tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75767784993372446072024-03-14T09:48:32.608-07:00Random Thoughts.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-46412025795909240402012-01-28T11:53:00.000-08:002012-01-28T11:53:54.437-08:00This feels right<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">July 9th was my last post. that's sad, and pitiful. But mostly sad. I would recap the year 2011 like most people have on their blogs but I don't really feel like it so i'll just mention a few discoveries that have enhanced my life in some way.<div><br />
</div><div>-quinoa</div><div>-the stock market</div><div>-spotify</div><div>-cleanliness (i've been a lot tidier this past year)</div><div>-the joys of driving a volvo</div><div>-bonsai trees</div><div>-graduating college</div><div>-full-time employment</div><div>-Chicago</div><div>-Canon DSLR</div><div><br />
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</div><div>A few things of note for 2012. I will be dunking a basketball on a standard size hoop (no trampolines involved). I know Brett is going to comment on this one because he doesn't think I can do it. That's fine. I don't need my best friends encouragement to accomplish lofty goals. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I also want to read a lot more, the goal is 2 books a month. I really enjoy reading but often don't make time for it so this should be a good adjustment. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm getting distracted so I should post this before I decide to just scrap the whole thing and wait another 6 months to post.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'll leave you with a song that I've been listening to a lot lately.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>I love music. </div><div><br />
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</div></div></div>Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-58863829259801313012011-07-09T00:12:00.000-07:002011-07-09T00:12:35.920-07:00Goal UpdateSo I figured it was time to give an update on my goals for the year.<br />
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Just a recap:<br />
1. No fries for a year<br />
2. Travel to two foreign countries (That I've never been to)<br />
3. Become ambidextrous<br />
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It is July 9th and I have yet to have a fry since December 31. It's been tough. I've been to a lot of great burger places in the last few months and I've gotten really good at subbing a salad. <br />
As most of you know my BF Brett and I went roadtrippin' to Switzerland for spring break. I also just got back from Canada but it doesn't count since i've been there before. As of right now I don't have plans for another country but i've got to get somewhere.. any suggestions would be welcomed.<br />
As for my ambidextrousness I've gotten to the point where I always eat and brush my teeth left-handed. Chopsticks were a little harder to master but I got it. My next step is to start writing left-handed.<br />
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So... I decided to add a new goal. I have to give a shout out to my brother for this one. The other day he told me that he was not going to consume candy for a year. I thought, "That's stupid. I could never do that." A couple of days later I realized that candy is totally unnecessary so here goes nothin. From this day forward I will not consume candy for a year. And I guess while i'm at it I may as well cut out soda too. Well there it is.<br />
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I really like having goals like this because it's empowering to exercise self-control. It's not so much about the actual goal but more about sticking with a decision.<br />
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I can't remember the exact quote and I can't find it right now but there's a quote somewhere that talks about sticking with a commitment even after the excitement of making the decision has passed.<br />
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Change takes time but the decision to change happens in an instant.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-40134234900408621372011-06-05T23:34:00.000-07:002011-06-05T23:34:35.247-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's been a few months since i've blogged. I guess things have been pretty crazy as of late. I moved out of my parent's basement (again), I graduated from college, and got a big person job as a recruiter for USU. Those are all things worthy of blogging about but the thing that brought me back was something that happened tonight while I was at my parent's house for Sunday dinner. <br />
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We were celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday as well as the birthday of his youngest son Ben. Ben just turned two. He is one of the cutest and happiest two year olds I have ever met. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom0hq0_vdGxu1H-Cg7tR5fabo-iS_481M4mLp3nCkFVs5By4_15fMLE5GqN2NorWM1qNmPQlJEnZOPIPSkruj4m9R5QLV_TJ39apd3bjxTuFVuSEBCWwQ4wynv9svBLXyny-GZohwsLs/s1600/IMG_1092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom0hq0_vdGxu1H-Cg7tR5fabo-iS_481M4mLp3nCkFVs5By4_15fMLE5GqN2NorWM1qNmPQlJEnZOPIPSkruj4m9R5QLV_TJ39apd3bjxTuFVuSEBCWwQ4wynv9svBLXyny-GZohwsLs/s200/IMG_1092.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking at himself with my iphone camera</td></tr>
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He also suffers from seizures. He's had them for over a year now. He has to wear a helmet because his body constantly jerks causing him to lose control and fall over. Tonight was the first time I ever saw one of his seizures. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I have worked with people with disabilities for many years and have seen a lot of seizures but for some reason tonight really had an impact on me. Seeing my little 2 year old nephew lying on his side convulsing and whimpering while his mom and dad knelt by his side waiting for it to pass was almost too much for me to watch. I just stood and looked into his glazed eyes, praying that he would be ok. <br />
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I think it's natural to ask why it has to happen. Why does such a sweet little boy have to suffer? Why do his parent's have to stay awake at night wishing there was more they could do to help him? I wish I knew the reasons why but I don't. God does though. And even though I can't begin to comprehend the intricacies of His plan for us, I know that He allowed His own son to descend below all things in order to give us the opportunity to live with Him again. <br />
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All of us have a purpose here. We may get confused at times as to what that purpose is but God will always remind us if we're willing to pay attention. I wish more than anything that I could trade places with Ben and give him the kind of life that I feel like he should have but I know that he is so much stronger than I ever could be and God has an important plan just for him. <br />
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Life is such a crazy journey full of so many unexpected turns. So often I get caught up in trivial issues that don't really matter. What really matters is that we are here to learn, love, and help each other experience true joy that can only come through following our Father's plan. <br />
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I am who I am because of the people that have come into my life and the relationships and experiences I've had with them. Thank you Ben for helping me become a better person. I love you. </div>Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-4504219368015031922011-02-14T13:38:00.000-08:002011-02-14T13:38:17.833-08:00Stretch.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'm sitting here in the SOAR office <strike>working</strike>. Trying to work. It's one of those moments were you think to yourself, "I should be productive right now but... something is just holding you back. I came to the conclusion that 97% of those instances can be instantly cured by stretching. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">According to Wikipedia stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific skeletal muscle (or muscle group) is deliberately elongated, often by abduction from the torso, in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and reaffirm comfortable muscle tone.[1] The result is a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility and range of motion. Stretching is also used therapeutically to alleviate cramps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In its most basic form, stretching is a natural and instinctive activity; it is performed by humans and many animals. It can be accompanied by yawning. Stretching often occurs instinctively after waking from sleep, after long periods of inactivity, or after exiting confined spaces and areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Increasing flexibility through stretching is one of the basic tenets of physical fitness. It is common for athletes to stretch before and after exercise in order to reduce injury and increase performance. Yoga involves the stretching of major muscle groups, some of which require a high level of flexibility to perform, for example the lotus position. Stretching can strengthen muscles, and in turn strong muscles are important to stretching safely and effectively.[2]</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Stretching can be dangerous when performed incorrectly. There are many techniques for stretching in general, but depending on which muscle group is being stretched, some techniques may be ineffective or detrimental, even to the point of causing permanent damage to the tendons, ligaments and muscle fiber.[2] The physiological nature of stretching and theories about the effect of various techniques are therefore subject to heavy inquiry.</span><br />
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I feel like stretching is one of those things we all take for granted. So wherever you are, stand up and let out a stretch. You will feel amazing and your cholestoral will be lowered by 200 points. It's a fact. <br />
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This video can give you some good boogie body tips. I recommend watching the whole thing.<br />
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</div>Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-87908731295861640192011-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:002011-02-13T14:20:14.784-08:00Leading my life.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yesterday I was at a retreat for the A-team (a group of students at USU who run the orientation program). I was in charge of a short presentation on leadership. I'm currently in a leadership class on campus and I've been involved with a lot of organizations that have helped me learn what a good leader is/does. <br />
<br />
There are so many theories and aspects to leadership it is often hard to pick one that best fits you. As I thought about what I could share to the group a video came to mind that I had seen months ago (see video below). A few weeks ago in class we were discussing the difference between managing and leading. We agreed that although managing isn't necessarily a bad thing it often deals more with just maintaining, or "keeping things under control" while leading should have more to do with expanding, growing, initiating, etc...<br />
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The small epiphany I had at that moment was, how can I try and lead others when I am only managing myself. So often I feel like i'm just maintaining, or attempting to maintain where I am instead of growing and improving. It's often very easy to get bogged down by our responsibilities to others and forget the responsibility we have to ourselves. I believe that occurs because our responsibilities to others are usually spelled out very plainly. We get job descriptions for our employment, mission statements for service organizations in which we volunteer, and manuals for our religious involvement. Although we may not always live up to these expectations we know what they are. <br />
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Personally my religious beliefs are my manual for life but as I mentioned above, we still struggle sometimes even though we have all of the information in front of us. <br />
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Since yesterday I have really felt that need to stop maintaining and begin leading my life. It sounds so easy on paper but it will definitely take a lot of hard work to implement. <br />
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(This video that I shared may be slightly extreme in its' attempt to express nonconformity but I love the overall message. Also, the quote below has become one of my favorites.)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"When the sun sets, and the city idly drinks itself into numbness,</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">in the sea will I wash."</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fn0lhsXHEhc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div>Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-87791329111261463732011-01-31T21:37:00.000-08:002011-01-31T21:37:53.986-08:00TED<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For some time I have been slightly obsessed with a website called TED. Many of you may be familiar with TED already but for those of you who aren't let me elaborate. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. It was founded in 1984. TED started out as an annual conference of invited speakers, musicians, scientists, etc.. Since 2006 the talks have been available free online at <a href="http://www.ted.com/">ted.com</a>. Their mission statement reads,<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i> "</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">I love that idea of a "community of curious souls"! I think that we would all do well to become a little more curious. Curiosity is defined as an emotion related to natural inquisitive behavior such as exploration, investigation, and learning. Sometimes I definitely lack that emotion but I recognize that I'm happiest when it's present. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Anyway, TED talks are one way of sparking that curiosity. Here is one video that I have really enjoyed recently.</span></span><br />
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I'm sure those of you who read my blog also read brett's and probably already know about it but I just wanted to cover all the bases. If you haven't checked it out yet please click <a href="http://butalsomostly.blogspot.com/">here</a>. We're just getting it going but stop by and let us know what you think. peace.</div>Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-23211317766599899862011-01-02T00:23:00.000-08:002011-01-02T00:23:47.146-08:00Year of the RabbitAccording to the Chinese calendar 2011 is the year of the rabbit. I have no idea what that entails but it sounds cool. I figured that I couldn't pass up a chance to talk about new years resolutions. I've always been one to set some pretty lofty resolutions every new year only to either forget them 2 weeks later or give up out of frustration. Now I hesitate to jinx myself and say that THIS year will be different.. but it will!<br />
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It's definitely going to be an interesting year considering that I graduate (fingers crossed) in May. Then I have to make some pretty big decisions about life. Well hopefully I will have made some of those decisions pre-graduation day but knowing me there's a good chance I wont. Since I have no idea where I will be living come June I figured I should make some resolutions that aren't region specific. I will only share a couple of them here because the rest are either too personal or too embarrassing. But mostly too embarrassing.<br />
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1. Become Ambidextrous. (I had no idea how to spell that and according to spell check I got it right the first try) So you may be asking yourself what that actually means. I'm sure you know the definition of the word but you're asking "to what extent does Jo want to become ambidextrous?" Good question. I don't know. But I do know that by doing everyday activities with your non-dominant hand you are expanding your brain and who's gonna argue that that's a bad thing? I've already started doing simple things like using a fork in my left hand, brushing my teeth left handed and using my trackpad on my laptop with my left hand. I'm pretty excited about the possibilities.<br />
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2. No french fries for the year. I have to credit my good friend Kimball Burton for this idea. He did it last year and he looks good! Ok, he looked good before too but i'm sure it's improved his health. Seriously though, who needs fries? They taste great, don't get me wrong but I think there are so many things in our diet that "taste great" but are horrible for us. And then there is the argument of moderation. I'm all for that but I feel that I often do better when I deal in extremes and this is an extreme that is a positive thing.<br />
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3. Visit two new countries. So I guess this one is region specific in a manner of speaking but it's something I really want to do. I don't know how or when or with whom but I really would like to go somewhere new. I think it's really important to constantly be learning and this is just one great way to learn about new cultures, people, and just life in general. We live in a very homogeneous place (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) but we're all people who live on the same planet and it's cool to see how other people think, feel, eat, laugh, etc.. I have to give a shout out to Mckay Orton for going out and just experiencing the world. If you haven't read her blog or if you don't know who she is check out her blog! Really, it's amazing. <a href="http://mckayjoice.blogspot.com/">http://mckayjoice.blogspot.com/</a> If anyone is interested in accompanying me on whatever journey I embark on please let me know. I really hope to make this one happen. <br />
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Well, those are a few of my resolutions. I know there aren't an extremely large number of people who read my blog but I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the new year and what you hope to accomplish or improve. Just remember, life is good. <br />
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Oh. here is a random video that I have enjoyed and don't want to keep it to myself. if you watch it and don't laugh, even a little bit, you have no soul. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Year folks.</div>Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-78408136455030917822010-12-27T00:31:00.000-08:002010-12-27T00:31:09.015-08:00Mental NutritionSo if you've ever read my blog you know that I usually post things about perspective. Well.. this one isn't any different. A week or two ago I saw a video that a friend of mine had posted on her Facebook that really made me reflect. I'm always amazed at our capacity for caring and the experiences that cause us to change for the better. <div><br />
</div><div>Today I gave a lesson in Sunday school about the second coming. I decided to focus on the importance of knowing the reality of our Savior and His mission. If we really want to return to God we have to know and become like Him. I realized that two of the things most important to our salvation are trials and service. While Christ lived on the earth He was faced with many trials and His whole life was service to others. We are no different. We are here to be tested and our focus should be service to others. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Someone today posed the question; Have you ever regretted a decision to serve? We often neglect or delay opportunities to serve but I honestly can't think of a time that I was upset that I chose to give service. <div><br />
</div><div>Service is the anecdote to selfishness.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/y_3BEwpv0dM/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y_3BEwpv0dM&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y_3BEwpv0dM&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I only hope to begin to develop this level of charity. </div><div> </div></div>Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-86114695114223026952010-12-13T00:16:00.000-08:002010-12-13T00:16:10.995-08:00What keeps me up at night.For as long as I can remember I've had trouble falling asleep. It often takes me an hour or two to fall asleep. I've never really been interested in taking medication, not because I think I'll become dependent, just because I would take it every night and that would end up costing a lot of money. Tonight is one of those nights so I thought I'd jot down some of the activities and thoughts that keep me up.<br />
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-Reading. Sometimes I find a book that I just can't put down no matter how tired I am. <br />
-Movies. My brother James and I will sometimes come home from our evening activities and throw in an episode or two of Psych or White Collar. (both good shows) It's kind of nice to wind down the night like that.<br />
-Working out. Although this doesn't happen often there are times when I just work out late at night. I actually think I have an easier time falling asleep after a late night workout because I'm so physically exhausted.<br />
-Music. This is the one that is getting me tonight. I'll play a song that reminds me of another song that leads me to a new band that helps me discover another new band... it's ridiculous but there's something so intriguing about it. I love discovering new music. I'm amazed at how many people in this world produce incredible music that goes undiscovered by so many people. It's probably in my top 3 activities of all time.<br />
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Thoughts: (These are some thoughts that often run through my head while i'm laying awake)<br />
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What do I need to get done tomorrow?<br />
Did I pay my cell phone bill?<br />
It was great to see my niece and nephews tonight, they're so funny.<br />
What am i gonna do when I graduate?<br />
Will I need to take the GRE or the GMAT?<br />
I should be reading my scriptures right now.<br />
I really want to go buy another canvas so I can paint.<br />
What time is it? I've only got 5 hours till I need to wake up..<br />
Why can't I fall asleep?!<br />
I wonder if I can get hypnotized so I can fall asleep at night.<br />
Is that homework assignment due tomorrow?!<br />
Should I ask her out? I don't think it would go anywhere.<br />
I need to write my goals down.<br />
What am I gonna be doing in a year?<br />
Should I go to Bangkok in the fall?<br />
<br />
That's just a taste of what I think about at night.<br />
<br />
I really do need to go to bed since it's after 1 a.m. right now and it's gonna take me another hour to fall asleep. I'll leave you with a song that I absolutely love. It's by Jonsi who is the lead singer for an incredible band named Sigur Ros. This song is called Boy 1904. Whenever I listen to it I have a really vivid image of walking down an old European cobble stone street at night with a light snow falling. I walk past an old chapel with the doors open and a boy's choir singing this song. The only noises are the choir and the crunching of my footsteps packing the snow down into the cracks of the cobble stones. (I know that sounds super cheesy but it's late, i'm tired, and that's really what I picture so deal with it.)<br />
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<br />
Enjoy. and Goodnight.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-30863314717510654412010-12-03T00:10:00.000-08:002010-12-03T00:10:53.672-08:00The Conscientious ObjectorIt seems like lately I only blog when I'm in a contemplative mood. Tonight I watched a documentary entitled "the Conscientious Objector". It's been awhile since I've seen a film that has impacted me so much. I don't want to give too much of it away because I want everyone to watch it but it tells the true story of a WWII soldier who, because of religious beliefs, refused to kill. I was amazed at the commitment that this man displayed to God and his beliefs amid the onslaught of ridicule and abuse from his comrades. His attitude and perspective were inspiring. During the war he literally saved the lives of soldiers who had persecuted him for his beliefs. I always feel so inadequate yet encouraged by people like Desmond Doss. The power that we posses as individuals is so great! The fact that we either don't see it in ourselves or just refuse to act on it is really sad. I know that I probably live most of my life at 20% of my potential. It's amazing how often we settle for mediocrity. We know that we are capable of so much more but for some reason we allow ourselves to get comfortable in our apathy. I'm so grateful for people like Desmond who know what they believe and refuse to compromise. I just hope that I can begin to develop that ability.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-38530576645366520442010-11-05T21:55:00.000-07:002010-11-05T21:55:17.283-07:00Finance nerd.So the last 3 weeks I got on this financial kick.. yeah, I know. Me trying to be financially responsible isn't exactly something you'd expect but for some reason i'm addicted. My boss Lisa Hancock is somewhat of a guru of finance. She reads financial stuff for fun. She recently told me about a program run through the university that will match your contributions 3 to 1 up to 6,000 total. I thought it sounded too good to be true so I talked my little bro into going with me to the first workshop and everything checked out. The only catch is that you have to use the money to either buy a house, start a business or use it towards higher education. I think I can handle that. <br />
Some of the things I've done to become more responsible include: buying a fireproof box to keep all of my records in. Opening a dedicated savings account. Getting a credit card to start building credit. Don't make fun of me! I'm 25 and just getting a credit card, i'm not ashamed. well, maybe a little bit but not enough to leave that part out of my post. I also created an account on mint.com it's legit! seriously. it sounds sketchy but it's the real deal and it's free! I wont take the time to explain it here but you should definitely go check it out. <br />
I learned that if you start saving $4,000 a year from the time you're 22 you'll be a millionaire by the time you're 65 or something like that. But if you wait till you're 32 you have to put twice as much money away each year! the beauty of compounding interest! Moral of the story: If you're young and not thinking about saving, start! you'll love yourself for it later. If you're old and haven't saved.. I'm sorry. <br />
George Soros once said, If investing is entertaining, if you’re having fun, you’re probably not making any money. Good investing is boring.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-48727278476913729062010-10-18T23:27:00.000-07:002010-10-18T23:27:37.790-07:00So many thingsThe last couple of weeks have been very eventful. Two weeks ago I spent a nice Sunday afternoon/evening with Juje, Matt, Nat, and Hayley as we drove down to Highland to celebrate the third annual Canadian Thanksgiving with McKay and her family. Highlights included Juje naming off every single thing on her plate and explaining why she loved it. Willy Serenading us. Ravoe being quiet because she didn't want us to think she's crazy. Hayley backing up on the freeway. Mostly just spending time with people you care about. <br />
This last weekend I went on a roadtrip with Eric, Nate, and Rhodes to visit Brett in Gilroy CA. Garlic capitol of the world! The drive was ridiculously long. The only things that kept us sane were singing to Rage Against the Machine, holding our breath through the tunnels, watching contained fires that we thought were real, and harassing Eric's girlfriend over the phone. We had a lot of fun with Brett as our guide. There was much laughter and rejoicing all weekend, it was sad to leave Brett behind as we made the trek back to Logan.<br />
<br />
On a random side note that's going to tie everything together, today I talked to a girl that I've been interested in for awhile and was told that she sees me as a "good friend". Those are always the exact words you want to hear from a girl you like. <br />
After I talked to her I started thinking a lot about the things upon which we base our happiness. (it always sounds too proper to say it like that but that's how you're supposed to say it) Anyway, I was thinking about how quickly my mood changes based on outside influences. Not that I think it's good to fake happiness all the time but I realized that if I place all my hopes on things like how a first date goes or if my team wins or loses then I will always be manic, going from extreme highs to lows and back again.<br />
In Spanish there are two ways to say "to be" one is a permanent state of being and the other is temporary. I believe that people who are "<i>permanently</i>" happy have learned to place their hopes and trust in more <i>permanent</i> things like God, family, and real friends. I also think that they are able to look at themselves and continually strive to become more, whatever that more is they find ways to constantly grow and improve.<br />
It's just not worth giving up your happiness to indulge in short lived pity parties. Now I know i'll still be bummed when a first date goes bad or the Aggies lose another football game but that sadness doesn't need to make me an unhappy person. It's really all about perspective. If I'm not gonna remember or care about a certain event a year or even a month later then why stress about it now? Life is wonderful! There are so many GOOD things to enjoy in this world! I would love to play the guitar/piano more, write music, read for fun, travel, meet people, find new music, learn new skills, go hiking, play with my niece and nephews, listen to stories from my Grandparents, paint, watch documentaries, volunteer, start writing in my journal again, work out, learn to cook, etc.. <br />
It's easy to say there isn't time for things like that, I totally understand that feeling but maybe we just don't prioritize well. If something is important enough to you then you'll find time to do it. Seriously. <br />
Well. i've got to finish this post so I can go read. for fun.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-75116543690103368232010-10-03T16:28:00.000-07:002010-10-03T19:25:09.779-07:00So LongI was trying to think of a really good title for this post considering it's been over a year since I've blogged.. I realize that the title I chose makes it sound like i'm bidding everyone adieu. That is false. The intended meaning is that it has been such a long time since I've blogged or for that matter sat down and just thought about stuff. It's kind of sad really. I've taken some time to go through my friends blogs that I follow and it's crazy to think of how much has changed. My little brother is home from his mission. Gnomes have moved/married, my best friend is in law school. I moved home and am almost half way through my last year at USU. This year I'm involved with the Student Alumni Association on campus. It's been a lot of fun getting to know a lot of different people. <br /><br />The past couple of days have been a great time for reflection. I always love being able to watch General Conference. President Uchtdorf's talk on pride was one of my favorites. "We don't discover humility by thinking less of ourselves but by thinking less about ourselves." Also President Monson's talk about gratitude was amazing. "If ingratitude is counted as one of the most serious sins then gratitude takes its place as one of the noblest of virtues." <br /><br />I know that I can definitely improve on having an attitude of gratitude. I have an incredible family, awesome friends, and I live in such a beautiful place. It's easy to forget what you've got or start to focus on the negative. Brett posted this quote on his blog recently and it's one of my favorite quotes as well. It's from The Alchemist, "every blessing ignored becomes a curse." Another favorite of mine is from a book called The Noticer, "what you focus on increases." I've sure got a long way to go but it's important to enjoy the journey. <br /><br />I think i'm gonna blog more. I enjoy itJo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-59303477813754337632009-04-20T13:27:00.000-07:002009-04-20T13:54:38.868-07:00What I DoTo the three followers that I have, I am back. I know, I know, it's been quite some time since i've blogged. I won't try and justify my absence mostly because I can't really think of a good reason except that I haven't made the time. To catch ya'll up on my life I was appointed as the Arts and Lectures Director at USU for next year. I'm really excited about that. The other night I almost burned the gnome home to the ground. Hence the picture of the fireplace.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pachd.com/free-images/misc-images/fireplace-01.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 160px;" src="http://www.pachd.com/free-images/misc-images/fireplace-01.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I threw in a large piece of cardboard and the flames came spilling out as they began to reach for the mantle. It was crazy, Brett kept laughing hysterically, Riana was jumping around the kitchen looking for who knows what. I just stood there with the poker thing waving it back and forth through the flames that were spreading out of control. We had to evacuate because of the smoke, it was ridiculous. <br />Finals start next week and I've got a lot of papers/presentations due this week. I'm sick of thinking about it so I'm not even gonna go there. Needless to say I am SO excited for this summer. I'm moving into a house with some friends close to campus. It should be good times. I think I'll make a list of things I plan on doing.<br /><br />-Frisbee Golf/Ultimate Frisbee<br />-Tennis<br />-Racquetball/Handball<br />-Volleyball<br />-Mt. Biking<br />-Hiking/Trail Running<br />-Camping<br />-Take Pictures<br />-Rock Climbing<br />-Temple<br />-Road Trips<br />-Music listening/playing<br />-A-team<br />-Sell Insurance<br />-Slack Line<br />-Havasupai (fingers crossed)<br />-Kickin it with my peeps<br />-Making shirts and other various crafts with the gnomes<br />-Family Reunions<br />-Random Acts of Service<br /><br />I'm sure i'm forgetting a lot but that just gives you a taste of my plans for summer. Never Back Down Summer 09!Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-75478440201752944832008-12-12T08:20:00.000-08:002008-12-12T08:30:13.393-08:00night-o-funLast night I dropped by the home of the gnomes. Riana was performing a beautiful piece on her accordian as she stood next to the christmas tree. There was much joking and laughter as we enjoyed good friends, good music, and a sometimes out of control fire. A few topics of the night were: Where do carrot seeds come from? Have you seen this youtube video? Rum. Thought provoking art. Willy was also a hot topic even though he was right there and could hear every word we were saying. I feel like right here I need to insert a good quote or poem about friendship or the importance of gratitude but I don't have one in mind and I really don't have time to google one either so sufficeth to say, much joy is had when you're spending time with people you care about.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-67059935134766306432008-12-11T14:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T16:52:41.512-08:00Why are they so small?This morning on my way to work I heard a loud popping noise. I thought that it might have been my tire but I was going about 65 and my car didn't swerve or anything so I figured it must have been something else. When I started to slow down I knew that the popping noise had definitely come from my car. I parked in my teacher parking stall,(I'm pretty important) got out of my car and sure enough, my back right tire had blown. Luckily my rim was ok even though I had just been driving on it at 65 MPH. I didn't have time to worry about it right then so I just tried not to think about it till I got off. I went out after work and discovered that my spare tire wasn't only the size of a bike tire but it was almost flat. I found a teacher at the school that had an air pump and we filled it to the max. I got a few looks as I walked around the halls with a spare tire under my arm. I replaced the tire, which was easier than I remembered. I had a lady pull up next to me and ask If I needed help. I told her I was very capable of changing my own dang tire. I was nicer about it though, but seriously? She was a nice lady so I shouldn't say anything. Anyway, I think I was more scared driving around on that bike tire of a spare than I was about driving on my rims. Who the H invented spare tires?! Can't they at least make them look kind of like a real tire? I felt like an idiot driving around with that thing on my car! I felt like I needed to park it next to a dumpster or a large tree to hide its hideousness. I shouldn't talk so bad about the little guy, it's not his fault. So I'm calling on all automakers to reform. I know that we're in an economic crisis right now and that all the CEO's are begging for billions of dollars to keep their companies afloat but c'mon guys, how hard can it be to give spares the respect they deserve?Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-8661365244940245792008-12-10T14:37:00.000-08:002008-12-10T14:55:59.496-08:00Rock OutThis morning started out by getting the closest free parking spot on the street by the TSC. It was great. It almost made me forget that I was coming to campus to take 3 finals. It didn't take long to remember though. I walked into my first final at 9:30 knowing that the next hour and half was not going to be pleasant. It wasn't. I don't think i've ever left a test knowing for a fact that I had failed it. I didn't even answer half of the questions. F. That's what I got. I guess that's what I get for not studying. But I had done the math and I knew which tests mattered. The next final went a little better. It was multiple choice and I felt pretty good about it. My last final was the one I was most worried about. It was worth 50% of my grade in the class. I had studied quite a bit for it. I went into it not really knowing what to expect. We had never had an in-class test. I sat down and the heaters were blazing, I was already pitting out pretty bad so that didn't help. The final was handed out and I hurriedly glanced over all 12 essay questions. I knew them all. It felt good. Despite the fact that I now have that syndrome in my hands from writing too much I am really happy. Rock Out.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-33962741371528678762008-11-18T13:48:00.000-08:002008-11-18T16:09:52.922-08:00Beautiful BeatI didn't have work today because it's the end of the trimester for the highschoolers so I had a day off. I was planning on getting up early and working out and then coming up to campus and studying my guts out. That was the plan anyway. I ended up waking up around 11:30 a.m. I had missed a call from the geek squad at best buy saying my camera was ready to pick up. I went there and waited in line for like half an hour just so I could sign a paper and take me camera. whatever. Then I drove up to campus not quite as gung ho (Is that how you even spell that?) to do homework as I had planned on being. But as I parked my car and started walking up to campus I was listening to Nada Surf on my ipod. The song Beautiful Beat was playing and for some reason i just thought, "dang, life is good!" Seriously though, maybe it was the weather or the song or just everything shmooshed together but it just hit me that I have things SO good. For the past little while I've found a lot of things to get upset or down about and that's just lame. There are so many things to be happy about. I think that just <strong>loving life for what it is </strong> is so important and something I need to remind myself of constantly.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-64261255722031107132008-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:002008-10-27T16:40:54.580-07:00oh, it's due today?What is it about procrastination that attracts me? I swear I have good intentions. Every time a professor hands out an assignment I say to myself, “Jo, you’re gonna get right on this, and it’s gonna feel so good when you don’t have to worry about it right before it’s due.” Yeah, that would be nice but it just never works out that way. I thought that once I got rid of facebook that would be the ticket to instant studiousness. It wasn’t. I don’t know if I get some sort of high off of putting things off until the last minute. Statistically I don’t think it’s beneficial. I put off writing a speech that I’ve known about for weeks until this morning at 8:30 a.m. I had to give it at 10:30 a.m. What an idiot.<br />It's weird because I don't even freak out anymore. I don’t know if I’m getting better at handling the stress of it all or if my apathy towards my grades is increasing. I hope it’s the first because I really can’t afford to lose my scholarship. Paying for school just doesn’t sound very fun. (Right now I’m listening to Jason Mraz, some live stuff. It’s incredible. I would give up many things to have a voice like his. Dang.) Anyway, I really hope to find a remedy to this disease soon. Well, gotta get back to studying.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7576778499337244607.post-27280826940841389092008-10-22T11:39:00.000-07:002008-10-22T15:45:38.427-07:00The turning of a leafI figured it was high time I made my first post on this blog. I've actually had another blog for over a year but it was specifically for my public relations classes and the assignments that we had to post. To be completely honest I never thought I would have a "personal" blog were I poured out my feelings and emotions in such a raw and unadulterated form so that the whole world could catch a glimpse into my fascinating life. Realistically that's not going to happen. I'm sure I'll get a few hits every couple of weeks from some close friends and family that already know my life but check my blog anyway just to appease me. To you I say thanks. <br />First I need to explain why i'm here, blogging. It's been a long and tedious process. I was addicted to Facebook. Ya, I know. I'm ok with it now. I'm not ashamed to admit that I fell prey to the sticky web of social networking. In no way am I advocating that people get rid of facebook or saying that it is a social evil. I just spent way too much time on it accomplishing nothing and it was time to do something about it. I have to give props to two caring friends who helped me see things more clearly. One day, (about two weeks ago) I was just hangin out at the gnome home with natalie and kylee. I had noticed earlier that ky had deleted her account and I was curious as to why. She explained her reasoning and then nat also shared her reasons for never getting it in the first place. It made sense. There is a lot of good that can come from Facebook, the social networking capabilities are incredible and believe me, I was networking with the best of them. I just felt like I wasn't really using it with any purpose. I was swimming around in this vortex of poking and vampire applications and seeing how many virtual friends I could acquire. Another favorite was stalking people so I could "get to know them" before I really got to know them. I got sick of having all these preconceived notions about a person before I even got to the first date. And who knows what people thought of me when they looked at my account. That's probably one of the reasons why I saw a huge decline in real friends. So I deleted my account. The funny thing is you can't actually "erase" you're account. They are very clear about the fact that at any time you can log back in and recover everything. Another thing I found quite interesting was that when you go to delete your account you have to give a reason for doing so. As soon as you click on one of your options like "I spend too much time on it" or "There is too much drama" it provides you with suggestions on how to fix your problem. Apparently you're an idiot if you actually go ahead and "delete" your account. Seriously, who is dumb enough to give that up? I guess I am. So it's been a couple of weeks now. I feel great. I haven't even entertained the idea of getting it back. All in all it's one less thing to check when I get online. Now i'll probably just start checking my blog to see if anyone has commented.Jo Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06508409436904615137noreply@blogger.com4