Christmas Past

Another Christmas has come and gone.  During the Christmas season, I came across a couple of quotes that I found to be interesting and applicable.  Both are from one Thomas S. Monson:

"As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always."

“It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all."

My favorite thing about Christmas and the time directly preceding is the spirit that is felt throughout.  The passing of Christmas does not compel the passing of this spirit.  If it passes, it is more likely a reflection of our actions or attitudes. As we continue to do what brings that spirit in the first place, we are able to retain its warming presence for as long as we’d like.  What it is that brings that spirit is giving.  As we give of ourselves, we are able to avoid Christmas past and live in a constant state of Christmas present.  Perpetual Christmas: who wouldn’t?

You're Going to Die

So it was recently brought to my attention that we're all going to die.  

The world is ending in about 1 day.  Forgot about that one.  Not much time left.  Several months ago when this was brought to my attention, I made a list of some things I wanted to accomplish before the end.  My hopes, dreams, and druthers:

• Join a Yacht club
• Start an Emu farm
• Wrestle a large dangerous animal (emu?)
• Invent something [preferably useful] that gets famous
• Have a reason to be interviewed
• Wear a speedo in public
• Get a real-life massage in a real-life massage place
• Drive one of those golf carts around campus
• See the aurora borealis
• Go to space
• Be in a volcano
• Grow a beard
• Evolve something cool
• Beat up a bad guy
• Travel cool places
• Lay siege to something
• Something love related, I'm sure

The only one on the list that I've fully accomplished is the one that most people would be least proud to admit. Think about it.

If anyone wants to join me on any of these in the remaining < 24 hours, let me know. Soon. But if not, I'll understand. You're going to die. Enjoy the little time you have left however you best see fit.

An Unexpected Journey

So... The Hobbit.  What more needs to be said?  Nothing.































Just kidding.  I’ll say a little bit more.  But not about The Hobbit.  Enough has been said.  I’ll talk about somethings else:  the subtitle to The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey, and its release date.  Both of these carry a roundaboutely connected significance to me.  December 12-14th are the official release dates for The Hobbit in the majority of the world.  If we find the mean of these release dates, that is December 13th (see my math?).  So.  On average, on December 13th, Señor Bilbo Baggins will embark on An Unexpected Journey.  One that will change him and his perspective forever.  One that will take him to strange lands where he will encounter dangerous creatures and magical magic.  My connection to this was An Unexpected Journey I also embarked on on the same date a few years back.  I also went to strange lands where I encountered dangerous creatures and magical magic.  And empanadas.  And arroz con habichuelas.  And cheap sastres.  


That’s right.  X years ago, I embarked on a mission to the Dominican Republic.  In more ways than one, it truly was a journey that led me to an unexpected place.  Its effects were far reaching and its worth immeasurable.  Suffice it to say that I love the time I spent there and it taught me so much.    Pero na’.  E’ pa’lante que vamo’.  

Halloween Garbage

Halloween is a time when things that are normally socially unacceptable suddenly become okay—encouraged even.  Things like begging on people’s doorsteps, leaving rotting fruit all over your property, and cross-dressing.  That being the case, I try and take advantage of it as much as possible.  This Halloween was no different.

And cue segue into another segment of Arts & Crafts!

Halloween is kind of a big deal for me.  But like to the point where I generally have my costume envisioned by July.  I don’t plan for my future more than a few days in advance, but a one-night-only Halloween garb must be designed in excruciating detail months beforehand.  Logic aside, it makes for good times.  Sometimes.  Either way, I take much pride in my costume design.  And also puns.  This year’s costume:  a sand witch.  Join me as I explain how to make the most delicious sand witch you’ve ever seen/possibly tasted (though I don’t recall having any taste-testers as a reference from witch to draw).

Step 1.  Which witch
The first part of the costume design was to distinguish which witch.  Regular witches generally dress in black garb and are loomed upon by Nicolas Cage.  I wanted a sand witch, so I sought sand garb and no Nicolas Cage.  I found it in a used, lovely, creamy beach-mumu of sorts at my local thrift store.  Thrift indeed.  It was short for breathability and beach lazing and was also sand-colored.  As a witch, a witch hat was also needed.  This was also supplied by the thrift store.  It was like a normal witch hat.  For now. Lastly I got some             beach-colored casual beach shoes.  For the illusion of beach.

Step 1a.  Beachin’

To complete the distinguishment, I used spray adhesive to cover both my new new mumu and the normal witch hat in a layer of sand.  There was sand everywhere.  Just like deserts.  Or beaches.  Or one's body after engaging in a desert or beach. I even bought little seashells to add to the beachin’ illusion.

Step 2.  Accoutrements

Now that I think about it, there was no real second step.  That was pretty much it.  I got a broom and a tan to accentuate the sand-like freckles all over my body and I was ready to go.  Sand witch.

Overall, it was an enjoyable costume.  It was pretty easy to make and wasn’t realistic enough to get me into trouble.  The only issue was that I made a fine mess everywhere I went, as it turns out sand doesn’t adhere super well to fabric.  At least not the way I did it.  But luckily I was packing a broom and could clean up my own fine mess right away.  Or if I was too embarrassed—as witches are wont to be—I could fly away into the night, cackling, or sobbing.  Witches.  So prepared.