Today I made some real good friendships. And I realized the good friends I already had too. During our Nu Skin Christmas party we had, I walked in with no one (I had no date) looking for my friend, Michael Barney, who I was going to meet there. I had no clue where he was but as soon as I walked in I hear "Hone! Hone! Over here!" And it was Jeff Mabey calling me (by his nickname for me), and he invited me to come sit with them (Cory Simmons, Reagan, etc.) Since I didn't know where Michael was I sat with them. And also because they were so nice! :) After the first plate, I told them I was going to look for Michael just to say hi, so I got up and started walking around the room to find him. As I walked around, I would hear my name called out, then I would turn and it was a co-worker, either from sales or from DS, calling me. They would notice me and say hi to me. That meant so much to me. So I would stop and talk to them. Some of them even shook my hand (some in a formal way and others in a "cool" way). I began to feel happy that people even noticed me. I continued walking, though, to find Michael and his date (?--I don't know if she's just a friend) but I just could not find them. Then I saw Mark and Tricia from DS and they too called my name and stopped me to talk. They invited me to sit with them. They seemed to really want me to sit there. I felt so bad because just about five minutes prior, Alex Fisher (Claudia's husband) had actually gotten up from his table, went up to me--while I was walking--and literally took me to their table, telling me that I would sit with them. It was all such a great experience. I love people and now I see it pays off. Anyway, as I was accepting that I just was not going to find my friend, I decided to walk back to the second table I had sat at (with Alex and them) but then I heard my name again. It was Tyson Hinde (an ex-co-worker from sales) who is very cool, so I started talking to him and even got to meet his lil' brother. I miss working with Tyson, by the way. Anyway, after talking to him, I walked back--oh wait, I also saw Edule Toledo who also called my name and said hi. Then Kevan Anderson said hi. It was weird, but it was making me feel real joyful and grateful to have them.
So the night continued. I stayed at the table with Alex (they didn't really give me much option, lol) and just enjoyed my time with them. Later, after the event, Alex, Claudia, and I walked out to the parking lot together. We started talking about anything and everything. I realized that I love those guys! They are super cool. Alex is a trip! I actually think he and I could become really really good friends! I mean, it was way cool. We "chismiar" un poquito. Bueno, un monton! But they are so cool. And we got to be cultured--which matters a TON to me. At the end of the night, I realized I had made some really good friends and that I ALREADY HAVE some really good friends. There I was walking around a room looking for "A" friend, but I found many. I didn't realize I had been looking for something that I have all around me. I am so happy to say these words! Friendship! Ah :)
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Today I felt like blogging!
I can't lie, I love blogging. I don't even have much followers so I can't say I write to inform. And I really don't write to entertain, I don't think I am an entertainer. Estoy escuchando himnos navideños en youtube.com, pues es algo que disfruto mucho. I don't know, I just feel like I have found my perfect therapy. It gives me a little outlet to blog. Qué dicha! Ahora estaba por leer el Libro de Mormón pero me sentí cansado y que hoy debía tomar un pequeño descanzo de leer escritura, y más bien escribir. Gracias! No sé porqué pero solo siento adradecimiento. Me siento lleno en el corazón. Tal ves el Señor sabe algo bueno que yo no sé y lo único que me hace saber ahora es un sentimiento de gozo. Eso es lo que siento, gozo. Qué bueno! Great, off to bed, I think. A veces tengo tanto que decir. Sometimes I feel like I have so much to say, and it feels great to know that I have a blog where I can say it quickly--since typing is much quicker than writing, aka journals. Cool!
Friday, December 4, 2009
22. You Never Really Know (Evaluative conclussion)
I am very thankful for this blog and will be continuing it! It is not a secret to anyone that I thought my teacher was smoking the pipe when she made a blog a class assignment, but fortunately (or unfortunately for my pride) I was proved incorrect.
The blog has helped me say some very important things I had been keeping in that desperately needed to come out. I finally got to speak about my mothers death, and her life too. And in a great way, the blog helped me finally come to terms with the physical loss of my mother. It made me realize she's only physically gone. I've understood, through my writing, what her role in my life is now, and vice versa. That means a lot to me. I will be able to focus a bit more.
I also learned that the blog (in a strange way) validates my opinions. I've written also about things I am not so fond of and even of things like a crush. But I've learned that writing our thoughts is quite therapeutic. It has a strange way of making our outlook on life more positive. I say this because, after many of the entries, I found myself in a good mood. In fact, as I progressed, my entries became more positive. I think it is because when one feels validated, it is easier to be happy. And weather I am right on wrong in what I said, the blog has been very pleasant to do.
I have gained perspective through my blog. I've learned that its better to have perspective on life, something we, or at least I tend to struggle with. Writing helps me solve that. Ironically, this taught me that before I write important papers, I need to gain perspective. I will probably come to my blog and seek inspiration through posting another entry.
I've been quite surprised to know that I am a very optimistic person. It's surprising because I used to think I was quite the pessimist. I am glad to have discovered my optimism, of course.
Also, the blog has helped me be able to better describe how I am. I am definitely a Pathos type of personality (and writer). I am very intense and like to focus on the things of the heart. Other things just don't matter much to me. Artificiality, be it in things and in people, bothers me. Family, particularly parents, are a huge deal to me. My culture is incredibly important to who I am and I am extremely attached to it. The Spanish language will forever be a language I stay close to, but I am quite a perfectionist in my effort of being intelligent and fluent in the English language too. A close relationship with God and Christ is my essence. I try to learn the deep meaning of things in life and I love to laugh and have fun. And I occasionally get a warrant. :) We are all human.
I've learned blog interaction can be valuable. An honorable mention to Kathryn's blog, which kept me in constant laughter, but also strengthened me in the common ground her and I share with the loss of a mother. The other blogs were great too because they helped me get to know my classmates. I read plenty entries from many of them. I'm slowly making my way to reading them all.
Finally, I actually enjoy writing--granted, the writing that doesn't require sticking to a certain topic or style is much more fun, but I like writing none the less. My blog will be my new journal (unless I have something too private to say).
The blog has helped me say some very important things I had been keeping in that desperately needed to come out. I finally got to speak about my mothers death, and her life too. And in a great way, the blog helped me finally come to terms with the physical loss of my mother. It made me realize she's only physically gone. I've understood, through my writing, what her role in my life is now, and vice versa. That means a lot to me. I will be able to focus a bit more.
I also learned that the blog (in a strange way) validates my opinions. I've written also about things I am not so fond of and even of things like a crush. But I've learned that writing our thoughts is quite therapeutic. It has a strange way of making our outlook on life more positive. I say this because, after many of the entries, I found myself in a good mood. In fact, as I progressed, my entries became more positive. I think it is because when one feels validated, it is easier to be happy. And weather I am right on wrong in what I said, the blog has been very pleasant to do.
I have gained perspective through my blog. I've learned that its better to have perspective on life, something we, or at least I tend to struggle with. Writing helps me solve that. Ironically, this taught me that before I write important papers, I need to gain perspective. I will probably come to my blog and seek inspiration through posting another entry.
I've been quite surprised to know that I am a very optimistic person. It's surprising because I used to think I was quite the pessimist. I am glad to have discovered my optimism, of course.
Also, the blog has helped me be able to better describe how I am. I am definitely a Pathos type of personality (and writer). I am very intense and like to focus on the things of the heart. Other things just don't matter much to me. Artificiality, be it in things and in people, bothers me. Family, particularly parents, are a huge deal to me. My culture is incredibly important to who I am and I am extremely attached to it. The Spanish language will forever be a language I stay close to, but I am quite a perfectionist in my effort of being intelligent and fluent in the English language too. A close relationship with God and Christ is my essence. I try to learn the deep meaning of things in life and I love to laugh and have fun. And I occasionally get a warrant. :) We are all human.
I've learned blog interaction can be valuable. An honorable mention to Kathryn's blog, which kept me in constant laughter, but also strengthened me in the common ground her and I share with the loss of a mother. The other blogs were great too because they helped me get to know my classmates. I read plenty entries from many of them. I'm slowly making my way to reading them all.
Finally, I actually enjoy writing--granted, the writing that doesn't require sticking to a certain topic or style is much more fun, but I like writing none the less. My blog will be my new journal (unless I have something too private to say).
21. A Letter From a Primary Kid
My mother only had a third grade elementary education. Over the last couple of days, that fact has been wondering through my mind repeatedly. It was not invited in, it just came and it doesn't seem to want to leave. I don't understand why it's there and what it wants to tell me, but I do feel like I need to let it out and write about it. Hopefully, by the time I'm done, I will know part of what I'm supposed to learn.
I remember one day needing help with my school homework, so I asked my mom up to what school year she studied. I knew that life was hard in Mexico, where she grew up, and that people there often didn't have the means to get a college education. So, I expected her to say something like 10th or 11th grade, but she said, "I was only able to go to third grade elementary." I was very shocked! It was hard to believe that someone as sure of herself and full of character like my mother could have only had a third grade elementary education. It almost seemed like a complete lie to me. But it wasn't, my mom only had a third grade elementary education.
I really don't know why that story keeps crossing my mind. Am I being told to continue striving to get an education? Or is it something completely unexpected that I'm supposed to learn? I'm sure I'm supposed to continue with school but I feel like there is more to be learned from this.
During my mission, a missionary was sorting and handing out mail one day, and when he saw a letter addressed to me, he said, "Oh, look, Elder Márquez, a kid from your ward's primary wrote you a letter." I got the letter, and it was a letter from my mother. I was a bit unsure about how to react to the experience I had just passed, so instead I just opened the letter and started reading it. As I saw the third grader handwriting, which included several grammar and spelling errors, I realized that I had to focus on the things that mattered in the letter in order to get the message. I knew then that my mothers life was teaching me to focus on the things that mattered. I realized I was very grateful to have a mother with only a third grade education, for she was teaching me one of the smartest things anyone had ever taught me.
Today, during English class, my teacher, Sister Steadman, said that our loved ones can do more for us from the other side of the veil than when they are here with us. Those words really resonated with me because since my mother passed away her and my relationship has become even stronger.
Thank you, Mother, for being that "Primary Kid" in my life.
I remember one day needing help with my school homework, so I asked my mom up to what school year she studied. I knew that life was hard in Mexico, where she grew up, and that people there often didn't have the means to get a college education. So, I expected her to say something like 10th or 11th grade, but she said, "I was only able to go to third grade elementary." I was very shocked! It was hard to believe that someone as sure of herself and full of character like my mother could have only had a third grade elementary education. It almost seemed like a complete lie to me. But it wasn't, my mom only had a third grade elementary education.
I really don't know why that story keeps crossing my mind. Am I being told to continue striving to get an education? Or is it something completely unexpected that I'm supposed to learn? I'm sure I'm supposed to continue with school but I feel like there is more to be learned from this.
During my mission, a missionary was sorting and handing out mail one day, and when he saw a letter addressed to me, he said, "Oh, look, Elder Márquez, a kid from your ward's primary wrote you a letter." I got the letter, and it was a letter from my mother. I was a bit unsure about how to react to the experience I had just passed, so instead I just opened the letter and started reading it. As I saw the third grader handwriting, which included several grammar and spelling errors, I realized that I had to focus on the things that mattered in the letter in order to get the message. I knew then that my mothers life was teaching me to focus on the things that mattered. I realized I was very grateful to have a mother with only a third grade education, for she was teaching me one of the smartest things anyone had ever taught me.
Today, during English class, my teacher, Sister Steadman, said that our loved ones can do more for us from the other side of the veil than when they are here with us. Those words really resonated with me because since my mother passed away her and my relationship has become even stronger.
Thank you, Mother, for being that "Primary Kid" in my life.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
16. Life sucked as a sixteen year old
When I was sixteen, my dad kept moving around from town to town. I hated that! We used to live in Taos, NM, which was not so bad. Then, after some financial problems, he got up one day and said we were moving. But who knew where. About a week later we were DRIVING on the road finding where our new home would be. We had no belongings besides clothes, the truck we were driving, the camper on it and a mattress in the bed of the truck with several blankets. I try to avoid the word "hippies" because we did not wear folksy clothing and beads, but if you like the word go ahead. First we drove down to Arizona and then Texas. When in Texas my dad decided he wanted to get to know the beaches of the Gulf Coast. So, for the next few days we drove shore side (as much as possible) and in fact, several nights we actually slept on the beach. I didn't mind the beach, especially the peaceful wind and sound of the waves at night that made sleep that much more pleasant, but I minded the instability. But the drive continued. As we left the Gulf Coast, we went North to Georgia and then North Carolina. When we got to Winston-Salem, my dad decided that would be a place we would live in. He found a job and a house. We were in North Carolina about four months and then the drive started again.
This time there were no beaches. Instead we drove through other states and would stop at resta areas and have spontaneous barbecues on the grills there. Eventually, we wended in Houston, TX where my dad said once again that it was a place we would live in. My life started in Houston, TX.
14. Don't send a slideshow to a customer service agent
I work in a call center. Part of our job as Distributor Support agents is to help people get they're paperwork processed so that they can start getting their commissions deposited. Today, a lady called and spoke to Tricia, a friend of mine who sits right behind me. They arranged that the caller would send Tricia an email with the direct deposit forms. A few minutes later, while we had no phone calls, Tricia told me, "Hey, look, this distributor sent me a slideshow. Let's watch it." The slideshow, which we proceeded to watch and talk about for the next fifteen minutes, was about what Asian children are put through in gymnastics programs. Needless to say, it was quite shocking to know what they go through. Well, after a long discussion about our opinions on the cruelty of Asian gymnastics, about a half hour later the same caller called again but I got the call this time. She said she was calling because she had spoken to Tricia about sending direct deposit documents and wanted to verify that she had received them. I couldn't help but say, "No, but your slideshow was surely interesting, we spoke about it for a whole fifteen minutes." Sure hope that call doesn't get monitored.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
12. Why I am not a fan of BYU sports--especially football
It's a long one, sorry.
Since this has fully been argued on my Facebook status, I am copying and pasting (I hope it's not offensive to anyone):
Juan Marquez Max Hall... I don't have a problem so much with his manner of expression or his feelings towards the Utes and their fans (he has a right to be how he wishes), I have a problem with him saying it was "our [BYU] turn to win". THAT is why I have a hard time being a BYU sports fan, sports are NOT religious battles. I will NEVER be a fan of a player (or team) who thinks his (their) fate on the field is predetermined.
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