Some of my most valued treasures, are letters that CJ wrote to his middle school teacher Mr. Monson. They were actually supposed to be journal entries, but I guess writing to someone, was better than talking to yourself on paper.
Each entry usually started with "Dear Mr. Monson" and was followed by "did you ever" or "have you ever".
The entry that sticks out in my mind the most goes something like:"Dear Mr. Monson, Have you ever been in a school program where you try not to look at your mom cause she has black streaks running down her face? Well I have. My mom always cries."
The questions to Mr. Monson were about a wide variety of subjects. Some were funny, some were serious, some were proud and some were even sad. I've often thought about CJ's Mr. Monson letters and how even at such a young age, they must have been very therapeutic. Mr. Monson usually didn't answer the letters but when he did, he did it without advice or judgement saying only "wow" or "thats amazing" or "no, I never had that happen". What a wonderful gift to give a student, a place to ponder about life and your role in it.
So, in honor of CJ and Mr. Monson, I've created a "Dear Mr. Monson" page, where I would like to ponder my own life's questions. Thank you CJ, what a wonderful gift to give your mother. I think everyone should have a Mr. Monson.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM A JIGSAW PUZZLE

Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.

When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.

Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.

Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.

When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see above).

The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook.

Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.

Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.

Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.

Take time to celebrate your successes (even little ones).

Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

~~ Author Unknown ~~
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Cryonics

Dear Mr. Monson,

Have you ever heard of cryonics? I hadn't until about a month or so ago. I started asking people if they knew that it was real. And some had. I found a link to Alcor in the Salt Lake Tribune and started reading. Wow, is it wild. If you ever have nothing better to do and want to "kill some time" (haha) take a look and read. It's something you would think came straight from a science fiction movie.

Fascinating stuff.

http://www.alcor.org/
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Sunday, August 3, 2008

Got Grass?

Dear Mr. Monson,

I'll sure be glad when we get some grass out back. I have to spend too much time sweeping the floor. Between us and the dogs dragging in the dirt, we could probably plant potatoes in the kitchen. Do you have grass Mr. Monson?
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Friday, August 1, 2008

Turning?

Dear Mr. Monson,

A funny thing keeps happening to me on the way home. I'll be driving along Homestead, usually singing with the radio, or talking on the phone. I get to the four way stop at Manse and turn on my left turn signal. This is where the funny thing comes, I'm not turning. I'm going straight. I get half way through the intersection and I wonder why I just had my signal on. I know I'm not turning. Do you ever do that?
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