Original Research

MiCa

2011-12-06T08:47:00.001-08:00

Check them out they are dope http://micamove.com

AZ ADVENTURES LATELY

2011-10-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

So it's been about two months since I have been here in AZ. Starting to get acclimated and starting to go looking for adventures. This weekend turned out to be a good one. Started off on Friday night with some good friends going out to Schnepf Farms. Cool place and fall carnival atmosphere. IT was nice to have some cooler weather and be out in the corn fields and with friends. Really started feel like fall around here. Ended up at The Devil's Pizza Factory near ASU around 11:30 PM and had one of the largest most delicious pizzas. Totally taken by surprise when that thing showed up. Had no idea that a 24" pizza was that large. Definitely a great late night pizza spot that I will be frequenting again.

24" The Devil's Five

The next day my buddy Dave and I headed off to Florence Junction to do some rock crawling in his Jeep. I had no idea that a Jeep could do the things we did. We went over some incredible stuff. And blazed some cool trails that led to some really cool views of the desert.

Then after blazing through the desert, I grabbed some dinner at Joe's Farm Grill. That place is mucho good. I had an Ahi Tuna Sandwich, onion rings, and a super good pumpkin pie milkshake. So stinking good. After that, got in to costume as Clark Kent for Halloween and hit a few parties. Good times all around. Arizona is great!

APATHY AND GOALS

2011-10-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Last year I achieved my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the amazing program at USC. After that, I went on to specialize in orthopedics, again at USC. Then, I went to surf incredible waves in Nicaragua. #humblebrag I don't say this to toot my own horn or to brag, but merely to set up what I would like to write about and some of the things I have been thinking about the last week. In addition, circumstances were such that I had to leave

THIS

FOR THIS

For the last 4 years I have called southern California home. I fell in love with LA, with the weather, the sights, smells, the beach, my ward, and surfing. I have constantly been working towards something for pretty much my entire life. It was first finish high school, next was serve a mission, after that was get a bachelor's and get in to grad school, moving on was finish grad school, do a residency, and finally get a job. I was constantly moving forward and focused on something that was obtainable. I since have completed all of those things, but during the course of that journey I found myself needing to move, away from the life I had cultivated and loved in southern CA, back to Mesa, AZ. A place where I really haven't lived for the better part of 11 years.

I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands and no real urgency or pressing things to accomplish. I had accomplished everything up to this point that I had set out to do. I have thought about what I wanted to accomplish professionally but in the broad strokes and I am just starting a career so I hadn't really thought about much else other than landing a job that was going to pay me close to what I wanted. Check. I started to realize that I was watching a lot more movies, sleeping a lot more, losing motivation, and starting to slip in to apathy. I felt completely lost, like a ship on the water rudderless, being tossed to and fro. I had always wanted more time to do what I wanted to do, but when I finally got it I didn't know what to do with it. Perhaps the biggest realization was that I wasn't happy.

I've been thinking a lot about what I needed in my life and after I got over the self pity I decided that I need goals and direction. This weekend helped me see that. I had the opportunity to watch my cousin achieve her goal of getting her 3rd degree black belt in Kajukenbo, I worked on a building a fence with my bro-in-law and in the process learned how to weld.

I thought how amazing it would be to accomplish what she had, not to mention the skill I would have. I was happy and felt a sense of satisfaction and purpose after working with my bro-in-law. There are still so many things that I need to work on about myself, books to read, skills to learn, and life to enjoy. The possibilities are endless. There is so much good in the world to accomplish; so much service to give. Today in sacrament meeting and in sunday school I made a plan and set some goals. Made a schedule for the week and ways to accomplish those goals. Today I felt happier than I have in a long time. I feel like there is a direction to my life again, and I am excited to for the adventure I am about to embark on.

NICARAGUA 2011

2011-09-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

I recently completed my residency in orthopedics and figured that some serious vacation time was needed since the last long vacation I took was about 4 years ago, I figured I was due. So when Dave "Rumpie" Rampton proposed that we do a surf trip to Nicaragua I was in. When the time had come only three brave souls had committed to make the journey in search of waves and adventure.

DAVE RAMPTON

AND

DAVE JACKSON

We all had agreed to meet up in Managua, Nicaragua because we all were coming from other places: Jackson - San Francisco, Rampton - Belize, and I was coming from Panama. I had an 18.5 hour layover in Panama City, Panama so I decided to go out and see the city and some of the nightlife. It was a lot of fun. Met up with some other American and his Colombian wife and we hung out at this Disco and danced. Lots of fun. Great people. Great city. The next day I boarded a plane leaving Panama City behind to meet up with Jackson, get the rental car, and wait for Rampton to get in later that night.

PANAMA CITY FROM THE PLANE

(Left to Right) ME, PASSPORT, ST. CHRISTOPHER (patron saint of surfers), PANAMA

So Rampton finally arrived, and the next day we hit up church at the Ciudad Jardin Ward in Managua. We weren't sure if we were going to get lost so we left really early. We arrived about an hour early only to find Eric this little deacon sitting out front waiting for the bishop. He had been baptized a few months ago as the only member of his family. He was there an hour early to assist the bishop in getting the building ready and pass the sacrament. You could tell how excited he was to hold the priesthood of God and to be united with the saints. Church was such a great experience. So much love was there and the Spirit abounded. The members in Nicaragua are stalwart and extremely welcoming.

After church it was off to Popoyo to get checked into the house and rest up for the big week of surfing ahead of us. There were so many adventures, stories, inside jokes, and experiences that made this trip an amazing memory for a lifetime. We surfed big waves in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Schedule consisted of wake up at 5:15 and surf, nap, eat...repeat

3-4x/day. I will add a few pictures but the week was too long and too much happened to write the whole story down here. But here are some photos. Enjoy.

DRIVE FROM MANAGUA

PICKUP BASEBALL IN THE JUNGLE

RIVER THAT SWEPT A CAR AWAY EARLIER (WE CHARGED IT)

CASA DE SURFIAR

PRE-GAME

PERFECT WAVES

ALL TUCKERED OUT AFTER A SESSION

MONKEY ON A LEASH

DOWNTOWN POPOYO

BOAT TRIP TO DAIRY QUEEN'S (SURF SPOT)

DRANK A LOT OF FRESCA

CRAB WRANGLING ON THE FRONT PORCH

ICE CREAM IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR

BEST FISH TACOS IN NICARAGUA

TRECKING THROUGH THE JUNGLE IN SEARCH OF WAVES

POPOYO SUNSET EVERY NIGHT

This was definitely a fun and amazing trip. Nothing in southern California will ever be too big again. I will be returning to Nicaragua to surf again. EPIC!

SAN ONOFRE.....GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD, GOOD SURF

2011-08-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a great one. I am really really close to being done with my residency and in a push to get ready for Nicaragua and to spend some much needed R&R with some of my favorite people in LA before I have to leave we loaded up and made the trek down to San Onofre in north San Diego County for a weekend of surfing. I met up with my good friend Leanne "Northwestern Girls Do It Better" Burnett.

We then headed down to Huntington to pick up the ever lovely Lisa Ward.

and two really good friends Corey "Kamikaze" Seibart and

Jeff "Big Kahuna" Hick, M.D.

Where we had dinner and picked up last minute supplies for our journey and camping trip. We ate and then got back on the road to meet up with Sam "What Would Bear Grylls Do" Osborn and Dave "I'll do any thing for Left" Rampton

Needless to say it was a great weekend. The waves were pumping, there was good food, good company, and a few sing alongs. I'm pretty sure we could do a great recording of "The Next To Be With You". Overall a great weekend. I really am going to miss LA and these amazing people. You really can't beat this place.

ACCORDING TO OUR DESIRES

2011-07-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

DO WE DESIRE THIS? OR DO WE DESIRE...

THIS?

This is a question I have to constantly ask myself on a daily basis. I think it is difficult in life sometimes to put off what we think we desire the most like: success in our career, money, the boat, or the vacation spot in some exotic location. When in actuality we should be focusing on a deeper understanding of the scriptures, the temple, and our own relationship with our Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I was reading two talks today on desires and it struck me that it is a constant process aligning our desires with those of God and in such a way that will maximize our happiness and service in the kingdom. Because it is our desires that determine what we become and what disposition we leave this earth with. It is only our desire and the service we have given that is going to matter to our Heavenly Father. The Lord doesn't care so much about what we do, meaning our profession, but more about what we become while we do it.

"DESIRES dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming" - Dallin H. Oaks

"When we have a vision of what WE CAN BECOME, our DESIRE and our POWER to act increase enormously"

Dallin H. Oaks

"The nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of FAITH where he is wrapped in the POWER and GLORY of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment"

Joseph Smith

The hard part is to realize that this doesn't happen right now. In a world where internet and answers are in our pocket 24hr/day this is a hard concept to grasp. However, as we search for a sincere desire and consult with the Lord, we will see that our desires are no longer superficial, impulsive, or temporary. But rather, they have become heartfelt, unwavering, and permanent. In a word they have become RIGHTEOUS.

LATELY.....

2011-07-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

MORMON DODGER NIGHT

PAINTBALL

P90X AND MY FRIEND TONY HORTON

2011-04-18T21:55:00.001-07:00

Today I jumped back on the P90X train today. This has been a long time coming and something that has worked for me in the past. Time to get back in shape and take back what the residency, Panda Express, and Haagen-Dazs has stolen from me. So here's to my new friend Tony Horton. BRING IT!!!

PINEAPPLE COCONUT ICE CREAM

2011-04-18T21:37:00.001-07:00

So . . . this might be my favorite ice cream ever. Most people that know me, know my family, or know Sam, know that I have an overwhelming love for ice cream. More specifically, homemade ice cream. I recently (like 6 months ago) bought an ice cream maker and more recently decided to dust it off and make some ice cream. I normally would make vanilla or mint oreo, but I wanted to do something different, I wanted to see if I could recreate my favorite. The verdict is in and I came pretty darn close. The trick is to let it set and freeze a little longer in the actual freezer, you might have to hand crank for a little bit too after the engine stops on your electric maker. Here's the recipe:

3 eggs

2 cups of sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 pint of heavy whipping cream

1 quart half and half

3 capfuls of coconut extract

1/4 - 1/2 cups of sweetened coconut shavings (don't get the shredded stuff)

two spoonfuls of crushed pineapple

1/8 - 1/4 cup of pineapple juice

BACK IN THE SADDLE

2011-04-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

So as I know nobody actually reads this thing except for Sam and I and maybe our mom, but she has to because . . . well . . . she's our mom. This residency has taken a lot of the wind out of my sales and I haven't actually worked out or rode my bike in I can't tell you how long. I finally decided to get with the program and get back in the saddle. I work at a gym, live only 4 miles from work, and have perpetually nice weather. There really doesn't seem any reason why I would have gained 25 pounds in the last year. However, here I sit trying to fit in to all of my slacks and shirts fitting just a little tighter but around the midsection and not my pecs. Well enough is enough. Downloaded the calorie counter to my phone and am motivated on getting back to 200. I started today with a little bike ride along the beach. It was a great time to think and experience the physical adversity that results in success when you keep at it. Anybody can do anything for 3 weeks so here's to making it stick. It's in the blogosphere now, and now I'm accountable.

View 2011-04-09 Back In The Saddle in a larger map

And this is my motivation.

K1 RACING: UNDER THE BARRICADE

2011-03-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

So the other day Lisa and I went to K1 racing. Lisa had a groupon that she bought because she new it would be something that I would think was super fun. Lisa's the best and super rad. Well we got outfitted, got on the carts, and I had gone not even one lap when they stopped all racing. I looked to the other side of the track and saw two of the workers sprinting to pull a racer from under the barricade and tires. It definitely took them some effort to get the person out. It was too far for me to see who it was. Well as it turns out, it was Lisa. I was really worried that she was hurt, but when the helmets came off Lisa was laughing uncontrollably. It was really really funny in hindsight after I knew she was okay. We laughed the rest of the night about it, and still do. Thanks for being a good sport Lisa.

Lisa had a little trouble finding a helmet that fit.

I had a little trouble getting the head sock on! Curse my huge head!

This was pre-crash.

Winner's Podium.

MVP

2011-03-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

First off Derrick Rose is unreal!! So i thought i would make a post dedicated to him and his awesomeness.

The man is everything a NBA MVP should be. A freak athlete, a great team player, playing for his home city, and humble.

As i observed him help his team sweep the South Beach Heat in the regular season this year it became apparent he is the leagues MVP. The man operates with at least 3 sec of hang time around the rim, half the reason no one can block him, the defenders are already on the ground.

Not much more can be said, watching Derrick Rose play basket ball makes me feel like people probably felt watching Van Gogh paint strokes on canvas.

I think we all remember this dunk. He continued to elevate after releasing the ball.

Red Baron Cave

2011-03-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well I officially did my first repel and cave the other night. We started our hike at 6:30pm reached the summit at about 10pm. The hike was super intense, many parts were so steep that you had to climb on all fours like a bear.

When we were about 200 yrds from the summit one of my snow shoes broke so everyone else went to the top and then someone brought me back some snow shoes. Needless to say if you don't move for a while your toes get very cold when only wearing Nikes. My toes still feel a little weird.

Once we reached summit we had to repel of a snowy ledge down 30ft to another ledge sitting 350 ft above the next place to land if you fall. We all successfully repelled into the mouth of the cave. Once inside the cave it was 55 degrees and beautiful.

The ascend was the sketchiest. The rope was stuck in a jagged slot as it came over the edge so I had to push away from the mountain to get it out of the slot, just a little scary. But we all made it out and getting down the mountain only took 20 minutes.

The ledge we repelled off of

Entrance to a magical place

The Birth Canal

One of the main rooms

Lights out picture

Rat Skull we found

Coming out of the cave, you can't panic

All in all it was successful .

CITY BY THE BAY

2011-03-01T23:45:00.000-08:00

1:30AM Fire Alarm

Pres and Sis Woods old apt....I think

Beach Blanket Babylon with Scott and Rachel

Hmm...no wonder the bike ride was tough sometimes

So it's been a while since I have written anything on the ole blog. Well there's been some changes. I started dating an amazing girl. I'm lucky to be dating her. She's tons of fun and we recently went to San Fran. It was such a cool city and a total blast. From a 1:30AM fire drill at the hotel, Ghirardelli Square, Golden Gate, bike ride across the bridge, visiting my parents old apt, Beach Blanket Babylon, and tons and tons of food. Can't wait to go back.

2011-03-01T14:49:00.001-08:00

Facebook Hackers

2010-07-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Oh facebook hackers you are too funny

8:04amDebra

hey
how are u doing ?
8:04amMe

what up aunt debby
i'm doing good how are you
8:05amDebra

did you got my email ?

8:05amMe

what email?
8:05amDebra

OMG

am in deep mess right now
am stuck in uk

8:06amMe

oh my gosh!! whats the deal?
8:06amDebra

we went on a short vacation to visit resort and we got mugged last night at a gun point
8:07amMe

Whaaaaaaaa!!!!!
did anyone get hurt?
8:08amDebra

all cash, credit card was stolen off me

it was a brutal experience and scary
8:08amMe

How's uncle Fred?
8:09amDebra

i will brief you when i get back home
8:10amMe

well can i do anything to help?
8:10amDebra

ok
but thank God we still have our life and our passport saved

8:10amMe

I'm glad you're safe
8:11amDebra

our return flight leave in few hours...but we need your urgent help

I'VE DECIDED THIS NEVER ENDS

2010-06-20T19:01:00.001-07:00

So I figured I would drop a little update into the goings on of my life lately. Well as you can see from the picture that about sums up my awesome life right now. I have decided that in physical therapy and other medically related professions that the studying never ends. UGH!!! I'm trying to get back into shape, study, and spend as much time with family as possible before i go back to CA for my residency. Nothing too exciting or major. I probably should post some graduation stuff up here and a few of the family things that have been going on. The good news is that I now have a Mesa Library Card, something I haven't had in over 15 years. Ha!

RAC Riders Against Cancer

2010-06-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone this is a non profit organization I support and am trying to get more involved with. I'm sure everyone reading this knows someone that has been affected by cancer. Please follow the instructions below and help with the cause.

Update on Contest

Riders Against Cancer was in 3rd place last week in the Apx gives back contest. We can not thank all of you who have voted enough for doing so. Please continue to do so each day. This will be going on till June 12th. This is a great opportunity for us to help those fighting cancer. We know that right now it is hard for anyone to donate money to any organization, so we are asking for time. Please donate 3-5 minuets a day and vote for us on Apx Alarms facebook page. This is how it works, you type inwww.facebook.com/apxalarm , you will need to click on the tab on the top of the page that says apxgivesback, click this tab and then go to the button that says "start nominating and voting" then click on the GREEN MOUNTAIN BUTTON, scroll down till you see us and hit the endorse button. If we win we will be using this money to help anywhere from 3-10 families that are struggling with cancer. We want to make a difference in the community, please send this to anyone and everyone you know so they can vote for us. Thank you for the support.

A Test

2010-06-04T09:44:00.001-07:00

The glories of west Mesa. This is a test of the new app blogaway.

New Look

2010-06-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

So check it out the blog got a little bit of a make over. That's what happens when you take some Vyvance and start working on something, you can't stop. I felt like the picture we had at the top of our blog didn't truly represent Brigham and myself 1. because it was just a picture of me 2. it was doctored and 3. the new pictures really give you an idea of who Brigham and I are. We are champions, naturally, but also we know how to kick back, put on our onesies and look sophisticated all at the same time. We hope you enjoy the new look.

p.s. don't tell Brig I had to hack his google account to make myself and administrator on our blog.

Sundance

2010-05-31T11:51:00.001-07:00

This morning Me Wayne and Brad went up to sundance to watch our roommate Jason in his down hill mountain bike race. Mountain bike races deffinently attract a special group of people, kind of a hybrid between NASCAR and MotoX is how I would describe it. Jason did pretty well and we had a good breakfast end of story

Jason pre-race

Brad & Wayne
- From my iPhizzy

Location:Sundance UT

One good thing from France

2010-05-28T23:01:00.001-07:00

What do you do when someone says hey come get some French toast at midnight? You get off your butt and go to Magleby's fresh and get your grub on!!!

Brad grubbin
- From my iPhizzy

Back

2010-05-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Soo we haven't blogged in a year. Got an app on my iPhizzy so let's see if we can't be more consistent. But I don't know how to blog photos JK just found it. It's freaken snowing!!!!!!

- From my iPhizzy

And We Did Research

2009-05-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well this last week Brigham was in town so what did we do? Went to the lake and the pool and had a productive week. Brig's purpose for the trip was to switch cars for a few weeks while he is doing his clinical down in AZ, to save money on gas. I will have his tundra, and will be fully benefiting from its ability to tow a boat and go camping, should be a good time. Off the top of my head i can't think of any great stories from the week, but regardless it was a solid week here in Provo.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

2009-05-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

So friday night we headed east to the colorado boarder to go whitewater rafting. So of course i had to make some new purchases to prepare me for this adventure. So i went to costco and bought myself a sleeping bag and its sick!!!! Then i was at smith's, a grocery store right, and found the sweetest folding camping chair!!! it has a shade thing that comes up from the back LEGIT!!!! We arrived friday night about 11 most the crew was already there. we set up camp and went to sleep. The next moring had a egg and bacon bagle with melted pepper jack cheese, so good. we drove "shuttle" took all the cars to the pull out spot then headed back and dropped in. we floated about an hour before hitting our first rapid "little Delores" which our rookie crew did ok on. Next was "funnel" and we hit it perfect totally crushed the waves. next was "skull" a class 4 rapid so it was game time. being in the front for this one instead of sitting up me and my buddy taylor, who was the leader of the left side, had to lay down on the edge so we could put more weight on the nose. we went throught "skull" like champions i was completely under water for a while but still attached to the boat it was so awsome. after the rapids we floated with all the boats together and ate lunch and talked about the victory over the river. another highlight was seeing an bald eagle in a tree. I wish i had more pictures i ordered a waterproof camera and paid for speedy delivery but it didn't come in time so i didn't get to take great actions, heat of the moment, shots. but it will be here tomorrow and we are having and underwater photoshoot, but not like the one in highschool (if you don't know, you'll never know) well off to bed.

BOOM! BOOM! POW! ENOUGH!

2009-05-06T11:41:00.001-07:00

All right! I admit it! I like the Black Eyed Peas. I like it when I'm out dancing and I hear the catchy hooks of Will I. Am. I mean how can we forget songs such as Let's Get Retarded, Pump It, and My Humps. And I was big fan of Boom Boom Pow, but that's now the sound it makes as the radio stations beat us over the head with this song. I turned to three different radio stations today in LA and all three were playing this song. Looks like I'm either going to have to stop listening to the radio or end up hating this song. Why do they gotta buzz kill it. Oh well . . . I'm sure there are more important things to worry about. HA!

2009-05-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Blogger Nation. I am pleased to inform you that I have purchased a new digital camera that will arrive this week. Be prepared for a summer of updates from your boy Samuel Levi Woods. It is water proof to 33ft so you will get even the wet and wild shots. Love you all

LAS PALOMAS TRIATHLON

2009-04-20T10:14:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to post a few pics and I'll try and write a little bit about the weekend, but wanted to get these up. It was a lot of fun might have a new hobby.

Windows Of Opportunity

2009-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

Hey oh!!!! Ok so Brigham has been up in Utah since last sunday staying with me. We've had some laughs some tears and laughs. We didn't do much at the beginnin of the week due to me being on the bench with the stomach flu. On thursday we went and played some basket ball with David Jackson one of the Presidents (Dad's) former assistants. Basketball was a good time, the gym was freezing and i had to be on the Skins team! I hadn't trimmed the love rug for a while so you can imagine. It was fun but I coulnd't buy a bucket.

Ok on to the most eventful day of the week Saturday is a special day. ... we started the day off by going shooting with Glen and Sarah. We went out to the west side of the lake a safe distance from civilization. We had 3-12 gauges, a 20 gauge, 2- 22's, a 44 magnum revolver, a over under 12 gauge, and an ol trusty winchester 30-30 i like to call old Love, named after Granny of course. We shot guns for about and hour or two, and i'm glad to report no one got hurt, we were just a little cold. Sarah is a pretty good shot. Thanks Glen for taking us.

On the the nights festivities. I was supposed to work at 5pm but when i got to work there was a scheduling conflict so I had the option to go or stay. I was already a little chapped with a few of the people working that night so I decided to take my ticket to the BYU Wake Forest game and leave. Me, Brigham, and Scurr all went to the basketball game. After getting there and checking imediate surroundings, you know closest exits, biggest male threats, and attractive members of the female gender we watched a great basketball game. Brigham had spotted something to his liking at our 4 o clock. so once the game was over he headed right over to have a chat. Long story short, the window of opportunity was given for Brig and I to be twins but it didn't stop there at all. I am currently attending UCLA Dental living in LA in Brigs old apartment while Brig truthfully is attending USC and living in Orange County because he doesn't have to be on campus as much as me seeing as how i'm a first year student. This story was never broken the whole night, we had a few close calls though. Our friend Scurr got in on the action when his plans to go play Pro Soccer in the Spanish league of Europe were ruined with a torn ACL a year and a half ago. Needless to say we scammed the girls ages 29,29, and 26 from 8pm till about 1 in the morning. God Bless great friends.

Super Dog!!!!!

2008-12-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

So we've had Titus for a few months now and I thought I would show some of his skills!!

SLEDDING!!!

The snow is here so the other day we went to rock canyon park and hit the hills. . It was pretty good sledding. Me, Josh, Courtney and Madison went. On one trip up the hill I carried courtney all the way up the hill, just call me rocky!!!

P.S. I am horrible at blogging I don't know how to put stuff where i want it!!!!!!!

Tis The Season To Be Merry!!!

2008-12-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

The other night I went and made gingerbread (Graham Cracker) houses with Courtney and her friends. They have a tradition of doing it every year. It was a pretty good time. Alot of the houses were poorly constructed and build upon "the sand" having many extravagant features, these houses ended up crumbling. My house was built upon "the rock" and stood firm. I received the rookie of the year award, little did they know I'm a veteran or the Graham cracker house. Any way after making the houses we watched the greatest Christmas movie ever. Christmas Vacation hence the title of this post. The greatest line just might be when he is buying underwear and is stumbling over all of his words and finally he says "Tis the season to be merry" and the lady replies "why that's my name" Clark responds " oh shoot". well that is all for this post i should have some more soon.

KOREAN BBQ

2008-11-22T13:11:00.000-08:00

So last night a group of us went to an all you can eat Korean BBQ place. It was a lot of fun and satisfied my craving for kimchi and all things Korean. The place is called Seoul Oak in Garden Grove and has great food. I'd stick w/ the galbi and bulgogi though if I were you. Definitely the best thing there. The ice cream was really good and somehow blended w/ my shirt. I didn't plan it I swear. Anyway we ate about the weight of a small Korean man in meat and we all will smell like garlic and kimchi for the next two days, but definitely worth it.

TEMPLE PROTESTS

2008-11-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

About 3000 people in front of the temple
So I'm sure a lot of you have already heard about the protests that are taking place across California and into Utah against the Church and its support of Proposition 8 here. I got a text message that there were protests going on down at the temple and so I went down to see what was going on. When I got there only about 300 people were out front protesting and only around 50-75 police were there. However as the night wore on more and more police started to show, full tactical gear, riot gear, and S.W.A.T. units. Then around 7:00 a mob of about 2000-3000 people showed up in front of the temple. They were standing on the fence of the temple, making demands for equal rights, some shouted profanities and vulgarities, others wrote albeit w/ sidewalk chalk on the posts of the gates, and some still threw trash over the fence.
The main complaint the supporters of the No On 8 campaign have is that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated more money than any other group to the Yes On 8 Campaign. As I sat up near the temple with about 40 other members of The Church looking down on the scene of an angry throng and police surrounding the temple on each side I had a few thoughts . . . well i had a lot actually and I don't know if I'll be able to put them all down. I thought an awful lot about the early members of The Church and the Nephites in the latter parts of the Book of Mormon. I thought about the members in Nauvoo that were forced out of their homes and made to leave their beautiful city while the temple burned in the background. I thought how difficult it must have been to not fight back and heed the prophets voice. It also was sad to see the level of ignorance and disrespect shown towards us a group when we have done nothing of this sort towards supporters of same sex marriage. The only thing we have done is use democracy, diplomacy, and mobilize in a respectful manner to see something we believe in succeed. We did not go to any Gay Rights Centers and write on their walls, shut down there religious services, or harass them.Which leads me to my next thought. Where were all of the No On 8 protesters before the election. I didn't see them out in force holding candle light vigils. I never recieved a phone call from them, I never saw them out distributing yard signs. However, now that the election is over and the people of California have voted in favor of traditional marriage AGAIN they can't accept the decision. Isn't this why we have democracy and a vote. Another thing, why are they only targeting the LDS Church when 70% of black voters voted yes. Why weren't they down at the 1st Black A.M.E. Church in south central? Finally, I never thought in a million years would I ever see this much hate and persecution directed at The Church and in an area where I live. What's more is they have more planned. They have been harassing the Oakland Temple and have protests planned for the San Diego temple and some other meeting houses throughout Southern California. UNBELIEVABLE!

Charity Never Failleth

2008-11-02T01:39:00.000-07:00

So What to be for Halloween was the question of the day on friday. We really had nothing! We thought about being the Channel 4 News Team (Anchor Man) but not everyone has seen that movie or would get it. We tried the 2008 Dream Team couldn't find jerseys. So my buddies told me to get into my thinking mood where I say anything and everything that comes to my mind, you could compare my mind to Hurricane Katrina at this point. So after driving around and having idea after idea shot down, I came up with the perfect costume for 7 "MEN" (boys of the ages 22-23). The Relief Society!!!! More pictures to follow as I retrieve them from different cameras. Needless to say we were a hit, people stopped us everywhere we went to take pictures. I was the First Counsler in the presidency other titles included President,2nd Counsler, Chorister, Enrichment Leader, Compasionate Service, Secratary, and Chad Bunker was our investigator. Ladies I don't know how you do it taking off makeup everyday it is the most awful experience ever!!!! Oh and we'd like to thank D.I. for possesing the most hideous but RS appropriate dresses, buying them was an adventure in itself, lets just say provo hasn't seen many cross dressers in its day so we were closely watched.

Gone Fishin

2008-10-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

So Saturday I went fishing with John and Glen to Duckfork lake. It was one of the coolest lakes i have ever fished in. I don't think I have been trout fishing since the days of Fred's Lake where they pretty much pay the fish to bite your hook. We went by way of Gunneson and Mayfair UT. about an hour and a half south. Then we took a windy dirt road through and over some mountains down to the turquoise blue lake. We fished for about 3 hours or so then glen and I jumped on the quads and road to 12 mile Flat. John met us there with the truck, then John took the lead quad and took us on about a 20 mile ride down one side of a valley, across the river and up the other side then back around the rim, it was beautiful. on the ride we saw about 5 more lakes, one in particular, Blue Lake was amazing the water was beautiful and will be the site of my first camping trip when it warms up again. after that ride Glen and I took an old trail to the bottom while John took the road. We must of seen 30 Deer, a few bucks and some fawns. all and all it was a great saturday. The trout we cause are called Tiger Trour they are a highbryd between a rainbow and a brown. They were delicious!!!

And Then There Were Five

2008-10-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last night at 9:30pm we traveled to Sandy to pick up the newest addition to the 360 VIP Lounge. He is a Yorkshire/Brussels mix. He is three months old and has been named Sir Titus Bentley Belmont. Brian, Spencer and I are now the proud uncles of this little gentleman. We will be holding a Puppy Shower this Sunday evening for Titus, should be a great event.

2008-10-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

VOTE YES ON PROP 8! - SIX REASONS WHY

2008-10-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay.

The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890)

Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.

5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.

6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today's activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.

For more information visit this website:
http://www.preservingmarriage.org/

THE MAGIC KINGDOM

2008-09-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

So I live in Southern California right now, and with the recent move to Huntington Beach I live just minutes from the happiest place on earth. That's right, Disneyland, "where dreams come true". Last March I perhaps made one of the greatest purchases of my life. I bought the Southern California resident annual passport to Disneyland.

Anyway . . . I know most of you are thinking that's probably expensive or maybe what a waste of time, but hey tons of people have em down here. And what's more if you go twice it's paid for itself. So a bunch of us from time to time on a Friday night will head down to the Magic Kingdom and enjoy Disneyland without the huge summer crowds. So here are a few pics from the last time.

Yes I am well aware . . . now . . . that it says "forn" behind us. The whole thing says California.

Poor Aubrey. She's the only one in this picture that tried to pose for real. Glen where's Sarah?

The waiting in line for the Tower of Terror. Chris almost the same face from before. Is it the Tower of Terror, the ghosts, or does Aubrey just make him nervous?
California Adventure.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Be sure to turn and watch the goat.

Saved By The Bell The New Class. Again, that guy down in front looks really similar to Glen.

All in all a successful trip.

Photo I

2008-09-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

So I went and did my first prints today at open lab, and this is what I came out with. My next ones should be better and a little more interesting. Well that is about all I have for now

WEEKEND RITUALS

2008-09-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

So a couple posts are going to be coming. First is the weekend ritual. Now most of what we do here revolves around being outside. So a few things that have been going on around here is Saturday morning around 11:00 the roomies will wake up and we'll make the 4 block journey down to the beach and grab some cheese strips from Jack's. Now I know you all think these are nachos, but I assure you they are not.These are chips sprinkled . . . nay buried under a flurry of shredded cheese with some sort of spicy sauce that was brought down to the earth by Zeus himself. Anyway if you ever are in the area we'll go grab some. We just sit there, BS, and watch all the people cruise by at the beach. Not a bad way to start the weekend.The next thing that we've been trying to do around here is get the bike gang together to go for a little Sunday bike ride/long board ride. We got three out this week and hopefully we'll get more out next week. Me, Mike, and Lisa. All in all good times!

Li-Sward shreddin' the gnar.

Mike practicing for the green room.

Gas is expensive. I ride a bike.

A DAY OF LABOR

2008-09-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

So Monday was Labor Day. Now I don't know if that is a day to labor, a day not to labor, or a day to celebrate labor. All I know is I got the day off of school. So I spent most of my day doing stupid online traffic school. I started at 8:00 AM and still wasn't done by 2:00 PM so I said "hang it, I'm outta here". I went down to the beach which is just a quick bike ride away and hung out with friends. Now the ole ankle is still swollen and sore from spraining it a few weeks ago so I wasn't able to surf, but I got some decent shots of my buddies that do. Now this is just with the point and shoot and a water housing, but it was nice to get out in the ocean. Afterward we got the bicycle gang together and rode down to Main Street to get some yogurt and enjoy the sunset. Good times had by all.

Isn't He Great Folks

2008-09-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Brigham is to talented, look at the wonderful picture he created. I'm so lucky to have a brother like him. Thanks for always making me look good snookums.
Sam Woods

I SELL LIFE INSURANCE!!!!

2008-09-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

So i'm at work right now and its not that cool! I sit in my cubicle and sell Life Insurance (Alarm Systems). Well i thought I would start this off. Peace and no I'm not GAY!!!