Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

Ten years ago today I was in fifth grade and first heard about the terrorist attacks from my classmates. Several of them were talking about how it was probably the Japanese getting us back for World War II. They were also talking about how we might be at risk because we had the national laboratory in our town. I remember that one of my good friends was genuinely terrified for her dad's safety when he returned to work. School was closed early and all the students were sent home. It was then that my parents explained that it had nothing to do with Japan and I learned about a part of the world that I don't think I had ever heard of before, but would hear about for years to come as the war on terror began. For the rest of the day and for days to come we were tuned in to the news and listening to all the developments. There were a lot of stories and personal accounts told. For some reason the story that I most remember is of a little girl who was with her parent on the way to one of the World Trade Centers but was hungry and wanted to stop for a sandwich. For that reason they were not in the tower when it was hit. I remember when I heard that story that my dad told me that the Lord touches the hearts of the little children.

Despite all the awful things that were happening with 9/11 and all of the deaths, missing people, and split up families, the stories that I remember most are the ones of the simple, heroic things that ordinary people did during this tragic time. I remember stories of people on the airplanes who risked their life to try to stop the hijackers. I remember stories of people who helped others, including the handicapped, down the staircases in front of them even though it meant they might not get out in time, instead of pushing their way to the front in a fight for survival. I remember stories of firefighters and police officers sacrificing their lives to try to save others. I think that in the world now there is a lot of talk of the evil of human nature and of all the cruel or selfish things people do. But in a crisis like 9/11 where evil acts are very apparent, there is also seen the good of humanity through the selfless acts of countless people. In an intense crisis fueled by fear, where no one would have blamed a person of thinking of only saving themselves, people stopped and thought of others. They didn't gain recognition or praise for their acts and in many cases lost their life, but they still did it.

The United States has changed so much since that fateful day 10 years ago. Security measures have forever changed, especially at the airport, but I think it has made America more patriotic and unified as well. It is crazy to think that kids growing up now never experienced 9/11, but they are definitely living with the effects of it. It is going to be something that will never be forgotten and that my kids will learn about in history textbooks. It is kind of crazy to think that I experienced it.

Here is a video dedicated to the heroes and victims of 9/11 with the song by Alan Jackson that I like called "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?"

2 Year Anniversary of My Blog

Today I was thinking about how long it's been since I started my blog so I went back and looked at my first post and discovered it was on September 4, 2009...two years ago today! It's always interesting to go back and read all the things I have written about in the last couple years. Click here to read the very first post I wrote. It explains the reason I have the phrase that I do at the top of my blog and I realized that I have never changed the basic design of my blog. But I haven't grown tired of it yet so I don't have any plans to change it in the near future. Thinking about the reasons that I first started a blog I see that a lot of the reasons are the same but I have some new ones as well. I am definitely glad that I did start it though. A big part of the reason I have a blog is for other people to see the things that are going on in my life but it is also a really good way for me to go back and reread things to see how I have changed or to remember the thoughts I had when I posted the blog. For all my friends and family who have been reading my blog, thanks for the comments you've left or for just taking the time to read and care. I appreciate it and it gives a point for me to keep writing. I hope there are many more great blogging years to come!

P.S. Don't miss the great post that Samuel wrote below this one on his love of knives :)

Samuel's Knives

I like knives. Ever since I was little. So I also enjoy getting a new one and building my collection. Before my mission, I flew home for a few days before entering the MTC and in one suitcase, all of my knives were safely stashed away. But I never saw that suitcase again; I assume it was taken by another passenger who was surprised to find a cache of knives when they opened the suitcase up to unpack. So since my mission I have slowly been building my collection of knives. I admit that it isn't reasonable to have tons of knives. One knife is all that is needed to open boxes, or gut fish, or play mumbly-peg, clean your fingernails, or whatever else a knife may come in handy for. But let's say a bad guy busts into your home and you need to protect yourself. You are not going to want to use this:

It would probably be better to use something like this:

This is a man's knife. Technically this is a bayonet to be fitted at the end of a rifle, which would scare off most bad guys.

Or the one below. It is a Smith and Wesson. This is my newest and most prized knife. I bought this one today. It was 80% off so and I couldn't res

ist(Stephanie gave me the OK to go ahead with it). This knife is equipped with a seat belt cutter and a glass smasher for whenever we are in an accident and can't escape through the doors.

But my Batman Smith and Wesson isn't the only new addition. I also added a Smith and Wesson S.W.A.T. It is seen below alongside the Batman. This one was 75% off and I received the OK from my lovely wife.

Knives are also good for making good first impression, they say a lot about who you are; especially at places like Scout Camp. The cooler the knife the cooler the Scout. I am proud to say that I usually dominated at being a cool Scout. I never showed up with one of these:

There isn't even a point on the blade. Everyone would think you were a Cub Scout carving a bar of soap. So I showed up with these:

These Old Timers were pretty cool. My Grandpa had one, my Dad had one, and I had one. But I also had a couple of these:

So right now I am only up to six knives. I suppose I will be satisfied for a little while longer. But until I get more, we are prepared for anything. If an earthquake comes and swallows up our utensils and scissors, we will have knives. And if there is no food, we can still catch and kill, because we have knives. And if a bad guy comes, don't worry. We have knives. And if I ever become a Scout Leader, who will be the cool leader that all the kids like? It will be me because I have(and will have more) cool knives.

Stephanie is so happy that I have these to protect her with and I know she feels so lucky to have married me. I will continue to build my collection of knives as long as our budget(and Stephanie) allows it, but the next thing that I want is a hatchet...and maybe some throwing knives.