Dodgers vs. Mets

So yesterday, it was "Mormon Night" at the Dodgers Stadium (baseball team) because Elder Urchdorf was throwing the first pitch and most of the people that came to the game were Mormon. LOL. And we took up all the good seats (aka the all-you-can-eat section) and I went with everyone from my church and I arrived with Glenn. We got seven hotdogs, three nacho plates and four Cokes. HAHA. The game wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be but it was definitely better than the Mariners vs. Angels game that I saw when I was still living in Seattle. I mean, seriously? Dodgers - 0 Mets - 9? LAME. But it was still good because we got to eat all we can eat. Also, I taught Glenn the ways of Korea. HAHAHAHA. And a bunch of K-Pop that almost made his head explode. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Now, later today, I'm going to go see my old friend John (who's my friend from Japan and was my best friend in kindergarten) and his family. They are coming from Las Vegas so they have to pass by here before they head to San Diego (where they live) so we're going to have dinner or something like that and it's going to be awesome. :)

Good day,
Otter

Benji Schwimmer. SYTYCD Winner. Mormon.

(061212)

I'm not sure who here watches "So You Think You Can Dance" tv show but there's a dancer named Benji Schwimmer. He's a good dancer, he's also a member of my church and he was my friend Glenn's old companion during their mission... On Tuesday, we all get the news that he announced that he was gay. He finally came out after struggling to come to terms that he was gay and he struggled to accept it because he's been a devoted member to our church but ever since he finally accepted it, he left our church and is now "ex-communicated" (that means that he's no longer affiliated with our church)

The way we found out was when Joe, Glenn and I were at Ontario Mills (a mall) eating Panda Express and then we see Glenn on his iPhone, scrolling around and then his expression changed from content to worried and disappointed (?) and then he told us if we knew Benji and Joe knew of him but knew his sister and I know of him because he was on TV but I knew he's from Redlands. So then Glenn told us about it and how they were companions for about six months during their mission (which is a long time) and then told us that Benji came out and announced that he was gay, leaving the church and is now doing whatever. Joe and I were a little surprised that he decided to leave and we thought it was a little harsh.

Later after we ate, Glenn couldn't call him because Benji lost his phone so he just sent him a private message on Twitter. But to know that he left the church and is now ex-communicated left a saddened feeling... I can't imagine leaving my church, I can't imagine the church ex-communicating with me or anything like that... I don't even want to think of that feeling but for Benji to go through that was really sad.

I don't know why he left the church, I mean, is it just because he's gay? I know some Mormon's are hella sketchy with that issue but there are some that understand (Andi and I). A lot of Mormon's think that Andi and I are not Mormons because we support gay rights, gay marriages and have gay friends and best friends but it doesn't make you any less of a devoted disciple of God if you follow His word but, I don't know. I just heard the news and I just thought of telling you guys... I just wish that the situation was so harsh. :(

A New Calling.

Today for the first time, I went to a family church. O_O I went with the Davis' because a missionary they knew came back from his mission so they came to say hello. And when I was there, it was so hard to concentrate at church because of the children crying, talking and whatnot. Haha.

But after sacrament, we all headed over to our church for the last hour and then Brother Jensen came up to me and said, "Otter, after church, you have to come and see me." and usually, with that kind of question, I freak out! Buuuuuuut, when we managed to meet up together, Brother Jensen just told me that I have a new calling in the church! Woot! I'm on the Break the Fast committee! See, even the church knows that I love food. BWAHAHA. But this time, now that I'm on the committee, I get to bug people to BRING food to the church. So that there's food for me. I mean. Everyone.

Now I'm waiting for my friend Coco so we can go to a Fireside.

Woohoo,
Otter

PS: I'm hungry... Again.

So, this is Robert. He's half Samoan, half American. And holy eff, he's gorgeous in real life! <3

Joe, my Samoan friend, is now friends with him and when he talks about him, I always asked who Robert was and he told me that it's this new guy that is transferring his records to our church. (So excited!) Robert has his bachelors degree in "Exercise Science" in a university in Utah. He's very active in the church like his father (ooooh yeeeah) and he's single but all the girls around him have a huge crush on him. He's 24, and hasn't done his mission yet so he's totally off limits for a while. Damn it. But he's trying to get Joe to go to the gym and Joe wants me to come along and prepare myself even more for BMT. And I'm thinking in my head, "If Robert is the trainer, haaaaaaaaaaayl yes."

And when Joe talks about renting a room at Robert's house, Joe immediately says, "NO SIS. YOU CANNOT COME OVER AND SEE ROBERT." even when I didn't say anything! All I ever said was when I finally knew who Robert is was that he was "handsome" which is the truth but I'm not like, "OMG, MARRY ME AND GIVE ME MORMON KIDS!" like the other girls.

But he is gorgeous in real life, especially in his suit and tie. He finally found a job at a MMA gym and he lives not too far from me. Ugh~ I wish I could grab me a man like Rob.

Dreamin',
Otter

Marine + Mormon = Him

So, ever since the Fireside when we conjoined with other YSA's and apparently, there was a YSA that came that's two hours away and I met a lot of new people. Especially one.

29-Palms is a Marine Corps base. Some Marines came to our YSA's and they are not only Marines, but Mormons! Sounds perfect. And I met one. And we kind of clicked but he was super shy...

But we managed to exchange phone numbers. He actually texted me.

Since then, we've been talking non-stop. As much as I like him, I don't think I can do a relationship because I'm stuck with Blue Fox still. I try not to but... Still.

But Karl, the Marine Mormon, is falling head over heels for me. And as much as I like him... I can't lead him on but he's been taking my stuff a little too far and is expecting stuff. He's a great guy but he's expecting it to be romantic and stuff. :( and the fact that I leave for bootcamp in 46 days, it's going to be real hard for me and him and "us", if ever.

This is why I thought about not dating a member of the church. They get waaaaaay too ahead of themselves?

Now, he's kind of "worried".

What to do,
Otter

Updates.

Lately has been really... Difficult? No, should I say eventful?

I Admire Allan.

So there’s this guy that I want to introduce you to; his name is Allan.

He’s the typical blonde hair, blue eyed, piercing yet capturing voice, all-American guy and he’s a member of my church. He’s a funny and an outgoing guy even though he’s very shy but once you get to know him, he’s not quiet. He did his mission in Europe, he knows how to speak German and French and he knows American Sign Language so sometimes you’ll see him translate our sacrament meetings in ASL.

Why am I talking about Allan? Because I recently found out something that makes me admire him even more.

What is that you ask? Well I found out that his mother, father and sister are deaf.

He is the only one that can hear and speak despite the fact that his mother, father and sister are deaf. He doesn’t talk about his family much but ever since I found that out, my admiration for him went to another level.

A lot of people take voices, speaking and talking for granted and there are some that wish some people would “stop talking” but I can’t imagine not being able to hear or speak and communicate with others. What more with having deaf parents? I can’t imagine not hearing my father or mother talk to me and it would pain me even more that my parents can’t hear me.

It’s little things like this that make me feel more grateful for what I have and to spread charity to those around me because there are so many things we overlook and to know someone who has been going through this all his life really touches me. It makes me admire them even more because of their patience, strength and endurance.

I'm The New Visiting Home Teacher!

Yesterday, while at church, I got a calling from the church and the president of the Relief Society came up to me and gave me my calling and said that I'm going to be a new member of the Visiting Home Teaching. And it's exciting because I have a companion, her name is Sharon. She's awesome. She's a little weird and awkward but that's how I like my peoples. LOL.

So I'm excited for that because it's something that I'm good at, you know? Basically what we do is we go to the houses of the fellow females of the church. We have a list of them and we go once or twice a month to see them, check up on them and we can check up on them more often than we want, we can call them and whatnot. We go to their houses, check up on them, see how they're doing, if they need help with anything whether it's emotional, spiritual or just need some help with errands. It's almost like building a bigger bond of a "sisterhood" within the church and the boys do it too... It's a great opportunity to meet others and help each other. And if ever you come to our church, you're going to feel the warm love that we all have for each other and the strong friendships we have. Some people will get weirded out because we're all so close but that's because we have this Visiting Home Teaching program.

Also, I went to a California YSA Fireside Conference. Basically it's an event where we all gather together and discuss upcoming events for charity, YSA events, dances and stuff like that. And our goal is to help the community but also let the less-active members of the church, come back and remember the good times that the church has. And non-members of the church are very much welcomed! And I would bring you, Turtle because we all bring snacks and drinks. Some people bake brownies and cookies and I know you love that stuff. Lol.

So, I'm going to be apart of all the events but sadly, I won't make it to the August California YSA gathering. And it's a gathering where thousands of YSA's get together, hang out, have a good time under the sun and just live in the love of God and spread it to each other. LOL. I just made it sound like we're such hippies... We probably are. That's why everyone thinks we're weird.

Hippie,
Otter

Cute guys, PT and Movies.

OHMYGAWD, TURTLE! IF YOU MOVE TO THE STATES, YOU HAVE TO TELL ME ASAP! BECAUSE THEN I'LL GET THE NEXT FLIGHT TO COME SEE YOU! If I get stationed in New York, you can come and stay with me and we can watch musicals together! And there is a lot of good places that I know in New York that we can do to! AND MAYBE WHEN I HAVE THE TIME, WE CAN DO A ROADTRIP! THERE'S A LOT OF COOL STUFF HERE IN THE UNITED STATES! sa;ljfdjfkdlsjksjdkfj;sdkfds, I feel like a kid in a theme park! BUT YOU MUST TELL ME. And I can visit you during the holidays (if that's okay with your parents) lol. skdjflksdjfjsdlskd, SO COOL! I'm so stoked even though nothing happened yet! LOL!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Anyways, I just got back from PT. FREAKIN' SUCKS TODAY. I woke up at 7am and I found out that it's raining like crazy and the wind is just an abomination. So I texted Ssgt. Fears and asked if we still had PT. And she said, "Yes." Like, not even a 'yes' with a smiley. It's a straight up, in your face, with a period, 'yes'. So I go to the office and I find out that it's her replacement. Some girl who got back from her training and Tech School and is now doing her RAP (recruiters assistant program) duty. Sigh.

However, I woke up at 7:20am and I was out of the house, in the car and on my way at 7:30am. I didn't eat anything and I just drank two gulps of water. And then we did our push ups, sit ups and warm ups outside while it was drizzling (it slowed down by the time I reached the office) and then we had to run a mile and a half, but this time, we were timed! And since I wasn't feeling well because I had this stomach ache since yesterday, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to do well but I pressed on! I ran and my time was 18 minutes for a mile and a half. WHICH IS BALLS. I usually can make it in time for the run~ I think I'm starting to become a softy. Sigh, sigh. I need to work on that. I am happy that I can meet the core-strength requirements. It's my running time because I don't want to be recycled in BMT! The last thing you want is to be recycled (pushed back) and stay in basic even longer...

After we were done, we left. And I saw "Chase"...

OH, OH! WHEN WE WERE RUNNING, he was basically on his way back when I wasn't even done with the whole thing, and he said to me, "Are you okay? (smile) You doing alright? (smile)" STOP SHOWING ME YOUR GORGEOUS TEETH, GAWD DANG IT! But I was like, "YEAH, (giggle) I'M FINE! (smile)" (hnnnnng~~~) I bet I looked all awkward. -_- lol.

So when we were done, we were all went to our cars and left. When I was in the car, I felt dizzy and nauseous. I felt like I was going to throw up in the car but I didn't. (thank goodness) but I got home, went to the bathroom, felt better and I checked online that my dizziness and nausea after running/PT is usually because I didn't eat a pre-snack work out and enough water so my body was lacking oxygen. POO. So I ate a snack after and then I'm going to have a PB&J sandwich after I make this blog.

And at 3pm, I have a movie "date" with Elder Preator and Elder Kirk. Mmmm~ Apparently, we're going to watch a Mormon film. Um, I think it's about Joseph Smith. And I have a surprise for them! I'm going to bring some frosted animal cookies and chocolate milk for them. Teehee. Is my affection for the Elders a little too obvious? LOL.

Today can't get any better than a day filled with good-looking men in PT uniforms and suits.

I love today,
Otter

If The Book of Mormon Was Made Into A Movie...

Honestly, to those who haven't even read the Book of Mormon, if they were to see this trailer on their TV screens or as an ad while streaming videos talking about how this is the new upcoming movie... I bet you that you will be in line when it comes out.

There's no doubt about how epic this would be to watch! I actually wish someone would make a movie about the Book of Mormon as epic as this!

And for those who did and is reading the Book of Mormon would agree that the stories in the Book of Mormon are pretty epic and this is as close as it'll get when you imagine the epic-ness that comes with the book! And you know you can't help but smile about it! :)

Personally, Mel Gibson as Nephi... Meh, it doesn't cut it for me but Eric Bana as Mormon?! PERFECT! And Brad Pitt as Captain Moroni (Mormon's son)?! UGH, yes! (Even though I'm not a really a fan of Brad Pitt)

If you're interested in the movie clips that were shown in the video:
___________? (King Benjamin)
Braveheart (Nephi; Mel Gibson)
First Night (Helaman; Richard Gere)
Gladiators (Gidgidoni/Russell Crowe)
Troy (Mormon; Eric Bana. Captain Moroni; Brad Pitt)
Last of the Mohicans (Alma the Younger; Daniel Day Lewis)

Mormon-y,
Otter

General Conference!

So General Conference was awesome. Even though I didn't get the chance to go to Utah... I was still able to watch it online. And it was awesome. I liked all the talks that were given and I loved the choir and while I was watching... Guess who I saw?

David Archuleta! LOLOLOL.

Yes, if you didn't know, he's Mormon. And he's finally going on a mission! This choir, filled with young men and women, are from the MTC in Provo, Utah (where Indigo is currently in too) and MTC is Missionary Training Center. Where potential Elders and Sisters are going to prepare themselves to head out and help spread the gospel of God. I don't know where David's going but to see him in the choir is good, exciting and awesome... I was shocked! I was like, "Wait. I know that guy. BUT WHERE?!" and then I remembered. How awesome is that? So he will soon be serving his two-year mission! Yay!

I don't think I can make it to the next General Conference this year... Sad. I was hoping to go to this year's one because I know I won't make it to the one that will happen in six months. (General Conference is twice a year) but one day, I'll do it. :)

YSA, FHE and Friends.

Today was Break the Fast and it's amazing that a lot of people came and brought food! Also, today I met with Cassandra! She's from Switzerland! Both of her parents are Swiss but her mother was born here in Riverside. And her whole family is apart of the LDS church and she came with the Sister Davis. She got to experience the YSA (Young Single Adult) Ward! (Which they don't have in Switzerland) and I have to tell you - I'm not a lesbian - BUT SHE IS FREAKING BEAUTIFUL! And she is 6'0" tall! (when you subtract her two-inch heels) and she is just a lovely person~ She stuck by me the whole day and I introduced her to so many other people within our ward and I felt really good. She really loved it, she met with a lot of people. After church, we (Sister Davis and I) went to drop her home and I got to meet her parents! Her mother is BEAUTIFUL! Ohmygoodness! Her mother has flawless sign, beautiful eyes and her father was really handsome. She speaks German/Dutch to her mother but then again, they all speak four languages. Haha. Her father is a 70's in the Mormon community and that's a big deal! Haha.

Tomorrow, we have FHE (Family Home Evening) and we're all going to go to San Bernadino and we will be joining in the BBQ with the North Park YSA Ward. :)

I love meeting new friends and I love getting to know the ones that I already am friends with.

Good day,
Otter

PS: Blue Fox texted me at 2pm today saying that he did pass out last night but for some reason, my phone died. It was weird. Sigh. I miss him.
PSS: I also got a wedding invitation to Immanuel and Heather's wedding! I CAN'T WAIT! :D

FHE-aftermath and A JOB?!

FHE (Family Home Evening): The best FHE I've ever been to so far! When I arrived at church, I saw the guys grilling the meat for our dinner that they will be serving us! So all the girls gathered together and we had a little lesson from Courtney about how we can do little things that will make us become more prophesied. And then after, we all went into our church's gymnasium and we had three tables set up for us, covered with paper and we all sat down as we waited. And I was standing awkwardly because I wasn't sure where I wanted to sit so I sat with all the "weird" people from our church (and they are my kind of 'weird', too) and we all realized we had pens and I had a marker! So we all ended up doodling on our table while we waited. When we were called first to get our food, we got all the good stuff and I guess the guys piled on the stuff for us because when we went back to the table to eat it, we all didn't know how to close the burrito! LOL. We we're all struggling to eat it but it was fun. And our table played a lot of games that we usually played in elementary school and we were the table that was laughing the most. A lot of people were jealous that they couldn't join but I thought it was funny how our side of the table was filled with doodles and the other half was plain white. LOL. After FHE, Derek was going to drive me home but we decided to hang out with the other churchmates at Dairy Queen. We saw Courtney, Sam, Sam's girlfriend (not sure what her name is), Immanuel, Daniel and Christian. It was fun... A little boring but fun. Haha. Then I went home and crashed into my bed at 12am.

Today: So today, I wake up and do my usual routine and I spoke to my mom on the phone for a little bit and I texted my second father (Mr. Reed; my best friend/roommate's father) and told him that I was leaving for BMT on June 19th, and he texted me back saying that he was so happy, excited and proud of me and he gave me some advice as well. When I got off the phone with my mom, I realized I got a text from Blue Fox! He said, "What you doing?" and I texted an hour after because I didn't even know he texted me. And then my friend Tracface called me and told me that she saw on the Penny Saver (a booklet you receive in the mail for free about places you can save money and sometimes they have job offers) and I saw that there's a place hiring people who knows how to operate a forklift and it says that even if you don't know how, you can be trained and it is allowing everyone to go! SO, I went and I realized that there was a fee of $35. So for me to train for the forklift, I need $35 but the manager is suggesting that I should do two machines to insure that I get the job and that's $70 but he is giving it to me for $35. AND THEY PAY $10~$15 her hour! So I went to apply and he said that I can come tomorrow at 10am and pay the fee and start the training! So I'm excited. But as I was on my way to apply, I texted Blue Fox and told him that I was on my way to a job thingy and asked what he was doing but he didn't reply (yet). I texted him on Saturday, asking if he has any plans and it took him forever to reply, but when I went to a business meeting, he finally replied saying he was partying with his team (and I don't think it's the partying we all think it is because Blue Fox doesn't even drink)

Turtle, indeed my life is a little more cheerful and a lot of opportunities came up and things are going swell ever since I was baptized as a Mormon. A lot of people were telling me not to do it because Mormon's are "stupid", "dumb", "weird" and "creepy" and I do admit that some Mormon's are weird but there are some good ones out there and the ones that I spent most of my time with are great people and I've met and became friends with a bunch of Elders who I know are going to be my friends forever. Ever since I became a Mormon, my life became so much better and I enjoy what I do. And I'm praying more often and I believe that God is answering my sincere wishes in my heart and is blessing me as long as I keep myself honest and sincere. And I can say this as a testimony.

Cheery,
Otter

A Good Sunday.

Sunday was really interesting.

Not only was it break the fast (which was amazing because people finally brought real food) but today, the Bishop gave me my baptism and confirmation certificate! Bwahaha! Awesome.

Since Sunday was the first Sunday of the month, we all had to bear our testimonies and stuff so a lot of people went up and did their thing and after the Sacrament meeting, we all head to Priesthood/Sunday School classes and in the middle of the class, Brother Jensen came in (he's this man in his 50's) and he called me out of class and in my head, I'm instinctively thinking, "Ohmygod, what did I do?!" and he took me into this empty room and sat across from me and this is how it went:

Teehee, Indigo.

So I posted my baptism pictures on Facebook and Indigo comments on it.

Indigo: That's my girl

:D,
Otter

Otter's Baptism.

Picture 1: Greenwood cutting cake for everyone!
Picture 2: My second mother and I.
Picture 3: Elder Opeda and I! (DON'T WE LOOK ALIKE?!)
Picture 4: Elder Preator, Joe, Me and Elder Jeffery

Of course, pictures are not allowed during the baptism so you can't really see me getting dunked but I did wear a one-piece jumpsuit that reminded me of an astronaut suit.

Everyone sang for me and I was getting ready to get baptized...

Joe and I went into the baptismal font and he held my back and I held his hand and he said a small prayer and then dunked me!

True Words.

LMAO! True, true.

Mormon's Sunday Testimony.

So lately, I've been hanging out with my Mormon friends and I've been consecutively attending church for the last two weeks and been attending the classes and other activities.

(Btw, I feel so under-dressed compared to them.)

And yesterday, Joe, Mrs. Davis (Sister Davis) and I arrived late because we had to pick Joe up from his house. So we missed the "Sacrament Meeting" or something like that. But we were able to go in sometime in the middle. When we came in, it was time for some people to "bear their testimonies" and it's where they express certain hardships and how God has helped them get through it by presenting them with "blessings". And so everyone was slowly going up there and saying what they wanted to say (sometimes it wasn't about total hardships but more of commitments and promises that they will keep) and then Joe decides to go up.

A Big Sunday Night.

So, Elder Ortiz invited me to go to their church however, he and the other Elders that I've met were attending some event at the Singles Ward so he contacted Sister Davis (Lorena Davis) and she came to pick me up at my house and brought me to church, which then I met Elder Jeffery who took me around places in the church and helped me feel comfortable during the whole thing even though it was overwhelming.

But after church, I had to head to the class/lecture/discussions and I honestly enjoyed that and then we had to gather in the church hall to listen to the Patriarch talk about something for an hour. At the end, I realized that I had been at the church for four hours!

Mormons and My Wound.

So just five minutes ago, Indigo (yes, Indigo) had some connections that lead two Mormon Elders to me. I thank him for helping me out and trying to send people to “help me”. Even though I’m not religious, just the gesture was nice.

But in the midst of all that, Quazi (Emily’s dog) was growling at Astro and attacking the kennel. So I tried moving Quazi but just before I could touch him, he attacked my wrist.

I didn’t know how bad it was until Elder Larson and Elder Opeda handed me the Book of Mormon and then I saw how bad my wrist was.

THERE WAS A FREAKING HOLE IN MY WRIST AND I CAN SEE THROUGH MY SKIN.

Fuck. And I have MEPS next Thursday.