Start your engines

So, right now, I just want to go with the flow; just blog about whatever comes up. So this will be a little glimpse into my unfiltered mind. Don't scream to loudly at the horror which you may soon behold.

Magic! Magic and dolphins. And squirrels. They like nuts. I feel a little nutty sometimes. Like right now. Whale. If you go to school without parents, you're normal. If you go to school without pants, you aren't. I'm parakeet. This is all a lot better if you hear a person on a major sugar rush reading really really fast. Yay! Swing time! And the park kind, not the music kind. Though music is cool too. I want to make a toast. As in a piece of toast. And I dedicate my toast to penguins. They totally deserve it, always. Now, pastry man, Donald Duck has a little recitation for you. He is very angry with your cheese puffs and will have you banished from the kingdom of Rohan forthwith. Please direct all complaints to the lady at the next window. Have a safe drive and watch out for falling off the Grand Canyon because that hurts. Cows say moo. Moo! My pajamas are non-existent. Piano man.

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I'll go about the rest of daily life. Mornin', y'all!

What are we fighting for?

So, I was thinking about this quote from the Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers:

Sam: "It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. 'Cause sometimes you didn't want to know the end, because how could the end be happy? How can the world go back to the way it was, when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing. A shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant somethin', even if you were to small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folks in those stories had lots of chances in turning back; only they didn't. They kept going because they were holding onto to something."
Frodo: "What are we holding onto, Sam?"
Sam: "That there's some good left in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for."

Now, I don't claim to be at all wise or anything, but I felt like this was rather applicable, perhaps in all our lives. I know many of you hear how I talk about myself. But, as you're a reader of my blog, I'l let you in on a little secret: I don't really think I'm that great. Of course, I get to see all the little mistakes I make that no one else sees. In any case, I've liked this quote for a long time, but in church today a slight modification came to my mind (perhaps inspiration; I'll let you decide) that said, "There's come good left in you, ant that's worth fighting for."

I hope we can all remember that. When you're feeling down on yourself, and you don't know if there's even anything left to work towards, remember that there is still good inside you, and you personally. In my mission prep class, Brother Bott said that in the book of Abraham, when Abraham saw the vision of the noble and great ones, modern revelation tells us that each of us, here on the earth fighting for righteousness in the last days, were among those noble and great ones. 3:23 "And God saw these souls that they were good." He knows your potential and your faithfulness. So, who are you gonna believe: your imperfect, unknowning self, or the perfect God who created you and knows you better than anyone on earth can?

Know that you are good, and go forth with confidence.

Waiting for the worms

So, today's been a little bit of madness. But it's all ok, because the game last night was AWESOME!!!!!!!! (eight exclamation points, in case you don't want to count (I had to recount)). But, yeah, I'm glad no one bothers to kick people out of the Clyde, otherwise I'd be in trouble. Well, not really. I'd just be walking home and my brother would be in trouble. Speaking of, he'll be in trouble if he doesn't get back soon. I want out of here! But it's ok, because the game was worth it. So worth it. Except I do need sleep for my concert tomorrow... I forgot about that. Stupid sleeping and its being necessary.

Wordiness and other small things

So, I realized something the other day: when I get tired, I get wordy. At least, I do when writing. Usually, my writing is rather like unto my normal speaking voice. But when I get tired, I tend to write in more of the large words that I have grown accustomed to removing from daily speech because of years of being misunderstood (no offense to you, I just had some dumb friends growing up). So, yeah, that's what I was going to say about that.

Also, I'm kinda upset that the lining up system for the SDSU game was so improvised. I would have liked a seat, but it feels rather unlikely at this point. And, by rather unlikely, I mean it would take a bit of a miracle. Maybe thirty people falling down the stairs at the same time or something. I don't hope that happens. But I do hope something else happens. That, preferably, doesn't leave anyone seriously maimed.

In conclusion, I was seriously let down today when someone else in my apartment received a piece of mail in a regular letter envelope, since it's been a month now since last hearing from a certain special someone. Well.

Stepping back

So, I've realized that this is interfering with my sleep, and as much as I wouldn't mind that, we were reminded in church today that early to bed is a commandment. So, what's my spiritual thought for the week, and I'll update this when I can without staying up. Good night!

I don't know what to blog about today.

I went to another women's basketball victory. That was fun. And I did a little homework, but not enough. I also got to go to Sparks for the first time (just for drinks (No, not that kind! (They don't even serve that kind.))), which was nice. And "winning" (because people gave up) curses was satisfying.

But... I feel like something's missing. I don't know what. I think I just need to leave my mind for a little while and just let the little men sort out the problem. Sleep...

The nerd in me

So, I've been realizing I do spend a considerable amount of time on here, writing these blog entries. Thinking about it, I think it's the nerd in me excited to have a new park to play in.

This semester, I'm taking CS 252, intro to computing theory, ECEn 370, probability theory, MATH 334, differential equations, MUSIC 101, mission prep, and men's chorus. From this schedule, it's obvious that the majority of my time is spent working with abstract mathematics and numbers. Men's Chorus gives me a music fix, as does Music 101. But none of my classes have me write much of anything, ever. Being the well rounded nerd I am, I want to have the opportunity to nerd in any area. Now, I recognize my list is not even partially comprehensive. I simply note that writing and other English-related activities are farthest from what my nerd (who, by the way, is named Albert, a name I picked up from my step-brother, Evan) is currently involved in. Now, I also recognize that this isn't much for any sort of rigor in the above-mentioned category. But it still gives me a bit of work with words, which truly has been missing of late. So, thank you Aubrie for convincing me to flip a coin, because now my nerd is running around saying, "Cool!" and, "Ooh, shiny!"

You can sleep when you're dead!

I did quite like today. I got to help people, which is awesome. I also got to really teach a student who was struggling with a concept. Most of my TA work ends up being pointing out solution methods or quick fixes, but today I really had to teach, and I loved it.

Unfortunately, writing quality seems to go down for me as the night wears on, and it is already half past two, so I'm not getting much out tonight, I don't think. However, I can go on a random journey of words for a bit.

As I typed, "night wears on," I was unsure if that was the correct usage of the word "wear". So, I looked up the definition. The most applicable definition was, "deteriorate through use or stress." I suppose that means we could all say we wear excessively. However, that definition seems incomplete based on common usage. More accurate could be, "deteriorate through use or stress toward being," as in, "I begin to wear thin," which would become, "I deteriorate through stress toward being thin." Dictionaries probably avoid my awkward definition for a good reason, though. Direct substitution is never correct in the English language in any case, as each word brings with it the history of the word, and therefore the proper contexts and connotations associated with it. As such, choosing the right word is most crucial when wanting to convey thoughts with precision.

Apparently I can act like I know something about words (while misspelling appearantly apparantly apparently three times). Of course, Lynnae can box me about my ears without trying, as can most I've met. P.S. Shout-out to my newest and first non-Provoian follow, Emily Hsieh! How'a'ya' doin'? (That's really how I'd say it.)

I understand what cleaning checks are for. This is ridiculous.

So, i figured I've had my blog for a week now, so it was time to make it legit and include an angsty rant!

<rant> So, cleaning checks. A part of college life, I suppose. To ensure that we keep up with our cleaning so buildings don't decompose due to buildup of microbes under dirty, ignored areas. I don't have a problem with that. Fail me if I didn't clean the back corner of the counter, where no one ever looks and is therefore likely to fester into something nasty. That's fine. And make me pay for the cleaners that come because you need to keep the building livable, for my good as much as for your own. But if you have the audacity to say that I need to pay thirty dollars because I was in a hurry in the morning and didn't make my bed, and then not have anyone come in to make it, that's over the line. That's entirely unacceptable. That's where the power of being the cleaning check lady is just too much for you. It's as if she didn't even try to hide the blatant idiocy of her actions, as if she wanted me to gape in awe of her ability to be that ballsy. Allow me to clarify the circumstances: I stay up way too late getting my cleaning check done and am tired silly in the morning. Attempting to get a letter off before the mail leaves that day, I rush and forget to make the bed. I don't pass. That night, I stay up way too late again doing the homework I had to put off due to the cleaning check. The next morning, I wake up late and rush out the door again. Cleaning check lady comes by, and charges twenty-five dollars for "professionals" to come correct my job, i.e., make my bed. They don't come, I've gotten 8 hours of sleep in two days, and thirty dollars charged for exactly what I spent all those hours not sleeping trying to avoid. That's just sick and wrong. Side note: if you ask my roommate, he'll tell you that I usually make my bed, and that it is my made bed which often inspires him to make his.</rant>

In the end, it'll probably be alright. I'll explain the situation to management, and they'll probably remove the charge completely. I just wish they'd save us both some time by changing the cleaning check system a little.

On a separate thread, squirrel.

Happiness is...

So, I had a pretty good day. It all started when I woke up, because that meant the assassins had failed yet again.

Devotional was great, TAing is great, I got to catch the last of the men's basketball game, and got a high-five from one of the women's soccer players without even asking or anything! But, most especially, I loved being with the BYU Men's Chorus at retreat. Honestly, it always seems to go by too quickly. We're there for four hours, but I never notice the time. And the way those men can sing really brings the spirit and a feeling of belonging and comfort.

So today, happiness is.

Food coma... Blargh...

Pizza Pie Cafe is pretty good, but having much left to do tonight, maybe it wasn't a good idea. I'll figure out how to get by this, though, I'm sure.

So, I'm writing a little early so, if all else fails, I'll be out of my room when Kunkee wants to be sleeping. But before I go sleeping, I've still my cleaning check to prepare for and a letter to write. At least those two things, if not more. come on, food coma, give me a little more time!

But today was rather awesome. Got up on time this morning to go to the Community Outreach Day with Y Serve. I got to practice for my cleaning check! And Lynnae and I went to see Despicable Me, which truly is a great movie, and if you disagree I'll not listen to what you say. And epic times with chickens and beans turning into ducks while bears and squiggles turn into bunnies and snails. Yay!

No, I will not give up.

So, I knew I shouldn't start a blog. I knew I'd get trapped by it and never allow myself to skip when I needed to. And now, it's almost two, and I'm stuck here, writing this. I blame the coin. Why must I be OCD about doing nothing part way. Ugh... getting up at 7 will be hard. Very hard.

But, I did want to blog today anyway, because it (today) was awesome. I got invited to a group date having dinner and playing games with Leigh Averett, a friend of a friend here at BYU. It was just about the best time ever. We had stir fry, and I got to use chopsticks, and there was pumpkin pie, and then we played bang, which I had never played before, but if you haven't, I recommend finding the time and place to play it, because it's awesome. Thank you, Leigh.

I want to include something spiritual each Sunday because of the day, so this week I'll start with my favorite scripture/ life mantra. It's found in the New Testament, the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, fourth chapter, thirteenth verse:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." I like it because it's so simply true, and quite the essence of the gospel, in my opinion. Christ gave His life for all of us, infinitely, and individually, and so offers us His divine power to do anything we must face. Never forget His power, and that He loves you.

Aside from that, I don't think my post has been random enough, but I don't really have anything else to say... Maybe I'll just go to bed and be ready to serve tomorrow. Ok, peace out, y'all biscuit-heads! (5 points for the reference)

Writers' Block

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I don't actually have writers' block, I just thought that might be mildly entertaining. And since the majority of what appears in my posts is likely to only be mildly entertaining, I deemed it worthy of inclusion. Stop reading my blog if you disagree. Except don't, because then I'll cry. No, I won't. Well, I will, but not because you stopped following my blog. And probably not shortly thereafter or anything. It's just probable that I will cry at some point following the event of you ending your period of following my blog. Which, if ended now, would be rather short

So, I've been feeling pretty random today. Though I didn't do much. I did get a lot of homework done, but that's pretty much all. I need to do something epic! Like climb a mountain or score another basket on the Marriot Center court, or... I should start a band. Except I shouldn't, because I don't have time. Oh well, I'll be epic next year.

Edit: Man, I hate this game! Stupid HTML messing up my awesome-sauce ASCII block of the writers. Ruining. All. Life. Everywhere. Do you have any idea how long that block took? No, you don't. But that's ok. Though I wish I could have gotten it to line up better... but I'm done messing with it.

Spontaneity

Sometimes, being completely spontaneous is good.

Last Friday, I was in the Wilkinson Center as Y Serve was putting on a Charity Date Auction, where students were able to bid service hours for a date. One guy went for 55 hours! But that's not the point of this post. One lady there bid pretty high, up to 40 hours, I think, without getting a date. So, after all was done, I decided to just walk up to her and ask her out. So, after she agreed to go with me, I asked her name.

Tonight was that date. We had a good two-hour-or-so conversation, and the whole thing was quite enjoyable. We went to see a concert. It was... modern. Which means interesting, but nothing I'd ever listen to on my own. Some parts were rather cool, but the composer seemed to try too hard to stay strange. Oh well, the date was good.

It did somewhat remind me of another somewhat spontaneous act of deciding to stay up until 4 am to see a moon rise... but I'm not going into that story, just to spite you, Jon Kunkee!

I'll come up with a title later. Or not.

The title, honestly, is not bad. I'm feeling a little apathetic now, for some unknown reason. I had a pretty decent day, I think. I got a lot of work done, got to see Condoleezza Rice speak (from the third row of the center section, not bad seats if I do say so myself), helped a deaf man understand grammars, helped my brother with homework, and proof-read a roommate's assignment. I also got some light reading (in my 252 textbook, in which I am currently 3 chapters ahead) done, and had the pleasure of singing with the Men's Chorus. Sorry if that list was of no benefit to you, but it has done me the good of feeling a little less apathetic, having accomplished something.

Apathy isn't a good place for me to be. I think I'll watch Youtube.

F!R5T P05T

So, I just heard I had a follower. I haven't even posted anything. That's cool.

Yeah, I'm Nick, and a lot of my friends have blogs, and they've been asking if I had one, and I didn't and I didn't really think I'd get one, but I might as well try it out, eh? I have no idea if this will ever follow a theme of any sort, but maybe it'll entertain me for a few days.

Honestly, I decided to start this just by flipping a coin. It came up heads, so I logged on and started blogging. Perhaps not the best method of choice, but it works, neh? (P.S. That "neh" is something I picked up from battle school.)

I went to the women's basketball game versus the U of U today. We kicked serious trash. And, afterwards, we, the members of BYU's Blue Crew, had a little pizza party with the team members. It was rather fantastic. I enjoyed it, at least.

Oh, by the way, if you care about me enough to actually follow my blog, I also recommend checking out my pictures on facebook. I don't post super often, but they're usually pretty high quality. Just sayin'.

Well, at this point, I'm already out of things to say. Perhaps I'll get better at this as time goes on. We'll see. Until next time, parakeet.