An emailed photo

It turns out the other email worked. Can you see this photo?

Email to blog

So, I’ve been looking around the blogger site and I found a way to post directly from my email. This email is a test of that feature.

 

Triple Duty

Today, I had a very busy day. However, I survived it with time to spare.

First, I am one of three program directors for the Center for Service and Learning's "Y-Days." It's an exciting event that is being held ALL WEEK LONG and today was the first day. BYUSA and Student Alumni came out to help, and I felt like it was a huge success. Good times.

Secondly, I had to cook again for Dinner Group. I was a little rushed, but, the NZ style Bacon and Egg pie came out reasonably well (Not as good as Mum's though. Who can beat Mum's cooking? Not many people in my books). We also finished it off with some Chocolate Milk and Cinnamon rolls! Mmmmm...

Third, I was asked to share the lesson for FHE today. Seriously, I love my FHE group. We have a blog and a secret Facebook group. I enjoy going to spend time with all the people there...they're cool.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know how good life is. Just like McDonald's says, "I'm lovin' it!"

Mormon Notes: Baby Blessing

One of the customs in the LDS Church is blessing a baby after their birth. The baby's name is written in official church records and the baby is also given a blessing.

Today, Hayden Harvey and I went to Layton, UT to help bless Darlene Hansen's (used to be Waetford) new baby boy. Darlene, Hayden, and I grew up in the same ward back in Upper Hutt, NZ. Needless to say, helping to bless her baby was a very special experience. During the meeting, I actually thought about some things that I wanted to share.

In the scriptures, children or offspring are referred to as "seed" (D&C 132). So, while contemplating the birth of Darlene and Nathan's baby, I couldn't help but think about the many experiences this baby is going to have. Baby Elias is, in a very real sense, just like a seed; "If planted, [he] will grow." He will have many opportunities that force him to grow into a tree. I think that is amazing, don't you?

Regardless of whether we are mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties or other distant relatives, we all have an important responsibility in helping nurture all the seeds that are around us. Are you ready for it?

Top Ten Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Here's the honorable Prime Minister of New Zealand on David Letterman! I laughed. Let me know if you don't get any of the jokes....

True Blue Football

So, not the most glamorous photo (through not fault of the photographer, Pete Kadish), but I wanted you all to see a bit of the BYUSA event yesterday.

As a former BYUSA Officer, I'm ashamed to admit that, until yesterday, I had never participated in the "True Blue Football" tradition--except to go and see what was going on last year (I had a meeting right after the event finished; it wouldn't have been professional to turn up in a blue mess). Needless to say, I made up for that. I actually have random aches and pains; but, it was really worth it.

Shout out to Lee Adams (CA VP) and his team for putting together a great event. Well done. Well done.

I had to...

I know you're sick of hearing from me. However, I had to upload this video. Just saying. You can upload a better version, or see other songs (like "Say Yes") at: http://abrandnewyear.lds.org/

Also, I added the little web address, at the bottom of the first part, with this nifty movie making program I found on my laptop (no it isn't a Mac). Anyway, this was filmed last year as I was coming back from speaking at the Marriott Center. No, it was not scripted (although it was the third cut).

Chadders vs In-N-Out

So today, Hayden Harvey and I went out to lunch just before going to get a haircut. Hayden had heard of Paul Mitchell's School and wanted to go--and I'd never been--so we went. However, to our dismay, *sarcastic cough* we had to wait till they accepted walk-ins.

It just so happens that conveniently placed next to Paul Mitchell's is a Chadders Restaurant. Chadders is the Utah equivalent to In-N-Out--just not as busy. I'm going to throw something out there; it tastes about the same too. Don't hate me. I'm a In-N-Out lover, but, I'm happy that Chadders is here too. I do wonder how they'll fair after In-N-Out actually arrives in Orem. My hunch is they might lose a bit of business. Either way, power to Chadders. I officially endorse you!

Mormon Notes: Moral Erosion

I will never forget one time before my mission, when my mother and I were watching T.V. We were flipping through channels and came across the 1950's classic, "From Here to Eternity." Some of you may not be aware of this movie, but there is a certain scene where the male and female leads frolic around the beach kissing. Although the female character was wearing much more than some people do at the gym, my mother began to tell me how this scene (and movie) were very risque at the time.

I was reminded of this today in church because President Clark Monson, our Stake President and son of President Thomas S. Monson (I think he's the youngest in this pic), spoke about the erosion of morality. He reminisced about watching a famous T.V. show where the husband and wife slept in separate beds, because writers and producers didn't want to offend viewers.

Being a biologist, President Monson also discussed a 1970 report about human influence eroding the wilderness in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The report concluded with a statement about the fact that many couldn't understand what the researcher was talking about, because when you visit now, unless you've been before, you have nothing to compare the wilderness too--you have no point of reference.

While tying these facts into his thoughts on moral erosion, President Monson said that our generation "accepts and is satisfied with present societal conditions" because we don't have a previous point of reference. I understand that. Because this is the society we are living in, we don't really know any different. However, we need to watch out for the continual erosion of morality.

President Monson asked us to do four things: 1) Stand up for what you believe in, 2) Stand in Holy Places, 3) Rid yourselves of habits that waste time, and 4) Participate in service activities. He ended by saying we should keep ourselves unspotted from the world and, "always stand up for what is right!" I really believe that this is true and I challenge you to do the same.

Dinner Group!

Little known fact: I now belong to a dinner group. That's right, for a few nights a week, members of my ward get together in little groups and eat. Last night, it was my turn to cook. I decided to make breaded Chicken Thighs, Salad, Roasted Potatoes, Banoffee (Banana and Toffee) pie, and a peach sauce for the chicken.

Because this blog is, in many ways, the epitome of narcissism; I really wanted to comment on the success of the peach sauce. I've never made peach sauce for Chicken before. I'm not sure that I've ever had peach sauce on a meat before either. However, last night, while I was cooking, I decided that I needed to make a sauce for the chicken. And, according to my own eating sensibilities, it was a success. Here's the ingredients:

Two cans of sliced peaches
Clove of garlic
1/4 cup of diced onion
1/4 cup of soy sauce
2 Tbsp of lime juice
1/2 cup of corn syrup
3 Tbsp of flour
Tsp of Italian Seasoning

BOOM! There you go. I was proud of myself...I think Mum would be too.

IKEA

I love my new IKEA Pillow. When I left Washington, D.C., I left my sagging pillow behind. Then, when I got back to Utah, I decided to purchase a new pillow (and some other home items) from the IKEA store.

Needless to say, I spent a good period of time there and walked out with a new Pillow that was rolled into a cylinder shape (like this). I was skeptical, to say the least.

Some of you may know that the Swedish chain, IKEA (pronounced: eye-key-ah), boasts low prices and good quality. I've been before, but I wish I had discovered it sooner! Because, I want you to know that this pillow is MY MOST FAVORITE PILLOW EVER!!! I am never going to buy a pillow from anywhere else...unless IKEA goes out of business or if there isn't one close by and I can't wait. Ha ha.

IKEA did not pay me to post this.

President Monson is the man!

I wish I had a better camera. If I had a better camera, you'd be able to clearly see that this is President Monson and Elder Nelson seated on the stand here. They are seated next to some of my favorite people--President and Sister Samuelson (sidenote: I stood among the real photographers on the floor pretending to be one of them...no one said anything until I opened my big mouth. Otherwise, it would've been fine).

Anyway, I wanted to give a quick shout out to President Thomas S. Monson, the President and Prophet of the LDS Church. He shared some amazing stories about former prophets and everybody in attendance at the Marriott Center really loved hearing from him.

The Credit Crisis

So, if you have about 11 minutes and you want to understand the credit crisis--then this is the video for you! I had to watch it for homework; and I actually really enjoyed it. The Managerial Economics class that I'm taking this semester has been very insightful and a class that I've enjoyed so far (knock on wood).

Also, another plug for this video: if you're A.D.D. when watching "business" things, there is a lot going on, so you should like it.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

Mormon Notes: Friendship and Love

Especially for Youth, or EFY, is a week-long youth program sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For a number of summers, I served/worked as an EFY counselor.

During my years as an EFY counselor, I noticed something miraculous. Over the course of a few days, my little group of teenage participants somehow grew together in friendship and love. These participants were often from totally different parts of the world. Placed in different situations, some would not have even normally become friends. Some came willingly to EFY, others were sent there by concerned parents.

Now, I've had a number of great opportunities as an EFY counselor. The least of which is this re-discovery of a simple truth: when you feel the spirit of the Lord together, you love one another. I've had many experiences prior to EFY that prove this fact. However, EFY just helped me to see this truth in action over and over again. Each week, I struggled to see how our team (called a company) would come together in friendship and love. Yet, each week I was shown the power of the Spirit.

I thought about this truth because we discussed "Friendship" in the Priesthood lesson today--it was a great lesson.

Graduation

Guess what? Today, I applied for graduation next April. Wow. I cannot believe that it's all happened so quickly. I say "so quickly" because it really feels like yesterday that I was just starting classes at BYU. Now I'm due to graduate. Party on.

Working out the kinks

So, Brother Steven's and I worked out a "Time Plan" for this fall semester. If only you could see it, you would be amazed. However, you would not be amazed if you noticed how badly I've been executing that plan. Hopefully, I can get my act together and work it! Three cheers for effective planning and implementation.

Speaking of implementation, props to those of you who came (in real life or in spirit) to my little Labor Day BBQ (and you were all invited via Facebook). Fun was had by all and the food was good too. Nothing like a good BBQ. Also, thanks to La Costa 203 for the use of your apartment--especially because none of you were there for it.

Mormon Notes: Baptism

Baptisms are great. Just this Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the baptism of little Cosette. And, even though we had only met once before when her sister invited a few of us over to dinner, she sent me an invite addressed to "Adim" (because of my accent) and I had to oblige. It was too cute. I can't even remember the last time I attended a baptism. But, like all the others I've witnessed, I know it was a really special moment for her and her family.

Seeing this special day unfold (with all the antics of her younger brother) I remembered moments of my baptism. I was baptized along with Charlotte (my childhood crush...don't tell her) and I even sang a duet with her. My mother also sang and, consequently, cried during her musical number. I remember feeling really special--but more important than the memories I have of the day I was baptized, I am constantly amazed at the blessings I've received since. I could not imagine my life any different. I am very grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What a blessing?!

Happy Fathers Day!

This is a little shout out to my father, Hapi Wayne Ruri. Today, fathers all across Australia and New Zealand are celebrating Fathers Day. So, for those Americans that are reading, you'll have to indulge us for a bit.

I think that many of you have heard me talk about my mother (some of you have even met her), however, today's post is dedicated to my Dad. His first name is Hapi; which can be pronounced incorrectly as "happy." I'm also not sure that it accurately identifies my Dad's personality traits (insert laughing from the family).

Dad was born in a rural New Zealand town called Murupara and, while growing up, he learned how to be a builder. After meeting my Mum, they got married and Dad decided to become a policeman. Although I know he started as a Constable (yes, "Constable Ruri" worked in the Upper Hutt Police Station), my most vivid memories are of my father being known as "Detective Ruri." We would visit the police station, the CIB or Criminal Investigations Bureau, and we also participated in the Annual Police Families Christmas Party. Those were the good old days.

I just got done Skyping him (it was 3am in the morning his time), and I just wanted him to know that I love him! Thanks Dad.

You make me laugh.

First off, I can't believe how many of you have actually spent your time reading my blog posts or tweets over the summer. I've met a bunch of random people over the past few weeks that have mentioned this fact, and it's hilarious. Conversations have gone a little like this:

I notice a friend and raise my eyebrows to show that I can see them. Friend smiles and says, "Adam, you're back from D.C.? Aren't you already graduated yet?"
"Ha ha. Nope. Two more semesters."
"I've noticed you've had an awesome summer. Oh, from FB/Twitter/your blog. Sounded like you loved it?"
"Yes, etc. etc."

Anyway, I want you to know that you are great! Also, it's cool that people other than my mother and sister are reading my blog. Thank you (although, I have some friends who are pretty close to becoming paid bloggers; because they are pretty big deals).

Finally, I want to apologize because I'm not so sure that it's going to be as eventful as my internship/summer days. You know. I don't think I'm going to meet the CIA Director again, or anything like that. I might meet the future CIA Director or American President, however, putting their picture up now might not be as hard-hitting or blogtastic as usual. But, if you suffer through this with me--you won't regret it!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall! (Picture below: the future famous politicians of America aka the Bennett Summer Intern Crew)