Goals Update

I promised this a few posts ago, but now I'm finally doing it. "Blog barfing" as my cousin calls it. Or maybe this is just accomplishing a goal/keeping a promise. So, back in July I sat down and defined a few goals for myself, and then of course I posted them.

Here's a quick review of my goals:
1) I want to learn about astronomy and become an amateur astronomer.
2) I want to be financially stable, and out of debt enough to own a home in the next 5 years, however small it may be.
3) I want to travel to Florence, Italy, and possibly other parts of Europe - but I'm not leaving until I see the Sistine Chapel.
4) I want to earn a Master's Degree in Education.
5) I want to refresh my Spanish so that I can be conversational and not shy about my knowledge, to better communicate with students and their parents.

And my action plan:
1) With my next paycheck I'm going to purchase a small green laser pointer so I can point at what I'm seeing, and share it with others.
2) I am going to take 2 - 3 BYU Independent Study personal enrichment courses: 1-2 on Astronomy, and 1 on personal finance. These will help me learn the skills and have the resources I need to accomplish two of my goals, and keep me in the habit of studying like a student until I actually begin my Master's Program.
3) From my personal finance class I'm going to learn to budget and I'm going to set and stick to a budget that includes, at the minimum: 10% tithing, 10% savings, 10% toward Italy, maximum monthly debt payments, and living expenses.
4) I will remain on a waiting list for the BYU Reading Endorsement program, and also watch for other cohort experiences that tie into a Master's Program, and work to take advantage of those opportunities.
5) I am going to get and take an independent study conversational Italian course (for my trip), and a conversational Spanish course (for goal #5).

And the update:
1) I did get the astronomy pointer... and binoculars and a red flashlight to boot! And, as indicated by my previous post, I am now totally obsessed with the heavens and I LOVE IT!
2) I've gotten my first I.S. astronomy and finance classes, but since school has started I haven't had time to sit down and really work on it.
3) I made huge payments with my first full paycheck. Yay me! Then I promptly went and spent the rest. Old habits die hard I guess. But, it was a step in the right direction. This month is the month that I begin budgeting! (Working on the finance class would help with this, I'm sure.
4) I decided to forget the Reading Endorsement and go for the math instead. My math classes start next Tuesday.
5) No movement on the language stuff yet. But that'll come.

I have also had a lot of time to reflect lately, and I've learned about some talents that I've taken for granted. I've now added a few things to my goals and action plan.

6) Book binding. Now that I'm no longer in meetings all day on Sunday, I'd like to take the afternoons to work on this one. It's fun and relaxing for me, plus, just plain cool!
7) I want to be a published author. Ok, so, technically, this one could be checked off the list tomorrow when my very first article in the Wasatch Wave (about our second grade field trip), is published. However, it's more than that. Eventually I'd like to be published for real, but, for now, I'll settle for the Wave, and publishing some short stories and stuff using MightyAuthors.com.

A couple quick shout outs here. First, to Melissa who as a faithful reader first asked the question of whether I would ever consider writing professionally because she loved my style. Thanks Melissa! Second, seriously check out MightyAuthors.com! It looks a lot like Heritage Makers and stuff, but it's very cost effective and simple to use. It was made to use in classrooms, but, basically, Brad Wilcox rocks my world, and I'm going to eventually chat with him about real publishers and publishing when I decide to take some of my stuff public.

It may sound like I've totally lost my mind. And I don't know when I'll ever have the time I want to devote to each of these endeavors, but, it's better to start now when I have some semblance of my own time. These are my dreams and goals, as far-flung as they may seem - but life would be very dull without them.

An Astronomical Adventure

So, last night was the last night of this year's Orionid meteor shower. For those of you who are very fond of Orion, he's back, but, just pretty late at night, rising at about midnight. And just as an update, for those of you who remember my huge goal-setting kick a few months ago, this is me living them, or at least one of them. I'll have to post an update about the others later. Anyway, back to my big adventure.

My evening started with requesting a subscription of Astronomy Magazine. I checked out the evening's sights and made a list of the things I wanted to see when we went out - Uranus, Neptune, and of course, some meteors. I actually didn't see most of what I set out to see, but what I saw was even better!

First of all, the shower was AWESOME! It is supposed to average 6 -7 meteors an hour, and we were out about a half hour and saw at least 12! That was just so rad! The spot we found was actually perfect for the 1:30-2 time frame that we were there.

However, our awesome stargazing was interrupted when a cop showed up. Actually, he was just doing his job and patrolling the parks up past Vivian in Provo Canyon. He got out and walked up and asked us what was going on, and we honestly told him "We're just watching the Orion meteor shower", then, my roommate, who had jumped up when he pulled up, explained "Sorry, I jumped up because I just watched a scary movie and the villain always drove a truck..." Thanks... But, he assumed we were being honest, which is good, because we were, and said, "Ok, well, just be safe and keep warm." Thanks Mr. Copper-man! Actually, despite the sudden light pollution and freaking my roommate out, it made me feel so much better to know that there was someone patrolling. Those of you acquainted with my over-active imagination will appreciate that fact! Let's all be a little honest. Provo Canyon is possibly one of the darkest, and thus creepiest places to be at night, but that's a different story...

Back to my astronomical adventure. At some point, we broke out my new binoculars. I got to see the Pleiades, "The seven sisters", which was cool. But, my favorite part, by far, was seeing the Orion Nebula through the binoculars!!! This is essentially what it looked like for me:
This is what I was actually looking at, if I had had a powerful telescope to view it through:

Baby stars are born here!!! Hello baby stars! :)

A friend once told me that once you get going in astronomy, you suddenly feel like these planets, stars, and constellations become like friends. I'll be honest, when I see something up there I recognize, I can't help but smile and feel all warm and fuzzy!

After my adventure, my new astronomy goals are:
1. check out the Andromeda Galaxy
2. actually catch Uranus and Neptune in the binoculars
3. start checking out other deep sky objects (nebulae, star clusters, and such) that are in the constellations I know and can pick out easily.
4. eventually get into astrophotography - this one is going to take some time, but it will be oh so worth it, but, it will require a new camera, and some sort of instruction on how to use it, and possibly some more astronomy equipment like a telescope. Wahoo! But that's for later. You know, when student loans are gone and nothing else is eating my money. Besides, with my new geocaching kick, I've got enough outdoor toys to keep me busy when I'm not working.

So friends, the moral of the story is go out and enjoy the stars sometime! They are absolutely awe-inspiring!

The promised Roommate pics!

Here they are. Such fun times! Thanks John!

A great Sabbath

Wow, so, today was possibly one of the greatest days ever! First of all I finally got a calling at church to be the Relief Society pianist, and my setting apart provided both the comfort and guidance I've been needing.

Then, I had the following chat with a dear friend online:
Friend: Hey friend.
me: Hi there! How are you?
Friend: Very well.Have I ever told you how I love it when you tell people what you think?me: Really? Thanks.

Friend: Mals, you're seriously like the greatest person in the world and I think we all take you for granted

So to see you call people on it is rather...

I don't know...

Let's just say it's good for people to get a wake up call now and again

me: Friend, you totally just made my day! Thank you!
Friend: Just being honest.

I'm sure there were days when I drove you nuts.

But you were always to nice to make me realize it.

me: Well, yeah, but as best friends we got over that right? ;-)

Friend: You bet.me
: Haha. Good times.

Friend: Yeah.
Friend: Well, gotta go Mals
Nice talking to you
me: Ditto. Talk to you later!
Ladies and gentlemen, that is a true friend! I have been blessed to be surrounded by good people in my life who help me to see things in myself that I often fail to notice. So, thank you, friend, for helping me to seeing these things, and taking the time to call them to my attention. Truly, "there is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate!" ~ Charles Dickens. :)

The last thing that was really nice was my roommates and I went up the Canyon and had another dear friend take roommate pictures for/with us. It was so much fun! Pictures coming soon.

Anyway, today was lovely thanks to many people and relationships that I deeply cherish. So, thank you everyone! I wish each of you a day as good as mine was today.

Love,
Me

Only 16 days left...

So, I don't usually take a stand on political issues - mostly because I know I'm not the most informed of individuals, and I'm also very passionate about some things. I just hate the political debates, especially this time of year, and to be honest, I've been ignoring most of it because, basically, I have felt that there is no "good guy" in this race, and we all feel like we're voting for the lesser of two evils. There are no party lines, and as far as I've seen both/all of them seem to skirt around the issues. I don't care that you can talk in a circle to get back to your pet topic - I want to know where you stand on the things I care about!

I've said many times that I've been looking for something along the lines of "An Idiot's Guide to Voting on November 4th: Where the Candidates Actually Stand on the Things You Care About." As this book is not located in any library or bookstore I've seen, I found the next best thing here: The New York Times: Election 2008 . Another good one is CNN's Election Center 2008.

My favorite part on both sites is the issues section, and for those of you who are more detailed and active than that, there's lots more to keep you happy and satisfied too! Now, I know most news stations and websites tend to be pretty biased. But, I feel like, at least in the issues section (where I've spent most of my time), they are pretty fair. You can also get a taste for where their running mates stand on the issues, plus key votes in the past as well! I really think we need to take the counsel of the Brethren on this one and study the candidates and issues before voting. This is the first election I've ever been eligible and felt knowledgeable enough to vote in. I agree with my friends who say, "If you didn't vote, don't complain." That's fair. However, I'm getting a little sick of the ignorant people who say I'm voting for so-and-so because he's a republican," or, "he's a democrat, and so he's stupid." Really? REALLY?!

So, for those of you who don't have time/energy to even click on the link above, here are some highlights from my favorite issues (most coming from NY Times)

Abortion:
John McCain wants to overturn Roe v. Wade, but has been supportive in the past; supported Supreme Court decision that upheld ban on partial-birth abortions; "strict constructionist judges." Barack Obama supports Roe v. Wade; criticized Supreme Court decision that upheld ban on partial-birth abortions.

Economy
John McCain wants to purchase troubled mortgages directly from financial institutions and restructure them. Cut capital gains tax rate. Blames lobbyists for financial crisis, and favors a new federal authority. Would make the Bush tax cuts permanent and eliminate alternative minimum tax. Barack Obama wants to immediately enact a set of tax cuts for individuals and businesses to help cope with the current crisis. Ban most home foreclosures for 90 days. Blames deregulation for financial crisis. Would repeal the Bush tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000.

Education
John McCain believes that the federal government should play a limited role in public education. Wants to keep NCLB's emphasis on standards and achievement but focus on individual achievement rather than group averages. "While NCLB has been invaluable in providing a clear picture of which schools and students are struggling, it is only the beginning of education reform." Would allow parents to choose the school for their children. Believes in evolution; thinks school districts should decide whether to teach other ideas. Barack Obama proposes $18 billion a year in new federal spending on early childhood classes, teacher recruitment, performance pay and other initiatives. Would rewrite NCLB, retaining its emphasis on high standards and accountability but offering more help to high-need schools, including training thousands of new teachers to serve in them. Believes the law is good in concept but needs funding and better measurement of student progress. Would double federal spending on public charter schools while holding them accountable. Believes in evolution; does not think that intelligent design should be taught alongside it.

War in Iraq
John McCain voted in 2002 to authorize invasion, still supportive; favored troop increase, and argues that security allowed political headway; against a timetable for withdrawal, but projected he would have most forces home by 2013. Barack Obama opposed invasion from the beginning; opposed troop increase; wants to withdraw one or two brigades a month to finish within 16 months and spur the Iraqis to reconcile their differences.

Stem-cell Research
John McCain has supported federal financing for embryonic stem cell research; lately has suggested that other kinds of stem cells may make the use of embryonic cells unnecessary. Barack Obama supports federal financing for research on human embryonic stem cells, noting that most scientists describe them as essential tools for research on a number of diseases.

Same-Sex Marriage (as reported on CNN)
John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. Voted for the Defense of Marriage Act but voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. Says states and local governments should set their own marriage policies. Barack Obama opposes same-sex marriage, but also opposes a constitutional ban. Says he would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. As stated on the Obama campaign Web site, he supports full civil unions that "give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency as well as equal health insurance, employment benefits, and property and adoption rights."

And a note on Proposition 8 for those of you eligible to vote in Cali: My friend recently wrote an excellent post on this issue. I think you should check it out, and then go to Protect Marriage and Preserving the Divine Institution of Marriage. I too firmly believe that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator’s plan for His children."

So, before you vote, please be informed. The things you've heard or the things you think you know about a candidate or issue may turn out to be false. Your vote changes lives.

Ode to all of the "STP's"

I grew up in a family of "STP's," and I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by STP's nearly my entire life, so naturally, the characteristics have rubbed off. For those of you who are unaware, STP's are generally found at church, and they are the Same Ten People that volunteer for everything and show up to everything. I've learned recently that STP's aren't just found at church, but also at work, at home, and just about anywhere.

As an STP, however, I find it hard not to be irritated by those who are the CDAP's (Can't Do Anything People). Now, I understand not wanting or being able to go above and beyond all the time. That's fine and totally understandable. However, being totally helpless about everything drives me crazy! Here are some examples from the last few days:

"I couldn't do that because I didn't have enough copies for everyone." So make more!

"I can't do that activity because I don't have the materials." So buy/make some! To which I responded by making the stuff they didn't have for them...

"I can't buy groceries because there's just too much in our fridge." Then take the time to clean or organize it - you'll probably find something edible that's yours!

"I won't do that because it's too awkward I don't know anyone." Then go out to things and meet people!

Ok, now, that last one I am guilty of as well - and I'm working on changing that, however, why isn't it common sense to get off your tucus and do something rather than sit around and complain about stuff all the time. Seriously world, how about we all spend a lot less time talking about the problems, and occasionally the solutions to those problems and spend more time making/being the solution! Believe it or not, there won't always be an STP to clean up after you.

A Sunday Drive

So, after church yesterday, I came home, changed my clothes, and took a little drive. Driving is seriously therapeutic for me. It just really clears my mind and somehow gets me into perspective.

Here are some sights and insights from my little jaunt.

But first, a disclaimer. These pictures are taken with my camera phone, which means they're pretty lame. Just know that everything I captured on film was completely spectacular and soothing.

So, I saw a moose! She was pretty close to the road, and, I know you can't tell, but she was looking at me when I took this - she was huge! Why are moosen so cool?!

Timp was phenomenal! It had just snowed, and was clearing, but my favorite mountain was still covered with clouds.
And this one is also tiny, but, the fall colors against the powdered evergreens was gorgeous! Oh, and I discovered a new canyon park right by here.
Another one of my canyon favorites. Always spectacular.

When I stopped my car on the way up, I read a few chapters in a new book that I got by Elder Holland, Broken Things to Mend. Here's one of my favorite quotes.

" Every time we reach out, however feebly, for [Christ], we discover He has been anxiously trying to reach us."

"[He is] a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit... Amidst the wondrously complex tasks inherent in teh universe, He seeks our individual happiness and safety above all other godly concerns."