The One Where America is 236 Years Old

Yesterday was the 4th of July. After all this time in Provo I finally went to the famous Provo City Freedom Festival Parade. It was a fun experience. I had a lovely day. I really love our country.

Last week I went to the Sound of Music at the Hale Center Theater with a friend. Remember when Captain Von Trapp is called to the German Navy and refuses to go because he does not support Hitler and the Nazis?  He and his family are forced to leave their homeland of Austria and cross the mountains to Switzerland in the middle of the night. That's right - those of you uncultured people thought this was a sticky sweet movie about singing nuns and a silly nanny. WRONG...kind of. Before they leave they sing in a festival as a family and Gayorg gives this speech before he sings Adlewise, a beautiful Austrian song. At least watch between minutes 1 and 4...

"My fellow...Austrians. 
I shall not be seeing you again for perhaps a very long time. I would like to sing for you now a love song. I know you share this love. I pray that you will never let it die."

Enter tears as he sings - not just because of the two sweet older veterans crying and singing along in the front row of the theater who probably fought in this war, but because I feel this way about our country and I hope that all of you do as well.

AND SO - my fellow Americans, I would like to share with you the lyrics to another love song. I know that you share this love and I pray that you will never let it die.

O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

The One Where I Am Ready To Run

My family is on some kind of "health kick" lately and apparently we are running RAGNAR next year. I went to the gym and did two miles THREE TIMES this past week. I also attended a Cycling class with Lindsey...Did I mention that she is living here now? ; ) Let me just say that my body hurts...

HERE WE COME - 2013

RAGNAR

The One With The Crazy Commencement Speech

Apparently a certain english teacher gave THIS speech at graduation, and all of the parents freaked out. WHY? Because it is entitled "You Are Not Special." Don't stop reading. This is an interesting speech and it has some interesting points.

"Here we are on a literal level playing field. That matters. That says something. And your ceremonial costume… shapeless, uniform, one-size-fits-all. Whether male or female, tall or short, scholar or slacker, spray-tanned prom queen or intergalactic X-Box assassin, each of you is dressed, you’ll notice, exactly the same.  And your diploma… but for your name, exactly the same." 

"You are not special.  You are not exceptional."

"Contrary to what your soccer trophy suggests, your glowing seventh grade report card, despite every assurance of a certain corpulent purple dinosaur, that nice Mister Rogers and your batty Aunt Sylvia, no matter how often your maternal caped crusader has swooped in to save you… you’re nothing special."

"Yes, you’ve been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You’ve been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You’ve been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. Yes, you have. And, certainly, we’ve been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs.  Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet. Why, maybe you’ve even had your picture in the Townsman! And now you’ve conquered high school… and, indisputably, here we all have gathered for you, the pride and joy of this fine community, the first to emerge from that magnificent new building…"

"But do not get the idea you’re anything special.  Because you’re not."

" “But, Dave,” you cry, “Walt Whitman tells me I’m my own version of perfection!  Epictetus tells me I have the spark of Zeus!”  And I don’t disagree.  So that makes 6.8 billion examples of perfection, 6.8 billion sparks of Zeus. " 

 "If you’ve learned anything in your years here I hope it’s that education should be for, rather than material advantage, the exhilaration of learning.  You’ve learned, too, I hope, as Sophocles assured us, that wisdom is the chief element of happiness.  (Second is ice cream…  just an fyi)  I also hope you’ve learned enough to recognize how little you know… how little you know now… at the moment… for today is just the beginning.  It’s where you go from here that matters."

"Resist the easy comforts of complacency, the specious glitter of materialism, the narcotic paralysis of self-satisfaction.  Be worthy of your advantages.  And read… read all the time… read as a matter of principle, as a matter of self-respect.  Read as a nourishing staple of life.  Develop and protect a moral sensibility and demonstrate the character to apply it.  Dream big.  Work hard.  Think for yourself.  Love everything you love, everyone you love, with all your might."

"You’ll note the founding fathers took pains to secure your inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness–quite an active verb, “pursuit”–which leaves, I should think, little time for lying around watching parrots rollerskate on Youtube."

"The poet Mary Oliver tells us to row, row into the swirl and roil.  Locally, someone… I forget who… from time to time encourages young scholars to carpe the heck out of the diem.  The point is the same: get busy, have at it.  Don’t wait for inspiration or passion to find you.  Get up, get out, explore, find it yourself, and grab hold with both hands."

Now don't you think that speech was interesting? I understand what he was trying to say. We all have the spark of divinity within us, which makes all of us special. However, I don't think that that makes none of us special. Where is the logic in that? ; ) That only makes us equal to a degree. We are not "more" special than anyone else because we have certain things or are presented with certain opportunities. God loves each of us for exactly who we are, and we should not be prideful or think we are better than others..because we aren't. All of use are children of God. I think that is the point the speaker was subconsciously trying to make : D Wasn't that what President Uchtdorf meant when he said that God does not care one bit if we work in marble halls or stable stalls? Anyway - there is your food for thought for the day. 

C.S. Lewis said “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship. … There are no ordinary people. … Your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses” 

The One Where Lindsey Graduated From High School

I went home this weekend for my baby sister's graduation. SHE DID IT! We are all so proud of her. Congrats, Babe. You are awesome. 

I love this little girl SO MUCH. She is the textbook definition of a beautiful person. There is a bit in Pride and Prejudice where the characters are having a conversation about what it means to be an "accomplished" young lady...


Caroline says "A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved."


Mr. Darcy adds ""All this she must possess, and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."


To which Elizabeth replies, " "I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any."


Miss Lindsey McCall is an accomplished young lady. She is beautiful - just look at her! She is the smartest of the Christensen siblings (and we ain't a dumb group, so that is saying something) - scholarships all over the place, She is a sports queen, she can sing, she can write, she is a social butterfly. She is confident and comfortable in her own skin. She has her own ideas and opinions. She is a thinker. She is also kind, compassionate, and she is the classiest person under twenty years of age that I know of. 

I am over the moon excited for her to move her fanny down here for school so we can once again live in the same city. I am a lucky girl to be a part of such a great family. I love them. 

To the Chromosomatically Abnormal

Yesterday was Tuner Syndrome Awareness Day up north in Canada. My internet sidebar told me so.

Today I saw THIS on Facebook:

http://www.wimp.com/hearingaid/

Maybe if I write to Marvel they will create a little girlfriend for Blue-ear. She would be a purple superhero with a butterfly on her chest for Turners. HAHA. No body really wants to see that in a superhero though. Maybe I will hit up Disney and have them create a TS Princess.

To those dealing with chromosome abnormalities: You are all beautiful. We are superheros.

FIctional Characters I May ACTUALLY Be In Love With

1. Atticus Finch - To Kill A Mockingbird


   Ok, I know that this is a strange pick. I understand that he has two growing children and is an older man. I really could care less. Have you read this book? I honestly think that a suit and tie is the modern day equivalent of suit of armor. Atticus defends truth, right, honor, and decency. He is not afraid to speak his mind and he is kind to everyone. Just watch this clip. I tear up a little. 

     He is a wonderful father and his main goal is life is to teach his children how to be good people..."I'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird..."  Read the book, and fall in love with a wonderful man. The story doesn't suck either. ; ) Neither does the fact that Gregory Peck is very handsome if you don't mind black and white movies, which you shouldn't, because this movie is great.   Also: I might add that he is the only one on the list who does no have a fictional love interest that I would be braking up. That is a bonus. 

2. Chandler Bing - Friends

       Another randomly strange pick, right? I know. He is basically the anti-Atticus Finch. He is a little bit inappropriate and immature. I like Chandler though. He reminds me of certain brothers I have (but not as cool). That is a compliment to them. They are dashing because they are real and they are fun.


     I like him because he is sweet and funny and he really loves his wife. He works hard to take care of her. They make each other laugh constantly and they work together to solve problems and get through life. They are best friends. That is all I really want in a man. We would make a fine match - you know, if he were real...and if Monica were not real. 

3. Prince Eric - The Little Mermaid 


     It is hard to pick a prince from the Dinsey bunch, mostly because we don't know what the heck their personalities are except for Aladin because he has an entire movie about him. I think that Eric is the most handsome Disney prince. He is very sweet. Plus, he is not the type to be all high and mighty in his castle all the time. He seems laid back. He also likes adventure and he lives on the coast and likes to be on the water. He is kind and he has big blue eyes. I am sold. 

4. Zorro (Alejandro Murrieta) - The Mask of Zorro 


     I love a man with a sword, what can I say? A Latino man with a sword just makes things even better. There is not really much to say here. He is charming and he has a charming accent and he fights bad guys. PLUS I think that Catherine Zeta Jones is probably the most beautiful person ever (after Beyonce) and I want to be her. 

5. Prince Henry - Ever After

  

     This one is just HANDSOME. He is the classic version of a prince on a horse. I like how passionate he is. He's not a push over and he thinks for himself. Sure, he's not perfect. I like that he is willing to forgive Danielle and that she is willing to forgive him. He is well read and caring and I would not mind if he came into this world and showed up at my door on a horse in his royal garb, Enchanted style, to take me away. 

6. Captain Jack Elliot - These Is My Words



     Ok, so this is my favorite book. It is the best love story and I cry when it is over just because it is over. I love this man. In my heart I want a rough and tumble Texas Cowboy and Captain Jack is BETTER than that. He is a rough calvary captain from the frontier and he is so kind. I don't know what he looks like. I imagine somewhat like Tom Sellek in Quigley Down Under because is a handsome western frontiersman with a good shot. 

    It's not what he looks like though that is so attractive. It is HIM. Let me share a letter that he writes to Sarah, our protagonist. It is a REALLY good love letter...Sarah finds an abandoned wagon full of books and she wants to take it with them because she is learning to read and she loves it, but Jack says it is too much of a hassle. He ends up selling her some horses to pull the wagon for a couple of the books and he picks the books that she most wants to read to keep for himself.  One by one he gives them back to her, except for one book. She is always asking him about it. 

"Dear Miss Prine,

I cannot hope that you understand my forwardness and my poor manners in writing this to you, as it is unforgivable to be so common with a lady as to tell her your feelings so abruptly. However, life is so uncertain in the Territories that I hope you will forgive me this impropriety for the sake of what I am about to say.

I lost my heart to you the moment you won that rifle from that blowhard and handed it back to him. Then I lost everything else when you stood up with a straight face and protected your family against what you thought would be a vision of horror. You have stolen my very heart away. I see your face, I hear your voice, I watch you walk, even in my sleep. You have my utmost admiration and fondest regards. If it were not for my own cowardice, i would have told you these things in person, and not given this letter in an Animal book, hoping you would turn the pages and find it some day.

I know that you want your other book returned so badly that you just ache for it, and for that it sorrows me that I cannot return it, but you must understand it is a matter of life and death that I keep it with me at all times. For you see, you have taken all of my heart with you, and there is nothing left for me but the little piece of your heart that longs for your other book. So I must have it to continue breathing at all.

Please forgive the injustices of it all. I remain forever lost to you, and sustain myself on with a memory of one night when we shared a tenderness that went far beyond mortal bounds. You shared with me your fears, and most importantly, your trust as you slept quietly and safely in my arms. Unkind of you, to brutally expose a man to the sweetest thing  women has to offer, her trust, and then to just slip away as if you cared nothing for him at all. However, it matters not what unkindness you show me, I have no heart any longer to feel it anyway. My dear, if there is any chance that you could find a sliver of compassion for me, please write me in return…"

HAHA! Take THAT Mr. "Had You Behaved In A More Gentleman Like Manner" Darcy. No Austin characters here - no Twilight and no super heros. I win. I did use a Disney Price though. Oh Well. I though about a scripture character or two, but then I remembered that they are not fictional. There are lots of others that could be here, but I am taking long enough to blog as it is. Who is on your list? 

Speak, People - Tis Your Cue

So here I am up late trying to study for my Disorders of Articulation exam tomorrow. Did I ever mention how much I LOVE studying Communication Disorders? I love it a lot. It is fascinating to me. I love that I can help people learn to speak better - or at least will one day be able to help people learn to speak better.

The more I think about it the more I am convinced that most people I meet these days seem to have some kind of communication disorder. It is really not normal to prefer to send a text message than talk in person,  or to say half the words needed to form a complete sentence because you are lazy. People today really do have a hard time finding their words and communicating in general.

I am not good with grammar and punctuation. My vocabulary needs to improve, but I love language. I spent two hours on YouTube yesterday just watching parts of certain Disney movies in Spanish because I wanted to compare the difference between Spanish and English. I revel in listening to my elders speak to me in beautiful Spanish just weeks after they arrive at the MTC. I sat there in my classroom tonight in awe at the ability we have as human beings to communicate and the ability the brain has to lean language.

Read or listen to a Shakespearian Sonnet this week.

Learn a new word and actually use it.

Contemplate on the creative ability you have to simply put beautiful words in sentences and create something glorious that did not exist before.

I was buying Mother's Day cards at Hallmark and I thinking about the power that words have. Every time we open out mouths we have the power to hurt or heal.  Language is the greatest invention ever. No machine will ever be able to duplicate the human brain combined with the vocal tract. No invention will ever be able to uplift us, inspire us, motivate us, or make our lives easier than words on a page or sentences spoken.

Point taken. I love this commercial:

I found this on a friend's blog the other day and though that I would share. Thanks Carolyn : D