Remember that you are writing a snippet of your life, a slice, not giving us the whole pie, so write well but write with brevity.
After you post your slice, strive to comment on at least three other slices.
How to get entries into the raffle at the end of the challenge:
- Post your slice here BY 9 PM (MDT). For each time you post, you get an entry.
- Comment on other slices at anytime throughout the challenge. For every five thoughtful comments that you make, you get an entry.
- Slice every day for the entire month (31 days), and you will get an entry into a special drawing.
Caleb Alton, P3, DE
ReplyDelete“True courage lies not in when to take a life, but when to spare one” (Gandalf.)
I am still unsure as to why this quote sticks out in my mind when I think about the Hobbit. It could be because of the motivational quotes that Gandalf uses to uplift me into taking part of an adventure. But now as I begin to dissect its meaning and take in all the information, I have come to an interesting conclusion.
Let us not be wasteful with the life that has been given to us. The atonement was suffered by pain for a reason and for us to not use it will result in even more anguish on both sides of the covenant. To take a life is to use our lives selfishly, wickedly, and pridefully with no love in our hearts or souls. We know if we are taking the life that has been given and taking advantage of it if at this moment, if we were to die, if we would feel unsure about whether we would be worthy to enter God’s presence. If so, then we are taking a life and returning it a coarser, frailer spirit. But to spare a life is to give back what we have been given, our lives namely, and be able to thank God for the opportunity we were able to use it and become stronger. We live in a world full of wickedness and pride so much that it is even worse than in the days of Sodom and Gamorah. To be courageous is to be the one that stands up in the last days and not fall to the ground as if we were dead because of the fear that had overtaken us. Courage is being the one in the world that stands for truth, honesty, righteousness and goodness.
True Courage is not in following the crowd but following Jesus Christ…
ReplyDeleteSteps to happiness:
1. Free your heart from hatred
2. Free your mind from worries
3. Live simply
4. Give more
5. Expect less
6. If you want it, GO after it, or you'll never have it
7. Ask, or the answer will always be no
8. If you do not step forward, you'll always be in the same place.
It's that easy.
Brady L. Period 3
DeleteYou forgot:
9. Get to bed on time
It's true because it rhymes.
And i'd like to add 10. always have a goal, for we are like the archer, how could the archer ever hit a bulls-eye if there is no target? "if you have no plan, then you plan to fail"
DeleteErin B P3 DE
DeleteI love you can say it's easy! A life without stress(as will be you life by following the first 5) will definitely make you more happy. 6-10 helps with your goals, and getting you to the celestial kingdom. It is honestly this easy, and I don't think this list requires any more things put on it. I mean, I could say "Be happy," but the first two cover that, so this list feels complete. Thank you Mckenna, Brady, and Trevor
McKenzie A DE Period 3 Boston
DeleteHappiness is a choice. All of the little choices you make each day decide whether you will be happy or unhappy.
Brady L. Period 3
ReplyDeleteAdventure is calling my name.
Have you ever watched a movie, and then really wanted to go on an adventure? This happens every time I watch a movie, or a TV show. I finished Legend of Korra about 1-2 months ago, and I wanted to be in that adventure so bad! I am currently watching Pokemon on Netflix, and I wish I had my own real Pokemon. When am I going to be whisked off to a distant land to obtain powers beyond my belief?! When am I going to travel the world in attempt to accomplish my dream?
How can we have our own adventures in this life?
If you have a dream, never stop chasing it. Don't let ANYTHING stop you. Don't be shy. Make new friends to help you on your journey. If you stop to think that maybe you aren't doing the right thing, or someone may think you are strange, then ignore it because it isn't true. You were meant to have a dream, and to have your own adventure.
Work hard and never stop, until you reach the very top!
************************************************************************
To the readers:
What are your thoughts on this? How can you have your own adventure?
Really love what you said and I feel the exact same way, when I watch a show where there is adventure I just want to run outside with a backpack and start out.
DeleteFor me I love going to the mountains and any place that is forested and in my family we call it going on adventures, I think all you have to do to have an adventure is believe it is one and it become one even if it's only going to get ice cream.
Awesome job and keep up the great slicing! ^^
~Anastasia B. (1st DE)
Erin B P3 DE
ReplyDeleteSitting at home,
Bored, sick
Lounging around
Bored, tired
Watching missed classes
Bored, bored
Playing Space Quest
Bored, frustrated
Sitting at home
Being sick stinks!!
DeleteI know how you feel! :P
DeleteTrevor Fielding
ReplyDelete4th period
Isnt it funny? this thing that makes us thing we're upside down, inside out, backwards, turned to the left and facing down? when really, we are right side up, outside in, forwards, turned towards the right, and facing up? or maybe vice versa. this thing i'm sure you've heard of it, makes some think they're flying to higher places, when really, the're flying to rock bottom faster than they can say "o crap". or to others, this thing, makes them think that they are sinking to that place that their feet are faced, but little do they know that their feet are faced to the sky. each and every one of us are riding this thing, but whats most sad is when other riders decide to try their hardest to ruin another's ride, and other riders might then attack the attacker, but dont they know? that the first attacker had rougher ride than all of you combined? no one can predict what will happen next with this thing, this "ride". the only way to prepare for the future is to study the past. this thing may seem completely chaotic, with no direction, reason, or rhyme... but there is one thing that you can predict constantly and without fail. that with every pang of agony, with every fall, with every dreary moment, as long as you are willing to ACT there will come a time that the sad times will be balanced out with joy. have you guessed what this thing is? perhaps you already have, perhaps you already figured it out within the first sentence, but for those who still dont know, this thing that i talk about is life... but do you want to know what i found out while writing this? every single one of these descriptions fit perfectly with LOVE too.
Thank you Trevor for sharing! That was super clever the way you described life/love I really enjoyed it.
Deletethx for taking your time to read it! it was much longer than i meant.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHannah P. 3rd period (DE)
ReplyDeleteHOME!! There is no place like home!! A week is a really long time not to see my Mom and Dad, sleep in my bed, see my puppy, and just be home!
Hayden O.
DeleteOh, but your own bed!? Mhmmmmm, doesn't get better than that!
The luxury of sleep :D you lye in your bed close your eyes and sleep. And to top it off you get to have dreams, this morning after seminary I went back to sleep and it was the most amazing thing ever. I love sleep almost as much as I love food! When I get to sleep in I feel like "Everything is awesome!"
ReplyDeleteCharity P. (3rd) (DE)
That's awesome Charity! I totally agree, sleep/rest is pretty spectacular! :)
DeleteSleep is amazing...idk wich is better...sleep or food.
DeleteCaleb A, DE, P3
DeleteI love sleep but hate it when I am awoken before I the time is right. I like it when I am able to sleep and wake up to the smell of French Toast or Pancakes but dislike when my covers are whipped from me and I am awoken with a biting chill and with dreary, sagging eyes see my brother holding the sheet.
sis Jackson what's your email? I was just wondering how long the cause and effect paper was supposed to be? I think i'm going to redo mine.
ReplyDeletelaurajackson@liahonaed.com
Deletethank you
DeleteThe game Crossy Road has ruined my life. I am constantly playing it and it's not even that fun! I have no idea why i still have the game on my phone, but i do. Whenever i have the slightest break or when i'm bored i'm playing it. Ha oh well, at least it's not Flappy Bird....right?
ReplyDeleteMaKenna Moses DE
ReplyDelete3rd Period
I just found out that one of my best friends is moving. It is incredibly difficult to see someone leave who has been there for you through the good and the bad. Just earlier this year, one of my other best friends moved, I have another friend who is going off to college, and now am losing another. I am in a small ward, and I am close with all the young women, but I have three best friends in my ward....and now they are all going to be gone. It's hard. I am not moving somewhere new, and getting the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. I am simply being left behind. It's rough, and sometimes it is hard to have a positive attitude about it. My friends are not use to seeing me upset. I am always optimistic, but some things really are hard to just smile about.
Aw that is hard, I'm sorry to hear that they are leaving. I think some times we can't put on a smile because we feel the emotion so much, time helps but right now it finding a way to come back to being able to smile.
DeleteTrust in the lord and ask him to help you through this hard time, it has always been the best help for me.
~Anastasia B. (1st DE)
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSorry about the three comments my computer kept saying there was an error and showed that what I wrote had not posted.
DeleteThat just happened to me! It's so frustrating!
DeleteThats always hard. It will be tough at first, but things will be better soon. You never know Heavenly Father has in store.
DeleteSlice of Life:
ReplyDeleteThis is what's been on my mind lately: Why do people, (including me,) freak out over such little things? For example: If your little brother is helping you do something on Minecraft, and you happen to have most of your valuable stuff with you, and he jumps "by accident" into a pit of lava and doesn't get out in time.You die, your saddle, spider eyes, string, iron, and iron armor is all gone, and you get super mad. Why get so angry over a game? I'm not one-hundred percent sure, but I have an idea. When that bad thing happens, and you die in the game, or your craft gets destroyed, you get angry because no matter how small that thing is that you lost, it took time to get it. I wish that I didn't freak out so much, but since I'm not perfect, it happens. If you haven't guessed yet, that example just happened a few minutes ago. Writing when you are feeling angry can really help to calm you down.
Signing off...
I love writing and every night I try and work on writing a book.
ReplyDeleteThe past few days I have felt in a rut and not found the feeling of happy peace I get when I write, so last night I turned to the lord in prayer.
After I had prayed to find peace as I work, I had a prompting to go look at my scriptures. I walked over and randomly opened to a page, on the bottom right already marked my eyes found this scripture
“For the power is in them, where in they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” (D and C 58: 28)
I felt such a strong peace come over me, this scripture to me at that moment said that the lord was almost saying I will give you peace because I know you have to power to continue. I had worried my writing was not a good pursuit when I felt so down but with this scripture I was given strength and peace to continue.
I’m so grateful I can turn to the lord in prayer at anytime to ask for his help even with things you might think seem dumb to a god, we are his children and if our pursuits are worthy he will empower us because he loves us and our dreams like any loving father would.
If you are ever feeling down about your dreams turn to the lord. I know he will strengthen you and help you to know if your dreams are worthy and help you achieve them.
Anastasia B. (1st DE)
"Some people are worth melting for." -Olaf
ReplyDeleteWho do I think is worth melting for? I really don't know. It seems like you need to get your priorities straight before you will melt for anyone. Olaf had his straight. 1. Warm up Anna. 2. Get her to Kristoff. 3. Bring back summer. Once he knew what his priorities were, Olaf was willing to melt for Anna. The moral of this story is to get your priorites straight so you can melt for someone.
Sada W. of Period Three, this is truly an inspiring message. I sincerely hope that someday, I'll find something or someone worth melting for. I don't know if I have my priorities or my life set out as straight as Olaf, but if he can find something so important to dedicate his life to, then so can I. Everyone should aspire to being Olaf.
DeleteFriends! Brothers! Kevin!
ReplyDeleteLend thine ears! I speak forth much wisdom from the mouth that is mine! Today, I speak on the matter of mothers. Mine mother is amazing! She possesses so much magic in her thigh muscles that she speaks to no man except through the thigh muscles that are hers. Today, her thighs spoke and told me that I should collect her a sunflower.
When I had done as she had asked, she spread pixie dust on the sunflower, opening it to reveal a Leprechaun. This leprechaun then proceeded to bestow this knowledge to me. Here is the exact words of knowledge the leprechaun bestowed upon me.
"Brush twice a day! And don't forget to floss."
So I bequeath all this magical wisdom in the form of a beautiful sentence upon thee. Thanking me you may do later.
Her thigh?;) Hahaha that is a great piece of knowledge to be bestowed!
DeleteO! Such wisdom and thigh muscle beauty! Mine eyes art burning!
DeleteJordan Bennion Period 3
ReplyDeleteI'm running out of ideas to slice about. I was thinking just a few minutes ago "what am I going to slice about. There's nothing left." It's funny because I was thinking that same thing on like day 8 of when we started doing Slice of Life. Now were on day 24. So this is what I am slicing about today: not having anything to slice about. I'm sure I'll figure something out for the last 7 days of slicing. It's only 7. It seems so far away right now. I'm gonna have to some thinking tonight. Just 7 ideas. Only 7 short moments of my life. So close.
ReplyDeleteHayden O. -3rd Period DE
ReplyDeleteWelp, here I am. On a computer listening to Beach Boys during Spring Break. All my friends still have school, so that just makes me special I guess. I will prevail. Over what? Who cares. The important thing, is that I keep my sanity. Its slipping, I'm losing it. I think my mother is losing it too by performing a delightful little jig in her chair. Does this make sense? No. I think I need to lie down...
Joseph R. period 4
ReplyDeleteI would like to share a closing testimony from Ezra Taft Benson. It is just amazing how you can feel the awesome strength of his testimony by just reading it.
"I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Jesus is the Christ. Joseph Smith is His prophet. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
the URL to this talk is:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/04/a-sacred-responsibility?lang=eng&query=Ezra+taft+Bensen
Jacob B. -4th Period
ReplyDeleteWe have a family business that is called Grandmas Minis. I have been working since the day I walked. We sell little donuts, chicken sandwiches, cake dogs and other good food. I have an opportunity to work every summer. My job is to hook the 15000 pound trailer on to our truck. It must be done very carefully. There can be no mistakes or we could have an accident. After we get on location I unhook the trailer and level it. It must be level in order for the equipment in the trailer to work. I have learned a lot from this job. I am a cook, I run the cash register, deal with the public and make meals. I know how to work.
Jacob B. -4th Period
ReplyDeleteBefore anyone knew what was happening, there was a huge avalanche in Jackson Wyoming. It went rumbling down the mountain and caused so much damage the event that had been scheduled was cancelled the event was the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. Because we were to be the main food concessionaire at the event it was going to be a big job for us. Now we cannot go! If only this snow slide had not happened, I would have had a chance to make money this month. Rats! My mom was sad too we all are.
I think a lot in case you hadn't gathered that yet. So another thing that has been on my mind lately is courage. Courage isn't a generic quality. It requires you to do something when the odds may be against you or you just can't see how things will turn out, so you're afraid. Courage asks you to try even when trying seems counter-intuitive. Courage says, "You should try. Trying is the only way you'll know if anything will turn out."
ReplyDeleteIt's so true, courage is an easy word to say but when you actually have to use it and have it, it becomes much harder.
DeleteThanks for the insight Sister Jackson!
~Anastasia B. (1st DE)
Truman Brown period 4.
ReplyDeleteFirst day of work at Sip'n! For those of you who don't know what Sip'n is I will explain: Sip'n is a restaurant kind of like Sodalicious, if you have ever been there, they sell lots of different kinds of drinks along with some treats, fries, hot-dogs, etc. Today was just training for me and the hardest part of it all was memorizing the many different mixtures of soda's, syrup, puree's, creme, and much more. Hopefully I will get the hang of it by the end of the week?!
That place has to be my favorite!! I love that place, you might be seeing be sometime soon.
DeleteCaleigh K period 1
ReplyDeleteSo much to do
But so little do
The start of the day
To the end of time
Can never be good enough
For this little rhyme
haha.. I just felt like doing that...
Last night, as a family, we went and saw the new Cinderella movie!!! It was so amazing!! The main point was to have courage and be kind. It was so beautifully made and tender!! I loved it so much!! You should all go see it in theaters because there's also a short called Frozen Fever. It's super cute!!
That movie is so cute! I loved it!
DeleteSlice of Life Day 24 Emily Block DE 3rd period
ReplyDeleteTomorrow I am going to chop off my hair. It’s starting to get really long, and it gets super tangled and is very difficult to deal with. I have decided that I’ll cut it too around shoulder length. I hope it looks good.
Caleb A, DE, P3
DeleteNO! It may not be my place to say it and I may already be too late, but don't do it. About every girl that my sister says gets their hair chopped off always regret doing it. Just a word of caution and warning... I'm sure it will be okay though. Just thought I would reply. sorry...
This is what happens when you watch 6 hours of Jurassic Park and write a story with a guy online.
ReplyDeleteThe Down Under offer.
The flight landed early that morning. Greyson River watched out the window meekly as the plane touched the ground. Seattle was covered in white and grey snow, which somehow depressed him. The snow in Siberia was white as clean paper. He had slept badly on the twenty two hour flight. His whole life was a mess right now. The ‘put on your seatbelt’ sign stopped glowing as the plane came to a halt. Greyson slapped his hand over his face and groaned painfully. They were probably going to sue him! And all those years worth of employment meant nothing to the company after what had happened. He dragged his fingers through his dark brown hair and exhaled. At least he was home now.
As he stepped out of the airplane the jetlag hit him like the Tzar bomba. He clenched his teeth and stroke his hair again. “Christ.” He muttered. He picked up his baggage and dragged them off to the exit terminal. As the door opened for him he was met by a swarm of journalists awaiting him. I should’ve known. He thought as they descended upon him. “Mr. Rivers! Do you have any comments on the incident at Cenozoic Park?”
“Will there be put charges against you now that the video evidence has been published?”
“Mr. Rivers is it true that you were involved in the massacre in Afghanistan?”
“Mr. Rivers? Mr. Rivers! Mr. Greyson!”
He had tried feebly to push his way through the crowd saying: “No comments. I have nothing to say about it. Talk to my lawyer when I get one.” But in the end, with the help of the jetlag, he finally snapped. “SHUT THE HELL UP!” He roared as a Tyrannosaurus. “Please, leave me alone! I’ve been traveling for twenty two hours straight, I’m tired and exhausted.” They went silent for a moment as their cameras captured his outrage. “God! You’re worse than the Scientology Squirrel busters! Let me go home and I’ll give you a lawyer to talk to.” Finally he was allowed to pass. But they followed him outside, not wanting to let him out of their sight. This was a scoop for them.
“Langley, Whidbey Island please.” He told the cab driver as he threw his baggage into the back seats. He wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. The jetlag headache got worse as the cab drove off. He rested his head at the back of the seat and exhaled once more. He looked at himself in the mirror of the sun visor. His eyes were sore and red, and behind the cab he saw the unmistakable TV-van. They just won’t leave me alone! He thought as he remembered he promised Natalya to call her when he landed. He turned on his smart phone and saw one hundred and twenty unanswered messages from foreign numbers. Those damned journalists. “So, quite the commotion back there mister.” The cab driver said. “What?” Greyson said. “Them there news people seem to be all over your ass lately.” Greyson snorted. “You tell me, they’ve been following me since I landed in Krasnoyarsk.” He sighed. “I’m telling you, someone has set me up. The procedures we have at the park wouldn’t have allowed it.” The cab driver shrugged. “Well, these new video evidence seem to show it all.”
“I’m innocent! I did exactly what I was supposed to do. I mean, what the hell do you do with a loose Kelenken with an 18 inch beak, trying to rip your guts out?” Again the cab driver shrugged. “I certainly don’t know. You’re the bird expert after all.” Yeah, he supposedly was that. Now though he wasn’t sure. He was supposed to be able to handle such situations. Luckily no one got killed, though it did cost TyDn’R 1.5 million dollars, for the bird alone. Now they faced the lawyers of the wounded visitors and a costly safety inspection as ordered by the Russian government. Of course they fired him. Of course they were going to sue him. Of course he was doomed.
DeleteHe sighed and called Natalya. The phone rang a few moments before a drowsy but eager voice answered him. “Hi dorogaya! How was the flight?” Horrible. He wanted to say, but didn’t want to worry her. “It was nice, I’m on my way home now, and everything is just fine!” There was a small silence before she answered him. “They’re following you aren’t they?” Before he could answer her Russian rage rained upon them. “Proklyatyye paparatstsi, ya budu kormit' ikh s Smilodony!” She made him laugh. “You’re so adorable when you’re mad.”
“You don’t think so when I’m mad at you.” She teased. “That’s because you’re mad at me in English, the f-word can only be adorable so many times.” They laughed a little, and she yawned. “Sorry I woke you up.” He told her. “Don’t be dorogaya, I wanted you to call me when you landed.” There was another silence. The stigma of the events that had occurred these last few days hung over them as a heavy burden. There was no need to talk about it; they both knew perfectly well how the situation was. “Hey, when I get my leave I’ll come visit you in Seattle.” He smiled a little. “That would be nice… Just bring insect spray, I’m betting I’ll have a severe cockroach problem for the time being.” Natalya laughed at that. “Alright, just keep yourself out of trouble dorogaya and don’t catch a cold.”
“Don’t let the cold catch you.” He smiled when he heard her laugh again over the phone. “Alright, ya lyublyu tebya.” He told her. Natalya said the same and hung up.
As the cab closed in on Langley, Greyson looked behind them as still saw the TV-van following them. He cursed beneath his breath. “Alright, you can stop here.” The cab pulled over to the side by the forest that surrounded the area he’d grew up in. A light snow started to fall. He paid the cab driver and ignored his questions. He quickly dragged his suitcases through the snow and into the white and black undergrowth of the forest, leaving the TV crew unable to follow him, finally some peace and quiet. He knew these woods like the back of his palm as he trudged along. Some birds were chirping in the distant tree tops somewhere and the snow fell silently. The jetlag wasn’t too pressing on him in this moment of tranquil. Greyson eventually found his way to the backyard of his house. It had stood mostly empty for the last six months, but his neighbor had been taking care of his plants. The timber building looked hollow and sad when it met him. He was about to go around the house to the front door when he saw the TV-vans lined up and awaiting for him. What the hell? He then remembered that his home address was easily found. He then sneaked through the back door and slept for the rest of the day.
DeleteThey had the courtesy to let the jetlag wear off before they approached him. He sat in his living room and drank a bottle of beer. It had been a week since he came home and still the journalists were camped on the other side of the street, waiting for him to make a move. Greyson had gotten his elderly neighbor to do his shopping and keep him with company when Natalya was probably busy cleaning up his mess and injecting animals with vaccines. To top it all, TyDn’R was going to press charges against him. His lawyer estimated they were going to sue him for two million dollars and advised him to just accept the charge and plead guilty. But it wasn’t his fault; the security system had failed him. He knew it; it just had to be it.
The doorbell rang. He ignored it. It rang again. Once, two times, three times. And then a series of knocking on the door; as if that would grab his attention. “Hello? Mr. River mate?” He heard the muffled voice call out through the door. Then he saw the man poke his face in the window. “Give it away! I can see you there mate.” He called out. The man then found a small business card from within his jacket. He pressed it against the window. “I’m not with them news dipsticks; can you let me in so we can have a chat?” Greyson rose from his chair and inspected the card the man held. SimInc it read and the man flipped it around as well where it read: Silvermist Incorporated: Mining a better tomorrow. He eventually decided to let the man in.
The man was quite small, five foot forty if he had to guess, but he made it up for his talk; something that made Greyson immediately regret letting him in. “G’day mate! The name is Mantè, Carl Mantè, just you call me Carl, my cobber!” He shook his hand vigorously as he stepped inside. Greyson gave him a puzzled look as he closed the door after him. “Cobber?” He asked. Carl had entered the living room and put his hands on his hips, inspection the house. “Nice place you got here mate – freezing out there by the way – not that I’m used to it. I recon you’ve never been Down Under eh? Cobber means friend mate alright mate.” He looked out the window and shuddered. “Bloody big mobs out there mate. They sure want a piece of your cake of misery.” Greyson gestured for him to sit down in the couch. “Now what do you want?” He asked, still fairly bewildered of the energy this Australian seemed to emit. Carl paused himself and drummed with his fingers on his suitcase that lay across his lap. “Alright, let’s cut to the chase. My employers at SimInc have been watching your – unfortunate events. And we’d like to offer you a helping hand.” Greyson couldn’t do anything but give Carl a suspicious look. “I know it looks far fetched, but bear with me. The thing is, we see the potential you got mate and Cenozoic Park were some bloody fruit loops for letting you go. And now they’re suing you mate!? It should be you suing them!” Carl opened his suitcase and presented him with some documents. “Now this here is what we at SimInc is willing to offer you for your time.” Greyson quickly looked over the documents. Payment papers, contracts and confidentiality papers. “We’re ready to cover your legal costs during this trial if you plead guilty and sign an employment contract with us.”
Delete“What kind of employment?” Carl seemed to sweat a bit as he stroke his neck nervously. “Well the thing is mate; I’m not entirely sure myself. It’s a… some sort of corporate secret mate. All I’ve been told is that it’s a bird problem... And you know birds! When our CEO heard of your troubles, he immediately told us that he wanted you on the team! So you must be some sort of important chess piece. So what do you say mate? Up for the challenge?” A bird problem? What sort of bird problem would a mining company need a prehistoric birds’ expert for? But then again, he really didn’t have any choice; it was either this or financial ruin. And he didn’t mind much for the latter. He looked up at Carl Mantè and nodded. “Let me get a pen.”
What is happiness?
ReplyDelete: . . . . . . .
No, really, what is happiness? - can anyone really describe it for everyone in a single sentence?
I don't believe so. Why? Happiness doesn't fit into a single sentence because happiness isn't just one thing. For instance, today happiness was found in a thousand different things.
Today, happiness was a soft navy-blue hoodie that made my sleepy eyes seem the shade of blue that I like this morning as I looked in the mirror.
It was a delicious breakfast, a home-made lunch and a filling dinner.
It was a wonderful piece of technology that enabled me to watch teachers who live thousands of miles away, to watch Studio C, to read the blogs of my favorite authors and to order four new books with hard-earned babysitting money.
It was attending a US Constitution class and discussing the truth seriously and intelligently.
Today, happiness was an extra-long hug from a friend, and a smile from another.
Today, happiness was coming home to a family that loves me, and a home that shelters me from the storms of life - literal and metaphorical, physical, mental and emotional.
Happiness was little brothers who tug me and hug me alternately, a mom who loves me enough to do all sorts of things for me, a dad who took me to the library for a stack of books a foot tall, an older brother who couldn't wait to text us with the news that he got first in the 2 mile run in track.
Happiness was a thousand thoughts and feelings and sights and sounds and tastes and smells today. Happiness was all this and so much more that makes my life bright. Happiness is life.
Caleb A, DE, P3
DeleteWhen I saw your question at the beginning, I was about to answer it. But then as I read the rest, I couldn't describe it anymore. Happiness is more than just one thing. To one it may be a good grade in school, another, a piece of coconut cake. Happiness is something that can not and most likely will not ever be so simple as to be compiled in one sentence.
One of the best things I've done during my Spring Break is that I've been able to just sit down and read for hours on end. I haven't been able to do that pretty much since the school year started. I have to tell you that it's just so satisfying when you read, and read, and read, and then you have to get up to do something and you realize how far you got in your book, or you finished it. I love it!! I've kind of forgotten how much I enjoy reading books. I love getting lost in the story and the magic of imagination. I'm so grateful for books, and I'm grateful for my older siblings who really got me into reading books. So there is my love life..... books.
ReplyDeleteCaleb A, DE, P3
DeleteAlmost word for word in agreement. I have been reading hours everyday for this Spring Break and what used to be such a pain to read has now been more exciting than watching any movie. I would be reading right now but I am almost done with the book. So I'm saving it until tomorrow.
Jacob, DE
ReplyDeleteI think we should all take a moment to be thankful for our desktop backgrounds.
We've been told to have gratitude in every aspect of our lives, and I believe that our background images do a lot that we take for granted. I'm currently enrolled in a computer class at community college, and every day the computer resets. I really almost cringe whenever I see the pale blue background on a desktop with no icons; it just looks so Plain. It didn't take me long to start a tradition of choosing a background theme every day. It's brought me many small moments of joy, and it's been an opportunity to express myself that other people have actually noticed. On Saint Patrick's day, I found an appropriate shamrock theme and downloaded it to use for a day.
It's so easy and simple, and yet it portrays so much. Almost everyone has a smartphone now (although I'm admittedly talking to a bunch of homeschoolars), and wallpaper images are, for many people, that one way of showing people what you are really like (along with usernames and profile pictures).
Yes, it's both a way to show your creativity and personality, and it also just brings a certain small joy to set in place. I think we will all agree that there is no feeling quite like the excitement you feel when you just got a new phone or ipod or laptop, and you make it truly yours in that instant where you choose a wallpaper. I know that I have taken this for granted for most of my life, but I promise you that I am trying to change and appreciate these little experiences for what they truly are, and I encourage all of you to do the same.
Caleb A, DE, P3
DeleteThey do say a picture is worth a thousand words... I don't believe in plain and simple. No, I always think that the answer to a question has to be more complicated than what I think.
Period 4
ReplyDeleteToday I learned how to golf for the first time. I always though golf was a boring sport and now I think it’s a little less boring. Even though I had fun hitting balls I really don’t see how people love it and play it all the time, i personally had fun while I was there but it’s far from my favorite sport and I don’t know if I would even be able to actually go golfing (I just went to the range and learned how to hit the balls).
Caleb A, DE, P3
DeleteI live in a resort and our backyard is a golf court. I am always stumped as to why someone can play thousands of dollars for a sport they can pretty much play in the wild. My curiosity wishes me to play it for the first time but when I see the golfers baking in the sun and getting frustrated over not getting the ball in the hole, that makes me happy that I haven't
Today I had mutual and we played a game named Family Feud. We separated into two teams boys against girls. In the end the boys beat the girls 234 to 196. After mutual I did my board of review for Life scout now I get to start working on my Eagle scout.
ReplyDeleteI had an epiphany. If you do not have priorities, you will not find time for anything, at least in my experience with it. See, take this hypothetical situation; let's say that you are trying to earn all of the credits you need in order to graduate high school at the same time as attempting to gain your associate's degree while attending Family Home Evening, church, mutual, Family History class, Mission Prep, volunteering to teach an evening English as a Second Language class, oh and you have two part time jobs and you play a sport. This is not mentioning babysitting, homework, Temple attendance, trying to find opportunities for service, working on Personal Progress, attempting to have friends, and trying to find time to exercise. Now remember, this is just hypothetical ;) Having a schedule like this make make us a little distracted so it is extremely critical to remember the very most important things: God, family, and the gospel. If we do not remind ourselves these things, there will be hardly any opportunity to find time for them.
ReplyDelete*may make, not make make :)
DeleteHey Mauryn!
DeleteHows it going girl? Best friends for Life!
That's Okay if people make mistakes. Sometimes I say too to much. or vise versa. : )
I totally get you Mauryn! It is so hard to fit everything in with our busy, busy schedules. I can't imagine what college is going to be like in a few years when tuition is a LOT more and you have to do nearly all the things you mentioned while trying to get your MD! Craziness.
DeleteAnthony Bennion Period 3
ReplyDeleteWell guess what?? I went on my first day yesterday, and it was soooooo awesome! We took our dates to the DI in provo, and we did an outfit thingy where our dates picked out random pieces of clothing, and we put them on away from our dates, and we came back to each other and took pictures of how ridiculous we looked. Then after that, we went to Chick Fill A and we ate food. It was the best flippin date of all time.
KyAnne D. P-1
ReplyDeleteI don’t like the number 24. It’s lame. Because it’s two days after my birthday. The day right after is still fun cuz you’re getting used to being your new age, but the second day you just are used to it and it’s boring. That’s why I don’t like 24. Also 24 is two dozen, and that’s also not good. If you have two dozen of anything, there is either too much or not enough for everyone. Like when you get two dozen doughnuts. There’s never enough. Ever.
I am so greatful for the wonderful family I have. I don't know what I would do with out them! I love the company of my siblings. I love when they all come home to visit because we always have so much fun! I love my parents too! They always know whats best for me! I am so thankful Heavenly Father gave us families and a way to be with them forever!
ReplyDeleteMcKenzie A. DE -Boston - Period 3
ReplyDeleteI hate doing dishes. I loathe it. I would rather clean bathrooms than do dishes. I know there are many people who don’t have the money or means to have food, dishes or a dishwasher so I should be grateful but I would really enjoy just eating on paper products rather than anything that needs to be washed. Paper plate companies would love me! Can you tell that today is my dish duty?
Caleb Galke
ReplyDeletePeriod 3
DE
A few months ago some Elders asked me to go with them to a lesson, it was the last one for this person until he was baptized. We talked about prophets and kind of quizzed him on the modern day prophets. After a little while, the zone leader came over and gave him his baptism interview. While we were outside waiting Elder Cruz asked me if I would be willing to baptize Eduardo, if he wanted me to. I told him sure. So that Sunday I got to perform my first baptism; it was amazing! I was a little sketched out but everything worked out and it was an amazing day.
Period 3
DeleteWow! I would be terrified. That is awesome that you could do your first baptism. I'm proud of you.
Louis Boakye
ReplyDelete3rd period senior class
Today is my sisters birthday and she is 19 so excited for her to live here in the states with me , she has only been here for couple of weeks and I am spending time with her the whole of today and it's gonna be exciting.
So an update on how she is doing in the church, well she is enjoying spending time with her new friends and going to the singles ward and going to the adult activities but she still has some questions that needs to be answered and she is getting curios which is a good thing and I am keeping her in my prayers every night I am hoping her mind and eyes will open to the truth and hoping that she will make the right choice on her own and I am asking everyone to help keep her their prayers if you guys do that it will be a great and I will appreciate it very much thank you !!
Louis boakye
ReplyDelete3rd period English senior class
Well my senior year is right around the corner me and Ntim we both planned on going to the Y when we graduate but someone how is going to end going to the U haha that's funny because me and Ntim have been tight buddy for long and we wanted to play college ball together but it seems destiny wants us in the opposite side now he wants to be against me I guess well not in a bad way though we might be great coming from the opposite sides who knows 😂😂😂 but his choice is his choice and this what we both want a little separation won't kill us can't wait for him to get back get ready because the Y and the U is about to crush Y VS. U 👍👍
haha!! I love this, it would be super funny watching you two play each other :)
DeletePeriod 3
DeleteHey, I like how you used no periods. It is hard to read. Maybe that will be my next slice. Pretty cool!
I actually thought I did I will watch it next time .
DeleteWell today is a whole much of mixed emotions, parents pressuring me to graduate early, dance teachers telling me not to graduate early, brother Degraff telling me not to as well. Who do I try to please? Do I please my self, my parents, my teachers? Why is it that I cant just do things how I want? Why is it that I cant just live life and enjoy school instead of being pressured into making sure I do the assignment perfect, or spending hours on a paper I think is good but the teacher not thinking it is good, spending so much time stressing, freaking out, about assignments all to please you people. Yes I think school is fantastic and learning is a blessing, but being required to give everyone what they want is nearly impossible. If I think what I am doing is best for me, and that I am giving my best work who are they to tell me differently? just a thought.....
ReplyDeleteEllie, I totally agree with you and just want to say that this is beautiful. I mean, seriously! You are correct, you should do what you feel is correct and best for you. I wish you luck on your tough decisions!
DeleteSaying goodbye is hard.
ReplyDeleteTwo years is a long time.
Best friends are hard to find.
Saying goodbye to a best friend for two years is difficult.
Serving the Lord is important.
It'll change his life.
He'll become a better person.
It's still hard.
It still hurts.
The joy it brings to see him again will be worth all the pain.
Period 3
DeleteIs this a friend, brother, or sibling? I too will go on a full time Mission.
It will be hard to leave home, but it will be worth it in the end.
A friend. I also have a brother out on his mission right now though. Thanks. :)
DeletePeriod 3
ReplyDeleteAre you teaching someone the Gospel?
I had a friend from Denmark who I was teaching the gospel too.
She needed to find out about if there was a God.
I testified to her that she needed to ask in faith and a sincere heart.
Although she felt loved by many, she did not agree to our faith.
I spent time with her so that she would have fun here in America, but that wasn't enough.
No matter what I did to help her understand, she wouldn't agree.
Soon many around her felt she wasn't ready to take it in.
Even some pushed her lightly to be baptized.
I know she was not quite ready, but I still was her friend.
I took her to Especially For Youth and she loved it there.
She was excellent at finishing her personal progress in young women's.
She believed that for the strength of youth was great, but she would not believe.
Her name was Tanita Sode.
Here is the lesson for today, if someone you love does not believe, love them. If someone you care about is in doubt, love them. If someone you are teaching does not believe, love them still and continue to be their friends because the Lord will do the rest. As long as you do all your part, the Lord will take care of the rest.
Marissa M. Period 3, DE
ReplyDelete24 is my favorite number. I don't know why. It just is. It is weird to think to have a have a favorite number. To have a favorite time. It is something though that we do and something it seems we do without thinking. It is strange but so is so many other things. I often ponder these strange things and wonder why it is like that. Why people are like that.
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams form a shade,
O'er my lovely infants head.
Sweet dreams of pleasant streams,
By happy silent moony beams
Sweet sleep with soft down.
Weave thy brows an infant crown.
Sweet sleep Angel mild,
Hover o'er my happy child.
Sweet smiles in the night,
Hover over my delight.
Sweet smiles Mothers smiles,
All the livelong night beguiles.
Sweet moans, dovelike sighs,
Chase not slumber from thy eyes,
Sweet moans, sweeter smiles,
All the dovelike moans beguiles.
Sleep sleep happy child,
All creation slept and smil'd.
Sleep sleep, happy sleep.
While o'er thee thy mother weep
Sweet babe in thy face,
Holy image I can trace.
Sweet babe once like thee.
Thy maker lay and wept for me
Wept for me for thee for all,
When he was an infant small.
Thou his image ever see.
Heavenly face that smiles on thee,
Smiles on thee on me on all,
Who became an infant small,
Infant smiles are His own smiles,
Heaven & earth to peace beguiles.
I like this poem because it remindes me of my cousin and she is so cute and i miss her so much
Mattaya Kearney Period 4
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for seminary. It's like a church meeting everyday but the teacher enjoys it and makes it really fun. We have such a great seminary teacher. Bro. Toman (so sorry if i spell his name wrong guys) makes the class so interesting and sometimes even exciting to go. And his puns are amazing if I say so myself. Not only is it seminary, Liahona is such a great school that is teaching me so much and I do enjoy going. It's not just dates and places, the teachers care about us and knows us, they are teaching the things that they think will help us best and are preparing us for the rest of our lives. I couldn't express enough thanks to what the school has done for me in my life.
Louis boakye
ReplyDelete3rd period senior English
I saw this quote and I thought it was really good .
When life puts you in though situation, don't say "WHY ME"? Say "TRY ME "
I really like that because I know a lot of People who easily gives up on life and say I can't take this anymore instead of enduring they give up having no hope .
And I have a little acronym for hope:
H-hold
O-on
P-pain
E-ends
Honestly that's keeps me going everything time I think about it.
And I want everyone to share their thoughts with me . The question is "should you give up on life when everything doesn't work out the way it's supposed to ??
Rebekah M. 3rd period DE
ReplyDeleteOn Saturday, I was watching a movie called Scents and Sensibility (yes, it's a weird knock-off of Sense and Sensibility. It may be cheesy but I love cheesy movies). There was a line that one of the characters said that I really like. He said, "I do take pride in my work, I take too much actually." I really like the quote. It makes me think that maybe we should be proud of our work, but we shouldn't blame others or take it too hard on our selves when we don't do perfectly. For me this strikes home because I am a perfectionist and when I don't get something perfect the first time it makes it really hard to get up and try again. Work hard, but you should always be kind to yourself no matter what.
Kaden Moses, DE, Period 3
ReplyDeleteTuesday. (If you do not know about my plans please see the entry for Monday before reading) I still plan to destroy Monday but I have run into some trouble. I cant seem to get people to fund the project. I have found only naysayers who say the science is impossible. I need to find help fast, it wont be long before the next Monday. I will remain optimistic, this will be my life’s work, my passion, and my calling. Monday will be destroyed. I will be accepting donations to fund my cause. Please contact me for more information.
Tess Larson 3rd (DE)
ReplyDeleteI am loving learning about the Atonement in Sunday School and Young Women. It's the topic for the month of March. I think it's very smart of the church to organize it that way so it can be preparing the youth to celebrate Easter, which usually is placed either at the end of March, or some time in April. I have been learning so much about the Atonement and I feel a lot closer to God. To go along with the Atonement Studies in Church, my mom and I are beginning to read this book called, "The Infinite Atonement" by Elder Tad R. Callister. It has so many profound and deep principles in it! I am loving it so much... I encourage all of you guys to read it too! I have learned so much more about Christ, His Gospel, and the Atonement that he performed. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ so much! It just makes sense.
Week days
ReplyDeleteBlurry eyes,
Sun rise,
Shoes tied,
Car ride,
Bell chime,
Class time,
Work assigned,
Life sliced.
Anthony M. 1st period
Tess Larson 3rd (DE)
DeleteYep, that's pretty much my life. No, I'm just kidding! I wish it were that simple though... :)
haha I love that last line!
DeleteSometimes in life,
ReplyDeletewe become so focused
on the finish line that we fail
to find joy in the journey
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
This qoute inspired me so much! I think I have been living my life like this for to long! Especially this school year. I have been so focused on geting through each day that I forget to stop and enjoy the great times I have had with my friends. So I am going to start trying to remember to stop and enjoy the day.
It is advice that we all should listen to more! Remember, Men are that they might have joy! Let yourself experience the joy in life!
DeleteMaKenna Moses. 3rd Period, DE
Today I went rock climbing it is one of my favorite things to do. If you have not been rock climbing then you don't know what fun is. Rock climbing and soccer are my favorite things to do on my spare time, not including hanging out with friends. Life is amazing I would not change places with anyone in my life.
ReplyDeleteI like to climb trees, but I don't like heights/falling. Rock climbing... I haven't been able to get past the height.
DeleteJonathan Goldberg 3rd period DE
We live in a world where people look down on people who recognize their self worth. We have all learned how to be rude to ourselves. Just think. What if people treated you the way you treated yourself? Well some may say people do that. But thats bullying. Yes that is wrong, but what if everybody treated you as you treat you? You'd be very unhappy correct? Now this may not apply to all, but for those of you who look down on yourselves, remember: You are a child of God, God doesn't make mistakes, and he made you. So don't be so hard on yourself. You're a human. You do so many things in a day. You're body re-produces cells and you breath, walk play, talk. You're amazing. God's gift to you is a body. Treat it well as your gift back to him.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, and very well said! I had a hard time with recognizing my worth as a kid. Ether 12:27 was what made me realize that I was better than I believed. But what you said truly puts it into perspective for me! Thank you! I can't imagine how broken hearted I would feel if my friends and family were teated the way I treat myself at times. The golden rule is treat others the way you want to be treated. I never thought of treating yourself the way that you should be treated. An excellent thought! Thank you, for sharing!
DeleteMaKenna Moses. 3rd Period, DE
Period 4
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for that money to be usable. Whats the point of having money there if you can't use it? I waited days to get the money in there, and now i have to wait MORE!?! It's like some sort of sick joke that really sucks. Plus the price on those grenade launchers is going up to like $3.60. I hope it's down by the time i get the money because if it isn't i'm going to wait even LONGER for that grenade launcher. If there is anything I don't like, its overpaying on virtual grenade launchers. No story today, sorry guys.
Julia Johnson Period 3
ReplyDeleteMy sister is gone and I miss her so much. But because she is serving the Lord, I know there is no need to fear or worry for her. She will be saved and protected. It's almost been a week!!!!! The countdown is getting lower every second.
Your sister has made such an amazing sacrifice in her choice to serve the Lord! I'm always so impressed by the missionaries and their selfless attitudes!
DeleteAriel Bilyeu 3rd (DE)
Chris Cox DE period 1
ReplyDeleteI went the beach with some home school friends and we played a bit and planted a pretend tree in the sand. Then the kayaks came and I was super excited! It is the first time that I kayaked on the sea! We had to go against the waves and hopefully the kayaks would not sink! We were going to Chinaman's hat that is 1/3 mile from Oahu. It even look like a hat! I hiked up the Chinaman's hat barefoot! Someone toke a picture of us on this cliff! We kayaked back and we surfed the waves! We crashed onto the shore and we laughed. The kayaks were very heavy and it toke 4 of us to pick it up! The truck of kayaks drove away. I hope I can ride the kayaks again soon.
Chris signing off...
You know what I find funny? Almost every single time that I have had a near death experience my dad has been with me. We have almost died in a golf cart, the Snake River, the Provo River, our motor home, and some other odd but traumatic moments.I think that it is interesting because my dad is a good protecter and every time that I have almost died, he has been right by my side. I am grateful to know that there will always be someone there when I am in danger. I am thankful to the Lord for allowing this to be so.
ReplyDeleteWow! It sounds like you should never leave your dad!
DeleteMatiah Goldberg 3rd Period DE
ReplyDeleteToday we went to the Ronald Reagan presidential library and Griffiths observatory. It's actually not a library, but a museum about Ronald Reagan. It was really cool! They had an old Airforce-1 jet that you could walk in. I also learned a lot about him. For instance, I learned that his first job after college was as a radio announcer. His audition for the job went like this: he was brought into a room and told to comment on an imaginary football game. He immediately took off and commentated a game he had played in high school. I also learned more about his character and his political beliefs; he believes strongly in self-reliance and personal liberty.
At Griffiths observatory, one of the staff showed off a tesla tower. It was amazing how the electricity would jump from one end of the container to another!
In Highland there was a very strong wind storm and some people’s trampolines were blowing away. My sister works at the AF rec center. She told me that the wind was so strong that the dome exploded. My sister was inside when it exploded and she said that it was extremely loud.
ReplyDeleteWow thats crazy! Hope everyone is ok!
DeleteIt is 5:10 in PA and I'm still doing school work! I can not believe that the DE's only have 10 days left, that's insane. I am so excited for this summer to come, and it's coming way faster than I ever would have imaged! Next week I will be in Utah next week so I might drop by the school, that would be an amazing opportunity for me to meet all of the teachers… I really hope that I can and if so, see you guys soon!
ReplyDeleteKody Johnsen - DE
ReplyDeleteYesterday I woke up at 4:30am Georgia time. Last night I got to bed at 1am ours. So to put it into perspective; I woke up at 2:30am and went to bed at 1 am. Hmmmmm. That's 21 and a half hours. Woof. Today I woke up late, I can't even guess why. Today, I'm basically a functioning sleep walker.
Sometimes when I get home from seminary, I can barely stay awake for school. Then, I have to cat nap throughout the day.
DeleteJonathan Goldberg DE 3rd period
Breanne Ford 3rd period DE
ReplyDeleteI was racing my little brother upstairs, I ran upstairs and grabbed my blanket and ran as fast as I could back down the stairs I thought I was on my last step so I leaped a little bit, as I landed I fell and just felt more pain then Ive ever felt before I tried to stand up and just fell back down to the ground in pain. My family came out and asked me what was wrong before I could I answer I army crawled as fast as I could to the tv so I could say that I beat my brother.
Jonathan Goldberg DE 3rd period
ReplyDeleteI've been reading lately in the Book of Abraham, I've been wondering in we can get revelation from God about science in the same way he revealed principles of astronomy to Adam. My conclusion: It's all truth. God wants us to find truth. Also, the more knowledge we have the better we will be able to fulfill our mission in life(D&C 88:77-80). Also from D&C, we learn that the more knowledge we gain in this life the more advantage we will have in the world to come. These are great reasons to continually learn.
I love I Love Lucy. It is a great show. I laugh so hard when I watch it. You know what else is a good show? The Flinstones. I can't think of a better show. It is a children's show and I still am so entertained by it! You should go watch it right now. I also thoroughly enjoy watching Hogan's Heros. I am all about those old comedy shows.
ReplyDeleteAriel Bilyeu 3rd
ReplyDeleteOur cat likes to climb on everything. Once she climbed up onto the shelf where a fishtank was sitting. She immediately started pawing at the fish and ended up knocking the tank onto the ground. She ran off soaking wet as the fishtank crashed to the floor. Water went everywhere. Our poor fish survived but he was flopping on the ground in a giant puddle. I quickly refilled the tank and put the fish back into the water, and then spent the rest of the night cleaning all the water off the ground.