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It is now officially Christmas...you may rejoice.

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I give up on the 12 days of christmas...it just wasn't really that interesting...lets be honest.  So... ya...

As Seen On Facebook pt. 7

With the iPhone comes an increased ability to communicate.  With this increased ability to communicate comes more communication errors.  Thankfully, apple is there to fix our typing errors for us....

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

On the ninth day of Christmas my life gave to me: 9 presents bought.

So, like my father, I am notorious for doing my Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve.  This year, I decided to do it a little early.  So, I bought some gifts for my mom and for my brother.  I hope they'll like their presents.  But, because I was so proud of myself for buying presents early, I bought myself two presents: The Help and Midnight In Paris.  I just absolutely love those movies.  You know its a great day when you buy yourself 2 presents for buy presents for other people before the last second... I like to think that this is a very sound thought process :)

12 days of Christmas - Day 8

On the eighth day of Christmas my life gave to me: eight phone calls during one show.

So, one thing about being home is that my parents receive an obnoxious amount of calls during the day.  And by obnoxious, I mean it is absolutely ridiculous.  i don't even know how they survive.  Its not wonder they're always out, they can't stand the ringing phone.

Now, not all these calls are legit for them: political calls, fisherman's market, wrong numbers, toll frees etc etc etc.

Now, I had decided to sit down and watch an episode of Super Nanny because I love me some Jo Jo.  In this 60 minute program I received 8 phone calls.  It was ridiculous.  I mean, how many of you actually get that many phone calls in a 60 min period just because?  I'm guessing very few of you.  Something NEEDS to happen here!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 7

On the seventh day of Christmas my life gave to me: 7 episodes of ANTM.

So, you know how when you go home for Christmas you're so thrilled to be out of school.  You get to relax, there is no homework, nothing really pressing.  But then, after a few days, you realize you have nothing to do... no homework, nothing really pressing.  That's when the TV gets turned on I get sucked in. I mean, me and my sister have always had a thing for ANTM anyway.  Combine boredom with a marathon...and its over.  I must find something to do with myself!!!  Yay Cycle 15...

12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

On the sixth day of Christmas my life gave to me: six people asking why I'm still not married.

Ah...the home ward... nuff said.

12 days of Christmas - Day 5

On the fifth day of Christmas my life gave to me: a 5 hour recording session

12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

On the fourth day of Christmas my life gave to me: four hours of extra sleep.

Christmas break...Hallelujah.  When is the last time I got to sleep in AND take a nap in the same day??  Its been far too long.  I love you, break!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

On the third day of Christmas my life gave to me: the three smells I hate the most.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

On the second day of Christmas life life gave to me: two awful finals.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: a stress fracture in my foot.

As Seen On Facebook Pt. 9: O Holy-moly!

O Holy Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs...indeed, one might say it IS my favorite Christmas song.  It has so many great things about it: a huge range, a lyrical melody, an exquisite french text and a great high note at the end.  As I think of this song, many of the great artists come to mind: Pavarotti, Celine, Mariah, Martina, Phelps, Charlotte, or Kiri.  However, there is another version that has come to my attention.  One that dwarfs all the others.  One that has so much feeling, so much emotion, so much drama...so many wrong notes.  I hope you enjoy it as I have!

To The Haters: A Lyric-apalooza

This is a lovely little collection of song lyrics dedicated to the haters.  I hope you enjoy it!

Pet Peeve pt. 2 (revision 1)

Well, I should start by saying thanks to everyone who read the first edition of this post.  I had my highest viewing day ever at about 150 independent views.  And while the negative backlash was rather jarring, most everyone loved it.  So, due to popular demand, I am going to re-post it in a very edited and revised edition.  Before you keep reading, please make sure that you have read "Pet Peeve pt. 1."

My Debut

Tonight I got to make my grand conducting debut on the DeJong concert hall stage.  As director of the University Chorale day section I couldn't be prouder of the concert we had tonight, and the efforts that they all put into their concert.

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Wow...its down.  Lets all calm down...  It was all in jest and to be sensational.  Just like the other one I posted less than a week ago that NOONE had ANY qualms with.

Bullying

This video absolutely broke my heart.  I empathized and sympathized with this kid, Jonah, on so many levels.  Sure, I've been bullied; indeed I think most of us have been to varying degrees.  Some people are more able to repel such negativity, others internalize it and become tormented souls.  For the life of me, I don't understand why it happens.  I don't understand how children so young become filled with so much hate.  It makes me wonder what is going on in the homes of these kids.

Let the Christmas Season Begin

I wanted to start off this Christmas season with a little poem that I find just lovely.  It was written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman and is called Wishes and Candles.  It embodies everything that this holy season should be about: caring, family, helping, laughter, smiles, and peace.  The poem was later used by a Stephen Paulus, a wonderful composer.  The BYU Combined Choirs just sang it this year at their Celebration Of Christmas concert.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Pet Peeve pt. 1

Fall and winter are two of my favorite seasons. The fall jackets, cold mornings, scarves, Christmas music, winter fashion, snow in the mountains, and well dressed people. Unfortunately there are a couple of new trends out there... well newish trends. I find them to be ugly, hideous, outlandish, unprofessional, sloppy, undignified, unrefined, and absolutely unwearable.

As Seen On Facebook Pt. 8

This is very very awkward... People...you absolutely NEED to practice before the big day. Do what ever you have to do! If you don't, you'll look like this...

Mary Kate

I was recently introduced to a new breed of comedy video. It hails from College Humor. Its called Very Mary Kate, and it chronicles the very exciting life of Mary Kate Olson. This is her video on cheating

Silly Sightings

So, I have been awful about posting. I commit to being much better from now on. I have decided to start a new section to my blog. And its name shall be called Silly Sightings. I will try and include pictures, although this I didn't get one for this particular sighting.

So, today whilst getting in my car, what do you reckon my eyes would behold? Up drives a '82 Chevy Camero. Inside was a man. A man with an 80s mullet, aviators, and a pedophile mustache. He was wear a tight yellow shirt that didn't completely cover his mid-section. It was the most the greatest sightings of the day. I laughed the whole way home! Imagine...

Jim Meskimen

I just really like him.





Enjoy

As Seen On Facebook pt. 7

This is a nice little video gem found on facebook.  I feel like I should send it to several of my own family members.  I still remember the day that I made the switch from hotmail to gmail.  I'm still indebted to my dear friend Beth Wytoski for seeing me through such a dramatic change.

The Iron Lady

Meryl Streep is back and in the role of another very important woman.  This time as former Prime Minister of the United Kindom, Margaret Thatcher.  Here is the very short teaser that has been released!

When David Heard

In my music theory class we're studying about bi-tonality and pandiatonicism.  Well, there is a certain choral composer who stands out right now in the pandiatonic medium: Eric Whitacre.  So, we listened to a bit of one of his pieces.  When David Heard is one of his most emotional, driving, intense, and chaotic pieces yet.  When you know the story behind it, its even more moving.  I've included a video of BYU Singers performing it (since it was written for them).  I hope you enjoy the story and the music.

The "I'm Feeling Richer" Effect

I feel like this is me.  As my Grandpa would say, "I have a champagne taste on a beer budget."

For the Foodies

This past weekend Les Freres Gourmand (my catering company) got the chance to cater a wonderful recital put on by the incredibly talented Mariah Wilson.  She performed perfectly on piano, vibrantly vied on violin, harmoniously hammed it up on the harp, and absolutely amazed with her alto voice.  It was a stunning event, and so we decided to provide some stunning food.  Here are some pics and descriptions of what the evening provided.

Elitism

The following is taken from an interview with Justice Antonin Scalia (my absolute favorite Supreme Court Justice).  I think that his points are utterly fascinating, and in need of attention... by all.

"The thing that I most worry about; we will never be a distinguished age if we do not believe in excellence, if we have a hostility towards 'elitism.' the very notion that there some modes of behavior, some usages of language that are better than others.  The very notion that anything is better than anything else.  Once you reject that notion you're never gonna improve.  I'm afraid we've bought into that in a lot of fields.  'One man's vulgarity is another man's lyric.'  I mean, that is terrible.  What do you expect your language to come to if you believe in that.  But, its not true.  There are dignified and excellent ways to behave.  And there are undignified and base ways to behave. And people who regularly do the former are better than people who regularly do the latter.  And unless you believe that you're gonna have a vulgar society."

Arrogance

"There is no place for arrogance in our lives.  There is no place for conceit.  There is no place for egotism"
~Gordon B. Hinkley

Another Laura Pausini song

So, this is just a song that I like.  I guess it kinda highlights my mood sometimes...hahaha.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.  I've included the text below the video if you wanna read along.

A Worthwhile Idea?

Hello Readers,
  So, I had this idea but I wanted to get a little input.  I've been trying to think of ways to get more Dear Ottis letters going, and helping more people, and having a little more fun.  I think I might have figured out a way to do it: The Daily Universe.  I could become one of their contributing columnists and have a Dear Ottis letter posted Daily or weekly.  And then maybe we'd get some more people writing in.  What do you think?  Does anyone know the procedure that must be followed to become that type of contributing editor?  Does any one have any contacts I could get a hold of?  Does anyone have any suggests? comments? concerns?  Let me know!  I'm really excited!  haha.
Ottis  

From a friend

So, I have a good friend that is in a Marriage and Family Prep class here at BYU.  While the subject may be interesting and all, it is certainly not one of those classes I ever took.  Anyway.  She got this email from one of the kids in her class.  I've removed the name so as to keep his identity private.  Anyway, I think its hysterically awkward.  Give it a glance...should you so desire!

Dear Ottis-

So, I met this way awesome guy a little while ago and we were able to spend a lot of time together to get to know one another; we really enjoyed being around one another and it was obvious to us and everyone around us. There were some barriers that prevented us from being able to date, but we finally decided to go for it anyway and we had a blast together! We knew we would, and so we were laid back around one another and could be completely ourselves. I went home at the end of the semester to visit family and ended up staying a little longer than originally anticipated. We kind of communicated for a little while when I was home, but then I didn't hear from him until I got back and texted him first, simply asking how everything was going. Long story short, he was worried to disrupt things going on back home with me, but he did say he had been wondering how I was. 

After our last date, he said he'd be seeing me soon since we had so much fun together, but now that I'm back, I haven't seen him, and it's been nearly a month and a half. As I said earlier, I contacted him first and we texted back and forth for a couple of days and I finally asked him when I would get the chance to see him again and his answer was quite vague. He merely said, "soon!" 

Perhaps some may view that as still hopeful, but to me, that's the thing you say to someone you don't really want to see. "We'll have to do that someday." You know how it is, those kinds of responses, those empty promises...So anyway, I let a few days go by and never heard from him again, so I just texted seeing how everything was going and he never responded. People get caught up with work and such and forget to respond, so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. I let a few more days pass on and sent another text asking how he was, but he never responded. 

Now, I decided to give up on the man because I felt I had been giving him the benefit of the doubt quite a bit. He's got a phone, he knows I'm back in town, yet, he's done nothing. However, I discovered the other day that my phone has been having problems and I haven't received texts from some people, so I can't help but wonder if he perhaps tried to text and I never got it? I do hate to give up on something that has so much potential. He was different and I wanted to see where it would lead. I don't want to look back on life and regret letting him "be the one that got away," and I'm confused because we had so much fun together. He made it quite clear he was interested from the very beginning and throughout our time together. Things do happen, I know. Perhaps he's no longer interested? I just don't want to miss out on something that could have been so great, but I don't know if I'm just giving him the benefit of the doubt too much? I kind of see it as this: He has a phone. He knows I'm back. If he sent a text and I didn't respond, he could actually dial my number and talk to me. 

He doesn't seem like a phone person, so...? Like I said, this guy is awesome and I really don't want to miss out on something great, but I don't want to come off pathetic and desperate by clinging to something that isn't there, refusing to see the oh, so obvious elephant in the room. Do I need to get over my pride and text once more? Or am I not seeing the facts in front of me and need to move on?

Help me, Ottis Wan-Kenobi. You're my only hope.

--Romantically Retarded

As Seen On Facebook pt. 6

We all love a good wedding proposal, don't we?  This is one of the greatest I've seen in some time.  As mormons, we for some reason greatly appreciate creativity in the way we ask people out, be it for dates, marriage, prom, what ever.  Unfortunately, our desire to be creative has been so thoroughly ingrained and so ferociously pushed upon us that we get way out there in our attempts.  It really gets to be ridiculous and not all that fun.  This gentleman however, was uber creative, brilliant and kept the element of fun in it!  I hope you enjoy this marriage proposal as much as I did!

It's Not Goodbye

This song has been in my head lately.  Not totally sure why.  But, hopefully you'll enjoy it.  Lyrics are in the video.

The Hugs

Its been quite some time since I've discussed a flirtation technique on here, but I feel like its about time.  After all, disseminating my immense knowledge of flirtation was part of the purpose of this blog...hahaha.  So, todays topic is one of those interesting ones... the flirtatious hug.  So, I hope that you'll find this info enlightening and useful in your flirtatious endeavors.

Notice

Everyone should tune into BYUtv on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 at 11AM MST.  There, you will see something you've never seen before. Be excited.  What is this treasure you'll behold?  Its simple.  I'll be conducting the choir that will be opening the meeting!  I'm so excited/nervous! So, everyone watch, and let me know what you think!

Are you a Loser?

High school is one of those awful times in life for many of us.  A time of change, not fitting in, and utter awkwardness.  For others, it was our one and only time of power and glory.  A time when we had popularity, looks, youth, and ambition.  Some of us couldn't get out of high school fast enough, and others still can't seem to get out of it.  What an interesting time indeed.

Awkward Confession

So, I have to give this small confession.  Lately I've been awkwardly obsessed with two tv shows.  Neither of said shows are ones that I should be watching, for they're either too...well, they're both just weird... but funny in their own way.  Today, while watching one of the episodes, I just about died of laughter at how ridiculous.

Oh Utah...

Gotta love the random weather in Utah.  This morning, as I was walking into the bookstore to get my salad it was snowing.  2 minutes later when I was leaving the bookstore with my salad, it was blue skies and sunny (though windy...)  How weird is that!!!

As Seen On Facebook pt. 5

God bless the Marines of the United States of America.  They're hysterical

Wedding Bells Are Ringing? Or aren't they...

"Here comes the bride, all dressed in white (or ivory...) sweetly serenly in the soft glowing light.
Lovely to see, marching to thee, sweet love united for eternity."  ~Richard Wagner

Let me begin by saying that I had NO idea the Richard Wagner wrote the text/music to this well known wedding march for a wedding scene in an opera... crazy huh!  Second of all, I have been watching a lot of Say Yes to the Dress and it has inspired the experience of todays posting

Behold, it is Finished

"It is finished, it is finished: hear him cry, hear him cry."  Today is the blessed day when I have finished yet another round of finals.  It is one of the greatest days and most liberating feelings that one has each semester.  This semester has been long, exciting, interesting, stressful, and tiresome.  Luckily, its done.  Allow me to outline the week for you.

New Movie Excitement

There are 3 new movies coming out that I am ridiculously excited for.  Do these movies show that I am a complete dork/geek? Maybe...  Am I proud of it? Maybe...  Does it show I love medieval things? Maybe...  Does it show that I have a little thing for magic? Maybe...  Anyway, I'd like to show you all 2 of the trailers, and then a longer vlog post.

A Fond Farewell

As Thursday arrived this morning, and as I lay in my bed thinking about what I need to do today, it dawned on me: classes are over for the semester.  What a huge relief I felt.  Granted, I still have finals coming up.  I have to take a listening and multiple choice exam for Music History, I have a Theory final, a Dictation final, and then I have to give a conducting final.  All in all, I think it should be very doable.  Then I'm free for a weekend.

A Sunday First

"Welcome, welcome sabbath morning; Now we rest from ev'ry care.   List! The merry children's singing!  What a pleasing, joyful sound!"  Oh, what a tangled web we weave...  Anyway, this past Sunday I did something that I have always swore I would never do, something that I have avoided for ages, something that has constantly frightened me to the very core: I sang in church.  Let me tell you, this merry child's singing was probably not a pleasing or joyful sound.

As Seen On Facebook pt. 4

In these troubled times, we really could all use a good friend in our lives.  Someone that will tell us we're being stupid, someone who will stop us from making bad choices, someone who will recognize the little things we do and the little things that we change.  Well, there is such a friend out there for each of us.  I hope we can all find that singular Sassy Gay Friend.  The one who will tell us to look our life and look at our choices.  The one who will tell us that we're having a good hair day.  The one who can get us out of our beds when we're down.  The one who will correct our beverage choices...?

people suck and I hate them. the end

Glee Assignment

In continuing with my tradition of doing Glee assignments, I present to you this weeks assignment: Sexy.  Be aware that this borderline scandalous episode might inspire a borderline scandalous assignment.

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Thanks to my dear hormonal friend hCG, I have now officially lost over 60lbs.  And even better, for the first time in the process, yesterday I actually felt like I had lost some weight!  This is a wonderful new development.  Just another 30-40 to go and I'll be happy as a clam.

As Seen On Facebook pt. 3

There are so many pearls on Facebook, so many nuggets of Joy.  This is one that was brought to my attention by my cousin Rachelle.  While, I have no clue what they're saying, its still hilarious.  Great joke to play on someone if you're daring.

Advice for Young Girls from a Disney Princess

In a world with so much confusion, so much immorality, so much destruction, and so much evil there is finally a real person young girls can turn for advice: The Disney Princesses.  These young, naive, innocent women can share their priceless experiences and valuable information with the young girls of today.

Presidents Day: A day of firsts and old traditions

Yesterday was one of those precious 3-day weekend holidays that are high in demand, but few and far between: Presidents day. I spent my time off from school and work doing several firsts and, of course, a few good and cherished traditions.  Basically, the way any holiday should be spent!  Unfortunately, this is the last 3 day weekend of the semester.  Allow me to outline some of these things for you:

Glee Assignment

  This week on Glee, we had ourselves a little Diva-off.  Mercedes and Rachel sang my favorite song from the musical Rent: Take Me or Leave Me.  Now, while they had a grand old time singing it, and in so doing re-kindled their friendship, they definitely didn't do the song as much justice as the Idina Menzel version.  I am a great fan of divas.  Especially the great divas of the 90s.  So, I did the assignment.

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It is now 2011!   Happy New Years everyone!!!  I hope everyone got a nice new years kiss, and that we've all made our plans to have a successful year!