The Journies of a Space Weather Forecaster

Degrees

2011-05-10T22:33:00.001-07:00

So, I was in church on Sunday. Not just in church, but I was on the stand since Eliza and I were speaking in our Ward for Mother's Day. We have been in our new Ward for about three months now. So it was an utter surprise when I was called up at the beginning of the meeting to be awarded a diploma for graduating from institute.

So, it's good that I've graduated from institute. However, there's one problem. I graduated in 2008-before we got married! And what's more, I graduated with two advanced certificates. So...I guess the moral of the story is that it doesn't hurt to keep going to institute. And that it's possible to get more than one degree!

I'm back

2011-04-29T23:00:00.001-07:00

So, I've had a few people comment to me that they've been looking for updates on my blog. I haven't been because Eliza and I have started up a new blog. However, I finally realized that since that one's private, not everyone can read it. So I just thought I would let the world know that I am still alive. I have a few things to post later, but we'll save them for a more appropriate post.

Here's to you and your families!
Michael

2010

2010-01-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

So, in honor of the new year, we decided to watch 2010, the sequel to 2001: Space Odyssey. All I have to say is that the predictions of where we would be today were a little...well...off.

A Chrsitmas Theme

2009-12-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

On the 11th of this month, Eliza and I took Leslie and Emma, her little brother and sister, to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. I think that's when my Christmas changed this year.

As many know, the Savior, Jesus Christ, was not really born on Christmas Day. We find from the ancient scriptures as well as modern revelation that He was really born at the beginning of the Hebrew year, being around April for us. So, I've never been able to see the reason for celebrating Christmas in December--until now.

The guests were Natalie Cole and David McCullough. Natalie Cole, of course, was the guest singer. However, it was David McCullough's performance that hit me. He began talking about how the Hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was written. A pastor visited the Holy Land, and was inspired by the areas around Bethlehem where the shepherd would have been visited by angels.

When he returned home, he wrote the verse for the hymn, and asked his organist to compose the music for it for their Christmas Mass. He tried and tried, and nothing came to him, all confused. Then, in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, he woke up from his sleep with "an angel's strain" in his head. He quickly wrote it down, then built on it. That is how this beautiful piece of music was written.

But there is more to the story. During the Christmas of 1941, Winston Churchill made a secret trip to the United States. There, he and Pres. Roosevelt together lit up the Christmas Tree at the White House on Christmas Eve. Each talked about the current war and how Christmas is a time to celebrate and feel peace. Churchill stated that "Here in the midst of war,...we have tonight the peace of the Spirit in each cottage and every generous heart. Here, then, one night only, should be a brightly lighted island of happiness and peace." Then on the next morning, Churchill went to church and heard the hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem," for the first time.

There is one line from the first stanza of that hymn saying, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light." That was the message that Churchill gave. That was the story of how the music to the hymn was written. That was, for me, the theme of that Christmas Concert, as well as all of Christmas this year.

On the 21st, I made some comment as Eliza and I were waking up. In response, she said that we were at the shortest day of the year. That got me thinking about two things. The first was for my research, of which I won't bore you with that. But the second was that, as the shortest day of the year, it was, when all is told, the darkest day of the year. Here we are, in the darkest week of the year, and what holiday do we celebrate? Christmas, the birth of the Savior, where in this world of toil and trouble, we see a gleam of hope and peace. In this astronomically darkest period for us, we see, symbolically, the light of the birth and resurrection of the Holy Savior, the Everlasting Light.

The joys of change...again

2009-10-22T10:05:00.001-07:00

So, on April 14, 2009, I made an entry on my new calling. The Sunday before Conference last October, I was called as Sunday School President. Sometime just before conference last April, I was called as Stake Music Chairman. I joked about what I might be called to in this October's conference. Maybe I shouldn't have joked quite so loudly...

Yes, I did indeed get another calling the Sunday before October General Conference. No, wasn't called as Elder's Quorum President, like Eliza suggested. I was sustained and set apart for the new calling last Sunday. I wasn't released from my calling as Stake Music Chairman. Rather, I was asked to serve, in addition to my new calling, as Ward Music Chairman. So, we're keeping up the trend. Three conferences in a row!

I really am excited to serve in my new calling. We have Stake Conference this weekend, and Ward Conference in about a month, so I definitely have a big job for the rest of this semester. But you know what? I love it! I love serving in the church! For some reason, that's where my life really is. School's important, but I live to serve in the church.

The Fall and the Atonement

2009-09-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Please note that these talks are my own work. Feel free to use the references in them and to learn from them. I kindly ask that you do not quote anything I say here as I am, by no means, an authority on the subject. Thank you.

Life is often full of trials and tribulations. Even the best hours of our lives can suddenly be halted by sudden difficulties. We have learned a lot about why trials are important in our lives. If these trials did not happen, we would not have as great opportunities to come to know the Savior, and to appreciate the Atoning Sacrifice He offered.

Abinadi was one who suffered much tribulation. He was mocked, persecuted, hunted, exiled, imprisoned, tried in the courts of wicked King Noah, falsely accused on personal grudges by the king and his priests, and finally martyred by fire. Yet up until his last breath, his testimony of the Savior’s Atonement was undeniable.

When Abinadi was brought before the priests to be tried, he was asked, “What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth...? (Mosiah 12:20-21)” This scripture the priests referenced was written by Isaiah himself, and is today recorded in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 52, of the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Abinadi, appalled that the priests didn’t know the meaning of the scripture, proceeded to answer by teaching about the Atonement and the Resurrection. After citing the ten commandments, he quoted the next chapter of Isaiah: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

“Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth…

“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

“Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:3-5,7,11-12)”

Nearly 150 years before Christ was born, a prophet in the American Continent had come to know the Savior, and to feel the effects of the Atonement in his life. Because of that knowledge, he was able to testify with “power and authority.”

It is important that we all understand the Plan of Salvation and the Savior’s role in that plan. Perhaps those priests did not understand the Atonement because they did not understand the plan. The Plan of Salvation began to be carried out when Adam and Eve began walking in the Garden of Eden. Then came what for centuries was considered a disaster. Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, and were thus exiled from the garden into a fallen state in the Telestial World.

The Fall is a critical part of the Atonement, for if there was no Fall, there would be no need for an Atonement, and thus no possibility of salvation nor Exaltation, “and all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. (2 Nephi 2:22)”

The prophet Jacob, son of Lehi, helps us to understand the need for an Atonement after the fall:

“For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.

“Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption… (2 Nephi 9:6-9)”

It is important to understand, however, that although the Atonement has been offered in our behalf, we are not free of pain. The difference, rather, comes in the righteous acts we do. Jacob explains this difference. Note in his teaching that all will feel pain, but only the righteous will receive more. He taught,

“...Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness. (2 Nephi 9:14)”

Lehi teaches this true nature of the fall when he says, “Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25)” Adam himself knew that joy. Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Quorum of the Seventy said, speaking of Adam’s fall, “Adam and Eve learned constantly from their often harsh experience…Yet because of the Atonement, they could learn from their experience without being condemned by it. Christ’s sacrifice didn’t just erase their choices and return them to an Eden of innocence.That would be a story with no plot and no character growth. His plan is developmental—line upon line, step by step, grace for grace. (Ensign, May 2004, p. 97)”

The Atonement is a powerful blessing in every individual’s life. It has the power to heal, to strengthen, and to teach. It is not meant to be a free ride to heaven, for that would give us nothing in the end. Rather, it brings us closer to God by teaching us to be like him. Again, Elder Bruce C. Hafen described the Atonement simply:

“…our Father’s plan subjects us to temptation and misery in this fallen world as the price to comprehend authentic joy. Without tasting the bitter, we actually cannot understand the sweet. We require mortality’s discipline and refinement as the ‘next step in [our] development’ toward becoming like our Father. But growth means growing pains. It also means learning from our mistakes in a continual process made possible by the Savior’s grace, which He extends both during and ‘after all we can do.’”

I testify that Jesus Christ, in performing His part of the great Plan presented by our Father in Heaven, suffered pain and agony in Gethsemane, in behalf of all of our sins. This He did so that we can learn and grow in this life and become more like God Himself. Even more importantly, I testify that He lives, and sits at the right hand of God. As we travel through the trials of mortality, I pray that we may come to know the Savior by trusting His holy hand, which is there to guide us through tribulation, and thus join Him in partaking of Eternal Life. This is my testimony that I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Faith - written Sep 3, 2009

2009-09-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the most well-known scriptures concerning faith was written as an Apostle of the Lord wrote an epistle to the Hebrews after Christ’s resurrection: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Often, when it is asked for the definition of faith, this is the scripture quoted. Yet, that may not entirely answer the question. In other words, what does it mean to be the “substance of things hoped for?

Continuing in this chapter, Paul recounts a number of historical events that were performed by faith. Abel was able to offer “a more excellent sacrifice,” (11:4); Enoch and his city were translated (11:5); Noah “prepared an ark to the saving of his house,” (11:7); Sara, the wife of Abraham, “received strength to conceive seed,” (11:11); and “by faith Moses…was hid,” and “when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” (11:23-25)

With each action of faith, Paul also notes a particular reward to that faith. For Abel’s sacrifice, “he obtained witness that he was righteous.” Enoch was translated, “for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Noah prepared an ark, “by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Sara bore a child “because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Moses rejoined with the Israelites because he esteemed “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Every action of faith is accompanied by testimony. In some cases, the use of faith helps to gain a testimony, and in others, testimony becomes the source of faith.

Paul was not the only to notice the correspondence of faith and testimony. Jacob wrote on the Gold Plates that “we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.” (Jacob 4:6) Faith gives the power to gain testimony, and testimony gives the power to gain faith. This faith can be used to perform miracles and command the elements around us.

So therefore, faith is the substance of hope, or the source of testimony, as well as the ability to act in God’s name. Having this hope, how do we strengthen it? It involves testimony, and a will to act. What is it we are to act on? Each act of faith mentioned by Paul was performed through a covenant. Simply put, the Lord gives a commandment, and the receiver receives a blessing.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of these covenants in the April 2009 General Conference. He said, “The new and everlasting covenant is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, the doctrines and commandments of the gospel constitute the substance of an everlasting covenant between God and man that is newly restored in each dispensation.” (Ensign, May 2009) The commandments are part of a covenant between man and God. Walking in obedience to these commandments brings about the fulness of blessings of the gospel into our lives.

In connection with these covenants, Elder Christofferson spoke of three ways that covenants help us endure through life. The first and second we already mentioned: 1) receiving blessings by walking in obedience to the commandments of the gospel, and 2) the covenants themselves produce more faith to continue to obey. The third is most vital to our salvation. As we accept and live covenants, we are endowed with “the power of godliness.” (D&C 84:20) When we are endowed from on high, this power comes in the influence of the Holy Ghost, and without his influence in our lives, miracles could not happen, for miracles are performed as our will is joined with the will of the Father, manifest by the same Holy Ghost. Thus, the covenants themselves give a power to perform miracles as Jacob and his people did.

Yet we are still weak. We make mistakes, and life presents us with unexpected surprises. Remember, as Jacob put it, these weaknesses exist “that we may know that it is by his grace…that we have power to do these things.” (Jacob 4:7) Many think of faith as a water bottle—we fill it while times are good, and when challenges come, we use that faith to get through. That notion, however, is not true. These moments are also times to grow in faith. Jacob continues,

“For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?

“Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand.” (Jacob 4:9-10)

This gospel is true. The Plan of Salvation is a plan inspired by God himself. We are blessed with the ability to have faith and to perform miracles. Yet the grandest of miracles include those of the Creation, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. No miracle will ever be as grand as the climax events of this plan. So why shouldn’t we take comfort in our Father who has power to perform even the simplest of miracles? After all, He accepted Abel’s sacrifice. He saved Noah and his family. He allowed Sara to bear a child, even in her own age. He helped Moses to accomplish the impossible task of delivering Israel from Egypt’s hand. If He can accept their faith, then He can accept ours. He can heal our hearts; He can forgive us; and He can help us through our weaknesses.

As we accept the Lord’s hand in our lives, then we shall have that greatest of blessings imaginable. As stated in the Joseph Smith Translation,

“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

“God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)

It is my testimony that through our faith, anything is possible. It is my testimony that through faith, we can become better persons, and become an influence of good in others’ lives. He lives. Through His Infinite Gift, we have the hope needed to live in His presence, in this life as well as the life to come. Faith is the substance, or manifestation, of that hope, through which the Lord can perform miracles in and around us. I bear this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Weekly Talks

2009-09-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

I seem to remember hearing an apostle (I remember Elder Boyd K. Packer) saying in a CES training session that one way to learn the gospel well is to write a talk every week. I looked for a reference for that, but couldn't find one. If anyone else has heard that, or better yet, knows where I can find the reference, that would be wonderful.

All the same, I never forgot that. I have always wanted to do that, but never could bring myself to such a commitment. I finally decided that I'm ready to try doing just that. I haven't quite succeeded in writing one talk weekly. However, I have written two during the past month (I started a third, but it didn't turn out like I had hoped). It has really improved my study time. I have thoroughly enjoyed coming to know the Savior by finding the words to teach the doctrines He has taught through His holy prophets.

As soon as I post this, I will post my two talks that I have written. I hope that everyone who reads them will feel the Holy Ghost testify of the truth of the Gospel. It is true. There is no possible way that it can't be true.

The joys of change

2009-04-14T18:13:00.001-07:00

Last General Conference (October 2008) was a week of change for us. The Sunday before conference, the Bishop called us in and gave us callings. Eliza was called as a Visiting Teaching Supervisor. I was called as Sunday School President. That calling for me was really a shock. It was a week of reflection for sure. I studied, pondered, and prayed all week long for help in this calling and to find counselors. And if you haven't read the conference talks from Priesthood Meeting, do. They seemed as if they were directed to me. They all talked about new callings.

This General Conference (April 2009) was another week of change for me. Two Sundays before conference, the Stake President met with us. I received a new calling as the Stake Music Committee Chairman. Fun! Eliza had heard once just before Stake Conference that the current chairman would be released. Soon after that, our high councilman (who happens to be in charge of music) came and chatted with me about my music background. After that, Eliza told me about what she had heard. Hmmm......we kinda had a feeling this would come. But we are really excited. This is one calling that I have always looked forward to.

So, this last Sunday, I was sustained, and next Sunday, I will be set apart and begin my new calling. I wonder what next General Conference will bring.....

Usefulness of Blogs

2009-04-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

I just finished having a colloquium with Kim Obbink from Montana State University, working with Distance Education in the said university. She gave a lot of good information about connecting with students using technology. It was a very wonderful presentation. But there was one thing in particular that hit me.

A couple of nights ago, I began thinking about where I am in my education and what other great professionals have done. I realized that almost all great professionals have kept a journal as they study their field. So I thought that perhaps I should do that as well. But today, Kim gave me an idea that I thought would be great. After all, what good is the stuff I learn if it doesn't help somebody else?

One technology that I realized in today's presentation as useful for classes is a blog. I need to look into using a blog for the next class I teach. I figured that in the meantime, that this would be a great idea for a new blog. You can see my new Teaching Journal at http://teachingmeo.blogspot.com/. I hope that this idea as well as those to follow become useful to some who browse through this blog.

My claim to fame

2009-04-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Erin is a good friend of mine and Eliza's. She just posted a very good metaphorical blog:
http://redheadedalto.blogspot.com/2009/04/for-one-single-moment-my-eyes-are-held.html

This is my response to one thing I think she was referring to:

(Last complete row to the right, right in the middle in a red shirt with red hair.)

Great job, Erin. We enjoyed your singing!

Update

2009-01-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone! Yes, it's time for my January blog post! Wahoo!

I figure that since there was a lot of change for me last year, I should change my title bar. So, first of all, the title. Yes, I am a Weather Weenie. However, I have sadly not been able to envelop myself in weather for almost a year since I graduated from the U. So, now I'll classify myself as what I really want to do: Space Weather Forecasting.

Since January 2007, I have been looking forward to this field. It's the entire reason I'm here at USU. So I found it fitting that the picture is one of Space, but a clear view also of the weather on Earth. I got this picture from APOD (Astronomy Picture of the Day). If you want to browse there, it's at http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080412.html.

Santa's Frozen in Carbonite!!!

2008-12-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

He's been frozen in carbonite! He should be quite well protected--if he survives the eating process, that is...

Christmas

2008-12-18T08:29:00.001-08:00

Ok. We had fun with our Christmas Tree this year. I am proud to announce that Eliza and I have caught ourselves a beautiful, 100% pure, genuine plastic tree! Sad. I really wanted a pine. But, when you're gone for 2 weeks straight, we figured that the plastic was easier to take care of.

If you look closely, you will find our 4 favorite ornaments. The first 3 are ornaments that we bought from a Fund Raiser for Emma's school.

The first three pictures are the ornaments, and the last is what we did to them. It was a rather cool effect! We liked it.

But most importantly, we put up our must-have ornament:

For those who don't recognize it, this was the ornament that Joe and Lacey put on our wedding cake last May. We only thought it fitting that the temple take its place at the top.

Yes, we love our tree.

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

Yet another new job.

2008-11-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah. I don't know how it happens. But without even trying, jobs just fall into my lap. But this one's a doozie.

As I was finishing a lab for the day, the Physics Department Advisor poked her head in the door and said, "Michael, check your email." Uh-oh. She laughed and said it's really good. So I looked, and she had sent me a note saying that there was a potential job opportunity for me. So, I went to talk to the professor she mentioned. We talked for a while about the position. It involves computer programming, which I have always loved. There was a person involved in this project who wrote a program to demonstrate some electrodynamic effects. However, when they demonstrated the final results, showing that there won't be a problem, they realized that "Of course there won't be a problem! It's only in one dimension!" So, it's back to the drawing board. But the guy who wrote the program doesn't have time to work on that, so they decided to hire a graduate student--they're always cheaper and good for slave labor, right? So, I was invited to help. He told me to think about it, and to talk it over with Eliza, but I was half tempted right then and there to just say "Yes! I'll take it!"

Now, I think it only fitting to tell you why I was so eager to say yes. Well, this is a program modelling the electrodynamic effects of a satellite. In fact, it was made for a particular satellite called the James Webb Space Telescope. If you're unfamiliar with this project, click on the link. It's basically a modernized Hubble Telescope. In fact, you remember how Atlantis is supposed to go up for the last servicing mission for the Hubble? Well, from how I understand it, this project is why--we're sending up something bigger and better.

An opportunity to work on the James Webb Telescope? Absolutely! Will it be hard? Absolutely! But I wouldn't give it up for the world. Great experience, great time to learn, great for resumes...what more could I ask for?

By popular vote, Hurricane Katrina is a result of Global Warming!

2008-10-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I say it even more clearly? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me, why is it that because someone in the media has the wild idea that a severe natural disaster can be explained by man's misuse of the planet, that becomes doctrine? I just went to a seminar on Global Warming for a class, and as is inevitable, someone brings up Hurricane Katrina. Let me ask you: What is so rare about a category 2 hurricane? There was NOTHING odd about Katrina. NOTHING!!! The only thing that was odd was that it happened to pass over the right spot, and the storm surge (associated with Fluid Dynamics, not with Global Warming) broke through the levies. So, is it because I drove to the store when I first got my driver's license that the levies broke and New Orleans was desolated? I think not.

And how much confidence do you have in a guy who is saying we need to cut back on pollution, but in the same breathe says "It would take a lot for me to leave my car and use my bike more frequently?"

Mommy, wow! I'm a big boy now!

2008-09-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I haven't been faithful in writing, but here I am. Since we didn't have an internet connection at our last place, I kinda lost the habit of writing. So forgive me as I try to get back into the habit. In the meantime, Eliza and I have moved into our new apartment. If you need our new address for anything, let me know.

Wahoo.

Now, I'd better explain the title. Yeah, random. No, really, there's a point. So after today, I have successfully finished 6 days of graduate school! Wahoo! Yes, I am a big boy now! (It would have been 7 days, but I kinda missed Friday--that's another story). So what do I think of graduate school? I love it! I have my own desk! You have no idea how excited I really get about things like that... Honestly, it's hard, but there's something more satisfying about it. Now I'm not really studying just so I can graduate, or just so I can get a grade. I honestly could have stopped where I was. But I decided to come here. I want to learn. So, I really enjoy learning right now. Now, maybe I shouldn't talk to my brothers and sister who have already been through graduate school--they might ruin my little imaginary sphere I'm in right now (imaginary spheres--sounds like physics to me!). But for now, I'll enjoy where I am, what I'm doing, and the interesting dreams of complex variables. No kidding, I woke up this morning and saw the clock in complex form. Wow.

The non-poster is posting!

2008-07-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it is now 86 days, 8 hours, and 12 minutes since Eliza and I got married (I know, I'm a nerd). I'm sorry I haven't posted anything lately. But for those of you who continuously remind me that I haven't posted lately, Eliza and I are living in a cute little house that her parents own. It is a wonderful place. We do have an internet signal that we can get if we sit in a certain position on the bed. And when I can get on the internet elsewhere, I usually am busy at work or at school. So that's why I haven't been posting.

So, when can you expect another post? We are moving to Logan in 2+ weeks, so when we get there, I'll be able to give a better update. Hope you all have fun. Love you all. Take care. Boa noite! All that stuff.......

How well do YOU breathe?

2008-03-03T09:51:00.001-08:00

Today I had a presentation in my math class. With all the humility I can muster, we blew everyone else in the class out of the water! Now, I know it's not a competition, but all the same, our project was a beauty.

Our project was to look at pollution emitted by the oil refineries in North Salt Lake and see how that pollution acts, and see if that may be a possibility to the higher percentage of children with asthma in Woods Cross than in Bountiful, just across the interstate.. One group looked and said that the pollution didn't even reach as far North as North Salt Lake. But that doesn't make sense, since most of the refineries are North of North Salt Lake. Anyway, enough of my complaining.

So my portion of the project was to determine the winds for the model. I took a climate model, and found a day where the winds were similar to the model. Then using the data from MesoWest, a weather data analysis group in the Meteorology Department here at the University of Utah, we found what the winds should look like for each hour on a "normal" day in the summer. The first figure is an example of how the winds act at 9:00 in the evening.

After we finished that, we used some math algorithms that I won't bore you with to determine how the pollution acts throughout the day. Our results were quite fascinating! If you look at the winds, the winds are westward or almost nothing for 18 out of 24 hours, while it moves towards Bountiful for only 6 hours a day. What does that say? Pollution is going to concentrate right around Woods Cross, and will barely cross I-15. So after 24 hours, this is what our result looked like:

If the concentrations are that high around Woods Cross, then it looks like the refineries could be a contributer to higher percentages of asthma. So, what's the point? Do you have a breathing problem? Then maybe you just want to run this program for your area and see what could be affecting you. Then, if you really want, you could join the politicians and make a lot of noise about one's driving inhibiting on another's right to breathe! And while you're at it, could you do me a favor and mention the smokers walking where I try to breathe and skateboarders riding where I'm trying to walk?

For the love of Pete.....

2008-03-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago (Feb. 9), we went on a little journey. Our party consisted of me, Eliza, my parents, Eliza's parents, and my oldest sister Kiersten. We all traveled to Manti to look at places to have a luncheon after our wedding on May 6. We really liked what we saw, and hopefully we have a place.

After we finished visiting the different halls we had decided to look at, we stopped to visit my Grandma Olson, who is living in a nursing home in Ephraim, five minutes North of Manti. When we knocked on Grandma's door, she opened and we heard her very familiar shocked expression: "Oh! For the love of Pete!" Oh, I love hearing that! I love my Grandma!

As we all filed into the room, she did a classic Grandma: "Here--make yourselves comfortable while I go take care of something," and ran into her bathroom. Eliza made the comment later that this was very similar to how her Grandma Clawson would act. Then she came out and wondered why nobody was sitting in her chair. Oh, that's my Grandma!

Now, there were two things that happened during our visit that we really hooted at. First of all, she was talking about using her walker. So Bro. Clawson said "Oh, I bet they call you speedy here!" Sis. Clawson replied "Have they given you any tickets yet?" Grandma's response was amazing: "No, but they should give them to others here!"

As we left, we all gave Grandma a hug. So I bent down over her chair to give her a hug, so she gave me a kiss on the cheek to congratulate me in getting married. Well, as you can see in the picture, I had a surprise for her--my beard! As she kissed me, she got the most shocked look on her face and exclaimed "Oh! What did I get my face into?!?" Apparently, her face was something to look at! We have been laughing hard about that one for almost a month!!!

Grandma, I love you! 94 years old on Thursday, and still showing the joys of life. I hope I can have that energy and joy throughout my life.

Success!!

2008-02-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

Well, just after lunch today, I had a crowd of people around me to watch the shuttle Atlantis launch at 12:45 pm today. I always find launches fascinating. I don't know--maybe it's the impressive power in that machine. I'm such a guy. But then again, there's something that everyone enjoys. In fact, I was proud when I saw that Eliza was also getting quite excited for the launch. I guess I'm rubbing off on her. ;) It wasn't too surprising, in the last 2 minutes before launch, I found a crowd of people watching the computer as the clock went down.

So, I wonder what it is about launches that makes it so wonderful to watch. Is it really the extreme power in those boosters? Or is it the thought of flying? Don't know. In any case, it's interesting to watch.

So I guess that I'll just have to go and fix my rocket and go launch it again! But why did I have to paint it silver and blue so it blends perfectly with the sky???.........

I'm gettin' married in the mornin'!!

2008-01-09T23:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I got a wonderful bit of advice from Lars, to write down my experience. Besides that, I'm sure many of you want to know how it happened, since many have already asked how, even before it happened. So, here you are:

A number of months ago (Halloween to be exact), we were at a choir social at the institute here at the U. As the night started to wear on, a few of us gathered around Eliza, who was playing on the piano, and began to sing along with the hymns she was playing. One of the songs she played happened to be one of her favorites, "If You Could Hie To Kolob." I looked a little closer at the words, and an idea came into mind. I entertained it, and thought "If this really does happen, I might be able to do something like this." Of course, I basically did what I thought that night because it never went away. The picture of what to do was clear, and so as our relationship progressed and it became obvious that we would get married, I didn't change from the idea I had that night.

So fast forward a few months--December 25, 2007. I had debated the whole issue in my head many times, but I felt pretty sure of what I needed to do. So on Christmas morning, we had Christmas at the Clawson's, and went to the Olson's in the afternoon. While Eliza was in the shower, though, I managed to find a minute to chat with Bro. and Sis. Clawson. There I told them that we were thinking about marriage, and that I wanted permission to buy a ring (in other words, to marry Eliza). Bro. Clawson said yes, and so on Thursday, Dec. 27, I went and bought the ring. However, there was a problem. I wanted to give it to her as soon as I could, but since all the workers were on holiday break, nobody was there to work on her ring. So finally, on Monday, I got a call saying it was ready. I picked it up, and it was gorgeous. But as soon as I got it and realized what I was doing...yeah. It was weird to think that I had just bought a diamond ring. That night, though, I thought about the details of my plan, and found a time the following day that I could give it to her.

The Proposal

So on the evening of January 8, 2008, there was a gap of time between Eliza's last class (ending at 6:00) and our choir practice (starting at 7:30). Not much of a gap, but still a gap. I went and picked Eliza up from class, along with our really good friend Erin. So she went home and, somehow having figured out what was going on, got her camera to take pictures after our choir practice (thanks, Erin). So we left campus, and headed downtown. Eliza, not knowing where we were going, was content to sit back and wonder. After a while, we arrived at temple square. As we walked through the plaza, Eliza took a look at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and commented on the interesting design of the building. After we talked about that for a minute, I took her and we went into that interesting building. =D No matter how interesting the outside may be, the inside is beautiful! So we went upstairs, and not having much time, we just went straight to the chapel above the main lobby. If you haven't been there, you need to go! It's beautiful!

Early last week, I asked Eliza to find a story of one of her pioneer ancestors. She talked about a set of grandparents (how many greats?) and their journey to the Salt Lake Valley. As they were getting ready to get on the train, they set their baby boy down, and lost him. So they looked everywhere, and finally decided to pray. Just then, a strike of lightning flashed, and in that flash, they saw him under a bush. Really cool. After she shared that, I shared the story of my Great-Great Grandma and Grandpa Olson, Lars Erick and Anna Persson Olson. They were converted in 1880 in Sweden, and soon after emigrated to Utah. They left on April 1, 1884, and arrived in Ogden on April 27, 1884. Much shorter than the first pioneers. But there was a comment in Anna's history that caught my attention: "After hearing [the missionaries], Lars and Anna too became convinced that they were men of God, carrying the true message of Jesus Christ. As soon as it became known that these people were investigating this new religion, persecution began. To avoid this as much as possible, it was necessary to do the baptizing at night. Even in the winter when they had to dig a grave in the ice in order to get to the water, they did not lose faith--nothing could stop them. They were baptized in 1880." Nothing could stop them. That one really struck me. Even in the worst circumstances, the work keeps going. It was at this point that I gave Eliza's last Christmas present to her.

The card had on one side a picture of us on a trip to the Mount Timpanogas Temple, and the other had these words from If You Could Hie to Kolob:

"The works of God continue
And worlds and live abound.
Improvement and progression
Have one Eternal Round.

"There is no end union,
There is no death above,
There is no end to glory,
There is no end to love."

So for a few more minutes, I gave some thoughts on these verses. The works of God continue; nothing could stop Him, nor those who act on what they know is right. It doesn't matter what else happens, it'll keep going. "Improvement and progression have one Eternal Round." The rooms in the Salt Lake Temple make an interesting pattern. After starting in the Creation Room, and moving through the Garden, World, and Terrestrial Rooms, you end up in the Celestial Room, directly above the Creation Room. In the course of an endowment session, you make one full circle, ending up one level higher. So God's works never end, continuing forever on an upward road.

After musing on these thoughts, I asked her to read it all again out loud. She did, and the words touched us both. So I mentioned the line from Anna's history again. If we know something is right, nothing should stop us. Doing so, we'll always improve on God's path without an end. Then I asked "Do you want this to end?" Of course, she said no. "Neither do I. So, there is one solution. Do you know what the symbol is for an Eternal Round?" Silently, she nodded. So at that, I got on my knee and asked if she would marry me.

Hee hee, I never thought I'd do that. But I did, and she said yes. I've been so happy, and so has she. We are looking at a wedding on May 6, 2008, in the Manti Temple. And now you know the story.

Most wonderful news!!

2008-01-09T14:05:00.001-08:00

Wonderful news! Last night, January 8, 2008, at about 6:45 pm, in the chapel located above the main lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, I asked Eliza Clawson to marry me, and she said Yes!!!! Wahoo!!!! I am so excited! We are planning to get married on May 6, 2008, in the Manti Temple. This is a wonderful time, and I am very, very excited to spend my life with this amazing daughter of God.

We met a year and a half ago, at the end of August 2006. We were beginning a new semester at the University of Utah, me in my Senior year, and she as an entering Freshman. We spent a year together in orchestra, both in the cello section. Through the summer of 2007, we spent a lot of time together in Institute Choir. Then a point came in late July that we just felt that we needed to take another step, and began dating. From there, everything just seemed to say that we were on the right path, and it seemed that we were pointed in the right direction the whole time. And so we were led to this point, and I am very excited to marry this amazing and most wonderful girl in my life.

Michael Joins the Bloggers World

2008-01-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am. I finally decided that it's time for me to join the blogging world. Probably in part, this is due to Elder M. Russell Ballard's counsel on blogs. As of now, I have just started my last semester of studying in the Meteorology and Mathematics departments at the University of Utah, graduating in May. Well, I think that's a good start on me. As news comes, I'll let you know.

In case you're interested, here is the story printed on the LDS News Page, which is a top story on their Home Page.