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