A Media Fast

UPDATE (25 Nov 08):

I have No Doubt, Ingrid Michaelson, A Fine Frenzy, Brooke Fraser, and Styx in my CD player...didn't want y'all to think I'm close to being translated or something! Just wanted to share some thoughts on some simple changes I've been trying out....

ORIGINAL (21 Nov 08):
So I didn't voluntarily give up TV, movies, and radio, but I am grateful for the change that it's been for me. Back in May when Michael was preparing to put in his mission papers, the Stake President asked that he start living like a missionary - no TV or radio, only G-rated movies, limited internet, and other things....

Since I spent a majority of my time with him over the past 6 months, I haven't been listening to the radio, I only watch 1 or 2 tv shows each night (JEOPARDY and Dancing with the Stars tend to be the favs) and the only movies I saw in the theater were Wall-E and the Emma Smith movie. On Tuesday, I went with Dad and the monkeys to see Dark Knight. DISTURBING! Oh my goodness! Other people told me they didn't like it either for the violence and it's "dark" feeling, but I have to admit that it really pushed me to reconsider my "media fast." I've been turning off the TV more and trying to listen to uplifting music (but I do need some Styx to rock out every now and then!). I didn't think that it made that much of a difference, but now that I realize that I haven't had that static in my life, I recognize an increased measure of the Spirit and I'm able to recognize promptings far more often than before. Neat!

I was just reading some articles getting ready for my talk in Stake Conference and I found this neat quote from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in a conference talk...

"Parents must know what their children are watching on television and must protect them from its evil influence. They should set a proper example by watching only those programs that are uplifting and worthwhile and opposing those that are corrupt and degrading. Many people decry television shows that portray sin and evil as being normal and acceptable, and even preferable to righteous living. However, viewers set the standards for television broadcasting. The networks and stations broadcast the types of programs that most of the people want to see. Mr. Frank Stanton, CBS president emeritus, told a Brigham Young University audience that network television standards will continue to decline because they are based onsociety's standards. He said, 'Standards come from the audience; the audience determines the programming and program content.' Further, he said, 'I believe there will be more infractions with respect to [immorality] and violence and it will get a lot worse before it gets better because of the changing standards of our society.' "

When was this said?

1989

when "The Cosby Show" and "Golden Girls" were the top shows

not "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy"

I'm just saying...

So I'm coming around on the whole photoshop thing...

Recently when looking at a couple of different pictures I thought - I really just like the original better. Then, I went all crazy and started messing with some photoshop express business and had some fun. I started with some pictures I took of Jill, Michael's little sister who happens to be one of the Drum Majors of the Hebron Marching Band. Now keep it straight - all of these pictures haven't been altered, but some have. Can you tell which ones have? And how? That's the trick! Have fun!

I've lost the will to blog....

Yes, and I've only been at such a little time....Of course, I've lost the will to do most things. I do enjoy crafting it up these days though. I made a recipe box and a beautiful picture frame for "The Living Christ" for my new beautiful bedroom. Maybe one day I'll buy a camera and take pictures and post what I made, but for now, that whole lackofmotivation thing kinda gets in the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed my long weekend off work so much so that I asked my mom - do you think I could be a stay-at-home sister? Really? I could only dream!


In writing this post, I realized I hadn't yet shared the joy of my new door. Yes that's right folks - I have a door (and a bedroom to go along with it!). I'm super excited to have my own space with the luxury of a DOOR! Can you believe it? Last week, while at work, Dad sent me a text playing a fun game which we often do of "guess where I'm at." I guessed work, but actually he was laying my bed, which instantly struck me as odd because my bed has been buried since before they left to take Logan to the MTC (See the Family Blog for more info on that). He cleared it up when he sent me a poor quality cell phone picture of a magnificent site - my bed cleaned off and in a new location! Yay! For those unaware of the past 3 years of my life - I have been the migrant in the house. When I first came home after graduation, I slept on the couch. Back from NOLA and FEMA work, I shared with Logan - interesting to say the least. Then it was off to the laundry room - which was great for the personal space, except that there was no door from the kitchen and a door leading from the garage that my little brothers and their friends never managed to knock on before entering. Now finally, I am back to living like a full citizen! To say that I'm excited is perhaps the understatement of the year. I am thrilled! I love my comfy bed and pretty curtains and most of all - the door. Wonder of wonders! Thanks Dad! I'm glad you had the day off and that you spent it creating the place that I never want to leave. Hmmmm maybe this is the root of the lost will....I will have to investigate. Or maybe I should just buy a laptop so that I can blog from the comfort of my cave....