Church Pacific Area PR

So, without any self-promoting, I was contacted for information about my blog and its relation to Elder Ballard's comments he made at Commencement at BYU Hawaii. Needless to say, this is what those comments produced--an article on the Church's Australian website. Pretty funny.

Mormon Notes: Ah Mu--My 'Pioneer' Heritage

Some of you might not have heard about my Great-Great-Grandfather, Ah Mu. For those of you that have been around me enough, I have undoubtedly told you about him.

Often times, I meet people in Utah who have a lot of pioneer heritage. I respect that. I'm grateful to the early pioneers that blazed the trails across America to help settle the West and establish the church. However, these stories of the pioneers have led me to become more interested in my own 'pioneer' heritage. Ah Mu is my 'pioneer' heritage. I'm proud to share his story, and, recently, I found this article I had read that the church wrote about him in 1999. Click here.

Although my immediate family members are not active in the gospel, some of my relatives are. I'm grateful for the many examples of faith that I can find in my family--in the past and the present--and I'm grateful to my parents for the opportunities they've blessed me with in my life. Also, I know this is cheesy but there is a song that says, "You don't have to walk the plains to be a pioneer." That's true! The real challenge is for us to remain true to the principles we know to be right. Then, we can be pioneers just like Ah Mu and the many others that went before us.

Wild Man

Yes, my mother is always right. In case you missed it, here's the post that she sent to me on Facebook:

"heeyyy Son...you back in ultra bizzy life hehe...what times can we skype now???????????? gotta re schedule it and itll be random cos youre so busy again aye???"

And, since I've been back I've seriously been running around like a Wild Man! On one hand, I love it. On the other, I wish I had more time. Consequently, I do not have enough time to really tell you about anything that is going on in my life.

Let's just say, this year might be as busy as the last (and classes haven't even started yet). Oh no.

"Foundations of Leadership" Conference

I am back in Provo. This is evidenced by the fact that I missed more than a few phone calls over the last few days. However, I've actually been at Aspen Grove with about 250 BYU Freshman and 50+ Peer Mentors for the Foundations of Leadership, or FOL, conference.

What an amazing experience. I wish that I could sum up the last few days in one blog post. But, my posts have been getting too long for my liking--so, I will just have to briefly tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. These kids, from all over the place, taught me so much and really lifted my spirits. Just what I needed to start the academic year! Yeah!

Mormon Notes: The temple

So, today the state of Utah and parts of Idaho (I believe) do not have traditional LDS church services, instead we are able to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication (the 13th temple in Utah) via satellite. Anyway, this change in schedule made me think about all sorts of temple memories I have. Jumping on the bus in Upper Hutt and riding 8 hours to the Hamilton Temple was fun. Good memories.

However, the feeling I feel while inside the temple cannot be rivaled. I really love it. Last night, after we dropped off the May family children that participated in HSM (see previous post), I joined them all for family prayer. Little Madsen, their three year old, requested to sing "I love to see the temple," one of my favorites. He probably didn't realize how fitting that was given the circumstances today.

Anyway, the point is the temple is an amazing place and I love it. Below is a sweet video entitled, "Why Mormons Build Temples."

Like coming home...

That's right, I'm back in Provo. I moved some stuff into my new room at Spyglas (that is really how you spell it) today, and also attended the "Foundations of Leadership" peer mentor training. However, this was not before standing across from campus and yelling, "BYUUUUUUU!! BYUUUUU!!" The last four months are the longest period of time I've been away from Provo since starting college. I didn't realize how much I missed it--honestly.

Anyway, "Foundations of Leadership" or FOL is a little program for incoming freshman. From Monday to Wednesday, I'm assigned a "co" (Karen Moyes) and a little group of students to "mentor" and, basically, play with. Eventhough this is not a competition, our group is probably going to win the award that doesn't really exist. Unfortunately, that's just how I am wired. Sorry folks.

At the FOL training, I caught up with a whole slew of good friends that I haven't seen in 20 years (4 months=20 years in college time). I was really excited to see them all. You don't even know. Funny thing, a few of them said, "Oh, I've been reading your blog." That's pretty flattering (don't worry, my head is not getting bigger, it's already too big) and sort of cool, at the same time. And, I've actually been reading their blogs too. So, there you go.

Finally, I was really excited to catch up with my friend, Elise (the current BYUSA President).

In fact, before I left she told me her studly younger brother, McKay, was playing "Troy Bolton" in the South Jordan Community Theatre version of "High School Musical." I'm not ashamed to admit that I actually do like HSM (that's what we call it in the inner circles, jk). Anyway, she had a spare ticket so we went to go see that. It.was.Hilarious! The cutest thing was when the little three year olds came out and danced to an HSM medley AND when one of them even asked for "Troy's" autograph (at the end). Ha ha. McKay actually did a great job. Props.

Zion

This past week has really been a crazy ride, one that is still not really over. After my whole unexpected trip to Nashville, I made it back to St. George, UT (eventually). When I got there, I was greeted by the Steven's and their granddaughter, Tori. That evening, Tori and I went to a movie, and then the next day we went hiking at Zion National Park. I didn't have a camera, so, Tori took some photos for us. Here's a sweet pic neither one of us took:

Needless to say, the park is amazing. We went on the Weeping Rock Trail and the Hidden Canyon Trail. And, because we went pretty early, we missed the masses of people on the shuttle and trails. Although, on our way back down, we made some friends and gave encouragement to parents who were dragging their children up the mountain side.

Then, before returning to Provo/Alpine for Ryan Stewart's reception, Brother Stevens and I read over my 5-year plan and set a new weekly time schedule. There is something empowering about planning what you are going to do (almost to the minute). I have to admit, this is still a relatively new thing to me (first time was this time last year), but I enjoy looking at my time objectively, instead of on a whim. Planning my time really helps to put perspective on goals--and that's the key, really. Set goals, then use those goals to help you plan the most effective use of your time. Pretty awesome if you ask me.

The Balkans (and Tennessee)

No, I didn't go to the Balkans on my flight back to Utah (Note: The Balkans are commonly referred to as Southeastern Europe). However, on the first leg of my trip, I met two celebrities from that geographical area--this was before the flight was canceled due to a "Heavy Ice" warning that appeared on the computer screen of the plane, in the middle of summer. So, instead of flying from D.C. to Texas, Texas to Vegas, and shuttling to Utah. I was diverted to Nashville, Tennessee *que country music* and had to stay there overnight.

So, just before touching down in Nashville, I made friends with the guy sitting next to me, Vuk, who turned out to be a host from the Serbian TV Station, "TV Kosava." Vuk was traveling with his fellow Balkan, Aleksandar, who is also a journalist from a different country, Macedonia. They both met in D.C. and arrived to do some additional journalism study at the University of Oklahoma (although they have already completed graduate degrees).

While we were standing in line to figure out how we were going to get to our final destinations, we were both put up in the same hotel (Music City Sheraton) and advised that we had been put on the same flight out the next morning at 6am. So, Vuk, Aleksandar and I decided to go out on the town. We arrived and visited the Hard Rock Cafe (not very rocking if you ask me); and then we walked the streets of Nashville.

Mind you, this was not before getting in contact with former Weber State SB President, Dan Schwab, who was also in town traveling back to UT with his brother, Moroni. They found out I was stuck in Nashville via a mutual friend who found out on Twitter. Long story short--I gave up the king-size bed to him and his brother for the night, and, I slept on the rollaway.

Anyway, Vuk, Aleksander, and I visited some of the souvenir shops and even met some drunken ladies. While we were talking, they both convinced me to visit their respective countries--which are laden with very early historical monuments etc--and even offered to host me, when I come to visit them. Also, they may or may not have taught me some terms of endearment in their slavic-based languages. Needless to say, we had a hilarious time! I'm glad I now have these two new mates.

Mormon Notes: Lessons from Mum

A little while ago, I volunteered to sing in church. However, due to scheduling difficulties, I wasn't able to sing until today. Unfortunately, I really didn't think that it went "amazingly" well. So, when I sat down and people said they really enjoyed it, I was a little uncomfortable.

Needless to say, I had been taught by my mother to *always* say "Thank You" and that's it. When I was younger, she had overheard me saying, "Oh, it wasn't very good," and she asked me to refrain from making excuses and take the compliment. It's honestly been one of those things that I need to continually work on. I apologize.

Ultimately, I think that more than a few people felt the spirit (well, they told me). So, if I can, in some small way, be a conduit for the spirit, then I think it'll all be ok. My mother, and countless others, have said or done things that have brought me closer to God--they've been conduits for the spirit in my life. I hope they know how grateful I am.

The Last Weekend

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I really can't believe that the summer has gone by so fast! I have to admit--I think this happens every time. They're all different though. This summer has given me heaps of time to think about life, family, friends, future family :) and it's been really good. I've made some additional goals. I'd like to say that I've learned a few things along the way too. Not to mention the people I've met and the friends I've kept as well. Shout out to all the people who left a comment or a message, sent a text or called, and we can't forget those that came to visit. Much love.

Anyway, I've had a good time this summer. Washington, D.C. has lived up to it's name and reputation; in more ways than one. I just hope that I have too (lived up to my name that is). The Colonial First Ward rocks and the U.S. Senate is pretty sweet!

(Note: I promised a story about the CNN tour...however, I think the pictures speak for themselves. If they don't speak to you enough, feel free to give me a call)

Wow.

I can't believe that today is my last Friday in DC as an intern. Can you believe it? I've had a bunch of really awesome experiences and I've met some pretty sweet people along the way. The District of Columbia has been good to me.

Also, regarding CNN, pictures and a story to follow. You will not want to miss it!

Senate Recess.

I realize that some of you don't know what recess is--that's why I love Wikipedia:

Recess is a general term for a period of time in which a group of people is temporarily dismissed from its duties. In parliamentary procedure, a recess is initiated by a motion to recess. It was invented by Bronson Alcott who wanted his students to have active physical play and time to talk.

In education, "recess" is the North American term (known as "playtime" or "break" in the UK and Ireland, sometimes "playlunch" or "little lunch" in Australia, or "interval" or "morning tea" in New Zealand) for a daily period, typically ten to thirty minutes.

The Senate is in recess. Just in case you wanted to know.

Old school.

So, I woke up this morning with a FB message from my dad that asked me to check out my email. Here's a sampling of what we found:


He also made a year-by-year photo collage of each of us. I was going to refrain from posting it, but it is too funny...



My favorite year is probably 1985--hilarious. I also posted this to prove that New Zealand also had Camera's in the 80's (as well TV and flushing toilets).

Mormon Notes: The Freedom to...

What Freedoms are you Grateful for?

Click here to see some ideas from people around the world.

BBQ at Trish's

This is another little shout-out to Trish for inviting a few of us over to her house for a BBQ last night. There were a lot of really great people there from all walks of life. By and large, they were all hilarious too. Kami, Diana and I were just cracking up laughing almost the whole time. Also, I met and spoke with CNN's Situation Room Producer, Jill Chappell, who is one of Trish's really good friends. She signed a Wolf bookmark she gave me and we're also Facebook friends now. We talked about how maybe she can hook me up with a internship/job next summer. She may have also said that I could have a pretty good chance of (eventually) getting onto TV. We'll see if that's true.

Here's a little pic of her and Wolf Blitzer, her boss. Go CNN!

My committee workmates are "smooth"

I'm not sure if any of you missed my tweet about my workmates, but I wanted you all to know how great they are and, most importantly, how smooth they are! Let me illustrate these two compliments in one short post:

First off, Abbie, former Inaugural Capitol Coordinator, was trying to work an appointment into her calendar on Monday and, lo and behold, I notice "Party with Adam since..." noted on Thursday. Needless to say, when she realized it was there, she said, "Don't look at my screen!" and she covered it up. I assumed that the calendar note mentioned a party because that was the last day everyone would be in the office before I went back to Provo.

So, come Thursday morning around 9am, I arrived and my boss Rachel says, "Ummm...don't go through those doors, Abbie is on an important phone call." Which is really weird because that's never happened before. A few minutes later, Mike, the Republican Counsel, walks in and sees me and Rachel talking. He has something in his hand but instead holds it outside the door and then says, "I've got to go to the bathroom." I nearly cracked up laughing. THEN, two minutes after that, Abbie walks in from another door with her purse (aka she just arrived and wasn't on an important phone call). I was a little confused...and amused.

Anyway, after a few more minutes and with the troops assembled, Rachel asks me to come through the closed doors and, "surprise," there they have a little Krispy Kreme party for me. It was thoroughly entertaining. They even bought me a little U.S. Senate Keychain with my name engraved on it. I felt pretty special and they deserve a huge shout out! Thanks Mary, Shaun, Paul, Mike, Abbie, Rachel, Trish, Lynden, Justin and Scott. You're awesome. I've had a wild summer with you all! Love ya.

Diana's Birthday

Had an awesome time today (note: I went back in time and blogged about it) celebrating this cute girl's birthday. Happy Birthday, Diana!

Should I?

SO, I need a little bit of advice. I'm trying to figure out if I should dissect my listed blogs (to the right of this post) in categories like; "People who are cool" and "People who aren't cool;" or, "Single" and "Married;" or, "Aliens" and "Non-aliens." What do you think?

The reason I ask is because it's getting a little long and I need to categorize it somehow. I will accept all serious submissions.

The beginning of something different

When I first started my blog, I wanted to write more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I wanted to write my testimony, periodically, or just shoot the breeze about the gospel. However, this blog has turned, somewhat, into my journal. Needless to say, today I decided to write weekly Sunday messages about something gospel-oriented. Maybe it happened during the week, maybe it happened that day--it doesn't matter, I just need to be a bit more grateful to my Heavenly Father. I'll try not to be too "preachy" and I'll also try to keep it short.

I finally found a title of these weekly messages, "Mormon Notes." Pretty simple really. So, here goes...

Mormon Notes: The couple

This week, during institute, Brother Rowberry told an amazing story that I wanted to recount (Brother Rowberry is the class teacher). The spirit was strong and the story helped me to realize how important it is to do what is right, in the face of adversity and trials:

One evening, young Brother Rowberry and his friends had nothing to do; as they tried to find something fun, he thought of a recently married couple that he knew. He and his friends decided that it'd be 'adventurous' to gather as much food as they could (canned and fresh), break into the couple's home, and anonymously place the food in the cupboards & fridge.

After waiting for the couple to leave, the group of young adults entered the couple's home and went immediately to the kitchen--only to find the cupboards completely bare and the fridge with a half-bottle of milk. The sympathetic young adults filled the cupboards and found that the couple's bedroom was furnished with only a blanket; there was no bed or mattress. After some phone calls, they left the home with the cupboards overflowing and a mattress in the bedroom.

During testimony meeting the next day, and with many tears, this couple recounted their story. They had been surviving on one meal daily for a period of time and had no money to spare. Their 'outing' that evening was a long walk to the Bishop's home, a few miles away, to give him their last bit of money as tithing. They had prayed for help that night before they left. When they arrived home, they broke down. After telling their story, they thanked the angels (aka people who had helped) in the room and testified of the blessings that come from living the gospel.

Although God doesn't promise to always bless us with overflowing cupboards, he does promise blessings. The question I asked myself was, "Is there someone I know that can be lifted, in a similar way, from an act of service?"

The Intern Lecture Series

Due to past posts and tweets, some of you have asked, "How did you get to meet all these government officials?" Well, let's put to rest some of your feelings:

1) I'm really NOT a big deal in Washington or anywhere actually. So to quell any riots before I get back to Provo, I don't get to meet these people because they have any clue who I am. In fact, I'd be surprised if one of the officials that I've meet even remembers my face (let alone my name).
2) I don't accompany the Senator anywhere either. Senator Bennett has got a lot of more important things to do--like save the world--and I just wanted to make clear that he personally hasn't 'hooked me up' by allowing me to meet with these people. He is the man, just in case you all wanted to know.
3) No, I'm not related to Barack Obama. Some may have opined that I bear a resemblance to the Commander and Chief, however, contrary to a dream I once had--Michelle Obama is not part polynesian and related to my family. I repeat, she (or he) is not related to me.
4) Yes, I have met them in legal ways AKA I'm here working with a legitimate student visa. Also, one of the Staff Assistants that works in the committee office, Scott, even wrote me a glowing letter of citizenship endorsement. Good try.

So, what is the reason? The reason is a song:
Hoobastank - The Reason (music video)


However, the reason I met them was because of the Intern Lecture Series. This is a series that is run by the Senate and House Rules/Administration Committees. Justin, another Staff Assistant, planned and booked the lectures for the last few months. Sadly, the lectures are now over, but Justin had to attend a funeral for the last couple of days--so I helped to cover for him while he was away.

Needless to say, this was the last lecture on the Senate side and I wanted to prove that I met this man. The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Leon Panetta. Pretty sweet. I almost asked for a picture with him, but I thought it might be unprofessional.