Pontificating...

I love working at the Legislature. It's so exciting and I have this part of me that being involved in government really makes happy-- if that seems weird, no worries; I don't think my parents get it either.

Yesterday I was sitting in a committee listening to a bill proposed to create a special entity license plate (like the ones you see with a bus or purple heart or BYU logo). It was definitely for a worthy cause. But while the bill was being presented I was thinking 'is this the best way for this organization to garner funds and support? I don't think it is. There are many other strategies that would be much more cost-effective. As the bill sponsor ended, she gave a very compelling (but not convincing) testimony that this is not the best way to help this organization-- funding it would-- but it is something the state can do to help. Then she made the comment: "Should government be the repository for all good ideas? Yes!"

I've been thinking about that statement a lot. Should government? I would say no. It seems private business would be better waters to test. But to what degree is government already that repository? When an inventor comes up with a brilliant idea, he must patent it-- through the government.

I haven't finished thinking about this-- that's part of why I want to record it so I can remember. But if anyone has any comments, please share.

"Be yourself and let the world take notice..."

I'm totally one of those people who "plays a song to death" when it's my favorite. Well my favorite right now is this song from the new version of Fame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsIqcyGrgR4&feature=related

It may be that graduation is approaching and I love the message of this song as the class in the movie graduates as well. I find the first lines so true: "Countless hours of learning more. Countless hours of knowing less." One of the ironies of learning-- you actually learn how much you don't know.

The movie is pretty good as well. The performances are amazing and we all know I'm a sucker for a good musical :)

Two things today:

Number 1:

As I'm in my last semester at BYU, I am finally taking the 'fun classes' I have wanted to do my 6 years spent here. I am taking Landscape Design and loving it. The added bonus: Thursday during our break I walk into the hallway and there are buckets with a sign 'Free flowers. Take as many as you want.' Yay. I did and here's what I got... unfortunately I couldn't squeeze the Floral Design class in or it might be a better arrangement. I think my last two flower posts may indicate I'm ready for spring!

Number 2:

Lately it seems a lot of figurative doors have been opening and closing. It actually makes me excited :) My favorite: I am about 90% sure this is where I'll be living this summer....

Xiamen University in China. The MPA program is starting a study abroad program to work with local Chinese governments. This is me jumping up and down inside :) !!!