Philosophically Challenged

I had the opportunity to attend the Hoil: Festival of Colors at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (The Lotus Temple) in Spanish Fork, Utah. Holi is an Indian holiday announcing the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. What a priceless and memorable experience!!

This holiday is celebrated by throwing of colored powders, dancing, singing, and much more.

Thousands gathered to participate in this event.

How often do you get the opportunity to throw large amounts of powdered chalk?!

All I have to say…… I love my job….

“Customer:” I found the location of a relative, who is listed in “[public burial record group]”, burial unknown. How do I change these incorrect sources.
Tech: We are a web hosting company. Our services do not include updating the burial records for individuals who have passed on. I recommend contacting the cemetery of where the individual is resting to have this information updated.
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Customer: I can’t understand you. Where am I calling to? Some place in India?
Tech: No, you are calling to the United States.
Customer: Well. What nationality are you then?
Tech: I’m American.
Customer: No! Sweetheart, you must be some nationality other than just American because I cannot understand you.
Tech: I was born and raised in the United States.
Customer: No, I can’t understand you! You aren’t white.
Tech: (long pause) Sir, is there anything else you need clarification on pertaining to your account with us?
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Tech: Welcome to our real-time support chat. How can I help you today? I assist multiple customers at a time so please be patient.
Customer: You say I have to wait 10-15 minutes about your super-secret password email. first of all that is RIDICULOUS. Second of all, I need to get to my account NOW why are you holding me hostage and third, I’ve waited LONG ENOUGH send me the email!!!!!
Customer: what exactly is your damage? where is this “precious” email from you???????
Tech: please check your spam filter or junk folder if you are not receiving the e-mail.
Customer: FINALLY got your “precious” email that took a REE-DONK-U-LOUS amount of time….there is NOTHING wrong with my current PW it has plenty of variety including a special character and a number. when did you guys become such password dictators?
Customer: i added a capital and STILL not good enough for you? I just switched all of my services over to you and now i realize i am dealing with a bunch of unreasonable dictators
Tech: Passwords must contain at least 8 characters, one lower, one capital, one number, and one non-alphanumeric character. This is a security precaution. I apologize for the frustration this has caused you.
Customer: fine, i’ll be looking for yet another company who are not so unreasonable. seriously. this is STUPID.
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Tech: Welcome to our support chat. I take a number of chats at a time, so there might be a delay in my responses.
Customer: Hello, Why is god not seem to be hairy? Thank you
Tech: I apologize, but I’m not sure what I can help with. Can you please clarify for me?
Customer: okay
Customer: Whenever you see a picture of God, you never see him to be hairy on his body… i was wondering what you think about it?
[…]
Tech: I apologize, but this is actually not a question covered by our technical support services. I would recommend you direct this question to a local Pastor.
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Tech: Welcome to our real-time support chat. How can I help you today? I assist multiple customers at a time so please be patient.
Customer: shut the **** up i never said you could talk.
Customer: this is a robbery.
Customer: put ur hands up.
Customer: NOW !
Customer: *shoot*
Customer: ok ur dead
Customer: nice talkin to u
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Tech: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
[screaming child in background]
Customer: *laughing* You have a babysitter?
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Tech: We have you down for the 12 month web hosting plan is that correct?
Customer: Yes (long pause). WAIT! Do you mean “down” as the website isn’t up for a year? I’m sorry I don’t know what you mean.
Tech: I mean “down” as our records reflect that you signed up for 12 months of web hosting with us.
Customer: So, 12 month of having my site up not down?
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Tech: An exclamation mark?
Customer: No, like a capital 1.
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Tech:  Thank you for contacting our real-time chat. I may be working with other customers, so there might be a delay. How can I help you?
Customer:  bogus a** stuff keepin me from accessing my s***
Tech: please keep the language professional
Customer: suit & tie my brotha
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Tech: Welcome to our real-time support chat. I am assisting multiple customers at this time. Please be patient as my responses may be delayed. How can I help you today?
Customer: they want me to change my password to something so effin crazzy it would be impossible for me to even write it down
[…]
Tech: I apologize but you would still need an upper case letter and symbol to meet our requirements.
Customer: should I turn around and pat my head 3 times as well??
Tech: Sir, I’m very sorry. I understand your frustrations, but this is part of our security updates.
Customer: why don’t we just get close. cause I’m gonna be on this chat, every time I want to log in
Customer: I’m a happy guy. I am not mad at you:) Hahaha
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Customer: I’m sorry, I can’t understand you. You sound like a mechanical Irish person.
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Tech: Is there anything else I can do for you?
Customer: Just one question. It’s a little off the subject but I’m a worshiper or Jesus Christ.
Tech: ok?
Customer: well I like to pray to Jesus for people I don’t know.
Tech: ok?
Customer: Could I get your name?
Tech: [tech’s name]
Customer: [tech’s name] is there anything that I could pray to Jesus about for you? Anything at all?
Tech: No, I think I’m good. Thank you for offering.
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Customer: One quick question.
Tech: ok?
Customer: What do you think of the health care bill? Do you like it?
Tech: I prefer not to discuss politics with customers if it is not relevant to their account.
Customer: Well ok, this one is regarding your work.
Tech: Ok, what is your question?
Customer: Do you have insurance where you work?
Tech: Yes.
Customer: So the health care won’t affect you?
Tech: I’m sorry, but I can’t discuss this.
Customer: Grrrr……*dial tone*
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Customer email:
Hello,
I am a dumb. I cant talk to you by phone. Tell me how to verify my identity. I will try to do my best.
Thank you
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Customer email:
What kind of bleeping BS is this??? What the hell did I do wrong? Sorry, but I’m am ticked off! PLEASE TELL ME RIGHT NOW WHAT THE HELL IS THE PROBLEM!! IS THIS ANY WAY TO TREAT A NEW CUSTOMER??? OBVIOUSLY I’VE MADE A BLEEPING MISTAKE PICKING [company name]. I”LL BE SURE TO TELL [affiliate name] WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAP THIS IS. WILL YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL I DID WRONG??? PLEASE ANSWER OR I WILL CANCEL MY DAMN ACCOUNT!
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International Customer: Can you speak English?
Tech: I am speaking English.
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Customer: Put the old log in boxes back and my computer will feed me my old password.  As it is I have a text link to log in which is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.
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Tech: I’m calling to confirm an order that was made with us. Is (customer’s name) available?
Customer: Yes, he’s available. Well. Actually. He’s married.
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Customer: But it is a normal process which applies to each not only for me right? Or am I somehow suspected of being a gangster?
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Customer Email: This racism action should not come from Obama people because I’m shore he will not approve it.

(My First Christmas Tree in my New Home)

The Christmas season is a time for good cheer, however, in my family it means it’s a time for everything to go wrong. Ever since my family and I have moved to Utah we have made it a point to return to our roots during the Christmas Season. Due to work schedules, the family went down at two separate times. Those in the first wave made it all the way to Holden, Utah before breaking down. After being towed back up to where they started, they were able to switch cars and make the arduous journey down to Vegas. Those on the second wave made it all the way to Mona, Utah before breaking down. Did I mention that when the car broke down my dad was on the phone with AAA renewing his membership? That’s right. We literally broke down while we were on the phone with AAA. I’m still waiting to exchange some words with Mr. Irony.

(One of our Mechanics trying to Diagnose the Problem)

After being towed 50 miles to the mechanics those of us in the second wave were able to head down to Vegas only 6 hours behind schedule. The second wave soon realized that the heater in the alternative car being driven down did not work. With the air outside being at a -3° you can imagine the discomfort. Finally when we got to Scipio, Utah I was able to “fix” the heater by purchasing three hot chocolates, three beanies, and one blanket. The car trouble continued throughout the trip with a flat tire (that could only be fixed with purchasing a new tire) and a rock chipping the windshield. Those of us in wave two found the whole situation rather hysterical. It all proved one point—my family is cursed when it comes to automobiles.

(Trying not to get Hypothermia)

I hope you all were able to enjoy this holiday season even if things did not go according to plan.

 Memorable Quotes from the Holidays

“Nothing fazes me anymore.” Brooklyn (After breaking down in Mona, Utah)

“Wait I know you…. I’ve towed you before.” Tow Truck Man

“You can tell mom I fixed the heater.” Brooklyn (3 hot chocolates, 3 beanies, and 1 blanket later)

Faith (Age 8): Mom are you mad right now?
Deanne: No…
Faith: Ok, I bent my glasses.

“The box says it was made in China. Lets call them to see how it works.” Grandpa Chappell (opening Christmas presents)

“Why did I have to get stuck with Mom?” Elese (playing Cranium)

Celeste: To win this Spellbound, choose a teammate who can correctly spell the word below on the first try without writing it down. I’ll read the word to the speller and then start the timer The word is…….
Brooklyn: Celeste doesn’t even know how to say it.
(Word: Gamut)

“Too bad it wasn’t Marilyn Monroe.” Amber (After Brooklyn not being able to guess Clint Eastwood on a Cranium card)

“That’s what you’re scared of? Little kids with lice?” Cody (directed towards Celeste who said she could never be a school teacher)

“I’m not very good at Rock-Paper-Scissors. That is how I got a kid in my class I didn’t want.” Deanne (Kindergarten school teacher)

(Mother-daughter Arm Wrestle)

(Only in Vegas do they have to put Security Sensors on Gum)

I had the opportunity to fly over to the other half of the mainland to visit Kentucky to attend a Jason Aldean concert. Getting there was quite the adventure. First I was delayed in Salt Lake City, Utah for an hour because of the weather in Denver, Colorado (where my layover was). Then when I finally got to Denver I was delayed another 4 hours due to the weather conditions. I only flew on two planes but yet I boarded four planes (two in Utah and two in Colorado). In Denver I even got to go through the hour de-icing process twice. After the first de-icing experience we were informed that our plane had some maintenance issues and that we would have to de-board and start the process all over again on a new plane. But I finally made it to Murray, Kentucky.

(Jason Aldean)

Not only are the people found in Kentucky amazing but the scenery is breathtaking. The trees there are so thick and vibrant you feel like you have walked into some enchanted fairytale forest.

Above is a shoe tree on Murray State University campus. Every couple who meets on campus and gets married nails their shoes on the tree.

(Me featuring my Jason Aldean Hat)

On the trip home I got to fly in this lil’ pea shooter from Murray, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee.

The saying that all good things must come to an end may be true, however, it is also true that all good things must have a beginning. I recently started such a wonderful beginning in purchasing a new home. Some people told me I was doing things out of order and that I was supposed to get married prior to buying a house. My response to these people is that a house has two major advantages over a husband/spouse. First, a house is always going to be there when you get home. And second and most importantly, a house can’t talk back to you.

(Builder’s Son,Builder, and Me in Front of my New Home)

The house is rather cute and the perfect size for me. It is 3 bedrooms (one of which I made into a study), 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, common area/living room, 2 car garage, unfinished basement, and my favorite feature is the walk-in closet in the master bedroom. One of the greatest things of having my own place is being able to individualize the décor to my own personality.  Another great aspect of having my own space is not being in other people’s way. For example, the other day I did my homework in the middle of the hallway just because I could.

Trotting down this new travel of responsibility has opened up my eyes to the concept of adulthood. Responsibility is often depicted by my generation as being a form of restraint. However, in my opinion, when one grabs on to responsibility with both hands the freedom and self-fulfillment that follows is so personally satisfying that one finds refreshment rather than a feeling of subjection. It is when we shy away from our responsibilities that we find ourselves captive to personal imprisonment.

More Pictures Coming Soon….

Once a week I go trap shooting with my family and generally we will bring a couple family friends along. It’s quite fun going since I only have sisters. It throws certain people off to see so many girls and guns in the same group :). It used to just be the three oldest girls that went out of the sisters but as of late it has been the five oldest (the expansion has been very fun). The family memories being shared creates a sense of unity among us that we can take with us throughout the rest of our lives.

Some pain is physical. Some pain is mental. Some pain is spiritual. Some pain goes so deep that it shatters your heart and strips you of your sense of self. You want to cease to be but all you can do is breathe between the streams of tears and agonizing woes. They tell you “just give it time,” but time is only capable of making the pain easier to bear. Time can never make you whole again. But you don’t want time to pass. You don’t want to feel better because the pain is all you have left of him - the only thing left to hold on to.

All you want is for him to touch you again or for your phone to simply display their name telling you to answer their call. But those moments are now only memories of what was, not of what is or of what is to come. The world somehow manages to move on without you, pushing those precious memories further and further in the past.

You don’t want to do anything fearing that the smallest action or the littlest word will make it all seem like it never happened, like it wasn’t real. Did any of the time you spent together mean as much to him as it did to you? You want to know what he is doing, how he is feeling, who he is spending time with. But you are no longer entitled to the answers to these types of questions. You are left always wondering the answers to these questions and fearing that you will become a bitter, and overlooked, faded memory that is easily replaced and easily forgotten.

Weeping Willow
By: B.C.A.
Weeping willow, dry my tears.
In them you’ll find my deepest fears.
Hold me close and we will weep together.
I thought love was supposed to last forever…
My heart is now broken and my soul confused-
I wasn’t expecting my love to be refused.
Time doesn’t appear to mend my troubled heart.
Nothing seems to make sense now that we are apart.
“And they lived happily ever after” was what I thought to be true,
but our story ended with adieu, adieu, adieu.

I went bowling yesterday with two of my younger sisters… I wouldn’t be what you call a good bowler or even a decent bowler but I still have a good time. I’m happy if I’m able to break 100 (congratulations to Yeller Beller who bowled a 119 one game). I don’t know why but it’s the story of my life only to knock 9 pins down… really it’s almost comical how often it happens.

(Me and my matching bowling ball)

I went hiking up to the Timpanogos Caves for the first time with my family yesterday.  I don’t know if you can technically call it hiking since it is paved… but it’s pretty steep so I think it should still count. I learned that I’m in better shape than I thought… BUT…. I’m still out of shape It was quite the cardio workout.

 It’s about a two mile hike up to the entrance of the cave (the elevation at the entrance of the cave is  roughly 6,700 feet). The cave is actually three different caves that over the years have been connected through human-made tunnels. I got to see stalactites, stalagmites, columns, cave bacon, helictites and anthodites, and so on. That geology class I had to take for my college generals came in handy. I guess some things you learn in school actually are useful.

(Entrance(s) into the first cave. The opening in the upper right hand corner is the natural cave entrance)

(stalactites)

One of my younger sisters was apparently a little too tired  tonight to make it all the way up the stairs to go to bed (taken around 12:30am).