Slumdog Millionaire

Today, I went and saw this movie, which just won best picture at the Oscars. I had wanted to see it for awhile and went finally. It is an amazing movie. It is about one man's quest, Jamal to find his true love, Latika by going on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" in India. As he cannot find her, he decides that she can find him as everyone watches this show in India. He is referred to as a "slumdog" because he grew up in the slums of Bombay. Jamal and his older brother Salim were orphaned as children and did many things to survive. During their childhood, Jamal took in Latika. He fell in love with her and her with him. However, many things happened that kept them apart. This was just a great movie as it shows that Jamal was willing to do anything to be with Latika. Anything. It is a great story. If you decide to see it, stay for the credits. They are great. Lets just say some bollywood was incorporated after the movie ended. Also, I know the movie is Rated-R, but there is no cursing or nudity. It is bloody. You will love it though. Do not pass up the oppurtunity to see this movie.

So Boring...

First, I want to congratulate my friend Andrea on her engagement. She is one of the sweetest people I know and I wish her all the best. Yeah Andrea!!!

Lately, I have realized that my blog postings have not been that exciting because in all honesty, my life is kind of dull at the moment. Everyday, I either go to class or I am doing homework. I could bore you all with the details of my file migration project, but I will not do that. There are other things I could discuss but I promised my mom I would keep some aspects of my life off of my blog. She was right. She is coming to visit me in a week and a half for my spring break. I say "spring" break trying not to laugh because we are not even close to having spring out here. The weather is still cold and freezing cold winds do not help it. There will probably be snow on the ground when she arrives.

We are going to head out to Palmyra for a few days. A good thing about going before tourist season begins is that we get good hotel rates and none of the sites will be crowded with people. After spending some days there, we are going to come back and bum around Boston. This translates into we are going to hang in the North End and eat some good Italian food and gelato. I am excited to see her though lately I have questioned why I am not hightailing it back to California to the warmth and my two cute nephews. I realized that if I went back that I may not want to leave. Some days, it is hard to live so far away from everyone I love so dearly. However, I love my life out here. Next week, I am interviewing for a part time job working in the Archival Processing Unit at the JFK Library and Museum. This would be a way cool job and I hope it pans out.

So that is it. That is my life out here. I have the greatest friends out here though which helps. They keep me busy and we always are laughing about one thing or another. I could not ask for better people to have in my life out here. Though there are some people I wish would go away. Lately, I have had to deal with incompotent people. It is frustrating when you are trying so hard to do the right thing and they just are so oblivious to everything. You wonder, should they really be in charge of this? They should not. I have to tell myself they just do not know what they are doing and refrain from yelling or hitting them. I reached my breaking point the other day and delivered one long rant to one of my roommates about these people. If you want more details, call me. I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all!!!

Free Quizno's Sub Anyone?

Usually, I find out about all this free stuff from Ali, thanks by the way. After telling my dad that IHOP gave away free pancakes this morning, he told me Quizno's was doing something similar. So go to Quizno's website http://millionsubs.com/Reg.php?x=1 and sign up for a coupon that will get you a free sub.

Come What May and Love it!

Today, this was the theme of our Relief Society lesson, which was based on the talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin during this past General Conference. I felt the lesson was directed at me. I am not the best when it comes to dealing with change or just difficult/emotional situations in general. However, this lesson provided with hope that I will become better it. Elder Wirthlin's main point was that how we act to adversity can become a factor in how happy and successful in life we can be. That is true.

He told the story of how his football team had lost a tough game. After he came home and lamented the loss to his mother, she said "Come What May, and Love it." He said he thought she was saying that life has it peaks and valleys. Yet in times of disappointment and adversity, those who are happier seem to have an easier time learning from difficult times and becoming happier, stronger, and wiser as a result. He offered suggestions on how to get through these times of adversity:

1. Learn to Laugh: What a great lesson. Laughter is always the best medicine, which I have found with friends these past few weeks. Also, my family laughs at everything, no matter how embarrassing. I think at day's end, it is these funny times with my family that sustains me and gets me throught each day. So, lets laugh more.

2. Seek for the Eternal: Keep everything in an eternal prospective. What happens here is but for a small time. Lets remember the bigger picture, which is what my parents remind me of constantly.

3. Principle of Compensation: The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto in his own way. As we cross the veil, we will be given new oppurtunities.

4. Trust in the Father and the Son: We must always remember to rely on the Lord. Elder Wirthlin said the secret is simple: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to him. He will never lead us astray.

He says that he knows why there is adversity because if it is handled correctly, it can be a blessing in our lives and we can learn to love it. As difficult as this sounds, maybe once we do it, we will find happiness. It will make our lives less difficult and bring us joy. Lets remember to laugh and trust the lord. Through everything, I hold unto the laughter and the lord.

Another Bright Spot in this Economic Recession!!!

With everything that has occurred during this economic recession, I have found another (see post below for the first one) bright spot. According to the International Shark Attach File, which tracks all shark attacks at the University of Florida, shark attack are on the decline due to the economic recession. This is all speculation though on the part of biologist George Burgess of the University of Florida. In 2008, shark attacks dropped to their lowest level in five years because many people may have stopped vacationing at the beach. Only 59 people were attacked in 2008 compared to the 71 in 2007. This is contributed to the current recession because similar drops occurred in 2001, when we went through that recession. Do not worry though, Burgess expects shark attacks to go up over the next 10 years as the economy recovers. So remember, when we finally make it out of this crisis and begin going back to the beach, more people will be attacked once again. How refreshing is that to know?

The article is found at http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/economicrecessionmeansfewersharkattacks in case you think I am making this up. I could not even believe it as I read it. First, millionaries are cutting back on what they spend on their affairs and now, sharks are not attacking as many people. What weird statistic will we want to know next?

Enjoy!!!

President Day's weekend

This past weekend, my roommate Robin invited down to her parent's home in Rhode Island to spend the weekend. They live across from Newport, Rhode Island in Narrangansett. Robin's parents are the sweetest people. They had adopted me into their family and I love spending time at their house. I consider them my surrogate family out here. It is always a good time their with good company, good stories, and good food. From their street, you can see the bridge that leads over to Newport. For those of you who do not know, Newport is home to these huge mansions and beach "cottages." The word cottages is deceptive because these homes are huge too (Pictures will come later. I forgot my camera and had to borrow my roommates).

We spent Valentine's Day night babysitting the two cutest kids, 3 year old Zoe and 5 month old Ethan while their parents went out. Robyn is Ethan's crush and Zoe is this big ball of energy. Move over, Remi, I think their might be some competition for Eli. Just Kidding!!! On Sunday, we went to church and then I had my hair done. Robin's mom, Nadine is this amazing hairstylist. She even showed me the proper way to roundbrush my hair. Afterwards, she took us on a drive throught Jamestown, Rhode Island. It is this quaint little town that has a windmill. Dan in Real Life, the Steve Carrell movie was filmed there. Again, all the houses are grogeous. On Monday, we officially declared it a vacation day. We took Robin's neighbor Stacey with us and Nadine gave me a tour of Newport. We all picked out are summer beach cottages and visited this notel called the Inn at Castlehill, which overlooks the bay. I have decided that my wedding reception needs to occur there.

Nadine showed me Jackie Kennedy's family home that comes complete with a castle guest house where she and President Kennedy stayed when they visisted. We drove by the mansions and through Newport's little downtown. I am looking forward to the spring/summer when everything blooms because Newport will be even more beautiful. We spent time debating how we could find rich husbands to buy us these houses. It was a blast. Again, I will post pictures soon. Also, Laurel, when you come visit we will be going to Newport because you will have so many picture oppurtunities that you will not know what to do with yourself, plus Eli has to meet Zoe.

We ended the night by seeing Confessions of a Shopalcholic and eating a Panera Bread. I had so much fun, but I needed it. See, my life has kind of been on this stupid emotional roller coaster that past few weeks. This has lead to this sensitivity that stupid things were making me cry. You feel like you try so hard and that sometimes, no one understands. I think part of this was being so far away from my family. I just wanted one of them to hug me. Oh, well, it is my struggle and I am handling the best I can.

Another Impact of the Economic Financial Crisis

With everything that has happened during this rough economic time, everybody has been cutting back on their spending, millionaires included. According to Details Magazine, 80% of multimillionaires have cut back on the money they spend on allowances and gifts for their extramarital affairs. Lets applaud these men and women for trying to save some extra cash.

Jane Austen Movie Night

Tonight, I went over to my friend Jen's house to do some visiting teaching, Jen and I are companions, and join in on her apartment's Jane Austen movie night. Each Sunday night, they put on a showing of an Austen classic. Who does not love Jane Austen books or movies? I missed last week's showing of Pride and Prejudice due to the fact I was watching the Super Bowl. They showed Mansfield Park. I had heard of Mansfield Park, but had never the novel or seen any movie version of it.

We watched the BBC version. I enjoyed it. It is a story about a girl named Fannie Price, who is sent by her parents as a little girl to live with her rich aunt and uncle at their home, named Mansfield Park. She grows up with her cousins Tom, Edmund, Mariah, and Julia. She is best friends with Edmund and falls in love with him. However, she does not tell him. As Edmund is the second eldest son in the family, British custom dictates that he will either have to join the military or become a clergyman as his brother Tom will inherit the family wealth. Fannie is not really well liked by her aunt and uncle. As an adult, she secretly wishes to marry Edmund, but he is set to become a reverend. During this time, a brother and sister, Mary and Tom Crenshaw show up at Mansfield Park to pursue rich spouses. When Mary realizes she cannot get the eldest son Tom, she goes after Edmund. Tom initially chases after Mariah, but she is engaged to marry a Sir Rushworth, who is very wealthy. It is a very typical Jane Austen plot. After Tom realizes he cannot get Mariah, he goes after Fannie. However, Fannie wants Edmund and Edmund becomes besotted with Mary.

Have I built up a good intrigue. As not to ruin the ending, though many can guess how is ends, go read the novel or pick up the movie. I have added Mansfield Park to my reading list. I loved the ending. Fannie is a very enduring character, who follows her heart like Elizabeth Bennett, even it will lead her to heartbreak. I am excited about next week's showing though I am not sure what it is. It is a fun time to watch a good movie with friends.

Thursday= Severe Cold and Disabled Trains

Today, it was like 8 degress and I was freezing to say the least. Before leaving for school, I bundled up in my trusty silk long johns, a turtleneck, jeans and two pairs of socks. Then I pulled my warm boots. After this, came the gloves, hat, jacket and scarf. This is how you dress out here. It was cold and as you know, cold and I do not mix well together. On top of this, when I got to the train, they were announcing that their would be delays due to disabled trains. I made it to Park Street, where the stupid disabled train situation effected me.

Of course, the line I take to school was delayed. Not wanting to be late to school, I jumped on a different line that got me to school, but dropped me off further than the train I normally take. It was slow, but I made it to class just in time. However, my face was bright red due to the severe chillin the air. Usually, I can deal with the cold, but it is the wind that hurts. It just whips at you. By the time I got home, I developed a headache and one of my lungs hurt. In talking with my mom, she said that I needed to wrap my scarf around my mouth so cold air does not enter my lungs. Tomorrow, I will heed her advice. Thanks for listening to my stupid complaints.

I have spent the past two weeks going through a break up. Break ups are never easy. I struggled with it initially because of all the emotions that accompany it, but knew at day's end it was the right decision, especially after the period of missing your significant other ends. I enjoyed my time with John, but it was not meant to be for many reasons. It was another learning experience. I learned much about myself and where I see myself going. I could not stay in it due to this fear I felt. Sometimes, it gets hard to try and be someone you are not. You can only do it for so long. You can only try for so long before you realize you are going on two different paths and that your differences are too great to overcome. I really tried. I cannot even express how hard I tried, but it did not work. We were not the best communicators. This is the end of him and I, but a new beginning for me.

I am amazed by the friends I have out here. Since, I got back, I have been doing many things with them. They just take you in, listen to you cry and offer their support. Their friendships also helped me through my initial bout of homesickness. Thanks!!!

GSLIS Rocks!!!

GSLIS is the name of the program I am currently enrolled in at Simmons College. It stands for the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. I realized that of all the many subjects I have discussed in my blog, I have not really touched upon my program beyond complaining about tons of homework and praising my archivial internship.

Many people think all librarians do is shelve and check in/check out books. Also, they tend to answer questions at the Reference desk. Believe me, I am not paying a lot of money to learn about shelving books or checking them in. Instead, I get to take classes like cataloging that teach me how to decide how to describe and classify books for libraries. We do this by creating MARC records, which I am just learning about along with metadata, which is data about data. Nathan and Julee maybe the only two people who just understand what that previous sentence meant. Cataloging is part of the "Information of Organization." We learn how libraries create and use retrieval tools, like online catalogs and finding aids among other things. Most of us are drawn to this program because we are organizers and planners.

Also, I am learning about how to build websites and wikis because libraries maintain them at their job. Next year, I am probably going to take XML and database management. We have to learn how to use computers and the accompanying technology as libraries. As references librarians, we have to just updated on the technological jargon and creations, like mobile visual search, to explain to patrons how to find information on these subjects. Luckily, we are aided by the Reference class, which I will take next semester. There are also classes available for managing electronic records, archives (I am part of the archival concentration), different types of librarianship like law, children's, and medical, and public school teachers. They cover all areas.

It is an interesting Graduate program. The work load is tedious, but we learn much. This semester, I have two professors from New Zealand. We have professors and librarians from all over the world visit our program, which is housed in one of the five buildings that make up Simmons. I am thankful for the oppurtunity to be part of such a great program. I am learning and reading much. This semester, I particularly love my Management class because as future library directors we have to know how to properly manage our libraries. The other class I have is Archives and digital preservation. We are learning how to preserve digital records. This is what I am studying and what I love, though there are days I do not love it when the work gets a little much. I cannot wait to graduate and get into an archive. I have decided that I might migrate back west, who knows!

I have made many friends in my program. We are all bonded by our love for libraries and archives. We always share stories and have a good laugh. We come from all walks of life, but that is what makes Simmons unique. They love to celebrate diversity. You see it everywhere you go. No one judges me because I am LDS. They embrace it and ask many, many questions, which I try to answer to the best of my ability. I love my school.