Kindred Spirits and Bosom Friends

Do you have people, in your life, with whom time and distance do little to affect the relationship that you share? I'm talking about people who click perfectly at the moment of a first meeting, people with whom understanding is mutual, people with whom you can be your crazy self. I DO and I love them dearly. What would a body do without his or her "kindred spirits" and "bosom friends"? (The endearments within quotation marks are lovingly borrowed from a favorite fictional character by the name of Anne Shirley... just in case there was a question.)

One of such friends called me up, yesterday. We've known each other since elementary school and it was nice to catch up. I am not one who likes talking on the phone but it seems like, with certain people, the annoyance totally disappears. Anyways... We spontaneously decided to get party. I called and invited another girl (also a dear friend) and we spent the evening together. It was sooo much fun. We swapped old year books, played trios (me on the piano and mis amigas on their violins), and just visited and laughed-- nonstop.

It isn't often that I have hang out sessions. My life can be extremely busy and friends aren't usually very high on my list of important things to take care of. This shouldn't be the case. I need to be more social. After all, relationships and people are very important! I think, though, that I would rather have alone time (sometimes) rather than put forth the effort to call people up/plan activities. This sounds totally self-centered, but it is true. I like to do my own thing, when I get the chance and not have to worry about what others want and think. Please note: if I don't often hang out with you, it doesn't necessarily mean that I don't love you. I am just a fan of solitude and the productive/wholesome activities that solitude provides.

Even with my social issues (for lack of a better word), I do love people. It is nice to have someone to care about and to know that someone cares about me, too. This may sound a little odd to some but (according to my knowledge and testimony of the teachings and principles of the LDS church) it is my thought that people, in our lives, were close to us in the pre-earth existence. I feel or like to think that our "kindred spirits" are/were just that-- kindred spirits. I'm sure we had close relationships in heaven and that we promised to assist one another during this earthy experience. We knew that it would be difficult, but (with cooperation and love for each other) that we'd be able to come to and accept the gospel/endure to the end.

What are your thoughts on this topic(s)? Anybody?

LOVE GOES OUT TO ALL Y'ALL!... and I'll try and be a better friend/family member, I promise. <3

ch-ch-ch-changes

It is intriguing, to me, how people are constantly changing. It never stops! The human mind is constantly thinking, even while we sleep. It takes in information from our surroundings, processes it, and incorporates it into our identities. I look at my own self, for example, and in just one day my opinion about something or another changes. I wrote an email about my future life, awhile back. It was out of fun (of course) but as I was reading through it I realized that, in just a few weeks, some of my dreams and goals have and will probably continue to change. With the meeting of new people and the undergoing of new experiences, a person's perspective is bound to reconstruct. I simply hope that I can keep up with myself!

Below is the email I mentioned:

"Your Name,

To spice up our emails -->

What do you want to do with your life? If you could plan out exactly how your life would be, what would you want to happen, and how would you like to be? I look forward to my life and love to just ponder about what the future holds. It is kind of like reading a mystery book about myself. When I go from day to day and experience new things, it is like turning the pages and little by little figuring things out. I often times catch myself thinking, "So this is what its like" as I hit new stages. I love it (mostly)!

Anyway...

YOUNG ADULT- hood
I want to finish up my major. I am planning on transferring with an associates to BYU (I guess I'll see what the only true school is all about, ya know? haha). If my life turns out how I think it will, I will then meet Mr. Amazing who will be just returned from his mission. We shall date the year before I graduate and get married the summer after. A honeymoon in the tropics would be nice but I don't have any preferences. If my hubbie is still in school I will support him by working as an editor. I'd like to go on to grad school, somehow and at some point in time, too.

MOMMY- hood

Then of course comes my little children. I want a lot of energetic little boys, and at least one little darling girl. Of course, being an only girl, I always wanted a sister so perhaps two little girls would be a better arrangement. Kid names I am not sure about, yet. I kind of think it would be better to wait and see what suits the kid when he or she comes. I don't want to pre-name a girl Beth if she looks more like a Kahli. That would never be ideal. haha.

I want a big house with a wrap around porch, and gables. I always liked the big double doors with cut glass windows that open into a big living room with a grand piano. Then there is always the white picket fence and a rose garden (it would be a place where my little girls and I could dress up in old 1900's English style clothes with big hats and gloves. Horray for pretend tea parties!).

I'm also one for gardens full of vegetables. My dad always plants rows of flowers and sunflowers between the food. MMM home grown food!!!! I have many a good memory of peeling potatoes, and shelling peas with my big brothers.

I want to write my own book or books and have them published. I love to write and have always wanted to be an author. Music would be a big part of my life, too. Perhaps I'll teach it, while my kids are at school or something. I'd like to get some of my compositions published, as well.

I think a calling in the church, that I would like, would be playing for the primary. I love the primary songs and the spirit that comes when little kids sing about the Savior. Plus, I hear that when a ward knows that you play you get sucked into playing for everything. If this is to be the case, then my preference is the above. As for a hometown, I think it would be fun to live somewhere other than Idaho, though I do like Boise very much. A fresh start, complete with new people, would be lovely.

GRANDMA-hood

One day, I'm bound to get old. When that day comes, I plan on having old lady parties with my friends who live near by. Perhaps, a book club or something of the like will give us the opportunity to chit and chat about our old lady lives while nibbling on old lady food. Haha, I can see myself now. I'll be a plump little grandma, with a disgustingly awesome perm, a bright green sweater covered in sparkly flamingos, and a matching pair of spandex pants to tie it all together. Eww. I can't wait! :)

REALLY OLD GRANDMA-hood

Then comes life in a retirement center. I'll just have bring my old lady parties with me and add a few thrilling games of bingo. Grandma B. will probably go insane and die there as a widow, since women generally live longer than men. It is a kind of depressing ending, actually. Then again perhaps Christ will come by then and I'll be twinkled. That would be pretty cool, I'm not gonna lie.

Yup! That pretty much sums up the imaginary life that I plan on living, if things work out. They most likely will change, but hey. It should be interesting.

Catch ya later,
Brookie"

I'll supply information about my changing ideas continually, throughout these blogs. If you have any Q's, feel free to let me know. Comments and emails are always welcome!

A Week of Big Plans

~OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ~

Spring Break has finally arrived.

Yippee! Hooray! Hallelujah!

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I am one who is constantly making lists. I have lists of words that need to be looked up, lists of "to do's" and goals that need to be accomplished, lists of adventures that need to be written in my journal (when I get behind), lists of positive affirmations that need to be said regularly (positive thinking is awesome!), lists of subjects that I want to learn about, lists of books I want to read, lists of lists I want to/already do make, and so on. It sounds ridiculous and can get completely out of control, but so is my list making fetish.

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This can, of course, be a bad thing. Though and thus far, my obsessive habits have tended to come in handy. Because of said lists, I am one who gets things done (or, at least, attempts them). Writing things down on paper provides me with a constant reminder of everything that would otherwise be jumbled about and eventually lost in the abyss of my brain. Also, I shan't be an old lady whose lost her marbles because I will have made a list of every one and its specific location. :) List making could almost be considered a self-made insurance policy, per se. Please take note that the word "almost" is used in the previous sentence. Thank you.

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Occasions like New Years, the start of a new school year, the start of a new job, the beginning of summer (new beginnings, in general), and breaks (i.g. SPRING BREAK!!!!) are ideal times for list making. All a person has to do is whip out a good writing utensil and a desired paper product. After that, one can chicken scratch to one's heart's content. Its' a simple 1-2-3 step process. Remember the 3 P's:

1. Pencil/Pen (depending on preference)
2. Paper
3. Plan (I was going to say prospectus, but I'm a fan of informal lists)

Let's repeat that... Pencil/Pen, Paper, Plan. Get it? Got it? Good.

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This week's agenda is full/overflowing with big plans, as is indicated by the title of this blog. Motivation fuels my mindset! I want to allow myself plenty of relaxation time, as well as cross off "to-do" items. I have a couple of midterms to study for, a science paper to rough draft, scholarships to apply for, people (missionaries, friends, relatives) to write, instruments to practice, musical pieces to perfect, journal(s) to catch up on, friends to hang out with, dates to go on, shelves to dust, carpets to vacuum, a house to scrape (in preparation for a new paint job), muscles to exercise, food to eat, air to breath....

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I have big plans, my friends, big plans!

Brain Spasms

Today is Tuesday. For me, this means a slam packed day full of studying and classes. I am on campus from the early a.m. to the late p.m., carrying around a backpack, a shoulder bag and a violin. I look like the ultimate nerd, trudging along. Plus, (if you are familiar with the stereotypical nerd) because of my scratched eye-ball, I have to wear glasses which give me an extra zing of nerdiness. It is beautiful. :).

The day hasn't been too terrible, which is unusual. I am sure that my attitude has a part (if not the whole shebang) to play in my "terrible Tuesdays." I wake up, remember what day it is and automatically I hate the world and have a mindset that things aren't going to go well. This is not the right way to go about life. I admit it! I could probably use a serious attitude adjustment/kick in the pants. Any one have a good steel-toed boot?

My Physical Anthropology class was out of the norm, this morning. Instead of the usually boring note-taking session, we had a lab! My professor brought in skulls of all sorts of primates. It was exciting to be able to apply the information that we have been learning (dental formulas, sagital crests, post orbital bars/plates, etc.) to real bones!! I think I'll dream I'm a paleontologist, tonight... as if I can choose. Can a person choose what he or she dreams about? Do any of you have such an ability? If so, share you secret por favor. I want to know how!

Violin Lessons were canceled. It is always nice to bring one's fatty instrument case to school, for no reason... Well actually, for canceled reasons. NOT. *Sigh* On the bright side, though, it does strengthen my arm muscles. I killed (In all actuality, it died on its own. I am no murderer!) the shoulder strap and now have to carry it about like an elongated briefcase. Because of such circumstances, I should have Pop-Eye shaped biceps by the end of the year. I am looking forward to and planning on conquering some hardcore arm wrestling matches.

My BIO lab wasn't quite enjoyable. Last week we had the privilege of dissecting cow eyeballs. Today, though, all we did was count beetle populations and discuss a (soon to be due) science paper. In comparison to previous labs, this one just didn't measure up on my list of favorites. I must say, though, I have perfected the skill of beetle counting. It's all in the wrist, baby!

I have a Trig Test in a couple of hours. Wish me luck! I should be fine, hopefully, because I actually studied (amazing, I know.. jk). Plus, my professor has pretty straight forward exams. I aced the last one. Can you believe it? Miss Brooke doing well in math? Such things are unheard of! It was pretty much miraculous, I'm not going to lie. Hopefully, the math gods are still pleased with me.... Not that I am polytheistic or any such nonsense, ha. As for my grade, I suppose only time will tell. "Tick-tock."

I'm gonna go eat some grub, now. I'd better get my blood sugar up so that my mind can function. You know how it is...

Ciao!

Penny For Your Thoughts

I lounge on a bench and admire the passerby
So many faces, styles, and stories untold
My mind wanders through images and, with such, I sigh
and ponder a question of the young and the old.

"If we could know the thoughts of men
How would life be different, then?
For misunderstandings would never occur
And ladies with gents could finally conquer!

Would such knowledge be of want?
Yes, fear of the unknown no longer would haunt,
But what of the thrill of a lovely surprise
Could this joy no longer arise?"

Should, could, would, may, might, can...

"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee..."

Below is a blog that a friend of mine posted on myspace.com. Following it is my response.

Saturday, March 10, 2007
7:47 AM - They say our feet were made for dirt, I disagree
I have a confession to make: I don't know the difference between a democrat or a republican.And honestly, I don't care to find out. I don't understand why our government has decided to eliminate our choices, and narrow it down to 2. I know there's the green party, and there's a few other candidates, but they never get enough votes, nor the financial support.Anyway, my point is that I decided I really don't like generalizations such as that. I know, I tell my friends all the time that someone is "emo" or whatever, but that's not what I'm talking about. Sort of.I don't understand why we should be categorized into shit like that. I don't care that Democrats only think this way, and Republicans think that way. I don't agree with what some democrats say, and what some republicans say, so I'm not going to be thrust into either category.But this isn't just a political view. I also feel the same way about religion. If you do not already know, at the moment, I attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aka, I'm Mormon. However, I don't agree with all of their teachings. For example. about November last year I think, I wrote a blog about how I think that Murder is the worse thing you could possibly do. However, the LDS religion believes that completely denying God (not just saying "Oh, I don't believe in God" but actually protesting against him, is the worse thing you could do. I just don't understand how that could be worse. Also, if you don't already know this, I am completely and utterly against any type of murder. No human has the right to take the life of another human.From now on, I no longer consider myself Mormon. However, I do not denounce that what the church teaches is false. There are parts of their doctrine that I do believe, but I don't agree with all of it.I consider myself a human being, who believes in whatever I feel to be justifiably right.

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To [name]:

Concerning Labeling:

We, as humans, have a tendency to label the nouns (people, places, things, and ideas). This tendency assists our brains with the process of taking in information. With the quick attachment of a name, we can filter information-- wrong or right-- hence, we categorize, stereotype or what have you. Even saying that humans label, categorize, and stereotype is a form of labeling!

From infancy, we learned to communicate with other humans. We practiced vocalization by zealously saying "mommy" or "doggy" when a woman or animal came into view. We learned the names of colors, body parts, objects, and etc. so that we would be able to describe the world around us. These labels are only descriptions. They are not the whole of whatever is being described but they do play as factors, however minuscule.

When trying to tell your friend about someone you just met, you might end up using words having to do with skin color, body shape, skills, accessories, or religion. Depending on where a person is from and what he or she has learned to categorize as the norm, descriptions may vary. For example: if the person you are describing happens to have dark skin and you live in Idaho (where most of the population is considered "white"), you will probably clarify that he or she is different than the norm by being "black." This is not a racist comment or negative labeling. It is just a description of physical appearance.

The neurological process of labeling has played a role in lives of men, from the beginning. The multiple chapters of history are filled with carnage, hatred, jealously, segregation, and social injustices because this process was used in extremes. Negative connotations made their way into society and when combined with the fear of all things foreign, labeling became more than a means of keeping one's brain from exploding (because of too much info). It transformed into a self-esteem booster (for those wanting to be the better people), a way to scapegoat (for those wanting someone to blame), a form of justification (for those wanting to dehumanize others who are simply different than themselves), and the list goes on.

We all label. These are my labels for you, right now (for further emphasis): you are a human being, a white American, an 18-year-old male, a [his last name], a Boise citizen, a friend, and a W.O.W player (to name a few...).


Concerning Beliefs and Religious Doctrine:

"And honestly, I don't care to find out"~ [his last name].

My man, there's your problem. When you don't understand something, you don't take the time to learn about it. Then you "label" it as crap. Did I say label? I think I did. :) So... about the government and religion, research and pray about them. You don't have to stand for a group, but you should stand for principles. There are eternal truths whether you want to believe it or not. Take, for instance, the law of gravity: (thanks to Newton and a bruise's worth of discovery/ experimentation) we know that what goes up must come down. It is a truth.

You mentioned murder and the denying of God. From my understanding, a person who denies God (on the level of sin worse than murder) is a son of perdition. This person has seen God, Jesus Christ, or both. He or she knows, for a fact, that they exist; therefore, there is no longer faith needed and yet there is denial. This is why (in this sense) denying the existence of God is so terrible, a worse sin than murder. In 2 Thess 2:3-4, it says: "... the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." Saying that you are above God is worse than murder because when a person commits murder, he or she is only attempting to be above another human by taking away that individual's physical existence. Also, a murderer hasn't taken away everything. There is still life, progression, and agency after death. Both sins are bad, but there are levels of evil acts and levels of consequences to go along with them. According to LDS doctrine, murderers still are allowed in the Telestial kingdom, with some level of glory. A son of perdition, though, is cast into outer darkness to endure eternal torment.

Concerning Attachments and Identity:

"Hence, why I do not want to associate myself with anything. I want to be me. Maybe this is just a phase of finding myself, but I don't feel like I need to be included in a religion, a political group, or any of that other bull[@#?*]. All I need is my friends" ~[last name].

Sorry to use you own words against you (again), but...

Saying that you don't want to be associated with anything is like saying you don't want to exist. You can't be [name] with out being attached to the things that have happened in [name]'s life, the things that [name] does, the things that [name] believes in, and the things that [name] loves. Don't be afraid of what people think. Eleanor Roosevelt once said: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." In essence, you are giving your consent to be labeled as a nobody when you are afraid to be associated with anything or any group that stands for something. If you aren't associated with ideals that can be potentially put down, then you have nothing. I'd rather stand for something and have strong beliefs than be a fence sitter with neutral ideas or ones that change because of the opinions of others.

All you need is your friends, eh? One day your friends will go on missions, move away (to college and such), get married, and (as morbid as it may seem) die. Basically, people and circumstances change. I have seen relationships come and go in my life and in the lives of those around me. I would be careful to tread upon such an unstable foundation. I'm not saying that friends are bad, but you have to be careful. The influence of a friend can be very powerful. There are and always will be both good and bad peer pressures.

You, my dear, need some direction in your life: ideals, values, dreams, goals, and so on.
Such things will make your life experiences so much more complete, happy, and fulfilling.
Figure out who you are, what you believe in, and what you want to be "labeled". It is important! You are hitting/have already hit a very challenging time in your life. Satan and his legions hate that you have so much potential. They don't want you to succeed! They are (and will continue to) pound you with their well developed tactics. They've been around A LONG time and are good at what they do. Don't give in, or go astray. I know you know what is right and what is wrong. So get up and do something about it. Sitting around and waiting for a life/identity to come to you is not the best plan of action. Do you want to leave butt prints in the sand of time? I think not. You can do anything that you put your mind to!!!! You are one of the most academically capable persons of my acquaintance. I'm rootin' for you to figure things out, and will love you through whatever happens, and through all of your choices (whether I agree with them or not).

That is all.

"In the beginning..."

This shall be the first of many blogs to come. Is this a means for celebration? Yes, I think it is.

I have decided to become a "blogger" because I tend to write in bulk. It is just what I do naturally. My pen hits paper or my fingers strike a keyboard and I am off, in my own world of thought, for hours and paragraphs on end. I do keep a journal, but I like the feel of composing entries on a computer. Spell check, a backspace key, and the like eliminate annoyances such as unreadable handwriting, eraser/white-out smudges, random arrows (for an attempt at organization), and etc.. This page will provide me with a space in which I can write to my heart's content (and in an organized manner). In doing so, I hope to get my mind around my thoughts and come to understand EVERYTHING more fully. It should be fascinating!