Josh

21 hours later this is all I can think of...

2012-01-23T11:52:00.001-08:00

If I had a wand I wouldn't be like Lord Voldemort, I would be more like Neville Longbottom. I don't want to say I would be more like Harry Potter because that would be very presumptuous of me. After all I am no "Chosen One". But I do like to play the pivotal side role, that in the end has kind of a big part, but still can fade into the background with ease. If I had a wand I wouldn't be like Crabbe, and use spells that I can't control, like fiend fire. I think I would be responsible with a wand and all around a good person. I wouldn't put people under the Imperius curse, and I would never use the Crucio curse. I wouldn't make horcruxes, and desire to live forever. I wouldn't duel unless Draco Malfoy was trying to hex me. I wouldn't apparate into people's house, I would politely apparate outside and knock on the front door as would any good common citizen. I would always practice care and caution when it comes to spells that I find in books. And I would never, ever, use my wand around muggles. I would proceed with all caution and care when it comes to my wand. My wand would probably not be made of Elder Wood, and it probably wouldn't have a phoenix feather in it, but after all who knows because the wand does choose the wizard. My wand would be awesome, just sayin'.

Good Grief CHARLIE BROWN!

2012-01-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

You know the feeling you get about 3 weeks before the end of the semester? That feeling where all you want to do is hang on. You can't absorb anymore, and you think that your brain might go on an emergency shut down at any moment?

Fact: I still have not recovered from the feeling from last semester
Problem: The new semester has already started today
Solution: I don't know

Resources: Luckily I have a few to help get me through until I have recovered from this -I don't think I can do this- feeling.

*Macy, probably one of the biggest supports that I have right now, thank goodness for Macy
*The Jazz, thanks goodness for the NBA and our Utah Jazz. It is pretty much heaven sent that the NBA lockout ended when it did. If I didn't have the Jazz I would be in deep trouble
*Nolan, this cute little nephew of mine who lives at my house, can always make me smile and help me solve my Chemistry problems.
*The thought that this semester can NOT be worse than last spring semester, true it may not be as fun, but it can not be worse. I promise.

All of this said and done, I am actually really excited for this semester, I guess you could say just not quite ready for it to start. But ready or not here I come. I love my life. :)

Don't you just love Calvin and Hobbes? I think one of my nephews should be named Calvin and Sammy should be renamed Hobbes.

In the old west Texas town of El Paso

2012-01-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

There is something special about following a team with your whole family. It binds and bonds you because of how you spend time, and energy, you live together, you suffer together, and it feels like sometimes you die together. But you are together none the less. Things only get better when they are in El Paso, which is where the whole family just came back from after following our Utes there. (That is in Texas for those of you who don't know) It was such a fun trip, and I wanted every one to be able to experience it just a little bit. Here are the most memorable moments of the trip.

*You threw up 5 times, but it was with class -Ryan*

*What's for lunch? What's for breakfast? What's for dinner? -Vickie*

*Wasn't me. -Dad after taking out a subway sign*

*There are a lot of things that have to give in a marriage, and control of temperature in the car is one of them. -Ryan*

*Josh my nose is like an ice cube. -Macy*

*I have to go potty. -Easton*

*Ba, ba, ba, argggg. -Corbin and Nolan*

*Vickie i'm going to buy you some Cortez milled flower. Oh wait I don't have my wallet. Vickie Ryan is going to buy you some Cortez milled flower. -Craig*

*Josh you need a lesson in passing. -Zach*

*You almost got in a head on collision, and the other time you left me behind. -Collie*

*It feels great in here. Maybe we should turn the heat up. -Staci*

*It's eighty degrees in the girls room. -Dad*

These are a tiny snippet of the highlights, but there were many, many more. It was just a great time, with the family and the Utes won in a thriller which always makes the drive a little quicker and makes the trip more fun. Also just to report, there are 8 eye witnesses that UFO's really exist. We promise, they are out there. We saw them in New Mexico. All in all this was such a fun trip and we all loved it.
The whole crew, Dad, Mom, Ryan, Staci, Nolan, Zach, Collie, Nolan, Corbin, Josh, and Macy. We are all there. I promise.

ESCAPAY!

2011-12-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-10-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-09-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-07-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

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....

2011-07-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-03-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-03-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-03T07:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

Why go to Logan?

A little of this......

A little of this....

But mostly this......

Heck yes.......

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

2011-01-23T21:08:00.001-08:00

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

2011-01-02T00:58:00.000-08:00

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

It's just good lovin'

2010-12-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say really quickly that sometimes you do things just because you love them.

You don't always have to do something for the memory.

You don't always do things because you want people to know how much you love something.

Sometimes you just do things because you love them, and that's good enough for you.

And in this life, most of the time, those are the things that make you truly happiest.

1,095 days later.

2010-12-06T22:03:00.000-08:00

Is it really December again? Is it really almost Christmas? Has December 6th really come and gone? The past 2 days I have been really reminiscent of days that have past. 3 years ago today, was my first full day as a missionary for the Church. 3 years ago? Really? Has it been that long, then why does it feel like yesterday? Why can I remember that day as clearly as if it had just happened, almost as if I were still living it?

It makes me chuckle as I think about that first day. I woke up at 6:30 after about 3 hours of sleep, we went to the classroom, had a quick study. Took off for breakfast, met my MTC teacher, studied more, ate Lunch, studied more, lot's more. Set up an appointment in the TLC ( I think that's the acronym.) Studied, ate, met my other teacher, sang a Christmas hymn, prayed a lot, and wondered the whole day if I was really going to be able to do it. Little did I know I was currently companions with the kid who became my brother and my family in the field, and also someone who would never allow me to quit because he saw who I was and who I could become as long as I tried. Lights out at 10:30, where Elder McNeel and I would lie awake rolling around for the next 4 or so hours.

Then I think about what I did today. Woke up at 7:30, went to class. Took my Zoology final, played racquetball, studied what it is that makes the world go round. Talked about ectothermy and endothermy for the 4th time this semester. Attempted to pay attention the best I could in class. Thought about studying for genetics, couldn't muster up the courage so I went where my time would be much better spent at Collie's place, playing with Easton. Came back ate dinner celebrated a new friends birthday, watched the Jazz game, went over to Macys, where probably the only thing I accomplished there was distracted her from studying for her test tomorrow, and I was definitely not in bed by 10:30.

As I think about both of those days, I can't help but feel accomplished in both of them. Sure they are definitely different, in one I studied the gospel, in the other I studied things less important. In one I had an exact purpose, in the other I am still defining my purpose. I am glad to have served my mission, I am also glad to be exactly where I am in this life right now. I am also glad the good Lord continues to watch out for me even though I am not one of his missionaries.

I just can't believe it has been 3 years ago.

2010-12-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

Today during my Genetics lab, which runs from 10:00 to 10:50, there were 6,908 people born according to the world population counter in the science department at Utah Valley University. That equates out to a little over 138 people born every minute, and over 2 people born every second.

That is more people born in 50 minutes than I had in my high school.

That is more people than currently live in Kanosh Utah.

That is more people than my room ates, Preston, Brock, Myself, Alvin, Andrew, and Jordan, have as friends on facebook combined.

That is more people than were killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001

That is a lot of people. The crazy part is, it only takes one person to change lives. In the past 50 minutes who has been born? What will all these people become? What will they do to change the world?

It only takes one person to change my life.

My thanks goes out to this AWESOME commercial and the Utah Valley University population counter for inspiring this post. Also I hope that another Micheal Jordan has not been born in the last 50 minutes unless he will play for the Jazz.

1....2....3.....GO!

2010-11-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

There are times in this life when I feel that we deserve to be happy. There are times when I reserve the right to walk around campus with a smile on my face because I am happy. I feel there are enough bad, and blah days that everyone needs some days that they can just smile. There are things and people in my life that just make me smile. There are things in my life that just make me happy.

Like this

And this

And These

And This

There are things in my life that I don’t currently have pictures of that make me happy. There are many things in life that bring me joy.

I reserve the right to do the things the make me smile, laugh, and be happy.

I reserve the right to laugh.
I reserve the right to smile.

I reserve the right to be happy.

I reserve the right to store these people, things, and memories in my mind, so that when I am doing my thing I can smile.

I reserve the right to enjoy my life.

Sometimes.....

2010-10-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say that most of the time, Goliath really does kick the crap out of David in life, it's just no one wants to hear that story. So no one tells it.

Team 115

2010-10-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

When I say the names, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Micheal Jordan, John Stockton, Karl Malone, Larry Bird, Tom Brady, and Joe Paterno what are a few of the things you think of? You might think of a favorite play, these athletes did while on the field, or court. You might think of a stat, that they achieved during their careers. I imagine though at some point you thought of the team that they played for during their careers. Steve Young and Jerry Rice played for the 49ers, Micheal Jordan for the Bulls, John Stockton and Karl Malone for the Jazz, Larry Bird for the Celtics, Tom Brady for the Patriots, and Joe Paterno is the long standing coach of the Penn State Lions. Now imagine for one second if these team names would have been different. What if the 49ers had been called the tigers? What if the Bulls were called the Leafs? Imagine if the Jazz had been called the Smelterites, or the Patriots were called the plungers. How about those Knittany Lions, what if they flew under the banner of Team 115? Would that make these players or the feats that the accomplished any less? Would it somehow diminish what they had done? Would they be any less memorable?

Down in Provo Utah, my friends and I have recently joined an intramural ultimate frisbee league. Because of our busy schedules we were trying to staple down the essentials for a team, to make sure we have enough players, and to make sure that we were all going to wear the same color for our game the next day. Well in the hustle and bustle the need for a team name kind of was back seated due to other essentials that were needed at the moment. Thus became the dawn of Team 115. See, when a team comes together, the intramural program automatically assigns each team a number until they pick a team name, so that each can be differentiated. Well since we didn't have time to change our name, we became known to the intramural world as Team 115. The more I thought about this team name the more I began to like it. Because I soon began to realize what's in a name? If you were pummeled on the field by the Jordan Beatdiggers is it any less of a loss than if you were to lose to the Alta Hawks? No. A loss is a loss and a win is a win, and it isn't because of the name that you remember the team. Whether John Stockton played for the Jazz, or the Pigs, he is still the all time assist leader. Whether Micheal Jordan played for the Bulls or the Walruses (It pains me to say this but.....) he is still one of the greatest men to ever play basketball. Whether Tom Brady won 3 championships with the Patriots or the Bengals his team still won three championships.

As it is with Team 115. We haven't walked onto the frisbee field with the best name yet. However we are still undefeated, and Team 115 has handed out 2 losses thus far this season. It won't be because of our memorable name that teams like the Ultimate Salad Eaters remember us. It will be because we beat them 15-4. And when it boils down to it, that's what matters. So here's to team 115.

Sweet, sweet summertime

2010-08-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

In the past my summertime has consisted of early morning runs, lazy afternoons, movies, friends, late nights, frisbee, and lot's of unwinding before another long grueling school year. This summer however has not been what I am used to at all. This summer has consisted of 2 things, work and school. For the past 2 weeks however with school out, and another semester staring me right in the eyes I had to live it up while I could. I came to call it the shortest, long lived summer I have ever had in my life. Plenty was said and done, so here's my post to sweet summertime. A list of a few of the things I have enjoyed, and some pictures to go along with it.

1. Spending time with my family (First and foremost)

2. Since not being able to boat at Utah Lake, swimming at Utah Lake

3. Catching up with friends

4. Villiage in turning off their grills at 2 A.M.

5. So going to IHOP at 2 A.M.

6. Watching Brock consume chicken fingers at 2:30 A.M.

7. Hiking Mt. Olympus in the dark

8. Almost quitting because I thought the top of Mt. Olympus would never come

9. Peacing to the East, literally

10. Getting back to the car, and finding Brock sound asleep

11. Fishing on the Provo River

12. Almost drowning in the Provo river

13. Ultimate Frisbee!!!! (This could occupy a few number as I played
a few times, but i'll just mention it once.)

14. Having Baydon come to town

15. Meeting Brittany

16. Having a lazy summer afternoon

17. Taking a long nap

18. Heading off to California

19. Driving all day with Baydon again

20. Riding a horse named Cody in Woodland California

21. Watching the reaction as I surprised Marian by showing up on her doorstep.

22. Eating Lunch with Sister Wannberg

23. Going to the beach

24. Freezing to death in the Water

25. Playing Frisbee in the cold water

26. Eating pizza with Brother Forbush

27. Driving to Eureka for the 48th time

28. Enjoying a night at the Mikkelsens

29. Seeing Marco Kypta

30. Still laughing as we passes our 2,000 mile of the trip

31. Getting home at 3:30 A.M. and still having to clean up

32. A pool party

33. Listening to Trevor Searle laugh

34. Rounding things up with a spur the minute fire

I should mention also because I loved it so much, that although not in this two week time frame, part of my summer was definitely Bear Lake. All in all it was on heck of a summer, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Shotglasses

2010-08-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while, and as I thought about all the things that have happened since I last posted, which I could potentially now post about they all seemed so important that I couldn't prioritize. I wanted to talk about how I became a great uncle 6 times in one day. And how proud it makes me to see their mom take such good care of them. I wanted to post about how cute my little nephew is, and about how much our relationship has improved especially as of late. How we play hide and seek, and how he drags me around the house for hours. I wanted to say a few words about how much I want to be a beach bum, again. I wanted to tell you about Bear Lake, and how all I worried about for an entire week was when I was hungry, thirsty, tired, and what the weather was like. I wanted to let you know about how much I am enjoying the summer, and I wanted to tell you 101 reasons why I love it so much. I wanted to talk sports of course, and discuss the Jazz and the Utah Football season coming up. I wanted to post about my best buddy coming home from his mission in Germany, and how happy I am he is home. About how much I missed him, and about how much I am going to miss sitting down every Sunday night and writing about how unimportant my week seemed when I thought about what he was doing. So since I can't decide what to write about I thought I would write about my shot glass collection instead.

If you were to walk in my room, and look a little below eye level you would see on my second shelf a plethora of little shot glasses. Tall ones, short ones, fat ones, round ones, square ones, even some that roll around even though they are sitting flat on the shelf. I am not even sure when I started collecting shot glasses. I don't remember the first time I bought one, and thought "hmmm it would be fun to collect these." I know it must have been before 8th grade because when I look I see a shot glass from the Winter Olympics, that took place in 2002. I have collected shot glasses from all over the world by now. I almost have one from every continent....well almost.

These shot glasses mean so much to me because when I look at them I see memories, I see trips, and inside jokes. I see my family, and time well spent. I see a shot glass from my trip to Disneyland before my senior year with the Brotherhood. And I am reminded of the people that I love, and people who love me. I see a shot glass from Sweden, and I am reminded of my trip to Sweden with my family. I am reminded of my Farmor and Farfar, and my heritage that means so much to me. I am reminded of the strength of my Dad holding an entire subway train on hold, waiting for my Farmor to get out. I see a shot glass from New York, and I think of my family trip to New York. I think of the Statue of Liberty, the Twin Towers, Times Square, Broadway, and the Yankees.

I see a shot glass that I bought the exact same night Harry Potter number 6 came out. This shot glass has a big lion on it, with a red and gold background that reads Gryffindor. I see a shot glass from Bear Lake, and I am reminded about all that I need in life. Fresh air, food, water, and family. How about a shot glass from North Carolina, maybe even 3 :), and I am reminded of Staci and Ryan. How much I miss them, but look forward to seeing them again. I see a few shot glasses from Hawaii and I wonder where I got them? Surely from people who love me enough to think about me even on their vacation. I am also reminded how much I would like to go there someday. How about my most recent addition. A shot glass from Germany, that reads Deutschland, that I got from that same kid I mentioned above. I am reminded that 2 years and 7 months was well worth the wait. The last I will mention here is a shot glass from Sweden. Different this time than the one I already mention still from Sweden though. This one is Easton's favorite because on the inside is a Mickey Mouse pin in a St. Louis Cardinals uniform, that he loves to pull out of the shot glass. He pulls it out every time we play our game of let's look at the shot glasses. I am reminded how fun it is to see him happy and smiling over something so simple. Also how much I look forward to seeing him even though I spend all this last week with him.
The moral of this story is I could go on and on, about these shot glasses. Ones from my mission, in California. Visits to Detroit, the airport in Atlanta, Chicago, Texas, Idaho, Colorado, on and on and on. Really though, it's much more than a piece of glass that I payed $3.99 for. It's a memory of something important to me that I can hang on too.

This is just in case you wanted to see my Great Nephews and Nieces. I am also happy to report everyone is doing just fine.

Ole Dad

2010-06-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish a warm happy Fathers day to all those fathers out there. In honor of "Mein Vat" tonight I thought I would post about him. There are so many things he's taught me about life, and how to be a good man, dad, and just a good person in general. I'm not always the best at telling him how much he means to me, and about how much I appreciate the things he's taught me but I think he understands me like only Dad could. So i'm grateful for him.

I'm grateful dad taught me about consistency.

I am grateful dad taught me it's not about what's in style that's important but rather having your style. That's what's really important. I am grateful dad teaches me through example.

I am grateful for Dad's patience.

Although I probably don't deserve it, I am grateful for dad's love for me. That might be one of the greatest lessons he ever taught me, was how to love a person, and a family despite flaws, weaknesses, in capabilities, and shortcomings. If I am able to turn out to be half the man, Dad is then i'll be ok in this life. So thanks Dad. I love you.

"That is an example of the pure love of Christ. Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life. True love lasts forever. It is eternally patient and forgiving. It believes, hopes, and endures all things. That is the love our Heavenly Father bears for us. We all yearn to experience love like this. Even when we make mistakes, we hope others will love us in spite of our shortcomings—even if we don’t deserve it."

--Elder Wirthlin

The songs that get stuck in your head when you try to sleep

2010-06-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

You know when you start winding down for the day, and you getting ready to go to bed, when a song pops in your head and you think "that is a really good song." Then you think, I should listen to that before I go to bed. Then you keep listening to it over and over again? Then pretty soon it's way later than you thought, and you just push replay one more time because by now you know there's no point in trying to sleep anyway? Maybe it's just me, but that has happened a lot lately. And while I am sitting here listening to that same song over and over, I think it's not that late yet, but i've already been here for too long. But by now I know it's not much use trying to go to bed, not yet. Sleep will have to wait another 3 minutes and 44 seconds, or longer, while I listen at least one more time. This one goes out to Alvin, and the many people I miss. Tonight's song is "Where'd you go" by Fort Minor edited.

The Average Human Heart

2010-05-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

The average human heart will beat 103,680 times over the course of a day.

The average human heart is about the size of your fist. It usually weighs no more than 300 grams and works till we die. Over the course of a lifetime the average human heart will pump 3 supertankers full of blood.

There have been times in my life when I have felt my average human heart grow 3 times the size it's supposed to, giving me strength and courage to do the things it feels needs to be done. I have felt my average human heart feel emotions that I didn't know I could feel, much less describe in words. We use words such as joy, triumph, misery, pain, peace, longing, and love to describe the emotions that the heart produces.

I have felt my average human heart hide behind barbed wire, and fences, cautious to leave it's protected quarters in order to protect itself from the unknown. I have also felt my average human heart throw itself willingly into the boxing ring for 40 rounds in order to fight for things it wants.
They say your heart has the ability to give itself away to the people, and the things it loves. Some say they left their heart in San Francisco, New York, Boston, Paris, or Rome. Some say their heart is no longer whole.

The average human heart works diligently, constantly, and patiently all day every day. It never goes on strike asking for more pay to keep us alive. It never casts upon us outrageous demands like better working hours, or a company car.

The average human heart beats 103,680 times a day. Most of us will never feel or pay attention to any of those beats. It just carries out the job that is required of it quietly, effectively, and efficiently. It will take a beating over the course of a lifetime, all for our expense and benefit.

An average human heart is not average at all.

I got a feeling

2010-05-05T12:12:00.001-07:00

With the first semester of school almost in the books I am rapidly approaching my last final. For the past few weeks many people have referenced the feeling that you get as you walk out of your last final. It has been described as magical, relieving, the best, and incredible. Even after a final that people don't say they did particularly well in, they can say at least it's over. I am getting my first taste of being done with classes, that I don't really have much interest in pursuing, forever. So as I rap up this semester I say so long, and farewell, to those classes I hope to never have to worry about again.

Just fish......

2010-04-06T21:41:00.001-07:00

As I looked out my window, first thing this morning to check the weather report that Dallin gave to me yesterday, I had one thought come across my mind as I saw the snow.....it's probably sunny in Mexico. From that moment on the only thing I wanted was to go to Mexico and be a beach bum. Just sit on the beach and have no where to go, and no where to be. It didn't help as I got in my car and put on Kenny Chesney, and drove to school. It didn't help as I walked to my english class in the snow, and while in class drew pictures of me playing frisbee and sitting on a beach somewhere where it was sunny. Someday's I just really want to be a beach bum. I think I would make a good beach bum. Lest you confuse me with someone who hates the cold and the snow, the other half of my dream is to be a ski bum.

My bracket is totally toast. Now i'm just hoping not to take last

2010-03-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well another March has come and almost gone. As always it has been madness in more than one way. Before I get to the basketball tournament, let's talk Spring Break. For Spring break this year I decided that it would be an opprotune time to go out and visit my beautiful sister Staci and her Husband in North Carolina! First off I had never been to North Carolina (NC), so encompassed in that is I had never been out to visit them at their place. They moved out there about a year and half ago while I was on my mission while he goes to NC state for School. So I went out there and had a total blast! It was so much fun to just be able to hang out with them for a while. There were so many adventures, and trips that made it even better, but even if we did nothing but just hang out with each other all day it still would have been a blast.

Here is a picture of us in our box seat that we got for free, at the performing arts center in Raleigh. This was a St. Pats day showing of the Irish Tenors. We had the best seats in the house, and we weren't even dressed for it! We literally showed up at the building to take a look around, a very nice gentlemen asked us if we would like to see a show? We said, yes he took us in, asked Staci if she would like to sit in the box seats, and she immediatly said YES! (Good Job Stac) And there we were sitting right above the Irish tenors.

Here is a picture of Cameron Indoor Stadium (Where Duke plays) What shocked me about this stadium was just how small it was! It is tiny compared to most stadiums, and they definitely make it an atmosphere. It was fun to see the championship banners hanging from the rafters, and just feel of the tradition that there is there.

This is in the Tobacco District. Lucky strike was a huge Tobacco company, and all that water you see behind me flowing is all water they would use to put out fires that would happen when they were drying the Tobacco leaves.

Part of our travels took us to Washington DC, Annapolis and Salisbury Maryland, (Annapolis is where the Naval acadamy is), and to Delaware! Yes I have been to Delaware, and i'm glad we went 10 minutes out of our way to get there. So here is some pics from that,

The New WW2 memorial. So cool!

(Love the Washington monument.)

This is in front of a statue of Brigham Young. Each state is allowed to put 2 statues in the capitol and we chose Brigham Young. This is also the location we lost our tour guide and started to wander around aimlessly by ourselves until we found another tour guide.
The changing of the guard. This is a super special ceremony and tradition of our country. The inscription might be too small to read but it reads: Here rests in honored glory, An American Soldier, known but to God.
This is a Toll Bridge-Tunnel-Bridge-Tunnel-Bridge. It was 21 miles long and the name really implies what it does. It also was a $12 toll Bridge! The toll booth attendant didn't like Ryans questions nearly as much as I did. He asked if there was refreshments half way across? I am still cracking up about that even now as I type this.
Last but not least, a picture in front of the goat, or possibly ram, I can't remember of the midshipmen. There we are the intrepid crew. Thanks for the fun trip Ryan and Staci! I loved it, and it was awesome. Even despite spending my night in New York, still totally worth it. :) Love you guys.

2010-03-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

vision without work is dreaming,
work without vision is drudgery,
work with vision is destiny.

--Elder Bruce Hafen

That's what he said when he came to my mission about a year and a half ago. Little did I know then that not only would it apply in my every day missionary work, but it would apply so much in life. So now it's time to go to work, I just hope I have a vision.

7 more days

2010-02-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Bloggers,

So for the past week I have been completely immersed in the Olympics. I have pretty much spent far too much time watching, talking, and thinking about the Olympics. I have enjoyed them throughly, and they haven't let me down. I even have watched curling, sadly I have watched quite a bit of curling. I love it though, it's like bowling. Maybe i'll do a post about curling soon, just because I feel it doesn't get enough love. But tonight I just thought I would comment about how much I love the olympics.

One of the reasons I love the Olympics is because for these 17 days I have the ability to watch a sporting event as often as I want. It's 3:00 A.M. (if i'm awake) what's on? The Olympics. It's 7:00 at night what's on? The Olympics! It's 3:00 in the afternoon on a Monday!?!?! What's on? The Olympics! Glorious! I love sports, and I love the Olympics. It's awesome.

Another reason? I love to watch as these athletes who have competed for this one thing their whole life, and it all comes together in a matter for seconds, or minutes depending on your event. All the training, all the sweat, blood, tears, late nights, early mornings, sacrifices that these people make put into a one event. All for a symbol. A medal, this medal if they win it, will symbolize their dedication to one thing for probably the better part of their life. Therefore the passion that you see from these Men and Women is incredible. The precision with how they perform, and the intensity with which they play is almost unmatchable. I love it.

I love the Olympics because of the underdogs! Remember 4 years ago when Bode Miller was suppose to win 5 medals and he didn't win any? Remember how he came to the Olympics this year and everyone juts said well, we will just have to see what happens because you never know! That's right you never know. And for the record Bode Miller has skied incredibly! But still, whether it's some guy coming from New Zealand, to lead a cross country ski race for minutes, or your the biggest name guy like Shaun White, you still never know! Probably, referring back to last paragraph, because like I said it all comes down to one event. One time, you screw up it's over. This is no 82 game season. It's minutes, minutes to perfection. It's go big or go home, literally.

Lastly of the many, many, more reasons I love the Olympics I will just mention one more. I love the Olympics because for these 17 days I think the world just feels a little closer together. Whether your from Japan, Australia, Poland, Brazil, or America, we all can be bonded a little closer together in support of our Olympians. Sure we compete against each other, but I can't say I honestly route against any of them. I am just in awe of their dedication, and i'm happy when they do good, and i'm sad when any athlete does bad. Also I could probably go anywhere in the world tonight, and see almost any person and we'd have something to talk about. Who knows though, it might just be me, but it might not. Maybe we all feel the same way, but all I can say is this, we have 7 more days of the Olympics.

1 year ago today

2010-02-14T22:11:00.000-08:00

So Valentines day has been a mixed emotion holiday for me for the past little while. For the most part it seems to me it's just more February 14, than it is Valentines day. However, lot's of good things have come out of the past couple Valentines day and I just wanted to write really quickly about exactly one year ago today, how awesome that February 14, was.

So a year ago today I was on my mission, and I was companions with Elder Hilton. It seemed like it would be just like any other day doing missoinary work, until we realized, that tonight like a few other nights that we didn't even have a dinner appointment. So we thought, what to do on a Valentines day for dinner? We can't just do the usual, it has to be special. Then the one place that popped into both our minds almost instantly was the local Dennys! That's right nothing beats a grand slam on a special day. It's almost just American. Well we went, and enjoyed every minute. We were even served by a waitress that had little heart antennas, and long red and pink socks. She kept hitting on Elder Hilton, she thought he was pretty cute. All in a Valentines day in Sacramento. That's one holiday i'll never forget.

Oh the places you go.....

2010-02-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

So while on my mission I missed a lot of things. There would be far too many to mention here and just now. However I will mention one because that is what this blog post is about. There is a place very near and dear to my heart which I have been thinking about lately. The place is Southwood park. In fact, pretty much every time I drive by there I find myself looking out at the soccer field where I have played many beautiful games of frisbee. You will also find me looking at the tennis courts where Dodge and I had many a heated match, and many a heated discussion whether the ball was in or not. It's also the place where traditions have been started. Well mostly just the tradition of decorating the Southwood tree at Christmas time. It's our park, and I love it.

I have been thinking lately as to why I love this park so much. I have come to the conclusion it is because I associate the things that I love so much with this park. That place where I play my favorite sport, the place where I hang out with my favorite people, and the place where I go when everything else is gone. Every weekend throughout all of junior high and high school you would find me there. It was one of the last places I visited before I left on my mission and my very first night home, I actually went there. In my last area of Vacaville we had a park named Southwood, and I would pass by there every chance I could just because it reminded me of the park here in Murray. Probably ridiculous I know, but it's me. And I am very happy about that.

I recently was reunited with my park in a game of ultimate frisbee. This post is probably a little late, but last Saturday I got to play once again ultimate at Southwood. It felt just like coming home again. The people were different, the weather was cold, and I was quite out of practice. However it all came back fairly quickly, I made new friends, and it doesn't matter if the weather was cold because we've been there before. Moral of the story, I missed a lot of things while being gone. I am glad to be united with at least one of them for the moment.

(This is a picture of the park in Vacaville, yes I threw the frisbee around while I was there. It had to be done.)

Mania!

2010-01-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

So in the Sponbeck household we have a new tradition. You see for Christmas this year Santa brought a gift that is called a Wii. It's pretty awesome. We have been figuring out as a family how to incorporate this gift into our lives, and by the looks of it we have a tradition coming on. You see for the past, well since Christmas every Sunday night my mom, my dad, and myself have all gathered around and played a few games a bowling and tennis. It's actually a lot of fun. And the parental units are actually getting pretty good at it. As you are about to find out, tonight I thought I would write about tonights game and how things shaped up.

So tonight started out just about like any other night with the Wii, I had just won at tennis against mom. But this one was good because she scored and did really good. She is getting pretty good at the backhand, and even had like 3 or so fast serves. She did really good, then we jumped into the real competition a bowling match. We usually have to play at least 2 games to settle the real champ though as most of our games are pretty close. Tonight you get 3. The first one started out like usual, Dad was in the lead I was a close second and Mom was hoping for her miracle comeback again which happens WAY to often! I don't know how the heck she does it, but she comes out of nowhere for 3 or 4 strikes at the end of the game to beat us by 2 pins. Anyway we can't let this happen. So the first game, I just pulled ahead in the 8th frame, and we were heading down to it when here comes Mom again. Spare, strike, 9 pins down. Anyway SHE WON! Oh my heck. Dad and I didn't know what to do. She was doing her usual cheer, while jumping. Chanting her "Open, open, open" as I left another frame open. So frustrating.

Well I can't have that, we gotta go again. So we do, this time we'll pick things up from the 5th frame where Dad goes crazy. I am getting killed, I seem to have lost my magic and have 4 open frames, when dad goes on a rampage. Count this with me, Strike, Strike, Strike, Strike, Strike, Strike, Strike, Strike! 8 Strikes in a row! I didn't know what just happened! Did I just lose again? This time to dad? I had to keep some of the pride that was so low, and just beat mom by 2 pins after another miracle comeback. What's going one around here I wonder? Dad just posted a 245, and blew our old record out of the water. I am dumbstruck, Mom begs for one more.

3rd game. I'm thinking I can't lose again, three times in one night to people who should be technologically challenged? As you can see they are not challenged but are in fact quite hip. So anyway, I need to win. From the start it's a close one, we'll just pick up from the 9th frame where I am winning by 8 pins. When I bowl, and get 8 down. I have 2 standing on the right side. So I line myself up, shoot, and MISSED! OPEN FRAME! NOOOOO! I am so close, mom and Dad both bowl in the 10th and are winning. Mom has 167, Dad has 165, and I am battling for either first or last place. It all comes down to if I can spare and then knock down a few. That's all I have to do. So I bowl, and boom, I knock down seven or so. Easy money, bowl again, SPARE! WOOOOO! All I need to do now is just bowl and hit 4 pins and the game is mine. So I bowl, and I hit 6. WINNER! Finals: Josh 169 Mom 167 Dad 165 Too close for comfort. So basically as you can see we now have heated rivalries and we all are looking forward to next Sunday when the rematch happens. Bragging rights for the week on the line, but the bad/good thing for this week. We all won a match, but Dad probably claims the rights to brag with 8 strikes in a row. I gotta give my props to him for that. Good job Dad, oh and Mom love you too. :) Even with those miracle come backs.

Time stands still while the clock keeps moving

2010-01-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

Well here we go again. It seems that life continues to roll forward with or without me. Luckily I feel this time I am in the game at least a little bit more than usual. Today was an eventful day because I started back to work today. Luckily it was at a place that was pretty familiar to me. After looking around at quite a few places, I decided that a good decision was to go back to the Lion House. Yes I know back at the Lion House. So today I went back to work, and it was a lot like riding a bike. Luckily it was a small party that I worked, and I was with people I knew so it made it super easy to be back. For now it will be a good job, with all that I need.

As for tomorrow, well tomorrow I start school. Hmmmmmm what to say. Well most people have been asking how I am feeling about school starting. To be honest I am not quite sure how to feel. Probably more apprehensive, is probably a good word than anything. I am just not quite sure what to expect. I am nervous and excited. Mostly it's just an unknown. I have never gone to college, so it's just something new. I know it'll be fine, it's still just kind of daunting starting something new. Especially after having been out of this type of life for so long. One big benefit of my mission is that I feel I learned how to study at least a little bit more than I did in High School. In High School I didn't have a clue how to study, or learn from a book. I feel that I am more prepared, and ready for whatever might be thrown at me. So all in all, life rolls on.

My little Buddy

2010-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

So when I was about 7 months into my mission I received a phone call early one morning notifying me that I was an uncle! To a beautiful baby boy who was named Easton. I was so excited, you can ask my sisters I have waited far to long to be an uncle and was so excited to be able to have this title. I was at the same time bummed for I knew that it would be a long 17 more months until I actually met this little guy. He would probably be walking and talking, and have a huge personality all of his own before I even met him. Well quicker than I thought the day came that I met little Easton and it was everything I thought it would be. Instant love for this little guy, sure he cried and cried the first time I held him but that was to be expected, right? Well I have been home for almost a month now and I have gotten to know him a little bit, and he now knows me well enough to point me out if you ask where I am. Anyway this post goes out to him because of the lost time we had. We are trying to make up for it now so I thought I would write about him, and his funny things he does.

So basically Easton and I drive each other nuts, and we get along great doing it. He does the funniest things. He is a real cutie and I like him a lot. One of the things that Easton and I can agree on is the game hide and seek. In fact it's one of the few games we play well together. He loves tight spaces and I try to go and find him. When I find him I run away and he comes chasing after me. He's such a funny duck and we play this game almost every time we are together. Another thing we can agree on is that we love Sammy. As you can see she is very patient with the both of us. Because despite driving each other nuts, I think we drive Sammy even crazier. This picture was while Sammy attempted to take a nap. It didn't last very long. Easton made a slide out of her, and it wasn't long before she got up and moved.

Speaking of Easton and Sammy, have you ever seen the cartoon Calvin and Hobbes? Well Easton is Calvin and Sammy is Hobbes. It is so funny. They are always together and have quite
the relationship because of it. I can just imagine them dreaming up all these schemes and plans and attempting to go through with them, then getting in trouble and trying to find ways out of trouble. It's super funny when Easton will tease Sam by getting food and running real close to her then running away fast as she tries to grab it out of his hand. It's also funny when Sam wags her tail real hard and will go stand right by Easton whose face happens to be at the perfect height to get whacked by it. They make quite the team, and are the best of buds.

Easton and I also like to play the Piano together. He loves to watch the keys as they move up and down, he loves to go under the piano when I play, and he loves it even more if I play real loud. As always Sammy (A.K.A. Hobbes) is never far away. He dances funny, by bobbing up and down and loves when I sing the Goldfish theme song. He loves goldfish so I sing it while he eats them. Overall Easton and I are good buds. He is such a stud and I love him.

Hello blogging world!

2010-01-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

Hello world,

I am officially back from the dead, and doing alive and well. After a chat with my sister Staci, I decided that I would come back on and begin to blog again. Life is interesting as always since being home and the #1 question I have been asked is probably how are you adjusting? That's a hard question to answer most of the time because it depends on the hour, minute, and day. That being said I am glad that some of my old friends are still around so i'm not bored out of my mind all the time. That will also change quickly however as they are all back off to life. From Provo, to Logan, and even one Jerusalem, everyone will be off by next week. I however will be in Murray, at SLCC. Which I am surprisingly excited about, a little nervous too because I have never gone to college before. But it is SLCC and I am excited. Heres a picture to help spice things up. :)

Updates!

2008-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

So I realize that I am terrible at updating Joshs blog. I recently noticed that more people probably look at this than I know. So I will try to be better.

Well March madness is over by a couple weeks but we sent Josh a bracket to fill out because we always do this as a fam. We also sent one for his companion which well....his companion did terrible! Josh did ok, he and I (Collie) chose a lot of the same teams. Funny. I guess we are related after all. His transfers are coming up and he is not sure whether or not he will be transfered but he has been in Vallejo for about 10 weeks now. He is still lovin the mish and loves letters so keep them goin!

Josh has great friends

2008-03-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

Josh has been out now for 3 and a half months now and we (his family) have had a few visits from some great friends.

UPDATE: Josh is still in Vallejo and is doing really well. They have been walking a lot due to high car miles and they challenged a lady to baptisim this past week. He seems to still be optimistic about the whole thing and is loving the mish. For those of you who know him....he is way into sports and is still filling out a March Madness bracket. :) We will see how he does since he doesn't know any of the teams. We love you Josh!

Updates!

2007-12-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

Well it is hard to update on Elder Sponbeck from the MTC since there isn't a whole lot of exciting news from there. He did get made as a Zone Leader last Sunday until he leaves on Wednesday. He has also been doing the phone center and he actually committed a lady to going back to church and another he thinks was going to start the discussions. We are sure proud of him. He will leave for California Santa Rosa on Wednesday Dec. 26 and he can't wait. He wishes he had more time to write letters but he does say hi to all.

Its Official! Elder Sponbeck

2007-12-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

DAY ONE: THE MTC Today we took Elder Sponbeck to the MTC. Also known as the Mormon Correctional Facility. After a new badge and a short meeting we were wisked away, out the Family Exit and he the Missionary Exit. His new adventure starts. I am sure about now he is getting drilled with questions and beginning to see his life in the MTC for the next 3 weeks. He departs for California, Santa Rosa on December 26. Only 23 Months 30 days left. :) We love you Elder!

So long for 2 years

2007-12-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Well i'll keep this short and sweet, goodbye :) My sisters said that they would keep my blog up with information and pictures and stories about me, in case anyone besides them ever read this in the first place but yeah so if you feel so inclined take a gander and see how i'm doing. But like I said goodbye.

This is Elder Sponbeck Signing out

Thanks

2007-12-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hello! Tonights post will be long enough so it doesn't need to much of an intro but here is what it is about. This post is for everyone who I have ever known that has helped me to this point in my life.

First and foremost my family. My family has always been here for me. no matter what I might have done of will do they will always care about me and have never of ever will leave me. It is because of them that I am who I am today. To the parentals, thanks for everything. First off just housing me and feeding me of course but also giving me everything I could ever want of need for the past 19 years of my life. You guys have always been there for me and I am so grateful for you guys. For all the football games you have come too, and every sport in fact. Track, Cross country, wrestling, basketball, soccer, and everything in between. I owe you guys everything. To the sisters, first Staci. You will be missed and i'll especially miss your care. By that I mean your honest caring heart. You always have wanted the best for me and always have wondered how I am doing. Your awesome, and I will miss you. For Collie, thanks for always making me smile. You like Staci have aways cared for me and had my best interests at heart. I could always count on you during a tough time for advice. Can't wait to see pictures of my new nieces and nephews.....hopefully! To Zach, keep an eye on Collie. Don't let her go to crazy and keep doing what your doing. I couldn't hope for any better for Collie, and your great. Ryan, keep up the good work. I could always talk sports with you, and I know you'll keep it up while i'm gone, your amazing.

Alright now that I got that done, heres to the Bros. All the fellas I could always count on to just call up and say "hey you want to chill?" Here's to Brock, Rog, P-Witt, John, Coleton, Craig, and everyone else of the bros out here.

Brock, my boy currently serving in the Long Beach California Mission. Brock was always such a great friend. I couldn't ask for better. He save my life numerous times especially after everyone left. He was always there for me from the day I met him on. I could always count on Brock to talk too and keep things in perspective. One of the most patient and friendly kids I have ever met and he is missed a lot.

Dodge, what can I say kid? You have been there for me every day since seventh grade. Every stinking day. You have never turned your back on me, never left me in the cold, never done wrong by me. You have been one of the best and truest friends I have ever had and ever will have. For being with me through wrestling, and ever since every day. We met begging for money kid in seventh grade and have been inseperable ever since. Going to lunch, chilling out every weekend. I owe you more than you know.

P-Witt what a kid. I owe you P-Witt so much for everything you have done. For all the drinks, and time at your house it really adds up. I can't believe we have come this far together. Ever since elementary I have known you, and I could always count on you to make me laugh. Even when I was getting killed in Halo it was better when I was with you. Thanks kid.

John, Elder Fisihetau. Didn't know you as well as I would have liked during High School but we always had frisbee. You have sent me so much perfect air mail over the time we've been together I can't believe it. You have always been my go to man on gospel topics, and I can't imagine a better man for Samoa.

Colipoki, I always said I owe you for all the rides to institute. And yes I do, me, you, and Kenny just chilling out. I could do it all day, just be chilling man.

Dal Pal Lewis. I think me and Dal Pal have been friends since the day I met him. I could always know that Dal Pal had some plan up his sleeve. For any day he had something going, some plan to have fun. Whether it was fun in the snow, or going to see a movie at the car mike. You have shown me the light. And if for any one that reads this if Dal Pal tells you something take it to the bank. He's been around and he knows from experience.

To all the other bros out there Craig, Spencer, Alvin, Fielder, Eric, Jason Brinton, Mckay (St. Louis Missouri), Mitchell (Nashville Tennessee), Ryan Margetts (Ulanbaatar Mongolia), Tyler Teran (Catayna Italy), Andrew Christenson, and Thu (Harrisburg Pennsylvania). All you guys have helped me out, and I can't say how much it means to me. I love all the fella's and remember to let me know what is up.

Now for a few of the girls that got me through the last couple of months.

Ellen Larsen! I love Ell Bell, with all of our crazy schemes. Muffin Monday, decorating Christmas trees outside, and playing frisbee every spare second we have. Throw in a little settlers and some Sunday visits, and you become pretty much amazing. And you are. Keep up the crazy schemes and keep having fun with school.

Brooklyn Hunter. Always keeping me sane with your great laugh and fun sense of humor. Brooklyn you have such a great personality, even with all your worrying, you keep things so light and fun. Keep it up your awesome. Cause when push comes to shove! :)

Lindsay Irion, just for being there for me all the time. It's awesome to have someone that you can always count on when I needed you. Everyone should have a friend like you because it's a beautiful thing. And try not to become to much of a valley girl while i'm gone. :)

Jacklyn Cowley! I have chilled with you so much the past three months it's hard to imagine life without you. For country dancing, and playing frisbee in the rain. Eating the muffins, and trying to enjoy them, yes thank you.

Too all the other girls, Alicia Voorhees, Krisina, Aimee Jo, Kristen all the way out in Cali, and Jessica in Hawaii. Even though they were far, they always had time to talk to me and I love it. To anyone else I might not have mentioned thanks. You guys are excellent and I will miss you all.

I think that is it, for my marathon post. If you make it all the way through you should be commended. This is why I never when an Oscar way to many people to thank. But anyway just if you missed it the point of this post was to thank everyone for everything they have done. You have all helped me in getting ready for the mission and making sure I am prepared for it. So thanks, your all great.

Bubbly Toes

2007-11-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

Hello! First post since last week, but hey. So I woke up this morning and 2 thoughts crossed my mind. The first one being IT IS SUPPOSED TO SNOW TODAY! The second one ONLY 8 MORE DAYS!

Yes my first thought of the day was it is suppose to snow today. Every once in a while I will ask Dallin Lewis how chill we are? I say Dallin how chill are you? Then he sends me a weather report, because that's just who he is. I love it, he will be on the flipping TV by the time I get home. I am almost certain. Well anyway so I asked him that and he knows I love snow and he told me a slight chance of snow today and I took it and ran with it. Now look at it, it's not much but it's definitely better than nothing! I love it, I hope it snows until I leave every day for lot's of snow! I mean think of all the fun stuff you get to do in the snow. Skiing, snowball fights, sledding, throw snowballs at people, do doughnuts, and just have tons of fun! It's probably one of the best things ever I think. Sometimes people don't like the snow, well I can't get enough of it! So bring on the snow baby. I won't get it in Cali so I need to fill the canteen in a sense.

Second thought 8 more days. That thought speaks for itself, and it amazes me that it's this close. The farewell talk was on Sunday and luckily I got through it and felt I did ok. It was so much fun to see everyone again, and I am glad to have that out of the way. Only 8 days left I hope to make the most of it! And you can bet i'll be loving the snow!

0.0% Smooth

2007-11-19T21:43:00.000-08:00

So todays post goes out to all those fella's, me included, who no matter what I try can not be smooth. In anything at all. First off and the most obvious, with girls. I can not be smooth. Ya know occasionally I pull something off by accident but wow it amazes me how bad I can botch something. Like when your going to hug a girl and you step in and you feel her foot beneath your shoe. Or when you try to say a pick up line and you say it wrong? Yeah these things are a daily basis for me now. It's terrible and the harder I try the worse I get. And to anyone well any guy who reads this and thinks "man that will never happen to me" I laugh. It probably will happen too you and probably just because you thought that it will happen twice. Karma friend karma :)

Next thing, tonight playing a Madden football game with my brother in law, and i'm up 19-0. I'm playing with my Broncos and looking unstoppable. Then reality hits, 2 quick interceptions a few quick scores and he's up. He later wins me by 10 points 31-41. Then I realized my problem I had JAKE PLUMMER in the game! Jake Plummer is terrible and I realized at that moment that it was not my inability to smoothly close out that game, it was Jake Plummers fault. He's no good and I should have benched him.

Anyway so keep it smooth, and it will work out better for you probably. Well I hope so at least.

Oh by the way today was another edition of Muffin Monday! I got together with John, Ellen, and Kim Cheney and we made some of the most scrumptious muffins I had ever tasted. Peach Pecan Muffins, but don't let the name fool you they were so good. We then delivered and I can't wait for next week to do it all over again! Hooray for muffin Monday.

Also it's a big week, with Thanksgiving, the Utah-Team down south game, and i'm speaking in church. It could get messy so let's hope that all these events go good. :)

Happy Days

2007-11-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

For the past week, there has just been a lot of enjoyable times. I guess it's just one of those things that when your feeling good your feeling good. So i'm just going to tell you a little bit about happy times.

Wednesday-As in a week from today, I was able to go to leaf relief! You may be asking what the devil is that? Well once a fall all of the people in my ward and whoever wants to come gets together just to go and help pick up everyones leafs. It's actually fun and was made especially fun because John Fisihetau came and helped. Ya know service is actually really so fun and I truly enjoyed but were not done. After that I went over to Johns and watched him open up his mission call! He is going to Apia Samoa! It was so great I had never seen John the way he was the night, just he was so happy and I am happy for him! Go get em' Elder!

Thursday-Mmmmmmmm, that's about all I can say. I was able to go see the MHS production of Cinderella. That was actually so fun, it was great! I was able to see a lot of my good friends, actually most of which were in the pit. But big shout out to Alicia Voorhees. Wow she was so amazing, and just wow. So yes but more coming up about this later.

Friday-Yes, well first off Dodge came home which I always enjoy. I didn't have work so it was just a good Friday. Played a little Zilch with Dal Pal and Rog (A dice game) then just chilled. Ya know I can't even really remember what we did but that doesn't really matter. I can already tell you that it was awesome cause whenever me and Dodge get together it's a good time.

Saturday-Big lineup. Went and played a little basketball with Eric and company. I love basketball and it was fun to get to go play again. Then straight off to the Utah game, where we pounded the Cowboys 50-0. And about Coach Witt's onside kick and whatever else, some people were all ticked because they felt he was running up the score. All I have to say is whatever. The game is on and if you are the superior team you are the superior team. I have been on both sides of a blow out and is it fun? no not a chance, but still you count on a Conference opponent to come to play. So come to play and don't get blown out. That's all I have to say. Now that night I went to the play again. Yes twice and it was just as good the second time. Alicia did amazing again and we were able to make Jonathan (Dodge's little brother) laugh while on stage. Standing ovation and wow. Call that one what it is, amazing.

Sunday-Who doesn't love a Sunday where all you do is chill with Family and friends. Ate a delicious dinner with the fam, went to a singing fireside, then John and Ellen came over to get me letters for Brocks package. Ended up just chatting and having a good time.

Monday-Normal day except that it was MUFFIN MONDAY! A new tradition between Ellen, John and I. Where we get together every Monday I have left and make muffins. This last week was Pumpkin Chocolate chip and next week will be a surprise. Then Preston came up and we chilled till the wee hours of the morning just doing what we do best, chilling. I loved it I wish Preston came up more so I could do more chilling.

Tuesday-I got to play frisbee which automatically makes it a good day. I went to Southwood and just was able to chill with Ell Bell throwing the frisbee around. Then went to Savior of the World which Spencer Hunter was in. Man I give big props because it was so good. I recommend it if I can do that and wish you would go see that. Do it.

Wednesday (Today)-yes today has already been a good day. For one I am now 3 weeks away from the mission today. And although a daunting thought I couldn't be more excited. So I woke up and just knew, then as I proceeded downstairs I saw a letter from my Mission Pres.! It told me that I will need to buy a bike when I get there and told me a bunch of other stuff about the mission. Like I got a zone map and then a bunch of info sheets and other things that my Mission Pres wants to know about me! I am pumped.

Yes a good week I would say. I have just been able to smile all week because it's just been awesome. So don't even worry about it :)

I WANT MY TURKEY DINNER!

2007-11-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

So I start this post off with a question? What ever happened to Thanksgiving? Has the American society just abandoned all hope of being thankful for something? Let me tell you what I am talking about. November 1, 2 radio stations in the State of Utah started to play Christmas music. Those to radio stations are FM 100 and Kosy 106.5 The thought that Christmas music is being played right now at this exact moment in time is driving me nuts! Secondly I walked in a couple of stores the other day and there are Christmas decorations up! Big signs talking about Christmas, Christmas trees, presents, wrapping paper, and everything that goes with the great holiday of Christmas.

Now i'm not disrespecting Christmas I am just respecting Thanksgiving. I mean maybe it's just because I love the month of November I mean who doesn't? What with Ski season, and Basketball season, the Utah playing the team down south, Thanksgiving and snow? The fact that it is also my birth month helps but how can you go wrong with all of that fun stuff?

Now that i've rambled a bit, I am just going to ask let's show Thanksgiving a little love. It's time to be thankful and remember all of your blessings. Oh and today I am thankful for the fact that way I am down to 24/25 days depending on how you count. Woooo! Having just read Prestons blog I liked what he said about Pippen's line. "I don't want to fight in a battle, but waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse" I feel like Preston and Pippen just reversed, I want to serve a mission, and just get out there. I am tired of waiting. I just hope what they say is true, good things come to those who wait :) And remember be thankful and remember Thanksgiving this year.

31 days and counting.......

2007-11-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

So let me tell you something to you about something. So when I got my mission call some two months ago it was an eternity before December. Well at first it was, that first month was as slow as molasses in January in Antarctica. Well pretty slow ya know. I was just wondering how on earth am I going to make it to December 5th?

Well standing here at the end of month two I am wondering where the time went? It was so fast and I am looking back thinking of all the fun stuff I was able to do! Such as chill with my friends, play frisbee, be with my family, and watch sports of course. It was such a fun time and just being myself. I give big props to Ellen and Brooke for being so chill and saving me more than once and John also. Preston and Rog to be with on weekends. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now I embark on that third and last month. Looking at all the fun stuff ahead such as, JAZZ BASKETBALL, Ski season, Utah football, hopefully a trip to the beach, and a lot of time with friends and family. Squeeze some frisbee in there and this month I would imagine goes by faster than the last. All I can say is December 5th is coming fast and I wouldn't have it any other way. California, Santa Rosa here I come.......in 31 days that is. And even for that matter Provo, Utah here I come.....in 31 days. Then California, Santa Rosa. :)

Jazz, the Utah Jazz

2007-10-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful season of NBA basketball has begun! I love basketball, it is just one of those sports that I hold dear because I just love it. Playing it, watching it, being a fan of it, it's simply amazing. I love to go to the Jazz games every chance I get, and also Utah games are fun. But this post is for the Jazz. They are my team, ever since the days of Hornacek, Malone, and Stockton. You see those guys play and you have to love them and I did. The love just continued on on here I am a Jazz fan still. Today it's not Stockton to Malone, or Hornacek for three, it's a little different..........

We got Deron Williams-One of the best point guards in the league. In only a few short seasons D-Will has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He averaged a double double last year, and led the Jazz to the Western Conference finals. He has patented his hard drive jumping floater in the lane. Last night with opening night he was back to his usual stuff with 24 points and eight assists. Deron Williams will continue to establish himself and become the best point guard in the league.

Next we have CARLOS BOOZER-Did you just see that finesse? Or how about that left handed dunk? Well it came from my man Carlos Boozer. Carlos is filling the shoes of the mailman Karl Malone. Boozer is filling in quite nicely I say though. With points left and right, amazing passes, and such a nice shot, Carlos is on of my favorite players. Coming out of Duke, and interesting fact about Carlos is that when he was younger his dad made him eat his cereal with his left hand to improve coordination. Cool huh, all I have to say is that if I ever see Carlos' dad I will just go up and say thank you.

The rookie Ronnie Brewer-Now let me tell you something about something. When I heard this season that Ronnie Brewer was going to be taking the reins of our two guard after last years departure of Derek Fisher I was a little nervous. Ronnie Brewer untested, and unseasoned. We needed leadership and stability. Little did I know however that we already had all that. What was I worried about Ronnie Brewer has stepped in nicely. With an average16 points in the pre-season and 6 steals we knew we had someone special. Last night he proved that18 points 8 assists and 4 steals, and most of his points coming on cutting dunks that were huge momentum swingers he was so fun to watch. I guess what they say, Patience is a virtue, is really true. it's been a long time coming for Ronnie Brewer but boy was he worth the wait.

Our 3 point shooting center Mehmet Okur-Mehmet Okur can do it all. He plays inside and out. Shoots the 3 ball and stuffs Yao all in the same game. Mehmet can really step up when needed and we will need him this year. We were one of the poorest three point shooting teams in the league last year and we will need his touch this year.

Last but not least Andrei Kirilenko-Now there has been a lot of turmoil surrounding Kirilenko this off season, starting with him crying last year in the playoffs and then him thinking about vacation plans, and people questioning his commitment. Well I would have to say that all this stuff has been a distraction. About the crying, there is no crying here and no room for it so i'm glad he only did it once and he better not do it again. For vacation Eric Degan said it best, Kirilenko got a little homesick, he went home played huge in Russia winning the player of the tournament award, the MVP, if you will and was a little worried about coming back here. Well he's back and playing so don't worry about that. The commitment issue well I think that Kirilenko just forgot his role. We don't need him to score 20 points a night, just having him do what he does best is what we need. Blocks, steals, assists, and most importantly DEFENSE! He can be our best defender if he puts his mind to it and I think he will. I have always been a big fan of Kirilenko and will continue to be a fan. Especially after last night when we saw the old Kirilenko back. There was no crying and no questions about his commitment he was home and played like it with a stat sheet to prove. 8 assists, 9 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 steals. Nearly the 5x5 again. That's the Kirilenko we know and I think he'll be back this season stronger than ever. We built this team around him and he's here to play.

As for my sixth man I can't name just one there's to many so heres a list Paul Millsap, Matt Harpring, Gordon Giricek, and CJ Miles-Paul Millsap is my boy. He's huge and plays even bigger than he is. He is definitely my hustle player of the year. He makes the tough plays diving on the floor, just to get the ball and call timeout. Offensive rebounds, putbacks, defense on anyone. Paul Millsap was the steal of the draft a few years ago and he's so awesome. He's one of our best players hands down.
Matt Harpring is tougher than a bed of nails. Whenever you look at him he's down low battling or coming off screens. One of my favorite moves of his is his curl around a screen quick pass and he shoots. Hits it so often and so routinely. He's probably one of the toughest guys to defend. You can't hope to stop him, only hope to contain him.
Gordon! Gordon is our kick out guy. Him and Mehmet, we'll need him just as bad as we'll need Mehmet for our threes. He's backing up Ronnie this year which means DEFENSE also. He'll be put on the Ray Allen's, and Tracy McGradys. He will have tough assignments all year and we need him to step up.
Lastly CJ miles. CJ is another young'n. Coming out of the developmental leagues I think he will have a bigger role to play this year than we think. He can't come out as a dud anymore we need him to perform. And don't worry I think he will.

The Jazz have such a good team this year and I hope that we can keep up this intensity. After last nights performance which we won 117-96 against Golden State I am not too worried. The West is a tough Conference as usual and we'll have to watch out for the Denver Nuggets this year in our division. But I think we have it. My prediction? Well if I had to make a prediction I would say that while i'm on my mission the Jazz will win the NBA finals. Oh and another thing to point out last night we had 2 guys last night with a double double and 3 more with only one or two things away. Can you say team work? The Jazz are awesome and I can't wait to see more of them this year!

GO JAZZ!

My beloved Utah Utes

2007-10-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

After last nights post of the Rockies I figured it would be a great time to say a little somthin' somthin' about the Utah Utes. I have been a Utah fan ever since I was born basically and am red through and through. Being a Utah fan you see the best of the best and the worst of the worst. You see joy and happiness and sadness and bitter disappointment. So this one goes out to the best ever Utah Utes!

This season the Utes have had a little bit of everything great wins, tough losses, and disappointing let downs. We started off with Oregon St. and Air force. The Air Force loss was especially difficult to swallow after losing on the one yard line again! Boo, but don't worry after many fans gave up and backs against the wall Coach Witt and the boys pulled out an awesome punishing win against UCLA. Then the let down against UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium. After that though we have ticked off 5 straight wins against Utah State, Louisville, San Diego State, TCU, and Colorado State. There looking good and here are a few of the plyers making this happen. My keys to the Utes success if you will.
Brian Johnson (BJ)-The third most productive quarterback in 2005 looked promising until a season ending injury against New Mexico then red shirted. BJ has come back strong and led this team to 6-3. He runs our offense and leads this team. He will continue to lead us as long as he plays and he does a great job.

Darrell Mack-During the Ron McBride days you could always count on two things. First you could count on a 6-5 or 7-5 season almost without fail. The other thing you could count on was a great running back. One that could carry the team. Finally once again we have a running back that can pound out yards. He's inside, he's outside dipping, diving, dodging, ducking, all the way to the endzone. When Darrell Mack is doing his thing the Utes will win, and you can take that to the bank.
Steve Tate-A less well known Utah defensive back, also very versatile and plays the outside linebacker spot occasionally. Well let me tell you something Steve Tate is a big play maker. He plays outside his head, making hits and interceptions things that turn the tide of the game. This is so much overlooked momentum and big plays. Defensive backs can control the game and when Steve Tate is on making his plays you can bet we'll win.
Louie Sakoda- Louie flipping Sakoda the near perfect kicker. Louie Sakoda is as close to perfect as you get missing only one PAT in his career due to a bad hold. He is awesome on field goals, and pins teams inside the ten constantly. He is so awesome and the best kicker I think that Utah has ever seen. My hat goes off to Sakoda he's great.
The Utes Offinsive/Defensive Line-My last entry but definitely not least. The boys in the trenches. These are the guys were everything happens. They open up holes for Mack to hit, they protect Brian, we'll just say they make everything happen. The most underappreciated position in football. Sure they aren't the ones scoring the touchdowns but they might as well be. Their making it happen, play in and play out. Every day, every down, every time.

These are the fewest entries to describe playmakers. I didn't even get into the Wide Recievers, Derrick Richards, Brent Casteel, Marquis Wilson, Brian Hernandez or not to mention the other playmakers on defense like Brice McCain, Joe Jianonni, and all the boys out there playing 60 minutes. All I can say is keep it up Utes your awesome. Let's go get the last three games and show everyone what we can really do.

GO UTES!

Colorado Rockies

2007-10-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Another great season of Americas past time has come to an end this evening. Another glamorous season with all of it's ups and down, twists and turns, heartache and misery, joy and jubilant celebration. The Boston "Stinking" Red Sox have one another world series this time at the expense of the Colorado Rockies. In a 4 game sweep this team looked immaculate, and dismantled the Rockies. Kind of what I watched happen to my 2004 St. Louis Cardinals. So here's my tribute to possibly one of the greatest come back teams in history.With 13 games to go in the regular season the Rockies were 6 games behind the Padres and the Phillies. After pretty much most of the country counting them out they came back and won 14 of their last 13 games beating the Padres in a playoff game to see who would go to the playoffs. The Colorado Rockies then swept through the playoffs beating the Phillies, and the Diamondbacks, becoming The Cinderella team and Americas sweetheart at the same time. They became my favorite team in the playoffs and I watched all of their games. With a great defense and a solid offense they were so fun to watch. My sister Collie and I would get excited on game days and baseball once again became my favorite past time. With that being the last game i'll get to watch for two years I would love to say that i'm proud of the Rockies cause when no one believed in them, they did it. They never quit and should be able to hold their heads high after a stellar season. This post goes out to the Rockies, and one of the greatest baseball seasons ever.

GO ROCKS!

Oh boy!

2007-10-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Oh boy is definitely right! If you know me at all you know me well enough to know that I hate the red turn arrow. If you have never heard me rage about the red turn arrow I think it is so pointless. I think that, that most of this rage and anger comes from my running cross country and track all through high school and having to wait at the 5400 S. State street light. That light is the longest one ever and you never time it good so you always would have to wait. Well for the past while they have been working on that intersection and today they put the new lights into action.

So as me and Coleton Smith were driving to institute we saw the new lights and now there are 4 Red turn arrows in there. You used to have only two red turn arrows and two 5 cycle systems, but now 4 red turn arrows that light will take longer than ever. GRRRRR but whatever I guess. So for now all I can say is watch out for those red turn arrows.

And props go out to my sister Staci for getting me a Warren Miller ticket for Thursday. I will get a free ticket to the Canyons to go skiing, which I plan on using before I go on my mission.

Chaps my hide

2007-10-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

So everyday brings new surprises, and that statement has never been so true like it was true yesterday. My friend Preston Wittwer (who is headed to Russia on the mission) called me up on that way to the BYU football game to tell me about an interview that J.K. Rowling had in New York. Well I have always loved J.K Rowling just because she writes the best books ever, pretty much. Well during the course of this interview a reporter asked her did Dumbledore, the Albus Dumbledore, the only one Voldermort ever feared, the man, well did he ever fall in love? Simple enough question a yes or no would suffice but NO! She then explains why yes he did. But I have to tell you something else about Dumbledore HE WAS GAY!

Did I just believe my ears, could Preston have been lying? Yes confirmed true by my own ears and eyes J.K. Rowling said he was gay. What a shot to the heart, but he's dead and Harry killed Voldermort so I guess life will go on. I just can't believe that, why would she do something such as that? It's tough to be a reader.

On to more pressing issues, today I was able to attend my friend McKay Davies farewell. He is bouncing out to the St. Louis Missouri mission. Best of luck to him he will be great! Also as of Wednesday we have another person preparing to enter the field in the Vancouver Canada mission. Elder Joshua Dietz has been called to Canada! Go get em, man it's great to see all my friends heading out and getting their calls. Look forward to later this week I think I will post everyones call that I know of! It's awesome

I was also able to go on a great date last night! I went with the wonderful Emily Sanford! It was so much fun we ate dinner at the Noodles and Co. Which I absolutely love and carved punkins and played a really fun game called professor or something like that. It was great pretty much and yes! Carving punkins rules, I thouroughly enjoy it! Anyway until happier days Peace!

So let it begin!

2007-10-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Hello!
My very first blog post, oh the wonderful world of the internet! Well heres some stuff about me so you know who this is. I am Elder Sponbeck, and I am proud to say I am going to be serving in the best mission in the world, to Santa Rosa California. I have a little time left before I leave which is December 5th and as of now I am English Speaking, but everyone who has ever served their or has been a mission president there that I have talked to said I will learn spanish because I will mostly teach migrant workers. Which I am definitely excited about!

Now you may wonder why would I get a blog so close to my mission well for a few reasons, one so I can write little posts about my two sisters blogs the other reason is my sisters once again have been bugging me to get one for a long time. So thats why is you may wonder. That's it for this time so until next time TTFN