That didn’t happen to me. Someone I’ve known for a long time passed away last Tuesday. It seems like death inspires my writing, mostly because it inspires reflection and a need to leave my thoughts, goals, STAMP on something that will survive me.

I found this template for obituary announcement and I thought I might do a mock obit of my own. As you’re probably aware, I don’t share much personal information on this blog…either because I’m not willing to own up to it or all of the psycho internet stalker people of the world.

“NAME”, “AGE”, of  “PLACE OF RESIDENCE”,  died (can also say “passed away”, went to heaven, etc.), “DATE” (can include optional cause of death).

Didn’t think I would answer this part, did ya.

“HE/SHE” was born “PLACE”, “DATE OF BIRTH”. “NAME” graduated from “SCHOOL” and received “DEGREE” from “SCHOOL”. “HE/SHE” was married to “SPOUSE’S NAME” ( wedding date is optional).

Okay, this is TMI also. I guess it will be original whenever/if ever my first obit announcement is ever composed.

INCLUDE OPTIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION HERE: Employment history, accomplishments, organizations, activities, etc.

“HE/SHE” was survived by “CHILDREN”, “GRANDCHILDREN”, ETC. (Try to separate each name with a comma or semicolon)

Funeral arrangements will be held “TIME”, “DATE” and “PLACE”.

Fail.

Tomorrow I’m attending the funeral of young mother survived by a loving husband and seven incredible children. These children are respectful, thoughtful and intelligent. They are a testament to how well they were taught and loved. Cheers to Val, whose legacy and love live on in the memories and hearts of those she leaves for a short time, until they meet again.

Ahoy mateee =]

I was looking at guitar tutorials on youtube when I found this gem. I love that modern technology makes it easier for everyone to showcase their talents. There’s definitely no bushel here. This is one of my favorites scores, Pirates of the Caribbean.

teenagemutantninjanoses:

“To Splinter…the best mother four degenerates ever had.”

Wes

You know how it happens, you click one link and follow it through 4 or 5 others. Today I found this little beauty ;)

In a sense, we are living behind enemy territory. Take a look at your surroundings. Heaps of people are stuck in the rat race. It’s almost impossible to watch anything but home improvement without getting an ear full of bad language or eyesore of inappropriate images. Even/especially the news should be TV-14.

This video reminded me of the answer to that question, what does being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mean to me?

It means I have a place I can go to find and give succor. I’m grateful for tools that I’ve been given to keep me safe behind enemy lines (temptations/distractions).

• Gospel
• Living Prophets
• Priesthood
• Holy Ghost
• Church friends and family

That’s just the first 5 things that come to mind.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

A friend gave me the idea for this post. She keeps a journal dedicated to answering a question posed by Gordon B. Hinckley to his son Richard.

What does my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mean to me?

-Repentance, a blessing of membership

We had an impromptu reading and I had heaps of fun employing my feigned kiwi accent while reading Nonah’s thoughtful, well articulated answers. Here’s my attempt to answer this question…

It means I have been baptized for the remission of my sins. It means I have a responsibility to my Heavenly Father, my Savior Jesus Christ and to myself to serve others, invite them to come and see, and strengthen my testimony of the fulness of the Gospel of Christ. I’m sure this answer would be typical for most membership holders. That sounds so funny; it reminds me of my Sam’s Club Membership.

TO ME…

To me, personally, it means that I have a deep sense of debt and gratitude to my Savior. The Plan of Salvation; Temples; Book of Mormon; Restoration… all these things that I take for granted are huge guideposts, axioms, spiritual landmarks. They’re a part of my life because I am a member of the church.

It means a sense of accountability - where much is given, much is required - to use my talents and opportunities to strengthen others and help that rock roll forward. It means feeling convicted as I write this post because I am living below that meaning. I am feeling the need for my own little restoration.

And on that positive note…

Be on time to work

I saw this on someone else’s tumblr. Duuuuude, embarrassing yo. I grew up in a pretty diverse part of the states so I’ve had the chance to mingle with heaps of different people -domestic and foreign- It’s easy to allow one(many) experience(s) to color your opinion, to represent an entire ethnicity or cultural group, but regardless of the similarities ALL PEOPLE ARE DISTINCTLY INDIVIDUAL.

<3<3 all over :)

Cheap trips in socal (Taken with instagram)

We pay tribute to an amazing aunty, best friend and cousin…well these are the roles she played for us.

To my sweet aunty pioa, thank you for always being a joy to laugh with, a sympathetic ear and a thoughtful cheerleader. We’re thanking you for all you’ve done for all of us. I know your loss is felt by many and in my family it will leave a huge void for my mother. Don’t worry about her, I’ll do my best to give her my ear. I’m happy for you and glad for your reunion on the other side, esp with your sweetheart :) please save a place for me…I wanna be next to you when you break out the snack bag, lol. Now I just gotta work my way there and only with God’s grace.

I remember when I first learned the concept of a half birthday. Why don’t samoans celebrate this? If I were a loved one and I decided to think outside the box, I would get me a nook…and give it to me now instead of in may, that would really be OUTSIDE the box. So be an extra-mile-r, get me an early half birthday present.

That finger scratching your eyeball feeling the day after you cried all night long. yup.