Love the Bliss: June 2010

Friday, June 25, 2010

ELDER DIXON update!

Ian has finally left the MTC in Dominican Republic. We got a letter from him a few days ago and it was his first day in the field...obviously a P day. He said he was the lucky one to get the best trainer in the mission and he said he also scored with his first place to live! He says he has plumbing AND electricity most of the time! He was told in the Provo MTC by others who had served there that it was basically a two year camping trip! Most places the missionaries stay have no plumbing and little electricity in that it comes and goes. When you have electricity you hurry and charge phones and do whatever else you need. It's a pretty good thing that Ian decided to leave the electric shaver home! He said he's got a nick name by one of the native elders in DR who calls him "papa noel" because his beard grows so danged fast! He says he shaves in the am and within a few hours it's grown out. I guess his shaving with a little disposable doesn't work as well...I don't know. Anyway, he's loving the mission and is excited to be there and doing this important work! I don't have a snail mail address and have just been using "dearelder". I don't know if that still works as well with him out in the field. Once I get an update as far as what we should do with mail...I'll pass the info along. For now, go ahead and use "dearelder". He's in the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission.

Hawaii Bliss

This was the view right outside our door...for two weeks! It was beautiful and couldn't have been more relaxing! The house pic is the house we rented over on Laie side and that too was tucked away from any hustle and bustle! We can't wait to go back!

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!