Maximum Security

I am sure that everyone has at least seen some kind of movie that depicted a heist of something with an incomprehensible value. One of my personal favorites is any of the Oceans movies. (This also might tell a lot about our society that there are so many movies with robberies taking place?) Innumerable traps of unpredictable lasers, silent alarms with hidden trip wires, and decoys that are replicated with even the most minute details are set in place to thwart the experienced thieves.

Hawaii has at least one well kept gem. Sharisse. The test wasnt dodging lasers or tricking cameras but interviews with two gatekeepers/father figures. To clarify, Sharisse did not instigate either of these. They took it upon themselves. There was no intimidation tactics used of course, just plain ole soul searching questions. My verbal agility proved to be up to snuff cuz I made it to the actual one-on-one conversation.

Sharisse is an exceptionally thoughtful person. Thoughtful as to the learning opportunities available to her and the effect she chooses for them to have on her. Thoughtful as to giving her attention to those who never even directly ask for it. Thoughtful as to children and the little wonders that they are. Thoughtful as to how her decisions will effect those she loves. And in my opinion the most important, thoughtful to Heavenly Fathers desire for her life and her service to others. There is no doubt in my mind our personal worth increases as we point out the worth of others. I find it funny to think that in the eternal skeem of things, we're all of infinite worth and those that recognize this most are not to be put in maximum security, but maximum access. Thank you so much for your time and lessons taught Sharisse!

Tenacious Tuner

Symphonies are modern day miracles. I know that this is quite the statement but so many seemingly superfluous elements are combined in order to generate a myriad of emotions within the audience (call it a geek alert if you'd like ) Instruments must be meticulously tuned, the rhythm or count that requires attention or stuck like unto a suction cup,and the cut-co knife precision of first chair violinist showing the way.
Caitlin is a violinist with the makings of a first chair or concertmaster. This position is also the one that the rest of the symphony members tune their instruments to. After meeting her, I know that I'm trying to tune my life to follow the trail she's blazing. Caitlin is exceptional in the ability she has to make and work towards worthy goals. Example: with no extensive running experience, she thought it would be a great idea to do a marathon. The kicker for me was that the morning after our date she ran 20 miles as planning. So many good reasons to have changed that to a different day.
What an incredible feeling of satisfaction will echo in the thoughts of those who spent their lives in the realization of worthy goals! Thank you Caitlin for your attuning me to the good life.

Listen to rudyardas Playlist

Where did they all come from?

What phenomenal people I have the privilege to meet!

In fear that this phrase might be understood as cliche, let me expound on the latest example in my life. Brittany is the friend of a friend that I had in college, Heidi. If Heidi were a medical supply she would definitely be a cotton ball because she is so kind and careful with all she meets, not to mention pure. Heidi described Brittany "one of the best people that I know." When I repeated this to Brittany... she reminded me of how kind Heidi is to everyone.

Brittany is classy, but don't be surprised when she pulls out a little sass of her bag o tricks. Evidence to this point: Heidi asked her if she would be willing to participate and she agreed. I called Brittany shortly thereafter to find out when would work best for her HECTIC schedule. (Brittany is an exceptional planner) Of course the first time you talk to someone you would like to know the basics about them: where did you grow up? How many siblings do you have? What cut of diamond do you prefer? Basic stuff. Well, in the middle of my questions, Brittany interjects with, " wait a minute! why are you asking me these questions now? What is the date for then?" What sass sea bass!

Most exceptional about Brittany is her dedication. In my mind there is no question that her family is priceless to her. The amount of time she dedicates to spending with them shows that. She is ever expansive in the responsibilities she takes on at her job, and dedication is what enables her to do that. Most importantly, she has an ARDENT desire to study and ponder upon the words of the modern day prophets because of her tremendous dedication to make her will and Heavenly Fathers will one in the same. Thank you so much for your example, it has been my privilege.

Straight shooter!

Yesterday I had the privilege to participate in the mormon bachelorette. Before you read any further I would invite you to visit the blog if you haven t already: http://themormonbachelorette.blogspot.com/

My personal feelings are that Aubrey got it right on as to the interpretation of how the date went and what the most significant parts were. IT was a straight shot if you will. HOWEVER it wasnt Aubery that fired the gun and Aubery wasnt the target either. I pulled the trigger and it was aimed at my foot!

Upon telling Aubrey about this blog she asked me the question, "is your blog an experiment or is the goal to find true mormon love?" And that is when I pulled the trigger, aiming at my foot and responded, "Weeelllll....". KABOOM!

Winston Churchill wrote that "to every man there comes a time in his lifetime, that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered that chance to do a very special thing...what a challenge if that moment finds him unprepared..." I was tapped and I choked!

By that simple pause I undermined all that Ive strived to learned in my brief life's experience. Every person is born with an infinite price tag attached to them. Experiments belong in the labs and should never be done with humans, especially their emotions. If there is anyone that had felt that way in regards to how Ive treated them please accept my honest apology. I pray that my conduct toward everyone I meet, which might be you the reader someday, will reflect the idealogy that C.S. Lewis expressed when he said "but it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit-immortal horrors or everlasting splendors...next to the blessed sacrament, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses...for in him also Christ... is truly hidden."

I hope that I have once again been a straight shooter, this time in the expression of my feelings. Aubrey, you are justified in your decision to "maybe" wait until you read my blog to decide if I deserve a second. I dont blame you if side with jack johnson in that "maybe always means no."

And last but definitely not least is what I found to be exceptional about Aubrey. Per my video response, I would first like to say how committed she is. This is NO SMALL TASK. Soo many guys with soo many behind the scene productions to make. Wonderfully committed. Beautiful, energetic, spiritual, and most of all kind make her as stated earlier, an everlasting splendor. Thank you so much for your time Aubrey.

I havent read a scientific report that proves it, but I would be so bold as to say that once youve meet someones parents its like finding the root word: it gives everything meaning. There was a friend I worked with for a couple of summers. I had plenty of reasons to admire him and a few reasons to pull my hair out. The second summer I stayed in his home and got to know his parents well enough to see where each attribute had come from. It was so insightful.

My date with Michelle was the first time that I had spent time with one of the participants parents. Of course I hardly knew Michelle before the date (other than a little facebook action:) Personally it might do me well to explain the exceptional in the parents. Her father is a humble intellect. (Michelle, your parents are free to call me to receive a clarification if needed, promise) Family tradition is to gather for a sporadic lesson from father ranging from economics, to politics, between the north and south poles, and over the plan of salvation. Thus covering everything under the sun. Yet humble enough to accept input from my sometimes , well, limited understanding.

Mother is a, well, sharp cookie. Sharp for that she takes the time to research into her interests. The little I know about was in nutrition. Children just need cookies sometimes and Mother dishes out!, of course they are nutritious oatmeal cookies, but delicious just the same. She thrives in her duties as a mother.

So to cut to the skinny, Michelle is an exceptional blend of the two. Intelligent chef and a humble nurturer. (Although not in the top ten of the popular compliments, it tops them all on my charts!) Michelle, we'll just say Im going to propose a new item on the Blenders in the Grass menu, cuz you are a wonderful blend.

I dont know who it was that said it or when they said it to me but it was in regard to how you know when you are good friends, if not best friends (the meaning of what a best friend is has 10,000 different means, so Ill go with whatever comes to your mind first). You've arrived at this pivotal point when you and a friend are perfectly comfortable with the absence of conversation or silence. Try it, take the time to make it awkward by not saying a thing and see if either of you feels awkward.

This cant and never should be tested on a first date, but I think that it is equally important to the strength of an immediate friendship if you and your date are able to make something out of nothing, enjoy just the company of one another. And my how I enjoyed my time, if only the conversation with Amy.

The plans I had made for the date were thwarted by the unexpected store hours of our destination. All it took to remedy that was a little dessert and the conversation flourished. We spoke most of the experiences we had while serving as full-time LDS missionaries on opposite sides of the world. What I found about Amy to be exceptional was the generosity, empathy, sincerity, and genuineness with which she served a people she could have described only a short time earlier as foreign. How blessed those people were to have the attention of such a wonderful person. How I love it when plans dont come together. Grazie Amy for your time.