Sunday, December 10, 2006

Mormon Socials

We went to a Christmas party the other night at our church. It was in the family ward that we belong to but don't currently attend because we are now serving in a singles ward. We decided that it would be nice to visit with people that we hadn't seen for a while. We enjoyed visiting with the people at our table, but I have to say that for the most part, I think Mormon parties are a bit odd. Here's why:

Mormons just don't know how to mingle a la cocktail party style. There were some hors d'oevres and punch there to start out the evening, but instead of partaking of the goodies and visiting, most of the people in attendance immediately plunked themselves down at their tables to stake out their spots. I realize that most Mormons don't have a lot of experience in the cocktail circuit, but that just seems a bit odd to me. Social functions are generally to give people a chance to socialize with others. Sure, you get to visit with the people at your table, but what about all the other people that are there, and especially the visitors? How can we get to know them? Perhaps most people only come for the free meal. I have noticed this a lot at other Mormon social functions as well, but somehow it seems like we ought to be a little more friendly at Christmas.

Mormon Christmas parties are very serious occasions. I have nothing against being serious, but what's wrong with having a little fun at a social event? We get enough of the serious stuff on Sundays. Perhaps this is just a particular trend in our area, but I think it's a bit disturbing. Now I happen to like Christmas carols like "Silent Night" and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", but what would be wrong with a little "Feliz Navidad" once in a while to liven things up, especially on a Friday night in the gym? It's pretty sad when you're at a party and don't feel like you can even clap for a musical number because the program is so serious. I think that kind of stuff should be saved for Sunday. Make our parties a little fun. I have to say that I think the "reader's theatre" type programs that are passed around through the church and performed at every Relief Society dinner or Christmas Party are also really boring.

At 9 o'clock, the party is over! The minute the event is over, everything gets torn down and put away before you can even take a breath. There were a lot of people there that we would have liked to have visited with when we first arrived, but we couldn't do that because everyone sat down so quickly. So after the dinner and program, we thought we'd have time to do some more visiting. As it turned out, we only had time to visit with one couple for about five mintues, because the next thing we knew the decorations were torn down, the tables were all pulled from under us and put away and we were sitting on our chairs in the middle of the gym with vacuum cleaners all around us. Mormon events seem to only last about two hours at most, but it seems that even then, people can hardly wait to get out of there.

I have to ask myself, what is the point of having a "ward social" where there is little or no socializing going on? Sometimes I think our socials are treated more like a "duty" than a fun time to get to know one another. Let's lighten up and have fun!

Monday, December 04, 2006

What's in a Name

Okay, so I came across this cool website today, that tells you all about your name and what it means. I think it's kind of funny, because, when I was in Junior High I decided to change the spelling of my name to Judi, because a 25 cent numerology book told me I would have a better life with that spelling. I figured that using the "i" instead of "y" made better sense anyway, because my real name is Judith. It brought back a lot of memories when I found this site because when I put my name in, I remembered why I wanted to change it. Anyways, this is what it says for Judi Lee.

There are 7 letters in your name.

Those 7 letters total to 30.

There are 4 vowels and 3 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 3

The characteristics of #3 are: Expression, verbalization, socialization, the arts, the joy of living.

The expression or destiny for #3:An Expression of 3 produces a quest for destiny with words along a variety of lines that may include writing, speaking, singing, acting or teaching; our entertainers, writers, litigators, teachers, salesmen, and composers. You also have the destiny to sell yourself or sell just about any product that comes along. You are imaginative in your presentation, and you may have creative talents in the arts, although these are more likely to be latent. You are an optimistic person that seems ever enthusiastic about life and living. You are friendly, loving and social, and people like you because you are charming and such a good conversationalist. Your ability to communicate may often inspire others. It is your role in life to inspire and motivate; to raise the spirits of those around you.

The negative side of number 3

Expression is superficiality. You may tend to scatter your forces and simply be too easygoing. It is advisable for the negative 3 to avoid dwelling on trivial matters, especially gossip.

Your Soul Urge number is: 22

A Soul Urge number of 22 means: The Soul Urge of the master number 22 is very much that of the master builder. You would like to use your abilities in an important humanitarian undertaking, and have an innate desire is to express the significant power you feel in a concrete manner, as a builder, engineer, diplomat, etc. In some way you want to make a considerable contribution to the world.

The 22 gives a broad, universal outlook with a rather practical and common-sense approach. You have especially high intelligence, with an unusual perception and awareness. This number often denotes a high degree of diplomatic abilities and high ideals. You are a very capable person and you may possess special leadership abilities that you can and should develop. People respect you and recognize your superior foresight and vision.

The negative side of the 22 soul urge is a high degree of nervous energy and a tendency to be very dominating. It is unfortunate that all who possess the urge of 22 do not use its energies to the greatest advantage; but then it should be recognized that these energies are understandably the most difficult to focus and direct.

Your Inner Dream number is: 8

An Inner Dream number of 8 means: You dream of success in the business or political world, of power and control of large material endeavors. You crave authority and recognition of executive skills. Your secret self may have very strong desire to become an entrepreneur.

You should try it!