This past week one of my good friends went rock climbing, something I am still (even as a 25 year old) scared to try. This aforementioned friend tried to jump down just a few inches to land on a proper foot placing. She made it, but slipped and went tumbling, falling to the ground. This incident caused me to reflect on life and the concept of falling.
All of us fall, in one manner or another. For my friend, it was a literal, physical fall. As I have contemplated the recent events in my life, I have come to realize how I have fallen so to speak. The last month has not been my finest or most shining month. My fall was more of an emotional fall, where I suffered pain. I am not looking for a pity party; I am simply writing my feelings. Luckily for me, and hopefully now for some of you, not only did I learn and reflect upon falling, but I learned from my friend how to optimistically get back up. This friend is so anti-pessimistic that I have noticed and learned that it is the best way to react from a fall. Even though I have fallen, and it has felt like a long fall, I know that I can make the best of the situation. Wounds will heal and tears will dry. Hopefully, I will choose to have a smile remain on my face.
For me, recuperating from my fall consists of increased kindness and love toward my fellow man (and woman). I am grateful for this lesson on falling and how I must choose to get up and heal.
5.26.2011
5.15.2011
A New Chapter
I have seriously neglected my writing duties, and sincerely apologize to all of my fans and followers. You deserve a more dedicated and consistent writer. I am committing to regularly writing on this blog, updating you all with my life, as well as with inspirational stories and messages that will hopefully enhance your life. So, let this new chapter begin...
On April 21, 2011 I, Jesse Edward (as in Edward from Twilight) Croskrey, graduated from Brigham Young University with my degree in psychology. I know what you're all thinking: Is he psychoanalyzing me? Yes, I am. Also, I know what else you guys thinking: How is Jesse such a poor writer for having just graduated from a respectable university? I do not know a specific answer to this question. Maybe I failed to read well enough during my college years? Perhaps my teachers lied to me, saying my writing was excellent when in reality, it really sucked? I will never know the answer to this question, and quite frankly, it's beside the point. What is important, for you and for me, is that I am writing again, and you are able to keep up with my life. So, without further adieu, I will fill you in on what's occurred since I last blogged, which was in December.
In January, I started my last semester as a BYU student. I took 12 credits, four classes. They were all enjoyable and manageable. I had never taken this few of credits, but because each was a 3 credit class, they kept me busy. I wish I could say I started exercising with more time on my hands. Being my last semester of school, it also means it was my last semester of working on campus at the testing center. I will miss that place. It was a wonderful home to me for the past three years. I learned a lot, and met many wonderful people that have come to be some of my closest friends. I am grateful to have worked at a fine establishment and to have associated with such high class individuals. I will dearly miss them and hope to keep in contact with them. I would like to give a shout out to my boss, Linda. She led by example of how a person ought to work; with dedication.
This past semester I became an uncle for the first time in my life. My brother Jason and sister-in-law Kayla had a precious little girl, Kenzie Mae Croskrey. She is so beautiful and perfect. I still have not met her but will in a month or so. If any of you feel so inclined, you may call me Uncle Jesse.
This last semester provided me many wonderful and fun opportunities as well as some trials and struggles. I have figured that through the thick and the thin, I ultimately can choose my attitude and how I act and react to all situations. I know that I am not perfect; I am very far from it in fact. I do not always make the right decision, say the right words, or act in the proper fashion. I know I need to become a better person. This is my hope and my goal as I have graduated and am starting this new chapter of my life.
On April 21, 2011 I, Jesse Edward (as in Edward from Twilight) Croskrey, graduated from Brigham Young University with my degree in psychology. I know what you're all thinking: Is he psychoanalyzing me? Yes, I am. Also, I know what else you guys thinking: How is Jesse such a poor writer for having just graduated from a respectable university? I do not know a specific answer to this question. Maybe I failed to read well enough during my college years? Perhaps my teachers lied to me, saying my writing was excellent when in reality, it really sucked? I will never know the answer to this question, and quite frankly, it's beside the point. What is important, for you and for me, is that I am writing again, and you are able to keep up with my life. So, without further adieu, I will fill you in on what's occurred since I last blogged, which was in December.
In January, I started my last semester as a BYU student. I took 12 credits, four classes. They were all enjoyable and manageable. I had never taken this few of credits, but because each was a 3 credit class, they kept me busy. I wish I could say I started exercising with more time on my hands. Being my last semester of school, it also means it was my last semester of working on campus at the testing center. I will miss that place. It was a wonderful home to me for the past three years. I learned a lot, and met many wonderful people that have come to be some of my closest friends. I am grateful to have worked at a fine establishment and to have associated with such high class individuals. I will dearly miss them and hope to keep in contact with them. I would like to give a shout out to my boss, Linda. She led by example of how a person ought to work; with dedication.
This past semester I became an uncle for the first time in my life. My brother Jason and sister-in-law Kayla had a precious little girl, Kenzie Mae Croskrey. She is so beautiful and perfect. I still have not met her but will in a month or so. If any of you feel so inclined, you may call me Uncle Jesse.
This last semester provided me many wonderful and fun opportunities as well as some trials and struggles. I have figured that through the thick and the thin, I ultimately can choose my attitude and how I act and react to all situations. I know that I am not perfect; I am very far from it in fact. I do not always make the right decision, say the right words, or act in the proper fashion. I know I need to become a better person. This is my hope and my goal as I have graduated and am starting this new chapter of my life.
12.21.2010
The True Spirit of Christmas
It has been said that the true spirit of Christmas is in giving to others. To whom do we give? Perhaps to family or friends. Maybe to strangers in need. The boy in the song The Little Drummer Boy gives us the perfect example; we should give to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. The small boy witnessed others honoring the King by giving him their finest gifts. The poor boy knew he could not offer the King a gift as valuable as others had. What he could offer baby Jesus was to play a song on his drum. Mary approved and he played is very best. Even though he only had his talent of drumming to give the Savior, he still played his absolute best. His efforts were appreciated by the baby Jesus as he smiled at the boy and his drum. This story provides a great blueprint for what we can give the Savior.
Everyone lives under different circumstances. We may not be blessed monetarily, but each of us has something to offer him who has given us so much. As I contemplate about what I could give the Savior, I think about my time and how effectively I manage it. Using my time to become a better disciple of Christ is a gift I could give him this Christmas. Time seems to be a commodity that we all want more of. I feel that we do not need more time, we just need to manage it better. Some questions I ask myself about my time management include:
-Am I magnifying the talents he has given me by helping others?
-Am I wasting time by watching TV or playing video games, neglecting the needs of those around me?
-Am I learning more about Jesus and his teachings by regularly studying from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and teachings of the living prophets?
-Am I applying the teachings I have studied in my life?
-Am I showing the love the Savior has for me to my family members and friends?
My gift for the Savior this holiday season and throughout the New Year is to manage my time more effectively and use it to become more Christlike. May we all take the time to give whatever we can to the Savior this year. And like the little drummer boy, may we give our absolute best to him who has given us his the ultimate gift, even that of his life.
11.16.2010
Like father, like son
I found myself in the library bright and early (okay only 10:00am) last Saturday morning. Homework was calling my name and even though it is “home”work, I could not focus at home, so the school library would have sufficed. As I arrived, my younger brother Jeff was sitting at a table in the area where I typically go to study. I decided to join him. There is nothing cuter than two brothers studying together, right? We even took a lunch break, and ate at Taco Bell, where I enjoyed three fresco soft tacos.
When I study, I tend to take many breaks, to give my eyes a rest from all the hard concentration I have put them through. As I was walking back from one of these breaks, I noticed a middle-aged man sitting at a table with a young, blonde haired boy next to him. The man, I am assuming was this boys’ father. The father was reading a book, and his son was also reading. Walking past them, I saw the boy look up to his father, grab him around the neck, and share with his father something from his book. The father took the time away from his own reading to acknowledge the son and listen to what he had to say.
This moment brought a few thoughts to my mind. First, our Heavenly Father, who loves us so much, cares about us deeply and is concerned with whatever is going on in our lives. Like the father at the Library, our Heavenly Father is willing to acknowledge and listen to us whenever we desire. It is our responsibility to take the time to talk with him. It also reminded me of my own father. If my dad were to read this he would say something like, "I never took any time for you, why are you writing this crap?" My dad is awesome, and although nobody is perfect, there are many times my dad was there to take time and listen to me. I am not the best at communicating how I am feeling or what I am going through, but my dad is willing to listen. I remember one day back in high school where my dad took me to McDonalds just to talk and see how I was doing. It meant a lot to me, not only the food, but the thoughtfulness of my own father.
May we, whether we be fathers, mothers, sons, or daughters, take the time to listen or talk, and share how we feel with one other. May we express our concerns and sadness, along with our joys and happiness. If we do, we will experience more joy and fulfillment in these sacred relationships.
When I study, I tend to take many breaks, to give my eyes a rest from all the hard concentration I have put them through. As I was walking back from one of these breaks, I noticed a middle-aged man sitting at a table with a young, blonde haired boy next to him. The man, I am assuming was this boys’ father. The father was reading a book, and his son was also reading. Walking past them, I saw the boy look up to his father, grab him around the neck, and share with his father something from his book. The father took the time away from his own reading to acknowledge the son and listen to what he had to say.
This moment brought a few thoughts to my mind. First, our Heavenly Father, who loves us so much, cares about us deeply and is concerned with whatever is going on in our lives. Like the father at the Library, our Heavenly Father is willing to acknowledge and listen to us whenever we desire. It is our responsibility to take the time to talk with him. It also reminded me of my own father. If my dad were to read this he would say something like, "I never took any time for you, why are you writing this crap?" My dad is awesome, and although nobody is perfect, there are many times my dad was there to take time and listen to me. I am not the best at communicating how I am feeling or what I am going through, but my dad is willing to listen. I remember one day back in high school where my dad took me to McDonalds just to talk and see how I was doing. It meant a lot to me, not only the food, but the thoughtfulness of my own father.
May we, whether we be fathers, mothers, sons, or daughters, take the time to listen or talk, and share how we feel with one other. May we express our concerns and sadness, along with our joys and happiness. If we do, we will experience more joy and fulfillment in these sacred relationships.
5.20.2010
Seattle Food
If you know me, or think that you know me, you know that food and I are best friends. Every since I can remember, food and I have been inseparably connected (I even have pictures to prove it). Since arriving in Seattle, new food opportunities have been made available to me, and I have taken those opportunities. I will give you a little taste of my Seattle food experience.
My first day in Seattle was memorable, for a few reasons. First, my parents drove me here and dropped me off, which was unique considering most of the other interns just drove or flew. Secondly, my aunt Kim and uncle Greg live here, so I have family that is not too far away. After getting settled into my apartment, my parents and I headed for downtown Seattle to meet up with aunt Kim for lunch. She works in the heart of downtown, and decided to meet her near where she works. After parking and paying, we headed to where we decided to meet. Kim then took us to this restaurant, Made On Demand (MOD). It is a pizza place that makes small pizzas, enough for one person. What makes this place unique, is that the crust is extremely thin and you can order it with whatever toppings you desire. It was amazing. I recommend it to anyone that visits Seattle.
Food at baseball games is overpriced, some would even call it steep. I justify spending six dollars at a Mariners game for their garlic fries. These aren't just any garlic fries, they are the worlds greatest. They are not too soft or too hard, and are smothered in real garlic. They go down wonderfully, and come out the same way, if you know what I mean. Every time I attend a game at Safeco Field, I get myself these mouth-watering, breath ruining garlic fries.
The family is essential to the growth and development of children. Food in my family, especially homemade food, has helped me become the person I am. My brothers came into town recently, and to my surprise (okay not really cause I knew what was coming), they brought me an entire pan of my moms homemade gorilla poops (no bake cookies). Words cannot adequately express or describe the taste these cookies make when they make contact with your taste buds. I love them. My brothers in I were fortunate enough to go to a Chinese Restaurant while they were here. I had been told the food at the Snappy Dragon was exceptional, but could not believe until I had tasted. As we contemplated on what to order, and finally reached a decision, we waited no time for our homemade chow-mien, amazing fried rice, steamed rice, mongolian beef, pineapple chicken, as well as a few other items I cannot recall at the moment. I love family. I love food.
For those of you Cafe Rio fans out there, I apologize for what I am about to write, but must include it. I finally went to the restaurant called Chipotle after being told it was better than my friend, Cafe Rio. I can confidently proclaim that it is NOT better! I went with my bosses, Rachel and Diane (aka Dachel) and ordered a pork burrito. Multiple people told me varying opinions about this place, and I did not know who to believe. I do believe myself, and although Chipotle was good, it was not amazing in any way, but I embraced the time I had to go and try it.
Most recently, the Flourishing Families group here in Seattle decided take a day and take the ferry and go to Bainbridge Island and enjoy a beautiful afternoon together. Riding the ferry was a great experience together, but I will not lie, I was mainly looking forward to the food that I was promised we would enjoy. It did not disappoint. Our main boss, Dr. Day, bought six pizzas from a Bainbridge local pizza place. It was tasty. I Thoroughly welcomed four large slices of pizza, as I would anywhere, any day. After eating and playing games, including baseball, football, frisbee, soccer, as well as the classic simon says, we made our way back to the fair. I had heard whisperings from some of the group members about a fudge shop. I did not know if this was a secret club between these select individuals, but I followed them, until I walked into the doors of one of the greatest smelling fudge shops ever. I eagerly made my way to the front, as I knew immediately what kind of fudge I wanted as soon as I saw the different selections. I looked in the display glass, only to have the Snicker fudge staring me back, directly in the face. Without hesitation, I ordered a half pound. It was so good, and since I was feeling nice that day, I even shared some with my friends.
Lastly, most people would consider eating too much of something a weakness. I, my friends, wouldn't dare call that weakness. In fact, it is a great strength in my eyes. I love and cannot get enough of pizza. My good friend Megan, had the ingenious idea of making pizza. We went to Fred Meyer, bought all of the ingredients, then headed home to preheat the oven. We made four different pizzas. Barbecue chicken, canadian bacon and pineapple, pepperoni, and cheese. Thanks to Megan and the help of others, the pizza turned out amazing. Then, dessert. My friend Heidi, made cookie dough (without an electric mixer mind you), and we put it on a cookie sheet and slid it into the oven. After taking it out without baking it until it was done, we dumped an entire carton of vanilla ice cream on top. The pan then went on the floor, as did all of us with spoons in our hands, and we went to town. It was the most amazing night of my life. Food is what makes life worth living.
My first day in Seattle was memorable, for a few reasons. First, my parents drove me here and dropped me off, which was unique considering most of the other interns just drove or flew. Secondly, my aunt Kim and uncle Greg live here, so I have family that is not too far away. After getting settled into my apartment, my parents and I headed for downtown Seattle to meet up with aunt Kim for lunch. She works in the heart of downtown, and decided to meet her near where she works. After parking and paying, we headed to where we decided to meet. Kim then took us to this restaurant, Made On Demand (MOD). It is a pizza place that makes small pizzas, enough for one person. What makes this place unique, is that the crust is extremely thin and you can order it with whatever toppings you desire. It was amazing. I recommend it to anyone that visits Seattle.
Food at baseball games is overpriced, some would even call it steep. I justify spending six dollars at a Mariners game for their garlic fries. These aren't just any garlic fries, they are the worlds greatest. They are not too soft or too hard, and are smothered in real garlic. They go down wonderfully, and come out the same way, if you know what I mean. Every time I attend a game at Safeco Field, I get myself these mouth-watering, breath ruining garlic fries.
The family is essential to the growth and development of children. Food in my family, especially homemade food, has helped me become the person I am. My brothers came into town recently, and to my surprise (okay not really cause I knew what was coming), they brought me an entire pan of my moms homemade gorilla poops (no bake cookies). Words cannot adequately express or describe the taste these cookies make when they make contact with your taste buds. I love them. My brothers in I were fortunate enough to go to a Chinese Restaurant while they were here. I had been told the food at the Snappy Dragon was exceptional, but could not believe until I had tasted. As we contemplated on what to order, and finally reached a decision, we waited no time for our homemade chow-mien, amazing fried rice, steamed rice, mongolian beef, pineapple chicken, as well as a few other items I cannot recall at the moment. I love family. I love food.
For those of you Cafe Rio fans out there, I apologize for what I am about to write, but must include it. I finally went to the restaurant called Chipotle after being told it was better than my friend, Cafe Rio. I can confidently proclaim that it is NOT better! I went with my bosses, Rachel and Diane (aka Dachel) and ordered a pork burrito. Multiple people told me varying opinions about this place, and I did not know who to believe. I do believe myself, and although Chipotle was good, it was not amazing in any way, but I embraced the time I had to go and try it.
Most recently, the Flourishing Families group here in Seattle decided take a day and take the ferry and go to Bainbridge Island and enjoy a beautiful afternoon together. Riding the ferry was a great experience together, but I will not lie, I was mainly looking forward to the food that I was promised we would enjoy. It did not disappoint. Our main boss, Dr. Day, bought six pizzas from a Bainbridge local pizza place. It was tasty. I Thoroughly welcomed four large slices of pizza, as I would anywhere, any day. After eating and playing games, including baseball, football, frisbee, soccer, as well as the classic simon says, we made our way back to the fair. I had heard whisperings from some of the group members about a fudge shop. I did not know if this was a secret club between these select individuals, but I followed them, until I walked into the doors of one of the greatest smelling fudge shops ever. I eagerly made my way to the front, as I knew immediately what kind of fudge I wanted as soon as I saw the different selections. I looked in the display glass, only to have the Snicker fudge staring me back, directly in the face. Without hesitation, I ordered a half pound. It was so good, and since I was feeling nice that day, I even shared some with my friends.
Lastly, most people would consider eating too much of something a weakness. I, my friends, wouldn't dare call that weakness. In fact, it is a great strength in my eyes. I love and cannot get enough of pizza. My good friend Megan, had the ingenious idea of making pizza. We went to Fred Meyer, bought all of the ingredients, then headed home to preheat the oven. We made four different pizzas. Barbecue chicken, canadian bacon and pineapple, pepperoni, and cheese. Thanks to Megan and the help of others, the pizza turned out amazing. Then, dessert. My friend Heidi, made cookie dough (without an electric mixer mind you), and we put it on a cookie sheet and slid it into the oven. After taking it out without baking it until it was done, we dumped an entire carton of vanilla ice cream on top. The pan then went on the floor, as did all of us with spoons in our hands, and we went to town. It was the most amazing night of my life. Food is what makes life worth living.
5.15.2010
pictures... finally
Well folks, wait no more. Pictures are here. I have selected some pictures, some recent, some more distant, that I thought you, my faithful followers, would enjoy. Thanks for being patient!
Curtis, Me, Will, at the gum wall
Me, Megan, Didi, and Maren at the Mariners game
Curtis, Will, and I at the Mariners game
Corey and I at the beach!
Finer Things Friday: Edward, Gail, and Edwin
Megan's Birthday Surprise Party!
Conference Puzzle!
Pat, after getting his mission call
Pirate Island Pizza!
Us with Grandma Merry
Reunited at last!
Curtis, Me, Will, at the gum wall
Me, Megan, Didi, and Maren at the Mariners game
Curtis, Will, and I at the Mariners game
Corey and I at the beach!
Finer Things Friday: Edward, Gail, and Edwin
Megan's Birthday Surprise Party!
Conference Puzzle!
Pat, after getting his mission call
Pirate Island Pizza!
Us with Grandma Merry
Reunited at last!
5.10.2010
Seattle, Part 1
This summer I have been given a wonderful opportunity to work with a professor from Brigham Young University (BYU) on a research project he started. It is called the Flourishing Families Project. The website is flourishingfamilies.byu.edu. Dr. Day is the developer of the research. I found out about this project through a friend at school. I applied, completed a group interview, then an individual interview. I was then selected to be a member of the project in the Seattle area. Last Winter Semester, I completed a course with all the other interns, which prepared us for the internship. I learned a lot in the class, and on April 27, 2010, I began the journey of the summer in Seattle.
The first week was pretty chill, and kind of nice and relaxing after finishing another semester at BYU. The first few days we got settled into out apartments and set up the office. My first Friday here, my uncle Lloyd was in town for business. We met up and went to the Mariners game, the game where Mariners ace, Cliff Lee, made his Mariner debut. He pitched well, but sadly, we lost in extra innings after having a couple of solid opportunities to win it. The very next week, I went with 13 other people from the Flourishing Families group to a game against the Angels. Once again, the game went into extra innings, and once again, the Mariners lost. I am bad luck.
I have been fortunate enough to have participated in a handful of activities other than Mariners games. I have played volleyball, had a BBQ outside, where we grilled chicken, hot dogs, veggies, and pineapple. I have walked the streets of downtown Seattle, both by myself and with a group of friends. I have become a regular at Seattle's famous Pike Place Market. I went to a large cathedral and watched a Gregorian chant. I attended the Seattle Temple. I ate fish n' chips on the pier. And most recently I went over to my aunt and uncle's (Kim and Greg) house to enjoy a very fine meal of carne asada, prepared by a Greg, a true chef. I have been a very fortunate man.
Work has been picking up, we go to people's homes almost everyday and then have office work to attend to. I am loving my fellow group members. Each one is so unique and cool in their own way. My partner, Maren, is really cool. She is engaged so she has a lot on her plate. We drive to and from our appointments with the top down in her VW Bug, and I enjoy rocking out to a good song as we coast along the road. My roommates are all cool and we get along. I am happy with being here and for the opportunity to work on this project.
I will keep this thing updated more often, thanks for being patient with me!
The first week was pretty chill, and kind of nice and relaxing after finishing another semester at BYU. The first few days we got settled into out apartments and set up the office. My first Friday here, my uncle Lloyd was in town for business. We met up and went to the Mariners game, the game where Mariners ace, Cliff Lee, made his Mariner debut. He pitched well, but sadly, we lost in extra innings after having a couple of solid opportunities to win it. The very next week, I went with 13 other people from the Flourishing Families group to a game against the Angels. Once again, the game went into extra innings, and once again, the Mariners lost. I am bad luck.
I have been fortunate enough to have participated in a handful of activities other than Mariners games. I have played volleyball, had a BBQ outside, where we grilled chicken, hot dogs, veggies, and pineapple. I have walked the streets of downtown Seattle, both by myself and with a group of friends. I have become a regular at Seattle's famous Pike Place Market. I went to a large cathedral and watched a Gregorian chant. I attended the Seattle Temple. I ate fish n' chips on the pier. And most recently I went over to my aunt and uncle's (Kim and Greg) house to enjoy a very fine meal of carne asada, prepared by a Greg, a true chef. I have been a very fortunate man.
Work has been picking up, we go to people's homes almost everyday and then have office work to attend to. I am loving my fellow group members. Each one is so unique and cool in their own way. My partner, Maren, is really cool. She is engaged so she has a lot on her plate. We drive to and from our appointments with the top down in her VW Bug, and I enjoy rocking out to a good song as we coast along the road. My roommates are all cool and we get along. I am happy with being here and for the opportunity to work on this project.
I will keep this thing updated more often, thanks for being patient with me!
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