The Ultimate Roommate

So I haven't really talked about myself much on these, or stories, or experiences. That changes today.

So amid studying for finals in my living room, (or anything that ever happens in my living room), are the random conversations that happen with my roommate Dave. Yes this is being inspired with the conversation about how to effectively trim a mustache that transpired 10 minutes ago (No Shave November has carried through to Don't Shave December). I've been dying to write about this or express it somewhere; it's not something we go about and talk about a lot, having a 57 year old roommate. So yes, Dave happens to be 57 years old (that took some prying and asking him on three different occasions how old he is), is from Arizona (I think), is taking some family history classes at BYU, and lives with four 21-23 year-olds. Shocker on move in day? Yup!

Let me tell you some things that I have learned from my friend Dave.

1. Flipping low-priced houses in Alabama can be quite profitable. 
2. Obama is truly going to ruin this country, and Dave has enough bumper stickers to prove it. 
3. A person can live out of a mini-fridge that they keep in their room, occasionally emerging to cook something in the microwave. 
4. I want to get married. 
5. You can buy 20 acres in Arizona for $5,000 off the internet. Oh and you can buy property off E bay! I thought that was fascinating. Turns out most of the land in AZ for that cheap happens to be the land that is next to the freeway in the middle of the dessert. (Two s's in that right? I always forget which one is desert and dessert)
6. It's funny to call any woman George. 

Anyways, I don't write this to down on Dave. He's a kind man with a big heart, and I want to make sure that that point is made. I don't understand his background and what he's doing in life, but, it is quite an entertaining situation, one of those things that would happen to me. Yes, my parents (as well as those of my other roommates) are quite concerned with the fact that we are living with a 57 year old man. The concern is understandable. Yet, you get people in this world from all backgrounds, and in various situations. Maybe this last part is coming from the fact that I am listening to "Where is the Love?" by The Black Eyed Peas. But the point is this.... I wish that more people could hear the conversations that go on in my living room. The 10 minute, random, no introduction or salutations necessary, story-filled documentaries of Dave's money saving bargaining via the internet or real estate schemes. Feel free to stop by anytime! 

Oh, and if you haven't listened to "My Boo" by Usher and Alicia Keys, I recommend it! Very good for studying...

Greatness

I believe every individual that lives on earth is meant to do something great. I think that this greatness is part of what every person longs to find and understand about themselves. I've often talked with friends about how we fit into this phase called life, and what we are supposed to contribute to mankind. I believe the answer to be different for every individual.

Greatness comes in many forms. From my father, who has dedicated his life to teaching a mindset and providing a lifestyle for my siblings and I to have opportunities that he never had and to seizing those opportunities, to my mother, who moved out to California at age 20 with her best friend, anything she could fit in their car, a few hundred dollars, and made the choice to have children.

From a friend who started non-profit, hoping to create clean water for countries and people who don't have it (H2O International ), to a friend who will make sure those he cares about are happy and taken care of.

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the ordinary mundane of life. Whether it be work, school, or being with a screaming child all day every day, we can forget we're meant for greatness. This is for those people who have inspired me and taught me to believe I am meant to do something great; I thank you. You have done something great for me, and for mankind around you. All it took was a choice, and sticking with that choice after you made it.