St. George Trip

We just got back from a wonderful trip in St. George, Utah. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in the very hot (dry heat!) desert oasis. There, we spent time with Callee's family as well as with each other. I dare say that we did come away closer to one another, yet there is always the tendency to slip back into old habits; I hope we do not slip back into old habits, especially when there was a lot of growth and progression.

That being said, one of the most memorable parts of this trip was the family discussion. During the discussion, Callee's father, Dallan, wanted to express his heartfelt concerns regarding where we, as a family, are going, and how to get all of the family there. Dallan mentioned that he is very amazed and dumbfounded at the amount of evil creeping into the lives of the Saints. It is nearly the point in this world's history when wickedness will enter into the lives of the youth of the Church. I couldn't help but think that what is important is to be at the ready and keep a weather eye out for when the storms touch down. I do not have children but want to be not just prepared, but knowledgeful of options, what to do, how to handle, and have the courage to proceed during each storm. I hate to think that my children will go astray, seeking out forbidden paths that lead to waters of filthiness, and that their journeyings could have been prevented had I done something different, or not done something period. It really makes you think, laying out the eternal perspective.

Callee and I want to put forth a foundation for an eternal family now, before we build up a posterity unto ourselves. To do this, we are going to do many things now and in the future. I would like to strengthen the tent pole of our family tent by putting up pictures of the Savior, temples, doctrines of the gospel, etc. The daily reminders are what can trigger thoughts and feelings, emotions, memories of what the Lord has done. I find it interesting that Alma the younger was told by the angel to "remember the captivity of [his] fathers." As you continue reading throughout the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, those who were able to overcome all things kept in remembrance the captivity of their fathers and the great things the Lord did for them. I guess this is also another starting point for us. As you can read, the family meeting went very well and was productive.

The rest of the trip was very fun. We got to see The Dark Knight again, this time in regular format, and I have to say, it was better the first time. I have a theory, that the first time you watch a movie is more for eye candy and entertainment, than for fully understanding and appreciating the movie. I picked up a bit more this time around. First, I discovered what Commissioner Gordon said about Batman at the end. He said that Batman was not a hero but a watchful sentinel, a Dark Knight. He said that Batman was not the hero that Gotham needs but the hero that Gotham deserves. This means that the hero you deserve is the hero that is best suited and matched for you, who will help you to grow. The hero you need is the hero that will fix your problems for you, leaving little room for you to learn how to overcome your problems. Batman is about striving to create a world where there is no crime. This can only occur if the people choose this path and actively pursue. In the movie, Bruce says that Harvey Dent did more good at cleaning up the streets of Gotham City than Batman did, and he did it without a mask. But Batman was the catalyst of putting hope back on the streets, as well as allowing a way for people like Harvey Dent to step up. This is the significance of Batman and why he is needed. I love this movie. I am excited for the third installment!

When we drove down there, I was sick and Callee took on the daunting challenge of driving 5 hours straight while I lay near helpless in the seat beside her. On the way back, Callee was the one who was sick and I got to drive. My arms are achy from the driving and I can't imagine how Callee felt, being stuck in a car, with an achy body and pounding headache, and having stomach problems. In the end, it worked out for the best. We are safe at home and resting now. On this trip I prayed often that everything would be fine, as well as what His will was for me on this trip. I know that Heavenly Father healed me on this trip and watched over every car and everyone. Heavenly Father does live, Jesus in the Christ, they both appeared to Joseph Smith, and the Holy Ghost testifies of this.

Random SNL Clip

I love Mounted Talking Tiger!

Near-death Experiences

Today, Callee and I were on our way to my work when we almost collided with another vehicle. We were in the left turn lane awaiting for our turn to go when a car going near 50 mph coming perpendicular to us tore through the intersection and nearly collided with the car next to us. In other words, we were headed east, waiting for cars to pass by us going west. A car going south nearly hit us all. Callee told me to not go but to wait. I am glad I listen to my wife. The interesting part of it is that we had just prayed that we would be ok and that no harm or danger would befall either of us while we were out and about today. It was a small thing for Callee to say "Wait, don't go yet." As the scriptures read, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."

In other news, I have begun to draw more and more, though at times there is a lot of work in it and when I look at more skilled artists, I get depressed. But I have accepted it will take years for me to become the hardened and resolved artist I see so often around me. I am currently reading Bert Dobson's "Keys to Drawing" book. This book has been the greatest drawing book I have ever purchased. There are other books in my collection but nothing as fundamental and instructive as Mr. Dobson's book. Other books merely talk about how to draw body proportions as if it is something simple. The problems lie in the fact that only by observation and shutting off all that you know about something can you begin to observe everything. My problem has been that I have often drawn what I thought something looked like and often it was only from memory. Our brains can hold a lot of information yet it cannot store the information necessary for every single detail of every person, animal, natural habitat, etc; it just doesn't work that way. Instead, by learning to draw what we observe we begin to draw what is actually there.

In bookstores I have seen many books on the topic of drawing where there are generic situational faces in different ages and ethnicities, such as a Hispanic boy laughing, crying, getting angry; an older African American woman about to sneeze, laugh, smirk, etc. Other books have pose, comic artwork, manga artwork, or "traditional" books like figure and scenery drawing. I bought a lot of anatomy and figure drawing books but nothing like this book. I'm going to keep you posted.

Timing and other issues

In other news, I've been dong karate now for a few weeks and have found that I'm getting to my old level again but still there is much much to do. My legs a still a bit wobbly, timing is still a bit off, and my form still needs some improvement. I really don't know if I will be able to reach black belt in a year. We'll see though, we'll see.

Callee and I are looking for a new place to live. We'll need another car and with the distance, I don't know if I'll be able to do karate as much. I am really excited for a new place to live, I don't quite feel like we belong where we are right now. I mean, it feels like we don't quite fit in. It's a nice place to live but still I feel out of place. Anyhow, we are looking in a lot of different places and a lot of different kinds of living arrangements. I want to stay in a complex but they are just so much money. We are still looking, I guess it's about timing; it's always about timing. Well, gotta go to bed.

I love SNL skits, especially when they are funny. So I have included it in this entry.

Return to Karate

Today was my second time back at Karate. It's been a very long time since I've been practicing. Man alive, can I tell the difference 7 years makes! Before I left for my mission, I had achieved 1st kyuu, brown belt in my style. Now all of my friends who started after I did; they have all surpassed me in skill, muscle tone, and rank. I think this is really cool! At the same time I can't help but feel saddened that I've neglected this for so long. 

When I came home tonight, I started to undo my gi top. Callee glanced over, fixed her eyes on my chest, her eyes widened. She said, "Wait Duncan, take off your top". I did as she walked over and said "Wow, you are so hot, I love you going back to karate"! I was quite shocked. When she came to pick me up from practice she said, "You look happy". I never realized what kind of impact KDS had on my personality and my life. I feel like Superman returning to see his old friends the Legion of Superheroes. 

If you ever get a chance to read Geoff Johns' run with the Man of Steel, you will not be disappointed. Everything Geoff Johns writes resonates with you, like you become part of the story. Or better put, you get sucked into the story and become a part of it. It reminds me of having the smell of summer in your clothes after you've been outside for awhile.

Well this week is for new beginnings for me. I am returning to karate, writing in my blog, studying Japanese, drawing, and getting back to the never-ending search for grad programs.