Can Someone Clue Me In?

I am confused and need some clarification. What is the deal with these public blogs like "Seriously So Blessed" and "NieNie" and "cJane", etc? And I am not being sarcastic, I seriously just want to know. Is it like reading a favorite column? I have trouble keeping up with friends' and family's blogs as it is! Please, someone shed some light on this for me.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Widely recognized as an enduring and influential piece of literature, Dr. Viktor E. Frankl first began Man’s Search for Meaning as an anonymous essay or treatise on Logotherapy, his physiological brain child, and the experiences that led to its creation. Convinced by colleagues, Dr. Frankl put his name on and in his work to give us the gem we have today. And it is a gem, brimming with quotable thoughts and sometimes life improving and others life changing ideas. Dr. Frankl’s book is divided into two sections. The first explores his first hand experiences in Nazi concentration camps, the second part builds upon the first as he lays forth logotherapy.

Dr. Frankl made the odds of 1 in 28 persons to survive a Nazi concentration camp despite his small physical frame. Instead of focusing on the atrocities committed in a concentration camp that we are traditionally acquainted with, the first half of his book focuses instead on the effect of camp life on prisoners’ psyches which he experienced first hand as a psychologist. I will spare details and stories, but neither the reader nor Dr. Frankl can deny the small miracles and acts of providence that he surely experienced.

Dr. Frankl builds on these experiences in a concentration camp to present logotherapy to the reader in the second half of his book. While he uses an entire book to lay forth logotherapy, I cannot here, in a smaller space, spell it forth but I can use words such as “no nonsense” but also “common sense” and yet still “empathy” to describe it.

As I said before, this book is brimming with quotes and ideas, and they will most likely speak differently to different people. But there are three ideas that particularly spoke to me. First, he dispels the idea that life owes each of us something. He says that as a prisoner one had to change his attitude toward life:
“It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life—daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the task which it constantly sets for each individual.”

Second, a correction to the idea that happiness is the only productive state a human should experience. First, Dr. Frankl says, “Happiness must not be pursued; it must ensue.” And while there is obviously value in having happiness, saying life should only and always be happy, which is what our culture certainly promotes with enticements to be consistently entertained, is saying that life has no meaning otherwise. He quotes a colleague, “our current mental-hygiene philosophy stresses the idea that people ought to be happy, that unhappiness is a symptom of maladjustment. Such a value system might be responsible for the fact that the burden of unavoidable unhappiness is increased by unhappiness about being unhappy.” Dr. Frankl believes there is meaning to suffering (unavoidable suffering, not masochistic suffering) at least because it is part of life, everyone’s life. He states, “But not only creativeness and enjoyment [in life] are meaningful. If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be meaning in suffering.” It would surely be self destructive to imagine that suffering, which arguably we experience at least half of our lives, makes at least half of our lives worthless! He also laments that since current society doesn’t see any value in suffering they do not allow a sufferer to be proud and dignified in his suffering nor see value in what can be learned from it. (Can anyone say “bailout?”) And he goes on:
“We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed. For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at is best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one’s predicament into a human achievement.”

The third idea that impacted me was a correction to the idea that we should find tension and guilt free equilibrium. Current philosophy may have you feeling pressure to feel no guilt or tension in your life and consequently you may feel there is something “wrong” with you because you do feel tension, guilt or suffering. So you feel tension to achieve or become? Dr. Frankl says it is not only natural but desirable. He says,
“Thus it can be seen that mental health is based on a certain degree of tension, the tension between what one has already achieved and what one still ought to accomplish, or the gap between what one is and what one should become. Such a tension is inherent in the human being and therefore is indispensable to mental well-being. We should not then, be hesitant about challenging a man with a potential meaning for him to fulfill.”
Dr. Frankl also says guilt is an opportunity to change oneself for the better. So in essence, don’t cause additional tension or guilt about feeling tension or guilt, just move ahead and answer what life asks of you the best you can. But be sure it is your very best.

While Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl certainly helps one with their search for meaning, it also helps the reader take life in stride with hope of ending as a better person than we began.

The Truth

In place of my frequent political blog posts, I have decided to start my own political column here on my website. You will see I have made my blog a 3 column layout, and my new column "The Truth..." will be on my left sidebar along with my other political widgets. So for your political education and enlightenment, enjoy my new column!

Georgia Aquarium

On Saturday we made the 3 hour drive to Atlanta, Georgia, to visit the fabulous Georgia Aquarium. It is either the largest aquarium in the world or they have the single largest aquarium tank in the world, I never could figure it out which they meant. Either way, it was awesome. This particular exhibit was an oceans exhibit. This room was amazing. You can see one of the whale sharks up in the corner.Here is another shot of a whale shark from the less populated ballroom--yes they have a ballroom that people can have events in for up to 6000 people. I have to say seeing it swim right at you was a bit intimidating and I even had to step away from the glass a bit.
We were also able to see a Titanic exhibit that was there but we weren't allowed to take pictures. They had 190 artifacts recovered from the wreckage site. Very neat. They also had recreated rooms and lots and lots of facts and things to read--my favorite. Tyler and I were very glad we paid the extra $5 or so to see it.Our favorite exhibit was the beluga whales. Tyler likes beluga whales and they were so cute to watch. They resembled seals in the way they swam and did tricks all the time and looked like they loved their lives. They were sweet.More than just fish, this aquarium provides the whole experience (and are rewarded handsomely for it). I was impressed at how nicely it was done. I don't think any expense was spared and the architecture and decor are very modern. It is also very Disneyland-esq complete with themed music everywhere, engaging lighting and lighting features (above), staging and themes for each exhibit, overpriced food and gift shop, and it was very very crowded as the day went on. Luckily we avoided the pricey food by packing a lunch and eating it in the car before hand and also avoided the out of control crowds by being as early as possible.
Here's an example of the staging I mentioned. And of course there are the corporate sponsor. Some people don't like that stuff but I don't mind it. I think it's smart. Cameron proved a bit of trouble, but who could blame him as he was being toted around an aquarium when he should have been napping. I don't know if you noticed from the pictures, but Cameron went through 3 different modes of "toting." First he was in the backpack but got fussy so we put him on the monkey leash. That didn't work at all so we went back to the car and traded the backpack for the stroller which worked fine. We're glad to be getting this figured out before the big Disneyland trip in June. But Cameron did have a good time and really like watching the fish...and the other kids, he definitely like watching the other kids.After finishing at the aquarium earlier than we'd planned, we decided to walk around a bit. We walked by Coke World, which faces the aquarium, and while we didn't go inside we got free Coke Zeros from vendors outside. We ended up strolling through the Centennial Olympic Park (remember the 1996 Olympics were in Atlanta). The park, and this part of the city in fact, were beautiful and so green. We decided Atlanta was another place we wouldn't mind living. We got to watch the water fountain show for a while--kind of like the Belagio but much smaller.And then we walked by the CNN Center and I told them to suck it after throwing up in my mouth a little bit from the overwhelming smell of liberals.On the way home we decided to eat dinner at Cracker Barrel. It's a chain and I've been to one in Utah before but it is out of control down here. They are everywhere and always packed. So we decided to go for the experience. I got my first Chicken n' Dumplings and Tyler got all kinds of southerly sides like hash brown casserole and fried apples with his loaded Chicken strips--read: Chicken layered with bacon and cheese. We were very happy to have the food and stuffed ourselves silly. Another satisfying day in the South!

This is the next up and coming potential problem to deal with. We're just hoping for a delay in the time it takes him to figure out how to take off pants. After that it will be time for packing or duck tape. This is why it's always a good idea to check on your kids before you go to sleep.

The Best Mothers Day Weekend Ever!

First of all, a big shout out to MY mother on Mothers Day! Here she is after giving birth to me. She is the best mother! She raised 6 no nonsense girls to be just as strong as her. Now that I am a mom, I like to think of when I was her baby. It makes me realize how much she has loved me all along. They say you don't know what your parents feel for you until you are a parent yourself. Amen! Thanks Mom for loving me that much and more!

This year was my second experience with Mothers Day and it was the best one yet! As is usually the case in our little family, holidays stretch to encompass a few days. So this whole weekend was my Mothers Day weekend in effect. First, Friday night Tyler and I watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button which I cried my eyes out during. The next morning, we went to the city recreation center where we have a family membership to take Cameron swimming for his first (real) time!He sure is a brave boy! The pool here (an indoor heated pool, so nice) had a long wheelchair ramp entrance that also doubles as a good kiddie swim area. He walked right in and walked in up to his neck with no reservation. Then we took him out in the deep area and played with him and he really loved being in the water. Unfortunately he graced the trip with a slip and fall to the back of his head which put a damper on the event, but he eventually recovered and we had a nice hour long swim.After the swim, all three of us went down for naps. We took long leisurely naps and afterward I treated myself to a long leisurely bath--remember, Mothers Day weekend. We decided to go out for Mothers Day dinner that night along with all other sabbath observing Mormons, and after some deliberation decided to go to none other than...Carl's Jr!! Or Hardee's as it's called here, and everywhere else not in the West. Interesting, everything is identical except for the name and the menu differs slightly. Here's Cameron enjoying a toy. You can see his little scab.After a very messy dinner we went on a leisurely trip to Lowe's to get me a Mothers Day plant (instead of flowers). (Note on picture: we took a first and I looked fat and sloppy so I overly shaped up for the second, kind of kidding, kind of not.) I have traditionally been a very poor gardener and have killed every house plan I've owned. But I love landscaping and plan to get into it when I have a yard so I figure I need to venture out and try my luck again. It was really funny how nervous I was to pick a plant. I kept saying I wished they had info about how hearty each plant was so I'd know which one to pick. After picking a Hosta plant, we spent a while looking at appliances, lights, etc, and saying which ones we would get for our future house and giving our expert oppinion on things. You know how it goes. That evening we decided that since we had been distracted thinking about it all day, to keep the redbox DVD a second night and watched Benjamin Button again, only to cry even more the second time. I'm a glutton for emotional movies.

Ithink that was one of my best days in a long time. Both of my favorite boys and no appointments and no where to be, just a whole day to do whatever we wanted.

On Sunday, real Mothers Day, Tyler made me a good breakfast, as good as possible with only a microwave, and gave me my awesome presents.Usually I spell out exactly what I want from him but lately we've been trying out surprises, you know, like presents are supposed to be. He did a great job! With a limited budget set by me, Tyler went out and got me a PedEgg (supposed to be really great, says someone he works with), a big bag of Skittles (my fave), a sleep mask and of course a very cute card. Okay, I must explain the sleep mask. Our room has two windows and outside the courtyard is very brightly lit (you know, it's college) and the sun comes up early and the cheap blinds do very little so I am always complaining how light it is in the room. It makes for broken sleep in the morning. So you can see why this gift is perfect.

After a delicious meal of a Stouffers lasagna (the dining hall is closed for two weeks) the day was finished well with a walk in the old rich neighborhood of the city. One of Tyler's and my favorite things to do is to take walks and look at the houses and comment on them and their landscaping; you know, give our expert opinions and say what we want someday. It was so neat to see all the grand southern mansions, even in such a small town. What a unique heritage the South has, no wonder they are so proud of it! Here's a picture of me in front of the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. Oh no, wait, this is a real house. I have never seen such huge columns on a personal residence before in my life, minus the White House. A note on the houses here and I imagine in all the South: porches are a big deal. Everyone has a large porch with at least a few sturdy rocking chairs and at most decorating to rival the inside of the house. Here are a few pictures of some of the neat houses we passed on our walk.
This one is actually a church tucked in amongst the houses. It's like a mini cathedral. I think it must be at least 150 years old. We particularly like the gazebo structure on top of the house.I thought this was great, a post to tie your horse to. Who knows if it is genuine, but it could have fooled me. Love it!Thank you Tyler for my best Mothers Day weekend ever! You are the best husband a girl could want!

Big Boo Boo

First of all, I have to share that on Monday we all experienced our very first tornado warning. The sirens were going, police driving around with their sirens telling everyone to get inside and everything. Tyler called and made sure Cameron and I were on the first floor. So we hung out in our building's lounge and watched the Weather Channel with a local. I'm glad he was there because I got to ask questions. But thank goodness no tornado. But there has been lots of flooding in the area. I haven't seen so much rain in a long time. It sure can storm down here!

Wednesday night, we were letting Cameron run up and down the hall to get some exercise (like a dog?) while Tyler and I chatted. It seemed harmless enough. Unfortunately Cameron tripped (we think because of his shoes) and fell perfectly to smash his forehead square into the edge of a metal door jam. I have to say it was the bloodiest wound I have ever had to take care of. And the most upsetting by far. He had about an inch long, split wound right in the middle of his forehead. We were pretty sure he was going to need stitches since I think we had a clear view of his skull. But we weren't too keen on the idea of an emergency room. Luckily, I called my dad and he said we probably didn't need to take him for stitches. Instead we fetched the first aid kit out of our car (another testimony to getting our emergency supplies in order!) and used medical tape to actually tape the wound closed.
Here's a very shaken mommy holding her baby, who is finally subdued with Dora the Explorer and some Fruit Loops. And yes, I did wipe up the blood before the picture. Figured I'd never want to see a picture of my baby's face and neck covered in that much blood again. Tyler was a trooper. As you know he is very squeamish at the sight of blood. He held Cameron in the bath tub and applied pressure to the wound while I ran around crazy getting cold, wet rags and calling my dad. I came into the bathroom just in time to see him white as a sheet and covered in sweat. "Don't pass out Tyler!" I had to yell. We switched and Tyler went to fetch the first aid kit after laying down with his feet elevated for a bit. Way to hang in there! He said he was praying not to pass out so he could take care of his family. Understandable.That night at bedtime we covered the taped together wound with band aids and put socks on Cam's hands to keep his curiosity from reopening it. I happen to think this picture is adorable--we had to hold his bottle since his hands were now not so good for it. That night Tyler put Cam to sleep in his arms and a good thing too because he hasn't left any bandages on through naps or night time since. And of course Tyler gave him a blessing. Luckily for us, Cameron has healed up very well. After the first 24 hours, we let him go day time with nothing over it so it can dry out (and also because he just won't allow any bandages anyway) and then after he is asleep we sneak a band aid over it so it can have direct contact to neosporin all night. We are so grateful to have a doctor in the family, that much I can say for sure. Every local person we have told that we were able to avoid the emergency room has told us we are very lucky. And blessed I am sure.

Zoo Time

Last week we went to the Montgomery, AL, zoo. I have to say it was a very nice zoo and I enjoyed it more than the other few zoos I have been to (that I can remember). Who knew right? After having trouble finding our way there--people apparently are very bad at giving directions here--we were able to enjoy all the traditional zoo animals, most of them very up close. At many zoos you can't even see most of the animals because they are resting out of sight. And I we got to see lots of different kinds of animals, the ones you hope to see at a zoo. Since everyone knows what they look like, I won't post lots of pictures of the animals here. Just some of my faves.The giraffes were very close and so beautiful. After watching them I decided my next bag will be a giraffe print bag. ;)
We also got to see the little Dik Diks. They were some of my fave! For those who don't know, they're from Africa and look like mini deer. I had seen so many stuffed ones in a wildlife animal museum but this is the first time I remember seeing any live ones. So cute!Here's a cougar we enticed out of it's resting place to come closer by singing the BYU Fight Song! Yes, we sang it, and yes, it came much closer.This was one of my favorite animals to see. A jaguar! It was pacing back and forth in front of the wire like this the whole time; that's probably why I liked it so much because it was so close. It was sort of scary see it so close and think the only thing separating us from this killer cat and it's skull piercing jaws was this hedge and row of wires. One interesting thing we learned: There is no such thing as a panther. In the past people called these panthers thinking they were cousins of the spotted jaguar. But later scientists found out these black ones were jaguars too, just darker. It was true, when this jaguar stepped into the direct sun, you could see faintly his spots. Cool!
We are not sure what Cameron thought of it all. He saw the animals but he is just now becoming aware of animals in general so I am sure a cheeta makes no different impression on him than a house cat. But it was still good to take him. You want to feel like you're showing your children the neat things the world has to offer. But we're pretty sure Cameron's found his favorite exhibit right before we left:the sprinklers! We had to finally yank him away! He was so down with getting sprinkled. I guess it probably did feel good.

Is anyone else scared out of their wits like I am at the prospect of universal health care? I'm definitely starting to believe in conspiracy theories: Could all the out of control hype over the swine flu be a segway into why the government should be in charge of health care? Does that make anyone wonder?
Seriously, don't be fooled when proponents just make it sound like "another choice" or "public option." This Rep admits it's all just strategy.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) receives loud applause from advocates for government-control when she admits the President's public health care plan will destroy private competition.

New Lives in Alabama

Here are a few pictures of our new lives in Alabama. It is beautiful and so green here! I love it! Where the landscape is untouched it is definitely a jungle--it reminds me of Hawaii even. Every evening after Tyler finishes work we get dinner at either the food court or dining hall (free meals are part of his pay) and then we usually go on a walk or something nice in the beautiful evening air. And I have to say the humidity is perfect right now and must be good for my skin. Quite a change from Utah! Here are a couple of pictures of one of our first walks. Here's a shot of Cameron and the red Alabama soil.

Below are some shots of the campus. It is beautifully kept. The buildings are all after the same fashion as the one below, colonial with large white pillars. And the grounds are fabulous which is a credit to the company Tyler works for. (Remember he is working for Sodexo, a large facilities management company that takes care of outsourcing for other institutions, such as this campus, and does their new construction management, landscaping, custodial, and food.) There are rose bushes in bloom all over campus. I hear the magnolia trees are next!

We want to take advantage of our time here and have plans to go see lots of nearby cities as well as enjoy what is right here. Here we are at a free spring band concert (don't mind my weird face). Tyler says this university has a famous Southern-marching-band history. They were very good.

And here we are the next night at one of their baseball games. We didn't get to stay long since Cameron wanted to run around, but it was fun for a bit! Here is a shot of the outside of the apartments we live in on campus. We are surrounded by single people but so far everyone is very nice and we don't have too much trouble with noise or anything like that.Here are a few shots of our place. They are nice and not even two years old. Truth be told, they are probably nicer than where we live back home! They are the newest apartments/dorms on campus so we are very lucky to have one of them. Plus, they are free so who can complain about that? They have four rooms and two bathrooms but we don't need them all so we have closed off one of the wings. And we only brought with us what we could fit in our car so it is sparse. Our front room. No TV yet! Kitchen. No stove or oven as you'll notice so we mostly eat out on campus. No worries, we're controlling ourselves!The wing we do use. (The wing we shut off is a mirror image of this one on the other size of the kitchen/front room.) Vanity area and toilet and shower room.Cam's bedroom.Our bedroom. Like the two singles pushed together? And we didn't bring a full comforter because we figured it would be warm anyway.Here is Cameron on his favorite play surface enjoying the view. The TV stand is acting as a toy cupboard.
We are loving it so far and I will continue to update my blog with our adventures. Today we are going to the zoo that is about an hour away in the big town nearby!