Emma Smith: My Story

Last night I took my swim buddy and fellow recovering Mormon to "Emma Smith: My Story"

Just so we're all on the same page, Emma Smith was married to Joseph Smith Jr., the original leader of the Mormon Church, when the church first started and was forced to move as far as Nauvoo, IL.

You're probably wondering why two ex-Mormons like us would go and see such a movie, and under most circumstances I'd pass up this movie and not give it a second thought. First of all, it was free, a free preview to a work-in-progress film. Also, I'd be given a chance to critique a Mormon-made film, which is an opportunity I felt I couldn't pass up :)

My friend Taylor finds religion very fascinating despite his rather bitter past and since I was allowed one guest, I knew I had to invite him.

The movie was definitely Mormon-centric. A more appropriate title to this flick would be, "Joseph Smith through the eyes of Emma" Some parts made me uncomfortable with their overly religious content and bias.

All in all, I'd have to say I didn't like the film; too slow and religious for my taste. The movie only lasted about 1:45 min, but it felt more like 3+ hours to me.

What's happened to customer service?

There's doctor's offices and customer service, and never the twain shall meet.

They refer to me as a "patient", so I guess that wouldn't entitle me to any treatment that a customer would expect.

The last several times I've visited my doctor the woman behind the front desk has asked me for my insurance card. Finally the last visit I'd had enough, "You know, every time I come in here you ask me for my card."

Now the lady behind the desk tells me I have a balance over $200 with them. Hmmm, I wonder...how do you expect to receive payment unless you're actually billing my insurance? Were you taking my insurance card to admire its aesthetics?

Thinking about it, customer service has never been a part of the doctor experience. I'm always forced to wait, often patronized and/or ignored. Ya know, feels a little like dating someone. "Doctor, if you're going to f*** me this hard maybe I should be charging you!"

Chances

How can you ask for a single chance?
You've had your shot, twice...thrice;
I see a thousand when I take a glance.
Only one? Wouldn't that be nice.

You're only asking for ONE more.
Easy enough wouldn't you say?
It's a lot more difficult after a score
One more spent and another to pay

How many chances do you need my friend?
Your requests, I fear, will never end
The points against you begin to mount
I'm sorry the pretenses never count!

That Path

I’ve been down that path before
And others I’ve yet to explore
You can’t force me, I won’t follow you
The path I’ll blaze only taken by few.

Can’t conjure the love you express to me
My decision is already made you see
My heart knows that terrain too well
All connections ready to expel

"For the Bible Tells Me So"

I heard about this movie a while back, but thought it would never make its way to Phoenix. Fortunately the small theater on Mill Avenue near ASU showed it last weekend.

A group of friends and I saw it together and I must say I was impressed. This movie basically outlined how many people have used the Bible to stigmatize and justify their hatred toward particular groups of people; historically, African Americans, women and more recently, gay people. It was a very emotional at times, some people seeing the light from the beginning, others only a portion of the light, and some seeing it a little too late.

I knew I was in for a treat when there were protesters outside; oblivious to the fact they were proving the point of the movie.

Ninja Parade

Ninja Parade, wow...the things that people come up with...LOL.

Maddox on fashion

This website is totally tactless and offensive...so I love it!

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=fashion

WARNING: This site may be blocked on company computers.

Brother's Mission Call

For those of you who are unfamiliar, a mission call is an important thing to young Mormon men. It's the time in their life when they find out where the Mormon church is going to send them to teach other people about the Mormon church.

My brother, Luke, sent in his information to Salt Lake City (Church Headquarters) a couple of weeks ago.

My personal guess was that he'd serve in Missouri, but turns out he'll be in the Florida Orlando Mission. Wow, crazy! Two years of your life in a place you've never been before. I can't believe it's been almost 9 years since I was going through the same thing. Gosh, I feel old.

Personal Training

Today's an exciting milestone for me. I'm hoping to make a big change in my appearance (unrealistic perhaps) and begin work with a personal trainer.

My goal is to gain 25 of muscle in 3 months. Too much? Not likely? Well if nothing else I'd like to become the beef cake version of ME. Ok, so maybe that's still skinny, but improvement is what I'm looking for. Most of all I'd like to learn how to use weights...all I've ever done is swim; I'm clueless when it comes to weight training. I'm hoping this program will help me with that deficiency.

Wish me luck, I start today at 7pm.

- Reality Check -

1. Most people don't know I exist

2. Most of my acquaintances don't care about me

3. Many of my acquaintances don't like me

4. Most of my friends don't care if I'm their friend at all

5. Many of my friends only pursue what they can get from me

6. Many of my friends often get annoyed with me

7. Some of my friends love me despite my flaws.

8. Some of my friends love me for my flaws

9. A few of my friends love and care about me.

...And all that doesn't matter if I care about myself as much as I want others to.

Making You Mine

When all the songs seem to be about you
When your voice sheds every shade of blue
And your presence draws light from above
I simply must ask, ‘could it be love?’

When all your wants become mine too
And your smile pearces my chest through
Could it be some silly infatuation,
Or could it be love?

My euphoria sores, my mind's grounded
I know my feelings are firmly founded
When your bliss means more than making you mine
I know it must be love.

Reflections

You go through life trying to please them all
A social construct that will always fall
Your happiness contingent on theirs
Disappointment is the best it fares

Forcing yourself into everyone's mold
Trying to do and look as you’re told
You’re pushed and pulled in all directions
Avoiding truths like deadly infections

You resist eye contact with the mirror
Unfamiliar with how you appear
The shell does not reveal
The person you’re still.

Halo 3

Got my copy of Halo 3 in the mail on Wednesday.

Wow! It is so great! The graphics have substantially improved and the campaign storyline is riveting! I was up until 1am last night "finishing the fight."

It was like watching and participating in a cinematic environment. The scenery was gorgeous with remarkable detail.

The characters seemed like real people as well. Usually video game characters and dialog are one dimensional and lifeless, but the blend of voice talent and animated scenes in Halo 3 sets a new standard for video game story lines.

Angels Find Devils

The world's a certain dichotomy
With a symmetric anatomy
The bad and the good
Both powers understood
Yet the two seem to find
Solace in each other's mind

The bad, they like to take
All the good the good can make
Most bad, they recognize
The good ones as a prize
And still don't wish to be
Like the goodness that they see.

The good, they do not tire
Though their work's consumed by fire.
They'll let themselves be hurt
And drag their feelings through the dirt
They may sing a bitter song,
But go right back to be wronged.

And I cannot comprehend
Why all the energy we expend
Trying to find a fit
With a perfect opposite
While the angels find devils
And demons higher levels.

Sunfish Web Master

Guess who is the Sunfish's new web master? Yeppers! Yours Truly. I'm sure I'm going to get more than I bargained for, but that kind of goes with the territory.

Needless to say I've every intention to improve the site's aesthetics and functionality. I'll be sure to post notes about any alterations I make.

Heartache I Don't Admit

We jumped in real quick
Clearly I was your pick
And you were mine too
Ignoring what we'd go thru
And ignoring who we are
Two worlds; so so far

I change everything for you
Asking for the same is too much
So I leave you behind as I grew
Until our paths no longer touch
The end is painful and slow
And why? Well, we both know.

I still feel your voice
And your skin against mine
Loving you was no choice
Feelings I can't define
The heartache I don't admit
And the feelings won't quit

TMI

1. What did you eat for dinner yesterday? A protein shake with blueberries...not all that yummy, but at least it was something.

2. How much cash is in your purse/wallet right now? NONE!

3. What have you done to avoid being flirted with by someone you didn't like? I don't mind playful flirtation, but I quickly move away from aggressive flirters.

4. Do you believe the theory "Once a cheater always a cheater"? I certainly do~!

5. Describe your sex life in two words. Inconsistent, varied.

Bonus (as in optional): Would you/have you ever paid money for sex? No!

Too skinny?

Ok, so nearly everyone at work thinks I'm too skinny.

I recently started this new low-fat diet and I'm getting leaner, but not really building any mass. I bought some protein shake mix to help my body build muscle, but I don't think swimming is the best way to bulk-up. Soooo, my plan is to get a personal trainer and hopefully consult a dietitian so I can start to gain some GOOD weight.

WoW

Yep, that's right...World of Warcraft! My cousin, Eldon, bought me a copy of the infamous MMORPG and now I'm a computer game nerd in addition to already prevalent nerdiness.

As of today I have a level 11 Horde Warrior. I can't believe how addicting this game is!

Scottsdale Jean Co.

So I totally went crazy and made my way to Scottsdale Saturday morning to buy some jeans at the Scottsdale Jean Company.

The service was great. I had two women helping me find my sizes (30X34) and then giving me feedback when I tried them on. I must have gone through more than 12 pairs in 5 minutes. Talk about power shopping.

Ten minutes and $230 later I had my hot new Jet Lag Jeans. Nice!

I invited my friend Jim to come along, just because we hadn't seen each other in quite a while and he lives near the store. He got to sit in the hot seat a.k.a. the husband chair while I tried on my jeans. The people there most likely assumed he is my sugar daddy, but every penny for those jeans came out of MY account.