The Call

Big news in the mission development! I got out of Criminal Law at approximately 2:15 pm as per the usual I walked to the mailbox to see if my I had received my call yet. I won't even try to explain the feelings to you as I opened the mailbox and sitting inside was a white packet. I confirmed that the white packet was for me and then I ran back to my apartment to find my phone. I should note that ever since I traded my iPhone for another phone I don't carry my phone with me to class as I don't need it. Either way, I got to my phone called my dad and had him get my mom and conference her in to the call. I then grabbed the papers and started to read. I was so excited to finally find out where I would be serving for the next two years. To my surprise it was an area that I had never heard of missionaries being sent to, speaking a language I had never considered I would be speaking. As you have probably heard, I have been called to  serve in the West Indies Mission and I will be speaking Dutch. I've attached a map of the mission below and I'm extremely excited and I can't wait to leave. By the way, I'm reporting to the MTC on June 16th so I would assume I'll be speaking in the "home" ward sometime just before that and I have no doubt that I'll be speaking in the Singles Ward before I leave Norman. For your information, my call is dated February 23rd and I received it on February 25th.

So what else has been going on? I don't know. To be honest, I've been waiting to receive my call for quite some time now and everything else seems to have been relegated to a status of not so important now that I've got my call. Either way, I'll catch you back up on what has occurred.

Tuesday I had the greatest foot-in-mouth moment of my life. My constitutional law professor walked into class and they guy sitting next to me made some remark on the tie the professor was wearing. I had noticed the tie once before when he wore it because I was bored in class and I noticed this random pattern that in tie. Well, I looked at the professor and commented on how when I was bored in class one day that I noticed a pattern in your tie. He glanced down at this tie and then looked up at me and said, "You were bored in class huh?" Suddenly I realized the mistake I had made. He began class and then abruptly stopped. He looked around and then commented, "You know, one of your classmates told me that he was bored in class. So... Mr. Nielson, if you get bored just nod off so I know okay?" Since then I have endured quite a few jokes and a lot of classmates have noted how I just said what everyone was thinking. I should note that I enjoy Con Law and it is one of my favorite classes this semester.

Tuesday night I got the opportunity to home teach two of my five home teachees. It is only kind of nice to fulfill your commitments and especially so when you do it ahead of schedule and not on the last day of the month. Jacob and I are planning on making sure we get with the rest of our people and we will then be good to go for sure.

Wednesday classes was on par for being the usual. Nothing amazing happened and somehow I once again avoided being called upon in my classes. That night though I did have missionary prep which, like I've said before, is one of my favorite classes. I enjoy it immensely and I especially like how James, the teacher, and I are able to take tangents and discussion doctrine that wouldn't normally be taught about in the lesson. After missionary prep, I went and picked up Madison and we went to Orange Tree for frozen yogurt. She was having a down week with her bicycle having been stolen on Sunday. I too was having a downer day so it was especially fun to get together and have frozen yogurt and just relax.

Today has been excellent to say the least. I slept in and thus missed Civil Procedure. That was kind of a bummer but was really nice for once. I did make it to Criminal Law and I actually got called on. I feel like I did a good job and I'm not ashamed that I didn't know the answer to one of her questions. After class I picked up the mail and away my day went. It has been interesting the responses of most people. Everyone has been excited for me but surprised at where I'm going and what language I'll be speaking.

Well I better wrap this up and get some work done,

One Love

Confessions of a Story Topper

Probably my worst trait, in my opinion, has to be the fact that I am a story topper. If you think you've never encountered a story topper, you've probably just never have known what one looks like. I am a story topper. That is, when I hear someone spin a yarn, or tell a tale, I listen to them but I feel compelled to follow up their story with a story of my own. As such an individual, I collect and remember my best stories so I am always ready with a good one that gets the people going. Such stories include Klondike, Saide's, and Junior Prom. I had such an event occur yesterday in what I am deeming, "The Laundry Disaster of 2010."

On Sunday, President Bednar was in Oklahoma and was going to conduct a fireside. The fireside was going to be in Oklahoma City, but webcasted out to many of the church buildings in Oklahoma. So after church, I made dinner while still wearing my Sunday clothes. While eating my chicken and rice, with soy sauce, I accidently spilled the rice on my white shirt. With it only being 3:30pm, I knew I'd have plenty of time to hurry and do laundry. Well I did my laundry and my brand new green institute t-shirt was put in the was with ALL my white shirts and undershirts. Sadly, I didn't notice until after they were done drying and to my surprise my white shirts now have a blue spotchy tint all over them. Whoops! Luckily, I was still able to attend the fireside which I will detail below.

Since my last post on Thursday the 18th a few things have occurred that are worth mentioning.

Friday, the 19th, was normal for the most part during the day. That night, though, Madison came over to my apartment and we watched Music an Lyrics and then Two Weeks Notice. Both are favorites of mine as I love the character that Hugh Grant plays, I say character because he is the same in just about every movies I've seen. After we watched those two we headed up to the Union and caught the showing of The Princess and the Frog for free. The Princess and the Frog, if you haven't seen it, is a hallmark back to the old days of Disney movies and I enjoyed it quite a bit. We had a good time over all.

Saturday, the 20th, I got the opportunity to watch the Cowboys, on TV, beat the Baylor Bears! With how they are currently playing, and shooting, I think the Cowboys could probably beat anyone out there. Hopefully, we can keep it flowing together. If they can keep it together they should be dangerous come the tournament.

Sunday, the 21st, luckily my Sunday did not start with a similar scenario to how it ended. That would have just been a bummer. Instead, I awoke and the normal time and got going. Sunday, is always better when you get up early and you are not rushing to get to church and such. I walked up to the institute as the weather was good and met up with Lena outside her building. Jensen had called me the night before so I was obligated to pass the sacrament, but I always love doing that anyways so he didn't have ask. The speakers for sacrament meeting were really good and I especially enjoyed Ryan's talk on Knowledge. Ryan also taught the lesson in Sunday and that went very well. During Elder's Quorum, we talked about free agency and that is always a good time.

I should say, I am always impressed by the quality of men in the ward. In my limited experience in other singles wards it seems that there are usually a lot more women then men in the ward. I don't know why this disparity exist but it does, at least I think it does. This men in leadership positions provide great examples for the younger men and boys. Another reason I really like this ward.

After Elder's Quorum I had a ward missionaries meeting. I didn't have to much to say as this was my first time coming to such a meeting but it should be interesting to see how this calling plays out. After church, I walked home and the above mentioned laundry disaster soon happened.

The fireside was really really good. If you had the opportunity to go and you didn't you missed out. President Bednar spoke for the first 30 or so minutes and then afterwards took and answered questions for the rest of the 2 and a half hours. Although, I didn't have a specific question I needed answered I learned from the questions of others and I enjoyed the fireside immensely. I've been fortunate to listen to General Authorities now twice in a much more personal setting since I've come out to Oklahoma and both have been well worth it. After the fireside, Matt, Erin, Pat, Lena, and I got the opportunity to chat about the fireside and just about anything else that came to our mind. Good times.

Today has been fairly normal with not a whole lot occurring in terms of school. I did make it to Family Home Evening tonight and we had a good time. Ryan, John, Evan, and I sat in the back and had some good discussions. Tyler Thornton taught the lesson and it was a good lesson about the qualities of the Quorum of the Twelve. After the lesson, we played Things and I lost. Oh well! After FHE, I went to Wal-Mart to replace some of my white shirts and I've been watching the OU game since.

Mission papers update: It's been 9 days since my papers were turned into headquarters and no response yet. Hopefully tomorrow, I'm not a very good patient person when I am really looking forward to something.

Not much else to say, though I've realized I've said a lot.

One Love

Self Compromise and Self Censoring

When I started this blog it was with a sincere and simple purpose. I would keep the blog in a sort of Journalistic form and I would record my thoughts as I applied for, was admitted to, and then attend law school. Since then, this blog has morphed into something of it's own. When things happen I feel the urge to share that event and the blog allows me to share information with those I don't see as often, or talk to, as compared to others individuals in my life. I also made the decision that I wouldn't hide my thoughts from those who read this blog in order to keep it's message sincere and truthful. As such, little to no self-censoring occurs. I realize that means some individuals may be mentioned from time to time without their permission in post that relate to them. If this occurs and you wish that I not mention you at all, or find it creepy, just let me know. I would have no problem changing the name for the purpose of posting.  I don't mean to offend, at least I don't think I do.

Per usual tradition a blog post is required as it is Thursday night.

There have only been three days since my last post and to be honest, I don't have much to catch you up on. Tuesday went well and my institute class was good as usual. Wednesday was long and boring and of little importance. Today has been quick and rather painless. I guess a list of major highlights is appropriate.

Tuesday:
Last day of Torts for the week.
Discussion of Civil Rights Cases in Con Law
President's of the Church institute class

Wednesday
Last day of Con Law for the week.
Discussion of Yick Wo and Plessy v. Ferguson... Separate but Equal?
Mission Prep
Semi-Bi-Quarterly Monthly trip to Wal-Mart
Received my institute t-shirt from Bro. Barber

Thursday
First day of Criminal Law for the week.
Rolling with the Missionaries for an hour and a half
Stephanie getting voted off of Survivor 20
Being only one day until the weekend

As you can see, a usual week has occurred and it is definitely not one to brag about. The most important thing that has happened to me this week happened tonight.

I, once again, had the opportunity to roll with the missionaries which is to say that I got to go with them and help them teach. Every time I go with the missionaries, I get an opportunity to see them in action and to watch how they work. I'm hoping, and I feel like, this will allow me to take their good work and to take their bad work and use it to make myself a better missionary when the time comes. Now obviously, I don't want to copy them as the spirit should be the guide for all missionaries. I still feel though that this extra familiarity and experience can only be a benefit for me in the short term and long term.

I feel bad for those who read my blog at a consistent rate or are around me at this time. The topic that is of course most prevalent is the mission I look forward to serving. I'm sure those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints understand why this is such an important step in my life but for those who are not let me try to explain.

The mission is not just about going to some place unfamiliar and trying to convince con people into a belief system. Rather, it is an opportunity for men and women to grow and to bring the truth to those who might not have received it and may be looking. My dad has always told me that he gained more from his mission then he feels he gave. I know he was a good missionary so this baffled me for a long time. Why is it a good missionary trying really hard gained more then he gave? I have to believe that my father gave more then he realizes and touched the hearts of a lot more people then he knows. As well, the mission is an opportunity to learn and to grow in the gospel and strengthen one's own testimony. Of course, the mission is not a capstone of someone's life. Rather, for those fortunate enough to serve, it is an opportunity to be refined and to be shaped in a way that will allow someone to be who they want to be for the rest of their lives.

I don't know if that will make sense to you. I guess it doesn't have to. Just know that the mission is very important to me and I know it is what I should be doing next in my life. Law school can wait, relationship can be put on hold, and ambition can be stalled. I know what I will being doing for the two years that I am serving will be bigger then me, you, and the person sitting next to you. So please just be patient with me when I ramble on about it to you, and I ask that you pray for me, the other individuals that are preparing for missions, and those that are currently serving missions.

One last thing I want to touch upon before I go to bed for the night.

We all have certain principles and beliefs that we refuse to compromise on. For someone it may be that they will never drink alcohol, for others perhaps it is abstaining from smoking, and for others it may be that they will always be in motion and never lazy. I would have to say that you probably don't know what those principles are until they are tested though.

For myself, I always thought I'd never change myself in order to suit someone else's will. I've found out that perhaps that principle is not so true. Professor Swank, my section's Civil Procedure professor, frequently jokes that he is attracted to bright shirts and as such he calls on those that wear them. This naturally collides with my love of Oklahoma State and those bright orange t-shirts. For most of the year, I was unfazed by that threat and he seemed to not actually call on me that often. This semester has been different. For awhile, I was getting called on every class period and sometimes multiple times. I was ashamed this morning when I realized that I was not going to wear my orange for the simple reason of not wanting to be called upon. I was conforming to Prof. Swank's will by changing what I would wear and when I would wear it. To this, I say no more! Tomorrow morning when I walk into class it will be with the Orange across my chest and with prepared notes. Perhaps, it is time for all of us to stand up against those that seek to change us and declare that we are happy expressing who we are.

One Love

Just don't do anything stupid!

It is official! Today is Tuesday! Woot!

Either way, I just realized that this is Tyro post #51. Who knew that I would be able to somewhat regularly maintain a blog for 51 post. Go me! Also, I've been noticing a lot of exclamation points recently who knows why.

Since we last talked a few things have occurred that are of some significance so here we go.

Friday February 12th. Friday was a grab bag of the good and bad. First, it was friday which is always a good thing when you have a good weekend ahead of you. Second, it was friday which is always bad when you have major projects due on Monday. The day started off in the usual manner of Civ Pro and Swank in the morning followed up with Criminal Law and Backus but luckily we had no LW&R with the Blodge. Classes were the norm and there really is nothing to report about how they went.

That evening though, I was charmed enough to attend an institute service project where we, and by we I mean everyone else, got to make valentines and then post them on peoples door, I actually participated in this one. I have no artistic talent so I let the others make the valentines. I was fortunate enough to be in Ryan's, Lena's, and Cory's group and we mostly had a good time. Although some petty squabbling about the location of one house did occur. The only downside to this service project was the fact that I missed the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. So I planned to stay up that night and watch the rerun, but quit 30 minutes in claiming it was too late and I was too tired.

Saturday February 13th. Saturday was just an all around good day. I can't think of anything negative to say about it. It first started for me at approximately noon, don't judge me, with the Oklahoma State v. Oklahoma basketball game. A game in which OSU played to their potential and won 97-76. It was an excellent contest in which we deserved to win. Suck it OU! After that, a trip to Wal-Mart was in order and then I went to the Stake Singles Dance that night.

The dance was fun and well worth the time spent. Lena and I attended and as we pulled into the Stake Center's parking lot we noticed there were only about 6-7 cars there. We then proceeded to drive around the back of the building just to make sure no one was hiding before we returned to the front and parked. As we walked into to gym, where the dance was, I think we both felt that something wasn't right. Our suspicious were confirmed when we saw that in the gym there were only like 10-12 people. There are many more details about the dance and feel free to ask me about them if you are interested, but I won't bore the rest of you with all the details. Suffice it to say, I had a really good time and I think Lena did as well. After the dance we sojourned at Orange Tree for a bit and had frozen yogurt.

While I was at the dance, I went over to the stake president and talked to him. He whipped out his iPhone and was actually able to submit my mission papers right then! So, now we are officially waiting to see how long it will take. I hoping it will only be three days, but I'm sure it will take longer then that.

Sunday Feburary 14th. I made the mistake many people make every year. I awoke to my alarm clocks, rolled over, said, "I'll just lay here for a few minutes", and then promptly fail asleep. Luckily, I awoke at 10:45 had a quick shower and was still on time for Sacrament meeting. Woot to me! Sunday night was paper night and so it can be said to have been very very boring and disappointing.

Monday February 15th. I was up early on Monday to ensure that my paper was turned in and that I could do my Torts reading. All went well with the paper submission until I realized that on my cover sheet I had put Appoint instead of Appointment. It was too late by then to change the paper and so I had to go with it. I'm hoping she doesn't even looking at the cover sheet as all of ours look the same. Classes went well with the exception of Con Law. I was forced to initial the seating chart so I wouldn't be called on because I was unprepared. Having to rewrite a major paper the night before does that to you. Fortunately about half the class also initialed the seating chart.

Yesterday night at 7:00pm, I had the opportunity to go to get frozen yogurt with Madison Conklin. Madison is always fun to hang out with and we had a good time talking and swapping stories. After we finished, Madison dropped me off and I got to watch the last half of the Oklahoma v. UConn women's basketball game. UConn won which is no surprised but the OU women played well. Because I was late, I couldn't find Lena or Robert anywhere because last night was Breast Cancer (Or perhaps just Cancer, I'm not too sure) awareness night. Thus, everyone was wearing pink shirts that were on the chairs when they arrived. Luckily, Lena spotted me and was able to show me where we were sitting.

The title of my post is currently my motto for right now. I just keep telling myself to not do anything stupid and things will go accordingly to plan. Everything is going well with me and I hope you are doing just as well.

One Love

As motivated as an undergrad with something better to do

No offense meant to those undergrads who are out there and read this, but my least motivated period of my life was probably when I was an undergrad living in the residence halls. Why this was has to do with the fact that for the first time in my life I was able to do what I wanted whenever I wanted. As such, Joe and I spent waaayyy too much time playing Halo, Left4Dead, and doing other random things. Honestly, I don't regret one minute of the time I spent doing something other then academics that year. It was a good time and very good relationships were built. Back to my original point though, right now I'm not motivated at all. I've been struggling to make sure I'm prepared every day and I've had at least one scary moment when the professor asked something I had know idea about at all. For example, today Professor Swank asked me where else besides FRCP 11 do we find sanctions for attorneys? I honestly had no idea. Luckily for me neither did anyone else in the class.

Today is Thursday and as such there is a bit to catch you up on.

Most of Monday was set out in last post so there is no reason to really bring much up. I did luck out though because although I skipped out on Con Law the professor apparently forgot to send the roll around. As such that absence won't hurt me. Woot! Monday night I didn't attend FHE again and I don't know what is up with that. For some reason I don't seem to eager to attend. Perhaps, I need to just buck it up and go. That is the plan for this next Monday and hopefully that will come to past.

Tuesday went pretty well. Classes started at the normal time of 10am and were over at the appropriate time of 3:10pm. Tuesday night I walked to the Institute for the Presidents of the Church class which is taught by the Shumways. They are an older couple who are serving a part time, I think, mission for the church. As part of their mission they are teaching classes at the institute. They are a lot of fun and are pretty good teachers. The class for Tuesday was about the fourth president of the church Wilford Woodruff. Once again, I learned 10x more then I ever knew before.

Wednesday was fairly normal. Classes went well and there is nothing really to report about them. Missionary Prep went well again and it is by far my favorite class this semester.

There is nothing to report for today really.  Civ Pro was ambiguous at best and criminal law, lets just say that if Professor Backus ends up killing someone she is related to or is caught with drugs I won't be surprised. That is not to say I think she is a career criminal she just talks about it every day it seems. I guess there are two things to report. First, I got the first graded assignment back from LW&R. Let me just say I hope we are going by golf rules because Blodgett hurt me. Secondly, today is the season premiere of Survivor.

Survivor, the show no one watches but me, first premiered in 2000. Ever since then I've always enjoyed watching it. The concept of putting 20 people together on an island and letting them establish their own form of society and then making them kicking out one of their own intrigues me. Last season, Samoa, was especially good as there was one individual, Russell, who was willing to openly play the role of the antithesis. This season should prove to be just as exciting as they are pitting 10 "heroes" against 10 "villains" undoubtedly the blood will flow. It has been surprising watching the first episode how the survivors seem to be taking they label of hero or villain too seriously. I think the individual on the heros team that is willing to throw the others under the bus will have a great opportunity to establish themselves come merger.

A mission papers update for those who haven't heard. So my stake president has my papers and is ready to submit them but there is one tiny snafu. You see, for those of you who haven't filled out the papers before, you have to elect an availability date of when you are ready to start to serve. I set the 25th of May as my availability date as that gives myself and my parents 11 days from my last final to get home and make sure we have everything ready to go. The thing is, church policy doesn't allow missionary papers to be submitted to headquarters until the missionary is within 100 days of being available. The 100th day for me will be the 14th. Hopefully, that will mean my stake president will be able to submit them on Sunday and then it will seriously be the waiting game.

I'm still looking forward to the dance on Saturday and I'm expecting to go. Other then that the only other things that are coming along are the nice blissful weekend and the paper due on Monday. Oh joy!

I don't have much else to say, so I guess I should end it.

One Love