From Very High to Very Low

Once upon a time, I had faith in people.  It was quite nice, actually.  I would ask someone to do something for me when I needed help and he/she would do it.  I would tell someone how I feel about them and they would be honest in what they said to me.  When someone informed me of a decision that they were going to make concerning me, they would stick with it.  But those days have passed and gone.  Where did they go?

I have had difficulty finding the real reason.  Some may say that it's because people often overbook themselves and can't make time for others.  Others say that it's a result of false faces and feelings.  There may be others who call it being "indecisive".  My reasoning is simply this: people are too self-absorbed.

In today's world, everything has become "me" centered.  How does this benefit me?  What will I get out of this?  What are you going to do for me?  You walk around long enough and you'll see this practically everywhere you go.  Examine your relationships, past and present.  I can probably guess that most, if not all, of the ones that ended were a result of someone being focused on what he/she wants.  In many cases, there isn't even an attempt to salvage anything, or even to "test the waters", for lack of a better term.  Some end so quickly that you're left wondering, "What in the world just happened?"  And they can feel like a very swift and unexpected punch in the gut.

Yes, this is very passive-aggressive.  But you would do well to think about this for at least a few minutes.  The last thing anyone would want to do is get involved in something that will leave them feeling like they just got hit by a large, heavy object (a train, for example).  I can tell you from experience that it does indeed take a long time to get over a feeling of being lied to, or being left hanging out to dry and then forgotten.  It is my belief that the Golden Rule no longer applies.  But hey, who am I to judge?  Especially based on the few things that I have seen and that I know.  I'm sure someone, somewhere out there, would be inclined to disagree with me.  Good for you, whoever you are.  Maybe I'm just pessimistic and have a negative outlook on life and hate people.  Maybe I have more emotional scars than people realize.  Maybe I'm just sick of being on the receiving end of every negative social experience imaginable.

Whatever the case may be, I would love nothing more than to have something finally go my way.  Just once.

Guilty

Guilty pleasures are a common thing.  At least I'd like to think that they are.  Bad days happen, or you're just stressed out, so you need a go-to thing to de-stress or to take your mind off of how busy you are.  They vary.  They could be anything from food, to TV, to activities.

So what's one of MY guilty pleasures?  "Family Guy".  Now, I know what most people are thinking: "OMG 'Family Guy'?  Really?  That show is so crude and controversial and stupid.  I can't believe anyone in the whole wide world would like that show."  Then the thought follows: "Well if he likes that show, that means he's [blank] type of person."

Am I really being judged for something that I'll occasionally watch?  Is that fair?  Last time I checked, there were quite a number of other things that people like to read/watch that I don't really agree with, but I never said, or even THOUGHT, anything like that.  "What are you talking about?" you ask?  I'm talking about the obsessions people have.  Going to a midnight showing of Harry Potter dressed up like your 'favorite' wizard is one thing that comes to mind.  Maybe I'm offended by the predominant theme of witchcraft and wizardry.  Am I going to judge you for liking it?  No.  Why would I?  You like what you like and I'm not going to stop you.  I'm not going to refuse friendship, or create distance between us, just because you're into that whole magic-witch-and-wave-a-stick-and-cast-a-spell nonsense.

And how about the TV show "Modern Family"?  I'm not inclined to watch a show that features parents who are portrayed as mostly clueless (they aren't clueless, but that seems to be the message that's getting across), and an openly gay couple that adopts a child.  I don't like that and I won't watch it.  But if that's your cup of tea, go ahead, watch it.  I'm not going to think any differently of you for doing so.

And your movies, like "Just Go with It" and "No Strings Attached".  Making a mockery, basically, of procreation, marriage and family life.  Disgusting.  But you can watch it if that's what you like.  In addition to the horror movies that are graphic beyond belief and chase away the Spirit just for the thrill of it.

So why am I getting judged for liking a silly, stupid TV show that I just watch to let my brain take a break from the 13 straight hours of school and work that I go through every day?  And yes, there HAVE been times where I've turned off the show because there was something that didn't sit quite right with me.  But just because I watch it sometimes shouldn't give me a "bad person" label, or a "he's going to be a bad influence on our children" mindset.  I haven't given that label to anyone else because of what they like to watch.  I think it's totally unjustified.  And I don't need to apologize for this.

Mormons are Christians

As most of you are well aware by now, the good Rev. Jeffress declared Mormonism to be a "cult", stating that "Mormons" are not Christians.  His reasoning is that the Church was founded by a man (Joseph Smith) and that it does not follow solely the teachings of the Bible.  For those of you who are of the LDS faith, you are familiar with the teachings of the Church.  For those of you who are not of the LDS faith, let me give some clarification.

The name "Mormon" is a nickname given to the members of a church called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The very name of the Church bears the name of Jesus Christ, as He is at the center of all of our teachings.  We believe that God called a prophet in our days, Joseph Smith, through whom He restored the keys of the Priesthood of God.  This Priesthood power is essential in performing the will of the Lord on the earth.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Bible to be the word of God.  Because God loves all of His children, He has supplied us with another account of the divinity of Jesus Christ in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  Here, the name "Mormon" refers to the ancient prophet who compiled the records contained within this book.  This is a record of God's dealings with His children in the ancient Americas, spanning from around 600 BC to around AD 400.  Every prophet whose teachings are found herein testify of the divinity and the mission of Jesus Christ as the Savior of mankind.

The core beliefs of the LDS Church are well-stated in The Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  For example, the very first core belief is:

"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."

We believe that we have a loving Father, and that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins.  If we look to Him, and have faith that He will save us, then we can be saved in the Celestial Kingdom of God.

The third core belief is as follows:

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

If we prove ourselves faithful in following the example of Christ, living His teachings and keeping His commandments, we will be saved by His Grace and joyfully return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.

And perhaps one of the most defining aspects of being a Latter-day Saint is best said by Joseph Smith himself:

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul - We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.  If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

As a follower of Jesus Christ, and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I testify that I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  I know that we can be saved only through Him.  He suffered for our sins.  He experienced our sorrows.  He knows us, and He loves us.  And because He lives, we may also receive eternal life and live with our Father in Heaven again.

Would Someone Teach Them How to Drive?

As I was driving around the Provo/Orem area this afternoon, I was quite displeased with what I saw.  The people who drive around here are some of the worst drivers I have ever seen (worse, even, than some that I encountered in California!).  There's a good reason that Utah County has a reputation, locally and nationally, for being home to the worst motor vehicle operators.

You want to make our roads safer?  You want fewer car accidents?  You want to rid yourself of the road rage that you feel while you're driving?  Let me give you a few tips that will help make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Tip #1 - Pay attention to what you're doing.

This really makes no sense when you're not even going very far to begin with.  It surprises me how utterly oblivious people are to other cars/drivers.  That's why they invented rear and side-view mirrors.  It also helps to actually look at what's going on around you!

I was driving behind a couple of dudes today who were more interested in pointing out every little store on each side of the road instead of where they were going or what they were doing.  I think it would have been more fun to watch them run into something than to follow them for as long as I had to. . .

Tip #2 - GET OFF THE PHONE!

I don't know what everyone's fascination is with talking on the phone and TEXTING while driving!  It's next to impossible to focus on what's going on on the road if you're consumed by the dramatic sob story that your BFF  is making a feeble attempt to explain to you.  So, to the lady driving down State Street at 3:45 this afternoon: hang up the phone because it will make it A LOT easier to stay in your lane!  And you're less likely to kill someone on the road.

Tip #3 - Go the speed limit.

You can agree with me before I even explain this one.  Go ahead, say, "Yes, Matt.  No one knows how to go the speed limit."  People speed, yes.  But what's worse is people who go too slow.

I'm generally pretty good about not being in a hurry to get somewhere.  I think it's just part of my personality.  "Matt in a hurry = snail at a leisurely pace."  So I may not be in a hurry to get somewhere, but I just want to get there!  Camping out in the far left lane is stupid anyway, but going 10-under when you're in the left lane is more stupid than I can describe.  You think it's dangerous when that one guy whizzes past you at 90+.  What about the guy going 35 mph in a 50 mph zone?  Don't think that's dangerous?  Just look to see how quickly you gain on those red taillights.  You'll agree with me then.

Tip #4 - Stop when the light is RED.  Go when the light is GREEN.

It's simple.  Even for those of us who are colorblind.  If you can reasonably stop at a red light, then stop.  When the light turns green, MOVE.

See?  Simple.  A 1st-grader could tell you that.

Tip #5 - Live with your mistakes.

If you miss a turn, don't make a wild turn to try to get where you were supposed to go.  Just keep going.  Turn around when it's safer, and then find your turn.  Also, when you forget that you were supposed to get into a turn lane, don't try to squeeze into it while sticking across 2 lanes of traffic.  It's totally unnecessary.

Tip #6 - 

(This is more of an observation than a tip)

Male drivers do stupid stuff.  Female drivers just don't know what they're doing.

Male drivers: Put your hands back in the car, quit trying to impress your girlfriend, and start using your brain.  You won't think you're so cool when you're dead.

Female drivers: Just tone down the estrogen.  Figure out where you're going and what speed you should be going on the road.  Oh, and drive a car where you can actually see over the steering wheel.

I'm sure that this applies to more places than just Utah County.  But Utah County seems to beat them all.

7 Invaluable Lessons from BYU's Finest

As I have reflected on my time in Provo, I realized that there are many, many things that I've learned.  Let me tell you a few:

1) It's okay to be disrespectful to other people if you don't have a problem with what you're doing.

Example: Two students watching a video on a computer in the "No Shhh! Zone" of the library with the sound up to where everyone in the room can hear the video.  Okay, so maybe I'm not allowed to tell you to be quiet, but when your stupid video can be heard in a big room while people are trying to study, at least turn in down. Or get headphones.

2) Chewing and making loud noises with gum is cool.

Example: Kid is sitting behind me in a lecture smacking his gum and popping these loud, obnoxious bubbles.  Dude, I will break off your jaw.

3) Holding hands with someone doesn't necessarily mean you are "together".

Example: Couple walks across campus holding hands.  I ask them later, "Hey, so how long have you been dating?"  The response: "Oh, we're not 'official'."  Whatever THAT means...

4) Being racist is acceptable.

Example: Roommate has a friend celebrating her "Asian Birthday".  The conversation goes as follows:

Roommate: "Why is it your 'Asian Birthday'?"
Girl: "Because I'm turning 22!"
Roommate: "Okay, but I still don't understand."
Girl: "Oh well you know how all Asians hold up 2 fingers (a peace sign) in pictures?  That's why lol."
Roommate: "Wow... you do realize that was racist, right?"
Girl: "What?  I'm not racist."
Roommate: "What you just said was racist."
Girl: "Well it's not racist if it's true!"

*facepalm*  These are our future leaders, folks...

5) White rappers are cool.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYjG1llQVlA
Not to mention the fact that it's A LIBRARY.

6) It is taboo to put materials back where you found them.

Example: I find headphones, staplers and books that have been checked out in random places around the library.  Is it really that hard to be responsible (like the adult that you WANT to be) and take your stuff back?  Or should we just treat you like a child again and say, "Okay, so-and-so, let's clean up your toys!"

7) "Forgetting" things is a valid excuse.

Example: Class assignment is due, and there is at least one student who inevitably says to the professor, "Oh, I forgot that this assignment was due today.  Can I turn it in next class period?"  Um, NO.  You're old enough to be responsible for yourself and what you've been asked to do.

Example 2: You need your ID card to print on campus.  Students come to the desk EVERY DAY with the same issue: "I 'forgot' my ID card.  Can you send my print job to the printer for me?"  It's not that hard to bring your ID card to campus.  And if your assignment is really THAT important, you should make the effort to bring everything that you need on campus with you.  Should I wipe your sorry butt for you too while I'm printing your homework?

There are just so many things to learn in college.  I'm just glad that these things have been included in my education.  And with no added tuition!  SCORE!

Visiting a Middle School

With this being the beginning of a new school year, I have definitely learned several things.

1) Getting up to be in class by 7:45 every morning SUCKS.  I actually already knew that, but it bears saying again.

2) Getting to bed between 10:30 and 11:00 every night isn't so bad.

3) Driving in Provo is a nightmare.

4) My schedule is intense, for lack of a better word.

5) Junior High/Middle School students are really funny.

Let me explain the last one.  I was at Centennial Middle School on Wednesday morning.  The band teacher, Dr Rothlisberger, was teaching these kids how to make sounds from their mouthpieces.  Keep in mind that this is a beginning band class full of 7th graders.

He taught the brass players that the shape of the mouth should be tight and they should make the sound "emmm" to practice having the proper form.  Since I have never played a brass instrument before, I thought that that piece of information was pretty cool!  So they practiced it and got a few rather interesting sounds to come out of their mouthpieces.

Then he moved on to the flutes.  He went over the same kinds of things with them, getting them to have the proper form so that they can make a sound come from the instrument.  This time, instead of giving the same instructions as he did to the brass sections, he told them to do something a little differently.

"You're going to put your flute up on your lip and say 'poo'."

..........................................................................................................................................

Pause for a moment.  Do you hear that?  It's the sound of twenty 12-year-old boys busting out laughing because their teacher just said "poo".  Wait, you hear something else?  Oh, that's the 15 college-age boys doing the exact same thing.  The girls were laughing too, but they were just laughing at us.

That's why I love kids that age.  The dumbest things are hilarious.  And we have many similarities when it comes to humor.

Oh look, Obama thought it was funny too.

So even with all of the things that terrify me about teaching, I'm very excited for this part of teaching junior high.  It makes me laugh already.

Problem Solvers

If there's one thing upon which I truly and completely pride myself, it's my ability to solve problems.  If I can't get something to work one way, I'll look to see if there is another way to get around it.  If I get stuck on an issue, I'll put it away and come back later to take a fresh look at it, hoping that there was something that I may have missed the first time.  This has worked very well for me.

But let me tell you what I despise: people who try to solve other peoples' problems.  Especially when the one with the problem *isn't asking for anyone's help*.  Thank you for "caring", but I can do this without you.  Why?  Because your suggestions suck.

Example:

Friend: "Matt, you just need to have positive thoughts."
Me: "You think I HAVEN'T thought of that already?!  Thank you for stating the obvious."

Reason for outburst: it's something I like to call "Clinical Depression".  You may have heard of it before.  But for those who don't understand what that entails, let me show you.

There are certain chemicals in the brain that help it to function "normally", if you will.  As you see here, with my type of depression, the serotonin levels are off.  So when I go any length of time without something to help get the serotonin back where it's supposed to be, I get increasingly depressed and irritable.  Edgy, as I like to say.  It also makes it extremely difficult to just "think positive thoughts".

And for those of you ignorant people who just say "it's a choice to have positive thoughts", you have no idea what you're saying and you have no right to say that.  Especially to someone like me.  Trying to tell me that only makes it worse.

I've had people tell me that being around me when I'm like that is like "walking on eggshells".  Two things.  1) Why would you ever walk on eggshells? and 2) it's your own d*** fault.  So don't try to blame it on me.

So, counsel from the wise to the uneducated, keep your "advice" to yourself.  I'm doing just fine figuring out my own problems and don't require your input unless I specifically ask for it.  You don't see me telling you how to run YOUR life.  So let me take care of my own life, just like you want to be in charge of yours.