Valerie

I'm in love. But don't worry- It's not with you. And, I know what you're thinking in your head right now, it has to be someone- he is probably just saying not you but really it is me and not everyone else. But I guarantee that anyone who reads this, isn't going to be that lady (sadly.. I silently hope that she may stumbleupon this for one reason or another and refuse to stop searching the world until she shows up at my doorstep to confess how much she, in fact, loves me too).
Many times, I have sat through different talks about not settling. And really, no one should ever settle when it comes to relationships, etc. So, my best friend, Jared, and I came up with a list of criteria that would have to be met by our future significants.
Many may consider this a mean thing to do. But honestly, I believe there is someone for everyone. I also believe, that someone has to be on par with you- otherwise someone is going to end up unhappy. It's almost like the cast system in "Brave New World." Just adding the concept that not everyone belongs to everyone.
Here are my criteria. This is basically just to give you some thoughts about things you may want to consider (or things to work on if you want to get with this! lol)
You have to be beautiful. Note: This beauty doesn't have to be aesthetic. My family can tell you, I haven't always gone for the most beautiful of girls- but I don't see them from the outside. Not like you believe when I say this anyway.. but hopefully you will. The idea here is I need for you to be comfortable with you.
Next, you have to have a talent. Everyone has something they are good at. Everyone. I need to know that there is something you would do over everything else. Something you acknowledge you have a gift for and, most importantly, want to share with everyone. Like singing. It's awesome.
Additionally, you have to have a passion for something. For some it's volunteer work, others it's being there to listen.. there is so much you can have a passion for. The reason this is different than a passion for your talent, is I expect this talent to be selfless- something you are passionate about doing for other people. That's severely lacking in modern society but needed more than ever.
One of the most important is you need some advanced level of intelligence. I can't stand not being able to hold a conversation with someone about anything other than reality tv and which famous person is with which other famous person. Sometimes, I like to talk about science! Yes, chemistry! And politics, like an informed decision about who you want to vote for in 2012. And rocks! You know how cool rocks are? And how diverse of a rock culture we have in California. Even if you don't know about rocks, I want you to be able to understand what I'm saying. Or my favorite. Radios- like radio fundamentals and radio wave propagation. That stuff is so fascinating to me. But, it totally kills my buzz when you just can't follow.
Maybe this is asking quite a bit- but I'm finally taking a stand for myself. I'm done settling. I used to think there wasn't anyone out there who could make me happy- so I would just make someone else happy. But I know there is someone who can. By developing these criteria, I know I won't settle again.

Holiday Spirit

"It is claimed by many Biblical scholars that December 25th, the day celebrated in Christendom as Christmas, cannot be the correct date [of the birth of Christ]. We believe April 6th to be the birthday of Jesus Christ as indicated in a revelation of the present dispensation. . ."*
Growing up, I always believed that Christmas was the birth date of our Lord, Jesus Christ. When I was younger, my family made a habit of baking a birthday cake for Christ on the 25th of December, so that as a family we would remember the true meaning of Christmas. Growing older, I've taken to reading more and more books that help me to develop myself as a person as well as develop my faith. In "Jesus the Christ" by Elder James E. Talmage, it is revealed that the actual birthday of Christ is April 6th!
Reading this book has really helped me focus my life on Him. Being a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is something that needs to be just that. We need to be a church about Jesus. I'm not saying we aren't, but! - I was surprised how few people know the actual date of Jesus' birth.
I still think Christmas is as appropriate of a holiday as ever to celebrate the miracle that happened when Heavenly Father sent his Only Begotten down to Earth. Plus, America and the world is so set in it's ways now- good luck changing that holiday even one hour, let alone four months. So, my family will most likely continue the tradition of baking birthday cakes on this special day with family, but just don't forget to wish a happy birthday to the Savior of Mankind on April 6th as well.
*Talmage, James E. "Jesus the Christ". Deseret Book Company: Salt Lake City, Utah. 1915. Pg. 104

Library Date

21. I just had a very good friend, who I incredibly respect, tell me that she has read my blog and had a little input about a topic that I love to ridicule, heh. Make-up. If you all remember, it is something I implore. However, for once, this young beautiful lady brought up an incredible point that I honestly must say I haven't considered. My argument (in case you forgot) was that make-up just hides the beautiful features that we have been endowed with at creation, and takes the focus off of the inner self and onto the outer body. My friend discussed with me the alternative to that. People who don't wear make-up (not all of them, mind you) may do so just because they don't take care of themselves, or take the time to show people that they matter to themselves. There may be some out there who don't wear make-up or do their hair because they are just lazy, not because they are embracing the natural beauty of the woman. I still believe make-up in excess, is what out of hand and that it is not needed as much as consumers today use it. However, I guess I can see now that make-up in a minimal way, or as a way to highlight certain features, is a good thing to have. " However, make-up, if used correctly, is a way to highlight your natural beauty (for example, eye-liner can act more like a picture frame for your eyes which ought to be the main focus of your face) and show that you take time to present yourself in a way that shows respect." I absolutely love this very close friend of mine and totally appreciate that she took the time to help me understand this. So now, I must rephrase my final stance on the make-up policy. Too much make-up, or slathering it on your face to cover up what should be shown, is unacceptable (I still hate it when it gets on my clothes). However, a girl who takes the time to show that she cares for herself and wants to present herself in a pleasing and respectable manner to those she cares about, is perfect. This is what women should be embracing and I'm glad I see it through the eyes of one such woman who cares.

Zompocalypse Now

20. T-Lazer's guide to the Zompocalypse
Hey everybody. I'm back! And with a topic near and dear to my... brains! Hearts won't matter when the ugly Zombie Apocalypse rears it's head. Here are some things I am doing to ensure that when that time comes, I will be ready. You can too with these simple steps!
Step One. Start saying Zompocalypse. Zombie apocalypse just takes too long to get out. I'm sure you've found yourself fumbling over those words anyway- so just embrace the contraction. Time is precious and in the future zompocalypse, you just won't have enough of it to say two words when one will suffice.
Step Two. My good friends at Zombiefit.org suggest that "if you're ready for the impossible, you will most likely survive the improbable." They created an awesome workout that changes each day to get you functionally fit for the zombie revolution. Check it out- it's like a creative mix of that hardcore cross fit I know you have all heard of, with some cool looking and functionally important parkour for when you need to make those supply runs into town.
Step Three. Not only do you need to start hoarding martial weapons, but you need to become proficient with them. Guns are obviously something that everyone is going to steal at the time, and good luck finding ammo in a few months when no one is alive to make it- so you need to get some swords, or knives, or staves, nunchucks, escreema sticks. Anything. I recommend the Zombie Knife line from K-Bar. With a knife for each of the four horsemen that not only look cool but are also deadly and inexpensive (relatively) you can't go wrong.
Step Four. Start a food supply storage system. Most of the members of my church have a food storage plan that will feed their family for up to a year after a disaster happens. During a zombie showdown- this is way too much. But you should have something ready for when the grocery stores are looted down to the cotton balls and the land is filled with famine. I estimate staying at home will be practical for about three months or so. But you have to realize, one day the remaining population is going to wake up and realize the government has no plan to save them, and then start roaming the streets, house to house, stealing or killing for survival. At that time, sad to say, it's probably kill or be killed.
Which brings me to step five. One way or another you need to start mentally preparring yourself to take a life. One. Zombies are dead. or were... either way. You need to kill them again or be killed. Two- if another human being makes the choice between him or you, he is choosing him. You need to choose you and stick to your choice. Otherwise, points one through four are irrelevant.

Thank you very much

19. (Unfortunately I can't be posting everyday. Life comes up- for example yesterday was on watch 24 hours straight.. Literally could not post. So I'll just number them as I go and get as much in here as I can).
Turkey Day!!
Obviously today is about thanks. (I can tell you what I'm not thankful for right off the bat- that America massacred the Indians shortly after they established such an amazing holiday...)
Hopefully I can throw some thanks out there that you guys don't hear too often, just to mix it up. But of course I have to start with family.
Kelsi! I love you so much and I'm so thankful for you (and nicky too!!). You have been a huge example to me and I am so thankful you were persistant with church. I was rather stubborn. But thanks to you, I made it to the temple and secured the greatest blessings of my life (except when marriage comes up- but so far the best).
Mom! You're the most supportive and awesome mom every. Thank you so much for always being there and loving me. It means so much to me to think that you are thinking of me every day!
Dad! Thanks for setting such a wonderful example in my life and inspiring me to grow in my military career as well as an individual. You've always been there when I needed to be and thank you so much for serving this country.
Quinn! Thanks for serving our country- twice! And I'm sure there is more to come. You're way awesome and definitely more superior to me. Except with the military (which makes me way manlier than you haha). You're pretty legit and I can't wait to see you again.
Music
Not just the fact that there is music- but you know that music that illicits the most pure feelings you have ever felt. When you can't think of anything- you just feel a particular feeling inside and out. No matter the feeling- happy, sad, angsty, angry, nostalgic, love. It's an amazing thing and I am thankful for it.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
This is the singular most important thing ever for mankind since the life of Christ. I love it! And I'm so thankful for the Church and the Prophet (whose Biography I just finished and would recommend it strongly to anyone and everyone: Read it!)

Trees!

18/365
Do you know why there are hardly any trees in Italy? It's because the Roman empire had them all cut down during their reign. Every last tree. Literally!

Occupy

17/365
http://occupywallst.org/
http://www.facebook.com/operationoccupy

Manly part two

16/365

Being a man: Pt. 2

How to change a tire!

First, you should always have a tire change kit in your trunk. This is perhaps the most common thing that could happen to your car, and if you know how to change your own tire, you can save those three free roadsides from triple a on something more exciting. This kit should include the spare tire, of course, a jack, one of those t bars (i figure describing what it looks like will help more of you lol) perhaps fix a flat (to be discussed), flares, and a first aid kit.

A tiny blurb here before we get started. It's better to have your tires under inflated than overinflated. Just from experience and without going into the mechanics- take my word for it. But of course, the proper inflation should be used.

Ok! Here we go.

Step one: This may throw you in for a loop. The first thing you are going to do is NOT jack up the car. Fooled you didn't I. Go ahead and loosen the bolts that hold the tire on first, before you use the jack to raise your car.

Step two: This is when you jack your car. You really only need to jack it high enough to get the tire on and off. Any more than that and you begin to risk your safety and vehicle damage.

Step three: Finish removing the bolts. Remove the tire. Replace the new spare (these three are like three steps but they are easy, so it's one).

Step four: Replace the bolts into the tire. Now, it's important when you tighten them that you work in a star pattern. Don't just go in a circle- this may result in an off balance tire, and that is just all bad. For example, if you have five bolts, start with the bottom left, then top middle, then bottom right, top left, top right. Don't tighten them all the way down yet either.

Step five: Lower the jack and finished tightening the bolts. You should tighten them to an easy hand tighten and then a quarter turn more for ensurance.

Don't drive more than thirty miles on a spare- they weren't made for distance. Just to get you from where you went down to where you can get back up.

Fix a flat 101. It works wonders. It's amazing. Forget changing the tire. Fill it up with that and you can drive to the auto body shop and have them replace your tire. However, a word to the wise (this happened to me): fix a flat can void most tire warrenties. So, if you have a warrenty, check it before you wreck it. I didn't have to pay full price for a new tire, but had to pay forty for one- when it would have been free had I not used the fix a flat.

Anyway, hope this helped. Just tuck it away into your knoweldge fountain and good luck!

Effective Communication

15/365

Five levels of listening:

1. Not listening. Pretty basic place to start the scale, eh? This is that stage where you are either so preoccupied with something on your mind or just genuinely don't care a lick for the person speaking, that you just completely tune them out. Not even eye contact or a pretend nod. Kosher level: -15. Don't do this.

2. Pretending to listen. This is when you throw out that verbal ya or uh-huh every ten to fifteen seconds at a weak attempt to have the speaker wrap it up. News flash! No one actually falls for this. Some of us though, are dying for an audience so bad that we will accept this as a valid form of communicating.

3. Selective listening. Here is the point where the listener picks out key points and keeps them locked away upstairs just in case the speaker asks a question or for advice. However, we still arn't really listening- we're just playing the game, cheating the system.

4. Attentive listening. In this step, the listener is listening enough that they can hear the words that are being spoken and construct them coherently in his mind. At any point, the listener would be able to repeat back the main ideas of the topic and actually seem to know what they are talking about.

5. Empathetic listening. This is when the listener not only hears the words that are being spoken, but can feel the feelings that are being conveyed as well. Every human being wants their feelings to be understood, affirmed, validated, and appreciated. This is when that takes place. This is the best way to connect with another person and have them feel like you truely care.

In stage five, there are actually four sub stages as well.

The four stages of empathetic listening are as follows:

A. Active or reflective. Here is where the listener can repeat back what is being said and can show that he understands what the speaker is saying.

B. Rephrasing. If a listener can rephrase what is being said by the speaker, it shows that he is really listening and trying to see if what he is hearing will be affirmed by the speaker.

C. Reflecting the feelings. If you notice the pattern, this is when the listener can show the affirmation and understandability mentioned above, as well as validating the feelings of the speaker. By showing the listener has an understanding of the feelings, the speaker will feel better about sharing information.

D. Rephrasing and reflecting. This is the whole nine yards. When it all comes together. You can show you understand the content and the feelings, as well as rephrase them to show understanding, verbalize them to show validation, and empathize with them to show appreciation. There is no deeper level of communication and I assure any two people, that if they communicate at such a level- the will have a generally happier life with each other. Try it out. And be aware it may take some time to get the hang of. But wouldn't just knowing that you're both trying make it better already?

Gifts

Hey- I know I set out with this blog thing in an attempt to share what I know with you all, but this time I'm going to fudge the line just a little bit. It's the same basic concept, but I need all of you to do something small for me, so that I can help many more people.

14/365

I have a couple (and only a couple) opporitunities to get down to some third world countries and share with them my knowledge base when it comes to military, mechanics, health, self-defense, etc. Basically, they have asked us to come and share some skills with us. However, there are only a limited amount of people who can go to those countries at one time. There is one chance for me to go really soon, and another chance for me to hop on board a little bit further down the line. So far though, it's not looking that great.

There are many people who have the same skill sets as me. Many who can survive in combat, who can work on a car, who can keep themselves properly hygiened, who can defend themselves in a riot. But all of these possible candidates, I am the only one with the most important skill set that is going to do the most good for these people. That is the knowledge of the gift of eternal life. I have the certain knowledge of the gospel. It is true that out of all the possibilites, we all have the knowledge of military tactics and the knowledge of survival, but I am the one with eternal survival in mind and I know that I can help these people out.
All that I want to ask of you, is that you will pray for me that I may get this chance. Please pray that if it is the will of Heavenly Father, that he will provide a way for me to make it to these places and help these people. Obviously, it may be his will that I stay put for now. One way or another, it is my hope that I may do this.

If I stay put however, I'll know it's where I am supposed to be. And I'm perfectly happy with that option, too.

How to..

Here is a good one that I have had to put to use many a time. I have to thank Brian for teaching me this, and now will impart my knowledge on to the rest of you.

13/365: How to...

Jump a car

1. You should always keep jumper cables with you. My truck had a nice little storage box by the engine that mine were always resting in. The trunk, by the spare tire, also makes a good place that is out of the way but easily accesible. Seriously, don't be the one without those cables. They're life savers.

2. Ensure that your car is actually dead before you try to jump it. This could eliminate potential hazards for your car and for the car that is jumping. Try to turn the car on and listen to the sound it makes. If the car turns over at all, it is not the battery. If there is no noise, or just a low solid tone, chances are you have a batter issue.

3. Start with both cars off. Then, I start with a good ground- this will help you not elecrocute yourself if you are dumb enough to hold the metal clamps when you start up the engine. Take one plack (negative) clamp and connect it to a metal, flat surface of the dead engine block.

4. Connect the other negative clamp to the negative post on the battery of the car who will be doing the jumping.

5. The two red clamps should be placed on the postive posts of the batteries, ensureing that the clamps stay in their predetermined pairs. I tend to do the dead car first just so that the last clamp I connect is the "live" clamp.

6. After this, start the jumping car up and let it sit for ahile. After a couple minutes, try to start the dead car up. Don't turn the engine over too many times, you'll just waste the charge you're building up. Give it a while and if you have to, rev the engine of the live car while turning the dead car over.

Troubleshooting

If this still doesn't work, or your cars starts but dies again next time you turn it off, or even during movement, here are some things you may try. Take some baking soda and water and clean the posts and battery wire connectors. Scrub the concoction on their, let it sit for a minute, then scrub it off. You may have to peel the cover of the wires back a little bit and use some untainted wire surface for your new connections. Take the battery down to your local parts store and have them test it. Remember, usually they will have to check your alternator first (however, this could be a problem with the same symptoms). After that, resort to wikipedia, lol.

Anyway, remember, you arn't a man unless you know how to do this- and ladies, we're tired of sending our friends home and quitting our man nights to drive thirty minutes out of the way to jump your car because you didn't know what to do (blah blah blah- don't attack the messenger, every man feels this way. I can be there to support you, I know that's what you want- not a solution to the problem, but seriously, during a hockey game?! You gotsta be crazy)

Anyway- just a little hip pocket knowledge to tuck away for you. Hope someone learned something.

12

Evolution is real. And, you can believe in evolution and God.

Correlation

11/365

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewithsoever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation -Mark 3:28-29 (see also Matthew 12: 31-32).

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? -1 Corinthians 15: 29

Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever - Ecclesiastes 3:14

And so it seems, our beliefs really differ very little. All of our beliefs are based on the knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ and His teachings. The unforgivable sin, the heavens that we will all go to, the baptisms for the dead, the eternal marriage and family. Above are just a few tie ins that I took from the King James version of the Bible to help show that The LDS church believes in things that the apostles who were with Jesus Christ also believed in. These teachings have been accepted for many years, and are part of the true church of Jesus Christ.

There are more truths out there. The Plan of Happiness, being the first that I would encourage you to look up and find out about. Please continue to come to me with your questions about the church and I promise I will not stop searching until I have found an adequate answer for you.

Until then, start with these and please pray about their meaning and truths.

Auf Wiedersehen, Friend. I love you.

November 10(/365) 1775

10/365

Tonight was our esteemed Marine Corps Ball. I had a blast. Lots of cheering and dancing. Always fun. Each year, every Marine, around the world celebrates the Marine Corps birthday in one way or another. Traditionally, we share a birthday ball. There is an elaborate ceremony with music, cake cutting, speeches, a color guard, and many other little things that make us unique. What's important is that it is the same and shared by each Marine throughout the world, as well as throughout generations. If you ever get the chance to attend one of these balls, please take that chance. It is quite the experience.

This year, we watched a short clip with an address from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. It talked about how special this year was because it not only marked another birthday of America's Greatest Gun Club (that's us) but also the ten year anniversary of 9/11. When those towers fell, Marines of all ages, both active and retired came out of their homes, dressed in their uniforms, and banded together as first responders to aide those who were injured or trapped in the tragic event. Even Marines who had been retired for many years, risked their lives to run into those buildings and into that rubble to help civilians and protect their lives.

This is the same thing we do today. Marines everyday, risk thier lives to protect that person to their left and to their right. We charge into that crumbling building, that burning house, that war-torn country, and offer relief and assisstance to those in need.

The most memorable quote was from a story told by a Marine Staff Sergeant about that terrible day. He said as he searched the rubble from the Twin Towers, he called out, "U.S. Marines, United States Marines. We are here to help." He went on to say that a certain individual that he pulled from those ruins told him, "When I heard the Marines were there to help, I knew I was going to make it out alive."

On this monumental weekend, the Marine Corps birthday, Veteran's Day, the memory of nine eleven, we must keep in mind what it is we are here for.

Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Awakening

9/365Our hope is fleeting, vanishing without a trace

The constant progressing of their ultimate goal;

human enslavement and global control

Breaking down the barriers that define who we are,

generalizing us as inferior

Fire is burning in the minds of the vigilant

The collective awakening of those willing to fight

against an empire so malevolent

We will not be, slaves to our fate

Only to be labeled unpatriotic, an enemy of the state

This is only the land of the free, as long as it's the land of the brave

We are all born into slavery, but I refuse to die that way

I refuse to die! I refuse!

The fires are spreading, they're fueled by our hate

Wild fires now scorch the land,

leaving behind only ashes in our wake

Maybe now they'll understand,

freedom lays in the choices that we make

I don't want to set the world on fire, I just want to watch it burn!

A pulse is beating inside the hearts of the brave

A common misunderstanding of the task at hand,

reclaiming our rights as Americans

Breaking down the barriers that disguise who they are demonizing the "superior"

Breaking down the barriers that disguise who they are demonizing the "superior"

-Molotov Solution

Semper Fidelis

8/365

Happy Birthday Marine Corps. For 236 illustrious years we have existed as a Corps of elite fighting machines who selflessly put ourselves on the line for the defense of the nation. I am proud to be a part of such a long standing tradition and even more proud to serve my fellow country men, hoping to provide them with the basic rights endowed my our Creator and spelled out by our founding fathers.

I do this for you. Family, friends, loved ones, those I hardly know, complete strangers. The only thing that makes sense in this world is love. The love for your fellow man even more than that. My goal in life is to help one person a day, each day, at least. To improve their life or offer aide, or assisstance they need. The Marines is one way I do that.

We are all human beings, and the value of our life is great. I take great honor in definding those lives and the freedoms that belong to citizens not only of our nation, but of all nations under God.

Each day, I strive to improve myself so that I may extend my hand further, in reach to help one more person. Thank you so much for all of your support. Knowing that you care and think about me each day keeps me going against turmoil and trial.

I am and will always be a United States Marine. Oorah! And Semper Fidelis.

Stand-Up

Although most don't understand most of my jokes- I think they are hilarious. Plus, it's such a great way to help people. Just tell jokes. It always lifts the spirit. Here are some of my favorites.

What do a Monkey and a Caterpillar have in common?

They're both monkies except for the caterpillar! ha

What did batman say to robin before they got into the batmobile?

Hey robin, get into the batmobile.

Two penguins are in a bathtub. The one in back says to the one in front, "Hey. Can you pass the shampoo?"

Are you growing tired of sweet potatoes? I know I yam.

Three cats walk into a bar. The third looks at the other two and says, "Meow."

A baby seal walks into a club.

What did the 0 say to the 8?

Nice Belt.

How Long is a China Man.

Just some laughs to hopefully brighten your day. Hundreds more where that came from, these are just my favorites, lol. 7/365.

A Story

6/365

Just wanted to share a story with all of you. It seems to be a more and more common trend now a days. The media always tells us that we are overweight. You see videos online. Blogs about it everyday. I just wanted to share with you my personal story about weight loss.

It's nothing that crazy. I was about two hundred at my biggest. Dropped to one sixty in ninety days, three months. It's possible.

Here is how you do it.

Good diet and exercise! Lame right? Well, there is more to it than that. Remember, it's not good for you to start both at the same time. Introduce one at a time- in either order. It's too stressful on your body to change your eating and exercising habbits drastically and at the same time.

So, here is what I did, and remember do either of these, and then about two weeks later do the other.

Also- here is an important note before we start. There are thousands of diets and work out plans. There is no universal one that will always work. My story is a blend of all sorts of information I found, that happened to work for me. You're more intuitive than you think. You're body will let you know what it needs. Listen.

1. The work out. This is the easy part. Cardio. Cardio. Cardio. That's the easiest way to lose weight. Running will do that the fastest. However, it's not the greatest for your knees. I recommend short, quick paced runs, followed or after a longer, slower paced machine work-out, such as the stationary bike, or eliptical. Gotta give those machines credit where credit is due. You spend enough time on those, you'll burn those calories. Remember, a lower heart rate work out will help burn calories faster, while a higher heart rate work out will increase lung, heart, and circulation strength while helping lower blood pressure. The short quick run is the latter of these two, where my heart rate is about 165. The former of the two would be the bike, when my heart rate is simply 130.

As far as weight training goes, don't freak out if you hit a low and then gain some weight back. I was down to 160, but after a few more months of weight training, am back to 170. It's to be expected. Just keep it in mind. If you want, it may help to measure inches. Personally, I lost three inches at the waist and one at the chest (man boobs!) but gained one at the arm, half at the neck, and half at the leg.

2. Diet- if it looks bad don't eat it! I cut soda from my diet completely. As well as fast food. It was super hard- but after a week or so, I didn't even miss it. I drink a lot of OJ and eat meat sparingly. I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits throughout my day. Eating littler meals more often really helps. And I'm not just saying that because I want an excuse to always eat! The main thing I looked at was making sure my carbs counted. Don't eliminate these bad boys. Rather, use them to your advantage. Some good carb food also will be full of good fats your body needs for a work out. Also, some good protein is carb filled. Just make sure you arn't eating empty carbs. Go for food with multiple benefites, like carbs and fiber. Also, try to avoid sugar. That alone will increase your metabolism and help with food digestion.

Like I said, we are all unique. This is just what worked for me. And it worked fast. I was very impressed. Give something a try. Just get out in the sun and play a sport. Anything will help. You're worth it- work hard to accept that.

The Articles of Faith

A lot of you have approached me either in letters, skype, messages, etc. about what it is I actually believe in. You all have had your fair share of misconceptions as well, lol. Basically- below is what we refer to as our Articles of Faith. It's thirteen quick points that we as a church agree upon. The "we" in each of the points refers to the collective memebers of the Church of Jesus Chrsit of Latter-Day Saints. However, feel free to remove the "we" and instead start each sentence with "Taylor Rogers" as well as adding an "s" to the following word believe to form believes. If you guys have questions about any of these, please hit me up!

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in
the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's
transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved,
by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by
immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying
on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer
in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church,
namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so
forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing,
interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated
correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we
believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to
the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the
Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American
continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth
will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates
of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship
how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. 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.
-Joseph Smith

157%

Hey all,

Here we're rolling into 4/365. This is a good one that I've been trying to adequately explain for years now. Hopefully, this will do it.

We as human beings do not know what statistics are. We label them as the most contradictory truth that we have to date. If I may, I don't even believe there is a such things as statistics. At least, not in the way we tend to modernly think about it.

Please bear with me. I think this is going to take a few examples for me to get my point across. But I promise, if you hang in there until the end- it will all makes sense.

Ok, first. Let's say I have a standard U.S. quarter. We are all familiar with this concept. I ask you, "If I flip this quarter, what are the odds that it will land on heads?" Naturally, you would say, "Well, Taylor. You have a 50% chance that that quarter is going to land on its head."

Now- skip briefly to the next example before I wrap that one up. We go ahead and flip that quarter. It does, in fact, land on heads. Now I ask you to tell me the statistics that out of our one flip that coin landed on heads. That coin landed on heads 100% of the time.

So, 50% of heads = 100% of heads?

Starting to paint out. I promise you this isn't just some ravings of a lunatic! Please, read one more.

We go ahead and attempt to establish a pattern with this coin. We flip the coin one-hundred times. 57 times it lands on heads, while 43 times it lands on tails. So, we basically say, that this coin has a 57% chance to land on heads, based on our recent "statistics." Now I flip that coin for the one-hundred and first time. It lands on tails. For that last flip, that coind had a one-hundred percent chance to land on tails.

So, 100% tails, plus 57% heads = 157% chance of either heads or tails.

Basically- here is what I think this all boils down to. Things happen or they don't happen. That coin is either going to land on heads or it isn't. It isn't until after we flip it that we know if it did or it didn't. But once it does, that coin always had a one-hundred percent chance to do what it did.

Here is where I make my transition. Life. It either happens or it doesn't.

Example- if you've tried things with ten girls, trying to make things work, trying to be happy. And it doesn't work. You always had a 0% chance that that was going to work out. What's even the point then? There is the 100% out there. And when it comes, its better than any 0% you've been holding onto previous.

Life either happens or it doesn't. It's time that we all go out there, and see if we're the ones who are supposed to make something happen.

Whaling

3/365

I have heard of your paintings too, well enough. God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another. You jig, you amble, and you lisp; you nickname God's creatures and make your wantonness your ignorance. Go to, I'll no more on't! it hath made me mad. I say, we will have no more marriages. Those that are married already- all but one- shall live; the rest shall keep as they are. To a nunnery, go. -Hamlet I seriously couldn't mean this more when I say it- Stop wearing make-up. Just stop. There is no excuse good enough that you could come up with that would change my mind about this. And guess what ladies, there are plenty of other guys who feel the same way as me! Honestly, we are out there. And in vast number. If a guy wants you to be all make-upd out, then he isn't a good guy. And I mean that about any guy out there. Please stop. God has given you your very own beautiful face and you all just cover it up with that nasty stuff that just rubs off onto everything. Especially onto the shoulders of my shirt. So, if it's not bad enough that when you cry and get that snot all over me, my favorite shirts become stained with foundation, and eye liner, and mascara, and blush, and tree sap, and chimney dust and whatever the heck else you guys put on your mugs. It's time for us to start embracing ourselves. Be confident in who you are. If you don't impress a man because you don't have make-up, move on to the next one. Believe it or not, there are plenty of us out there who care about the inside you.. And as for me, no make-up or no me. That's what I've decided.

There is a cure for AIDS. There is a cure for cancer. Cancer and AIDS?! No way you say. I say- no joke. Those cures are out there and there is a ton of reasearch being conducted to improve them.Needless to say, this would help millions of people world wide. 2/365. Recently, I've been doing much research about different options I have as a person that could possibly help another person with a life-threatening illness. The answer basically boils down to one thing. Become a donor. Obviously there are specific things that I would have to be willing to donate, but that in the end is the cure all. Starting with cancer. There is a cure. Millions of people are willing to jump on the "Walk for the Cure" bandwagon but slow to put in motion the age old cure that has worked since the early nineties. Become a bone marrow donor. This is the most effective way to cure cancer. However, only one in five-hundred and twelve people are a match for their potential donee. For the donor, the bone marrow transplant process is quick and relatively painless. Science has come a long way. You are knocked out for the operation and endure about two days of soreness, on day there- it's like it never happened. With one exception- you saved a life. Believe it or not, this is the exact same cure for AIDS. And it worked. Researchers and scientists have successfully completed the first transplant and have cured one individual of AIDS. It's breaking news for this community. The cure is out there. It's being developed to become more effective. There are even vaccines to help prevent it from occuring. The facts are out there. Please find them. (A great start would be if you all picked up Octobers copy of Discover magazing titled "How to Cure Everything") In todays day and age there literally is a cure for everything. From malaria to cancer to AIDS. It's out there. For some reason, the general public remains relatively uniformed. It's our job now to take advantage of the material out there and discover what we can do to save our fellow brothers and sisters. It takes something so small on our part but it will save a life in the end. Hopefully, I can just stir the pot a little and raise a flag. Now it is up to you to take this to heart and figure out what you can do to save a life. Please.

Onward!

Hey all,

My name is Taylor. I've recently been thinking.

I know so many good things. There are things that I know that could benefit so many people. Much of what I know would bring happiness to a multitude. Things I know could help solve nation wide crisis and world suffering. I could bring comfort to those who mourn and rest to those who are weary.

I've figured out the meaning of life.
Too often we sit around and think of all the regrets from our past. We think of all those people we let down and all those bridges we burned. Then we get stuck in this endless circle of thought trying to figure out how to salvage those bridges.

When really the answer is to make new ones.

I have hurt so many in the past. I haven't always been there. But instead of spending a lifetime trying to figure out how to say sorry- I can dedicate my life to service. I can impart the things that I know, my wisdom, my talents, my truths, my knoweldge. Doing so- that is how I can make up for paradise lost.

My journey starts today. My goal is to post each day for three-hundred sixty-five days. Each day I will bring something new to the table. Something I know. Something I can do. Something I love. Something that will bring happiness or joy, or solve a problem, etc.

There is so much out there I know I can do it.

Today is day 1.

1. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. He suffered a perfect attonement for our sins that we might one day return to Heavenly Father and be clean. He willingly gave his life out of Love so that each of us may live a blessed life, full of promise. I know that more today than ever in my life. I have seen the atonement work in my life and there is nothing that can strip my testimony of such.

Today is rather short- it's just my testimony of our Saviour. But I know that will bring any person happiness, if they come to find out these truths for themselves.

Please come back tomorrow!
There is so much to share.