The In's and Out's

Family

2012-01-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

So it's a new year and of course I'd like to be better at keeping up on these blogs so lets all hope I do. For this post I wanted to talk about my family and how much they all mean to me. I have a big family and love them all dearly but for this post I'm going to focus on my immediate family.

My Mom

She is an amazing person, she loves all of us so much an is always worrying about us. She loves to sail and sew and is always making things for Misty and I and our house (keep them coming Mom). She wants to make sure we're happy and healthy. She is one of the hardest workers I know and while I was growing up she worked her butt off just to make sure we kids had not only what we needed but also what we wanted. She calls at least once a week to check in and make sure I'm doing okay. She is an example to me of hard work and many other things. I think one of her biggest worries is that she calls to much and "nags" me but she doesn't. I love her and thank her for all that she has taught me.

Mike

Mike is my stepfather, he married my Mom when I was about 14 years old and he certainly didn't have it easy. Getting 3 teenagers all at once with out getting the benefit of us as little kids to help remind him how awesome we were. I know a few teenagers and I they're really stupid people, I cant imagine my siblings being that stupid but maybe, I know for sure I wasn't ;) Mike loves to sail and even though I don't share his love of it I do enjoy spending a day on the lake eating KFC and oreo cookies with him on the boat. Mike has nothing but my love and respect. He makes my Mom happy and works hard doing something he loves. I can't thank him enough for all he has done and continues to do for Misty and myself but most of all for loving my Mom and making her smile.

My Dad

My Dad is simply a older version of myself. Well for the most part, there are many ways we are similar but also many ways that he simply dwarfs me in comparison. My Dad is the most patient person I know, he is also extremely humble and his love of the scriptures and testimony amaze me. He is always willing to help me out from big stuff to small stuff. He taught me to be proud of who I am and always respect people even if I didn't think they deserved it. My geekyness and love of writing and reading comes from him. He has always been an example to me and I strive to be more like him everyday.

Natalie

Nat is my stepmother and she came into the family when us kids were younger but she didn't have it easy either. The first time she met us kids Cody knocked over a pitcher of soda that covered the pizza and I warned her to leave because it would only get worse. Needless to say she ignored my advice and stuck around. She not only makes my Dad happy but put up with all his nonsense as well. She isn't afraid to tell me when I'm being an idiot which does happen every now and then. I remember watching my cartoons and her sitting on the coach laughing at how much I'm like my Dad which of course is a complement. She loves to smile and take photos of everything and anything. She was always willing to listen to me complain about things and give me advice when needed which I thank her for.

Laurie Jo

My sister is one of my best friends. She is an excellent sister and mother to her boys. We butted heads quite a bit growing up because she took forever to realize I'm awesome but once she did we would watch Full House on Nick at Night every night with Cody. She loves the Utes in an almost unhealthy way. I know I can always count on her to have my back and I'm so grateful for the relationship we have. I can ask her any question I have about any topic and I'll know I'll always get an honest answer from her. She is one of the smartest people I know and settling is not something she does. She has taught me to reach for the stars and not be content just soaring among the clouds.

Josh

My brother-in-law Josh is more like a older brother I never had. Most importantly he makes my sister happy. While they were dating he went out of his way to make sure he had a relationship with both my brother and I. He loves his wife, kids and the gospel with all his heart. I know I can call him for anything from a video game night to advice on a choice I have to make. He knows me very well and calls me for things as well. (like buying a ipad) He is my older brother and close friend. He is a wonderful father to his boys. He gets excited about geeky things and I know that I can count on him for whatever I need.

Cody

My brother and are like two sides of the same coin, we're very different but still the same. He's very into sports and politics where as I am not. But he still has his geeky side and can get excited about things of the geek nature. Loyalty is very important to him, his trust is something I've always tried to make sure I obtain and hold onto because it's something I would never want to loose. There are things we don't agree on but we always respect each others choices. My brother and I teamed up to bug our sister quite a bit growing up and from all the things we did some nice some not so nice I know that he is someone I always want on my team.

Maggie

My little sister, I love her to death. She is a little pill and has me wrapped around her finger. She knows this and climbs all over me like a jungle gym. She is too cute for her own good and I know that when she starts dating boys they're gonna have her two older brothers to deal with. She is so full of energy and life. I love her and am so grateful for the miracle of adoption so that she could complete our family.

Misty

My wonderful wife. She is my everything, my sun and stars. She supports me in everything I do. She laughs at my jokes, tells me when I'm doing something wrong and amazingly enough loves me enough to put up with me. She works as hard as she can to be the everything she can for people. She hates to disappoint people and makes a lot of sacrifices to benefit others. Her love for her family is amazing and she would do anything for them. She loves her family unconditionally. I am the man I am because of her and strive to be the man she deserves. She is the most amazing wife and will be the best mom. I'm so excited to wake up everyday and know that we are sealed for all time and eternity.

Adalee

I'm so excited! In 41 days my little daughter will be born and I get to start the joys of being a daddy. I love her so much already and love talking to her. When ever she kicks while I'm touching Misty's stomach I get such a rush. I fall asleep like that quite a bit. I love hearing her heartbeat at the doctors and watching the dvds of the ultrasounds. I love this little girl so much and can't wait to be see the person she will become.

I love my family so much. Not just the ones I've talked about here but all of them. Family is the most important thing to me and I would do anything for them. Love you all.

In God I still trust.

2011-10-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

So I know I haven't updated either blog in forever. I plan on fixing that. There's been a lot that has happened in the family since I updated last. We're having a baby girl which I plan on writing a whole blog about within the next couple of weeks. We also had some really scary family stuff happen and it's still going on, for a almost full story of that read Misty's blog post.

This post that I'm writing tonight comes from a few things. First- a preacher saying I'm not a Christian. Second- A song by Diamond Rio called "Here in America, in God we still trust" that has been banned from local radio for being to controversial. I wanted to write this post to get some thoughts out of my head and on "paper" so to speak.

First I am a Christian. I worship and love my Father in Heaven. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What I believe is the very core to my existence. The choices I make day in and day out of my life steam from what I believe: I know my Father lives. I am a child of child of God. My Heavenly Father loves me. Families can be together forever. Faith. He sent His Son. He died that we might live. Jesus has Risen. I feel my Saviors love. Jesus entered Jordan's waters. Jesus said love everyone. Follow the Prophet. Keep the commandments. Love one another. Remember the Sabbath Day. Repentance.

In short I am a Christian.

I'm also a Republican. Does that mean because I am a Christian, a Republican and a member of the same church that Mitt Romney goes to that I'm voting for him? Absolutely not. When I vote I don't just vote for a someone in the republican party. I don't just vote for a Christian. I look into each person running, what they stand for, the promises they make and most of all I look to see if I think this person running for office can help make the world we all share a better place to live in.

Now it does matter to me if the person running for office believes in God. I could care less if when they're saying their prayers they use the name; Lord, God, Father in Heaven, Allah, Krishna, or Jehovah. To me when a person prays, they are humble enough to admit that there is a higher power at work in the universe. It does not matter to me if they believe in the same higher power that I do. But I respect those that can look at the universe surrounding them and see a divine hand.

This is in no way to say that if someone does not believe in some kind of God that I have no respect for them, or that if they are running for office they wont get my vote. I respect your right to believe in what ever you want. However, if someone does not believe that God exists and tries to show me how I'm wrong, tell me I'm wrong over and over again and not show me the same respect that I show them. That is when I loose all respect for that person and in a sense they will loose my vote.

It is true that I'm a member of the LDS church. It is true that I went on a mission. I went to the Caribbean and spent two of the most amazing years of my life sharing what I believe with others. My family and I paid for this mission. I was in no way paid by the church or the people I served among. I would do it over again in a heart beat. Some people have said to me that I'm being hypocritical when I say people shouldn't try and change my mind of what I believe but I spent two years of my life doing the same thing.

To these people I simply explain that they misunderstand what I did in the mission field. Yes I did walk up and down the street, talking to everyone I could offering to share what I believe with them. If someone wanted to hear the message I would explain my core beliefs of my faith and invite them to find out for themselves if it was true. I also went to Hindu Temples, Mosques, and many other Christan Churches. Simply because if someone was willing to come to the church I worship at and then invited me to go to theirs I would show them the same respect they showed me.

My point of this blog post is to simply say that when it comes to the choices I make in my daily life and where the affairs of the world are concerned I still put my trust in God.

I Remember.

2011-09-11T00:19:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I updated that I'm having a baby!

2011-09-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

So everyone it has been forever since I updated last. June, July and August all gone! Well the biggest news which most of you know about already if you ever talk to me or stalk me on the facebook is that I'm gonna be Dad! Misty is 16 weeks along and we find out if we're having a boy or a girl on the 15th! Now a lot of people are saying "don't find out be surprised!" well the problem with that is that Misty and I have a hard time keeping what we bought each other for Christmas a secret so there is no way we could wait to find out. Which ever we have all I want is for it to be healthy and happy. Misty's due date is February 18th so we'll keep you posted as time goes on. I have to say that hearing the baby's heartbeat was one of the most incredible sounds I have ever heard. I cant describe the feeling I have when I look at this picture and remember that sound other than pure bliss. I'm so excited to be a Dad and I'm grateful for the two sets of incredible parents that I have who set the example for me.

I'm going to U and I'm ready to be done with school, so so ready. I have about a year and half left so hopefully when that time rolls around I'll be typing up my blog entry of how glad I am that it's over. Until I decide to get my masters that it is.:)

We did a lot this summer, we went to Vegas for our first year anniversary and saw "phantom of the opera" which was awesome! we had some seats pretty far back, I think it was row JJ or something and my sister-in-law Jen said "I'm cold." to the usher person who upgraded our seats to the 6th or 7 row back from the stage because it's supposed to be warmer down there. That was awesome, so message is if you go to a play and it's not sold out complain that you're cold and either you'll get moved up or be told of a place to buy a blanket.

July was busy as well, we hung out on July 4th with some of my old friends from back in the day when I thought I was cool cause I was in high school (see now I'm cool cause I'm not in high school) Mike and Heather, I love them. it was a lot of fun. We didn't do much just walked around the fair ground thing down at Target and watched the super cool parade where Chick-fil-a threw out popcorn chicken, awesome! Then dinner at TGIF and then watched the fireworks. Also in July we went to see Brad Paisley in concert at the stadium of fire and it was pretty sweet. Jen and Carl went with us. It was bloody hot but well worth it. He put on a good show.

August was my sister and brothers b-days and Misty's best friend's wedding. Brenna got married so we packed up and went to Florida. The wedding was awesome and Florida was hot and humid. We sadly didn't make it to Disney but that's okay.

Side note, and I promise it's relevant, while in Florida, Misty and the other bridesmaids got pedicures. They kept telling me I should get one, now Misty has never ever in her whole life eaten at Taco Bell. So after we got home I made a deal with her that I would get a pedicure if she would eat at Taco Bell. Seems like a fair trade to me.

That's pretty much summer in nutshell. I promise I'll be much better at updating and not have such long periods between posts. Until that time, remember to stay in school and say no to drugs.

New News

2011-05-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

So it's been awhile since I last updated either of my blogs but I'm happy to say that my picture blog has been updated and I'll do better at it. For awhile I didn't take pictures and then I started taking pics but then I didn't upload them and now I have.

In other news, those of you that know me well know that I've worked for FOX 13 for the last 2 1/2-3 years and it's just been part time. I've had other jobs that were full time while still working FOX so really I've had two jobs for the last 3 years. Oh how my heart did swell and my joy runs over that I can now say I work for FOX full time!

I'm in master control. Simply put I'm the 'DJ' for the station. I make sure all the commercials we get paid for air when they're supposed too. I also make sure news and prime time start on time. It can be stressful during live events like American Idol or any sporting event. Why would it be stressful you ask? Because if I mess up on just a 2 min break and the commercials don't play it could be thousands of dollars out the window that we have no way of getting back. No mess ups yet. (cause I'm awesome)

These are two pictures of my work area. As you can see there is a lot of things I monitor at once. Multitasking is key.

I am still working the Hilton but I've reduced my hours and if I start to get to burned out then we'll go from there. The major thing I hate most about working two jobs is that I don't get to spend very much time with my wife. The days we would have the most time is Saturday and Sunday morning but I'm still doing audio at FOX until they find my replacement. So that gives us a total of 3 hours each day that I'm not at work or traveling to work.(not counting sleep time at night) It's lame. But I look forward to when my only job is master control.

I have to say thanks to my wonderful wife. She supports me in all that I want to do. She's the best and I'm lucky to have her.

Tomorrow is Les Mis, and then next week is Phantom in Vegas in celebration of our 1 year anniversary. More posts and pics will follow.

Battle For The Ages

2011-04-16T01:57:00.000-07:00

Today a battle happened. Not just any battle but one that will go down in history and be told over camp fires to inspire the young to rise up and do great things. My telling is the one you should memorize because it is the most accurate.

I had today off from the Hilton and my morning was spent relaxing not really doing anything special. Then around 10:30 am my phone rings. Looking at the caller id I see "Chick" which is my sister. Thinking she just wants to ask how to make sure her boys turn out as awesome as myself I answered.

Right away I could tell something was wrong from the deep frightened breaths coming from her end of the phone call. I was greeted with "There's a bird in my house!" after asking "what??" and talking for a few minutes I found out somehow a bird was in my sisters house and she was panicking. I told her I'd be right over. I jumped in my car and heroically raced to her house. On the way she called me to tell me she had no idea where the bird was but that she had barricaded herself with her two sons in one of the boys bedrooms.

I got to the house and like any house where a battle is about to take place, I found the front door open. I walked inside and called out to my sister that I was there. Looking around the kitchen I couldn't find my Nemesis. So I ventured upstairs. As I walked past the bathroom I heard a screech of a bird which could only mean "DIE HUMAN!" and caught a look at my foe for the first time. It looked something like this.

I jumped back as the bird circled the bathroom once and with another cry of war dove into the master bedroom. Realizing I needed weapons I closed all the doors to the rest of the house except the bedroom door, lest the fowl demon try and hide. I headed back downstairs looking for my weapons of choice.

My first thought was of other battles I have fought with flying opponents. I remember well the flying, hissing cockroaches of the Caribbean. We used a flame thrower made of hairspray and a candle against them. But my 'Geek Sense' was tingling and I figured fire would be a bad idea against this bird.

So I grabbed a pot and roll of wrapping paper, now armed to the teeth I went back upstairs.

As I entered the room, the bird was preached on the window frame waiting for me. Seeing I was armed, he gave another screech and with a laugh fit only for something not of this world transformed before my very eyes. Sharp beak, talons in the front, lion body in the back, feathers such a deep black they make the moonless night look like a summer day. I was staring at a griffin.

Steeling myself for the fight I knew would not end quickly, I took a deep breath and called upon all the comic knowledge I posses. (which is quite a lot). My weapons and clothing shimmered a silvery hue and with a burst of light which sent the griffin soaring backwards into a nearby cave, I now stood, ready to fight to the death if needed. I was a knight.

My eyes darted around the room. The monster had vanished, my heart racing, my muscles tense, ready to be attacked at any moment I began my search. Spotting a near by closet I knew the creature must be in there. Caves always make good hiding places. As I attacked the darkness a cry that will freeze your soul escaped from it's throat. Soaring above me, pooping something that I knew must be lethal if it came in contact with human skin, the griffin made it's escape out the door I left open.

Charging downstairs after it we did battle again in the kitchen. Here there was more room for it to maneuver. But by forcing it into the corner I was able to open the back door and as I made my final charge the griffin circled the room and with a flash of light changed back into it's bird form and flew out the door disappearing into the blue sky.

I'm glad I was able to protect my sister and nephews today, but I'm going to have to start my nephews training so they can ward off future threats.

Halo

2011-04-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

I love this video parody. It's done by a comedy group out of BYU. They have quite a few of them. Check out youtube for more. They're called Divine Comedy.

Firework

2011-03-13T13:39:00.001-07:00

The last few months a song has exploded and become as many tell me the song of the year. It's firework by Katty Perry. If you haven't heard it you most likely lost your hearing in some sort of accident because it's everywhere. But if you are in the rare catigory of those with their hearing still intact and have not heard the song here it is.

Alright now that you've heard it you can continue reading. I was doing audio at FOX and we rolled to commercial. I pressed play on one of the five cd players to get some music to help keep the energy level of those on the floor crew at maximum. Because lets face it that early in the morning it's pretty much a floor crew made of Zombies. In fact the music might be the only thing keeping the zombie virus from overtaking their bodies and eventually the world. Your welcome.

So I played this song and everyone on the floor crew, anchors included started singing along and dancing. Why is this song so popular? What about it makes people feel so good they want to listen to it again? The message of the song is great, it's been heard and preached many times in various books, movies, and other songs so it's nothing new. A message that who ever you are, not matter what you like to do or what you love, that is what makes you special and you should make sure that is the you the world sees. What you have inside is beautiful so be the best you that you can be. Explode into the world and others will soon follow.

So what about the song? Again why is it so popular? I think it's because that message is one that is so important and crucial to our lives that we as human beings need to be reminded of it time and time again. To compare what you have inside to a firework is pure genius. I mean who doesn't like fireworks? Each one is different and unique, like us. When I watch a firework show I get lost in the pure awesomeness of it. I think about everything in my life and I think that is a pretty cool power fireworks have.

If like in the music video, when we did something worth the world taking notice of, explosives shot out of our chests...well I'm sure the military would be the first to try and use it to their advantage...but I think it would surprise us just how many fireworks go off from day to day, but still how many have yet to ignite. When your inspired by some act or someone in your life it's contagious. There's no stopping it, (much like the zombie virus if it ever gets out). So I guess this post is a challenge to myself and any others who read it. Go out and light up the sky, try and ignite every day and then watch as others around you do the same. Then just sit back and enjoy the greatest show on earth.

Picture a Day

2011-03-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

So I'm going back to trying to do a pic a day. I've uploaded today's already but this is something I really want to do so stay tuned for more! To see that blog just click on the pic of me holding the camera.

Things to pass the time

2011-02-23T17:16:00.001-08:00

So I've been telling my wife for a few weeks I need to update my blog and I never do. Then she writes a post about her favorite blogs to visit and read. Sadly I didn't make the cut, but when I only update every 3 months or so I understand why. ;) love ya babe.

So this entry is not so much about whats new in my life because work is the good but the same, school is school and I'm ready to be done with it, ha ha ha. Instead this blog is about the things I love to do in my free time and why I love to do them. Some of these are things I do alone and other with my wife. (dirty, people come on I wouldn't talk about that on a blog) Lets play a game and see if you can guess which is which.

First on the list is watching tv or in my case Netflix. I love this thing. We don't have cable or satalite and with how wonderful Netlix is I don't see us getting them anytime soon. Lets break it down into a list of the shows in our queue and you can guess what ones are shows we watch together or seperately.
The Big Bang Theory
Merlin
Pushing Daisies
Firefly
Lie to Me
Battle Star Galatica
Bones
Robin Hood
Greek
Phineas and Ferb
Scrubs

So thats a list of shows we watch there are others we have on DVD like House. So lets throw that in there as well. Okay as for the list we watch together. It might surprise you: The Big Bang Theory, Lie to Me, Battle Star Galatica, Phineas and Ferb, Bones, House and Greek. I love all these shows and I love that my wife is geeky enough to watch shows I got her into like BSG and Big Bang Theory. At the same time because of her I watch Greek. Though when I watch it, it means I came home and she had it on so I watched it with her, but I do like the show. We also watch How I met your mother but come on who doesn't. If you said you don't then you clearly are not as awesome as us.

Reading, both comics and books. Is this together or seperate. The answer is both, we both love to read and some nights we climb into bed early and just read for a few hours. So that is together plus sometimes we read the same series like The Hunger Games. I read my comics by my self. I haven't got her to read one of those yet. The book series I've been reading lately is one by Robin Hobb.
Here is why this series is cool. It's a set of 3 trilogys; The Farseer Trilogy, The Live Ship Traders Trilogy and The Tawny Man Trilogy. These books are all conected with different characters and even though the actions they take affect the people in the other books they don't really know each other. The Farseer and Tawny Man are the same people in each book but The Tawn Man takes place 15 years later. It's pretty sweet.

Video Games. This is something I mainly do alone but Misty has tried some of the games. Like World of Goo and Toy Story 3. Even though she gets frustrated when something doesn't work the way she wants it to I'm still happy she tried. I own all three systems cause lets face it my wife is awesome.

X-Box 360 is my favorite and I've been playing Assassains Creed Brotherhood. This game is beautiful done from graphics to story and gameplay.

On the PS3 I'm really looking forward to buying the God of War games and playing those.

On the Wii any Zelda game is a must.

Going to the movies is another activity we love to do. We haven't gone to as many lately but on Tuesday we went and saw "I am number four" it was awesome! Plus going during the week is the way to do it, we spent almost half what we normally do.

So for now that's my list, nothing really out of the box or anything but it's still fun. We are also starting to train for a bike race in June so riding bikes will be added to this list of things we love to do together. Thats it for now thanks for reading and see ya next time.

2011 and Beyond

2010-12-26T10:43:00.001-08:00

So another Christmas has come and gone. It was a lot of fun but also a long couple of days. New Years was nothing special. I worked a graveyard shift and then did my fox shift for morning audio. So I was working from 10:30 pm to 9 am. It was a long holiday.

2010 was a good year. The things I did vary from small in scale to pure awesomeness. I had a job where every shift was a graveyard shift but all I did while at work other than check the computers once an hour was watch movies and play video games.
For the first time every I loved and enjoyed Valentines day.
Went up to Rexburg and spent hours on what seems like at least one weekend a month waiting for Misty to make the road trip back to me.
I surprisingly really enjoyed my philosophy class even though it was four hours long twice a week.
Best part of the year was that I married my favorite person ever for all time and eternity. She works very hard taking care of us and everything else going on in our lives. She's the best.
I got my assiocates dergee from SLCC. I'm pretty proud of my GPA as well. I got a 3.5 which in highschool was unheard of for me.
I got all the video games and comics I wanted to expect for a 1st apperance of Wolervine but they were charging $450 for it so its okay. I also got a PS3, sweetness.
I spent two and a half days with my 1st nephew Yoshi (Jaxon), we worked on teaching him to say Ian (my newest nephew) who I shall call Hulk. Kinda a funny side note is I also taught Yoshi to say Hulk so when I would say "Say Ian" he would add Hulk on the end of it.

All in all it was a great year and I'm looking forward to 2011.

Long time no type

2010-11-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

So it's been forever since I last updated. First of all we made it! For those that don't know yes we got married and we are very happy and in love Hooray! My wife is amazing and I'm so grateful to her each and everyday. Other things that have happened in the last 6 months...well Yoshi my nephew is walking and talking, my little sister Maggie went to Disneyland with out me again. I have a new job! I'm working at the Hilton as a bellhop. I love this job compared to the call center. It has a lot of perks like eating at restaurants for free and staying in hotels for free as well.

Other news on the job front, I got a small promotion at FOX. I still run camera for the 5 o'clock news but now I also do audio on the weekend morning shows. I'm in charge of all the live shots the music and the mics for that show and it's a lot of work but also a lot of fun. So yes I am working 7 days a week there but its okay. I love working there and I'm just waiting for full time.

I graduated from SLCC which is nice and I applied to the U to start in January. I wont lie and say I can't wait for school to start. I enjoy my free time and will be sad when it goes away but that okay, school is necessary.

I'm really excited for Christmas, our tree is up and has been for a long time but I still get a small smile every time I see the lights on. This is really one of my favorite times of the year. We're starting our own traditions and bringing some from each of our families to our own. Trying to figure out the times to go and see family was interesting but we got it all worked out. I'm very happy we get see everyone on Christmas or at least around Christmas. It will be a long day but that's okay, it'll be fun.

Well for now I guess that's about it, I'll try and update more often.

Holy Moly only a month left! (with some change)

2010-04-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

So the wedding is getting closer!Only 38 days left, we're right on track. We got my wedding band (meaning the ring, not the music). We need to go get Misty's band now, and meet with our photographer, find a place to live and finish the backyard. That's all, I know, I know finding a place to live is important and we are looking. So if you hear of anything, especially a basement apartment let us know! School is almost over, Hooray! I can't wait. Misty started school again, and it's going okay, it would be a lot better if her one teacher didn't send them 4 emails all before 7:30 in the morning of stuff to do and then 4 more through out the day. Just send one big email, life would be nicer. But still we are happy and loving life. We have a feeling that this last month before the wedding is gonna fly by really, really fast and that's good!

I of course need to say how much I love my future wife and all that she does for me. It's amazing all that she does for me and what she puts up with from me. Even just the geek in me is a lot to deal with and she does it amazingly. (Sea turtles and penguins) Speaking of penguins, go see them at the living planet aquarium! They're so active and it's only 9 bucks! Kids two and under are free! (no I don't work for them now, but they should hire me huh?) It was a ton of fun when we went with the kids that Misty nannies for. I highly recommend it. Pictures will be posted soon.

Life is awesome and so are you! (if you're not awesome I don't know how you ended up reading my blog...)

The Long Wait is Over

2010-04-09T04:29:00.001-07:00

So I've been meaning to update this for a while now but school and work has been keeping me busy. The best and most exciting news is that Misty is moving home! Today is Friday and finally after a long 3 months her semester is over and she's coming home this afternoon she'll be driving home from Idaho. A lot of people say "Whoa time really flew!" For me it hasn't, maybe in the future I will say that but who knows. I'm just happy to have Misty home, and lucky for us she starts work on Monday.

We've been looking for an apartment and we've got a good idea of what we want. We're looking in different areas but it seems that the places we're gonna be able to afford is somewhere close to the U, Sugarhouse, or Holladay. It's gonna be just a one bedroom apartment which is small but that's great for us. So if you see or hear of anything let us know!

I wish school was over for me as well but I have about 3 more weeks which sucks major ducks but that's okay I only have summer semester after this and then I'll have my Associates degree. I can't wait for that to happen just so I can feel like I've been doing something these last two years with school. I know I have been but it will just be nice to have it under my belt. My classes now are keeping me plenty busy. I'm a little nervous about a couple of my classes but as Misty says she's been to the future and I do just fine.

The wedding is only 8 Saturdays away which makes it seem extremely close. We still have a lot of work to do in the yard and so forth but exciting news is we have our announcements printed and our photographer booked! I'm so excited! I'm so happy to know that the wedding is so close. It's a very exciting thing. Thanks to our families for helping us out so much, but we're not done yet so thank you in advance for making our wedding day so special.

Sweets you are amazing, and wonderful. I'm so happy your home for good! The next time you go up to Idaho for school I'll be going with you! You make me so happy and I can't wait to be your husband. I love you so much and you make me happier than a room full of geeks at Comic Con.

It's almost 6am

2010-03-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

So here I sit at work and I've been saying for a few days I need to update my blog so here it is. This last weekend was great. Misty came down and we were able not only to spend all weekend together but because she loves me so much and needed a break from school she stayed until 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

We got a lot done this weekend as well, we met with our Florist and got all the flowers we needed. Also we registered at both Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. For me personally one thing I hope we get for sure has to be the bedding we put on our list at BB&B. The wedding is coming up but to me its not getting here fast enough. I know our families think differently and that's understandable considering there's still work to be done. It's about 2 and 1/2 months away and that is very exciting!

School this week has been great, cause it's my spring break and it has been really nice to have a break from it all but if I could trade and get done earlier and not have a spring break I would take that in heartbeat. It's busy but that's to be expected, working the graveyard and doing school is not an easy thing. It wears on your body but it also pays the bills. (most the time) ;)

As for fun, when Misty is down here fun just happens, she took the Wii up to school when she left but brought it back this last weekend so we could play. Watching her play Mario Brothers will bring a smile to anyone's face and I love watching her try. We also played The World of Goo which is such a great game, though also a very frustrating one as well. New games, I haven't bought any new ones for awhile. I'm waiting till the Splinter Cell comes out and in the mean time just borrow games from Josh. I've also been reading more and more, I'm currently involved in two books; Wicked and the series of the Seeker. It just depends on my mood, with Wicked it started out really slow for me but has finally picked up. As for the Seeker books I really enjoy them but you have to be in the right mood or else they'll bore you to death.

I love my family for always supporting me, I have been talking to my older sister Jo more and more lately and of course Josh if I'm desperate :). Cody I don't see or talk to much cause we're both so busy but when I do it's always nice, even if it's short. My parents are always good for a quick chat and that in of itself is a blessing.

Then of course there is my bride to be, we talk a lot, multiple times through out the day and I'm so grateful to her for taking the time to talk about nothing with me when she has a mountain of homework to finish by the next day. I love ya babe and in 3 weeks you'll be home for good!

So that's it for this week. Life, like it has been since September, is good. (and by good I mean Awesome)

I Should Be Doing Homework

2010-03-05T17:56:00.000-08:00

So it's 7:00pm and I'm at work. Mitchell who normally works the 6pm-midnight shift likes to trade on Fridays so he can do some gaming. I'm more than happy to trade when I have nothing going on and with Misty still up in Idaho for another 5 weeks that happens a lot. Now this weekend is a busy one because I have a lot of homework to do. Well then what in the world are you doing updating your blog rather than doing homework? You may ask, well the answer is simple, here at work there's another employee who works from noon-6pm when his shift ends you would think, like most people, he would leave because he's anxious to get home but no he enjoys staying later. I'm not sure if he stays clocked in and is just trying to get extra hours or what but it's annoying. There's two computers in the security office that we use and the one he is currently on has all my homework files saved on it. So needless to say that is why I'm not doing homework. Plus he kinda smells and that makes it hard to concentrate.

As for the homework I have to do I have a 7 page philosophy paper that I just need to touch up and then it's done, I have a 4 page paper in biology paper to write, and then study for my midterm which is on Monday, after that I need to read 4 chapters for my marriage and family class and then write two papers, and then read 3 chapters or journals for my inter-culture communication class. Needless to say it's gonna be a busy weekend but thats ok school is important so what can you do?

If any of you have read Misty's blog you'll notice that what I'm about to say is almost a copy and paste from hers. Time has not flown like everyone said it would. This last stretch has been the hardest because it's been a month without seeing each other but she's coming down this weekend which is also my spring break from school so that will be nice. It's almost over and we couldn't be happier. Although the time apart has really sucked there is some silver lining to it all in the fact that we have grown closer which has been wonderful.

Work is still work but I feel blessed to have the jobs I do. I am also very grateful because Misty will be able to nanny for not just one family now but two and that is a big blessing not only money wise but because I know how much she misses her kids and how much she'll love to see them on a daily basis again.

School is almost over and I'm so excited, only to have the next semester start again but thats ok. I just want this one to end. It's now 7:31 pm and he's still here. At eight o'clock I'm kicking him out cause I need to do my homework.

My beautiful bride to be is amazing, and even though during midterms she did go just a little crazy I love her like crazy so it all balances out. I love you, Sweets and cant wait to see you again. Thanks for always believing in me and pushing me to do my very best.

Thoughts at 3 am

2010-02-27T02:19:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday morning and while dreams of adventure and love dance in your heads I sit at work studying for my tests. I decided to take a break from homework and update my blog. I'm ready for school to be over and done. It sucks but I know it's important. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm also ready for spring. I'm sick of winter and it's gloomy days, we'll have nice weather for a while and then it's gray and yucky. Plus spring means June is around the corner and that is a very exciting thought.

The wedding is coming along. As Misty said I got my suit. If you wanna see pics click on the photo of me holding a camera to the right. I have to admit it's pretty sweet. Thanks again Mom, Mike, Dad and Nat for getting it for me and helping me pick it out. (Jo and Josh as well.) We have the invite almost done we just need to work out a few details of printing but that's it!

Geek wise everything is good, I'm just waiting for a new game to come out. Splinter Cell Conviction it's gonna be awesome. Comic books are still awesome too.

That's about it for now, I got two hours left in my shift cause I got distracted from writing my blog so now it's 4 am but that's ok. In short life is good.

The Day of Love Take 2

2010-02-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

In Feb, 2008 I wrote a blog about Valentines day and now two years later here is the follow up to it. As I read that post from two years ago I laughed at myself and how naive I was. I talked about how I was grateful not to be with anyone during the holiday. How wrong I was. Until this year it's never been a big deal to me. Valentines day was always just another day during the week, but this year all of that changed. How much sweeter life is when you have someone to share it with.

True to what I stated two years ago, I do buy Misty flowers just because it's a Tuesday and I try and let her know how much she means to me each and every day. Not just one day year. For this year it was a busy holiday weekend. Misty came down from school on Thursday. I was working a double shift so she came into work and brought me dinner. Which was delicious. I went home Friday morning and slept for a few hours and then woke up and spent the whole day with her. We celebrated V-day on Friday and after I got off Fox (which she came to and sat in new control to see all the behind the scenes) we went to Happy Sumo and got sushi. Misty took a risk and tried something new. She got Unagi which is fresh water eel. It was really good but we feel that it would be better without the cream cheese.

We spent the rest of the weekend doing homework and being with family. On Sunday we had a family party with her family and mine so Sunday was a busy day. Monday I had my job interview at 2:00 so we said our goodbye's around 1:00 because Misty was picking up Brenna at the airport and then they were headed back up to school. As for the interview I was offered the job but turned it down. It's not for me. Misty also took the Wii up to school so her and Brenna could play Toy Story Mania when they're done with homework. I love how much fun she has playing a video game. It makes me very happy to see some inner geek in her.
Thanks for the wonderful weekend Sweets.

Everything else is going good. School is keeping me busy and work is work. Tonight in my philosophy class we discussed Aristotle and his view on life. He was known for his Principle of the Mean or Hitting the Mark. Which basically says that in each of our lives we need to achieve Eudaimonia which in my own words is being fully awesome. Being well rounded and attempting to do the very best we can. As I self reflect and look at myself in the mirror I'm amazed at how lucky I am. I feel very blessed because of Misty and all that she does for me, to have the family I do and to be a part of the family I'm going to have in a few months. In short life is awesome.

Whats above Awesome on the scale?

2010-01-18T22:46:00.000-08:00

So this last weekend was awesome! Here's the story containing all the awesomeness. Misty told me she would be getting into Salt Lake around 6:30 pm on Friday. She called me in the morning between classes to talk and then had to go because one of her friends showed up in the hallway to talk. After I got off the phone I jumped in the shower, got out dried off put on some clothes and walked to my room where to my joy and complete surprise I saw Misty sitting on my bed holding 'Sweets', the monkey she gave me for Christmas, she looked so beautiful(I'm talking about Misty again), just smiling at me.
I was so shocked that she was here 7-8 hours earlier than I had planned, I rushed over gave her a hug and a quick kiss, but I was caught off guard so much all I could say was "Why are you here?" to which she replied "Well I can go home if you want..." I answered her with a kiss. The rest of Friday was great, we just talked and kissed until I had to go to Fox that afternoon. Once I was off of work I went and pick her up and then we had our date night where we made spaghetti. It was a wonderful night.

On Saturday we had a busy day planned and we woke up and went out to see Jo, Josh, and Jaxon. That was a lot of fun as well. Jaxon took a minute to warm up to us but as soon as he did he was all smiles and drool. Once we left there we went to take some pictures with Nat. We went to a park and it was cold so we didn't stay out very long but the pictures we took turned out great. Maggie was having the time of her life in the snow and when we said it was time to go home she said "No" and ran off to keep playing. Then we met Misty's parents at the grocery store where we did some shopping. That night we stopped by the flat for a brief part of the Lord of the Rings party where Ammon was kind enough to let me eat a piece of his sushi. Then we went back to Misty's to watch a movie with her parents. The movie was "Kiss Me Kate" and I'm not gonna lie. It was not the best movie but it was still fun nonetheless.

On Sunday I picked her up for church and when I walked into her house her Mom was having a meeting with some ladies from her ward. Turns out these three ladies are kinda Misty's other "mom's" so I'm glad I was dressed so sharp cause I made a good impression. Misty of course looked amazing and we went to church and then back to Misty's house where we made cookies which were awesome btw (well the 2nd batch), and a hour later or so we ate dinner. After dinner Misty headed back up to the only place where hell freezes over, which is also know as Rexburg. She left a day early because I checked weather.com and it said it was supposed to snow all day on Monday. We didn't want Misty driving on wet roads or in the middle of a storm so she headed out. Turns out very, very, little snow but that's ok. Better safe than sorry. All in all it was one of the best weekends in a long time. I loved every second of it and it was so nice to be able to see her again. It's amazing how much fun doing nothing can be when you have the love of your life at your side. That's not to say that I don't enjoy hanging out with everyone with out Misty but lets face it she's prettier than everyone else so can you blame me?
Love ya Sweets.

5 months till the day of awesomeness!

2010-01-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

So every one I get married to the most wonderful person in the world in exactly 5 months from today! (thanks Josh for pointing out it was 5 not 6) Which is very exciting news! The sad news is that Misty is up in Idaho at school. I dropped her off on Saturday and it was a sad goodbye but we also know that her being up at school is the right thing. But still I hate being apart from her. Granted it's been two days, and for all of you people saying whoa what a love stricken dude. Your right I am, and I love it. The good news is that we still get to talk everyday and see each other every few weeks. It will also be a little easier when school starts for me in a week as well to help keep me busy. She's doing 21 credits and is going to be very busy starting tomorrow.

Of course we still will miss each other just as much when the craziness starts it's just nice to have something to help pass the time. What I am grateful for is that Misty has her old friends up there to help keep her company, two old roommates are living with her and other friends come over daily. I'm so happy that she's not starting out new and fresh not knowing anyone. I'm also I have my friends down here. They understand it's a sad time and do what they can to entertain me.

So enough with the sadness, onto the awesomeness I talked about. Misty and I both realized that our wedding is closer than it seemed. Still 5 months seems like a long time but everyone says it will fly by. Which is what we're hoping for. Wedding plans are coming along, those of you who read Misty's blog know a lot but a quick update to that list is the Wedding Dinner will be at the Old Spaghetti Factory and we have are list of people we're inviting to that. Only a few small details still to work out in the Wedding Dinner department. The other exciting news is that the Honeymoon is all planned out. (For the most part) It's gonna be a lot of fun. At least it should be or else we're doing something wrong...(it was funny!)

Other than that life is good, I will be done with school at the end of summer and that's always exciting to know. Work is work and I'm glad I'm able to pay the bills I have. Not much else is going on. I just find myself counting the days until we say hello again, because we never said goodbye. (cue the awww sound......and cut! that's a wrap!)

Filling the Emptiness

2009-12-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

So those of you who have been reading my blog from a two years ago, might recall a blog entry about Christmas, a metal chair and the conversation that I had it. I'm am happy to say that this year that metal chair was filled by my beautiful fiance. This Christmas well this month really has been crazy. First I want to back up a bit and talk about how we all have an inner geek somewhere deep inside of us. Just like we all have an inner jock. My inner jock only presents him self when the U is playing the Y that's how far down he's buried. Misty and I have been making our way through different movies and shows. We got through 3 seasons of How I Met Your Mother, then we watched various episodes of Friends, and that's about the time that Misty and her sister Jen introduced me to Alias. Which I have to say is an amazing show. Then I begged Misty to watch one of my favorite shows Battle Star Galactica. She wasn't to excited but because she loves me she said she would try to watch it. After the first few episodes she was hooked even though she hates how much Starbuck looks like a man with short hair, she loves the show. We are now half way through season two.

Saturday night we were both sick of just hanging out in our basements so we wanted to go to a movie. I asked her if she would geek out with me and see Avatar. She said she would but because it was a 9:50 showing she might fall asleep. The movie was amazing! Misty not only stayed awake the whole time but was so into the movie that she made my hand go numb from gripping it so tight. We both loved it and plan on seeing it again in theaters.

Now onto the craziness that was Christmas for us. We loved every minute of it but we were running around a lot. On Wednesday, which was Dec 23rd Carl and Jen came up from Cedar and got here about 2 o'clock. The girls went to mall even though they didn't need to for some girl/sister time while Carl and I dropped off boxes at Uncle Jim's house for his party. That night Misty was working and so when I got off work at 6 I went to the party and spent the evening with the Whitmore's. When the party was over we all came back to Misty's parents house and that was about the same time Misty got off work so she met us there and we kinda just hung out. I had work at midnight so I went to that and then came Christmas Eve. The day I wasn't really to full but that night after I got off work we all met at my Mom's house and had her Christmas early so we ate yummy food and opened presents. We got a lot of good stuff. Thanks again to all the gift givers on that day!

Then I had work again that night so I went to work and got off at six in the morning. I drove out to Misty's Mom's and fell asleep until 8 o'clock. Which is when her parents woke us all up so we could open presents. About nine, while we were still doing presents, my future bro-in-law David called. He's currently serving his mission in Brazil and this was his first x-mas away so it was his first phone call home. It was very emotional and he's doing great. Just talking to him made me miss my mission especially because he's right below where I was. After the phone call we had to hurry and get ready for the Engh's Brunch. It was more yummy food and more presents. After the Brunch we headed out to Bountiful for The Bradford party where there was more food and more presents. Thanks again to everyone who gave us presents on that day!

I once again had work so I headed to that and when I got off at six I headed to my Dads and slept until 8am and then Misty, Codell, Jo, Josh and Jaxon came out for breakfast and more presents Thanks again for those ones! Misty had to work at 11 and Jo at 12 so it was pretty short, sorry about that again Dad and Nat we still love you. When they left Codell and I left about an hour later. I headed to Misty's and slept in her bed until she got off work and came home. We hung out with Jen and Carl before they had to go back to Cedar. That was the night Misty and I went to see Avatar. (which was once again, an amazing movie!) Thanks

Today was church which was good and then the Horrocks party where there was more food and more presents! It was also here that the metal chair was filled by the love of my life. Needless to say Christmas has lasted for four days and we are both stuffed and glad we were able to spend time with our families both old and new. Thank you all again for making this x-mas so wonderful. Also thank you Misty for being the wonderful person you are. I love you so much and am grateful everyday for the simple fact that you love me.

Saturday Morning+Proposal=Shock Factor

2009-11-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

So everyone is asking "How did you propose?" Well here's the story from my point of view. If you want Misty's side click on the link that says Sweets over on the right.

I worked a 12 hour shift on Friday meaning that I wouldn't see Misty until Saturday morning which was really a good thing because I had the ring. I was texting her almost the whole night and I just kept staring at the ring putting together the words I would say the next day. My speech that I had was awesome, movie worthy even. Anyways I got off work at 6am and headed home. Now I had asked her to come wake me up because we were going shopping and I didn't want to sleep through my alarm. It was the lightest I've ever slept. As soon as she walked through the door I was up and wanting to drop to one knee. But the romantic side of me didn't want to pop the question with my hair a mess, in my pj's and morning breath cause after all I planned on kissing her and morning breath is just gross. So I said morning and jumped into the shower. While in there I rehearsed what I wanted to say and felt confident about it all.

Once out of the shower I opened the bathroom door (once I was dressed) and was going to start to brush my teeth. Now this is a side note that you need to know. I had no idea of knowing where she would be while I was in the shower. Normally she picks out my clothes and I didn't want her to find the ring in my closet or drawers. What to do I thought simple keep the ring in the bathroom with me. She wont be in the bathroom while I'm in the shower.

Okay back into the story. The ring was the drawer that my toothpaste is in at the very back of it. Misty came into the bathroom and need to brush her teeth as well and my heart stopped as she opened the drawer the ring was in. I did the only thing I could think of. I stepped in front of the drawer so it wouldn't open all the way, grabbed the toothpaste, handed it to her and shut the drawer. Luckily she didn't notice anything odd about my behavior.

I went to my room, and then called her into it. I told her I got her cookies from "A Bear Named Ben and His Cookies" as we call it. They're sold at the Gateway. Now this was normal I've given her cookies before and I always left little notes inside the box. So I knew she would open the box. Inside was a note that was in reference to one of our inside jokes where when we tell the other we love them we say "I must love your or something!" So the note said "This is the or something part." She stood there and read the note out loud. Meanwhile I was on one knee with the ring box closed in my hand waiting for her to turn around.

Waiting....
Waiting....

Waiting...

The note served it's purpose of distracting her while I got on one knee really well apparently. With my heart threatening to burst from my chest I reached up with my free hand and turned her around. She saw me on my knee and her jaw dropped, tears started to build up in her beautiful eyes, and she started to shake out of excitement. As I looked into her eyes my speech I prepared left my mind. I forgot everything I wanted to say. So I said something amazing I'm sure but neither one of us remembers exactly what was said. I do remember saying "Will you marry me?" As I said it I opened the box and she gasped when she saw the ring.

I looked up and without a word she pulled me off my knees and wrapping her arms around me kissed me hard and long. (see I needed to brush my teeth or else things might of gone differently) Once the kiss ended I told her "She needed to say yes and let me put the ring on her finger." She laughed said yes and held out her hand. I was shaking so bad that I couldn't put the ring on her finger. Shaking out of excitement not fear btw. We got the ring on the finger, called our parents and changed our facebook status. Oh and then I gave her, her favorite flowers to finish it off.

Yesterday I called the Temple and put us down for June 4th at 10am 2010 (the year of our Lord) I cant even put into words how excited we are. Thank you to all of our family and friends who congratulated us and send us your love. (just bring a gift to the wedding as well ;) )

To my beautiful fiance, I love you more than words will do justice. Your my best friend. The one I lay awake at night thinking about and as sleep takes me the one who entertains my dreams. I consider myself the luckiest man in the world (I figure being engaged makes me a man now.) simply because you love me.

Definitely, Maybe

2009-10-07T01:11:00.000-07:00

So I love my life. I'm so happy to have found my best friend and spend time with her. About a week ago was Misty's 21st birthday. Now normally what would happen is we would take her to the bar and let her buy her first drink. But seeing as how drinking is stupid and we don't do it we went to The Killers concert instead. It was awesome! They put on a great show and kept us all entertained. That was on Saturday then on her actual b-day which was the following Monday I gave her a watch around 12:01 am and then later that day went over for dinner and gave her a flower and a little bear holding a b-day cake. She says I spoiled her but that's what I'm supposed to do right? Love ya Sweets =)

This last weekend was crazy. It was conference weekend which b-t-dub was amazing. Because 'Dadalie' was outta town I was on dog duty. So on Saturday I worked from 12am-6am and Misty came and picked me up. From there we went to Dad's let the dog out and then I slept until about 10:30-11 while she watched conference. Then we went to the zoo with Jo and Josh who were watching Maggie. Which was way fun, the baby elephant was really funny to watch. Jo has the pics or else I would post them. Then we got some lunch with Codell and Nate at Cafe Rio. Then finished conference. Then went back to Sandy and then back to Bountiful to let the dog out again. All in all a good day.

On Sunday I went to Misty's around 9am and ate breakfast with them and listened to the morning conference. When it was over we ran up to my Dads and let the dog out, then sped back to catch the afternoon session with her family. Elder Holland's talk was incredible. All of conference was but if anyone is wondering about the Book of Mormon or wonders if Joseph Smith made it all up, they should listen to his talk. After the afternoon session was complete we ate some amazingly tasting smoked turkey that her Dad had made. We hung out for a bit, then left to spend some time with my family as well. It was a great weekend, even with all the driving back and forth, it was still a great weekend. I'm grateful for our families and the love and support they give to us.

In other news, recently Misty had me watch one of her favorite 'chick flicks'. This one is called "Definitely, Maybe" I have to say I loved it. It's a great story about a Father telling his daughter the story about how he met her mom. Even though it has a underlining sad note in the fact that they're getting divorced. It does not disappoint with the chick flick ending and if your like me your thinking the parents don't separate but I tell you now that they still do. I highly recommend this movie. It might of just been the company I was keeping at the time but I loved it and am glad that in the future it will be added to my collection of movies.

Thats about it, more to come the in future. Life is good, plain and simple.

Ok so my life is wonderful

2009-09-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

So I got to work tonight and I thought I should check Chick's blog so I can see who's posted lately, I found a new post with a pic of Yoshi smiling and thought he's a cute kid. (Even if he does cry the last two times I tried to hold him.....little punk) and as I read I saw another picture and to my great surprise it was a of me and the girl I lay awake at day time thinking about. The thought I had then was it's so sad that my sister blogged that I had a girlfriend before I did.

So in light of that here it is. Her name is Misty and she is the greatest thing for me since the old school Saturday morning cartoons. If you know me that's my way of saying she's amazing. She makes me happier than I've ever been and I miss her when she's not around. I wonder what I did to get to be with her and consider myself extremely lucky. There's also somethings you should know about her and why she's so amazing. First she loves my t-shirts and belt buckles (they are awesome) second both Monkey (my little sis) and Yoshi loved her instantly where as normally they take a little while to warm up to someone new. Third to my Mothers great joy she says we cant date if I don't keep my room clean. That's only a few and I could go on and on but I wont. For those of you who haven't met her yet, I promise you soon will and then you'll see why I'm so twitter-patted.

Also here's the story of how we met, and it's a singles ward story. I starting going to the singles ward in Sandy with my Bros. It was awesome and at church they mentioned something called Ward Prayer which is another excuse for single men and women to mingle. So I went, I saw Misty there talking with two of her friends and thought that she was cute so I went over and introduced myself in the awesome way I do, by simply saying I'm awesome. Then I invited her to bowling and that was the first time we hung out. We would see each other and church each week and make casual conversation until one week I was wearing my powerful flower tie and as soon as I walked into Sunday School she said "Randy I love your tie!" we sat by each other and then I waited with her for about 45 minutes until her meeting she had started. As I walked away I thought, "Dude you should date her." and the rest is history. :)

My First Causality

2009-07-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

So first off today I woke up and went upstairs to watch some tv. Natalie was eating Subway and I thought to myself that sounds really good. So I went to Subway and as I was walking in an old lady was walking out. So being the awesome kid I am I held open the door for her. She stops looks at me and says the following: "For being so polite here is some free advice." (here is where the warm smile that was on her face turned into a scowl) "Get a hair cut, ya hippie!" I stood there dumb founded not sure what to do. Did an old lady just insult after I'd done something nice? Quickly I gathered my wits and shook my head rapidly from side to side so that my long flowing locks of awesome swayed back and forth. Then I walked in the door.

Anyways on to the real reason for this entry. On Saturday I went rock climbing with Jason and Lars. Now just so you understand here's the way the rating works with rock climbing:
5 is when it starts to go vertical. Climbs can be 5.6, 5.7, 5.8 and so forth all the way up to 10. From 10 it goes 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d all the way to 15d. (if I remember correctly, thats the highest)
So on Saturday we climbed a 10a route called Witch Hunt. Normaly I climb 5.6, or 5.7. So this was gonna be a challenge. I was on belay (holding the rope and making sure if the climber falls they dont die) while Jason climbed up to set the rope at the top. He showed the basics of the climb and then it was my turn. I got to the part where theres and overhang in which you have to get your feet up high, reach to the hand hold and then hang by your arms and pull yourself up. I slipped off the wall each time I went for the hand hold. So this is the first climb I've tried that I haven't been able to get to the top of. It's my new goal for the summer. Sadly I dont have a picture of it, but I will get one soon.

In the mean time, if you forgot how awesome I am, here's a reminder-I'M AWESOME!

Bushwack

2009-07-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

So after I got off work from fox yesterday and before I had to work at my other job, we went rock climbing up little cottonwood canyon. The route is called Bushwack and that was the first route I'd ever climbed so it always has a special place in my heart. When climbing Bushwack you use a technique called crack climbing which you'll see in the pics below.

As you can see my hands are in this crack which goes all the way to the top. Your shove your toes inside as well and start to climb.

This first pic is a part where a 'horn' or slab of rock is jutting out from the face. So instead of trying to go under it. It's easier to just go over it. This middle pic is almost to the top, you can see the horn I just when over in the lower left corner. The third pic is to show you the bolts that are the anchor. Jason climbed up to this point using his own protection and then hooked the rope these bolts so that when the rest of us climb, if we fall we don't die. Also Ammon is hooked into it so he can take pics which I'm very happy he did.

Bushwack is such a fun route and even though crack climbing hurts it's so awesome! Anyways hope you enjoyed the pics and if you ever wanna go rock climbing let me know, Jason and Ammon are amazing and can help teach you how.

Artificial Flavoring

2009-07-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

So I made a new blog that has a good portion of all the poetry that I've written. Check it out, the link is over on the right.

New Job=New Sleeping Schedule

2009-06-27T02:18:00.000-07:00

So I started my new job today. I work a graveyard shift Monday-Friday. Right now it is 3:20 am and I'm sure your all asleep sound in your bed. Some might say that working the shift I do sucks. Which might be true, but I rather enjoy it. Mainly because I'm finally out of Discover Card. I mean no offense to anyone who still works there, it simply wasn't for me. I did not enjoy it, I love the fact that I no longer have to work in a call center. So long story short if you ever cant sleep jump on messenger or facebook, I'll be on and you can say hello.

Rock Climbing

2009-06-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

So lately I've been getting into rock climbing and I love it! Here's two videos from the last climb we did.

Here's the Skinny

2009-05-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Alright so I've seen the two first big movies for this summer, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and Star Trek. Let me just start out by saying that both these movies were great. Star Trek I thought was amazing! Great story, great actors, great directing and editing all in all a great movie. I was not a die hard Star Trek fan before this movie but I am now. I plan on watching anything from the series or movies I've missed and re-watch what I didn't.
For me Star Trek gets a 4 out of 4 stars.

As for the Wolverine movie the following is my review both as a movie lover and comic book geek. Also this entry may contain spoilers so if you don't want to know what happens I would suggest you stop reading.....now.

Overall it was a good movie but sadly the story fell apart towards the end and as so many movies have done in the past they tried to do to much. There was a lot of characters with a lot of side plots going on that could leave the average movie goer a little bored because they've seen it all before. A perfect example of this is X3 the Last Stand, although I have to go on record and say that this movie was much better than that sad addition to the X-Men collection.

The movie starts out and we see a young Wolverine known at this time as James Howlett and at this time we find out that the claws that we all know and love are actually his bones and are just part of his mutation. This part I loved because it is true to the comics from the name to the bone claws. Sadly this is where the first wrench was thrown into the works and the comic book geek began being frustrated. In the movie Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Sabretooth/Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber) are brothers which is not correct and kinda made my inner geek scream.

As the movie went on things were good, the middle part was done well. Nice action good characters and so forth. They introduced two of my favorite guys Gambit and Deadpool. Both were done extremly well and I was pleased with them, my only wish was that they could play a bigger part. Then at the end of the movie Wolverine takes the fight back to Weapon X for 'killing' the woman he loved. There he confronts a very wrong verison of Deadpool now known as Weapon XI. They for some strange reason gave Deadpool a ton of mutants powers, such as Wolverine's healing factor, a teleporting power, Cycolps eye beams and to top it all off instead of letting him fight with swords as he usally does they and blades come out of the top of his wrists.

WTF!!! I thought! The ONLY part of that which is true is that Deadpool gets his healing factor from Wolverine. The rest was crap! In the comics Deadpool uses a teleportation device that only works some of the time. Maybe thats where they got that from I dont know. That upset me most of all. Then they fight and Wolverine and Sabretooth fight together to beat him by finally cutting off his head. Ok fine I thought Deadpool can have his head cut off and still come back it's happened before. Then after the credits it shows that Weapon XI is still alive but also in LA and New York the real Deadpool shows up and looks down and his clone and says "Who the hell are you supposed to be?" Now that means they didn't screw up the Deadpool character which I am happy about but still it was just kinda of vanilla to give a mutant all the powers to be the ultimate weapon. Much how in Spiderman 3 Sandman grew into a giant sand monster. All in all though a 3 out of 4 stars.

Long Hair

2009-03-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

So here I am writing a blog. Something I haven't done for awhile now. You would think that since it has been so long I would have a lot of important things to say right? Well sorry, I don't. But as for new things in my life, ummm lets see. I work at Discover Card now as a Account Manager. That's a nice fancy title for someone who activates cards and then signs people up for different protection plans. Although it's not my favorite job in the world it pays the bills so that's what matters. School is going well, between it and work I stay pretty busy and what free time I do have I spend reading comics and playing video games and of course spending time with friends.
I also got a new phone. The Blackberry Storm, it's pretty awesome. I've been playing with that for a few days and love it so far. As for goals in my life other than finding a girl and all that jazz would have to be paying off my debts and then saving up my money for a 61'' TV. Jo asked me "Why do you need a TV that big?" my response was "Cause I'm single and play video games, duh." So thats a little pointless information for you. I have started a new book series and if you looking for a new one and enjoy fanatasy the pick it up the first book is called Wizards First Rule. I think theres about 12 in the series and my Dad and I are enjoying what we've read so far.
So the main reason I wrote this entry and put up the pic I did was to show how long my hair has gotten. I know many family members want me to cut it but I have yet to decied when I'll cut it short again. So yea thats it. This entry was kinda pointless. Oh I know I'll let you vote should I cut my hair? (just so you know the outcome of the vote will have no say in my choice of when to cut my hair)
Well keep living life and being Awesome!

A New Year

2009-01-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

2009! It's here, and it's hard to belive that it is. Last night was, as New Years Eve always is, dreadfully droll. To me New Years Eve is always a disappointment. Spending time with family or friends is always great and fun; but with New Years Eve we build it up in our minds to be this amazing night and more often than not, it isn't. But nonetheless I wanted last night to be Legendary. It wasn't. It was how ever better than last year. So that's something. As the moment that would begin the new year approached, I found myself sitting at a table in a Ruby Tuesdays restaurant with a couple of friends. The hour struck and we found out it was now Jan. 1st, 2009. So we looked at each other and raised a glass in the hope that as one of my friends said "To 09 may it suck less than 08." Laughing in agreement we said "Cheers!" and as our glasses chimed, memories from the past year raced through my mind. Both good and bad. Then my thoughts turned to what lay before me. With the coming of a New Year it brings with it, new hopes and dreams, good and bad, disappointment's and despair. All of these emotions will be experienced by us all, what will make this next year better than the last is simple. It's how we choose to let those emotions effect us and what we will learn from them as well.
So here at the dawn of 2009, I raise my glass. Metaphorically this time to the memories of 2008, both the good and bad, but also in bright anticipation for what ever 2009 has in store. May it be legendary!

Dad Put On Your Glasses So You Can Read This

2008-12-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

50 years ago a baby boy was born to a happy couple and as the doctor said "It's a boy" the joy felt by those proud parents could not be measured. Then as the boy grew the parents began to realize what they had gotten themselves into. That baby boy is my Father, many years past and now I am grown, and I have often wondered as the family has gathered together and a comment has been made by my Dad only to be followed by a pair rolling eyes from his Mother how many times that has happened over the years. Although I pick fun and make jokes that will have what ever drink your currently having spray out your nose, at my Dads expense I have to go on record and say that I do love him and am proud of the man he is. I must give credit where credit is due and admit that I am who I am today because of great parents. He of course falls into that category and I have learned a lot just by watching the way he carries himself.

I see a lot of him in me and couldn't be happier at that fact. My love for reading and writing is because of him. The fact that I'm a big kid at heart stems from the fact that so is he. I don't know of very many Fathers that get just as excited as their sons when a new game or movie comes out. Or ones who are so happy that a sports team he couldn't careless about won because it means his kids are happy. As I tried to rack my brain to figure out what to get you, and the fact I'm unemployed didn't make it any easier I sat down to write this, an entry simply to say thanks Dad, thanks for doing what you do and the lessons you have taught me. Even though your now 50 and lets face it a little more senile, you'll always be one of my heroes.

Love,

Your Son

There Was A Time

2008-11-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

When I was younger, I remember day dreaming I was off on some adventure with my Heroes, wether it be riding across golden fields of grain with a strong wind at my back and the sun rise before me welcoming the day, or jumping from the rooftop to rooftop in cape and cowl as the busy city went on with its business below. I would see myself, no matter where in the world I was or what time I was in, I would stand for truth and honor. When faced with difficult choice, choosing the right one was easy. Then as I grew I began to see the difficultly that existed in every decision. How can it be that choosing the right choice could be so hard? and as night would settle over the world my mind would race. Trying desperately to uncover the answer to the question that would never give me rest. Then through various experiences in my life combined with the lessons taught in church, movies, books, plays of the theater and other things I came to decide for myself that when a choice is before you it is a simple thing to know the right choice, but it's rarely easy to do so.

In fact as a old wizard once said to a young one "The time will come to choose between that which is right and what is easy." Now if it is so simple to know right from wrong why do what in our heart we know to be wrong? You could sum it all up into a couple of words taken from the good books of religion. But for each of us it is a different reason. We each use a different excuse. What brought all this on? I ask myself even as I type. I cant really say for sure, all I know is that there was a time, that being a Hero seemed so simple. The world was black and white. Then the wisdom that comes with age also brought with it various shades a grey. True wisdom is to sift through the grey and see the black for black and white for white. When that happens then that person is a Hero of their time and if by some chance that person was put into a tale that children dream of they would be the Hero the tale was written about. That is a lofty goal, to have the character equal to the Heroes in my boyhood dreams. Lofty it may be but my passion is equal to the task.

In Short Life is Good

2008-10-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well first I must apologize to my hard core fans, (so myself really) for not updating this like I should. I used to do a pretty decent job and now, well lets just say it's a good thing my check doesn't depend on this blog. On the other hand if you all paid me I might update more...

I cant believe how fast time is flying by. Sometimes I feel like I've slept thorough weeks at a time when ever I check the date. To give a little run down of my life, I'll start with work. Work is going well, I just got a raise because lets face it I rock. I enjoy going to work and doing what I do, it's to the point that it doesn't even feel like a job. Rather just a hobby I get paid for. Which is nice cause its an expensive hobby to have. As for school its going well also. Math is still math to me and I still don't love it, but lucky for me my bro-in-law, Josh as many of you know him, helps me out a lot. I should also mention that Lauriell, my sister as most of you know her as, is there too. She helps in making cookies, or cupcakes or something every now and then. So I'm grateful for their help in that. My film class is pretty fun to go to as well. Working in a group where not all our ideas are parallel is interesting but thats life so what can you do but deal with it. We're making short films, no dialogue allowed and thats pretty fun. Heres a video my group did and the thing I hate most about it is the music but we threw it together last minute.

As for my personal life, its going great. All my friends our home from their missions and so it's fun to get together and see all of them again. Where girls are considered, things are going smoothly. More details will follow depending on how things play out. New video games are out such as Fable II and Spiderman: Web of Shadows both highly entertaining to play.

Thats about it for now. I promise you, my fans who made me what I am today (again pretty much myself) I'll write for often.

Tribute to Batman

2008-09-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

So very simply as the title says this is a tribute to one of the greatest superheroes ever, Batman. Now for those who don't know Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne. A billionaire playboy and owner of Wayne Industry's. When Bruce was 8 years old he went to the movies with his parents. As they were walking home they accidentally wandered into Gotham City's Park Row now known as "Crime Alley" where a mugger appeared from the shadows robbed and then proceeded to shoot both Dr Thomas and Martha Wayne before running into the shadows from which he had come. Despite what the movies tell you his identity is still unknown today and so the case of his murdered parents remains a mystery even till this day.

It was this moment that set Bruce on the path that would lead him to becoming the world's greatest detective and quite possibly the greatest martial artist alive. His bat-costume is bulletproof and fire resistant. His cowl has night-vision and of course his utility belt is fully equipped with batarangs, grapnels, micro-camera, smoke pellets, acetylene torch, gas mask, and of course cuffs for the bad guys.

Most of you know about Batgirl and Robin. But what some of you might not know is that the 1st Batgirl is Commissioner Gordon's daughter Barbabra. She was shot by the Joker and becomes Oracle and helps run the missions from the Batcave giving Batman the information he needs. As for Robin well there have been 3 total. Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake.

Dick was the 1st and most well known by the public (meaning us). He was a member of the flying Grayson's, a high wire act in the circus. Sadly a mobster named Boss Zucco sabotaged their act which led to the death of his parents. Bruce was in the audience that night and felt for young Dick. As Batman he visited the boy who was then trained carefully by The Dark Knight. Later he would become leader of the Teen Titans and eventually become a superhero known as Nightwing.

Jason Todd was a trouble maker. Batman caught him trying to steal the tires off the Batmobile and decieded to take him in and make him the new Robin. Problem was he had a temper, which led to his death. Jason discovered his long lost mother was alive and he followed the trail to Africa. Sadly it also led him to the Joker who beat the second Boy Wonder within an inch of his life. Then the famous Clown left Jason and his mother to die in a booby-trapped warehouse. Jason attempted to sheild his mother once the bombs went off. She survived just long enough to tell Batman that Jason had died a hero.

Finally Tim Drake was a toddler in the stands of the circus where he watched the Graysons fall and witnessed as Batman tried to comfort Dick. Years later Batman became more and more violent because of the death of the second Robin. Fearing he would cross a line Tim, using the detective inside of him discovered Batman and the first Robin's identity. Confronting Batman he explained what he knew and also that Batman needed a Robin to give him hope. Batman seeing the truth of this took Tim on and trained him as the third and final Robin.

So to wrap this all up I've included a couple of clips including one from the new movie The Dark Knight which if you haven't seen yet, stop being an idoit and go see it! I simply love comics and Batman has to be one of my favorite ones. If your wondering what to get my for Christmas a years subscription to the Batman comics would rock.

This is the Batpod scene from the movie.

And these others are from the Justice League series.

One Year

2008-08-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

So as of yesterday (which was also Jo's B-Day) I have been home from my mission for a year! Thats crazy it seems like a dream almost like I was never in the West Indies, but thankfully I was and passing this year mark of being home started me thinking of the memories and such so here we go.

This was my group that went with me, there was 10 of us total and proud to say none of us went home early either. The guy doing the thumbs up was one of our teachers.

This was in my first area, a place called New Amsterdam. Thats the what the road looks like after it rained. Now this is normal, every day for close to three months we would wear "long boots". We'd tuck our pants deep down in them and set off. The problem was when you stepped in a mud pocket and the boot would stay but your foot would keep moving, cause you'd step right out of your boot and then have a wet/mudding and who knows what sock for the rest of the day.

This is the water we would wash our clothes in and also bathe in. When we would shower they would tell us to make sure kept our mouth closed or else we could get sick. You understand what they mean I'm sure. Oh and the water is freezing also.

Some sunsets

This is a spider average size. The worst kinda spider down there is called the Kissing Spider. The crawl on your face while you sleep and lick the salt off your lips. Once they've done that they pee, in their pee is some sort of acid so you get a rash around your lips and if you see someone with it you'd say-"Ya done an got kiss'd naw boy!" meaning you got kissed last night?

In Trinidad when there was traffic we'd contact people in their cars. People always sell things as you can see with that guy holding fruit I think. We would stop say hello give them a pass along card get their number and move on to the next open window.

This has got to be my favorite baptism picture from my mission. I love it. Not just because it was in the ocean which in of its self is so wickedly sick but because the Tyler the boy in the pic wanted to be baptized for a really long time. His brother had been baptized here in Utah and then went home and Tyler wanted it as well but because he wasn't 18 his parents had to be on board. So finally after many missionary labors and efforts of the members Tyler was able to enter the water.

So thats my trip down memory lane. How fun it was. I loved it. Now my year home has been eventful as well. Just to name the main points I got a car, eventually got a job as an editor which is what I love to do. Maggie came into our lives. I'm her favorite sibling ;)

I got a Mac. I'm in school. I had we'll interesting relationship. I got to go to Bradford camp and sleep in my hammock again. Made new friends and gained weight. Lets not forget about that. So anyways it's been a good year and I look forward to the future where more memories are bound to happen.

I Know I Suck What's Your Point?

2008-08-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

So I haven't written in what seems like ages. The main reason why is simply that I've been busy. "Well why don't you blog about all the things taking up so much of your time then?" is what's on your mind right now and if it wasn't it is now because your thinking, "Yeah that a good point! Why don't you tell us all about it?" My answer is very simple and frustrating to people like Jo it's because it's not worth blogging about.

Work has kept me very busy as of late. I've been working 4 days a week, something most of you would love to do I'm sure but those 4 days have also been 10-12+ hours so I get home and sleep for a few hours then wake up eat dinner. Edit something and then go back to bed. On my off day or weekends well I'm lazy and lack the motivation to sit down and write.

Now I could write about a recent relationship episode that happened in my life no matter how short it was but I've already told all those in my life all that I wanted to. I could write about work but once again not the most thrilling thing to read about although I must say once again I love my job. I could go into detail of camping but the main gist of it would be that Bradford Camp was fun and it was nice to do after two years. Oh and that I'm a manly man because I slept in my hammock in the rain. On another topic I got new comics so that was exciting.

Thats about it. If I continue my trend I'll see ya in another 4-5 weeks.

The Reason

2008-07-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well Jo tagged me but if I write a blog talking about the changes I've made in the last 20 years it'd go something like this- 20 years ago I was watching cartoons, 10 years ago I was watching cartoons and playing video games and yesterday- I was watching cartoons, playing video games and reading comics.

(Now for the transition) and speaking of comics!

The other day I was at work and one of the dudes asked me why I read comics my answer was simple "I'm a geek." it didn't satisfy him though and it got me thinking. What is it about comics that intrigues me so? It's true they allow you to step into the hero's shoes and follow along as they battle evil. It's also true that the hero always has an battle inside and has to overcome what ever it may be. They teach good morals such as if your able to do something to help out then do it with no thought of reward. They can also be very symbolic of different things. Batman for example is the good and evil that goes on inside of us. The bat is Bruce Wayne's dark side that he chose to embrace and strike fear into those who prey on the fear of the innocent. They're full with stories of hope, fear, pain, love and courage. Everything that we as a people love.

Why do you think that superhero movies are the top box office sellers? Because all of us, not just geeks but all mankind look for those stories that not only entertain us but ones we can relate to on some level. We all have our demons, our own battles to fight and these heroes help us come out victorious. Most of us don't realize that the reason we like a certain movie or show, even book is because something in it reminds us of something going on in our own life. Even if we cant really see what it is.

There's a ton of reasons but I think it all goes back to the fact I'm a geek. I counted up my comics the other day and have around 158 which is very small for comic book geek standards so if your every thinking to yourself "What should I get Randy for being so awesome?" Remember you can never have too many comics. (Just ask what ones I need/want). Now those of you who loved the Batman, Iron Man, Hulk and other superhero movies just remember they were made by geeks like me and if it wasn't for them you would be stuck in another chick flick.

Size Does Matter

2008-06-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

So what is up in the life that is yours???? Needless to say my life rocks! Because of my job I needed a computer that would let me do editing. So I went down to the Apple store with my Dad and Nat (Maggie came too). After talking with the sales lady for awhile and explaining what I needed I found my mac. An imac to be correct, with a 24'' inch glossy display. It rocks. I've been playing with it all weekend stopping only to shower and eat. Well I haven't been that bad but close. I love it I've been putting all my files such as music and pictures over from my laptop which has taken awhile. I've also asked Codell to help me outfit it so it'll be sick.

Now check out this pic of my laptop next to the imac. Kinda like looking at the Hulk standing next to Mickey Mouse huh? It's huge! ("thats what she said") The Hulk is awesome by the way and the new movie comes out this friday so of course we're going to a midnight showing. By we I mean Codell, my Dad and myself.

Best of all though is that I got Final Cut Express with it. Now I dont know the system perfectly but I am trying to learn. Codell and I decided to have a little fun though.

Indiana Jones at Midnight

2008-05-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

Well my Dad and I just got back from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Now I'm not gonna ruin anything so don't worry you can read on. Rating wise I give it a two and half stars. I enjoyed it, it's very much a Indiana Jones/Spielberg movie. I feel it was great popcorn movie but I wont rush back to see it anytime soon. (Unlike Iron Man). I have a feeling that true Indi' fans will enjoy it, and people who aren't really into the series but rather are just along for the ride will, once the movie is over, walk out of the theater confused and asking themselves what all the hype was about. Now like I said I don't wanna ruin it for anyone so once you've seen it, get back to me and we'll discuss it at length.

Thin Like Whoa

2008-05-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

Holy Crap! I came home from work today and Nat showed me some pics from when I got off the plane when I returned from the mission and all I can say is I've gained weight. (I blame Dicksie for most of it) I put it on for sure. Also I must note that my tie was awesome. The pictures say it better than me so just take a look, oh and I already know Codell will say "told ya you were a fattie."

<---->

See! Also check out the fattie knot!

Secret to the knot, thats tight like whoa!!!!

Now I'm not the only one who has gotten bigger, and I have proof! Look below.

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So thats about it for this time. Until next week kids and remember "Only YOU can prevent forest fires."

I Love My Job

2008-04-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

So Chick says that I suck at updating my blog and in my defense my laptop crashed. So things have been going really well. School is almost up and that is an extremly exciting thing. Work is going awesome!

Let me explain, I work for KJZZ and because of that I get to go the Jazz games and film so this last Saturday night I got paid to go to the playoff game. Not only that but the spot where I filmed totally rocks your face off. The reason my face is that way...well the person taking the picture said my name, I looked and there you go.

Over all the game was so wickedly sick, it was really close and let me tell you the level of noise inside that arena is incrediable. Lately the different news stations have been mentioning how intimading it is to play againts the Jazz when in Utah simply because the fans are intense. They get so into it and I love it. Imagine thoudsands of Lauriell's at a U game and you'll understand that feeling inside of there.

So being on the floor right next to all the players, hearing the trash talk and the amount of elbows and pushing that happens was an eye opener. Before I'd never really sat that close to the floor and it was like I was in a different world. I forgot how huge the players really are.

Here's an example.-------------------------------------->

Look how tall Thurl Bailey is. I mean he barely lifted his arm and I provided a great arm rest for him. He's a giant! He's really a cool guy we talked to him for awhile and he's just really laid back.

Here's just a few more pics.

And it pretty much rocked.

In other news of my life. I know I've mentioned random romance before, so to give just a few more details. There is no one special just randomness to it all. Went to the bank the other day and the teller gave me her number but I haven't followed up on that. There is another girl who works with me that might show some possibilities so we'll see. That's pretty much it.

It's Been Too Long

2008-04-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Ok ok as Josh told me, I suck at updating my blog.

So to update all of you on my life, the labors of the day, the mystery and random romance. I used to work 3 jobs. KJZZ, Volu-Sol, and taking pictures on weekends for a man named Dave but now it's Lifetouce. (long story) Anyways let me tell you my standard day when I worked all 3. I woke up at 3-3:30 went into KJZZ to start editing for the news, worked about an 8 hour shift then went to Volu-sol where I worked for 5 hours and if I had school I had to be there at 4 so I was pulling 15-20 hour days. Needless to say I was tired. I never hung out with friends and pretty much all I did was sleep and eat when I was home.
Well I got sick of it real quick and finally made up my mind to quit Volu-sol and I did! Yea for the Randall who is me! I have a lot more free time now and most importantly a lot more energy.

So to tell you a little bit about KJZZ I work as an editor for the morning news show. Granted the show needs work but it is getting better.

This is edit bay i use in the morning. We video from the source and then put it onto tapes, where then we edit it for example take out any talking heads if your gonna hear the anchors voice not the audio on the tape and then we put it on a black tape.

This Tom, he's the head editor-the big cheese. He's really funny and a nice guy. But he works like crazy, he's always filming something and editing it later.

Ah the news room. This is where all the writing for the stories gets done. They put it in a script, give it to us and we get the video they requested.

This the tape room where we roll tape for the show. There's 3 spots for tapes named X,Y,and Z. So the director listens to the anchors and then says Roll X! and we push play. One segment may have 1 tape or 7 so it all depends. Oh and thats Mike who is also very funny.

This is the control room. There's the graphic guy on the right, the TD in the middle who has the switching board to jump between camaras and what not. Then the director and the producer who I dont think you can see. In the back is the telepromtor people and people who answer phones and look up the traffic reports.

And this is me. Those are two of the four cases we used that morning in the show. Lots and lots of tapes. It can get crazy but it's so much fun. I really do love my job. This is the feild I wanna go into and I'm luckly that one of my mission buddies who also works here hooked me up with the interveiw for the job.

In other news...ummmmmm I'm not sure. School is going really well. I'm enjoying it and plan on doing summer school and taking more classes next semester. I had a mission reunion which was awesome! I loved seeing all my buddies again and catching up on things. I went and saw a movie the other day and saw something that I had to take a pic of.

I am so excited for this movie to come out. It looks awesome and best of all they're staying close to the story. I have a feeling it'll set the bar this summer for comic book movies. Batman-The Dark Knight will live up to it and maybe surpass it. The Hulk looks good as well and Edward Norton who' s playing Bruce Banner aka The Hulk is one of my favortie actors. Then it's Narnia which also looks amazing. The summer is gonna be great!

The Finer Things In Life

2008-03-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

Well well well. While I'm still going down memory lane (see previous post) I do have some new news! 1st would be that the other night Codell was at my Dad's house and after a few choice jokes we started to get on my Dad and Nat's nerves. Needless to say this was like gas on the flame and we started to goof around. From talking to only each other cause they were ignoring us, to making faces and making them take pictures of us doing so. The first pic you see there is in excitment for Easter. I of course am the Easter Bunny and Codell is the flower trying to hit on a rose that you cant see.

This one would have to be what are faces would look like if for some reason my Dads pants fell down and he started to dance to only God knows what. When ever he is in the kitchen though he does have his headphones on...
Maybe it's safer downstairs

This one is both of us as pawns for a supervillian who's goal is to take over the world. Codell reminds me of Bebop from ninja turtles and that would make me Rocksteady

This one is great it's Codell chewing like he was a cow and me as one of those cool puffer fish that swell up when threatened.

In this one I would guess that Codell is some sort of rocker and I'm...I dunno what I am I'll let you decied.

Earmuffs!

So that was our little photo shoot we had. We then went and got food and then watched movies downstairs far away from Dad and Nat.

In other news my cousin Josh got married and also one of my friends from the mission Hunsaker. So I had two weddings this weekend and that was nice to see how happy they all were. The highlight for me was that the Dunns were at Hunsakers wedding so I was able to see them. I guess I should explain. The Dunns are a couple I knew from the mission feild and I love them to death. They are some of my favorite people on earth. They took real good care of me while I was there. The only down side is President Dunn likes the Y.
Lets see what else?....Oh yea I bought a new camarea and it's way cool. Pretty nice for just a little one. Maggie is doing well. She's gotten bigger and she's started to smile more and more. For some reason when she sees herself in the mirror she smiles. My guess is it's just gas. She sleeps well. Eats well. and you know well. But also I dont wake up in the night when she does so as far as I know she sleeps through the night ;)

I guess thats about it for me. Not much else going on.
Oh yea there is this.
This is what happened. I cut my hair using a two. It looked good, just like last time I had Codell cut it. Then as I looked in the mirror I though I'm gonna be bald when I get older. So I thought to myself what would I look like with a horse shoe hair pattern. Needless to say I found out. Sadly I didn't think to take a picture of that until I took one of this. So maybe next time.

Memory Lane

2008-02-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

So lately I've been taking a nice long walk down memory lane, I've been watching my favorite cartoons from when I was a wee lad like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now I must be honest, I've been loving every minute of it! Not just cause I'm a geek but because they have a lot of jokes that I never got as a kid. As kid it was just 'holy crap the ninja turtles are on! Cowabunga Dude!!! Man I wish I was a turtle instead of just a boring old human kid' Then Batman or Spiderman (which I'm also re-watching) would come on and I'd find myself saying 'Man I wish I were a superhero!' Some things never change I guess.

The humor I'm talking about are just the little one-liners, like in one episode it starts with the Shredder being gone and Mikey decides to make pizza but alas they're out of pepperoni so they put on their trench coats and hats (which some how makes people think they're human) and go shopping but no-one has any pepperoni. Leo says I cant believe everyone is sold out! to which Raph says "yea maybe we should hire some new writers and get a better plot line" now this all happens in the 1st few minutes but still I loved it. Raph is the one who will usually say something about the writers, producer or director and animators of the show like when he lost his weapon he said "Hey cartoon guys! Draw me another one would ya?" Now to some this may be an other reason on your list not to watch these old cartoons other than the fact you've been in the double digits age wise for quite some time now, but for me it just makes them all that much more enjoyable.

I've also been reading Calvin and Hobbes which I've grown to love more and more as I get older. From the times Calvin speaks with his Dad about the Dad Polls and where he's failing as a parent according to the lastest polls, Calvin making snowmen in his front yard, taking baths in the toliet, or asking Hobbes to eat a bully at school. But some of the the best has to when Calvin and Hobbes are playing Calvinball.

For those of you who dont know what Calvinball is-
It's simple, each player must wear a mask. The why is not important, kinda like when your parents would ask you to do something and all the would do is put their hands on their hips and say "Because I said so thats why!"

So all players must wear a mask.
A ball must be used after all it's called Calvinball.
Flags are also used.

A player may at anytime make a new rule.

Finally no rule may ever be used twice or the game would be the same as before.

Now thats a real sport!

It all takes me back to a simpler time. When the only worry I had was that my cereal would be soggy for I have lost myself in the glory and splendor that was Saturday morning cartoons.

One a different note-

I was reading Josh's blog and I noticed he left a few details out. It is true that we had a conversation about live vs non-live and it is also true that I said I enjoy non-live more. But my wonderful bro-law forgot to mention the reason why. I understand why he forgot in old age you tend to forget things from time to time or selective hearing one of the two ;) Anyways my reason is because I cannot stand when I hear the crowd over the artist. I didn't buy the album to listen to 25,000+ fans sing a song along with the artist. Now there are some albums many of which he mentioned where the artist is much more audioable then the crowd and those are fine. I also enjoy listening to the reason behind the songs. It's that same sickness that makes me spend twice as much on a DVD that has an extra disc pack full of special features because I'm one of the few people who will actually watch that disc. Oh and one more thing Josh, if you ever at anytime catch me listening to any of Britney Spears music or anyone like her at anytime you have my permission to neutor me on the spot.

"Thanks, I grow it myself"

2008-02-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well as you can see from the pics I now have a buzzed head. When people say "Oh you got a hair cut!" I reply with one of the two following remarks. "No I just have cancer" or "Actually it took me 21 years to do it but I finally grew into my hair."

About a week ago, I had made a deal or what some may call a small wager. No money was involved but the price was a buzzed head. Needless to say I lost. I will mention though the person I bet against has been able to put his hair in a pony tail for a couple years now so I think it was worth the risk. Next time I shall win and it will be he who realizes that winter is a lot colder when your scalp is showing.

What else? what else? Not that much is new with me. Still working hard, playing hard and if there's anytime left over I considering doing my homework ;) Oh that reminds me, my normal math teacher left on vacation or something so we had a sub. She had to of just sailed in from sea because she had an eye patch and a slur that made her sound drunk off her rocker. The eye patch alone wouldn't of caused me to jump to the pirate conclusion but when you sit down in class and the first words you hear are "yar' lets talk bout math" it tends to happen.

So I've decided my major is going to be communications and broadcasting. I'm really loving working at KJZZ and look forward to seeing where it's gonna take me. If we ever are gonna do a interview about something your connected to I warn you now that you may get an offer to come on the show. Why it happened to Grandma just this morning. So you have been warned.

Notice: These pics have nothing to do with anything in this blog

The Day of Love

2008-02-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Awww Valentines Day, the day that you have a reason to spoil that one you adore. The day to let that person know that for them you would stand againts all of hell and earth combined. It's a day when elementry school kids put cards in others shoe boxes, middle school kids send roses and in high school you pretty much just make out.

I've never had a good v-day to be honest. In fact the only time I've enjoyed it was the year my shoe box was made to resemble a ninja turtle. Oh it was a simpler time...In middle school of course I was all goo goo and gaga for a girl I claimed I would give my heart to. I sent the flower and all that jazz, receiving a simple thank you for thinking of me thing in return. Verbal thanks, no hug even. Well that ended that crush pretty fast. Then we move on to highschool. Well all my friends that were with someone made out pretty much everyday, everywhere so this day was not diffrent from any other day during the week. I do remember going to a movie once on valentines day but I went with one of my buddies and once we got to the theater we realized what day it was and not wanting to look gay we say a seat apart so we just looked like losers instead.

In all farness though I have been glad I'm not with someone for this rechted day. I'm not big on the whole spending a bunch of money on candy and flowers because it's expected at the very least on this day. I would rather get the woman I love flowers at random instead of the day it's expected. The times I loved valentines day was on the mission. It was the easiest day to ignore because I was so focused on other things.

Now we come to this, the day of love in 2008, the year of our lord. I have a very full eveing planned with my x-box 360 and 24 seasons. I might hang out with friends, I'm still undecied on that point but I do have to wake up early tomorrow morning for work so I cant be out too late.
Anyway now that I've written my two cents worth Happy Valentines Day eveyone may your love last forever and to all you single people Happy Valentines Day to you as well may next year find your wallets or purses a little lighter as you spend money on that one you love.

Enjoy-http://youtube.com/watch?v=gp4Td5vwDbU

Where The Wild Things Are

2008-02-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ok ok so if I treated a girlfriend like I have my blog I'd be single

1st off the not as exciting news. I'm engaged and I got a new job at kjzz tv as an editor for the morning show. I love it. It's such a great job, I wake up at 3am and work till around 9:30-10am and I love going to work. I only work there about 3 days a week and I still work at my other job trying to make ends meat. Next on the list I've got a new calling at church. I've been called to be the Sunday School President so if you need to address me just call me 'Mr. President'. Be warned that I have my own Jack Bauer to protect me so dont get to excited just yet.

The biggest news of all has to be that I now have a little sister!!! Her name is Maggie Grace and she's perfect! The story from my point of veiw is as follows:

It was a wonderful saturday afternoon, sitting on the couch playing an x-box game using all my skill to beat the current level I was stuck on. With my tounge sticking out of the corner of my mouth I defeated the boss. Raising my hands in triumph celabrating in my victory, amazed at my own skill I looked around only to find that no else was there to relish in my glory. With my spirits dampened and wondering if Josh would enjoy playing a game with me I sundenly heard footsteps running upstairs. My Dad was at the store so I knew Nat was freakin' out about something. She came running down stairs with tears in her eyes and a shaking voice she said "Call your Dad and tell him to come home now!" Thinking that the worst has happened. I called him and relaid the message. He said he was on his way and then I went upstairs where Nat mouthed the words "Our baby is here!"

What baby? was my reaction, I had no idea that they had a birth mother looking at their profile. Neither did they and it was a surprize for all of us. My father walked in the door and it was the longest 45 minutes we ever shared waiting for Nat to hang up the phone and pass on the details. At one point we stole her notes but seeing as we left our seer stones in our other pants we could not translate what they said. To give you an idea of what Nat was like while she was talking if someone could some how make a ride out of her emotions it would be the best ride in the world! I've never seen anyone go from crying to laughing and back to crying so fast.

It was an interesting two days and then Monday came and around 5 o'clock they left the house to pick up Maggie. Chick and Josh-u-a came over and we had a party waiting for them to get home. I should state that Chick was in the need of a muzzel and mittens to be quite and stop touching everything. I swear that it was like me in a comic store. They came home and Nat was holding Maggie. I forgot how tiny newborns are. She was like a little burrito all wrapped up.

Anyways needless to say that she was a star and had her own photoshoot. I must say my favorite moments were when Cloey sniffed Maggies head, when I was holding her, the dog was snuggled up againts me and I was sleeping like a baby, last but not least would have to be when I read Maggie her first book at home which was Where the Wild Things Are. This has a special part to it seeing as it was the first book I was read and it still reamains one of my favorite children's book It was great. I love my new little sister and cant wait for her to grow up so I can finally have a cool sis. (just kidding Chick you know I love you! oh and your cool too).

PS- I'm not engaged

The Big Bang Theory

2008-01-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

So today was as normal as any day. Woke up went to work came home, ate nachos, did my homework, and then started to watch some TV. It was while watching the big bang theory that I noticed something.

First let me explain the show. It's about a hot girl, named Penny, that moves in next door to 2 nerdy guys. Of course one of the guys is in love with Penny and the other cant stand her. It's a very funny show and I can relate to it. Only I'm not a math genius. Now way I figured it the two main guys are me split in two. There's the one who is obsessed with a girl way out of his league and of course they're friends. Then there's Sheldon, the other guy who is in a word nerd. The way I come to the conclusion that it is my life spilt in two is that I saw Sheldon wearing a Green Lantern shirt and I thought to myself "that's a cool shirt". Another reason was that in this particular episode it was all about the guys playing Halo. I was reminded of myself in a way only I'm not a complete social idiot.
Anyways I saw the shirt and liked it and then I realized that startling fact. Which shouldn't of come as a shock because I know I'm a geek.

Changes

2008-01-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

I missed the whole craze of writing a blog for Christmas and also New Years but I was sitting here on my hands listening to music and then when my fingers started to go numb I decided to write a blog in order to get the blood flowing again. Christmas was great as was New Years and over these past two days I've had the horror of realizing I'm a grown up. The bitter truth of this first attacked me as I realized I start school in a few days. Then I started to think of other things such as a new car that I would like to buy and where I would get the money for these two things. Because as we know school and cars ain't cheap.

Well I needed to find a way to make more money and be better at saving that money. So I did the only thing that seemed logical. But once my lemonade stand went bankrupt I started to weigh my options. Alas after many hours of meditation in the car and shower I came up with a wonderful plan which I will not reveal at this time in case my enemies are reading trying to find a weakness. ;)

Back on point the more I sat back and looked at the world around the more I noticed all the changes happening. Although some are small as a rain drop and others as big as a mountain they were happening nonetheless. School is starting, Chick and Josh-u-a got a printer for the pictures in the basement, Mike bought a bike, I'm going to get a car, Dadalie got they're own x-box (which I greatly appreciate) I found out that a 6 year old girl can beat me up in boxing, all my friends are engaged, and one of the biggest changes of all Codell has moved to Colorado and is buying new tires as the road became victor in the last battle resulting in a blow out. It was sad to watch my brother leave but exciting because of his own excitement.

Now with all these changes (there are more but I wont go on) of course in some way or another my life is affected by them and of course changes are important and a necessary part of life. There is always multiple reasons for the action of change, some accidental and others intentional. What is important is that we don't allow these changes to make us forget our main goal. We all have at least one giant goal or destination in mind, that we're always stretching for. We have pit stops along the way or minor goals and of course as we travel the road of life there are unseen pot holes to hinder us on our journey. We all have unexpected blow outs, but as in Codell's case we put on the doughnut until we get back on track.

Life is not easy that is one thing I know for certain and as one of my favorite songs says "Life is a dance, you learn as you go..." The storms that plague our life are always brought about by the changing winds. Usually they attack with out warning and toss us every which way. But as we keep a steady eye on our goal, no storm can overcome the will which burns in our very soul.

The winds always change and with them the tide but amid the chaos, a safe harbor will be found as our goals remain as fixed as the eternal stars.

Measuring Eternity

2007-12-31T13:50:00.001-08:00

One does not begin to understand it

For how does one begin to comprehend,

Something that has no beginning or end itself?

The pieces lay in waiting

Given to us in a place none recall

But they wait, for when through study and prayer

They will be arranged

Living in a world based around time

One finds himself looking between the moments

For that is where it is found

In every tear shed for sorrow

Are the demons of despair that plague our life

In every dry eye

A gaze that pierces one's soul

And serves as a window to theirs

In every smile

Joy that refuses to be contained

With every beat of the heart

Love of the purest kind

On every calloused hand the labors of hard work for a better life

The soft squeeze from a baby on your finger

Is the majesty that is creation

In every word of a testimony is the faith that forges miracles

And on every bended knee

A whisper of a child conversing with their Father

Bringing earth just a little closer to Heaven.

The Game

2007-12-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Well last night was our family x-mas party on my Mother's side of the family. It was a lot of fun and it's always great to see family. There was a wrench in the mix though. As I walked in I saw all my cousins and a smile came to my face and then I saw that a couple of them had brought their girlfriends with them which was fine and was in their right as a guy. Who wouldn't want to show off a cute girl that makes them go 'Yes, my life rocks"?

The wrench how ever comes into the mix as I sat down to eat and looked to my right and noticed an empty chair. I thought to myself "You know if I had someone here then this chair wouldn't be so lonely and then I could look at my family and when our eyes met send them a look that said 'That's right, I brought her.' and then receive a congrats smile and nod from said person.

No big deal though I have a big family so surely someone else would fill this empty chair to my side and I could eat my dinner in peace. But no! The whole meal that chair remained empty and seemed to whisper in my ear

'Why didn't you bring anyone?'

'I didn't feel like it' I replied with a slight distaste hidden in my voice

'Or couldn't think of anyone?' The chair replied with a sly smile.

'Back off man, it'd be way to soon to bring a girl I've gone out with to a family party.'

'You keep telling yourself that'

'Fine I will' I said firmly 'Your just mad I didn't sit on you.'

'Just as well' he replied coolly 'I just find it amusing that you don't have someone to sit next to' The chair replied with a tone as cold as the seat.

That was the end of the conversation as I had to start listening to what I was saying to everyone else at the table. It's important to know what I said in case someone commented on my insights I needed to be able to respond in a way that fits Randall. I started talking about my own theory of baldness, which I will explain if the popular demand is high enough.

So I got to thinking about dating and the girls that I liked and how the relationships were going. As I thought over my life I realized that normally things go well for me and then because of one of my comments which could be taken in multiple ways I mess it up. Why though? Why does the act of finding someone have to be so complex?

The only thing I can compare it to is a game of chess. In that game there are many ways to put your opponent in check-mate and win. There's not just one way, but rather many different tactics or tricks to try. So it is with dating. If there was one secret way to achieve one's goal I assure you I would of found it. I'm very good at finding short cuts to get to the goal in mind. Now granted there are guys out there and books also that tell you the method of getting a girl to go home with you. But needless to say I would like to buy a home with her and then go there together.

Now there are also people out there who have seemed to take the complex game of Chess Dating and turn it in to Checkers. Everything just seems to fall into their lap as soon as the board gets set. It may be that I over complicate things too often but that remains to be seen.

For the record I'm not complaining or upset I'm single right now, in fact according to a blog things quiz I'm very happy being single. I do love this game, and enjoy the excitement of when you capture a piece and also the art of using the different pawns in your and their life in order to get to the main goal. What upsets me is when I meet someone who doesn't date because it's to frustrating or some kind of crap like that. The game is only fun when you take a risk, of course you'll loose a few pieces but it is necessary from time to time. The only time the game is boring or frustrating is when you set up your defense and then move one piece back and forth expecting to win. Just play the game, it's worth it. (or so I'm told)

I am still playing the game and although the mask that my piece wears has not yet been removed to reveal her identity to me. I will continue on and one day in the very near future. 'Just now' some might say. That chair will have to eat his own words, as a girl I brought warms his body with same fire that urged me to pursue her in the first place.

Whats in a name?

2007-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

So I have become addicted to this thing. Oh how I hate it...what makes it worse is that Lauriell knows me well enough to know that if I started I would never stop. And thus it starts the long road of my obsession with no end in site. I figured if I was going to have a blog I might as well do it right. That's the reason for the pictures and the music (which by the way if you don't like, don't put it on your blog. But this is mine so too bad) The pictures are all from my mission, and the songs remind me of it.

Oh what a wonderful two years of my life! I loved it there. I served in the West Indies, better know to most of you as the Caribbean. I lived in two countries while there, Guyana and Trinidad. I long to go back, mainly when I look at pictures or when I hear from my mission buddies. Both countries are developing and the people are wonderful. I have never met a nicer set of people than those in Guyana. Down there you call it as it is. Meaning if your white they call you 'White Man' if your fat they call you 'Fat Boy' and so on.

While I was there I was given a variety of nicknames the 1st was Pikachu from Pokemon. A little 10 year old girl said I looked like him and the name spread. It got to the point where I would tell people that I was called Pikachu because everyone knew that there was a white boy with that name. My 2nd false name as they say was Breadfruit. It is the worst tasting fruit know to man. I hate the stuff. But people would look at my tag, which read 'Elder Bradford' and they would say 'Oh Elder Breadfruit!' and finally my 3rd and final was Beezy. Used mainly by a few of the Elders.

I enjoy nicknames. In fact I think it builds the relationship between the two parties involved. I used to call my sister Lauriell when her real name is Laurie Jo. Now she is know as Chick and to her I am Duck. (it's because of friends). I call my brother Codell when his name is Cody. My brother-in-law has no nickname unless you count the insults we exchange from time to time. (out of love of course). For my Dad and Step-mom who's name is Natalie, when time is short and we need to speak to them the names are joined and they become Dadalie. Which is OK because the scriptures tell us that a man and his wife should be one. ;) I don't have any nicknames for my Mother or Step Father (Mike), because if I were to combine their names it would be Moke and that just doesn't sound right.

In High school I had many names and I just barley got another from some girls from my singles ward. To them I'm know as Raph, as in the Ninja turtle. He is by far the best of the four and if you disagree I'll gladly argue my case and win I might add anytime. Don't get me wrong I love all the Turtles and they simple cannot survive with out each other. Family bonds, how important they are.

Anyways I think I've rambled on quite long enough about nothing and with that I take my leave.

Randall

Which Are We?

2007-12-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

Well here we go,
1st I must start by saying this is the last place I ever thought I would be. Creating a blog, and yet here I sit. Still stranger things have been know to happen, such as sighting of bigfoot.
But due to recents events and thoughts that seem to parade around in my head until I can find a resting place for them I gave in to the peer preasure and made my own blog. (I'm just glad it was to this and not drugs or something else like sports.)

I like my father before me love to write and tend to look at the world from that kind of veiw. Depending on the type of person you are seeing the world with such eyes is either like a horse with blinders on or a cave man with a telascope. In either case certain things go by unnoticed while others open new worlds to which few have the key. Both have Pro's and Con's, which I wont mention simply because I don't want to.

In the end the series of thoughts that made me sit down and do this comes from one of the greatest stories ever told. I'm talking of the trilogy that is Lord of The Rings (LOTR). Now if your like my sister who I dont think has ever stayed awake for one of the movies you'll stop reading. If your like her husband I've at least peaked your intrest to finish reading this. (Dont worry I love you both)

In the tale there are many characters and plots but today we'll focus on the two main ones. Frodo and Sam. The best of friends set out to save the world they know and love. As I was watching the movies, which were directed by Peter Jackson, my mind wandered to how much I love that tale. Which led to what makes it so great?

To me it would have to be Sam. Without him Frodo would not of been able to finish his quest. It's someone like Sam, who is Honest to a fault, Loyal beyond all comprehenssion, and filled with more love for his friends than any other thing including himself that makes LOTR such a great story.

When I think about the type of character Sam is, and all that he did for his friends it made me wonder. When all is said and done, and I come to 'the end of all things' will my friends and family. Those I profess to love and care for say I was a Sam? Is the way I'm living my life now, in such a way that I help others achieve the goals laid out before them in their quest? There are two types of people in a story for the main character. The 1st is the nameless soldier or passerby who comes and goes and is barely worth remembering, the other is the person that helped shape our hero into who he is.

And so I ask again, when all the ticks of the clocks are replaced by deafening silence will we be someone who is only mentioned to fill in the gaps, or the one who's very presence had an impact that was worth remembering?