yet I will try not to inform you of how you feel, since I know that I hate being told by others how I feel.). I have had several people yell at me, or to others near me or write nasty things on my blog.

So be it. As long as you’re angry because we pity you or we grieve with you or we wish we could help you understand where we are coming from.

And you’re not angry because, as you seem to believe, we hate you.

Especially me, apparently.

Guess what, Mormons are used to persecution. We know what it’s like for people to pass laws specifically to spite us. We were driven from the United States and were forced to form our own little community in Utah where people would stop burning down our houses and killing our children. We kept moving to places people didn’t want, like a swamp or a desert, hoping –just maybe—that people would leave us alone.

But still you won’t. Our churches are still being burned down.

People are accusing us of being unaccepting, unloving bigots.

Do you know what a bigot is? “A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs.”

A bigot is not someone who has different beliefs than you. A bigot is someone who is irrational, intolerant, and obstinately devoted to their own opinions.

I have yet to see those qualities exhibited by the Mormon church or individuals in the case of Gay rights.

And yet, when I go to Salt Lake people on the corner yell at me and hold up a sign that says “Go to Hell, Mormons.”

We are not the bigots in this situation.

And the part about me taking away the rights of blacks… I don’t even know what that could possibly mean. I have no refute because I have never even heard the rumor that Mormons think white people are a cut above the rest of the world or that we deserve more rights.

Which is good, since Travis and I went to several Mormon churches in Africa and there certainly weren’t any whites besides us there.

And one would assume that Africans would not follow the teachings of an anti-black, pro-white church unless they were being forced somehow.

And even then, I think they’d have some problems.

In case I have not made myself clear (although I’m pretty sure that I have), I try every single day to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Examples include, loving, accepting and trying to help those around me, understanding principles before “blindly” following them, and making an effort help others understand what I believe, but not forcing them to follow or agree with me.

The church recently released a statement concerning the Prop 8 ruling.

It is short, I encourage you all to read it and determine if it is in anyway hateful, rude, condescending or even negative at all. Especially if it follows the rules of bigotry, is it exhibiting or encouraging intolerance, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs?

If you are a reader who is angry with this post and want to leave me a mean comment, please do. However, I ask that you do not leave an unrelated, sarcastic comment like “How weird that people want rights” or “Bizarre how angry people get when you treat them unfairly.” I have gotten those comments before.

I am actually interested in a legitimate opinion concerning something I’ve written, not in an angry tirade that is mostly unrelated to what I’m talking about.

I hope you all have a very nice day, even (and maybe especially), if you are Gay.

(p.s. We don’t practice polygamy in the Mormon church. Stop accusing us of it.)

Hope and happiness and joy

A few months ago the Visiting Teaching lesson was on Personal Scripture study.
It was very sweet and after hearing my companion Sarah teach the lesson three different times, I started to think "Maybe I should try to read my scriptures, since that is something I am very bad at remembering to do."
So I've been trying.
Trying, mind you, not always suceeding.

But when I do set aside the time in the morning, I usually read a chapter from the Book of Mormon (get one for free here!) and then an article from the Ensign. Being as this month the Ensign is filled with talks from General Conference, I find this to be particularly wonderful.

Today I read these words:
Hope and happiness and joy are not products of circumstance but of faith in the Lord.

I cannot stop rereading it.
I am not happy merely because my life is good, or because I have a job, or because I have a perfect-for-me husband (though trust me, all those thing contribute) but one by one those things could disappear.
The only thing that would keep me happy then, and what keeps me happy now, is the gospel of Christ.

Today it is snowing, so I found this scripture to be especially apt as well:
Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his might winds, yea, his shafts in the wirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which you are built, which is a sure foundation, whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I would highly recommend reading this conference talk if you have some time. It will only take about ten minutes, and even if you're not Mormon, it is beautiful to read. You know I don't often ask you to read these sort of things, and although I have a strong testimony of Christ, I hardly ever mention it on my blog for fear of turning people away.
But this is worth it.

If you're feeling down, or maybe cold and wet from the unexplicable snowfall outside, this will help you feel better.
I'm sure of it.

Measure of Creation

Since it is Sunday and I am a good little Mormon girl I want to write about something appropriate to the Sabbath.
Actually, to be honest (since it is Sunday), I would want to write about this whatever the day. I had a thought and I want to share it.
First, just a basic bit of info, Mormons believe that we have agency, which is a fancy word for freedom of choice. Mormons also believe that by using this agency well (making good decisions) we will be happier. Mormons do not believe that animals have free agency in the same way humans do.
This always bothered me because I thought that meant that animals could not be happy.
But I've seen happy little animals.
Yesterday I heard it expressed that "God created animals that they might have joy in fulfilling the measure of their creation."
SO animals are happy because they are animals. A badger is happy because he is a badger, and the more badgery he is, the happier he will be. If he is forced to live in a nest, or hang out with ducks he will not be as happy, but if he lives in a hole in the ground and can be grumpy all day, he will be happy all day.
This makes sense. Then I had a revelation. Of Course! I exclaimed. (but only in my mind, not aloud)
People are happiest when they fulfill their measure of creation, too. Since we were made after the image of God and are like God, we are therefore happiest when we are most Godlike. That doesn't just mean when we are good and honest, etc but also when we are creating things, loving those around us, and learning all that we can.
(I will keep narrowing this down. From all creations, to mankind, and from all mankind to WOMEN.)
Men and women are happiest when they act like Men and Women. Specifically.
Women can be happiest when they are learning, serving, nurturing, creating, building families. That doesn't mean that you have to be a housewife to be a happy woman, but we are on this earth to create and love our families, that is the measure of our creation. Thus by fulfilling that (by being a good daughter, sister, wife and mother) I can be happiest.

I can be happiest when I am doing what I was made to be doing.
Not just happy, but my absolute peak of happiness.
I feel like so many women look for things that can fulfill them and make them happy, but they look in things that cannot possibly fulfill them.
I know that I am always afraid that I will miss out on something important if I have kids too soon or get married too soon (too late for that last one, eh?) but there is nothing I can miss that would make me better or happier than my family.
Look at me now, I have more experiences and more chances with a husband than I would without. For example, I am going to Africa, which I would have never done on my own, plus, good news, now I don't have to go alone. I get to go with the person who I love most in the whole world.

I don't mean to offend any women, because I certainly don't mean that women can't do everything men can do and I don't mean that a woman's place is in the kitchen or any of that nonsense. I simply mean that God created men and women differently --equally, yes -- but differently.
And when women act like women, and God's children act like God, and when badgers act like badgers, well then... everyone and everything will be perfectly happy.

Elder Matt Patt

Last year when I went home for surgery I was lucky enough to be in town for my friend Matt's baptism. Matt and I were friends in high school, and although I was not a huge part of his conversion it was defiantly a big deal for me (and obviously for him.) Monday morning Matt flew out to Utah and yesterday he went into the MTC (Missionary Training Center).
We got to spend Tuesday night in Salt Lake and then Travis and I dropped Matt off. Here are a couple pictures from the last few days.
I am so happy and proud of Matt, he's leaving for Mexico in about two months... just long enough to learn Spanish.

This is the pipe organ in the Conference Center, luckily it was still set up from the Christmas devotional. We took a tour and learned all kinds of interesting facts. For example the Conference Center seats over 21 thousand people.


The pipe organ on the top has about 7.5 thousand working pipes. The less impressive-looking organ on the bottom actually has 11.5 thousand working pipes. It amazes me because it looks to much smaller!

This is Matt outside the MTC yesterday morning.




And Travis and Matt and I, just minutes before he went in.

For those of you who know Matt, even if you're not LDS you should write him a letter. Being in the MTC over Christmas is hard and he can probably use all the cheerful mail he get. Email me for his address.
Aaand, for some pictures of Temple Square check out my other blog.

no.

My most recent post was a lie.
Today is not, as I supposed, Saturday.

Today is Friday.
My wedding is in one week, and one day.

A moment ago I had a moment of panic. It went like this:

Becky's thoughts: "Isn't today Conference? Why aren't we watching conference? BYU wouldn't have an Alumni Reunion on Conference Saturday, but we're at an Alumni Reunion! Is Conference next weekend? IS MY WEDDING ACTUALLY TWO WEEKS AWAY?!"
Hyperventilating, and etc.
Asking Travis why we aren't watching Conference.
Travis being confused.
Becky being confused.
Travis telling Becky that today is only Friday.

Being engaged is making me crazy.
More crazy than usual.
EXTRA-crazy.

les choses j'aime

riding a scooter side-saddle, it makes me feel dainty, and poised all at once.

spending a good minute at least trying to spell saddle with two ts instead of ds.

confrontations. (let's just say that during a serious talk with travis on his couch, a roommate came out, and not two feet away, started playing video games. this happens every day. we do not like this roommate. today, i gave him a talking to.)

meeting cousins for the first time, even though we're grown-ups. (for some reason I'm always surprised to find out that I like new cousins.)

being barefoot, my feet are dusty.

eating chocolate cake, especially with ice cream and raspberries.

trying to dance in the living room. (stop laughing now, all of you. we all know that i have no rhythm and a great inability to hold to a pattern like 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-3-3-2-1-4-3-2-what is happening here?)

talking to mary almost every day.

emailing/facebooking with lisa almost every day.

long talks.

long walks.

sunday afternoon naps.

sunday afternoons in general.

it was a good day.

What up, media?

So you know how every single good chick-flick seems to be interrupted by a raucous sex scene?
Bah, it makes me mad, it drives me crazy.
I just want to watch a love story without sex, or rather, without such blatant sex.
Not that I'm anti-sex, or anything, but you know how the media wants us to believe that everyone has sex before marriage except mormons (and only some mormons, at that.)
Well, I was browsing around the Glamour website, written mostly by Joanna Goddard (check her personal blog here), and I stumbled upon this lovely article.
On her sex and relationships blog, Jo took a survey, and 41% of the women polled say that they will not have sex until their wedding night.

A few of them share their stories, and I LOVE them. They're very sweet.
One girl wrote that despite being nonreligious she researched the subject scientifically and found this out:
"Turns out, sex creates chemicals that bond a couple together. But that feeling fades, usually after two years or so. The problem is that if you have sex too soon, those chemicals will overshadow any serious flaws in your relationship. The easiest way to avoid this is to only have sex after you've made the ultimate commitment--marriage. Then you know your relationship is based on love and compatibility, not lust.

There are other benefits to waiting: I never have to worry about pregnancy scares (whee!), or if a guy likes me or just wants to get into my pants (double whee!)."

Anyways, I know it's a strange topic for the blog today, but I thought it was interesting, and that you might too.

[Read the full article here.]

for the last 12 years...

I have lived in the Buffalo Ward since I was eight or nine.
Some boys were there when I got there, like Clark and Taylor.
Some boys moved in after I did, like Jon, Justin, and Jacob.
I wish I had pictures from these times, but I don't have any old pictures in Virginia.
I hated them all at some point, dated a few at some point, liked most of them at some point, and now I'm writing a blog post about them.... at this point.
Here's why: They are going on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For those of you who know them, but might not have heard, these are their mission calls:

Clark (already on a mission, and over half-way through. He's currently in Iowa, [I think]) His mission was Illinois

Taylor: Thailand

Jon: Russia, if I'm not mistaken

Jacob: Lima, Peru

Justin: San Jose, California

They will be gone for two years, paying their own way to work in that area, not at jobs, but preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the truth of the Book of Mormon.
I am so excited for them. Having pretty much seen them grow up over the last ten years, I know they'll all be great missionaries. I am so excited and proud of them.

goals for virginia

So I am in Virginia with a grandpa who works during the day, and a grandma who quilts.
So to keep myself entertained I have made the following goals:

1. to cultivate my talents

Yesterday I was trying on dresses that my great-great-grandma made (they're beautiful! pictures to follow soon), and I decided to cultivate the sewing talent that I must have somewhere.
I'm going to make a dress. From a pattern.
It will be awesome.
I'm living with a woman who sews for a living, how hard can it be? (p.s. check out my grandma's blog. I checked her sitemeter today, and as of right now, she's had 103,933 visitors. Good grief, her blog is popular.)

I am also going to paint more. I spent yesterday painting, and as many of you know, I am not a terrific painter, but I do love it.
I bought myself a set of paints for my birthday, and now I will paint my supply dry.

I am going to try and write every day. Not on my blog, though. In my journal, and my book, and also, even though it's been a while, poems.
Also, I'm going to try and write letters, so send me your address if you want a letter.

Last night we ordered in Thai food, and I made a decision. No more ordering in what I could (maybe) learn to cook.
So I'm going to try and learn to cook things besides stir-fry, and bake things besides cookies.

If I had a guitar with me I would cultivate that talent. As it is, I think I'm going to see if I can find one I can rent or something.
Who knows?
and maybe surfing? I am living on the ocean...

2. to be more healthy.

I recently realized that I eat an inordinate amount of food. Who knew?
Well, apparently all of you did, since you have been telling me for years that I eat a ton. I always thought that was more like "Oh, you eat a lot for someone so small."
Nope, I guess it means I eat a lot for anyone.
Well, I'm going to try and cut down.

I am also going to exercise regularly.
Don't freak out. Not real exercising. But I plan on going swimming or on a bike ride every day (which I have been doing since I got here) and doing 7 minute abs every morning and night, which I have done since Lauren left.

I'm going to try and read more. (yes, I consider this to be related to my health). Especially since I'm going to try and reread the entire Book of Mormon in 90 days.
Check it out here.

So that's all for now.
You might not see me as often, since I think that being sluggish and on my computer is probably against all of the above goals.

Also, it's 11 here, and I've been up for three hours. I've worked out, eaten, showered, and done a bunch of things for my grandma. Now I'm going to work.

Yay!

Jesus wept

I wanted to write a nice long post about how good it feels to be sad.

But I'm too lazy to do so.

This is what I wanted to say, however. Mormons are really into saying things like "Happiness is a choice."

and then they think that if they are ever sad then they are bad mormons.

You can be sad sometimes.

Then, be happy.

a butcher, a baker, a candlestick maker

there are three things I want to be when I grow up.
Sure, there are lots of other things, like an artist, a photographer, a journalist, a chef, a young women's president, a surf bum, a french whatever, a filmmaker, a musicen....
But there are three main things. Three things that I WILL BE in the next ten years, so help me.

- a teacher

- a writer

- a mother

I know, talk about classic, cliché mormon girl at BYU. Some days I wake up wanting to be one of the above so bad it hurts.
I've been sore all week.
For real, my stomach hurts, I can't concentrate. I get simultaneously amazed and astonished that I can be so close to all these things, and then freak out at the possibility that they might all be so far in the future.

This is not a joke, ask Lauren, or Travis. I make lesson plans.
All the time. Toady I was reading literature from the Harlem Renaissance for my American Literature class, and I was planning how to teach Langston Hughes. I thought of assignments, and discussions, I was trying to think about how to test the kids on different concepts.
My favorite game (especially to keep my mind busy when I'm modeling) is to pretend I'm a teacher introducing myself to my new class.
"Hello, I'm your teacher, Ms. Froelich," I say. "Just to help you guys get to know me a little better, I'm going to introduce myself. I went to BYU, and graduated with a degree in English Teaching, and Comparative Literature, and got a minor in French. I lived in France for four months on a study abroad, and then in London for almost a year, studying British Literature and Culture. I have two books published, and another coming out in May."
I say.
Then I talk about my husband and how he's something awesome or other. Then they ask questions.
"Oh, are you related to Becky Froelich, the singer/song-writer?" one asks.
"Actually, that's also me!" I say.
"You went to BYU?" one asks, "Did you ever meet [insert all my friends who I know will be famous]"
"Why, yes!" I say. "We're the best of friends, I'll see if he/she will come in to meet you all."

lalala.
Okay. I know that's fake. I know that I will probably have nothing cooler to say than "I'm Becky. I went to BYU. I grew up in the Midwest." but here's hoping, right?

The second thing I want to be is a writer. Honestly, I feel like I might be closer to this goal than any of the others. Not to sound vain, but I am a pretty good writer. You guys only get the crappy, poorly written tip of the ice berg on this blog. I am almost finished with a book, and I think if I can get an agent to represent me, then I can sell it.
All I ever do is write. I go through about a journal a month, as well as this blog, and let me just promise, my blog and journal say very different things.
I also am in the midst of writing at least two actual books. I love it. I love it. I eat/breathe/andsleep it.

and lastly, I want to be a mother.
Okay. I am very against those young women activities where the teacher is like "Let's write down everything about your future husband and how great he's going to be, and all your kids names, and blah blah blah."
I hate it. BBBUUT, call me a hypocrite.
I have all my kids' rooms decorated. I have names picked out. I can almost taste the baby shower cake. I see babies or children anywhere, in church, in a store, on camous, outside and I start making faces and noises, and trying to think of ways to steal the child and make it call me mommy.
Don't freak out. I will not actually kidnap your child.
I just get teary-eyed when I see people holding babies: people or kittens. Whatever. I can't handle it. I stalk through tons of blogs, and weep, (yes weep, I cried for a half hour today) looking through pictures of their children.
Don't get me wrong. I can wait a couple more years. I'm not going to jump the next man I see, or take home the next baby I pass....
but I always kind of want to.

how's that for a delve into my crazy mind?

Because I haven't been keeping up.

Sunday:
We went to church with Sophie Lee's family. Their home ward is in North Provo, and we went to nursery with Mary.
We actually outnumbered the children, I believe.

This is Sophie and her mom Mary.
This is Lauren dear.
This is crazy baby Cooper, who happened to have INSANE eyebrows. Picture this baby as an old man.



One of the best parts of nursery occurred when the teacher held up several pictures. "What's this?" she would ask. "Birds, flowers, rain" were the answers.
Then she held up a picture of Christ.
"Who's this?"
"JESUS!" They were practically screaming. They jumped out of their seats.
"THAT'S JESUS!" they yelled at the top of their lungs.
Then we colored pictures of Jesus. We were just as entertained as the little kids.

THEN, Lauren found a skin-colored crayon which was AWESOME.

This is my picture of Jesus.
And Lauren's.
And, of course, Sophie's.
Then we went to the Lee's for dinner, and they fed me, and my sister, and my boyfriend. They are very kind. Lisa took a bunch of pictures of their home, because it's so cool.

This one below is a portrait of Henry (their 15 year old son) hanging behind Lauren. Their family picture is on the other wall, and it's a painting of all of them as mythical gods, I think. Way cool.


Yeah, this is their house. We're not creepy.

Monday:
Travis got a beautiful new Canon for extra cheap from a friend.
and we spent some time playing with it, before he took it away.

We went with Travis to conduct more interviews for Gallery Stroll videos, and were left for a 1/2 hour in an empty art gallery, so we obviously took a ton of pictures of ourselves.

Then we had delicious Apple pie.
Made by Paige, dear.
Then we went to costco.
and some other grocery store, because who needs 8 tubes of toothpaste?
It came in WAY too much bulk.

Tuesday:
We studied and did homework (yeah we did.) Then we went to Trav's and I did laundry while their band practiced.
This is Brian.
Travis's roommate.

Wednesday:
Then of course, today was a very windy day, and I went kite-flying with Lisa.
and Travis.
and I kept getting tangled in the kite's string. As pictured here:

"people don't choose to be sheltered."

I like to judge people who are super sheltered, because they don't understand so many things that I think are fundamental to both survival and happiness.
I was thinking of the little catchphrase mormons use: "Be in the world, but not of it."
but I think I have a different interpretation than most people.
I would say it's similar to saying: "Make the world, don't let it make you."

Here's what I thought about today:

I was sheltered. Yes, I knew a lot about sex, drugs, and rock and roll (I went to public school, after all, and had parents who were honest with me if I had questions about anything... not like I ever wanted to ask them.) Most of my friends were not mormon, and I when they said things or told dirty jokes I overheard them, (and went home to look things up online). But I didn't watch R-rated movies. I didn't swear . I understood the word of wisdom and law of chastity.
I had a pretty good balance, I'd say.

We live in the world. There is no getting around that. There's no reason that we should want to get around that, anyway. God made us a beautiful place to live, and filled it with beautiful people for us to live with.
We need to interact with and understand our societies, communities, culture, and politics, because even if we try not affect them, they will affect us. Schools teach our kids, communities keep them safe, politicians make decisions for them. We were never told to only love our neighbors if they love God, too. It is our responsibility to to be good citizens and neighbors, to be teachers, to do good, to spread the gospel. We can't do that if we are locked in our homes being "not of the world."

I am a product of what surrounds me. What I've read, where I've lived, who I've known, what I've listened to, seen, and said. I am a product of the world that surrounds me.
The big difference between the world that surrounds me, and the world that surrounds most people is that the gospel surrounds me, too.
Thus despite being "in the world," the world did not make me.

Did you see my lotus?
When we went to the Hare Krishna temple this summer, the tour guide told us of an important Hindu symbol. "It's like the mormon belief of being in the world, but not of it," he said.
The lotus flower lives in the water, yet it is not wet.
It cannot survive without the enviornment, and is an important part of the ecosystem.
Yet, it is not a part of the water. It is not surrounded, nor can it be consumed by the water.
The water and the lily are connected. The lily is on the water, the water flows through the lily.
But they are seperate.

I love this world. I love where I live, I love who I am, and what the world and the Lord have made me.
But I love that I can help to make the world, too.
The world wouldn't be the same without me, without any of us, and I'm going to try to make sure the difference I make will be a good one.

Headlines of Tomorrow: an immodestly dressed English major attacks some douchey boy by the JSB

Today I wore a lovely skirt that I bought at the coal umbrella, and my lovely purple/brown boots. My skirt fell just at the top of my knees. I was walking to class, holding my umbrella (which, yes, is also adorable) and feeling really good about life.
It was raining.
I had exercised the night before.
I had read my scriptures, done my homework.
Gotten up on time, and showered even.
I saw Chris and Claire, and then had a good first class.

As I walked, happily humming to the Fionn Regan playing on my iPod, a boy that I did not know, walked by me. He shoved me. Yes, SHOVED me, and yelled, "Your skirt's too short!"

IS THIS A FREAKING JOKE?

I called to tell my mother, and the first thing she asked was, "You didn't yell 'F YOU!' Did you?"
No, don't worry, I was caught too off-guard to think of any obscenities.
These are things I thought of soon after, but had lost my chance to yell:
screw you
up yours
you're a freaking douche, bastard.

I'm sorry this post is full of anger. I honestly cannot handle the BYU belief that if you see someone doing something that you do not approve of, then it is your duty to fix the problem.
Thank you, Honor Code police, but I'm not even breaking any of your mental, utilitarian, obsessive, nit-picky rules.

today sunday school was 15 minutes long,

so that Relief Society could be an hour and a half.

this is why:
a few weeks ago, little notecards were passed through the room. "Write down a question that you have for the stake presidency, and in two weeks the stake will come and go through all your questions."
I pondered over my little card.
The first thought that honestly came to mind?
"I know that Transfiguration and Resurrection are different, but a Transfigured body still is transformed to its perfect state. If no one could be resurrected until after Christ's resurrection, why could people be transfigured?"
I thought about it for a while, and then decided that it wasn't important to know at the time. "I'll look it up," I thought to myself, "or ask a religion prof later this week. I don't need my stake president to try and explain it to my whole Relief Society."

want to hear some of the precious gems of questions asked? the questions all focused on two things, strange doctrine and dating advice:

dating questions and answers included:
what was one thing you noticed and liked about your wife that is important in your relationship now? patience

what should you do if the match seems like it was made in heaven, but just doesn't feel right? oh, that's a hard one.... (no, he did not say, "break up. if it's not meant to be, then it's not meant to be.")

how long should you date someone before you get married? you should date until you know they're not the one, if you never feel that way, get married. (I'm sorry, but I would think he would say, date until you know he's the one. Then get married.)

what suggestions do you have for me to get a guy to ask me out? make yourself available to men. let them know that you are looking for a boyfriend. (Yeah. That was the real answer. Then a girl said "You can always ask a boy on date, it doesn't need to be a big deal, if you want to go out, ask him." to which the Stake President replied, "No, don't ask them on a date. Instead get your roommates together and feed him and his roommates dinner. After you get to know each other HE will ask YOU on a date." Really, prez, is that a promise? Also, really, Ladies, you want to ask a fifty year old man, who's been married for thirty years for dating advice?)

is it okay to flirt? Is it okay to flirt aggressively? no. no flirting is not okay. (but remember, make yourself available. let them know you're interested.)

is it okay to date a friend if you don't intend on marrying them? no.

how important is it to be physically attracted to someone you're dating? it's not very important. It's really only important to be attracted to their other qualities. (I can't even begin to describe how much this bothered me. He said several times "make yourself more attractive [YES HE DID] he said "If you see someone and think they're attractive, try to change yourself to be more like them." Then he said "Physical attraction is not important.")

i've been told never to turn down a date. when is it okay to say no? never. (no. you may not say no to creepy boys, and weirdies. I interrupted and said "You should never go on a date that you feel guilted into, boys would rather be told than given a pity date." and then I was judged, and shot dirty looks.)

in response to the last question a girl asked what if a boy keeps asking and asking and you keep saying yes, because you don't want to hurt his feelings? is it okay to say no then? under some extreme circumstances, boys need to have it explained to them. (if you keep saying no forever, then you will end up married to that boy.)

i'll spare you the questions about deep, false doctrine, and the deep false answers that were given.
i love this church, i love the gospel, but let me just say
too many people at byu (teachers and students alike) are really confused about simple things, and even more confused about things that have no relavance, and do not need to be understood. SO many questions today were asked about being sealed, and one of the things that i heard that really upset me (because it was wrong) was that apparently if i die after being married, and my husband lives and is married to someone else, and then in the afterlife I have a hard time accepting the second wife then my only choise is to reject the blessings of being sealed and live alone in the terrestial kingdom.
WHAT? really.
come on.
I don't mean this to be one of "those posts," but let me just say that i know my heavenly father loves me, and will make sure that we're all happy in the next life.
that is all.
happy sabbath.

Today in French class

two men got up during the lesson and left quietly, and then, a little later one came back.
"I'm sorry," he interrupted the class. "Does anyone have some consecrated oil? Darrin needs a blessing."
Three boys got to their feet and left with him.
The rest of the class was pretty much girls.
And one giant of a man named Chris.

How lovely to be somewhere where if ever I need a priesthood blessing, all I need to do is ask.

Inauguration

Yesterday, I unfortunately did not have an opportunity to watch the inauguration.
I had to work. Bleh.
But I did attend an Inauguration Ball.
It was not really a ball.

We all dressed our best, and went to Daryl and Mary Lee's. We ate their food, played their guitars, and toasted our new president.

God bless America.
Brooke and Kaylie pretty much already said all the sorts of things I would say, and they're much more eloquent than I, so read up on them.

This is all I want to say: This nation was brought together almost a decade ago by a tragic and heart breaking attack, but in the years since a rift has grown up among Americans.
We need to stand together, and I believe that this president can hold us like no other could during this time of confusion and trials.
Barak Obama is our president. I did not vote for him, but I didn't vote for McCain either. Everyone who voted, whether or not their candidate won, is an adult. It's time to act like adults, and respect and support our president.
I prayed for our President almost every night of the last eight years, and that's not going to stop today.

I have recently begun an American Literary History course. I leave everyday hating the settlers who showed up on this beautiful soil, and started to destroy it. I learn in my religion class that our country was founded by God, and then I read in my Literature Class how He did it, and think "Couldn't he have sent some better men?"
But I know that if our country did not have such a bloody history, and so many deprived of their rights, there never would have been a reason to make things better.
It breaks my heart to see how the men that were here viewed human life and human rights.
But look at our country now.
This is the only country in the world that would allow Joseph Smith the opportunity to restore the church.
I have freedom of religion. I can decide to be Mormon, or Buddhist, or Catholic, or nothing.

I love this country. I love the United States of America.
I love that there is an innvocation and benediction at the begining and end of the Presidential Inauguration.
I love that I am at college, and cannot decide what I want to study, because I can study anything I please, and be anything I want to be.
I love that I can pick up newspapers and books in any bookstore, or even building on campus, and read differing opinions. We have so many freedoms!
I love that last night I could gather with a group of people, from different places and backgrounds all over the country, people who voted for one or another candidate, and toast to our President, Mr. Barak Obama.

Home again?

well, I've moved back into Wyview.




Yeah, Lana, shut up. I know your stuff is everywhere. I like it, okay?

Pros:
it's nicer, bigger, and way less sucktastic than Glenwood.

My new roommates seem nice.

I fit all my stuff in very well, thank you. Who said I have too much?

I have three cupboards in the kitchen! Whooo!

Upperclassmen ward

Church is in an actual church.

Lauren and Sophie live practically next door.

I finally figured out a way to steal the internet of my neighbors. Shesh, it took me all day!

The new roommates are into Yo Gabba Gabba? crazy...

I am already the music, literature, film, and tech expert in my apartment, that's sweet. and
definitely a first.

I have a new bike! Thanks, roommate in London!


Cons:

It's farther away from Campus than Glenwood.

It's on the top floor.

I have a few posters of the Beatles up. "who is that?' asked roommate 1. "The Beatles!" said roommate 2, "which one is Paul? I think he's my favorite..."

It's very quiet unless I am playing music, something my roommates don't do.

I lost my bookshelf.

I know some of my neighbors, and don't like them.

My computer has developed a strong aversion to cords, and will not accept it's umbilical cord... er, um... ethernet, I mean.

BYU internet means YouTube is blocked

I have the top bunk, that means, I hit my head every morning.

Lauren, Lana, Hilary, and Paige are now ex-roommates (Pro: also, future-roommates!)

Within five minutes of checking in, my newly engaged friend tried to set me up with someone... wait. That might be a pro.

:)

anyways. . .
take care.