The World We Live In

This is world that we live in. I feel myself get tired. This is the world that we live in. Well maybe I was mistaken. I heard a rumor that you quit this day and age. Well maybe I was mistaken. Bless your body, bless your soul. Pray for peace and self control.

This is a photo of Science on a Sphere. It's at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Don't worry, Science on a Sphere is at NASA but it has nothing to do with astronauts. It's really just about Earth--what it looks like and how it's changing. I visited the GSFC a few weeks ago with a group of visitors for work. I saw severals presentations that day and Science on a Sphere was one of them. Out of everything presented that day, two points stood out to me:

1. Over the past 150 years, the temperature of Earth has increased an overall average of 2 degrees. They can't say exactly why, but they're pretty sure that it's caused by humans.
2. Out of all the food acreage in the U.S. (with most square mileage in the Midwest) the San Joaquin Valley produces 1/5 of the nation's food. Too bad my family isn't in the farming business.

So maybe the presenations didn't invigorate much in me. However, I did leave with awe over the toys/tools used on the Hubble Space Telescope and a better understanding of why we should even have NASA. It's not just about astronauts going on a ride and getting moondust; scientists are able to prove that for some reason...the Earth is warming. I won't get in to my ideas on why it's happening. I shouldn't even tell my parents that I believe it's happening. If it isn't true, I'll blame NASA and hate the administration forever. Oh, and I bought a NASA sticker to put...in a place where people can see how cool I am for having a NASA sticker.

On another environmental note, our IIE Green Team (of which I am a proud member) hosted a kick-off event last week for all interested staff to have a free organic lunch and watch the short film "The Story of Stuff." The film is by the environmental activist Annie Leonard. I think you can find the film at http://storyofstuff.com/. I'm not really sure though because I didn't really check because I don't really care to watch it again. Can you tell how I feel about it? Annie Leonard is very opinionated--as she should be. I don't think you deserve the title of activist unless you have really strong opinions. I certainly do not agree with everything she said--maybe not any of it.

I noticed that the film had an opposite effect than I think Annie would have liked. After watching the film all I could think to do was shop. I actually went to Macy's after work and bought a few items. Take that Annie Leonard! See, I don't think that's right for me to feel that way. It's similar to the time when a Brady Center representative gave a presentation on gun control: all I wanted to do afterwards was go buy a gun and shoot something. If you feel like shopping or if you feel like getting riled up about the environment, then perhaps the film is for you.


beck

P.S. T-5 days until the new and improved Dodge Dakota Sport arrives. I think I'm gonna name her Kota. It has a musical reference and I think she'd appreciate that.

I Needed That

"Remember that God often provides his blessings through the compassionate and timely response of another." --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Today I was mortified to find that I made not one but four hasty mistakes at work in the last week. The first three were fixable. The last one...not so much. I found out about the last one just a little while ago. Of course we all make mistakes, but some are the big, juicy kind that make a big mess.

The point of this post is not to go on about how retarded and absent-minded I can be while trying to get things done quickly, though both are true. The point of this post is to share what happened after my slight meltdown. It was an encouraging and uplifting moment.

I updated my facebook status since I happened to be online. Then I called my mom and recounted what I could of the story. She is always there for me, but she couldn't connect in the way I needed to about this situation. When I finished the phone conversation and wiped away a few tears, I noticed a text message from my friend in California in response to my status. He has been the best and oldest long distance friend I have had outside of immediate family. I'm not sure that I can give him credit for feeling inspired by the Holy Ghost to check on me since he's not LDS (but maybe he can still receive that inspiration?), however, I can give him credit for being such a good friend! I was feeling alone and wondering who on earth I could talk to about this and who on earth would care. Yes, I'm still crying about it after texting him, but I feel loved and cared for. Is that so bizarre? I'm not sure why I need to feel the assurance that someone cares for me. I've been trying so hard to just care for myself, but it doesn't work. People need to care for each other and raise each other up.

Okay, I'm fine now, I promise.

beck

Bits of Sutton

I am so amazed by Sutton Foster. After seeing her perform live I had no doubt that she is Tony Award worthy. Video clips below. Enjoy!

"Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYmjDSpGmtE

"Astonishing" from Little Women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB0KGmY6XJg

"Some Things are Meant to Be" from Little Women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8QfST9ZoRU

"Show Off" from The Drowsy Chaperone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLDq-2e2JC0

"Roll in Ze Hay" from Young Frankenstein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4stM89917zY

"I Know It's Today" from Shrek the Musical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GC8BnKZHb0

Backstage tour by Sutton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DCKlLjMILQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvOrt1vzBcw


beck

It Started Way Back in NYC...

...and it is still going.

The first big Broadway production I saw growing up was Beauty and the Beast in New York City. I was 10 years old. An urge began at that time and I haven't been able to shake it. I live for entertainment of all kinds, but I thrive on live shows. Every show is different and memorable. I can't afford to go as often as I'd like, but I pine for the chance to see a big production.

To satisfy this urge I planned a trip to New York with my roommate. It was a month or so ago when my roommate and I bought tickets to see Blithe Spirit, a Broadway play. At least one part of the trip was secure. Then we subsequently bought tickets to see Shrek the Musical. My roommate had a friend who could put us up and the trip was set. This last weekend was when the trip came to fruition. We arrived in New York City Friday night by bus. Below are a few glimpses of the fun. The best parts did not permit photography.





Maggie came last minute and it was awesome!


Chelsea Market


5 Kg tubs of Nutella cost $70

A famous brownie bakery that had not so yummy brownie samples...not so sure about the reputation

not as comfy as a couch should be since it was made of marble or granite

gelato gets a thumb up

gelato gets a smile

1 hour and 22 minutes to showtime

She had mad love for him

Just hanging with the cast

I was excited to see this poster because I saw this group perform in Salt Lake

party of 5 for dinner

Brad was our generous host and he joined us for dinner

Paris friends reunited!

This face doesn't express how ecstatic I was too see my newest idol: Sutton Foster

Julie had no idea how happy she would be to see a farting contest on stage. bahaha!

Maggie's midnight treat at Max Brenner Cafe

And mine. Gummies!

Not pictured: On Sunday I met my friend, Jonathan Hinman for brunch and then scooted off to Sacrament meeting. The day finished with a long walk through the Lincoln Center Plaza, through Central Park and then random streets back to Brad's apartment. I enjoyed seeing thousands of people enjoying the warm summer day in the park. It was also fun to see how each new street looked different from the next. Cinderella time approached so Maggie and I hopped on the subway to catch our bus back into DC.

It was all just a quick jaunt, but we had a jolly good time.

beck

On the Road in America

Nothing feels more American to me than being behind a steering wheel driving. Windows down, music blasting and accelerator engaged. Driving demonstrates the American ideal to be able to actively pursue happiness. You can jump in a car and pursue your own course on a highway, or wherever you want to go. You can travel from city to city, state to state without hassle or restriction. Cars give us power to choose our destination.

You'll notice too that it is rare for an American to not have a driver's license. Usually the only cases when someone doesn't have a license is if they're senile or a teen who's being punished. Driving is normal.

These stories come to mind from people who are not from America but appreciate driving in America:

Lola from the Philippines told me she was happy about her decision to stay in the U.S. after her road trip through 3 different states. She said she would never be able to do that in the Philippines because it is not safe to drive a car in every city. Can you imagine not being safe while driving in your car? It baffles me that even in a steel box, a woman wouldn't feel safe in her native country.

Alex from Russia told me he feels relaxed while driving. He can go wherever he wants when he's behind the wheel of a car. He doesn't own a car but he rents one every weekend. He also only drives American-brand cars.

Ali from Mexico told me he drove from Vancouver to Miami because he could and he wanted to--and that was only one leg of the journey. He was behind the wheel for several days straight and still wasn't tired of driving. There are countries whose roads would make a trip like that long and strenuous. Ali's trip is almost considered commonplace.

Today I'm beginning the countdown to when my new truck will be driven out from California. I cannot wait! Here are preview pics:

beck

Play Ball!

Summertime...when the livin' is easy...and when we sometimes win our IIE softball games...

beck

Ambition

It is so often the case that a virtue can, by a slight misuse or perversion, become a vice. So it is with ambition. We applaud those who are creative, who seek new and unusual ways to do their job more effectively. We teach our daughters to look carefully for spiritual strength, dependability, consistency, kindness, and yes, ambition in young men they date and may choose to marry. We recognize and honor those who are ambitious, who have a strong work ethic, and who know where they want to go in life. Indeed, people without ambition tend to wander, to hop from one attractive enterprise to another. They are unstable, bored, stagnant, and easily distracted. They have trouble focusing on a main idea and difficulty in moving down a planned pathway.

It is worth noting that though some of the dictionary definitions of the word ambition are positive and affirming, a surprising number are negative. For example, "an ardent (orig. inordinate) desire for distinction; . . . ostentatious; . . . display, pomp; . . . personal solicitation of honours; an aspiration to be, to do" (New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 64). We can thus gain some appreciation of why "vain ambition" is included in the sobering list of sins that prevent those who are called from being chosen. "And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men" (D&C 121:34-35, emphasis added).

The vainly ambitious in the kingdom of God "aspire to the honors of men." Let us break this thought down. To begin with, there is nothing wrong with aspiring to greatness, aspiring to spirituality, aspiring to be the best we can be. There is surely no sin in seeking to be better, sharper, more proficient, more intelligent, more effective. In fact we really ought to work smarter in the Church and kingdom of God. And, secondly, there is nothing wrong with receiving the honors of men.

This is how it should be: the disciples of Christ, the Saints of the Most High, are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, to make a difference because they are different, to allow their influence to be felt. Where we get into difficulty is not in aspiring, nor is it in receiving honors. It is when we aspire to the honors of men. That is, we cross the line of gospel propriety when we seek for the honors of others.

Let's be realistic for a moment. Each of us wants to feel needed, to feel appreciated, to be told that our meager efforts make a difference and that we are genuinely valued. In short, we all would like to be counted as persons worthy of recognition and honor. As we mature in the things of the Spirit, however, we begin to find personal satisfaction in a job well done, a good deed rendered, a church calling magnified, even if those contributions are not publicly acknowledged. Ideally, we are content to know what we have done and to know that God knows it.

The warning is not simply against ambition but against vain ambition. Something is vain when it is empty, shallow, meaningless in the eternal scheme of things. We have been called to labor. We have been selected to make choices, to set priorities, to see to it that we value some things more than others. There are men throughout the world who labor long hours in making a living. Some spend the greater part of the day adding to their pile of surplus, expanding upon the affluence they have already attained. Others build houses that more closely approximate castles, residences that almost resemble cathedrals.

We ask ourselves, though, shouldn't we seek to excel? Certainly we should do the work of the Lord excellently. Certainly we should seek to hold excellent, as opposed to shoddy, family prayers, family scripture readings, and family home evenings. Certainly we should be excellent in our attendance at church meetings, a regular, active, practicing, and involved member of the body of Christ. And so forth.

Our Lord and Redeemer taught a deeply profound lesson in a few words: "I receive not honour from men" (John 5:41). He did not court favor and was no respecter of persons. With all the light and knowledge and power at his disposal, he did not do things to make a good impression; he did not manage appearances, so that the Jews or the Gentiles would be wowed by his presence or his precepts. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), but he did not put on airs. He served his fellow beings on earth, but he did so without fanfare. He lived a life in which he was so constantly inconvenienced, but he never boasted of it. He was who he was, and he thereby stands as our Model and our Prototype. His ambition was sublime, the grandest and most profound of all ambitions, namely, to save every living soul.

Excerpts from "Stifling Vain Ambition." Adapted from Men of Influence, by Robert Millet. Copyright 2009, Deseret Book

beck

A Capital Fourth

What a fantastic holiday! I was a little disappointed at first that I wouldn't be spending this year with my family, but I got over that right quick once I determined that Independence Day could be much better celebrated in our nation's capital.



I had breakfast at our Bishop's house, played softball, swam, ate at Ray's the Steaks with the Brauns and watched the fireworks with them too. Then I met friends and went on a long walk along the river. That was probably the neatest part: walking along the river and seeing all the fireworks going off in the distance. For some reason blowing things up is inspiring to me. Celebrate freedom with a bang!




at the dress rehearsal for the Capital Fourth Concert on Fourth of July Eve with roommates and friends.



I ended up not needing my own family...I had the Brauns/Robinsons :)




including Lily and Staci and Marshall!




Friends and Lincoln
pretties

Just a taste of the fun. Our view was from the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument is just under the fireworks.


After the Fourth I felt an urge to walk and I found a few inspring images around the Mall.

beck