“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” -Maria Robinson

Last night, all of the Young Single Adults in the area were summoned to what was deemed to be a "Historic Meeting" at the Ogden Tabernacle where three Seventies addressed us about some big changes. Basically, all of the Ogden University wards/stakes have changed to Young Single Adult wards and stakes and all Young Single Adults are encouraged to attend these wards. Along with that the boundaries of most of the former university wards changed to the new YSA wards. This meant big changes for the 11th ward, of which I am and have been a part. Our ward was one of the largest in the University Stake, but after all of the boundary changes, we have about fifteen members on our books. Obviously that'll change a bit...wards aren't supposed to have that small of a congregation...but who knows when that will be...?

Tonight was the last Family Home Evening as the University 11th Ward, and it was a little bittersweet. However, I'm excited to move forward. Change that is inspired by Prophets of God is always a good thing, and it brings with it opportunities to grow in ways that we never thought possible. Yes, I'll miss the old University 11th Ward, but I'm very excited to see what the YSA 11th ward brings! At the fireside, we were promised that as we were obedient in following the counsel of the brethren, we would be greatly blessed, so I'm excited to see where this takes us!

But here's to the memories I've made in the University 11th Ward. I've gotten to know some of the most amazing people in the world through the ward, and I'll miss them!

Sorry this post is a little scattered...I just wanted to be sure to get my feelings down before I forget it all! :-D G'night everyone!

Commencuation - Because the word Commencement isn't descriptive enough.

This morning was the 135th Commencement of Weber State University, and what an awesome ordeal it was! No, it wasn't because the orchestra played Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance 762 times in a row without taking a breath or turning blue, which was definitely a feat. And it also wasn't because I got to herd the faculty around like cattle trying to get them into the right places, as I get to do yearly as an Ambassador (which gives me a sort of odd satisfaction). And it wasn't because I was graduating — I still have another three semesters, which seems like an eternity away, especially since I'm already balding and turning grey; yes, both.

Commencement this morning was a once-in-a-lifetime experience because I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet President Thomas S. Monson, a Prophet of God! Weber State awards a few honorary Doctor of Humanities degrees each year to people in the community who have made a difference, and President Monson was a recipient of the degree today.

I arrived at the Dee Events Center early (and we're talking early) this morning with my dad to work at the event, and I was immediately assigned a small job in the Rich Lounge where all of the dignitaries were gathering. A little after 7 a.m., the Prophet walked in with his wife, and began shaking everyone's hands. When he got to me, my dad had his phone out, so I asked him if I could take a picture with him, to which he quickly responded, "No!" then immediately smiled and said, "Of course you can!"

We exchanged a few pleasantries, then President Monson patted me on my back and went about getting ready to receive his degree. 

In addition to receiving an Honorary Doctorate, President Monson was the commencement speaker. He gave some ABCs to the graduates for succeeding in life. Here's a quick summary of what he said:

• A is for Attitude. By changing your inner attitude, you can change your outer life. President Monson said that a good Attitude is one of the best ways to be happy and succeed in life. He said that we have a choice of attitudes every day, and to choose happiness. He quoted Lou Holtz who said, "Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it." What wise words!" President Monson also said, "Choose to find joy everywhere and leave it behind when you go."
• B is for Belief. Believe in yourself, in those around you, and in your principles (he also mentioned belief in God, but since graduation is very secular, he kept that to a minimum). He recommended one way of acting sure in your principles: "Ask not what will people think, but what will I think of myself?" One important thing to note is that he said, "Believe in the truths of science, the foundations of english and economics, but most of all, believe in yourself. You can achieve what you believe you can." What a great way of encouraging us to believe in what we're learning in college and the academic world. After all when the world was created, it had to adhere to some kind of rules...so we have science.
• C is for Courage; the determination to live decently. President Monson said, "There will be times when you're frightened or discouraged—you may feel you're David fighting Goliath—but remember, David did win. You can win." He encouraged us to have the determination to reach a worthy goal and that sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, "Try again tomorrow."

President Monson is truly a Prophet of God! I could tell that he has a love for all of us college students and a firm belief that obtaining knowledge is extremely important. That's definitely reason enough for me to continue in my schooling. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity to hear a Prophet speak and to see the love his counselors have for him (both President Eyring and President Uchtdorf came to support him). The Church is SO true!

Found on KSL

Have you ever wandered around the "free" section of KSL Classifieds? It's HILARIOUS! Here are just a few things I found:

Just the middle section...you don't need the arms.

No thanks...I'll take the stuff in my back yard.

Tee Hee Hee :-D Okay... I might be a little immature.

Wow...

Now why would anyone want to get rid of those???

Seriously. Thread spools? Who KEEPS those?

Okay...I know what these really are, but the title says it all...next time I need to feed my kangaroo, I'll give you a call :-D

I want it!!! Wait...Partially burned? How...?

This microwave is in GREAT condition! It just only works part of the time...

More to come...hopefully... :-D

New Blog

Well I'm taking a cue from my friend Hilary and writing down what I learn every day in another blog. So check it out!

http://whatnathanlearnedtoday.blogspot.com

Hope you like it!

32,000 Feet High!

Guess what! I’m writing this post from 32,000 feet in the air! That’s right...I’m on one of the new Delta WiFi-On-Board aircraft! As my dad and I were sitting at the gate waiting to board our flight to Las Vegas, a lady passed around some free internet passes (usually it’s $4.95 for the entire flight). I definitely couldn’t say no to that. So, a few minutes (and vertical miles) later, here I am on the internet somewhere over central Utah. Well until later, peace out!

The Big House

Well...that's it. If you don't see me for a while, it's because I'm probably going to the clinker. Yup. Apparently I broke Federal Law. How, you ask? Well, I was using a package of Kirkland Signature Wipes, and I didn't follow the directions with exactness. The instructions tell the user to wipe dirt away with a cloth then use a clean wipe to wet the surface and keep it wet for five minutes to disinfect, using more wipes if necessary. I'm afraid that I only kept my counter wet for a total of four minutes and forty-five seconds. How could this possibly be against federal law? Well after my counter dried completely I continued to read the packaging, and it stated: "It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling." So it looks like I've done myself in. Since it's printed so plainly on the label, my guess is that a federal agent watched me commit the crime and that's them pulling up in my driveway right this second. I can only turn off the lights and hide for a short time; I know he'll come in to arrest me anyway. If he knew I misused the wipes, he'll definitely know that I'm in here typing away on my blog! It looks as if this will be the end to my days as a free man. I'll have to be locked up with other people who may have accidentally not repeated after washing and rinsing with their shampoo, or people who used a Lysol Wipe to clean a wood surface, even though the label said not to. 


Quick! I hear him coming now! Does anyone know a good I-didn't-read-my-cleaning-product-label-all-the-way attorney? 

The Second S: Strangers

Living out of a suitcase, waking up each morning in a different hotel, and eating no home-cooked meals can all lead to insanity. While traveling, one has to search for different paths to entertainment each day. However, one can only flip through every channel on television, google "how to avoid boredom in a hotel room," jump on the bed, or call the front desk and room service so many times before these normally fulfilling tasks become mundane. That constant search for something to do is the life of a business traveler; in fact, sometimes the only sanity a business traveler can acquire is borrowed.

So far this trip, I have been away from home for seven nights, and I have three more ahead. I've eaten the last twenty-two meals at a restaurant or hotel, stayed in five different hotels, become used to four different television channel lineups, read an entire novel, watched four movies, and talked face-to-face with only about fifteen people total whom I already know (actually, most I don't really know; I've just met them previously). To keep sane, I've had to rely on the kindness of strangers.

I'm surprised how many strangers are so wonderfully hospitable. All I've had to do is mention to someone that I'm from out of town and alone, and they go out of their way to make me feel more at home. That was definitely the case yesterday when I toured the historic St. George Utah Tabernacle. A fun older sister missionary from Boise, Idaho, serving in St. George with her husband, took me on a personal tour of the amazing, pioneer-crafted building. We spent about a half-hour talking about the history of the area, the building itself and the Gospel, but also chatted about the little things. And sometime's it's the little things that make you feel right at home.

Speaking of little things, I've spent the majority of the past few months traveling in the small towns of Utah and Wyoming. And I mean small. I visited some friends in Cokeville, Wyoming (population a whopping 488) to visit Joe & AnnMarie, a couple of old friends, which was one of the smallest towns ever. Joe would beg to differ. He grew up in the town of Veteran, Wyoming that currently has a population of 28. Anyway, sometimes I've really had to search for things to occupy my spare time, and I'm very lucky to have a group of recruiters from other schools I've been traveling around with. In fact, a couple other recruiters and I, who have gone from strangers to good friends in the period of three months, spent one evening in Vernal trying to think of fun things to do with hotel bedding. Again...it's the little things!

My advice to you fellow business travelers is to search out friendly-looking strangers. Almost everyone will be willing to help you find something fun, and many of them will invite you to do something with them! Befriending strangers can be one of your greatest adventures if you just step out of that shell!