Day 2

Alright folks I'm willing to bet today will be my most boring day for the next week or so. But none the less i did some great stuff and also I've got some thoughts on my mind so keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times and have fun.

Alright once again world i slept in today but can you blame me when i go to bed at 1:00 or 2:00 consistently. But I woke up and did something vital to my well being when i get home from the mish. I backed up my iPod onto my home computer as well as my Laptop and my external hard drive. For some reason i feel that some sort of curse will cause me to loose all my music so I'm doing all i can to fend it off. Also i did the same thing with pictures. so hopefully I'm secure. Also while i was doing all this i picked up John Mayer's new live album. For those of you who don't know i have a pretty severe "Man Crush" on him. But really of anyone to have a "man crush" on john mayer has got to be the best choice, go ahead try to argue with me. Anyway, the album is so so so choice! I figure it is the closest I'll be to actually hearing him/seeing him live for the next little while. So what i leave in 8 days can't i enjoy some steller guitar killer lyrics and amazing vocals. But enough of me going on about john mayer. Well one last thought check out the album if your a fan you'll love it, if your not a fan, we can't be friends.

Alright after hopefully saving my pictures and music for the next two years i hit up the mall for lunch. My escapades to the mall during my life have included eating, chilling in Brookstone and Lovesac, and checking out gamestop. Yes i'm a nerd get over it. And other stuff. When i go to the mall generally the last thing on my mind is shopping. most the time its "How can i kill time without getting kicked out of whatever store i'm in?" Anywho i picked up my lunch and as i'm walking out of the food court i spot Brooke working at bath and body works? is that right there are a couple stores like that and i never know if i am getting it right. Anyway, i stopped and talked with her for 5-10 minutes before it looked like her manager or another employee looked pretty ticked so i left. Side note i love visiting people at work/i love getting visited at work. Always an excuse to stop working, and you never know what you'll get roped into. One time Alvin and I got roped into sweeping and mopping the floor at KFC while waiting for Brock to get off. It was awesome, i can now say i have worked at KFC. At least for 2 seconds. Good times.

Well came home and just chilled for a few hours, when rob gives me a call and asks if i'm in for the TRIPLE CHALLENGE (dun dun daaaa, dramatic music and guy in deep voice announcing. just do it in your head and you'll catch what i'm getting at.) For those of you who don't know what the triple challenge is, it is a Triple with cheese and bacon, large fry and large drink. At wendys if you didn't know that already. that is about my daily allowance for calories right there folks gotta love it. A bit on the history of this challenge. Preston would get one of these all the time, and it wasn't a problem for him, well most the time it wasn't. It kind of became a joke. Getting the "meat sweats" and all that great stuff, not to mention feeling awful after, unless your preston in which case after so many it wasn't a big deal. So about a month ago after seeing Kung Fu Panda we were at Wendys and that is when Coleton Rob and I had the great idea to do the challenge, but also to ride our bikes there to do it. So today was the day. We rode over and ended up just Rob and I doing the challenge. Coleton got a triple but no large fry and drink, and Jimmy well he ate chicken nuggets. Proud to say we did it! well maybe not so proud, here it is 6 or 7 hours later and i still feel like crap, oh well all part of the game my friends.

There it is. (we recreated it cause i forgot to take a picture of mine, so that is coletons burger, my crushed up fry box, and robs empty drink. But you get the idea.)

This is how i felt after, and for the next several hours.

Preston would be proud, well he probably would call me a girl cause i felt like crap after but that is just his way of showing he is proud of you, sort of.

Alright after riding home on my bike, which was really hard mind you. I sat around trying to rebuild strenth. Then because everyone is either working, out of town, on missions, or has school in the morning. I went and saw Get Smart all by my lonesome. It was great! The only downside to seeing a movie by yourself is well there are a lot of downsides. walking into a theater full of couples about your age and sitting down by yourself, no one to talk about the film after not to mention the ride there and back by yourself. But i was fine with it, cause i don't have the time to wait for people to be able to go to a movie with me, i can't be alone for the next 2 years let alone see a movie so all was well. But it did get me to thinking on my way there how much i miss the guys, cause you better believe Alvin Brock Preston and Josh would have been with me to see it if they were here. Also driving out to the Carmike brings back so many fond memories of driving out there in the Jeep and stopping at every Wendys and Taco Bell on Redwood Road. Great times!

The Carmike is the only place to see a movie 4 bucks for a matinee 5.50 for regular shows you can't beat that. Plus no one is ever there so it is like having your own private screening. For more on the Carmike 12 West Jordan give me a call and i'll set you straight. Well that was my day. kind of nostalgic almost but mostly i'm nostalgic all the time so nothing new. Hope you enjoyed day 2, day 3 is shaping up to be a great day! But you'll just have to see.

Day 1

So i figure since this next week and a half will be pretty packed, I'll chronicle each day here as well as in my journal. Today's post will cover my farewell and Monday. Hope you enjoy.

Alright so my farewell... i felt it went really well. At least to me the spirit was really strong. I picked the songs that we sang, at first i had all the missionary songs and then as i thought about it i decided to switch it up, why i didn't know but during the meeting it hit me. The songs went as follows. I Believe In Christ, I Stand All Amazed, and Behold A Royal Army. We sang I Believe In Christ and i felt this comforting feeling and such an amazing spirit. Same type of thing as we sang I Stand All Amazed, it really helped me to allow the spirit to guide and direct me as i spoke. The first speaker was great i loved what she had to say. If you weren't there, her remarks we titled "The Marathon of Life" and she related marathon running to life in general and the mission work it was great! Really invited the spirit even more. Next my Brother and I sang one of my favorite songs "His Love" And it was amazing it was as if Angels were singing with us i felt such a strong spirit. Especially as i began to sing my part in the second verse it goes:
"Gently he beckons and i fall upon my knees, His loving eyes see past my weakness to my needs"
As i sang that i felt the most wonderful spiritual feeling, those words stuck in me and it surprised me i almost stopped singing it was the spirit of our Loving Heavenly Father testifying to me the truth of those words. Why it hit me as we were singing it for the real deal, and not the hundreds of other times i had sung it or heard it, i don't know for sure. But i think it had to do with how strongly i felt the Spirit as we sang. I felt we did well, and everyone said we did. But it wasn't all me all tell you that, i had my talented brother next to me carrying me along as well as the spirit lifting me up.

Alright my talk was on Increasing our Faith in Jesus Christ. I did mostly as planned but near the end it was the spirit telling me what to say not what i planned. It was an amazing feeling and i was so grateful for it. Again i was told i did well, i don't have the time nor space to go into details sorry but ask someone who was there and they'll tell you honestly how i did. Thank you to Friends and Family who were there to support me I love you guys. The rest of the day was spent chillin with family and friends and it was great.

Alright on to Day 1, I slept in till 11:30 12:00 Excessive i know but I'll be missing it for the next 2 years so bear with me. Well i had another appt. today. If you ask me I've had 1 to many already. They ripped my retainers out and sanded the glue down, not the best feeling ever believe me. I watched a couple of baseball games, if you don't know my feelings on baseball, read my post on baseball. Little league and then my good old Cardinals taking it to the Mets. Gotta love it. Then I went and visited the Sponbecks with Ell Bell and Coleton. I love that family! Today we did Muffin Monday, we made good old Blueberry Muffins and they tasted great, Sorry no pictures i forgot to take out my camera. But we visited with Kent Vicki and Staci. And it was just great! After watching a Slide show of "the guys" Ell and i went to play some Ultimate, Nate Rubens last game. It was great i just love that game! After we hit up the 7-11. Do they have 7-11's in Germany? I'm gonna miss Slurpee's if they don't. Maybe i should check that out. Well i came home and had a chat with the parentals, great stuff I'll miss that for sure. So pretty eventful day and I'm hoping all week is like this, but we'll find out. So tune in tomorrow for the hopefully exciting Day 2 dun dun daaaaaa (dramatic ending)

My New Favorite Quote...

"Your an Island of reality in an Ocean of diarrhea."

If you know what its from I'll give you 10 Rog-points, when you reach 1000 Rog-points you will get 5 extra minutes for lunch. Also you keep track of your Rog-points, i don't have time for that.

P.S sorry no picture, but i felt it would have been to graphic.

Part 2 sort of

Alright, note to all readers and fellow bloggers, when spreading out one idea over several posts write down what you want to say. Cause in all honesty when i started this i had ideas for at least 3 solid posts, now i can't remember what the heck else i was going to say. So this will probably be the final post to the series, and i don't even know what I'm gonna say. So here we go.

Alright so as most of you know i just got back from my last vacation for 2 years. We hit up sunny California and all the usual stuff one does in California. I'll chronicle where we went and what we did, throw in a few pictures and call it good.

Day 1: Alright this was unusual for us as travelers, usually we fly in Sunday and start everything Monday. Not so this time folks. We flew over Monday morning, drove to universal studios and hit the ground running. If you've never been to Universal i would say go do it. They've got a couple good rides, great shows, and i love the back lot tour. We saw all the NY city scape burnt down, they were cleaning up and gearing up for a new one. Also I got my picture taken with Curious George, it was awesome. I really want a monkey just like him, just think of the adventures i would have. It would be glorious!
So it was a great day at Universal crowds we minimal weather wasn't to bad, a start to a great vacation.

Day 2: Disneyland. What more do i have to say. If you don't like Disneyland go live in Communist Korea. I mean really when they say happiest place on earth they mean it. You can't beat that feeling when you first walk into Disneyland and walk down Main Street USA. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Just love it! Alright just some friendly advice I'll pass on to you world, so long as you use it responsibly. Agreed? good, alright the best way to to Disneyland is with a wheelchair. Already i'm hearing 2 questions, Why is it the best? and Why did you have a wheelchair?

Well it is the best because Disneyland was built before the Americans with Disabilities Act was applied, so the rides are not wheel chair accessible except through the exits, so if you've got a wheelchair you just go through the exit and skip the line, who needs fastpasses when you've got a wheelchair.

And we had a wheelchair because my little brother had foot surgery and can't really walk all day long. So world we agreed you would be responsible with this advice, that means only get a wheelchair if someone seriously needs one. They only have a limited supply and what if you take one and someone that really needs one doesn't get one, well you've just ruined there day at the happiest place on earth, how does that make you feel?

So Disney was awesome, and on our last day we got those dream fastpass things, which was great because the last day we didn't get a wheelchair, we weren't planning on being there all day so we figured Jonathan could tough it out. It was awesome, and as a huge surprise Saturday, our last day, was not crowded at all, which is really odd for Disneyland, usually Tuesday and Wednesday are the least crowded, which is when our first two days were. And they were super crowded. This is the best picture of the dream fastpass i have, they are the things around my families neck. Basically they get you to the front of the line for all the best rides no questions asked. Also just a side note we were in California Adventure they day the new Toy Story Mania ride opened, and it is awesome way better then the Buzz Lightyear ride. So Disney Rocked as usual and that was where we spent most of our time.

Not so much day 3 as the 3rd and 4th places we went. Sea World and Huntington Beach. Sea world (is that one or two words?) was fun those fish or mammals are crazy insane. Here are a couple pictures from Sea world.



And finally the beach, i apologize no pictures for this one. But i didn't want to chance ruining my camera before i leave for the mish. But it was awesome, Frisbee on the beach and in the ocean. Boogie boarding/ body surfing, and naps on the beach just can't be beat. We watched the fog roll in and out several times which was crazy cool, all of a sudden you can't see a thing, then it clears up to be all bright and sunny. The waves were huge, and would break one after another so if you got taken out by one, you weren't coming up till it washed you up on the beach. So crazy. I love the beach! A couple things on my list of things to do are learn to surf, camp on the beach, and play a wicked game of ultimate on the beach. Also sleeping on the beach is glorious if you've never done it go do it you won't regret it.

Alright folks that was my killer vacation, a last hoorah before i pack up and give myself to The Lord. It was a blast and i can't wait for the many other vacations i will go on in my life, but for now here i come Deutschland! Keep it real world, until next time.

Wilkommen zu Hause! (Translation: Welcome home, at least I think)

What up folks? I'm back home in good old Murray Utah, at least for another 2 1/2 weeks, but home none the less. I'm hoping to break what i want to say into several small post throughout the week, but if i don't succeed sorry. You don't have to read it all, just remember I'll be gone in 2 1/2 weeks and you won't be able to read it. Oh the guilt trip you've got to love it. Well to start off this mini series of post on the same topic I'll start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start. (gotta love Sound of Music)

Alright world, vacations! Some of my most memorable experiences ever have happened on family vacations. Every year, since i can remember as a family we have gone on some form of vacation. Whether it was up to Park City or down to St. George, or on a cruise, we always to do something. It becomes something that we all look forward too. Every year my mom and dad would sit us down and we would discuss where we wanted to go on vacation, of course we would throw out the impossibles every year in hopes that it would fly, but generally we were given several choices and we voted on which we would prefer. We've been to California several times, Florida, Oregon, Texas/Cruise, Illinois/Missouri, Wyoming. Sometimes we drive other times we road trip it. Either way we have a blast. Some vacations are more relaxing others, like the one we just got back from, we are running around all the time. But like i say, no matter how you cut it, it is always a blast. Sure we kids fight and pick on one another, but what is a family vacation without that.

Well my main point out of this is I'm really gonna miss times like these. Doing tons of stuff, all over the country. We just got back from California, i guess it is kind of a tradition now, that before each one of us leaves on our missions we are gonna hit up California. Why not? But it was a blast. That's it for this post, look forward to the next few segments, and here are some pictures from past vacations, well the last two is all i had my camera for, and I'm way to lazy to get my parents camera and do all that.


Always got to have a picture of the mickey. (Disney World '07)


We need a plan navigating Disney World is a science (Disney World '07)


Universal Studios Hollywood '08 (we parked in Curious George, I Love Curious George!)


Mien Bruders und Schwester in law. (i have no clue what in law is in German) Disneyland, teacups at night. '08


The Fam Bam, my last ride on Space Mountain for who knows how long. Disneyland '08

I'm here, and this is the word.

What up world? I'm just chillin here in the big CA! The state that holds or will hold 3 of my best friends, gotta love it. Things have been a blast. We hit up Universal, Disney of course, Sea World, and the beach. Gotta love it! Although it has kind of been bittersweet. The whole trip we'll be having a stellar time, and then i think about missing times like this for the next two years, and I'm really gonna miss it. Vacations have been a huge part of my family life, and some of my greatest memories have been family vacations. I know I'm gonna love serving and i am still way excited to leave, but still i can't help it when everyone talks about how much fun it is gonna be to do this or that, and then the next thing out of there mouth is "oh, you'll be gone." But still can't wait only 2 1/2 weeks to go. I'll post more about the vacation and hopefully some pictures, i realize I've really slacked on pictures so I'll try. But I've really got to use my time wisely.

Reading Rainbow

Alright world. Do you remember that show? With LeVar Burton i loved that show. What ever happened to good Television, anyways. All I've got to say is books rock. I love to read, but most the time I never know what to read. Well it could be the fact that i leave really soon, or it could be the fact that all of a sudden a i have discovered a ton of books i want to read. Or it could be a combination of both. But i have found some awesome books and just thought I'd share them with you.

"The Last Lecture" (Randy Pausch, written by some guy who's name escapes me.) This book rocked! For those of you who don't know what a last lecture is, I'll give a brief explanation. Every year Colleges ask one professor to give a lecture as if it were there last lecture before they were to die. What would you say? Would anybody listen? Would you seriously lecture on physics or what your paid to lecture on? That kind of stuff, well minus the last question that was just me saying why do we waste our life listening to professors drone on about crap i don't care about. Anyway that's what a "last lecture" is. The book is about Randy Pausch's last lecture. Randy has pancreatic cancer. 98% of people with pancreatic cancer die within 5 years. He was given 3-6 months to live. So this was really his last lecture. Anyway i can't say much more about it without telling you the whole book, but PLEASE read this book!! It will change your life. well maybe not but it's a great book anyway. Also to get you interested look up "Last Lecture, Randy Pausch" on youtube and you can actually watch his last lecture. Note do not just watch the lecture, the book adds to much to his story.

"I Am America (And So Can You)" (Stephen T. Colbert) If you are a Colbert fan, read this book. I'm talking serious fan, if you just sorta like him but feel that sometimes its not that great, or offends you, do not read this book. But for all you serious Colbert fans out there this book was hilarious. My favorite chapters were on old people, and Education. But this is a serious dose of Colbert, take it in stages otherwise you'll OD for sure, believe me that is what i did, and i almost returned the book to the library, luckily i waited a few days and picked it up again and finished it. So once again read this book serious Colbert fans or you are a terrorist!

"Mere Christianity" (C.S. Lewis) I've not finished this one, as i really want to comprehend it fully so I'm taking my time, also reading 4 other books at the same time doesn't help. But so far great book on understanding Christianity. If you wonder what being a christian means read this book, it will explain it. Also I'm glad to read this to understand what other christian faiths believe, as i will run into a lot on my mission.

"The Enoch Letters" (Neal A. Maxwell) Elder Maxwell was a huge fan of C.S. Lewis, and if you are familiar with "The Screwtape Letters" by Lewis, this is a reversal of that book. Instead of someone from Hell writing about all the stuff they do to drag you down, this is a book from someone who is trying to lift you up and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Once again I'm not done with this but i have loved every "letter" and can't wait to finish it. Also I've never read "The Screwtape Letters" so if i got the description wrong I'm sorry, it was checked out of the library when i went to get it, it is next on my list of books to read. So check out "The Enoch Letters" I have really enjoyed it.

And last but certainly not least... The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I am always reading this book. Why because it is so amazingly good! Every time you read it you pick something else out. This book is the only completely true book out there folks. I promise you if you pick it up and read it with full purpose of heart and a pure conviction, and pray about it. The Lord WILL testify the truth of it to you. If you've never read this book I promise you it will change your life. It is because of this book that i am giving up 2 years of my life to go on a mission. There is nothing else out there i would do this for. But don't take my word for it, read this book and let the spirit of The Lord testify the truth of it unto you!

Thanks world, those are the books that I've either read or currently reading, check them out if you'd like I've loved everyone especially that last one. Keep it real world, and until next time.