Throughout my college career, I have taken many classes on varying subjects. Some of these classes have been very applicable in my life and others not so much. MCOM 320 has been one of the most applicable classes I have taken. I particularly enjoyed learning how to write as a business person.
Since I was young, all of my teachers have emphasized "wordiness" in most of my writing. I always felt that when writing a report, I needed to use large and complicated words to make the paper seem professional and well-written; however, after learning that short and clearly written messages are often better than wordy messages, I felt much more confident when writing.
The basics exam really was a tough part of the class but it was very helpful. I still make small grammatical mistakes when I write, but for the most part I feel confident and professional when I write. This knowledge about grammar will serve me for the rest of my life. When I produce professional documents that are well-written, the readers of my documents will believe what I am saying more because it is well-written.
I really enjoyed this semester in MCOM. One recommendation that I have would be on the grading. I understand that it is very hard to get a perfect or near perfect score on most written assignments; however, I think that it would be beneficial to go over the most common written mistakes on each assignment so that students will be able to avoid those mistakes and get better grades.
I believe that everyone needs to take MCOM because the skills that can be obtained are priceless.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thick Skin
Thick skin, in its figurative sense, is a trait that I am striving to acquire. In recent months I have found that thick skin can prevent so many undesirable situations. I cannot think of anyone better to refer to than Jesus Christ. He was ridiculed everyday of his life and he turned the other cheek. This example shows that peace can be brought to unpleasant situations if at least one person who is involved acts as the peacemaker.
My wife and I have made a promise to each other that we will try to have thicker skin and not sweat the small things. If we constantly nit pick at every little thing that the other person does wrong, we can often become annoyed with each other which creates a tense environment. As I have tried to implement this new idea of thick skin, I have noticed that I see so much more good in everyone that I interact with. I am happier and I know my wife is too.
Constantly improving myself in ways other than knowledge is something that I have forgotten to do. My goal is to improve myself in different ways constantly to become a better person.
My wife and I have made a promise to each other that we will try to have thicker skin and not sweat the small things. If we constantly nit pick at every little thing that the other person does wrong, we can often become annoyed with each other which creates a tense environment. As I have tried to implement this new idea of thick skin, I have noticed that I see so much more good in everyone that I interact with. I am happier and I know my wife is too.
Constantly improving myself in ways other than knowledge is something that I have forgotten to do. My goal is to improve myself in different ways constantly to become a better person.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Gospel
On Thursday my wife and I found out that my wife's aunt had passed away unexpectedly. She was the mother of 3 children and had a wonderful husband. It was a death that surprised the entire family because nobody saw it coming.
Today we drove up to Hooper, UT for the viewing before she was cremated. There was a very solemn spirit at the viewing but I'm not sure that everyone felt it. Out of the 10-12 of us that were there, only 5 were active in the church. The rest were believers in God but did not have the vision of life and death that we do.
The sadness on the faces of the children and the husband was heartbreaking because they almost could not be consoled. As the mother was wheeled out in front of the glass window in the viewing room, everyone broke out into tears and sadness poured into the room for those who did not know what was to come after this life. But for those of us that know that death is not the end, there was a very warm and sweet spirit that comforted all of us. The spirit reassured us that death was not the end, but the beginning of something much greater.
This experience was a testimony builder for me and for those who were with me. Life is so precious and we need to be thankful for every moment we have on this earth, but we cannot have regrets when death comes, just hopes for the future.
Today we drove up to Hooper, UT for the viewing before she was cremated. There was a very solemn spirit at the viewing but I'm not sure that everyone felt it. Out of the 10-12 of us that were there, only 5 were active in the church. The rest were believers in God but did not have the vision of life and death that we do.
The sadness on the faces of the children and the husband was heartbreaking because they almost could not be consoled. As the mother was wheeled out in front of the glass window in the viewing room, everyone broke out into tears and sadness poured into the room for those who did not know what was to come after this life. But for those of us that know that death is not the end, there was a very warm and sweet spirit that comforted all of us. The spirit reassured us that death was not the end, but the beginning of something much greater.
This experience was a testimony builder for me and for those who were with me. Life is so precious and we need to be thankful for every moment we have on this earth, but we cannot have regrets when death comes, just hopes for the future.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Naps
Recently I have noticed that I sleep better during a nap than I do when I get a full-night's rest. I really don't know why that is but I know that when I wake up from a nap I feel so energized and ready to go. But it is often hard to get up from a nap because I feel so comfortable laying in bed.
I think that I might sleep better during a nap because it is extra sleep that occurs in the middle of the day and it gives me a quick energy boost to finish out the day. Although, when I was in high school I learned that we all have sleep cycles. It is actually more beneficial to take a 10-15min nap in most cases than a 30-45 minute nap depending on our sleep cycles. Every certain amount of time our bodies enter a deeper or lighter sleep. If we wake up during one of our deep sleep cycles, the nap was less beneficial because it will be harder to wake up. But if we wake up during a light sleep cycle, we will wake up easily and more rested.
I think that might be why I feel so energized after a nap. Try it out for yourself and tell me what you think.
I think that I might sleep better during a nap because it is extra sleep that occurs in the middle of the day and it gives me a quick energy boost to finish out the day. Although, when I was in high school I learned that we all have sleep cycles. It is actually more beneficial to take a 10-15min nap in most cases than a 30-45 minute nap depending on our sleep cycles. Every certain amount of time our bodies enter a deeper or lighter sleep. If we wake up during one of our deep sleep cycles, the nap was less beneficial because it will be harder to wake up. But if we wake up during a light sleep cycle, we will wake up easily and more rested.
I think that might be why I feel so energized after a nap. Try it out for yourself and tell me what you think.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Ice Cream
Ice cream is probably one of the best foods on the face of the planet. I just did some quick research and ice cream was invented in its most basic form of ice and fruit toppings in the fourth century B.C. It was invented by one of the emperors of China. He had his servants bring ice down from the tops of the mountains and he would combine it with ice...cool huh!I am so glad that we don't need to go to such extents to enjoy such a delicious treat.
Earlier today I found myself craving ice cream but I didn't have any at home, so I made my own. It was surprisingly easy; all I need was 2 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of Half & Half, 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla. Luckily I had an ice cream maker stored away so I didn't have to do any of the stirring. I also added crushed Kitkat bars to the mix. The only tough part about making ice cream is waiting to eat it. I like my ice cream rock-hard so I might have to wait until tomorrow to eat my comfort food.
I also learned through my research that ice cream is a comfort food. Ice cream helps release endorphins into our bodies which make us feel happy. Maybe that is why I love ice cream so much. I hope that all of you will take the time to enjoy your favorite comfort foods once in a while. Eat responsibly!
Earlier today I found myself craving ice cream but I didn't have any at home, so I made my own. It was surprisingly easy; all I need was 2 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of Half & Half, 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla. Luckily I had an ice cream maker stored away so I didn't have to do any of the stirring. I also added crushed Kitkat bars to the mix. The only tough part about making ice cream is waiting to eat it. I like my ice cream rock-hard so I might have to wait until tomorrow to eat my comfort food.
I also learned through my research that ice cream is a comfort food. Ice cream helps release endorphins into our bodies which make us feel happy. Maybe that is why I love ice cream so much. I hope that all of you will take the time to enjoy your favorite comfort foods once in a while. Eat responsibly!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Technology
It is so amazing how far the human race has come. As I sit here in my living room, I can access almost everything in the world from my computer, and also my smart phone. Twenty years ago, the internet and computers were in their infant stages, and today so much can be accomplished with just a touch of a button.
I watched a documentary several weeks ago that was about the 100 most influential inventions in the last several hundred years. It was curious for me to find out that the #1 invention is not electricity, the computer, or radio, but the smart phone.
As I thought about this claim, that the smart phone is the most important invention in recent history, I realized that the fact that we can access everything from a small hand-held device, is so amazing. Our smart phones have more computing power than the early super computers that filled an entire room.They can surf the internet almost as fast as our laptops and PC's. The smart phone has revolutionized the way the world operates.
I am so excited to see what will come in the future in the ways of technology. We truly do live in the Information Age.
(Here is the link to a survey regarding our MCOM 320 class: https://docs.google.com/
I watched a documentary several weeks ago that was about the 100 most influential inventions in the last several hundred years. It was curious for me to find out that the #1 invention is not electricity, the computer, or radio, but the smart phone.
As I thought about this claim, that the smart phone is the most important invention in recent history, I realized that the fact that we can access everything from a small hand-held device, is so amazing. Our smart phones have more computing power than the early super computers that filled an entire room.They can surf the internet almost as fast as our laptops and PC's. The smart phone has revolutionized the way the world operates.
I am so excited to see what will come in the future in the ways of technology. We truly do live in the Information Age.
(Here is the link to a survey regarding our MCOM 320 class: https://docs.google.com/
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thank You Notes
Thank you notes are so small, but they can mean so much. I spent my entire day writing thank you notes for the gifts that my wife and I received for our wedding. I didn't realize how long it would take to write 40 thank you notes, it took me about 5 hours to write and address all of the letters. However, writing those letter really made me think about how much I appreciate all of the friends that I have. They are such caring and loyal friends that will be there for us no matter what.
As I wrote the letters, I realized that the thank you notes were such a small gesture compared to the gifts that were given. I almost felt as though I needed to give a gift of equal value just to show my appreciation, but the more I thought about it, the thank you note is all that is needed. Sometimes you just need to let someone do something nice for you to let them be charitable towards you.
Now, it just feels good to be done writing them. My fingers hurt, but my heart is full and I am excited to send them out. I want people to know that I truly do appreciate their love and support.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Hackers
I have seen so many movies and commercials that talk about hackers and how dangerous they can be. Due to the massive population of the world, you never think that you will be a victim of a hacker or anything of the sort. Well, I am here to tell you that you better think twice.
When i logged on to my email today, I had a message from Google saying that there may have been unauthorized activity in my account. As I looked into the message a little more, I found out that someone or something (malware) had accessed my email account from India and again from Mexico. This really freaked me out because I had no idea what someone could do with all the information in my email account.
The first good sign was that they had not changed the current password to my email. I immediately changed the password to my email and did a Google search for "what to do if your email is hacked." I quickly followed the direction and changed all the passwords to all the accounts that I have on the internet. I checked my checking account and my credit cards. Everything seemed to be in order.
Now I will just play the waiting game and hope that none of my information was stolen from any of my accounts.
It is a very nerve-racking experience to go through. Information is one of the most valuable assets anyone can have, so PROTECT IT!
Here are a my wife and I in Canada on a lighter note:
When i logged on to my email today, I had a message from Google saying that there may have been unauthorized activity in my account. As I looked into the message a little more, I found out that someone or something (malware) had accessed my email account from India and again from Mexico. This really freaked me out because I had no idea what someone could do with all the information in my email account.
The first good sign was that they had not changed the current password to my email. I immediately changed the password to my email and did a Google search for "what to do if your email is hacked." I quickly followed the direction and changed all the passwords to all the accounts that I have on the internet. I checked my checking account and my credit cards. Everything seemed to be in order.
Now I will just play the waiting game and hope that none of my information was stolen from any of my accounts.
It is a very nerve-racking experience to go through. Information is one of the most valuable assets anyone can have, so PROTECT IT!
Here are a my wife and I in Canada on a lighter note:
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Long Night
I never thought in a million years that I would work 14 hours straight at any one job, but last night I did just that. I am employed by BYU Concessions as a production worker and it is hard work. My main responsibilities include setting up and taking down concession stands before and after sporting events. There is a lot of heavy lifting and the hours are contingent upon how fast the task are completed.
Yesterday, the football game started at 8:15pm but I had to be there at 1:00pm to set up and stock all the stands. It is funny though because I get to watch most of the game because all of my work takes place before and after the game. It can be very stressful at times because there are so many rules that I am not familiar with yet, but it is a good learning experience for me. The job really helps me to pay more attention to detail than I normally do.
Well, after the Cougs sealed up the victory against San Jose my work began. I didn't get out of work until 3:00am so it was a really late night. Then I had church in the morning at 8:00am, it was really hard to get up. Well, my feet are so and so is my whole body, but I feel good about the work that I did.
Yesterday, the football game started at 8:15pm but I had to be there at 1:00pm to set up and stock all the stands. It is funny though because I get to watch most of the game because all of my work takes place before and after the game. It can be very stressful at times because there are so many rules that I am not familiar with yet, but it is a good learning experience for me. The job really helps me to pay more attention to detail than I normally do.
Well, after the Cougs sealed up the victory against San Jose my work began. I didn't get out of work until 3:00am so it was a really late night. Then I had church in the morning at 8:00am, it was really hard to get up. Well, my feet are so and so is my whole body, but I feel good about the work that I did.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Special Someone
You know that you are loved when that special someone in your life sticks by you no matter what. I have recently realized how special that special someone is to me. That special someone is my wife Rachel and I hope that I will someday be able to comprehend the love that she has for me and for others.
It is so true that women have a capacity to love that men do not have. They also have a capacity to comfort and encourage that is unlike any other. I really wish that I knew how they do it but I think that is a secret that I will never know, which I am fine with as long as I have my wonderful wife.
Among all of the qualities that attracted me to my wife, her ability to love everyone and to bring a smile to my face was what sealed the deal. She is so beautiful in every way and she reflects her beautiful spirit through her actions. She often says, "Your actions speak louder than your words." This statement is a perfect representation of who she is and what she does. Her chosen area of study is Rec Therapy. When she first told me that this was her major, I just though, "What are you going to do with that major." But without hesitation, she spouted off a ton of things she wants to do to help others with this major.
This up-beat and loving attitude is a perfect representation of my loving wife. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I hope to one day be as loving as she is. I love you Rachel.
Here is a link to the LDS website, there is so much that we can learn from this website: http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD
Here is a link to Rachel's blog:
http://racheltylermorrison.blogspot.com/
It is so true that women have a capacity to love that men do not have. They also have a capacity to comfort and encourage that is unlike any other. I really wish that I knew how they do it but I think that is a secret that I will never know, which I am fine with as long as I have my wonderful wife.
Among all of the qualities that attracted me to my wife, her ability to love everyone and to bring a smile to my face was what sealed the deal. She is so beautiful in every way and she reflects her beautiful spirit through her actions. She often says, "Your actions speak louder than your words." This statement is a perfect representation of who she is and what she does. Her chosen area of study is Rec Therapy. When she first told me that this was her major, I just though, "What are you going to do with that major." But without hesitation, she spouted off a ton of things she wants to do to help others with this major.
This up-beat and loving attitude is a perfect representation of my loving wife. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I hope to one day be as loving as she is. I love you Rachel.
Here is a link to the LDS website, there is so much that we can learn from this website: http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD
Here is a link to Rachel's blog:
http://racheltylermorrison.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
People
Have you ever realized that people are probably the most interesting thing on the planet. Now, I'm not saying that there aren't other very interesting things in the universe, I'm just saying that people are probably the most complex things ever. I don't know all of the science behind the workings of the human body and mind, but I love to sit and think about it. I often find myself watching people and analyzing their actions. I think my favorite place to people watch is the Tanner building. During passing periods so many people crowd the terraces and the stairs. They are rushing to the next class or where ever they are going and they all have their own separate thoughts that are very different from the person next to them. The funnest part about people watching is trying to think about what is going on in the persons mind that is sitting right next to you or that just walked by. I will never know what they are really thinking but the fun part it is wondering.
Perhaps even more interesting than people watching, is getting to know someone. I don''t often talk to people out of the blue. I am very talkative once you get me going but I am actually a pretty quiet guy most of the time. Lately, I have been trying to choose a course to follow in life (major/career), and it isn't very easy when there are so many choices. I kind of felt like I was the only one like that until I began a conversation with the person next to me. It turned out that we had the same questions about the same things that we just couldn't find the answers to, which was comforting. I didn't take comfort in the fact that he was struggling with his course in life, but that there are people out there who are more similar to me than I thought. Everyone is different, that is true, but people are more similar in more ways than I realized.
People are the most interesting thing on the planet...
Perhaps even more interesting than people watching, is getting to know someone. I don''t often talk to people out of the blue. I am very talkative once you get me going but I am actually a pretty quiet guy most of the time. Lately, I have been trying to choose a course to follow in life (major/career), and it isn't very easy when there are so many choices. I kind of felt like I was the only one like that until I began a conversation with the person next to me. It turned out that we had the same questions about the same things that we just couldn't find the answers to, which was comforting. I didn't take comfort in the fact that he was struggling with his course in life, but that there are people out there who are more similar to me than I thought. Everyone is different, that is true, but people are more similar in more ways than I realized.
People are the most interesting thing on the planet...
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Lemonade
It is so funny how people always tell you, "When life serves you lemons, make lemonade." I wonder who made up that saying and if they realized how true that really is.
I was in the middle of a job application the other day and one of the questions it asked was, "What percentage of your life do you believe that you actually control?" As I sat there contemplating what percentage I thought I controlled, my initial reaction was 100%. But then I sat there and began to think a little more, I realized that yes, we do control a large portion, if not all, of our lives; but there is a small part that I think we do not control and that is meant to help us grow. It would be nice if we could decide everything that could happen to us, but that would make life so boring.
The last couple of weeks seem to have been full of silver platters loaded with lemons that just keep coming my way. I'm not going to lie, it hasn't been as fun as I would've liked, but I know that if I can make gallons of sweet lemonade as a result, I will have grown tremendously. I find comfort in the fact that my wife is right by my side. She has had her fair share of citrus, and I admire her for staying strong and keeping me strong at the same time. There will come a time when we will look back at this moment in time and laugh, but also remember the humbling experience that it was.
I love you Rachel...long time!
I was in the middle of a job application the other day and one of the questions it asked was, "What percentage of your life do you believe that you actually control?" As I sat there contemplating what percentage I thought I controlled, my initial reaction was 100%. But then I sat there and began to think a little more, I realized that yes, we do control a large portion, if not all, of our lives; but there is a small part that I think we do not control and that is meant to help us grow. It would be nice if we could decide everything that could happen to us, but that would make life so boring.
The last couple of weeks seem to have been full of silver platters loaded with lemons that just keep coming my way. I'm not going to lie, it hasn't been as fun as I would've liked, but I know that if I can make gallons of sweet lemonade as a result, I will have grown tremendously. I find comfort in the fact that my wife is right by my side. She has had her fair share of citrus, and I admire her for staying strong and keeping me strong at the same time. There will come a time when we will look back at this moment in time and laugh, but also remember the humbling experience that it was.
I love you Rachel...long time!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Back to Life Again
Life never goes how you would expect it to. The harder I try to organize and plan my life, the more crazy and unorganized it becomes. Example: Rachel and I's goal was to wake up early this morning, eat breakfast and calmly walk to class however when Rachel and I woke up 15 minutes before our classes started, the goals went out the window. There was no breakfast and the calm walk to class turned into a mad dash for the car and a very very very brisk power-walk to campus. I guess it is not so bad because it keeps life entertaining. Although compared to how busy our summer was, this semester of school seems like it will be relatively uneventful couple of months...not! Rachel and are keep very busy and rarely have free time. We are balancing school, work and also each other. If you know either of us, we can very moody and dramatic so seeing us together can be interesting to say the least.
We just finished the last of the wedding events as we arrived home from our reception in Colorado late Sunday night, or should I say early Monday morning (5:00am). Now the only remnants of our wedding to do list include: thank you notes (bear with us, they may take a while to get out), wedding licence and UNPACK. It really is amazing how much time and effort gets put into planning a wedding and how stressful it can be. When Rachel and I got engaged we had three months before the big day and I thought that was plenty of time, but as I soon learned, it was a major time crunch to be under. The funny thing is, all of the planning, stress is for an event that only lasts a couple of hours (some of the happiest hours of my life), but it turned out great.
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