ESCAPAY!

I'm not dead, i'm really not, only mostly. I have just felt like this......


For the past little while. But don't worry after next week i'll know whether I was eaten or not. As they say in Rudy, "pray for us."

Happy Finals week everyone

Please don't let my dreams run dry

A long time ago, in the Garden of Eden God gave to Adam two commandments. One of which everyone knows, to multiply and replenish the earth. Yes, everyone knows that one, but the second and sometimes forgotten commandment was to till the earth, that it would bring forth food and fruit that Adam and Eve would eat. I want to talk about this commandment. The one that is sometimes forgotten because it is this one for this moment that I can take joy in. So the saying goes....
17) ...cursed is the ground for thy sake; in ^csorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

18) ^aThorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

19) In the ^asweat of thy face shalt thou eat ^bbread, till thou return unto the ground;

--Genesis Chapter 3

Now fast forward about 6,000 or billions of years depending on how you look at it. November 21, 1988, Kent and Vickie gave birth a little baby boy. Little did they know that at the time this little boy would grow into a boy that would try with all of his heart to keep this commandment no matter on how small a scale it may seem. Hence my blog post

This is a picture of my land
So here is the story. Maybe 11 years ago this past summer, I was about 11, (I might have been 12 and it maybe have been only 10 years ago, but sparing the details this is how it went) and in my backyard we had this patch of dirt, right next to the sandbox. Now calling this a patch of dirt is generous, it was more like a piece of the Sahara desert dropped right in our backyard because it was so hard and unworkable. Well while mowing the lawn one day I decided what a good idea it would be to dump the grass clippings in the dirt and let them compost to make the soil better. So I dug a little hole and tried to dump the clippings. I underestimated two things though. 1) How hard the ground would be. 2) How much grass was actually cut when I mowed the lawn. So instead of the grass starting to degrade into the soil to make it better, I had a mound of grass in about a 2 foot by 1 foot hole in the backyard.
But I had a vision of what this land, my land could be. Now fast forward about 10 or maybe 11 years. Now I in no way shape or form do I proclaim to be a good gardener. In fact I might even say I have a tough time proclaiming to be any type of gardener. But I am someone who is trying work the earth by the sweat of my brow. Every year, since that summer I have attempted to grow things on the little patch of land. It's not much, and at times maybe even laughable but it's mine and I love it. I have been learning all along the way. Like how Bell Peppers don't grow to well in the extreme heat, or how tomatoes will fight for every inch of sunlight you will give them, and how they let you know when they don't have enough. I have learned how to grow jalepenos, and sweet peas. Maybe not well but I am learning. I love it. I have learned about turning the earth with leaves. And what makes good compost and what does not.

(To bad i'm not a root farmer because I can grow some mean roots.)

I have endured bad crops, and opposition. Laughs, and scoffs at my little patch of land. But I will work that land, and I will live to see a good crop come in. One day when I am eating my crop through the winter, I will truly say I have conquered the land. Well maybe not conquered, because I work with the land. I work the land so it will produce for me. It's a partnership, and as such as I put in, it puts out. Without the land I receive nothing, and if not for me it may still very well be a little piece of the Sahara Desert. So with my partner I will continue to work and learn. It will continue to teach me more than I would have ever learned from any book.

"He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly. He who soweth deeply shall reap also deeply."
--Paul the Apostle

Happy New Years!

I made an Octobers years resolution. Throughout my life I have been average at brushing my teeth. When I was younger I am ashamed to admit that I missed days entirely brushing my teeth. As I have grown older I learned the importance of brushing twice a day but in that twice a day there are still ways to slack. How about the 30 second brush? Or can I hear a yell for even the 15 seconds brush. How about the time I ran out of toothpaste so I just used the brush. Don't even get me started on flossing.

Well with a new month I took the opportunity to make a new habit. I am proud to say I made an October years resolution to floss more diligently and to brush my teeth for the full 2 minutes every day. My toothbrush even has a timer to make it easy. No excuses right? I am also proud to admit that this October's year resolution has not fallen through yet. I am actually doing quite well, and if I may say so I love it. My mouth has never been so happy and clean.

4 score and 7 years ago

Time is a really interesting thing. Time gives perspective, time gives experience, time gives patience. But time doesn't really care about any of that. In fact time doesn't really care about anything. Despite what is said or done, 1 minute takes 1 minute, a mere 60 seconds. 10 minutes will never vary from taking 10 minutes. The sun will come up every day despite what the clock reads, and it will set, when it feels the day is done.

But that is the funny thing. If you were to ask anyone what you could do in about 9 seconds most of us would respond with not much. Ask Reggie Miller what you can do in about 9 seconds and he might tell you of the time he scored 8 points in 9 seconds. Ask Micheal Johnson what you can do in about 9 seconds and he might tell you how he ran 100 yards in about that time. But seeing as how most of us are not super star professional athletes, in about 9 seconds most of us don't do too much.

Here is the other funny thing, in chunks of 9 seconds, or 2 minutes, or 10 minutes, or 1 hour, or 1 day, all of us carry out our lives learning, living, and growing. The same amount of time that I have had today, so have you. So have all of us. Time gives freely to anyone and anything that is found on this planet. It carries no prejudice, or bias, it simply goes in spite of what we might try to do about it. We go about our lives gaining knowledge, and experience by the way that we live our lives. Where we spend out time and energy is where we gain knowledge, experience, and talent.

Now think of how time has given perspective as it passes. Think of all the great empires that have lived, thrived, and died in their "time." The Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Greeks, the Romans. Each one thought to be greater than the last. Each thought to be able to withstand time. Think of the experienced fisherman, and the chuckle he get's out of listening to his son complain about how there just simply can't be any fish in this lake because there isn't one on his line right now. Lastly think of something as simple as, how when you were little you thought there were monsters under your bed or in your closet. Think of how with the simple passing of time, you have "grown" out of that, with little to no effort on your part.

Where you spend your time is where you gain your reputation. Think of the man, who strives all of his life to build a worthy life, with a nice wife, a nice home, and beautiful kids. Now think of how much time it took him to build that life. Now think of how long it would take for him to ruin all of that in one simple moment where he spent his time wrongly. In one simple slip of viewing pornography, or one night where he just isn't where he should be. An entire lifetime could be ruined and changed in one simple moment, all because of how you spend your time. It's not that the 10 seconds is different, it's just how you spent it. 10 seconds after all is 10 seconds.

Time is a funny thing. 1 day, 24 hours, 1440 minutes, 86400 seconds, it is always the same. Constant and unchanging. There are not many things in this life that I can honestly say are truly the same as when I was born. The sun rising every day, that has happened pretty consistently. My family being there every step of the way, that has never changed. And God always listening, watching, and helping. That will never change.

Time will carry on independent of what I do with it. 10 seconds will pass in the next 10 seconds no matter how hard I try to stop it. In becoming who I want to be, It's truly how I spend it that matters.

...and pray every night I can do it all over again...

It's not that I don't care, it's more like there are some moments that I just lack motivation. It's never been hard for me to decide where I want to go, it's getting there that is the problem. One of my favorite philosophies in life is that if you drive long enough you'll find what you are looking for. There is no arguing that point. If you are looking for Arkansas, just drive long enough and eventually you'll find it.

It's not that I have a problem deciding I want good grades, and to become a good professional in the field I end up in, it's getting there that is the problem. It's not that I don't want that, it's just at 10:11 AM I am lacking the motivation. There are far too many other interesting things to do, and look at. For example the paper I picked up from the WBB. I mean it's good to be informed on the world anyway, right?

Yesterday in institute, and pretty much every day, our teacher tells us it's about having a long term perspective. Sometimes even longer than long term, an eternal perspective. Ain't that the truth? She talks about 6 months down the road, 1 year down the road, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, the end of our life. Well let me tell you something to you, it's hard to think long term when your stomach is growling. This much I know.

So where do I picture myself 20 years from now? That's tough to say because it depends on the day. Mostly?......... well most of the pictures I take 20 years from now won't be at my job, i'm sure, anyway. Also most of those places and people I have in my mind have very little to do with Chemistry. So how does all of this relate to Friday morning before noon? Not too much I guess, so let's start a little smaller.

Where do I picture myself at 1:30 PM Friday afternoon? I picture myself eating lunch with my chemistry and cell Biology homework done for the weekend. About to go to work, because I have really enjoyed my job thus far, and looking forward to a good weekend. That's where I picture myself. So maybe i'll start there and see where that get's me.

Song of the day: "The Life" by Kenny Chesney

P.S. as always Go Utes!

It's comparable to fishing

I love libraries. I especially love big libraries, like libraries that have multiple stories, and multiple sections. I love when you can walk into a library at the main entrance and it's a busy place, but as you pass through multiple sections, and multiple computer labs, you find a place where no one can bother you even if they wanted too.

I had a spot at the Utah Valley University library that I loved. It was quiet, and mostly secluded. It was a place that not a lot of people would walk by and even when someone did I never noticed them because I could be wrapped up in my own little world there, which probably consisted of anatomy, genetics, or vertebrate zoology, whatever was floating my boat at the time. It was a good spot, but most importantly it was mine. I liked it, and no one could take that from me.

I found my new spot here at the University of Utah Library. Deep within the bookshelves on one of the 5 floors that is offered here, probably 100 feet from the nearest other 5 souls. I took a big part of my day today to explore and delve into the crevices of the library here at the U to find this spot. I explored high and low, from 5 to 1, every inch. Now I claim this spot for Josh. I have my own personal outlet too plug my computer into. My own cubicle, where I could probably place pictures of my family, and favorite hobbies and they wouldn't be bothered. On every side of my is books, and bookshelves, and the only sounds I hear, are the hum of an air conditioner, and the rattle of a light just above me. This is definitely my new favorite place to study. Alone, quiet, peaceful. If I look just right down one of the aisles I can see the outside world, the faint outline of the words "The University of Utah--Rice Eccles Stadium" Now as I am about the create my own little world, of Cell Biology, Chemistry, and the world of metals I can't ask for anything more...

Oh good, the first people I have seen just walked by, so maybe someone would find me if I died...

Missing the days of Mayberry

My homework use to consist of the following--

--Play nice

--Be patient

--Don't say bad words

--Tell your Mom you love her

--Hug your Dad when he walks in the door

--and last but not least learn how to write your name.

Todays homework consists of--

--Find the mass percentage of the isotope Li 7

--Diagram and explain the flow of DNA within a cell

--Explore the metals that constitute Nicnol

What happened?! Also I can't help but think that we moved onto the more complex things before mastering the basics........

No man's land

Have you ever noticed that you have wonderful control over your body. You pretty much can tell it what to do all day every day. Walk over there, eat this, move your arm this way. It follows your every thought, as you trumble about your day.

Now have you ever noticed that your body has wonderful control over you. How it can tell you what it is feeling and force you to follow it's demands of you. I'm hungry and need food, or i'm tired so I don't care where we are I need sleep. How about i'm sick, and don't feel like doing anything today except laying here, so let's do it. Your body has an amazing amount of control over what you do as you meander about your day.

It seems there is a space between what you want and what your body wants, where their wills collide. A type of no mans land where no one owns it, everyone is a afraid to go, but when put on the offensive they both scratch, claw, and scramble for every inch of it that they can take. There is a space where you can push a little harder, and stay a little stronger every day.

A Cherokee Legend

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Here is a picture to get your excited for my next post about Josh and Staci's big adventure!

I've lived those 7 days a thousand times

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. ~James D. Miles

Isn't that the truth.

The smile on your face...

I love Frisbee, I love Bear Lake, and I love Macy. So when it came time to propose, there was really only one option. I knew that I wanted to do it at Bear Lake, using a frisbee, and I definitely knew I wanted it to be Macy there. Luckily Macy is awesome and tolerates me and I got all three. :) I am such a lucky kid.

So the day is October 8th, and I can't wait.

I can't wait....

I generally like to think of myself as an optimistic person. That being said, I have usually always enjoyed my life. Sure I have my rough days, every now and then, and I have to struggle to make it through those. But very, very rarely have I ever been in a position where I laid down at night to go to sleep that I couldn't smile. I have such a good life, surrounded by good people, that it's hard not to be content with where I am at.
Which brings me to my point. Lately I have encountered a new emotion in myself. I have wanted to stop time, but at the exact same moment I have wanted to have a fast forward button just to see where this life is going to take me in the next coming days, weeks, months, and years. It's a bit of a strange thing for me. Sure I have had 2 desires in me at the same time before. (For example I usually always want to be more than 1 place at a time. I always want to be at Southwood throwing a frisbee, and I also want to be on a beach in Mexico.) But I have never had such strong desires to pause life and to fast forward at the same time. I want to pause life because I am enjoying my life so much right now. Right now at this exact moment I wish I could pause my life forever. I think if life stopped right now, I would be one of the happiest men on the earth. At the same time I want a fast forward button because I am so excited about the road that is shaping up before me. I can't help but feel that everything is going to just get better. It doesn't seem that there is a way that it could possibly get worse.
It seems lately that I have been receiving a lesson in what really matters most in this life. I have laughed, smiled, hugged, loved, and enjoyed so much more lately in everything. I am being tutored in what matters most, and I am not complaining.
Now with all that said, as always in life, I am sure a tough day will come. I am sure what seems to be an endless sunshine will inevitably produce a cloud that will bring rain, thunder, lightning, maybe snow, and rough seas. It's for moments like those that we have moments like the ones I am having right now. So when the tough times come all I have to do is remember first that all things pass, and second how good life can be when surrounded by those that we love the most. Never truer have been the words, "men are that they might have joy."
Quote for today: Happiness is not found in activities, but in people.

It's been so long

Here is a conversation held on the couch of my living room, while Star Wars Episode III:Revenge of the Sith was on TV.

Josh: If I lived in Star Wars times I would definitely be a Jedi, that would be great. Don't you think so? Wouldn't you be a Jedi?

Brock: I don't think so. I don't think i'm that lucky. I think I would be a droid.

I don't know what i'd do, if I lost you

When every young person goes off to college, they prepare physically, and emotionally for the changes that are about to take place in their lives. I don't think they will ever truly know how much they are going to have to sacrifice and give up, in order for them to declare their independence. Since moving home I have been enjoying those luxuries, again, and the funny thing is I didn't even realize how much I was missing a few of the little things that include.....

1) A mom--Although I complain there is nothing quite like being asked every time you leave the house if you have a jacket. :) Or how about when before she goes to the store, or just out for the day she asks "do you just need anything today?" Thank goodness for moms in this world, which brings me to my next point......

2) A magically refilling fridge, and pantry--Never underestimate the power of a full stomach, and it's correlation with a good mood. Thanks mom

3) A good bed--Not that we didn't have beds, but there is a difference between those boards at the Riv and this wonderful thing I sleep on now.

4) Talking to dad--I forget how consistent Dad is. I love our talks, late night or early morning. Afternoon phone calls, and so much solid advice that I don't know what to do with it. Someone told me once "The older you get, the more right your dad is." True.

5) Good internet--I don't think i'm going to leave much of an explanation here. If you know anything about the Riv, you know no internet is sometimes better

6) Living in SLC--The traffic is better up here, the parks are better up here, and there are not TDS banners everywhere I look.

This post would not be complete without me throwing a shout out to Provo though. Because although I complained, now that I no longer live there, I see how much I miss things there. I won't do a list because it would be a short list, and really only has to do with people that I miss. I really, really, miss living within 5 minutes of Macy. I miss Brock, Preston, Alvin, Andrew, and even Moses. And for some twisted reason I miss the Riv. Probably because of the people that I miss. But still.........

This is a "as of late" picture. I love spending time with this girl.

I'm just to far from where you are

Sometimes I go running.
The more I go running the more I learn about myself.

There is something that I have learned over my many years of running. That no matter how far, fast, and long I run today, when I go running tomorrow it will still hurt. It is inescapable.

I use to try to change that. I use to be under the impression that maybe one day the pain would leave me alone while out on my run. But he never changes. Like the sun rising in the East, he consistently visits every time I am out for another run.

But there is something that changes on my runs. It's not the run itself that changes, it's not the landscape, or the number of steps that it takes me to complete another mile. But I notice that the more I run today, the longer the pain takes to come tomorrow. It still inevitably comes. Like a river flowing downhill, you can't stop it. But I see the change that begins to come in me as I run longer, harder, stronger, and faster. The change that takes place is MY ability to run through the pain that comes. That's all, and that's it....

I no longer try to escape the pain that comes. Instead now I try to embrace him as a friend that I have know for a long, long time. Because I have known him for a long, long time. He comes more consistently than most people in my life. And when I feel him coming, I say hello again, embrace him, and then let him know that today is another day he is not going to win. I let him know, that today i'm going to try to outrun him again, just like yesterday. And he had better bust himself to try to keep up. Because i'm not slowing down. And i'm not going to quit. I'm better than that, and just like yesterday he won't win, because I won't give up. I'll never give in, and i'll never quit.

The feeling that I get as I overcome this small obstacle feels to good. The promise of returning home exhausted, beat up, and worn out after a long run, is too good. The vision of doing the thing that I set out to do is to great. I am better than him, and today, just like yesterday, i'll prove that. It won't be easy, and i'll want to quit just like I do every day. But I won't.

I ran yesterday, to be stronger today. I run today to be stronger tomorrow. I'll run tomorrow to prove that today was not a waste.

The more I go running the more I learn about myself.
That's why sometimes I go running.

I know that I want to go where the streets are gold, cause you'll be there

Meet my Nephew, Nolan. He is the best, that's all that needs to be said. I love him already and I can't wait to be his favorite uncle. :) I love him already. That's all I really have to say about that.

Today I feel lucky

So 3 months ago, while eating at a delicious small Chinese restaurant I received the delightful end of meal fortune cookie. Thanks Chinese restaurants for the hook up. As of late I feel fortune cookies aren't so much fortune cookies, but rather suggestion cookies. What, with things written on them like follow your heart today, or happiness is a choice, it's easily to be disappointed by the lack of creativity. Which is why it was so nice and refreshing to receive written on my fortune,

"remember three months from this day, your lucky star will be shining."

I read that and was instantly excited for 3 months from that date. The date I received this fortune was 1/20/11. So the date 3 months from then just passed, 4/20/11, so I thought I would tell you about it, and how it truly was one of the luckiest days of my life.

It was a Wednesday. I woke up at my usual time, and went to school. I was in the best parking spot in the parking lot and didn't even have to back up to get out. I took University Parkway to school, which I never do, but it was my lucky day, and I knew that if any day I wouldn't have to wait at stop lights it would be that day, and I only hit 1 stoplight. I got a call surprise call form Macy walking to class just to wish me a happy Wednesday. I went to math and all the problems I didn't finish we went over in class. We watched a movie in Botany. I talked to my sister Staci. I got a 8/10 on my anatomy quiz. I studied for probably 5 hours. Went home watched Real Salt Lake tie against Mexico. Talked to my parents. Macy came over just because she wanted to hang out. :) I was able to sleep under the same roof as almost all my best buddies and it rained for a large portion of the day. I consider myself to be very, very lucky.

So thanks Chinese restaurant for predicting one of the luckiest days of my life. Luckily for me though, tomorrow looks to be about the same type of day. :)

Lucky me.

I don't think I could live this life just going through the motions

Here comes the post that should have been done 9 months ago. Here comes a post to those people that I have known collectively for longer than I have been alive. Here comes a post to the fellas of 124.

See sometimes in life we just get lucky. That has definitely been me with my friends. And sometimes we get even luckier and get to live with the friends that have been there for us the most in life. Most people have to "put up" with their roomates. They have to struggle, and battle through most days, get in fights, and arguments, and at the end of the day go to bed mad at the people they live with. Not me. As we near the end of this school year, and as such near the end of our time together, as we all head separate ways all I can think about is how much I have enjoyed this past year and how in a huge way I wish it didn't have to end. So without further ado, here they are......

The man who adds a lot of culture to our apartment is Moses. Moses comes to us from Mali, in Africa. Moses was actually our transfer, and came to us halfway through the year. Moses is good to always help me to watch CNN. He is also great at reminding me to keep my voice down as at times I can get pretty loud.

Moses' best quotes of the year:
"Don't get involved with passion."
"Why do Provo boys always break up? The girls always hurt my friend."
"Brock you don't know anything about Broccoli."



Andrew is a Salt Lake City kid, like most of us here in 124 and has fit perfect into our schemes and plans throughout the year. Andrew makes me laugh so hard throwing out random comments, and blurbs at random times. He always keeps me updated on what is happening on politics and he is great at talking sports. It has been so fun to be able to be with him this year.

Battle of the year:
-Brock: "Andrew our apartment is so warm right now."
-Andrew: "Brock you stop that right now, RIGHT NOW!"

Funny facebook post of the year:
-Andrew to Brock: "Derek Fisher is an inspiration to many people, I wish Matt Harpring could say the same.

Quote of the year:
-Andrew: "I just had a super gay shower."

Our boy Alvin. Alvin came to us this year, very single, just off a mission, and very tall. At the end of this year, the only thing that has remained consistent about Alvin is that he is tall. He is now engaged to his love, no longer just off a mission, and 2 semesters more into his life. Alvin has saved my life many times this semester and I know he'll be great.

Most life changing experience of the year:
February 15, Alvin get's engaged. Hands down.

Something else that has changed about Alvin this year:
Alvin now listens to country music every chance he gets. In fact my favorite memory of us this year was last semester every Tuesday and Thursday morning, cleaning the apartment and blasting country music as loud as we could.

I have known my next roomate the longest. In fact he is one of my most long standing friends that I have in my life. We have been together in one way or another since we were both about 3. I have called him Presto change, P-witty, P-witt, and now just P over my life. It has been so fun to have Preston live 2 steps away from me, and to see his bright smiling face every morning. I love this kid, and i'll miss him

I love when Preston says this,
-"Let's turn Taylor on and show a little respect."

Favorite memory of the year with P
Going hunting for aliens, and blowing them sky high, while Preston saved my butt for the whole game. Then playing another round and not going to class because I needed it so much. Oh how I loved that morning.

Here comes everyone's favorite man. My personal roomate, and the guy who has kept me sane throughout the year. He already has taken off and I miss him so much. I miss our late night talks, and the way we use to be so tired in the morning, we would just stare at each other. I loved our first week together when we kept each other up all night, because our beds would creak so much. I loved when his bed fell off his cinder blocks one morning, and I know he is doing great in Austin.

Brock's quote:
"Guys I have given up all hope, and i'm going to settle for Kesha."

The best DJ in our apartment:
I am still waiting to get through an entire song when Brocks playing DJ. I don't think we ever made it past 2 minutes of a song.
-Me: "Brock I hate this song"
-Preston: "It's ok just wait 30 seconds till Brock gets sick of it and he'll change it."


This post would not be complete without a little bit to Jordan. The man who completed our apartment for 1 semester. He is now on his mission in Germany, and doing awesome. He is Preston's brother, and we loved having him around.

Quote of the year:
-Jordan: "How is the rest of your body?"

Ongoing saga of the year:
-Me: "Jordan you don't know anything about Halo, in fact i'm going to crush you in it."
-Jordan: "Anytime Josh, anytime. Just say the word."

Let my heart take me where I want to be.

Over my mission my sister and brother in law decided to up and leave Utah. They didn't just move 1 or 2 states over, but rather 2,000 miles, to the great state of North Carolina. I love my sister and her husband. They have taken care of me, and watched over me.











Every once in a while, I get lucky, and more than a phone call but I get to go out there and see them. Actually 2 times over the past 2 years I have hopped on a plane and went for a visit. These visits have meant the world to me, and I need them much more than I think either Staci or Ryan ever realize. Just the time to be with them, to be able to talk with Ryan again about sports, girls, the gospel, and life in general. The time I get to spend with just me and Staci again. Doing what we do best, and just being Brother and Sister. Talking about life, and me probably bugging her to the point she gets sick of me.

So 2 plane rides, 5-9 states (depending on how you count), and over 2,000 miles later we were together again. :)












One of the highlights of this trip was meeting little Seven. The little baby that Staci is currently harboring. He is my nephew, and I love him. He even gave me a high five. I can't wait for that little guy to be here and then for me to be able to see him and be with him. I also look forward to playing with him, and hopefully being a part of his life. And isn't Staci one of the cutest little pregnant ladies you have ever seen?

A little side note on this trip out, concerning the rivalry between Duke vs. UNC I declared my allegiance to Duke. As you can see I was wearing my Duke shirt one day, and when confronted about it by a Carolina fan I defended Duke as if I were a Cameron Crazie. So in that moment I declared that I would from then on route for Duke. I think my family will agree with me, as we now all own Duke shirts.

So thanks for a good trip Ryan and Staci. I hope to be able to come out again soon. :)

Soon we'll be together, I can't wait till then.

I love my family and I love Sunday Dinner. So for this week, for all of you who missed out on the best Sunday dinner of the week, I kept track of a few of the memorable quotes so that you too, could feel a part of the family.

A flagpole and corned beef means I get a new car.

-Mom

If you can't afford 2 dollars somethings wrong.

-Mom

You call me so I can bug mom

-Dad

I don't want Corned beef anything!

-Mom

A 3?!?! Psshh (While playing scum)

-Grandma

I take Kansas every year and I get burned

-Ryan via text message

Mom: I got a big car so we could get a boat!

Dad: We have a boat

Mom: A canoe is not a boat!

Dad: It floats..........

I have something to say! I waved my arms and still I can't get your attention.

-Mom

Like I said I love my family. :)

When I close my eyes I see you....no matter where I am

I love Bear Lake. It's possibly one of my favorite places on this earth. There are a many reasons why I love Bear Lake with all of my heart. Here are just a few

1) It's where I spend time with those I love
2) Frisbee
3) The bat story
4) Boating
5) The beach
6) The sun
7) The blue water
8) Risk
9) Good food
10) Starry nights

I know that is is still 143 days away, and luckily for me I have lot's to do between now and then. Important stuff, not just school and work. But it will make the trip all the more worth it, when it finally comes.

I CAN'T WAIT!

A little music for your enjoyment.

52 Posts

Living and Learning. All you can do any day, is your best. We usually try to do our best with the knowledge that we have at the time. It's always easy to look back, and make a decision from there. As my good friend Marcus Reid says "Hindsight is always 20/20."

What's hard about life is a lot of the time our best falls short. And the consequences that ensue because of our decisions are often hard, and sometimes more than we can handle. Then from a perfect view looking back we wonder "What the devil were we thinking?" And we sit, scrutinize, ponder, and stew in an attempt to learn from our mistake, or poor decision. Then you move on, you have too. Life leaves us no other options. And you hope to the Good Lord above that your life will still work out the way it needs too, despite you doing your best to ruin it.

And you hope that in the roll of the day, that the peace will come in knowing you did your best with what you had. And sometimes you wait, and wait, and wait. Sometimes it comes, sometimes you are left to wonder. Sometimes you are left to hope. Fortunately for us that is all part of Living and Learning. Fortunately for us Heavenly Father knew we wouldn't get it perfect the first time. And in some of our cases the second, or the third time either. Luckily for us He planned on us Living and Learning.

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift"
--Steve Prefontane

Song of the day: The World Spins Madly On by "The Weepies"

Man Trip

Why go to Logan?

A little of this......

A little of this....

But mostly this......



Heck yes.......

Thanks Ken..........

I just wanted to publicly thank Kenny Chesney for singing his songs about me and my life. I really appreciate it, and I am glad we are such good buds that he is there for me all the time on my IPOD. :) Last night driving home from Logan was definitely Road and the Radio, so thanks Ken, I appreciate it.

Also don't you think this is one of the greatest movies of all time? I have really been in the mood to watch all 3 lately.

Song of the day

Most of the time a song says it better than we can anyway.....