L'erba del vicino e sempre piu verde.

In Italian today we read a poem.  At first it made no sense.  Partly because it's in Italian and in part because it just really made no sense. 


Basically this is what it said.


To the river: "Let me pass!"
Responded the river: "Where are you going?  Along with the men and women?  The ox bellows also and the mosquitoes sting.  
What do you hope for?  The same water, sweet, to love, along my other bank!  It is the day, it is beautiful.  The air stirs itself, the fabulous woods, what do you think.
Always the other bank is what you crave, man.  The well-lost or vainly waited.  Me, cold, between the dreamer and the dream.
Always suspended high above your head your fate, if you go, if you stay.  For each road to be dragged along, again, your turmoil."


Once I understood what it was saying, I began to think.  


So often we look at what we have and see that it's not good enough.  We see what we're lacking and what we are longing for.  We set goals because we aren't happy with what we have.  Not that progression isn't good, but often we hope to be thinner, richer, etc.  We are so focused on where we're lacking that we don't see our blessings.  When we really do have issues, we think that then we don't need to work to make it better.  We think that we just need to change something minor, say just the right thing, and our lives will be perfect.  


It's time for all of us to see what we have and be grateful.  Truly and honestly thankful for all we have in our lives.  Stop protesting that things aren't fair.  If you really don't like the way something is in your life, do something about it.  Make goals that will enhance the joy you already have sitting right in front of you but make sure they aren't vain or completely self-serving.


"When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf 


And remember, the grass really isn't always greener on the other side.

Chivalry: Dead or Alive

So lately I've noticed something.  Chivalry is kinda dead.  I never really thought I'd be saying that when I go to school with a crazy-ton of LDS guys.  But it is, I think.  


I've noticed this in a few ways.  


First, boys don't really hold doors open anymore.  Just today, I had a guy run past me, open the door, and let it slam in my face.  He was literally 3 or 4 steps in front of me.  It was so rude.  Even if he didn't want to be a gentleman, he should have at least held it because I'm a fellow human being.  


Tip: Boys, some girls may not like you pausing to hold the door open for them, but do it anyways.  Most of us appreciate it and should say thank you.  Even if you're running late to class, take 5 extra seconds to pause and hold the door.


Second, "ladies first" should really still be happening.  I noticed this a lot when I rode the bus.  Boys would squeeze in front of me to get on the bus sooner.  I'm sorry, but that's rude.  Let a girl go first.  Seriously.


Tip: Really, your day won't be ruined because you let a girl go ahead of you.  Say, "After you" and you may make her day.


My third example is something I noticed in my class last night.  If you're in a crowded place and there aren't enough seats for everyone, do not make a girl sit on the floor.  That is straight up rude.  If you are terrible enough to force a girl to sit on the floor while you sit comfortably in a chair, you are messed up.


Tip: Boy, offer the girl your chair.  You won't ruin your jeans or look less manly because of it.  In fact, that girl will remember you for doing something nice for her.


Fourth, boys don't walk girls home anymore.  Unless they're dating, guys say "See ya!" and let girls make their way home alone.  Being in a ward that's separated by a couple blocks has made me notice this.  I live in an all-girls complex and whenever we'd go do stuff with the guys, they never offered to walk us home.  Yes, it's only two blocks and yes, it's out of the way, but still, at least offer.  


Tip: Ask girls if you can walk them home.  It doesn't mean you're making a move and can be really sweet whether you are or aren't try to make one.


Fifth, if you're at a party or event, especially one hosted by a girl, and you stay until the end, offer to help clean up, take out the trash, etc.  If a girl was willing to put in the work for you to have a good time, show appreciation by doing something small in return.  Most of the time she will refuse, but it's the thought that counts.  Being a part of the Tall Club presidency and staying until everyone's gone to clean up has taught me a lot about guys.  The guys that offer to help clean up or just start doing it without asking are the guys that I remember the most and respect more.


Tip: Do what I just talked about and offer to help clean up if you go to an activity or party and stay until the end.




This is all I have for now.  Guys, please make a greater effort to be gentlemen.  Girls will remember you for it and will really appreciate it.  It shouldn't be questioned if chivalry is dead.  All girls should know it's alive and strong, so do your part :)

U-turn

Last year, I was dying to get back to school and classes and friends.








This year, I'm dying to stay home.

My Year in Music

Rather than summarizing my year in pictures or paragraphs, I'm going to post the songs that helped me make it through the year.

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord

No tender voice like thine can peace afford

I need thee, oh, I need thee

Every hour I need thee

Oh bless me now, my Savior

I come to thee

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain

Come quickly and abide or life is vain

I need thee, oh, I need thee

Every hour I need thee

Oh bless me now, my Savior

I come to thee

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,Still all my song shall be,Nearer, my God, to Thee.Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!




Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.Yet in my dreams I'd beNearer, my God to Thee.Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!




There let the way appear, steps unto heav'n;All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;Angels to beckon meNearer, my God, to Thee.Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!




There in my Father's home, safe and at rest,There in my Savior's love, perfectly blest;Age after age to be,Nearer my God to Thee.Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!The night is dark, and I am far from home;lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me. 


I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on; I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years! 


So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on. O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone, And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I
Have loved long since, and lost awhile! 


Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God. To rest forever after earthly strife In the calm light of everlasting life.
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.







Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.







Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.



Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.








This year, the songs stuck in my head were hymns.  When I was younger, I thought it was kinda silly to sing a hymn when something was bothering you. Over the past year, I have really come to rely on the comfort that comes with their words.  It's the words of these songs that have increased my testimony and got me through 2011.  They are what summarizes the last year for me. :)