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The second half of this semester has gotten me thinking a lot about the word procrastination. In one of my classes we discuss choices, managing time and assignments, reaching goals, and many other helpful topics. I have been very focused on discovering the secret to getting stuff done. How can I do more, achieve more, and really cram more into my days so that I can reach those goals that I've set? I can tell you that I've found that I can cram more than is humanly possible into my day and somehow I feel that I'm on a track that's parallel to the one I want to be on. I look at my bulletin board next to my desk and there is very little blank space around the to-do lists, goal sheets, reminders, and appointments. Ben and I have a motto of "Choose to be happy". It's a solid motto, but the key is to know what choices we need to make in order to be happy now, instead of: after we graduate, after this project is through, after pay day comes, or after dinner. I love that the gospel puts no stipulations on happiness, it's a choice; to have it or not.
There is so much to say about this topic, but a video I saw on LDS.org featuring Henry B. Eyring says it all. I wish everyone immediate happiness. We could all use a little more of it every day. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cw8I8eukaI
Titled "Choose This Day" on youtube.com or it's on the LDS.org homepage along with other videos.
Hello World! This is the beginning of Ben & Effie's blog. We are officially in 2009!
Well, we have been on this Salt Lake City adventure for almost a year now. The overwhelming shock of being in the city has mostly worn off at this point. We have learned, however, that city life in general is designed to keep you on your toes! In fact, just the other day some of our laundry went missing from the laundry room. We knew someone had come in and started some wash but we didn't expect to find our freshly dried clothes back in the washer! There also appeared to be a lot of clothes missing. We had to follow a trail of socks up the stairs to figure out where it all went wrong. After knocking on some doors we eventually found the guilty party. One of our upstairs neighbors tends to drink a lot, and apparently he does this while being on medication. After some confusion (on his part) we sorted it all out. Our laundry was returned and he was nice enough to reimburse us for having to re-do some of our laundry. All was forgiven and a lesson learned: keep an eye on your laundry.
School is definitely the best part about being here. We are so glad that we are having as good of a time as we had hoped. Ben and I love the small classes and the spiritual opportunities provided here. I have been involved with the Institute Choir and was accepted this semester into Latter Day Jubilee, the audition choir! Yesterday President Richards was inaugurated as the new president of the LDS Business College. The Jubilee sang for a private luncheon held at the school for President Richards and his family. President Eyring, Elder Ballard, Elder Nelson, and Sister Beck were all there!! We sang "You Raise Me Up" and had a perfect view of the temple from where we stood. Sometimes I wish I could have a hard copy of a mental image! I hope that memory will stay with me forever.
Later that day the Jubilee combined with the Institute Choir to perform for the actual inauguration at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. We sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and "Here Am I". The spirit felt that day was inspiring. It was like a reminder of why Ben and I came here and what we have to do.
As for classes, we can't wait to get past the stuff we "have" to do and get going on our chosen majors. Ben is working on his Entrepreneurship degree and I am excited to be in Interior Design.
I really think Ben has a knack for business and is in the right major. By working at Sears he has been able to prove himself and has impressed every manager he meets. Meanwhile I am finishing up my training for a company called US Reports. While on leave from Lowe's I've been able to test drive working from home. I can proudly say that my knowledge of insurance policies and accounting has infinately increased, as well as my self-discipline. It's pretty challenging to stay focused when I know that chores need to be done or a homework assignment is calling my name. There are actually some benefits of "going" to work.
If all goes well, we will be moving in January to a different apartment building. We're crossing our fingers for one that doesn't allow smoking. That's harder than you think in Salt Lake. Wish us luck!
