ENGAGEMENT PICTURES

These are our engagement pictures. It was freezing outside! So please disregard all pink noses and cheekies.

Attention, Attention all Readers.

Two Days ago, December 15, 2007, A date that will live on in Infamy. Rachel Smith was suddenly and deliberately asked a question by Bradley Meldrum.

We are ENGAGED!!!! This is like the COOLEST thing ever!

I will explain more later....because I have to study for Finals. Because I didn't get any done this weekend. Hey it happens.

For this was a moment that mattered,
When darkness shook, and the demons all clamored,
Seeking peace to destroy, and righteous to shatter.

The valiant man stood, clothing ripped and all tattered,
From fights that were fought, and trials he had battered
He spoke this reply, not a word of it stammered.
"You will not conquer, despite how you flatter,
Your efforts won't sway me, they’re only rain's patter."
Then marched he away, knowing that moment had mattered.


Everyday there are monsters to fight,
Villains to conquer, and dangerous plights,
Yet "Fear not," declares the Master of Right,
"Pray, Read Scriptures, Serve with all of your might,
For thou wilt conquer the Prince of the Night.
Know he will try your weakness to bite
But dark has no power when you stay in the light.
Lean on my arm, and succumb not to fright."
I will guide thee through this terrible blight.

The Eyes Journey through Song

So the other night, I was at Family Home Evening. It was a good evening with the Fam. Not my real Family of course. Not just anybody can be apart of the Family. It is a special place.

But that is not the point. As is often the case, we started this gathering of kindred spirits, with a Song of Zion. And it was during a rousing round of "Well Bring the World his Truth" that I reobserved the following. When people are having a conversation, the participants look at eachother. But upon opening into song everyone begins to almost desperately search the room for something their eyes might rest upon, and not create an awkward situation. Why do we do this? What are the reasons that make us all turn away. Is it because we think that some might mistakenly think that we are trying to serenade them? Perhaps we do not want to draw attention to the slighlty off tune notes streaming from our mouths. I personally beleive the reasons lie in honesty. The main form of communication we use is through talking. And when singing we are usually are saying things, that we might not necessarily mean to direct at any one person. Therefore we take aim at the most intersting thing that cannot pick up such perceptions.

Take my buddy Charles for example.

He and his friends are a merry bunch. They have also known eachother for quite some time. So, much so that when they raise their voices, their heads follow. The reasons for this have been evaluated by our best scholars, who have presented the following two expalanations for this.

One reason might be that upon singing they all began to search their surroundings for something; perhaps a corner, a picture, maybe a nail, or a squirrel; which might be a suitable resting place for their eyes during this joyous interlude. Yet all they find are wide stretches of snow covered plain. But wait.... Up above...Yes...The Stars. Therefore they gaze into the heavens. And what better place is there.

The other reason, which is disputed among some circles, is that because Charles and his friends have been doing this so long they have began to choreograph their movements, beginning with the head.

This strange behavior is not limited to the Peanuts gang only. Julie Andrews at the beginning of her career was timid, afraid to let her eyes sing with the notes.

But she quickly overcame these fears.

Others have found it hard to break the pressure by themselves. Stevie struggled for so long that he resorted to other means.

But in the end, it is up to you. You can continue to memorize your surroundings while your heart soars in song, or you can grab hold of the opportunity to observe others while they are all busy studying the nail that is protruding from the wall so drastically. This is quite enjoyable

What is important is to let it out. Sing it loud, Sing it Proud.

Thoughts on a Sweet Fall Day

Hello Sugar. I could just eat you right up!
I call this one "Essence of Rachel."

You can almost feel the Light Radiating out of Her. Even through the Computer Screen! Pretty Impressive.

Were better together!

Does Anyone Else see that intensly thought provoking cloud over there?

OH Geez! Aren't they CUUUUUUUTE!
Ok..... Maybe not so much anymore. (Geoffery! Don't get too Close, they might bite!)
Yeah! I think i do see that very thought provoking cloud. It is Inspiring!!!

The Hills are Alive

So there I was...it was cloudy, it was rainy. Then she walked into my office. I could tell somethin was botherin her. I welcomed her in and asked her to sit down...when she was feelin comfortable she began ta tell me her story... Actually she was a bright ray of Sunshine, that filled me with light and joh, but....that is a different story.

Actually what I wanted to write about tonight was how gorgeous (New York Accent) the mountain during Fall is. Holy Smokes. But really. With the flaming red leaves on the trees and the clounds hovering low on the mountains looked as if the Hills were aflame. we took some, what i thought were rather artistic pictures. But I will let you be the judge of that.

have a look.

Life is Good

Right now life is good. I don't know how i am getting so lucky. Baisically the only thing that can explain anything, is that Heavenly Father lives and Loves his children.

So here is an update in my Life.

School and classes keep me busy but i am used to it now, and wouldn't have it anyother way. It makes you feel accomplished.
I haven't gotten adequate sleep in a long time...but i am used to that too. And I would have it other ways, but the reasons that I have stayed up are all worth it. So I would probably make the choices to stay up late again.

I am dating the most Amazing person I have ever met. Her name is Rachel Smith. And we are talking really the most Amazing. Just Like Anastasia is the most cutest little girl, Rachel is the most wonderfullest. I don't really know how to describe it. You'd just have to meet her.

And other than that...Well that is about all.

So there is the update.

Have a wonderfulified day.

Rain

I really like rain. I think that is sets the mood for many things. There is alot to "the mood". What is a really awesome, if you aren't in the mood. Or a magical night with someone special if the magical mood is gone. It just lacks that puch, or that...specialness. It is funny how things like rain, or stars, or music can set the mood. I wonder what the mood for this post would be. How do you feel now. Are you really happy. If you come back when you are really sad then it will probably have a different feel about it. Do you ever wonder what the author is feeling when he writes something. What if Vicor Hugo was feeling really happy when he was writing the scene where Marius is mourning the death of his friends? What if He was extraordinarily happy for a long time when he was writing that part, so that he couldn't write it. I wonder if his happiness ever frustrated him? " why can't I just be sad so that I can finish this chapter." Or perhaps he just read what he had written to that point, allowing the words to set the mood for him

The mood can do wonderful things. The poem below is a great example. I don't consider myself very gifted at writing. That is part of the reason that I have this blog, is to improve on my writing skills. But the poem below I consider very good. I hope that you think so too. Well that was written at 1:30 in the morning on night. I had just spent one of the greatest nights with one of my friends, and what had happepend kept running through my brain. You know like before Christmas when you can't sleep because you keep thinking about what is in those presents. Or the day before you go to the MTC, and your brain is full of thoughts of the future. Well that Is what was happening to me. The mood was set, and it was so powerful it wouldn't let go of me. The only escape was through venting it out into a poem. And that is what resulted. Amazing isn't it. I have tried several times since then to write some poetry, but none of it comes close to the following peice.

So those are my thoughts on the mood.

September 4, 2007

Tip tap, tip tap,
the rain on the buildings protective tin cap,
inspire the thought
of a gallop, or trot,
and many brave thoroughbreds
with iron clad heads.
marching to rescue the maid, Aphrodite
from a sorcerer's holdings, so deep and so mighty.

Conquer they must,
and conquer they will,
then bring her back home,
to the rivers and hill,
that make up her kingdom,
full of valleys and rills,
and cease not to guard her,
whether healthy or ill.


Ay, never fear, my brave Mademoiselle
for all of your terrors, brave knights will dispel,
and your impossible rescue,
will all end quite well.
Now here I remain,
on this late Autumn night,
enjoying the prescence of one so sweet and just right.
Fare thee well, my precious tip tap of the rain,
Now we can finish our grand tennis game.

Math is for more than just me.

Today I learned a very important lesson. Math is not fun....that is unless you are doing it with friends. Let me illustrate.

A lone student sits at the overly large table, with room for 5 or even 6 others to join him, yet there is no one. Fate, or shyness has dropped this poor soul by himself, trying to use the chain rule to derivate f(x)g(x), where f(x)=ln(x) and g(x)=1/(cot(x)sin(1/x)). Stress and strain are easily seen on his tear reddened face. Eraser shavings, and fallen hairs scatter the table top, seeming to account for the pain ridden seconds, or perhaps the number of started yet unanswered questions. The realization of this pathetic scene only adds to the weight carried upon his sagging shoulders. The only inkling of peace comes when remembering the joy his life had before Math so trecherously derivated his soul to peices, and even this thought is brought to a shattering end when the table next to his errupts into laughter after having completed yet another problem.

Now picture this.

The crowded table shook as the 6 students roared with laughter. The math puns, and laughs shared by these brave Mathematicians brought curious glances their way from the other students in the room. They did not care though, for the brain juices were flowing and the Math Gods were smiling favorably upon them that day. Shortly before they answered yet another of the homework questions, but not before having caught eachothers mistakes, and blunders, ensuring them of a decent grade in the class. Victory of another hurdle infused their veins with motivation and encouragement to tackle the next problem on the increasingly shorter excersize sheet. A moment of pity shadowed their glee when they noticed the lone student next to them, who seemed to be almost glaring at them from his worn like face.

There you have it folks. Now it is up to you to decide who you want to be. You can enjoy life, and math, in the company of friends and those who can help. Or you can choose to tackle all of life's difficulties by yourself. But remember this. Wise is the man who uses wisdom.

Riskin the Management

Hello there my adoring fans. Actually i don't think that anyone looks at this page. But you know I am over it now. At first I was a little hurt. But from within my hurt came a shining gleam of joy. If no one looks at it then, I can write whatever i want.
So I will indulge you...or myself with a little poetry.



Managing Risk, thats what its all about,

Fighting the risk

like a pack of upstream swimming trout.

waving my double clutched, two handed, risk devourer.

showerin the world with Risk Managing Power.

but that isn't all completely true.

I really am quite a peaceful fellow.
But don't go callin me Yellow.

Im just into the liking of the being of the nice, don't you?


P.S. Katie...There are better ones coming. Thanks for reading. Your a pal!

The Family

My Family is the greatest thing that I have got. Leading this brave band of Meldrums is Grant Cluff Meldrum. What a trooper. There are numberless things to learn from him. This picture is His first Christmas with my Grandma. Grandma passed away last year. I wonder how much time people in the Spirit world get to watch us. Is it all the time, Or do they only get a visiting hour kind of thing. I hope they get to see us alot. That makes me feel like I am trying to make Grandma proud.

On the other side is Grandma and Grandpa Bush. (Do you say Grandma first? Or is it technically Grandpa and Grandma? I think that we have always put Grandma first. As well it should be!) They are wonderful. They hold up the fort down in Hurricane Utah, (which according to record has never seen a hurricane.) Thanks to their efforts we just had a wonderful Family Reunion. It was great. that is where almost all of these pictures are coming from. (my camera is dying. Hint hint Santa Clause) It was one of the Greatest weekends ever. So thank you Grandma and Grandpa.

Next up is Dad. 爸爸. What a guy. He is on top of everything. If you are ever in need, he'll come with the solution out ready to fly. He is one Smart Cookie. Craig Alan Meldrum be his name, arrr and ye best watch yer step round the likes of him. He'll mathmatized and efficientize circles round 'yer 'fore ye be able to cry out yer pythagorean theorym. And how cool is that. But don't ye fret. Thar' be a weakness he has. Yes... that bein' motorcylces. 'Tis true. But I like that weakness. In fact I am hopin that he lets me ride on his weakness. But Dad really is great. Taught me everything I know in fact. And I do believe that I have no money, independant of myself. So, Dad, I got your back. ( as long as you have mine)

Next up is the gooey stuff that holds us all together. That is, Mother of Course. Ronda Louis Bush Meldrum. No we don't think that we are related to President Bush. But we do have a life size cut out of him at the back end of our hall. (my hall that is. The one in my apartment.) Mothers aren't your normal everyday people, and my mother isn't your normal everyday mother. ( does that mean that she is a normal person. Because if you aren't a normal mother, which aren't normal people, then does the double negative cancel itself out and you become a normal person. I am going to go with a no on this one.) Mom uses ingredients when she cooks. She passed that skill on to my sisters. Where as i use prepackaged goodness (for example canned chili, leftover chili, chili from Lon's Cookin Shack...etc) Mom can sing like Karen Carpenter. She even looks like her, kinda...except for the anorexic part. But mom isn't fat, because she could drink whole milk if she wanted to. When I am lonely. I listen to the Carpenters and i think that Mom is singing to me. But when she is mad, it doesn't sound like singing anymore. More like the Song of the Sirens. Deadly. But she is pretty wonderful. Check out the four generations below. Love....Sweet Love.!!

Since the days of old, there has always been the older Sister. Her role is to protect, care for, and humble her younger siblings when mother isn't looking. Tiffiny is her name ( she is a finy not a fany.) Once upon a time Tiffany journeyed to the lands north ( Idaho) in search of an education, and her knight in Shining Graduation Robes. This dream was accomplished when she Married the Dashing David Hunsaker, and Tiffiny pushed her last name up into middle name status. But their journey was not at an end, for there lied ahead of them the bitter cold and windy Chicago land, and then on to conquer Real Estate in Columbus, Ohio, their current post. Whilst on this daring quest two young adventurers joined their small band. Anastasia Adell the sweet, and Ereland Sky the slightly new to this world, yet daring ( comes complete with a strong grip). Together these four have conquered many dangers such as Road Trips, Moving, Interior Design School, and Family Reunions. God Speed my brave adventurers.

Then it is me.

From deep within the humid jungles of Northern Siberia, comes the third young member of this clan. Born to, and raised with domesticated sloths, gives this member a unique characteristic (slow and dull). Breanna, also known as Breanna, sometimes breaks into fits of craziness. Rambling, singing, and playing her Ukulelee. Also very deadly. Despite the insanity, Breanna, also known as Banana, is really quite enjoyable. Me and her go way back. All the way back to when she was born. I can just see us now.....Wow...buddy. Currently she is tackling BYU alongside her Courageous Brother...Me. ("Push from the legs!!! Dig Dig Dig. Bring this BYU down!!!)

And her they come around turn number 4, its Streetmoney, closesly followed by Paul Revere and Blue Currey. Paul Revere is coming upfrom behind, wait no they are all tied up, blue currey, no street, no Paul, wait what is this from behind.... IT IS KATELIN. Yes Katelin is the track Pride and Joy of this Family. Running 2 miles in 11 minutes and 55 seconds, and singing at levels above 38 dBs is what she does best. Katelin is a talented girl. You should see all the medals she has got. One day I went into her room to talk to her, and her medal drawer was open....You could melt them and makes coins that would make a small country wealthier than they had thought was possible. In fact I hear that she is going to Donate some of these Medals to help save children with Iron deficiencies. Just pop one of those bad boys in you mouth and you'll get all the iron you need. She is kicking it in good 'ol Ponca City, fixin to be something great. You know them Oklahomans. Always fixin something.

And in Corner number 5, weighing in at 50 lbs, 3 oz, 3 ft tall, and full of enough energy to power the newly wealthy small Country of Ironmedalia, lets here it for SSSSSTTEEEEEEVVVEEEE ALAN MELDRUM. What a kid. Let me tell you what. This guy is the man. Me an' him are buds. Among Steven's better qualities are two very funny jokes. Actually there are only two. One is "knock, knock.....who's there?.... Ice Cream....Ice Cream who?..... I Scream Screamin for Ice Cream! hahaha." The other is...." Hey Brad....what's..(insert any object or the words Up doc.)....What Steve?....Nothin what's (previously said thing) with you? HAHAHA" This last one is my favorite. (I don't get it either.) But he is awesome. It was when this fine laddie came around that I got a brother. What a joy. I don't think that me and Dad coulda made it without ya Steve. A couple of Months ago, when I was living at home in Oklahoma, something that had never happend before happened. There were more boys in the house than girls. CRAZY. So here's to you Steve. I love you Kid.

I love you all. Thanks for being such an awesome Family.