Book Suggestion

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Go read it. So good.

wisdom

wisdom teeth removal= excuse to: wear the same pair of sweats five days in a row (yes, I have), wear no makeup for five days in a row, not do my hair for five days in a row, read a book all day, and not clean my temp room that has somehow gotten very messy.

Either I've reverted to my natural desires (most likely), or this is me acting without the previously-possessed wisdom contained in my wisdom teeth (my excuse).

oh, you know, just..

Here's a fact: When walking by someone, I prefer the usual, boring "Hey, how's it going?" "Good" "Good" "You?" "Good" "Good." Not because I don't care how people are or because I like to use template phrases for all of my conversations, but because when people ask "What's up?" I freeze.

This is what I look like on the inside,

and this is what I'm sure I look like on the outside (deer in the headlights, get it..)

I have no idea what to say. I feel like a socially awkward weirdo. Do I say, "oh, nothing really." Or, "oh, you know, just studying.. (obviously, I'm sitting in the library reading a textbook)," or give a real response to their question, "oh just headed home to eat some lunch and change out of my wet boots from that big puddle back there before I have to go to work... oh, now you're really far away and I'm talking to myself.. oh, hi there.." Or is there something else I should say? Is is sad that I don't know this? How do normal people respond? Probably not the same as I do, which tends to be, "oh, just mmggbll nmnmgllnmg shshshofndnmv....."

From today on, I will ask not-socially-awkward individuals unlike myself, "What's up" rather than "how's it going" to see how they respond and how I should in like turn. So be flattered if that is my next greeting to you.

PETS

When I was in the first grade, we bought two hamsters. They were the first pets I can remember having. I noticed that one had especially long whiskers and proposed he be named Whiskey. My parents began to object, but I continued, "Yes! And we'll name his twin Frisky, since it rhymes!" Nothing my parents said would convince my brothers or me. So, we had two hamsters, Whiskey and Frisky. They ran away after a few months of hide-and-seek behind the cabinets.

The next pet I can remember came when I was about 10.

It was a Betta fighting fish, named Abu. My cousin, Kiera, had conducted a college science experiment, wherein they had set up a bracket tournament of death, battling the fish against each other (no idea how this idea was approved or what the aim of the project had been). Abu won and she had no more use for him. So she gave him to us. We enjoyed holding a mirror against the bowl and watching him ram into the wall. Our fierce warrior. What a life he led.

Next, we bought a cockatiel and named him Homer. Ty loved him; he'd shower with him. Homer sat on our shoulders and flew around the house; we felt too bad to clip his wings. We should have done it though, because one day he flew away when my mom forgot he was on her shoulder and walked outside. We ran throughout the neighborhood, calling his name. He loved us, and I think he'd have come back, but simply didn't know how to find us. That night was cold and we moved on with our lives, thinking sadly that he most likely died from the cold or a predator. Months later, some friends who lived down the street heard us talking about Homer and said they'd found a cockatiel in their yard about that time. They'd kept him a few days and then turned him into a shelter.. or wherever it is you take lost domestic birds. I hope he found a good home, though I don't think anyone will love him as much as Ty did.

And now, we have Copper. He is a toy poodle, but looks nothing like one.

He had copper red hair as a puppy; now it's strawberry blonde. Ty and my mom picked him out because he had a sweet, loving disposition. No one will make you feel the way Copper does. He will cuddle up with you and love you more than anyone else can. But he will still play chase with you. He doesn't bark or shed or smell. He's not messy. (Unless you leave the bathroom door open--he does love toilet paper.) He is IN LOVE with my mom. She is his mother. When he hears the garage door open, he dances waiting for her, unable to sit still. As she walks in the door, he runs up her body and onto her shoulder. He follows her around the whole day. Even sits in the bathroom while she showers.** It's adorable how in love with my mom he is. EVERYONE who comes to our house falls in love with him. A few months ago, I saw a friend of my brothers who hadn't been to our house for about a year. He showed me that he still had a picture of him and copper as the wallpaper on his phone. That is Copper. And I love him.

** Funny story. Copper is like my mom's new baby. And Ty is my younger brother, the baby of the family. So sometimes she accidentally calls Copper Ty and Ty Copper. Well, once she was headed up to her bathroom and said, patting her thigh, "Ty, I'm headed up to shower. Want to come?" "No, Mom, I don't."

je ne sais quoi

Have you ever met someone that is mysterious to you?

You want to ask them: who are you, really? what do you think about? what is it that you care about? what is it that I don't know about you that keeps me from knowing you?

I wish reading people in real-life was as easy as reading people in stories can be.

Autumn!

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."

Fantastic quote from best movie ever, "You've Got Mail."

Mmmmm I. LOVE. THE. FALL.

((keep in mind, Fall=days that are 40-75 degrees Fahrenheit))

Can you beat an overcast day? Where the world around you is saturated with a blue hue and happy-soaked air? My own contentment is full; it bubbles over into a smile I can't subdue.

All I want to do is come home and bake! Pie, soup, bread, cider. Turn on some Christmas music. Put on some thermals, a big fluffy sweater and thick, cabled sweater socks. Maybe a beanie. Or a Santa hat. And cuddle on the couch (sadly at this time in my life, I am also cuddling with the couch) with a blanket, a mug of soup or cocoa, and a delightful book. Turn on Debussy, and read away. With the window open and the clean air washing my skin. Nothing can beat it. Nothing!

Some analogies of bacon

I hate bacon. Can I just say it? I. HATE. BACON.

Too salty. eugh. I hate it alone and I hate it when it's not alone. In fact, that's when I hate it most, when it's simply one ingredient of many in a dish. Because the salty, overpowering bacon taste kicks my tongue so hard that I can't taste any of the other flavors! Get out of the way, bacon! and let me taste what else this casserole/soup/salad has to offer!

It's like the kid that pulls up next to you with a really loud, fuzzy subwoofer; you can't hear the rest of the music and I hate it. (To be honest, I actually appreciate the added volume to the bass, as long as it is a clean emphasis to the beat. But when it's just a sloppy, buzzing vibration, you can't hear the music.)

It's the silly busywork that never allows you the time to grasp the actual point of a class.

It's the old woman that wears really powerful perfume.

Those are my analogies for you. Hopefully you now understand why I feel the way I do about bacon.

Great book!

Summer book recommendation: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley. It is about a precocious eleven-year old, Flavia, who loves chemistry and solves mysteries. It is hilarious!! An easy read, so you'll be able to read it very quickly.

Here's a quote to sell it to you:

"Seed biscuits and milk! I hated Mrs. Mullet's seed biscuits the way Saint Paul hated sin. Perhaps even more so. I wanted to clamber up onto the table, and with a sausage on the end of a fork as my scepter, shout in my best Laurence Olivier voice, 'Will no one rid us of this turbulent pastry cook?' "

Anyway, that's my recommendation to you.

I'm almost done with my blasted PA school apps. And at the moment, it's looking like it'll be $945 to submit them all. I think I may throw out a few programs though.. we'll see. I guess it could be worse. I'm glad I'm not applying to med school.

Also, Miserere from Il Trovatore came up today. I love it. So beautiful!!

Words are Fun!

My friend Lily and I like to send messages to each other using ridiculous words. We find it fun. My trick is a beautiful website, Factacular. I suggest you try it out. You can come up with gems like:

I usually have a floccinaucinihilipilificat​ion (the concept that something is worthless) for requests, but in this case, you needn't worry about being perceived as a botheration( bother); you sounded so aerumnous (full of trouble), eschewing (to avoid/shun) you would seem fescennine (extremely rude). In response to your plea, I suggest you absquatulate (to leave quickly or in a hurry) to a vega (a large plain or valley, typically grassy). Don't daggle (to make wet and limp) yourself in the brumous (abounding with fog or mist) of your thoughts; rather ensky (exalt to the skies) your thoughts until you reach an equipoise ( a state of equilibrium). You must realize your kalon (ideal, perfect beauty in the physical and moral sense); you are more than ecdysis (stripping of an outer coat).

I also suggest keeping a bumbershoot (umbrella) with you at all times. Also, think positively. At least you aren't a mammothrept (a spoiled child) or a rudas (ugly, foul-mouthed, old hag). DO NOT think of this as a boondoggle (waste of time and/or money). And I'm sorry if at times I bloviated (to speak at length in a pompous manner). Sincerely, your erinaceous (relating to or resembling hedgehogs), casuistic (sophic resolver of questions)lilliputian (a very small person or being), Mo

Please comment with some sentences of your own. I'd LOVE to hear them :)

Mo

mmmm Bon Iver

My favorite album right now is "For Emma, Forever Ago" by Bon Iver. I love it. It all started with "Creature Fear," a song the album features. Good song. Then I fell in love with "Calgary," off of another of their albums. Back to "For Emma, Forever Ago:" my current favorite: Skinny Love. Blindsided also. And Lump Sum and Stacks. But Skinny Love is number one for now. But they're all good! Go listen!!! PS--no idea what the lyrics are about.

un poème de Rimbaud et son parallélisme

J'aime ce poème. Bien qu'il est triste, il est beau.


Le dormeur du val

C'est un trou de verdure où chante une rivière,
Accrochant follement aux herbes des haillons
D'argent ; où le soleil, de la montagne fière,
Luit : c'est un petit val qui mousse de rayons.

Un soldat jeune, bouche ouverte, tête nue,
Et la nuque baignant dans le frais cresson bleu,
Dort ; il est étendu dans l'herbe, sous la nue,
Pâle dans son lit vert où la lumière pleut.

Les pieds dans les glaïeuls, il dort. Souriant comme
Sourirait un enfant malade, il fait un somme :
Nature, berce-le chaudement : il a froid.

Les parfums ne font pas frissonner sa narine ;
Il dort dans le soleil, la main sur sa poitrine,
Tranquille. Il a deux trous rouges au côté droit



Voilà un parallélisme:

J’avais eu l’opportunité d’étudier en France pendant le terme dernière, mais je ne pouvais pas aller, parce que je n’ai pas eu assez d’argent. C’était une rêve pour moi, de visiter le pays, le people, la langue, la terre aux lesquels je donne autant de temps.

Je pense que le romantisme et le symbolisme sont deux mouvements qui ne seront jamais mourir. Je les vu aujourd’hui. L’idée qu’on peut aller n’importe où, si on a le désir ; mais, ensuite: la gifle au visage et le rappel rude du monde vrai--le soldat est en fait mort et tu ne peux pas aller à la France.

A Price Paradox

Books are too expensive. A walk around Borders ends with me wanting to buy 20 books but being able to afford 2.

True, they are worth an infinite amount of money. But isn't that why they should cost less money?

So everyone can afford a new book? Or 20?

"Young women, you're going to be an old woman someday; don't worry about it; don't sweat it."

I saw this video on my aunt's blog and I think it's kind of fun. I don't think I'm quite that feisty (though at times I wish I was!!) but I enjoy their confidence and hope I age similarly. Enjoy!

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I wanted to share my beliefs on this Easter Sunday.

We came to this earth to learn and to be tested, that we could prove ourselves. However, we cannot live perfect lives, which obstructs us from returning to our Father in Heaven, for "no unclean thing can dwell with God" (The Book of Mormon 1 Nephi, 10:21). We die spiritually, as a result of our sins. So how do we return to God? Isaiah answers this question: " He [Christ] hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities . . . All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. . . . Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 53:4-6; Isaiah 1:18). In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul continued, "If any man be in Christ, He is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new." Through the sacred Atonement, we are forgiven of our sins and made clean, that we might enter into Heaven; thus our spiritual deaths are overcome. But the chains of physical death must also be broken. Thus, Christ was sent to be the Savior for all of mankind. He came to this Earth and was born into a mortal body so He could die. But He rose from the grave, breaking the bonds of death. He lives today, and with that, the knowledge that we will live again as well. He is my advocate and yours; As He and the Father are one, they share the same work: "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (The Pearl of Great Price Moses 1:39). I know that Christ is our Savior, that through His Atonement we can be forgiven of our sins and return to Heaven. I know Christ performs countless miracles in our lives, just as He did while living on the Earth. I am eternally indebted to Christ for providing a way for me to return to my Heavenly Father. I love my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and I know that He loves me and you. May we remember the risen Lord today.

"Jesus sought me when a stranger,

Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood"

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

I Believe in Christ (3rd, 4th verses)

3. I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I’ll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.

4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more, go here

or feel free to email me with any questions you may have

The Greater Things in Life

I had quite a cultured week. Tuesday, I viewed Dorothea Lange's exhibit "Three Mormon Towns" in the MOA. Saturday evening, I went to the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra's performance. Both, INCREDIBLE experiences.

DOROTHEA LANGE EXHIBIT:

“Kids don’t live today. They just exist,” the man had said to me. My first observation of the exhibit had been done in solitude and silence. My second rotation was done in the accompaniment of a group of older southern Utahans. After observing a photograph titled, “Worldly Way Station on Route 91,” featuring an old movie drive-in, the group had proceeded to tell me about the old ways of life, recalling even that particular drive-in featured in the photograph. Following my remark of the difference between the lifestyle of their days compared to that of ours, his response was, “Kids don’t live today. They just exist.”

What are your thoughts?

I agree with him. And disagree. True, there is a rise in the number of people who limit themselves to the confines of their bedrooms, to the boundaries of the computer or TV, to the curbs of slothfulness. However, there is also an increase in those who dream, those who experiment, and those who push themselves into the world to experience its cultures, those who delve deeply into the intricacies, observations, and possibilities of life.

PHILHARMONIC:

We Listened to Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber," which I really enjoyed (especially the third and fourth movements, "Andantino" and "Marsch." Go look them up). Following Hindemith, we listened to the entirety of Dvorak's New World Symphony. I LOVED it. I've listened to the second movement many many times (even recommended it to you here), but had never heard the middle section of it. I guess my version doesn't have the complete version; neither does the one I posted. Go look up Largo from The New World and listen to the middle section (Just past halfway. It starts with an oboe). Listening to it in person was infinitely better. At one point, I realized every muscle in my body had relaxed and I was melting into my chair.

I made a resolution to attend some type of musical performance once per month. You just cannot capture sound digitally the way you can with your ears. You miss so much not being there! The acoustics, of course, make a big difference. So does seeing the conductor; I love watching him. But my favorite is watching the musicians. As the music starts to climax, to intensify, they sit up straighter, lean forward. You tense with them, your heart starts to beat faster, your ears prick up to hear every change. And there is an aesthetic pleasure in watching the parallel movements of the tilted violin bows, the violinists' vibrato hand, the cellists' tilted necks.

What a beautiful mind that gives birth to these melodies!! What a skilled instrumentalist to play such music! What skilled hands to create instruments! What a skilled conductor to interpret and present the expressions of the music!

I love it. I love it all. May I, and you, attend more of these uplifting showcases of human capacity.

Oh, my mind

So, for some reason, I've had two songs in my head this past week. The first is from the Swan Princess, which I haven't seen or even thought of for a good few years. The second is from the Polar Express which I also haven't seen for a few years. (My dad loves this movie and watches is every Christmas. I find that there's something unsettling about it and don't know what it is.)

Why have these two songs been in my head for the past week? I don't think I've heard them. I mean, it's not every day you walk into the grocery store and hear Disney tunes. Sadly. They're not even the main songs of the two movies. I think my brain, in a fed-up-with-stupid-school state (I hear ya, little guy), is determined to be exercised on only non-academic things and is rejecting what I insist it focus on, instead pulling up anything it can from the past on which to occupy itself.

I picture the little man titled "Stage Manager of Current Morgan Thoughts" running to the back of his office, to a wall lined with hundreds of floor-to-ceiling filing cabinets of past musings, observations, and memories. He opens a cabinet slowly, looks at me with a mischievous little grin, and begins to grab handfuls of papers, throwing them into the air. Oh, my defiant little brain.

On a completely different note, I LOVE those times I naturally wake up early. I love the morning. When I'm not tired. I'm going to finish my French paper (good thing I woke up, huh?) and then .. ok let's be honest, probably go back to sleep for a bit.

Life after Y

So I've just spent the past .... while (I won't admit how long) looking at PA schools and all I want to do is go!! I looked up the cities on google images, read their city websites, looked up housing in cute little houses with bike trails and buses and marketplaces.....

I'm not sick of BYU yet; I still love it here. But it's a new adventure and I can't wait to start!!

My current favorites:

Quinnipiac University in Hamden Connecticut (last two photos)

A. T. Still University in Mesa Arizona (first photo)

I can't even look at another school because I just want to go to these two!!! SO hard to get myself to finish up this semester.... must...keep... going. . . not...finished....yet.

Forgive my self-indulgent post. Sorry if this is in no way interesting to you

Oh to be a Bumbershoot

I wish I was a bumbershoot. What word in the whole world is better than "bumbershoot?" You're right, there isn't one. What a nice life would it be? Here is a picture of a bumbershoot.

Sure, you'd be getting rained on all the time, but that's what you'd be made for. Made to withstand it. Every time your life purpose was put to the test, you'd come out on top: Yup, still waterproof.

What do superheroes do? Protect people. So do bumbershoots.

22

Well, I'm 22. Fun year, huh? Here are 22 things I will do this year:

1 learn how to whistle

2 go on a roadtrip

3 better my poor guitar abilities

4 paint a painting to hang in my room

5 do something spontaneous

6 buy a clarinet and relearn how to play it

7 run a half marathon

8 read Harry Potter 1 in french

9 get myself into a consistent sleep cycle

10 go through all my stuff and throw out at least 4 trashbags full

11 write a short story

12 finish Emma and read Jane Eyre (said I've never read this, huh?) And a Charles Dickens (any suggestions?)

13 go camping. go fishing.

14 wake up an hour earlier each day

15 start volunteering somewhere

16 read the Lord of the Rings ( don't judge for never having read these either..)

17 marry Andrew Belle

18 grow an inch taller

19 learn how to turn into a tiger on command

20 master the patronus charm

21 keep my room clean for at least 2 weeks straight

22 play with Joshua Bell in concert and dance with Ballet West

Yes, I know 17-22 are imposssible, but it was getting hard at the end. If you catch me procrastinating, which I am wont to do, you can hit me.

The Means to an End That Was Not What I Expected

I decided a few years ago that I wanted to be a PA. In order to get into PA school, you have to have a large sum of work experience in the health field. Most students I've talked to either become a Medical Assistant, CNA, phlebotomist, or EMT. I don't know why I decided on a CNA, but I did. The year after my sophomore year, I stayed in Utah spring semester to get my CNA license, since it is a lot cheaper and faster in Utah than in California. I am currently working as a CNA in a physical therapy rehabilitation center and I love it.

A guy I knew asked why I wanted to be a CNA and told me it was the worst job--disgusting and demeaning. He was pretty rude and insensitive about it, and it kind of bothered me. It wasn't just that he was speaking about the elderly too callously and was criticizing something I had already started. But I wanted him to see it for what it was: a means to an end. I wanted him to see that I that I was willing to suffer through it to get where I wanted. I guess I wanted him to pity me and admire me for my sacrifice.

Well, now I know I was wrong. Yes, I'm still sure he was too.

Well, I have loved this experience. I love the facility I work in and I love my coworkers. And I have fallen in love with those I work with.

I have seen a change in me. And I like it. I am more patient and love comes easier. I am more tender and gentle. I respect the elderly a lot more. I've learned people are easier to work with when you give them the benefit of the doubt. I have learned that to know someone is to love them. That through serving, comes love.

Love my Job

Most of these are elderly.

"What's your name?"

"Morgan"

"Martha? ("oh, no, it's..") What a beautiful name."

yes, i'm 21 years old and my name is martha

"Goodnight, Mary!"

"Goodnight, Morgan! Sweet dreams of Jesus!"

"So, John, what did you do growing up?"

"Raised hell."

Funny funny. There are many others, but I can't really think of them right now. All names in italics are not the actual names of quoted patients.

The marine blue astro van

The marine blue Astrovan. Astro van? Astro-van.

?

Anyway, I loved it. I remember a blue one and a brown one.  Yes, brown. My mom says she was mortified. But I didn't think anything of it.   

I remember I loved the compartments by the windows. They were huge; you could put anything you wanted in those things. And forget about it and then find it months later. They were interesting to me. I don't really know why. 

Man, those astrovans were so. big. Getting into the car was exciting for me. Driving anywhere was always an adventure.

LIFE

This is what I'm hoping the future life of Morgan LaRee Anderson entails:

children, husband, and all that fantastic business

sailing

scuba diving

gardening

cross-country skiing

music

photography

road trips, Sunday drives

painting/sketching

writing

laughter

love

trips to the opera, symphony, and ballet

reading

dictionaries

fishing

hiking

trees

blankets

traveling

cooking

learning

home renovating projects

taking up anything that looks fun or interesting

What fun, huh?

Funny funny

I found this song on a friend's blog and I love it. And the lyrics make me love it even more. It's called Night Vision Binoculars by Passenger.

I see you nearly everyday.
I see you, but you don't see me.
I wish I had something clever to say.
And I wish I had something better I could be.

We touched hands by the coffee machine the other day.
I know you've forgotten already,
But I'm gonna take that moment to the grave.
To the grave.

Cuz I just wanna walk you home.
I just wanna walk you home.
Oh, yea.

I see you nearly every night.
I see you when you're down in your house.
With my night vision binoculars
I creep quiet as a mouse.

And I get jealous when I see you stroking his hair.
But it's okay, I tell myself 'cause I know
It's only I'm not there.
I'm not there.

Cuz I just wanna walk you home.
I just wanna walk you home.
Well I just need some time alone.
I just need some time alone.

I'm the boy who watches the phone.
I'm the boy who eats lunch on his own.
I'm the boy with the monotone.
I'm the boy who still lives at home.

I'm the boy with the ironed shirt.
I'm the boy who watches you work.
I know where you keep your skirts.
I know where your secrets lurk.

I'm the boy that's calling your house.
I'm the boy that's freaking you out.
With my thermal flask of tea.
Up there in your neighbor's tree.

I'm the boy that's crossing borders.
I'm the boy with social disorders.
I'm the boy with restraining orders.
I'm the boy, yeah.

Cuz I just wanna walk you home.
I just wanna walk you home.
And I know that's it not right to creep.
But I just wanna watch you sleep alone.

Cuz I just wanna walk you home.
I just wanna walk you home.

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/p/passenger/#share

good day good day

So it's a Saturday. I'm upstairs in the wilk doing chemistry homework and trying not to hum too loudly as I listen to classical music (which is doing a great job at drowning out the taylor swift playing downstairs). And for some reason I'm thinking it's a great day. hm. why? , i asked myself. I suppose it's nice to finally be on top of homework for a change. yes, it is nice. it feels pretty good. the end.

PS aren't grandmothers fantastic?

Good songs

Before it's too late, download these free songs on iTunes: Marathon by Tennis is my favorite; My Body by Young the Giant's good too, as is La Complicidad by Cultura Profetica.

Yay, free music!

M Town

When I make a city, or commission one, or own one, or whatever, there are a few key things I will do. No streets becoming streets. It is not ok that a road is called Pacific on one side of town and Taylor on the other. Nor is it alright for Main to come to a dead-end and then continue to the left as Main and to the right as, say Herald. No. Main should dead-end, and then you can turn left or right onto Herald.

If I decide to use numbers for streets, it will be in a real grid, none of this squiggly business. Or those addresses that can't be gotten to by whichever up-and-down or side-to-side roads the driver fancies. And all the streets will be numbers. ALL OF THEM! Then a poor soul will not get lost looking for 7th north in between 620 N and State and wondering if he's gone too far, not far enough, or if State is, in fact, 7th north.

Tonight, it took me almost 2 hours to get somewhere from where I returned in 20 minutes. Now, I will admit, I am bad at directions. But I wouldn't have to be good at them if every street would just be what and where it was supposed to be.

So, do not fear, for someday, I will overcome the world, demolish every city, and redesign all roads so that no direction illiterate person like me will ever ever suffer ever ever again.

Katie Brandeburg

This is my cousin. Beautiful, huh? Well, her music is fantastic. I don't think she has a CD, just has been performing at gigs here and there. But listen to her. She was actually trained in musical theater and classical in high school. I remember she used to sing Phantom of the Opera for us. And then she switched over to folk. She's great at it, no?

http://www.myspace.com/katiebrandeburgmusic/music

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Brandeburg/16108381225?v=app_2392950137

I wish I could say the blood that gave her talent supplied it to me as well, but alas, it did not.

Some Recommendations for You

You know I like to give you recommendations. Because what I love you will love. Of course. So, here are a few I haven't mentioned. I tried to think of ones you may not have heard of.

MUSIC click on song for link:

Duffy. She has this raspy voice. Very sexy. Some songs I suggest: I'm Scared, Distant Dreamer, Warwick Avenue. While we're on sexy raspy voices, here are a few more: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Amy Winehouse, John Legend, So Slow and Little Lies by Ari Hest

Coffeehouse songs: I'm Alright by Madeleine Peyroux, Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg, Blue Glasses by Smokey & Miho(fantastic, huh??), Now I Feel Better by Ayo, Wished You Were Here by Hayley Sales, Over the Rainbow by Melody Gardot, Taylor the Latte Boy by Kristin Chenoweth

Great covers: Coldplay's Yellow by Jem (piano at 3:09 is so beautiful), Coldplay's Scientist by Katelyn Epperly (her voice!), John Legend's Everybody Knows by Alex Lambert, and of course, you've probably heard Tom Petty's Free Fallin' by John Mayer.

Life is Great: Honey Tree by Mostar Diving Club, Never Forget You by The Noisettes, Cupcake by Nellie McKay (click on second song listed. I just love the transition at 0:50), Bruises by Chairlift, Night Vision Binoculars by Passenger (hilarious, listen to the lyrics), Gotta Have You by The Weepies

Simply love: Come Out of the Shade by The Perishers; Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine; Cold Water by Damien Rice (greatest when heard at end of to-be-listed-below movie, I Am David); I Dare You by Ali Milner; Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter by Herman's Hermits; A Fine Frenzy; Moon River by Audrey Hepburn; Full Moon by Black Ghosts; French Navy by Camera Obscura; Here Come Those Eyes and When Did You Fall in Love With Me by Chris Rice; So Deep in Love by Joel Auge

BOOKS:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: delightful, charming. LOVED it. Simply enchanting. Nice light read that is just fabulous

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Pretty sure I've already recommended it, but really, it's amazing

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: this is what you're supposed to be like and what a family should be like. And it's amazing.

MOVIES:

I Am David: LOVE. Love love

The Man Who Knew Too Little: featuring Bill Murray, this movie is hilarious. Pretty sure I could quote the whole thing

Disney's The Sword in the Stone and Robin Hood: very funny, very clever. If it's been awhile, watch them; you'll be surprised how enjoyable they can be for adults

So it would have been easiest to make another grooveshark playlist, but too late. Give these all a try! Really, they're quite fantastic!

Comfort Books

So you know how people have comfort foods? Ice cream, cheetos, popcorn... Well I have comfort books.

I remember when I was younger, I used to get so upset at my little brother. Ty, Ty. He was perfectly adorable, and a perfectly ordinary younger brother. Meaning we were always fighting. I remember that after I got mad at him, I'd storm into my room, scribble some angry sentences in my journal, and read a book. It always soothed me. It still does.

When I'm stressed about life, I read about someone else's for awhile and forget about my own. When I feel life seems dull, I read about one that isn't. (though, life is never dull.)

My comfort books are as follows:

Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling: I grew up on these books. The characters are old friends of mine, their stories sweet, familiar pathways I've wandered down many times. Imagine an old lane that you walked down throughout the entirety of your childhood, from the time you were 10 to 18. Nothing bad ever happened on that lane, only good. Better than good; you felt elated with contentment every time you walked it. Now, if you had the chance to teleport there when you got stressed, wouldn't you? Luckily for me, teleportation isn't necessary, for all of that is in a book, rather than a hometown lane. Not to say I wouldn't enjoy teleporting.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: This book, I could read it over and over. I love the stories, I love the writing, I love the characters, and I love what I learn. This book reminds me what is important in life. I don't need all I think I need and don't need to be all I think I need to be. And that is a great comfort. Not to mention that I get lost in the pages, in their lives, within seconds.

I read it every Christmas.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: I think every preteen girl needs to read this book. When I get frustrated with my love life (aka lack of), this is the book I pick up. I LOVED it when I was younger. Such a sweet little romance

So next time you are stressed, sad, or lonely, pick up a book. I promise it will pick you up faster than anything else.

Something You Didn't Know About Yourself

So you thought you were one of those people that really didn't care for classical music. Well, you were wrong. You actually really enjoy it. And here are some incredible songs to remind you why.

PS--I was in a rush and didn't want to spend the time figuring out how to add songs as I thought of more, so just did them in a few stages. And no worries, I'll be adding more beauties as I come across them.

RULES: in order to fully appreciate each of these songs, you are to:
lay down in a comfortable position
listen to each song in its ENTIRETY--preferably through head phones where you can hear every instrument. And at an appropriate volume where the depth of each song shows through
close your eyes and take deep breaths
report back to me :)

The first, Vocalise Opus 34 No 14, was composed by Rachmaninov. Here, it's played by Joshua Bell, the most beautiful violinist ever.
Then, there's Symphony No 9 by Dvorak. We sung a poem set to this song when I was a sophomore in high school and I loved it. Then I heard the original song, as a freshman in a humanities class and fell even more in love.
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin, or Girl/Maiden With the Flaxen Hair by Debussy (composer of the beautiful, but sadly overplayed, Claire de Lune [fountain song at the end of Oceans Eleven]) is one of my favorite favorites. SO beautiful. I really love Debussy.
Then there's the Piano Concerto No. 2 Opus 102 II Andante by the great Shostakovich. My talented roommate Cailey used to play this a lot and I love love loved it. At about a quarter through, when the piano enters, isn't it just lovely?? Yes, I agree that the whole song is, but that's my favorite part.....among a few others. Ok, I really just love the whole thing




I LOVE this song. I couldn't choose between these different versions, so I'm giving them all. Let me know which you like most. Schwanengesang (swan song) was a collection of songs composed by Schubert, published posthumously. My guess is that this particular song is called Leise flehen meine Lieder (Hushed Prays my Song??). It plays a large part in the fantastic movie, The Young Victoria. It's kind of sultry. I love it.

I, for one, am going to make all my children learn piano and violin. And if they'd like, I suppose we could throw cello and harp into the mix... Oh, and the acoustic guitar. Or they can learn classical on a twelve string. ok, ok I won't force them, but this all does sound pretty great.

See, you do think classical is great.

Two Week To-Do List

I just want to sleep. Looks like that isn't an option.

Two week to-do list:

Projects

Finals

Home

Can't I just skip those first two points on the list??

Ryan Innes

postscript: Ryan Innes also performed last night, and let me tell you, he is incredible. I really really enjoyed him. Super fun. Going to listen to more of his music. Very talented. You should check him out

I'll tell you again

Went to the Andrew Belle concert last night. I know I've told you a million times, but I'll tell you again: go listen to him.

I think he's my favorite artist: love his voice, love his lyrics, love his melodies, love his sound. Love love love.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

WOW. BEAUTIFUL. I just finished The Book Thief. It's now alongside Little Women as my favorite book. I want to talk about the book, but I can't, I don't want to give any of it away! Because you're all going to read it. The characters.... I hate to see them go.

Yes, I do get too emotionally attached to books, to their characters, and to their writers

While we are on the subject of great books, does anyone else agree that your emotions are much more dramatic when reading a book? More than a movie, an opera, a song, a sculpture.. In the latter instances, emotions are watered down and diluted, but with a book, they're pure, raw, human heart

Just an observation. Anyway, go read it

Good ol' Pythagorus, I will be faithful as you have been

I never thought I'd end up taking classes like physics, calculus, or chemistry. In high school, my favorite classes were English and history. I hated math. I wanted to be a high school English teacher for a long time. I also wanted to be a cowgirl singer, a movie star, or a cashier at taco bell so I could wear a purple shirt. I don't really know what other career options I considered. But it was a while before I decided I wanted to end up in the health care field.

That all being said, the purchase of my first calculator in the sixth grade didn't seem like such a monumental event. It was only needed to get me through the next few years of math, and then I'd be done with it. Well, I was wrong. Good ol' Pythagorus (for short: Gus) has become a dear friend. He's got 'MLA' written on his cover, like Woody's got 'Andy' scrawled on his boot.

Gus has been here for me since I was twelve. All the years of algebra. And then physics, trigonometry, calculus, biology, physiology, biomechanics, microbiology, statistics, nutrition, chemistry. What a great sport he was. I've taken many frightening classes, classes I've felt too dumb to be allowed to take, let alone succeed in. But having something familiar with me is very comforting. Oh, old buddy.. He fits into my hand just so, and I feel like I can conquer anything thrown at me. As long as I've got my friend, Gus, with me. I've even picked up other TI-30Xa calcs and known, without glancing at the blank cover, a desert of teal (beautiful color, by the way) sans the 'MLA' scrawl, that they were not my Gus.

I've even trusted him with my personal affairs: finances, random math questions, etc.

Have the smarty-smarts pulling out their Optimus Prime graphing calcs laughed** at me for keeping him? Yes, a few have. Do we care? No. We are a team. I don't need something younger or cooler. Pythagorus tells me everything I need to know. And we know how to work together; if you handed me your spiffy, uppity Optimus, I frankly wouldn't know what to do with half the buttons. He's such a superfluous waste of space. He's big, chunky, clunky, and ugly. Pythagorus is sexy--sleek, sophistocated simplicity. Vintage is the way to go.

**And I'm actually laughing right back at them because they paid ~$130 and I paid zero

So, here's to the TI-30Xas and all those guys that have stuck with us from the beginning. Pythagorus will never die on me and I will never trade him in! Compare his good looks to those lacking in Optimus:

mmmmm

Things that melt my heart?

compassionate people

children

Angel by Jack Johnson

3 of 25000 great youtube shows for you

So I know a few people who are always in the know with the youtube videos to be watched. So I will share a few with you.

And I just drop to my knee, see my lil knee.... i think I should faint. But I don't...






Creepy? Yes, I thought so too.

The Night Owl

So I'm a bit of a night owl. Anyone who knows me knows I don't think about retiring for the day until about 12:30. And at that point, I wrap up my homework, get ready for bed, etc, and get into bed an hour + later. My brother Dallin's even worse. Summers at home find the two of us watching a movie or up wandering around. I'll go to bed at 3:30 and he's still up and at it. Ty, brother number two, also has the ability to stay awake late if he wants. But he's a bit more responsible and will usually go to bed before us if he has things going on the next day.

Anyway..

Why? Why are there some of us who stay up later? Well, I'm sure there are biological reasons.

But I wanted to hit on why I, when given the choice, opt to stay awake rather than curl into my warm bed with my dreams.

I like to sit and enjoy the silence. To unwind the day with my thoughts. I enjoy those times where it's just me and my mind. Now, I don't think my mind is in any way exceptional. But it's mine. And I enjoy it, as I'm sure you enjoy your own. Plus, who are you most comfortable around? Who's been there to see you through everything? Yourself.

Sifting through thoughts, through feelings. I think those quiet hours of late night/early morning are the best for such a pastime. The world is calm and still and the air is clean and fresh.

And those nights it rains? (Can I make a plug for how fantastic this weather has been!!??) Whether it be drizzling, pouring, sprinkling, hailing, thunder-ing, lightening-ing, it's fantastic. Sit back, listen to the sheets of water sliding past one another, splashing and beading on leaves, pattering on the cement, clicking on metallic surfaces. Take a deep breath of bathed-clean air. What beats that moment?

For some reason, I love 50 East, the little street outside my bedroom window. I just look out the window-- at the sky, at the mountains, at that little quiet street. I smell the air, crisp and wet or soft and dry and can't help but smile. And when the sky starts to lighten--beautiful.

So I encourage you to take some time. Some time that is yours and solely yours that you can use to ponder. It does not need to be at 5am. In fact, I counsel against it; this was really dumb. But find a time of day that you love, and just enjoy it.

Things I'm Crushing on Right Now

1. Goldfish
2. Andrew Belle. Favorite songs: Signs of Life, Oh My Stars, Make It Without You, Ladder, In My Veins, Static Waves (case in point: I planned on putting one up, but.. ended up with six)
3. Gardens
4. Harry Potter
5. Watching Modern Family
6. Daydreaming
7. Cinnamon and Raisin bagels
8. Reading Jane Austen's Emma and pondering on Austen times
9. My clean room
10. Not working 3 hours everyday on campus
11. An engaged guy

12. My ballet class. Starting back up after 5+ years

13. Black & White photos

14. Oatmeal squares. One day, they were only 89 cents at Macey's. Oh, hello, 10 boxes..

Potter Fever

I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I've probably read them each ten times. Love. I'll be at the midnight showing for the first part of the seventh movie for sure. Watch the trailer and say you're not excited about it. Yes, I know, it can't be done.

BEAUTY

A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe



The love of beauty in its multiple forms is the noblest gift of the human cerebrum.
Alexis Carrel



The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.
Albert Einstein

Art

So the other day I went onto our roof to do some homework. It was about 6pm and it was perfect. I was neither hot nor cold, feeling on my legs the moderate heat of a setting sun. A slight breeze tickled the trees and the world was quiet and at peace. I suppose it was before the hustle and bustle of a weekend night. The colors were the best of it all. That setting sun saturated everything in a golden yellow hue. All the trees were as if painted by an artist, an artist who added a bit more yellow than his peers. Every tree, every bit of greenery was more lush and more alive. It was simply beautiful. God is an Artist.

The Healer

I am studying to become a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner. There are a multitude of reasons, the main two being that I LOVE studying the body and that I want to help people. I am convinced that every person, every vocation, helps people. In different ways. But with this job, every day I leave work, I will not doubt that everyone who entered my office left better than they came.

I was reading for my New Testament class and there was a short snippet on a few of the disciples. It was talking about Luke, author of Luke and Acts. It said he was a physician and wrote with sensitivity. In this modern world, there are some negative stereotypes of doctors, stereotypes that typecast them as men who only care about money and position. Well I think the healer was born with a natural desire to help others and make them happy. And that Luke's sensitivity was the probable characteristic that urged him to enter the field of medicine--to help others.

I am excited to help people when they can't help themselves. To restore a body to its peak. To analyze and diagnose. To answer questions and discuss. To prevent disease, illness, or injury. To heal.

Hobbler Half

Ok, so... I like running!

Crazy, huh! As I was running down the beautiful canyon, I saw that runners aren't insane, that there is a euphoria that comes.

Sorry it's been so long. I KNOW you have all been losing sleep waiting to hear how my half marathon went :) Well, here it is, my update:

I woke up at 4:15 and ate some oatmeal. Then got dressed and stretched and finished up all the last minute things. We left around 5:00. My group of running buddies: roommates Cailey and Abby, old friend Miriam, and ward friends/neighbors Kellie and Mark.

We drove to the finish line and got there around 5:50. Boarded the bus around 6:15. Got to the starting point. Went to the bathroom. And then waited behind the starting line with my friends. The feeling before it started was unreal! It was such a surreal thing for me because I'm the last person on earth I'd ever see doing something like this.

A little bit about the course: down the canyon, soft rolling hills but with an overall downhill grade. Beautiful scenery, perfect weather, water station every two miles. In the canyon until around mile 9 when we entered a neighborhood.

And then 7:00 came and we were off. I ran for about 30 seconds in silence and just relished the excitement around me. And then on the iPod went. First song randomely selected? Stronger. Great start.

Hit mile 1. Wow, it's already been a mile? I won't stop till I get to mile 3.

Hit mile 2. Wow, two already!!? Ok, a quick sip of water.. I feel great. I won't stop till 5.

Hit mile 3. Started noticing how GORGEOUS the canyon was. I'm going my own pace, my breathing is regular, and I feel INCREDIBLE.

Hit mile 4. I STILL feel great! I am going to run this whole thing. That's right, I will not stop once. I'll slow down for a step or two when I take a sip of water, but that'll be it. I can do this. Wow, who'd have thought..

Hit mile 5. Wow. Now I know why people are running. It is so beautiful here, I'm just cruising along, listening to my favorite upbeat songs. I love life! AH, THIS IS GREAT!

Hit mile 6. EUPHORIA. This was the best mile, I think. Miles 4.5-8 were REALLY really good.

Hit mile 7. I could run a marathon. I totally could. I could run all day and never stop!

Hit mile 8. This was the first time the water station was really anticipated. But ok ok, this is still good... I should run a half marathon once a month....

Hit mile 9. Out of the canyon and into neighborhoods. Ugh, sun, go away! I don't like this... But! Only 4 miles to go! That's just a bit longer than that super short run I take down to center street. Almost done!

Hit mile 10. My knees are starting to hurt. So is my foot.. and my hips. Man, my knees! Ugh, I don't like running through here. Three more miles, still! It's SO short! Just a half hour! Come on.... ....... ......

......

......

.....

eternity

......

.....

WHERE IS THE 11 MILE MARK!!!?

.....

....

.....

....

three miles go by....

....

Hit mile 11. Oh dear. only two more miles. My knees! There is a girl who stopped and started walking in front of me and... she is still ahead of me. We are going the same pace and she isn't even running. Just stop for a minute. No, speed isn't the point; I will not stop. Ah, I am dying! Who puts themselves into this when not in ignorance!? Aaaand, walk. The first few steps were bizarre. No, the first thirty seconds were so weird. It was like when you get off of those super speed walking bands in the airport. Not that I was slowing down, really, but the feeling in my legs... Really REALLY weird.

...

..

Where is the next mile?

....

....Where is the next mile?

...

...

Runa a half marathon every month? Ha, Morgan, what were you thinking..

...

...

OK, seriously!!? It has been 2 MILES I SWEAR!

...

I am so THIRSTY.

Just look for the next water stand at 12.

Where is it?

...

...

Where is it!!?

on and off jogging..

...

Hit mile 12--WITHOUT DRINKING STATION. NO, NO. Do they not have water for the last drinking station? I'm only a mile away. But I. NEED. WATER. Ah, there it is.

continue on and off jogging.

only a mile left. But I can't. I have to stop. now. where is my second wind? Where!

....

...

Only a quarter or so mile left....

...

I am dead.....

.

....

On comes Miley Cyrus's "Can't Wait to See You Again." If this won't pump me up, nothing will. And.... I'm still dead. No pump up.

Hit mark 13. WHERE IS THE FINISH LINE! ? This is much longer than .1 miles.... And here comes Miriam! Hey, Morgan, I'll run to the end with you! Where is it! Just around the corner. desperate: where?....

And there it is. Looms up. And there Caye and Abby are, waiting for me. They cheer and I cross.

I crossed the finish!!!

Get a free waterbottle. I am so shocked I finished. Gulp water. And then the thought, why in the world am I still standing? Sit on grass. Talk, pictures, etc.

Leave a half hour later.

And that was my first half marathon. Was it hard? The end was the hardest thing I've ever done! I'd never run more that 9 miles. And I'd only ran 9 miles once. I was always really busy and didn't really have time to train as well as I'd have like to. But seriously, it was perfect. Perfect weather, perfect scenery, perfect everything.

Will I do one again? Of course! October! Or Sept. But yes, I will be running another in the fall. And definitely running the Hobbler Half again next year. yay yay!!

Well, it's late. I'll add a few pictures to this post tomorrow. But I really want to publish it now, so ya.. pictures will be added tomorrow or sometime within the next few days

Recommendation

You know what's a really good song? Merry Christmas, Darling by The Carpenters. It came up on my iTunes and I just thought I'd share. Yes, I realize it's a Christmas song, but red's a Christmas color and I wore red today. Not quite the same thing? Ya, I know. K, well... to my room

Can you tell I'm a little reluctant? Anyone want to keep me company while I clean? eh? eh?

Is anyone else frustrated there's never enough room for all your stuff? So your room never looks polished? I also need more pants/skirts hangers. What's even the point of cleaning? ;)

PS--talking with old friends? So good! Ok.. sorry this post was completely useless to you. I'm unusually restless..

Morgan's simple desires on the twelfth of July

I have two exams tomorrow. And another this coming weekend. Some homework due tomorrow that will take me about 2 hours to complete. I need to clean my room. Thoroughly. And the bathroom. I need to shower. And I need to make my schedule for the week. And it's 9:50pm.

But what do I want to do? Write Jane a letter. Read my scriptures. Write in my journal. Write my talk for Sunday. Read Killer Angels, a book about the Civil War I was foolish enough to start the other day with full knowledge I wouldn't be able to finish it. Write a blog about my half marathon that yes, I did complete :)

Current cravings: Running and Harry Potter. I want to delve into the series for a week and do nothing and just become into the world of Harry Potter, completely. There's nothing better than reading those blessed books for three days straight without sleep or food, forgetting to live due to the beautiful commotion of falling in love all over again with Snape, Harry Hermione Ron, Lupin, McGonagall, Luna, Fred and George, Neville, Dumbledore, Malfoy, charms, histories, Sirius, Ollivander's and good old Diagon Ally, the Burrow, the Dursleys... mm I've just been craving HP lately! All I want to do is disappear into my room for a week and fall into Hogwarts. And why my body is craving to go running after a half on Saturday, I have no idea.

And I really want to drink some lemon water; I'm really thirsty and my room temperature water bottle isn't really satisfying.

But, alas, responsibilities are calling. Room, it's just you, me, you, and me. Get excited, textbooks, you're next! Hobbler Half sum-up to come soon!!

Wonders of the Human Body

Friends of mine may wonder why I study what I do. But those who know me best know I study the body because I love it; I am constantly telling the poor things about boring topics that I find fascinating. Yes, I don't go out as much as the average spring/summer student and get less sleep than I'd like, but it is worth it. I love this study. I love learning about the genius organization, the artistic design, the miraculous intricacies of our bodies. I hated chemistry in high school, but after learning how it is the most integral part of the body, how every process, every movement, every sensation, and every regulation is an effect of chemical processes, I find my chemistry class fascinating.

Think about it. Your body converts the bread you eat to fuel your fingers typing. It uses sodium and potassium ions moving via a gradient of high to lower concentration to send signals from your brain to the voluntary and involuntary parts of your body--telling glands to secrete essential hormones and telling your tongue to move when you want to speak. Pressure receptors in the skin work so that they sense the immediate touch of something, but cancel out the reception thereafter, so you aren't irritated with the feeling of ever-present clothing, rings, glasses, etc. Your heart forms during development in a twisting formation so that when it beats, it contracts with a wringing affect, efficiently pumping the most blood for the amount of energy invested. Your lungs are at the right pressure so that as the lung cavity expands, air naturally floods the lungs as it goes from a higher atmospheric pressure to the lesser pressure inside the body. The biggest, most important nerves, veins, and arteries are deep, in between muscles, so as not to be affected by minor injuries. You encounter millions upon millions of microbacteria a day and your immune system functions at peak performance with many specialized cells so you get symptoms of an illness say 1-5 times a year. Your muscles are so incredible; with one or two steps up stairs, you can stop thinking about the steps and your muscles retain the memory of the height and energy required for each step; you need no longer think about it. You have a reflex arc, where, upon touching a hot surface, the signal needs only go to the spinal cord for optimum speed of a reflex to contract the appropriate muscle. Your brain and muscles can control the strength and magnitude of every movement; you can pick up a pencil or bench press 100 lbs. The hand can perform a gross movement such as itching your leg or the finest movements of a dentist, sculptor, or surgeon. The brain is a powerhouse that houses our thoughts; controls our internal temperature, sleep cycle, emotions, and interpretations; can communicate with the Holy Ghost; and can invent vaccines, artistic expression, the airplane, and theories of physics, sociology, and chemistry. The body regulates a complicated array of hormones that cancel each other out, signal the release of other hormones, and even regulate the development of an embryo. A woman's body can create life and sustain it. This is the greatest miracle of all.

I could go on and on, but wanted to share with you some of the words of the brethren.

"I marvel at the miracle of the human mind and body. Have you ever contemplated the wonders of yourself, the eyes with which you see, the ears with which you hear, the voice with which you speak? No camera ever built can compare with the human eye. No method of communication ever devised can compare with the voice and the ear. No pump ever built will run as long or as efficiently as the human heart. No computer or other creation of science can equal the human brain. What a remarkable thing you are. You can think by day and dream by night. You can speak and hear and smell. Look at your finger. The most skillful attempt to reproduce it mechanically has resulted in only a crude approximation. The next time you use your finger, watch it, look at it, and sense the wonder of it.

You are a child of God, His crowning creation. After He had formed the earth, separated the darkness from the light, divided the waters, created the plant and animal kingdoms—after all this He created man and then woman." President Gordon B. Hinckley “The Body Is Sacred,” New Era, Nov 2006

The following is one of my favorite addresses. I'm only including a small part of it. But I really recommend that you read the whole thing! It is incredible!! You will not regret spending the time reading it.

The Magnificence of Man--Russell M. Nelson

the link: http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6997

I invite you to ponder things magnificent . . .Think, if you will, of the most magnificent sight you have ever seen. It could be a meadow in springtime filled with beautiful wildflowers. Or perhaps you have been awestruck, as I have, at the magnificence of a single rose with its special beauty and perfume . . .

You may be surprised at what I am going to suggest now. Ponder the magnificence of all you see when you look in the mirror. Ignore the freckles, unruly hair, or blemishes, and look beyond to see the real you--a child of God created by him, in his image . . .

. . . A marvelous process of genetic coding is established by which all the basic human characteristics of [an] unborn person are determined. . . . Approximately twenty-two days after those two germ cells have united, a little heart begins to beat. At twenty-six days the circulation of blood begins. . . . Yes, awareness of the magnificence of man begins with the miracles of conception and our creation. . . .

A self-focusing lens is at the front of each eye. Nerves and muscles synchronize the function of two separate eyes to produce one three-dimensional image. Eyes are connected to the brain, ready to record sights seen. No cords, no batteries, no external connections are needed; our visual apparatus is marvelous--infinitely more priceless than any camera money can buy. . . .

Compacted into an area about the size of a marble is all the equipment needed to perceive sound. . . .

To control the direction of the blood's flow through the heart, there are four important valves, each pliable as a parachute and delicate as a dainty silk scarf. They open and close over 100,000 times a day--over 36 million times a year. Yet, unless altered by disease, they are so rugged that they stand this kind of wear seemingly indefinitely. No man-made material developed thus far can be flexed this frequently and for so long without breaking.

The amount of work done by the heart is most amazing. Each day it pumps enough fluid to fill a 2,000-gallon tank car. The work it performs daily is equivalent to lifting a 150-pound man to the top of the Empire State Building, consuming only about four watts of energy--less than that used by a small light bulb in your home. . .

. . . As I observe the lives of great individuals, I sense that the capacity of the brain is seemingly infinite. Wise men can become even wiser as each experience
builds upon previous experience. Indeed, continuing exercise of the intellect brings forth increased intellectual capacity. . .

The human brain is certainly a recording instrument that will participate in our judgment one day as we stand before the Lord. The Book of Mormon speaks of a "bright recollection" (see Alma 11:43) and of a "perfect remembrance" (see Alma 5:18) that will be with us at that time. Each one of us carries that recording instrument guarded within the vault of the human skull.

There are so many other incredible parts of his speech I'd like to post, but no one would want to read through a post that long :) So thanks for reading and go look up the whole thing! We really have been blessed with something incredible, God's greatest creation:

"The great principle of happiness consists in having a body. The devil has no body, and herein is his punishment… All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not." Joseph Smith