Working about 16 hours a week and being a music major is maybe one of the craziest things I could do. But the job I have has flexible hours, which is really what I need, because I have to take into account performances and rehearsals that come up as well as all of the out-side-of-class work that comes with my particular major. It is thrilling to be so busy and sometimes when I do have down times (never during the week, just weekends) I feel like I'm forgetting something, because it just can't be this easy!
My work is a data collection center centered on market research. I basically get to wear a headset and make a bunch of phone calls and give surveys. It is challenging in that sometimes you have to put up with a bit of abuse. I have had all kinds of experiences. I have had people swear at me, scream at me, and threaten to sue us should we ever call again. Sometime it is almost humorous at how upset someone can get about a simple phone call. But through it you really appreciate those who are kind to you weather they take the survey or not. The kindest person I came in contact with THANKED me for considering their opinion. If they do take the survey, you appreciate them even more for helping your own rating since it is mostly based off of chance.
Psychologically it is hard to process. Studies have shown that if a person does not feel they have much control over their own lives or situation, then they tend to stress. And stress leads to other things. which is a whole other conversation. Secondly, it is easy to get discouraged by a particularly poorly written survey. Not as many people want to take it, and you have to fight for their attention and to keep them on the line. More stress. Thirdly, as mentioned above, you do deal with people who are down right rude to you. Fourthly, (and maybe this one is just for me) you deal with people in different time zones or who are putting children to bed. As an employee you don't get to chose who you call or even which state you are calling, and could feel a little guilt when someone complains that you are calling at an unseemly hour. And lastly, working that job you have to deal with supervisors who encourage you to increase your rating. They have an expectation and it has to be met. As if you had any control over who you call and weather they have any desire to take the survey or not.
That being said, I remember a few things. I remember not to take anything personally, I am just a member of a team working towards a common goal, and I have to play by their rules. I remember that if I were talking to some of these people face to face, maybe they would be more open, but just hearing a voice dehumanizes and estranges me from them. I would probably be a little annoyed by me too. But most importantly, I remember a scripture that really touched me a little over six months ago. It is 3 Nephi 13:25 "And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and said unto them: Remember the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have chosen to minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" The thing is, I don't fear that I will lose my job over a rating. I just know that I do what I can, I try my best and it works out for my good. Ezra Taft Benson once said, "When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives." I have faith that God loves me and know I am trying my best. It will all work out. For I know I am Never Alone.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Conference Weekend
Wow how time has flown! Conference weekend I was blessed to be able to spend it with my Grandparents and Uncle. A friend at school was driving down to Salt Lake because he had a mission reunion on the way there. So Friday night before I got to my Grandparent's place I got to go with him. I admit, I was really nervous about it since we didn't have any sort of relationship. I thought it would be awkward since I knew the first thing people were going to assume. And assume they did. I tried to hold my water or apple cider with my left hand, but I guess after people are married they forget to do a ring check. Oh well. It was fun anyways. It was fun to meet new people. I did run into someone I knew very briefly, and it was fun to look at mission pictures.
Eventually I did make it to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandma was in the process of remodeling her front room and putting in new carpet in the front room, kitchen, and a few bedrooms. So things were a little askew, but it turned out to be more fun than anything. When I was discussing the trip with her I suggested that I would be able to help her with the transition, but she insisted most of that was already taken care of. I just got to do the fun things with her. I got to go shopping for couches! I got to give my opinion on couches in contrast to a carpet sample we carried around with us and move furniture around to see what would work best in the new arrangement. I never knew it could be that fun! And while she was in a "out with the old and in with the new mood," we decided I could have her ridiculously comfortable rocking chair! She was being very generous I'm sure. It was so funny because it was a last minute decision. So random! But it is a done deal and I am very grateful for that. Also, Grandma and I enjoyed a girl's night out Saturday night at Deseret Book. This is also one of our traditions for General Conference.We stood in line so that we would be one of the first hundred people to go in so we could claim our prize (this time around it was a plaque). Grandma was kind to buy me a book I wanted by Elder Holland (my early Christmas present!) and we waited a little while in hopes that we would win something. And win something we did! Grandma got a picture she thinks she might frame.
And then a trip to Grandma's would not be complete if we didn't stop for Chinese! Mmmmmm....I hope that is a tradition as well.
Grandma was so kind in that she let me go out into the back yard and pick apples and pick out tomatoes! MMMMmmm! Nothing like fresh fruit or veggies from a garden! Can you say scrumptious? And the best thing is I was worried I was going to get scurvy from not getting in my produce. Just kidding, but produce can be so expensive! I was so thankful and I think blessed. Grandma says the apples got just a little bit sweeter since we had a little chill the night before.
Well, Conference was in of itself wonderful as it always is. If you asked me what my favorite talk was, I wouldn't be able to tell you since that is like asking me what my favorite scripture is! But I thought they were all wonderful and I really enjoyed finding themes throughout the whole conference. But I'll get to that in a little bit.
A friend from home drove up also for a mission reunion and got tickets to the Sunday morning session and invited me to go with him. Who can pass that up? It was so cool to get there early because the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was singing the Spoken Word. We got to hear it I think twice as they ran through the pieces at least once before they went on. As a music major it was absolutely fascinating! I was able to hear things with the aural skills I have been developing and I payed closer attention to the conductor's conducting. It was so unique, but I think I was able to understand the reasons behind his style. It was amazing! It was also amazing to see the prophet walk in and every voice be quieted. There was a reverence that followed in the whole Conference Center.
But I have a funny story concerning the friend I was with. So I became increasingly aware that he did have stronger feelings for me then I had anticipated. I mean, I knew he liked me, but as time went on, he would say certain things, and I could just feel apprehension rising within me. I really wanted to avoid him bringing up a DTR or asking how I felt about him. Before I left for school I had thought that I made it pretty clear that I wasn't interested in a relationship and that I was fine with being "just friends". But some people just are persistent I guess. So I was already freaked out and was doing everything I could to direct attention to where we were going, or the conference itself, or the lovely choir. When we got out of the Conference Center, so far so good. We walked across temple square and I let him escort me. I thought that was only polite and it wouldn't allow him to try to hold my hand or something. So as we were walking towards the parking garage where we were parked he glanced behind his shoulder and and said, "Well, no one is behind us so this is as good a place as any," released his arm from my grip and dropped to one knee. I think I was in shock first and then I was frantic. He grabbed my hand and then said, "I have to tie my shoe." What a tease! I couldn't believe that he had succeeded in pumping so much adrenaline into my system in less than a minute! I think we did share a good laugh from the experience.
Listening to Conference, I couldn't help but notice that a lot of what the speakers were saying seemed directed towards friends I have out on mission. At least in the first two sessions. Usually I find things which seem to be directed towards me personally a lot easier. Like in the Relief Society broadcast. I had felt a lot of the things said did apply to me and my Relief Society President since we were serving in the presidency together. During this one, it seemed to me personally, that a lot of what they were saying were things that I was already working on or had developed my testimony on especially within the past year. After Conference I did make a connection when I was sitting in one of my classes. I noticed a couple of themes and talks that connected with each other. A particular topic I think I felt most strongly about was love. How appropriate for our time! Especially since people have defined our generation as the "me generation". I have always thought of love as the most powerful thing in the universe! I'm going to site a scripture, but I'm going to replace a word with "love". I hope I'm not being blasphemous by doing so, but I feel this is my logic. 2 Nephi 2:13: "And if ye say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness [ or love], there be no happiness. And if there be no [love] or happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away." If this word substitution is valid, then without love there is no God, for God is love (please see 1 John 4:7-12). And certainly without love the atonement would not have happened and everything would be lost (Mosiah 16L4). But what about in our own daily lives? Are we utilizing that? And how would we utilize it? While sitting in class a (not the connection because there are so many concerning love) connection came to me. Conference focused on Love, Revelation & The Spirit, and Families (at least that is how I saw it). Now, these are all related and centered around love. Simply stated: Because you sincerely love your family you can receive revelation through the Holy Ghost as to how best to serve them. I believe this is especially true of parents. For one of the fruits of the Spirit is love (Galations 5:22)! Especially in the world we live in where child abuse (verbal or otherwise), neglect and other family issues are so prevalent. If we sincerely love those we associate we can very much serve them in capacities we did not imagine. Our Love can also be measured in sacrifice. M. Russel Ballard once said, "The degree of our love for the Lord, for the gospel, and for our fellowman can be measured by what we are willing to sacrifice for them. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ manifested the supreme example of this love." If we truly recognize the family as "central to the Creator's Plan (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)" and the sanctity of marriage, can it be assumed that we would sacrifice the things of the world to open the windows of heaven to us and our families. Can this love from our hearts be motivation to come unto Christ and allow his spirit to come into our homes? I say yes. I also testify that the commandments from the scriptures and prophets will not be a nuisance. We will find our stony heart will be replaced with a fleshy heart within ourselves (2 Corinthians 3:3). We will find ourselves wanting to be better. We will recognize the blessings of righteous living and thirst after it.
Most importantly, we are not Alone in this quest. We have a Loving Lord and Savior who invites us to come to him continually. He will never forsake us, thus we must "never no never forsake" (Hymn No. 85).
Eventually I did make it to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandma was in the process of remodeling her front room and putting in new carpet in the front room, kitchen, and a few bedrooms. So things were a little askew, but it turned out to be more fun than anything. When I was discussing the trip with her I suggested that I would be able to help her with the transition, but she insisted most of that was already taken care of. I just got to do the fun things with her. I got to go shopping for couches! I got to give my opinion on couches in contrast to a carpet sample we carried around with us and move furniture around to see what would work best in the new arrangement. I never knew it could be that fun! And while she was in a "out with the old and in with the new mood," we decided I could have her ridiculously comfortable rocking chair! She was being very generous I'm sure. It was so funny because it was a last minute decision. So random! But it is a done deal and I am very grateful for that. Also, Grandma and I enjoyed a girl's night out Saturday night at Deseret Book. This is also one of our traditions for General Conference.We stood in line so that we would be one of the first hundred people to go in so we could claim our prize (this time around it was a plaque). Grandma was kind to buy me a book I wanted by Elder Holland (my early Christmas present!) and we waited a little while in hopes that we would win something. And win something we did! Grandma got a picture she thinks she might frame.
And then a trip to Grandma's would not be complete if we didn't stop for Chinese! Mmmmmm....I hope that is a tradition as well.
Grandma was so kind in that she let me go out into the back yard and pick apples and pick out tomatoes! MMMMmmm! Nothing like fresh fruit or veggies from a garden! Can you say scrumptious? And the best thing is I was worried I was going to get scurvy from not getting in my produce. Just kidding, but produce can be so expensive! I was so thankful and I think blessed. Grandma says the apples got just a little bit sweeter since we had a little chill the night before.
Well, Conference was in of itself wonderful as it always is. If you asked me what my favorite talk was, I wouldn't be able to tell you since that is like asking me what my favorite scripture is! But I thought they were all wonderful and I really enjoyed finding themes throughout the whole conference. But I'll get to that in a little bit.
A friend from home drove up also for a mission reunion and got tickets to the Sunday morning session and invited me to go with him. Who can pass that up? It was so cool to get there early because the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was singing the Spoken Word. We got to hear it I think twice as they ran through the pieces at least once before they went on. As a music major it was absolutely fascinating! I was able to hear things with the aural skills I have been developing and I payed closer attention to the conductor's conducting. It was so unique, but I think I was able to understand the reasons behind his style. It was amazing! It was also amazing to see the prophet walk in and every voice be quieted. There was a reverence that followed in the whole Conference Center.
But I have a funny story concerning the friend I was with. So I became increasingly aware that he did have stronger feelings for me then I had anticipated. I mean, I knew he liked me, but as time went on, he would say certain things, and I could just feel apprehension rising within me. I really wanted to avoid him bringing up a DTR or asking how I felt about him. Before I left for school I had thought that I made it pretty clear that I wasn't interested in a relationship and that I was fine with being "just friends". But some people just are persistent I guess. So I was already freaked out and was doing everything I could to direct attention to where we were going, or the conference itself, or the lovely choir. When we got out of the Conference Center, so far so good. We walked across temple square and I let him escort me. I thought that was only polite and it wouldn't allow him to try to hold my hand or something. So as we were walking towards the parking garage where we were parked he glanced behind his shoulder and and said, "Well, no one is behind us so this is as good a place as any," released his arm from my grip and dropped to one knee. I think I was in shock first and then I was frantic. He grabbed my hand and then said, "I have to tie my shoe." What a tease! I couldn't believe that he had succeeded in pumping so much adrenaline into my system in less than a minute! I think we did share a good laugh from the experience.
Listening to Conference, I couldn't help but notice that a lot of what the speakers were saying seemed directed towards friends I have out on mission. At least in the first two sessions. Usually I find things which seem to be directed towards me personally a lot easier. Like in the Relief Society broadcast. I had felt a lot of the things said did apply to me and my Relief Society President since we were serving in the presidency together. During this one, it seemed to me personally, that a lot of what they were saying were things that I was already working on or had developed my testimony on especially within the past year. After Conference I did make a connection when I was sitting in one of my classes. I noticed a couple of themes and talks that connected with each other. A particular topic I think I felt most strongly about was love. How appropriate for our time! Especially since people have defined our generation as the "me generation". I have always thought of love as the most powerful thing in the universe! I'm going to site a scripture, but I'm going to replace a word with "love". I hope I'm not being blasphemous by doing so, but I feel this is my logic. 2 Nephi 2:13: "And if ye say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness [ or love], there be no happiness. And if there be no [love] or happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away." If this word substitution is valid, then without love there is no God, for God is love (please see 1 John 4:7-12). And certainly without love the atonement would not have happened and everything would be lost (Mosiah 16L4). But what about in our own daily lives? Are we utilizing that? And how would we utilize it? While sitting in class a (not the connection because there are so many concerning love) connection came to me. Conference focused on Love, Revelation & The Spirit, and Families (at least that is how I saw it). Now, these are all related and centered around love. Simply stated: Because you sincerely love your family you can receive revelation through the Holy Ghost as to how best to serve them. I believe this is especially true of parents. For one of the fruits of the Spirit is love (Galations 5:22)! Especially in the world we live in where child abuse (verbal or otherwise), neglect and other family issues are so prevalent. If we sincerely love those we associate we can very much serve them in capacities we did not imagine. Our Love can also be measured in sacrifice. M. Russel Ballard once said, "The degree of our love for the Lord, for the gospel, and for our fellowman can be measured by what we are willing to sacrifice for them. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ manifested the supreme example of this love." If we truly recognize the family as "central to the Creator's Plan (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)" and the sanctity of marriage, can it be assumed that we would sacrifice the things of the world to open the windows of heaven to us and our families. Can this love from our hearts be motivation to come unto Christ and allow his spirit to come into our homes? I say yes. I also testify that the commandments from the scriptures and prophets will not be a nuisance. We will find our stony heart will be replaced with a fleshy heart within ourselves (2 Corinthians 3:3). We will find ourselves wanting to be better. We will recognize the blessings of righteous living and thirst after it.
Most importantly, we are not Alone in this quest. We have a Loving Lord and Savior who invites us to come to him continually. He will never forsake us, thus we must "never no never forsake" (Hymn No. 85).
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