November's theme: For real this time...A trip down memory lane...

Teen Files 15 Minute Preview from Rodrigo Torres on Vimeo.

So, a huge part of me from my glory days, that I am trying to bring back, is the philosophy of Challenge Day. One of the most amazing programs that I have ever been a part of.

The basic program takes 100 high school students, from all different backgrounds and cliques, puts them in the gym, and runs them through activities and games to help them get comfortable with one and other. Then the students get in groups and start talking with guided questions. Every time people end up sharing parts of their past and their secrets with virtual strangers, sometimes with people whom they hated just the day before.

The result for the people in the room is that they treat those differently when seeing that everyone has a past. Knowing that even someone who seems to do things so mean, can be in as much pain as they are causing. Understanding that we all have similarities, we can all share something and move forward as friends.

With the marriage debate, I think this is something for everyone to think about. Many LGBT Americans are worried about their rights to express love and be treated equally. This is very logical to most of those who read this. What are the other people thinking? I think some straight couples are afraid in many of the same ways we are. They may be afraid of losing the structure of family they know and love. They may be afraid that if they support something outside of the realms of what they are taught in church, that God may punish them or deny them blessings (sounds similar to what kept me in the closet for years).

If we wanted to be treated right, then we need to treat the people we understand the least right. We need to love people and find where they are coming from and give them the chance to know us. When we become mean, or hateful, or lose the love in the battle, then we may indeed not deserve the rights we want so bad.

Please if you have 15 minutes, view the above website. Also feel free to visit www.challengeday.org. Let us all try to understand each other, even in weakness.

Loganside

Last night I was able to attend the Loganside. The experience there was a bit stressful because I got a phone call that was a work emergency about 45 minutes before it was over so I sat in stress wondering what the details were. I couldn't leave because it was very packed and I didn't want to be rude. So that being said, I will comment on the experience before and after. 

The drive.

I was undecided to go or not until the very last minute and booked it up there. I think I knew I need the drive more than the fireside. I put on some Wicked, and was off. As I drove through the canyon, I was over taken by beauty. The rain clouds around with rays of light shining through with so much color. It was simply amazing.

I have kind of had my mind on moving to Logan for whatever reason. This made me want to even more. 

The coolest part as I drove in was that "One Short Day" came on. It was the perfect song...

BOTH:
And I think we've found the place where we belong!



ELPHABA:
So I'll be back for good someday

BOTH:
To make my life and make my way
But for today, we'll wander and enjoy:

Now about the people at the fireside...Ready to see Mr. Judgmental come out...

They were all really cool. Every one said hi, and welcomed me. It is a great group of people. I am not sure the fireside format is right for me right now, but heck, it is great to be with good people.

Fireworks

One of my very favorite things is fireworks. They give me hope. Last night I went to the Bee's game with a friend and were able to go down to the field to watch a great firework show, after a somewhat boring game.

In between flaming ash falling from the sky, I had time to ponder. What would it be like to have someone at my side to watch a firework show that I really love. I always thought if I were to propose to someone, it would be at SeaWorld San Diego. They have a skyride that sails across Mission Bay, and if you time it right, you can float over the water watching the beautiful explosions being shot of from the bay...just you and that someone you love. It would be at the special moment that I would pop the question. So ever since I have thought that, I always become the dreamer when fireworks go off. I love to dream, and hope, and work for the best. Here is hoping the next firework show I go to is with someone I love, or like, who knows... Maybe a 2nd crush that will last more than 2 days :)

So back to blogging

I was so good about blogging (at least in my own head), and then I just stopped. No real reason, but now I think I am back. This blog is to dedicated to helping me find myself. Most of my life I have given to others, but now it's time to figure out who I am, what I want in my life, and where I am going. With this new found glory, I hope to take it and make the world an even better place.

So who am I?

Things I know for sure: I am Chris. I am a 25 year old guy. I am a resident of Utah. I am a convert to the LDS church at age 16. I am someone who doesn't go to church, but loves his beliefs and God. I am someone who is very attracted to guys, but don't feel like I should have to "come out" to the world. I am looking to share my life with. I am someone who loves people and life.

Things I am not sure of: I am surrounded by people who love who they think I am, which differs some from who I really am, which makes feel very alone at times. I am confident about my abilities, but not so much about me as a person, which I want to change. I want to be a part of the world, not just the gay world, or the LDS world, or the social service world, or the party world, but just the world as a whole. I don't fully fit one category, but love people in all categories and I want to learn not to fall into the trap of groups or stereotypes. When people think of me I don't want them to think of the gay guy, or the mormon (which many already do), I want people to think of me.

So why blog?

I'm not sure why people blog, but I have learned when I take time to write my randomness, I also read other blogs and learn so much from them about me.

I would also love for people to send me insight and feedback on my thoughts. I believe there are so many people around us so that we can teach each other. Please teach me.

Well Peace out for now, wish me luck, and good luck to ya'll!