Facebook

Today in our class, we talked about social networking. I'll be the first to admit that I'm slightly addicted. I'm one who will check my Facebook multiple times a day not to post new pictures or update my status but merely to check out what everyone else is doing. I have 600+ friends and seriously, majority of them are people I don't really know; we're merely just "acquaintances." I also have a Pinterest, a Twitter, and even Instagram, all of which I usually check daily. Why do I waste so much time looking at what other people are up to or reading all their stupid status updates? I'll say that's pretty pathetic.

It really hit me when we talked about these social networking sites driving away the spirit. It especially hit me when Dr. Coyne said that what form of social media can we take into the temple? None. I don't know if checking my facebook is necessarily driving away the spirit but it's taking away time that I could be doing something even better. I always joke with people about making choices in their life based off the "good, better, best" idea. Am I using the time I have to do something that's good? Looking at my facebook and seeing what my friends are doing might not be bad in fact it could be good but could I be doing something better? Such as concentrating more on school?  Or something that's best? Such as looking for ways to serve others and allow the spirit to more fully fill my life?

 I don't think Facebook and other social networking sights are necessarily bad. The church is even using those sites to spread the gospel. But I do think these sites have the potential to be bad when they are replacing my time with something that I could be doing that is much better and even best.

Again, Sex Sells

I was driving on the freeway last night and noticed a billboard on the side of the road. I was driving so I should not have been paying any attention to the billboards but sadly, this billboard caught my eye. It was a billboard for a website to find jobs which sounds pretty innocent right? I couldn't read it quick enough to know exactly what it said but it said something about being a "sexy person." I looked up this website because I've seen other billboards for it and knew it wasn't a scandalous site. It was a very professional businesslike website with nothing about "sexy people" or anything. They use sex to get people's attention on the billboard. Sadly, I fell into their trap and it did catch my attention. It's sad that this is what businesses have turned to to advertise for their company.

Call Your Girlfriend

I discovered this new song. Ok I didn't discover it but I rediscovered it from one of my roommates. I really like the sound of their harmony with they rhythm of the cups. So cool!

Fear

I really liked the class we had about fear. I don't know why but I definitely like being scared. The thrill of the unexpected, the raised heart rate and screaming in fear. A few days ago, my friends and I were talking about watching scary movies. I don't know why but I love them. As I was watching one, I paid close attention to what they do in movies to build the suspense. I realize that the music along with the sound effects make the movie. If you were to mute the sound, I don't think some movies would be all that scary. But, I still love watching them, cuddling up under a blanket and closing my eyes when it gets too scary!

THE DEBATE

I was a good citizen/voter and watched the debate this past week. As much as I hate politics, economics and mostly everything they debated about, I really enjoyed it. I feel so informed. I also think it's so great that we have the opportunity to have the debate broadcasted and that we can all participate. It's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next debate. So cool that we get the opportunities to choose the leader of our country!

Movie

I love movies. Even more I love going to movies at a movie theatre. Randomly, my friend and I decided to go to see Brave one night this week. Thinking about movies it's really a weird concept that we go in a big room to watch a movie on a big screen. As weird as I think it is, I love it. I love going to movies to just relax and be entertained. Even more, I love going to the dollar theatre. Brave is a cute movie and it was fun and relaxing to be able to be entertained for a few hours.

New and Improved

Smartphones are huge these days. Everybody has them, or that's how it feels. Everybody is now facebooking, tweeting, instagramming, and surfing the web all while they're walking to school. Well, I've now jumped on the bandwagon and got my first "smartphone" about 2 weeks ago. It's lame, but I feel like I have so much "power" since my phone can do so much, probably more that I even know it can do. It's amazing how far technology has come!!

Books: Then and Now

As a child, I didn't really enjoy reading.  I hated reading because I had to. But, what made reading a little more enjoyable, was reading books that I actually liked. I liked books that were realistic but funny. Now these books might not be realistic in that some of the things that happened would actually happen in my life but realistic in the fact that they main characters were kids like me. I liked books I could relate to.  I especially liked the "Fudge" Series by Judy Blume and the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary. I have read and reread all of these books many times because they are such good, fun books! They caught my attention and kept me reading.

Now as an adult, I definitely don't have much time to read for enjoyment. I'm lucky if I can get readings done for my classes! But when I do get the rare chance to read, I absolutely love it. I can immerse myself in a book for hours even to the wee hours of the morning. Books I generally choose now would be fantasy like Harry Potter or romance. As embarrassed as I am to admit, I sometimes read LDS novels as well. One of my particular favorites that I've read a few times now is Timeless Waltz by Anita Stansfield. It's just a good, heart-wrenching story and it brings me to tears every time. But I love reading because I'm able to vicariously live through the characters and live another life for a short time. It's such a stress relief to read and I just wish I had more time to do it! 

Closer Look

As we've been studying media, I've now noticed that I pay a lot more attention to the little details in the media such as lyrics to a song, how much I really use my phone/computer or what effect a television show has on me. I've never noticed it before but media has such an effect on me without me even realizing it!

General Conference

I'm so grateful for media this weekend to be able to watch conference in the comfort of my own home.  Not only that but that members all over the world are able to participate in conference!  Such an amazing opportunity we have to be apart of this worldwide event!