Monthly Archives: January 2018

My Nephew – US Marine Corps

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My nephew, Ethan, took a giant step forward in his life. He has joined the United States Marine Corps and left for 13 weeks of Basic Training at Parris Island, South Carolina. I am really proud of him.

Since he was a young boy, he has wanted to join the Marines like his grandfather, Cy Wilson, did during the Vietnam War. There were some road bumps along the way, but he was able to overcome them. I am happy for him and proud of him. I know that he will make a great Marine.

Here is a picture of him with my brother at his swearing-in ceremony:

BYU’s Middle Eastern Texts Initiative (METI) moving to Brill

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I just read that BYU’s Middle Eastern Text Initiative will be published in the future by Brill. Previously, the publisher had been the University of Chicago Press. I liked UCP because their prices were reasonable. You could pick up works by Muslim and Christian thinkers for $25-30 apiece. Brill, because of their standing in the academic world and type of material they publish, rob you blind. It is not rare to see a book for $150-200.

So while I am hopeful, I think this will probably be a horrible decision for a customer that is not an academic library. Fail!

Story here.

FSOT 2017 – Result

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So, today the result from the Personal Narrative Questions (PNQ) portion of the Foreign Service Officers Test process finally arrived. I have again, as I expected, received the dreaded, “We regret to inform you that your QEP-determined relative ranking in your career track is not high enough to continue your candidacy to the next step of the Foreign Service Officer selection process, the Oral Assessment.”

This is the third time I have been rejected from this stage out of four attempts. I probably will keep taking the test, because it is basically free ($5). Who knows, one day I may actually pass. My feelings were kind of meh. I knew that my success was a distant possibility and I have never focused my plans and dreams on this route anyway. I keep trying because it would be an interesting career and allow me to serve my country. That is it. So, life goes on. :-P

President Thomas S. Monson (1927-2018)

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On January 3rd, the news came out that President Thomas S. Monson, the 16th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had passed away the day before. He was 90 years old and has now joined his wife, Sis. Frances Monson. He fathered 10 children and had many grandchildren as well. He was an Apostle of the Lord for over 50 years. LDS.org had a great biography of the man and his life time of service. President Donald Trump sent a gracious notice here.

What I remember most about President Monson is gentle voice and numerous stories about service to those around him. He encouraged us, as members of the faith and as humans beings, to love those around us, even if we did not agree with them. Especially if we did not agree with them. With his passing, the work continues and goes on.

I can only say, as song goes, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” Welcome home, sir.

Happy 2018

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Hmm, so 2017 is over. I have been sick for about the entire month of December with lung issues. It was a year of family loss as well to all of us. I can only hope the new year brings joy and happiness. Happy New Year!