Nathan Sardoni
Sister Embree
Communications 150
Conflicts Rituals.
This assignment has really taken me a while to complete because I didn’t really understand what my own conflict rituals are. I am not a person who look forwards to conflict but I do not shy away from it either so figuring out my own conflict rituals has been an interesting experience. I have decided that in most relationships have the behavior ritual of stating what I think or feel even if I know the other person may not want to hear. I have been called brutally honest by many of my close friends and family. I don’t really like this title but when I sit down and think about my actions then yeah I am a little to honest. I have since learned from this class in fact that there are many times when things don’t have and ought not to be said.
With my regular behavior now established I have had many conflicts with people in life. Over the last few years these conflicts have become almost non existent because of my new conflict rituals that quickly deal with rising conflicts. Earlier in life I was a huge competitor in everything I did and conflict was the same way. A few years ago when a conflict would arise I would almost always get into a screaming match which got me and whoever I was with never got anything done. Now I before I start to get competitive I always try to get the other persons point of view. Listening to people is really hard for me especially when they really want to let me know how wrong I have been but even with that said I have still found a way to get the other persons point of view.
Another conflict ritual I have is when conflicts do arise I try to get as emotionally detached as possible. I find that this ritual on occasion does not help the conflicts go away. When I get into a conflict with a young female peer this ritual is one of the worst things to do. It seems to me that in situations were the other party wants to know what you are feeling and then you go and get emotionally detached can be very detrimental to your side of the conflict. In other situations like getting into a conflict with a young male peer this ritual works really well.
I find that many of my conflict rituals change but that I still remain the same. My personality is much harder to change but I have and continue to change my conflict rituals to fit those I am around to try and steer away from devastating conflicts. No one likes losing a conflict and earlier in life I would have fought tooth and nail not to but now I find that I can let many would be conflicts go.
Monday, March 29, 2010
True Story
Nathan Sardoni
Passing on the Legacy
Life is a funny thing when you sit down and think about it. Reading this story has brought back tons of memories I have as a child. I think all children have a similar story in that they meet someone and for some strange reason they just click. This young man had an awesome relationship with a telephone operator when there was no real reason for it other than they had an awesome relationship climate. The two parties knew what they wanted. The operator just wanted someone to talk to on a non business level which probably helped her as a stress relief. Talking to little kids and helping them figure stuff out has always been one of my favorite things to do and I feel that Sally feels the same way. As for our young friend Villard he just had a ton of questions that needed answering. During his childhood he knew he could always rely on the operator to answered all of his question. They had a perfect relationship because they each got what they wanted as much as they needed it, answered questions and a young child’s company.
In my own life I had an awesome relationship with my big neighbor Shane Favorlick. He was the man. When I was 5 years old we moved into a home in Alta Loma CA where we had another LDS family as neighbors. They had a 24 year old son that was attending the local Junior College who was a huge adrenaline junkie. Shane was awesome to a young Nathan for many reasons everyday on his way home he would do a wheelie up the street on his motorcycle to which I would run outside and watch him. Then if I was lucky which happened about once week we would be over an hour later asking me to come out and play. Shane taught me how to ride a bike my first summer there and when I was 6 years old he taught me how to ride the bike off his roof into the pool below. Riding bikes was not the only thing that Shane had me ride on but his family also owned two huge Bull Mastiff dogs. They were like horses and liked to be ridden like horses. Now many of the things Shane taught me to do were strictly confidential and he never had to tell me that. He always knew when we were having fun and when I was totally scared out of my mind which happened no often enough judging by all the scares and stitches I have from that time in my life. One of the happiest moments of my childhood was when my dad and Shane rigged up a huge rope swing that went at least 25 feet up to the top of one of our trees. It seemed like a nightly ritual when my dad would come home from work and then magically Shane would stop by to pull me on this massive swing. I would be sitting in the little car wheel seat when the two of them would grab the chain and pull it across the yard. This would make the swing seem like a zip line and then they would give it a rug and let go. The swing was long enough that I would fly up over the fence into other neighbors yard. I think it was then that I learned to love the wind blowing through my hair and how I learned to cope with terror and joy at the same time.
My relationship with Shane was perfect in my eyes. I wanted a friend and someone to play with. With my dad starting a new job as an attorney he couldn’t be around in the early afternoons like he used to be. Now Shane was never my dad but he did teach me a lot about having fun. To this day I know some of his legacy is still in me and that one day I too will pass it on. You could say this is my tribute to him for hanging out with a young small kid 20 years his junior and still laughing while he was at it. Shane after a little while moved out on his own and got married and I hope that his experience with me helped him prepare in some way for that new and ultimate adventure he is now a part of.
Passing on the Legacy
Life is a funny thing when you sit down and think about it. Reading this story has brought back tons of memories I have as a child. I think all children have a similar story in that they meet someone and for some strange reason they just click. This young man had an awesome relationship with a telephone operator when there was no real reason for it other than they had an awesome relationship climate. The two parties knew what they wanted. The operator just wanted someone to talk to on a non business level which probably helped her as a stress relief. Talking to little kids and helping them figure stuff out has always been one of my favorite things to do and I feel that Sally feels the same way. As for our young friend Villard he just had a ton of questions that needed answering. During his childhood he knew he could always rely on the operator to answered all of his question. They had a perfect relationship because they each got what they wanted as much as they needed it, answered questions and a young child’s company.
In my own life I had an awesome relationship with my big neighbor Shane Favorlick. He was the man. When I was 5 years old we moved into a home in Alta Loma CA where we had another LDS family as neighbors. They had a 24 year old son that was attending the local Junior College who was a huge adrenaline junkie. Shane was awesome to a young Nathan for many reasons everyday on his way home he would do a wheelie up the street on his motorcycle to which I would run outside and watch him. Then if I was lucky which happened about once week we would be over an hour later asking me to come out and play. Shane taught me how to ride a bike my first summer there and when I was 6 years old he taught me how to ride the bike off his roof into the pool below. Riding bikes was not the only thing that Shane had me ride on but his family also owned two huge Bull Mastiff dogs. They were like horses and liked to be ridden like horses. Now many of the things Shane taught me to do were strictly confidential and he never had to tell me that. He always knew when we were having fun and when I was totally scared out of my mind which happened no often enough judging by all the scares and stitches I have from that time in my life. One of the happiest moments of my childhood was when my dad and Shane rigged up a huge rope swing that went at least 25 feet up to the top of one of our trees. It seemed like a nightly ritual when my dad would come home from work and then magically Shane would stop by to pull me on this massive swing. I would be sitting in the little car wheel seat when the two of them would grab the chain and pull it across the yard. This would make the swing seem like a zip line and then they would give it a rug and let go. The swing was long enough that I would fly up over the fence into other neighbors yard. I think it was then that I learned to love the wind blowing through my hair and how I learned to cope with terror and joy at the same time.
My relationship with Shane was perfect in my eyes. I wanted a friend and someone to play with. With my dad starting a new job as an attorney he couldn’t be around in the early afternoons like he used to be. Now Shane was never my dad but he did teach me a lot about having fun. To this day I know some of his legacy is still in me and that one day I too will pass it on. You could say this is my tribute to him for hanging out with a young small kid 20 years his junior and still laughing while he was at it. Shane after a little while moved out on his own and got married and I hope that his experience with me helped him prepare in some way for that new and ultimate adventure he is now a part of.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My first life thoughts
Alright well recently I have been getting influenced to write down my life's ideas and goals on this thing. Funny how no one will fallow this thing but well whatever. Life recently has been full of things that could nave been hardships. This semester has been the hardest academic semester of my college career yet. With that thought came the realization that there are going to be harder times in the future and that I should just buckle down and get the job done now. In my personnel life well things have never been better. I feel like I am growing into a better individual everyday. Now with that written down here I have to give my disclaimer that my life is far from ideal or perfect. It does however at the moment suit my needs. Life at the moment is missing a few key characters seeing as how I am still single. I don't however think that being single is a bad thing for someone in my situation. I am only 21 and there is plenty of time even in the Rexburg Mormon culture for me to find the one. All in good time these things will take care of themselves. I feel that when I meet someone worth pursuing I will go out and pursue but in tell then well there are better things to do then mope around. I am now applying for jobs for this summers term and man after this semester I will have studied a whole year without break.
Since coming home from the mission I have obtained 47 credits which puts the grand total at 60 credits. Yeah I really want to take a break and make some money. Getting back in shape would also be awesome now I still get to work out on occasion up here but lets get real I need some more time and activities to get back into a fit lean physique. What else do people worry about lets see. I have good and some decent friends and my family is doing well from what I here. My brother Devan is in the mission field prancing around Southern Mexico and he will be gone for a long while yet.
Hmmm I really wonder at times if people read these things like on other individuals blogs. Life goes ever on and if anyone has a better way to look at life then lets hear it.
Since coming home from the mission I have obtained 47 credits which puts the grand total at 60 credits. Yeah I really want to take a break and make some money. Getting back in shape would also be awesome now I still get to work out on occasion up here but lets get real I need some more time and activities to get back into a fit lean physique. What else do people worry about lets see. I have good and some decent friends and my family is doing well from what I here. My brother Devan is in the mission field prancing around Southern Mexico and he will be gone for a long while yet.
Hmmm I really wonder at times if people read these things like on other individuals blogs. Life goes ever on and if anyone has a better way to look at life then lets hear it.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
MY comm write ups
Nathan Sardoni
Communications 150
Professor Embree
MWF 2:00- 3:00
Questions: What does each teach? Are there any that seem particularly significant to you? Do you have any overall impressions after having read & pondered them all?
1) Each of these scriptures gives a specific instance or way that the lord has shown his love for us by communicating his will. The Lord has many ways of communicating like through the words of others, by the holy ghost, and by his own voice. These scriptures teach us that the Lord will never abandon us and that he is always willing to talk.
2)I really like the scripture in 1 Corinthians 9. In my own life this method of divine communication has been the most prevalent one. It really strikes home when you know how much the Lord influences the people around us to help and comfort us. I have even been surprised by how I myself have helped others.
3)My overall impression after having read these scriptures is that the Lord really does know all things. He knows how to comfort each and everyone one of us in our own specific way. I have also been humbled by how much the Lord does care for us. He has created worlds without end but he still has time to attend to my own problems and to help me discover my own divine potential.
Nathan Sardoni
Sister Embree
Communications 150
MWF 2-3
Febuary5 2010
I really like this talk and I have read it on many separate and different occasions. The principle of not taking offense is something that I have had to work very hard ay because people often assume that I can take more kidding than I am truly comfortable with. Growing up with my birthday on April first has always given me ample opportunities to have the joke played on me and to not have the last laugh. I remember when my older sister gave me a rock for my birthday and well I was more than stunned. I was 10 and I remember getting this huge box from my older sister. I had never seen a box so big from her so I got really excited, I mean I was bouncing off the walls. Then to my great disappointment I found only empty boxes and then at the very end of my search a small rock. I had no idea what to do. I was crest fallen, this was my birthday and I was ten and here I was getting a rock from a family member. It was then that it occurred to me that I had two choices one, to get over it and not think about it anymore or two, to just throw a fit and cause mass mayhem. I chose option one and man I’m thankful for that. Ever since then I have always tried to not throw temper tantrums but being me that has been a very difficult goal. I am what some people call a very spirited person.
The next thing I always try to do is give disclaimers for everything I say. I have found that when I speak most people get the impression that I am speaking in absolutes when I am not. I have on more than one occasion gotten a lecture from a mom about how I need to not be so mean to their children and what. I have really tried since then to tell everyone before hand that I am joking or that this is only a guess or opinion. Most people still think that I am to serious with my comments but I have seen an improvement in myself and also not as many people get offended anymore. I hate offending people but this still hasn’t stopped me from sharing my opinions or telling the truth about how I really feel. I think this may be why I have had little to no success with my dating life. I don’t think learning how to lie will fix this either so I still have a lot of work cut out for me.
Nathan Sardoni
Sister Embree
Communication 150
MWF 2-3
Recognizing My Emotions
The recognition of my emotions wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I have been told in the past that I need to show more emotion but when I took the time to actually stop and pay attention I would find myself awash with tons of different emotions. A very simple way I found what I was feeling was paying attention to how my body felt. When I was hungry with low blood sugar I found that I was very irritable and didn’t have a lot of patience for anything. When I was content and without hunger or fatigue I was actually quit happy and would laugh at just about anything remotely humorous.
I found that when my emotions were not running high I had a much more difficult time telling what my emotions were. They were just a hodge-podge of mixed feelings.
Most of my emotions are actually quit strong. I don’t really have a lot for middle ground between them maybe one reason is that I try to make a conscience effort at being happy. When you are trying to have an emotion you avoid everything else that comes to your attention like anger or happiness.
I found that in many situations a show emotion but I also found that I put myself in very similar situation for comfort. I like being happy so I am nearly always around people who make me happy. I like to laugh and smile so I put myself in those kinds of situations. When I get angry I need to leave the place or people that have been giving me stimuli to feel that way. I found that at about 10-11 is my most susceptible time to get angry. I haven’t eaten in a while and the first real part of the days fatigue is starting to set in and I get frustrated. Thus happens especially when people try to argue with me or I don’t like what someone is doing with my possessions.
Late at night when I am feeling a little to angry or intense I really have to make an effort not to rip some ones head off. It is so hard to listen to people when you have a head ache because all I want to do is go to bed. When I catch my second wind later in the evening my demeanor completely changes. I get really giddy and laugh and even the most mundane attempts at humor that my roommates provide. I really enjoyed my nights more when I found out how much I really change and I have since started to hydrate myself later on in the evening.
Nathan Sardoni
Sister Embree
Communication 150
MWF 2-3
February 12 2010
Buckets and Dippers.
Life is really just like a box of chocolates you truly never know what your going to get. Everyday we have new experiences and perceptions. People are just a non stop fun because of the way everyone sees the world around them. I myself choose to take a very positive look on life but there are those that see life as a cup that half empty not full.
In life I have had one to many opportunities to stand for what I believe in an environment that wasn’t a friendly one. When reading about how those who have feelings of insecurity will lass out at others because of their confidence I understood why so many people would continually pester me about why I believed in the things that I did because they themselves were not sure of what life was truly about. I found in my senior year that when I treated these people with respect and kindness that they would slowly I mean slowly come around to treat me the same way.
In my own life I have on occasion tried to steal another’s water. I have found that I try to steal water when it comes to physical prowess. I am not a very big person and when I would go out and play sports I would more often then not leave the arena frustrated at how the bigger boys were able to handle the game despite my best efforts. I would go and say many things that I really didn’t mean and try to put another down so I could feel better about myself. Throughout the years I have continually tried to remedy this fault but It wasn’t in tell I entered the mission field that I was able to find a better way to control myself. It was by caring about someone else more than myself that helped me conquer these feelings of frustration.
All in all I think this talk has a lot of precedence in our daily lives. We all need to look at others in a more respective light. Trying to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes does more than anyone really knows and as Bishop Burton has said, “Good Samaritanism is contagious. Providing in the Lords way humbles the rich, it exalts the poor, and sanctifies both. The giver helps those in need by sharing what he has received. The receiver accepts the offering with gratitude. As the receiver rises to his full potential, he then is able to reach out to help others“(Bishop Burton Go and Do Likewise, Ensign May, 1997, pg 75 ).
Nathan Sardoni
MFW 2-3
Tongue of Angels
This is a great talk on how to use our gift of speech. I have over the years read many talks on this subject and this is in my opinion the best one. I like this one because it inspires one to do better out of being happy not out of condemnation. It was through Elder Holland’s own words and the way that he used them that made all the difference. I actually felt uplifted and insipid to do better instead of the usually remorse and self pity that other talks in the past have left.
I have recently come under the idea that everyone in their youth makes more than one or two mistakes and more especially when it comes to bridling their tongues. I know I made more than my fair share of mistakes in this regard but the difference between good people and those who aspire to be less is the attitude of learning and change. I from personal experience can say that everyone can change the way they speak and the way they treat others. Growing up I did not have the cleanest mouth but it was through some of the principles that Elder Holland touched on that I found the way to change. Many people will tell you not to say certain things but they will never really tell you why or help you set goals to stop. I my mind this is one of those areas that many members of the church can do better in supporting those with problem. With a plan to help people set goals many would change and become better orators.
When we speak to people in a condescending way we never I mean never get the message across. It is intelligent for people to not listen when others are being mean and manipulative and when you speak to others this way you are only weakening your position in the conversation. I feel this is why Elder Holland’s approach which was a come on guys lets do better way will help more people. He tells us of what our potential for good is and helps us set goals to get there. When you go out of your way to help people set goals and make plans they the other people will almost always come and join your camp. This is how long lasting friendships are made and last. Even old friends if treated badly will leave your companionship. How you talk to others reflex a huge part of what you think of them.
Nathan Sardoni
Professor Embree
Communications 150
MWF 2-3 Jan 19 2010
This last weekend I found the people that really needed to hear a real compliment. To give the backdrop the three people a decided to report on where all very different individuals which in tern made each of their compliments very different. This weekend while working on a home movie project I gave a compliment to a new roommate. When eating dinner at and old friends house I complimented the cook. The last was the most difficult because I was being rubbed the wrong way by this individual at the time but after the compliment left my lips the rooms atmosphere really did change.
This last weekend I got another taste on how difficult it really if to film a movie. Especially if you have to direct, write, and edit the whole thing. It was during the filming of some faster paced scenes that I really started to notice how much my roommate Jason could act. I was hesitant about bringing him to the movie shoot but after we got there he really gave over one hundred percent. After a stunt scene I went told him that he really could act. I thought it was a simple statement but after I said these words he had a lot more confidence in front of the camera and was willing to do just about anything. I have thought a lot about what happened that day because I told him he was a true actor and I found myself having a much better time filming the movie.
Earlier in the week I received a message from an old friend that I was invited to his place for dinner. For dinner we had lasagna and it was great. The cook who had made the dish I had never met before. She was a young girl of about 18 and had grown up in the same stake as my friend. I remember telling her thank you for the meal and that it tasted great which of course brought in a chorus from everyone else in the room. At first she said that she hadn’t really done anything but when she said how little she had done I remembered our class discussion last Friday. How people seem to down play their talents to not look pride full. It was in that moment that I told her it tasted good so whatever she did was enough. Her countenance changed after this, although she never admitted to how good dinner was she opened up and told me that I had missed her Sunday soup and that I was invited this fallowing week to come back and have some. Giving compliments makes friends so fast. I didn’t even know this person but because I showed interest in one of her accomplishment she really opened up and became more comfortable.
My last example was the hardest compliment to give this last few days. This semester we had new people move in and one of these new individuals has been well the best way to put it is he has been busting my chops since day one. I don’t think he does so on purpose but he is just a really critical dude. Now I don’t want to sound to conceited but half the time it is just really hard to take him seriously. He has told us all that this semester he has been more confident with girls and that he was going on a lot more dates than he previously had. This was really important to him so when the subject came up on Sunday I took the time to tell him what a great guy he was and how dating was no big deal for a dude like him. I think that this compliment went a long way for our relationship and I felt really good, really good after giving him this compliment.
The learning Model
The Role of a teacher here at B.Y.U. Idaho is to guide the learning of all participants in the class. I really like the word guide because while I was growing up I felt that many of my teachers were just speaking or teachings what they wanted to. While I was in the mission field I really did learn what a good teaching environment was. Most information we hear or see is very easily forgotten but the feelings we have are not forgotten. Now when I teach I do not strive to pass on a lot of mundane information but I really try to inspire all who are listening to have a drive to learn the material that I was presenting. Here at B.Y.U. Idaho I feel that many of the teachers are the same way, they all prepare and focus on the most important information at hand and inspire their students to go out and excel.
The Role of the student here at B.Y.U. Idaho is in fact to learn as much as possible. While going to class is a fundamental part of learning on a college campus it is not the only thing that needs to be done. It is what you do in class by taking notes or asking questions that the real learning takes place inside the class room. Another purpose of learning is to also pass on the information that you have learned to your peers. This is one of Gods schools and to learn you also need to have the charity to give.
Every semester I make a goal to learn things that are outside of the box and to come up with comments in class that are relevant that no one else does. This goal has really always pushed me to write more interesting papers and to come up with real comments for in class discussions.
If we all as students want to emulate the savior then we all need to come to class ready to learn. The Savior was always ready to learn from another and because he was always ready and willing I believe he had more opportunities to teach and testify of what was important to him.
Communications 150
Professor Embree
MWF 2:00- 3:00
Questions: What does each teach? Are there any that seem particularly significant to you? Do you have any overall impressions after having read & pondered them all?
1) Each of these scriptures gives a specific instance or way that the lord has shown his love for us by communicating his will. The Lord has many ways of communicating like through the words of others, by the holy ghost, and by his own voice. These scriptures teach us that the Lord will never abandon us and that he is always willing to talk.
2)I really like the scripture in 1 Corinthians 9. In my own life this method of divine communication has been the most prevalent one. It really strikes home when you know how much the Lord influences the people around us to help and comfort us. I have even been surprised by how I myself have helped others.
3)My overall impression after having read these scriptures is that the Lord really does know all things. He knows how to comfort each and everyone one of us in our own specific way. I have also been humbled by how much the Lord does care for us. He has created worlds without end but he still has time to attend to my own problems and to help me discover my own divine potential.
Nathan Sardoni
Sister Embree
Communications 150
MWF 2-3
Febuary5 2010
I really like this talk and I have read it on many separate and different occasions. The principle of not taking offense is something that I have had to work very hard ay because people often assume that I can take more kidding than I am truly comfortable with. Growing up with my birthday on April first has always given me ample opportunities to have the joke played on me and to not have the last laugh. I remember when my older sister gave me a rock for my birthday and well I was more than stunned. I was 10 and I remember getting this huge box from my older sister. I had never seen a box so big from her so I got really excited, I mean I was bouncing off the walls. Then to my great disappointment I found only empty boxes and then at the very end of my search a small rock. I had no idea what to do. I was crest fallen, this was my birthday and I was ten and here I was getting a rock from a family member. It was then that it occurred to me that I had two choices one, to get over it and not think about it anymore or two, to just throw a fit and cause mass mayhem. I chose option one and man I’m thankful for that. Ever since then I have always tried to not throw temper tantrums but being me that has been a very difficult goal. I am what some people call a very spirited person.
The next thing I always try to do is give disclaimers for everything I say. I have found that when I speak most people get the impression that I am speaking in absolutes when I am not. I have on more than one occasion gotten a lecture from a mom about how I need to not be so mean to their children and what. I have really tried since then to tell everyone before hand that I am joking or that this is only a guess or opinion. Most people still think that I am to serious with my comments but I have seen an improvement in myself and also not as many people get offended anymore. I hate offending people but this still hasn’t stopped me from sharing my opinions or telling the truth about how I really feel. I think this may be why I have had little to no success with my dating life. I don’t think learning how to lie will fix this either so I still have a lot of work cut out for me.
Nathan Sardoni
Sister Embree
Communication 150
MWF 2-3
Recognizing My Emotions
The recognition of my emotions wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I have been told in the past that I need to show more emotion but when I took the time to actually stop and pay attention I would find myself awash with tons of different emotions. A very simple way I found what I was feeling was paying attention to how my body felt. When I was hungry with low blood sugar I found that I was very irritable and didn’t have a lot of patience for anything. When I was content and without hunger or fatigue I was actually quit happy and would laugh at just about anything remotely humorous.
I found that when my emotions were not running high I had a much more difficult time telling what my emotions were. They were just a hodge-podge of mixed feelings.
Most of my emotions are actually quit strong. I don’t really have a lot for middle ground between them maybe one reason is that I try to make a conscience effort at being happy. When you are trying to have an emotion you avoid everything else that comes to your attention like anger or happiness.
I found that in many situations a show emotion but I also found that I put myself in very similar situation for comfort. I like being happy so I am nearly always around people who make me happy. I like to laugh and smile so I put myself in those kinds of situations. When I get angry I need to leave the place or people that have been giving me stimuli to feel that way. I found that at about 10-11 is my most susceptible time to get angry. I haven’t eaten in a while and the first real part of the days fatigue is starting to set in and I get frustrated. Thus happens especially when people try to argue with me or I don’t like what someone is doing with my possessions.
Late at night when I am feeling a little to angry or intense I really have to make an effort not to rip some ones head off. It is so hard to listen to people when you have a head ache because all I want to do is go to bed. When I catch my second wind later in the evening my demeanor completely changes. I get really giddy and laugh and even the most mundane attempts at humor that my roommates provide. I really enjoyed my nights more when I found out how much I really change and I have since started to hydrate myself later on in the evening.
Nathan Sardoni
Sister Embree
Communication 150
MWF 2-3
February 12 2010
Buckets and Dippers.
Life is really just like a box of chocolates you truly never know what your going to get. Everyday we have new experiences and perceptions. People are just a non stop fun because of the way everyone sees the world around them. I myself choose to take a very positive look on life but there are those that see life as a cup that half empty not full.
In life I have had one to many opportunities to stand for what I believe in an environment that wasn’t a friendly one. When reading about how those who have feelings of insecurity will lass out at others because of their confidence I understood why so many people would continually pester me about why I believed in the things that I did because they themselves were not sure of what life was truly about. I found in my senior year that when I treated these people with respect and kindness that they would slowly I mean slowly come around to treat me the same way.
In my own life I have on occasion tried to steal another’s water. I have found that I try to steal water when it comes to physical prowess. I am not a very big person and when I would go out and play sports I would more often then not leave the arena frustrated at how the bigger boys were able to handle the game despite my best efforts. I would go and say many things that I really didn’t mean and try to put another down so I could feel better about myself. Throughout the years I have continually tried to remedy this fault but It wasn’t in tell I entered the mission field that I was able to find a better way to control myself. It was by caring about someone else more than myself that helped me conquer these feelings of frustration.
All in all I think this talk has a lot of precedence in our daily lives. We all need to look at others in a more respective light. Trying to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes does more than anyone really knows and as Bishop Burton has said, “Good Samaritanism is contagious. Providing in the Lords way humbles the rich, it exalts the poor, and sanctifies both. The giver helps those in need by sharing what he has received. The receiver accepts the offering with gratitude. As the receiver rises to his full potential, he then is able to reach out to help others“(Bishop Burton Go and Do Likewise, Ensign May, 1997, pg 75 ).
Nathan Sardoni
MFW 2-3
Tongue of Angels
This is a great talk on how to use our gift of speech. I have over the years read many talks on this subject and this is in my opinion the best one. I like this one because it inspires one to do better out of being happy not out of condemnation. It was through Elder Holland’s own words and the way that he used them that made all the difference. I actually felt uplifted and insipid to do better instead of the usually remorse and self pity that other talks in the past have left.
I have recently come under the idea that everyone in their youth makes more than one or two mistakes and more especially when it comes to bridling their tongues. I know I made more than my fair share of mistakes in this regard but the difference between good people and those who aspire to be less is the attitude of learning and change. I from personal experience can say that everyone can change the way they speak and the way they treat others. Growing up I did not have the cleanest mouth but it was through some of the principles that Elder Holland touched on that I found the way to change. Many people will tell you not to say certain things but they will never really tell you why or help you set goals to stop. I my mind this is one of those areas that many members of the church can do better in supporting those with problem. With a plan to help people set goals many would change and become better orators.
When we speak to people in a condescending way we never I mean never get the message across. It is intelligent for people to not listen when others are being mean and manipulative and when you speak to others this way you are only weakening your position in the conversation. I feel this is why Elder Holland’s approach which was a come on guys lets do better way will help more people. He tells us of what our potential for good is and helps us set goals to get there. When you go out of your way to help people set goals and make plans they the other people will almost always come and join your camp. This is how long lasting friendships are made and last. Even old friends if treated badly will leave your companionship. How you talk to others reflex a huge part of what you think of them.
Nathan Sardoni
Professor Embree
Communications 150
MWF 2-3 Jan 19 2010
This last weekend I found the people that really needed to hear a real compliment. To give the backdrop the three people a decided to report on where all very different individuals which in tern made each of their compliments very different. This weekend while working on a home movie project I gave a compliment to a new roommate. When eating dinner at and old friends house I complimented the cook. The last was the most difficult because I was being rubbed the wrong way by this individual at the time but after the compliment left my lips the rooms atmosphere really did change.
This last weekend I got another taste on how difficult it really if to film a movie. Especially if you have to direct, write, and edit the whole thing. It was during the filming of some faster paced scenes that I really started to notice how much my roommate Jason could act. I was hesitant about bringing him to the movie shoot but after we got there he really gave over one hundred percent. After a stunt scene I went told him that he really could act. I thought it was a simple statement but after I said these words he had a lot more confidence in front of the camera and was willing to do just about anything. I have thought a lot about what happened that day because I told him he was a true actor and I found myself having a much better time filming the movie.
Earlier in the week I received a message from an old friend that I was invited to his place for dinner. For dinner we had lasagna and it was great. The cook who had made the dish I had never met before. She was a young girl of about 18 and had grown up in the same stake as my friend. I remember telling her thank you for the meal and that it tasted great which of course brought in a chorus from everyone else in the room. At first she said that she hadn’t really done anything but when she said how little she had done I remembered our class discussion last Friday. How people seem to down play their talents to not look pride full. It was in that moment that I told her it tasted good so whatever she did was enough. Her countenance changed after this, although she never admitted to how good dinner was she opened up and told me that I had missed her Sunday soup and that I was invited this fallowing week to come back and have some. Giving compliments makes friends so fast. I didn’t even know this person but because I showed interest in one of her accomplishment she really opened up and became more comfortable.
My last example was the hardest compliment to give this last few days. This semester we had new people move in and one of these new individuals has been well the best way to put it is he has been busting my chops since day one. I don’t think he does so on purpose but he is just a really critical dude. Now I don’t want to sound to conceited but half the time it is just really hard to take him seriously. He has told us all that this semester he has been more confident with girls and that he was going on a lot more dates than he previously had. This was really important to him so when the subject came up on Sunday I took the time to tell him what a great guy he was and how dating was no big deal for a dude like him. I think that this compliment went a long way for our relationship and I felt really good, really good after giving him this compliment.
The learning Model
The Role of a teacher here at B.Y.U. Idaho is to guide the learning of all participants in the class. I really like the word guide because while I was growing up I felt that many of my teachers were just speaking or teachings what they wanted to. While I was in the mission field I really did learn what a good teaching environment was. Most information we hear or see is very easily forgotten but the feelings we have are not forgotten. Now when I teach I do not strive to pass on a lot of mundane information but I really try to inspire all who are listening to have a drive to learn the material that I was presenting. Here at B.Y.U. Idaho I feel that many of the teachers are the same way, they all prepare and focus on the most important information at hand and inspire their students to go out and excel.
The Role of the student here at B.Y.U. Idaho is in fact to learn as much as possible. While going to class is a fundamental part of learning on a college campus it is not the only thing that needs to be done. It is what you do in class by taking notes or asking questions that the real learning takes place inside the class room. Another purpose of learning is to also pass on the information that you have learned to your peers. This is one of Gods schools and to learn you also need to have the charity to give.
Every semester I make a goal to learn things that are outside of the box and to come up with comments in class that are relevant that no one else does. This goal has really always pushed me to write more interesting papers and to come up with real comments for in class discussions.
If we all as students want to emulate the savior then we all need to come to class ready to learn. The Savior was always ready to learn from another and because he was always ready and willing I believe he had more opportunities to teach and testify of what was important to him.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Apartment Inquiries
Here are some fun or more interesting things that have been brought up around the dinner table of Late.
Why do guys not peruse girls here at BYU Idaho? They just move on to the next girl.
How does a young man know if the girl is playing hard to get or if he is just a creeper?
What makes someone an adult? (my definition ... someone who can talk in a business meeting and someone that can play in the sand with kids.)
Lastly
Why is everyone up here so worried about getting married? Why don't live life and keep the commandments, will God provide a spouse? ( I have no idea and I need thoughts or our apartment will have a civil war.)
Why do guys not peruse girls here at BYU Idaho? They just move on to the next girl.
How does a young man know if the girl is playing hard to get or if he is just a creeper?
What makes someone an adult? (my definition ... someone who can talk in a business meeting and someone that can play in the sand with kids.)
Lastly
Why is everyone up here so worried about getting married? Why don't live life and keep the commandments, will God provide a spouse? ( I have no idea and I need thoughts or our apartment will have a civil war.)
Listening Assingment
For my comm 150 class we all got the opportunity to go out and really listen to someone for over a week. I chose to try and listen to my roommates more and one particular. Now I wont give names because that unprofessional and then when they read this I would have some explaining to do. One mate of mine in particular is well going through some emotional turbulence and since he considers himself a manly man he does not think it appropriate to share his discomfort. I found that by letting him know that it was OK to talk about things and that I was willing to listen without giving advice the doors flew open and he just well wanted to talk about his life a lot more. I tried the same thing with a number of roommates and about half of them I got the same responses from and the other half as loving as possible proceeded to make fun of my man hood. Which is OK in hindsight because I still don't like sharing my feelings, I find it very uncomfortable knowing that people now have information they can use. Not that I have every done anything seriously wrong before but people can be quite painful to be around when they know whats important to you.
Sharing your dreams and goals with people should be something you with only a few people who can actually help you. When I have gone out and shared my goals with everyone I find that they have less meaning and lose a lot of their flavor.
When you have concerns that are eating away at you I find that having a listening ear is something that can really help alleviate stress. When people listen to you and help you understand what you are going through by giving an outside look at things then I find at least I can make a better decision.
Being the open ear to people has made a profound effect on my life. I have learning a lot by listening to people and I have learned a lot about myself.
Sharing your dreams and goals with people should be something you with only a few people who can actually help you. When I have gone out and shared my goals with everyone I find that they have less meaning and lose a lot of their flavor.
When you have concerns that are eating away at you I find that having a listening ear is something that can really help alleviate stress. When people listen to you and help you understand what you are going through by giving an outside look at things then I find at least I can make a better decision.
Being the open ear to people has made a profound effect on my life. I have learning a lot by listening to people and I have learned a lot about myself.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March 17
Today was well one of those hard days. I find that on the toughest days I get more emotional than usual so here I am writing down some emotional things. First off being sick is so overrated man people hate and I tell you what they dont hate it enough. Its been like a week and I still dont feel better. I woke up this morning with nightquil serum still laced in my blood which meant I feel assleep my early class came home sat down and cocked out in tell 2:12. Then I had to rush off to communications class where today's topic was a really heavy one. Lots of things were shared and I have an inkling that some people still do not understand what I am looking for in life. Well thats to be expected I guess we only have three hours a week together and I have a lot of idiosyncrasies. On a not so positive note life right now could be better. Classes are hard and it is now winning time and I need to put in a ton of work just to keep up when I need to raise a few of my grades. I haven't had a break since well I left for the mission and it is finally starting to really set in. Having come home and then two weeks later start school has kept me busy and is now making me more than broke. I hate debt which means penny pinching has been a regular act for months now. On the upside I did talk to my mom today which was awesome because she was out walking my dogs (they are hers but she wants to train them to go climbing with me) and having a good time. I paid for my new apartment and did the TIM TAM SLAM. My roomate and I drove all the way to IF to get them and it was so worth saving for them. Well tomorrow is a new day and life is still good because there is always some new challenge to tackle. Most of what I have written down will no longer be a problem in the morning so if I see you on the flip side just know that I still like to smile and laugh.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Journal Time
Well since I may be the only person who reads these messages I guess I can write candidly. This last week went by really fast and I have tons of projects to do. Projects take a lot of time but I find they only help your grade, which is nice. I got talking to my old man on Sunday and I looks as though my off track will be exciting. My dad and I will probably attend flight school and learn how to fly planes. If this goes through then I will be going back home to CA. Also I am really pushing my dad to take a vacation and tour Israel. He has always wanted to do this so it shouldn't be to hard or much longer. I am shooting for early October of this year. I will be going on my weekly adventure this week but this for once in a long while I don't think that I will be coming home soaked and cold. Now I will go watch some James Bond and then its bed time. No Zoology tomorrow YES.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Alright I have succumbed to popular demand and have made a blog. Frankly I had at least 4 people help me make this thing and it will probably take that many to keep it going. From here on I will be posting a lot of my home videos and my communication 150 insights. I hope this thing will be fun to look at.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
First Post
hey all Mike here filling in for my cousin Nate, this is his blog and he is the man, just he likes things to be more of an adventure than computers and technology can provide. he is currently out doing something amazing, pictures to follow
-Mike
-Mike
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Chris please don't kill a deer