Looking back, ahead

how do you recap a whole year in a few lines of text?

you really can't do it (very well, anyway).

but I thought about 2011 and realized one thing at least - it sure flew by!

and on that note, I give you the 'thesis' of this post: I think it's important that we try to live our lives like we only have 1 more day to do it in...because...for all we know...it just might be the truth.

here are some things I can say about this past year, and the year coming up.

* I need to be more charitable * I need the Spirit more * I fail my fellow man/woman too much * My will and His will need to be in sync * I can work on my flaws and fix them * My heart wants to change, I need to let it * I have to focus better on my goals * Jesus knows I love him but my service is often lacking * Being single is not progressing --> 'nuff said

what we're all about

http://hamiltonhuskybasketball.com/teams/?u=HAMILTONHUSKYBASKETBALL&s=basketball&t=c

the link takes you to the home page of the new web site for hamilton high school boys basketball

go huskies

the season has started off on the right track and things are looking to go well for these young men

sure, the nba is coming back
yeah, college is the better game

but our guys can blaze the nets and tear up the court like no other

* happy holiday season, by the way

GREAT itudes

Instead of the usual "things I'm thankful for" list, I opted to throw down things that recently have highlighted my little adventures here on earth.

- getting to work with the basketball coaching staff at hamilton high

- really big checks coming in the mail

- leaving the big bank, joining credit union instead

- good friends to do things with on the weekend

- enjoying a great dog like HEIDI for the last 13 years or so

- cool friends that take me with on their roadies

- having two jobs - wait - make that one job now, after I got hosed by one company (not to name any names, but you know who you are AMP!)

- roommates that keep life interesting

- wrapping up the Inheritance series, Chris Paolini did do a stand-up job

- this new album I can't stop listening to...I now have it in my top 5 all time best ever... way to go Angels & Airwaves!

- catching a little Harry Potter on the big screen for only $1

- the fact that the police helicopter outside the other night with the spotlight on and the megaphone going, was not for me, or anyone I know

- having options when going to church on sunday

*may or may not be amended at later date

tears 2 shed, words 2 share

It was this same time of year, back in '07, when we lost a member of the fam to old age (Mugs).

Today, it happened again.

Our german shepherd was one of the best dogs in the history of domestic pets.

But nature takes its course, and the aged must move on, to greener pastures.

Take care Heidi ... give our best to those already gone ...

re-flex-yun

According to Wikipedia, the word 'holiday' comes from the Old English word hāligdæg,

which refers to a 'holy day'. What an opportune time to reflect on things more significant and meaningful on life in general. So I did.

A film was recently released and the plot deals with time being the main unit of currency. There is no money, money is time (get it? time is money, haha). Instead of cents, seconds are spent. Instead of dollars, days are used. The richer you are, the more time you have to spend, etc. An interesting concept, for sure.

This makes me think about how most of us live anyway. We, of course, all have the same amount of time. We all use this time in very different ways, though. A guy named Gandalf once said, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Which really is true.

So what are we doing with our time? How are we using it? I just spent a little bit creating this post, just like you used some to read it. But can we not take time-or even make time-to do things that will better ourselves and others, too?

Every birthday we celebrate is a reminder of the amount of time that has gone by. Then we get to remember the way it passed, and if we want to, try to make the next year even more well-spent. And so I wish you all the best. And I grant you the next few minutes to agree, disagree, or not care...

running from the awesome police

want me to carve you something for next year???

movin on up, or down

As of last week, I opted to move into a condo in Mesa where 2 other fellow AMP employees reside.

This marks the 2nd attempt at the 'bachelor pad' experiment (both in Mesa).

So it's me, and two 23 yr. olds, and it's for at least until 2012.

Update finished - carry on my friends and fans!

: ]

- JL

classic "uncle bobby" weekend

remember that one time when your friend invited you up to her cousin's parent's cabin and you

said 'BOOYAH!', and her cousin had a bowling ball for a belly (boy? girl? names?), and the poor

old blind dog and the 2 cute little kids took the roadie in stride, and the '56 chevy made the trip

up north so it could be in the car show, and we stopped for gas (and beetles) and got it on film,

and grandma and grandpa were there too and there was added support with just about

everything, but we had to eat so we all went and got our grub on at Eddie's deli, and after that

we commenced to relax and enjoy the stay, until it was time for the parade where we waited for

the tossing of candies and viewing of vintage automoblies, but then the BYU game came on and

that turned out pretty well fortunately, and even the D-Bax celebrated like crazy since they

officially sealed their post-season spot by beating the giants - ZZZZZ - what? no sleeping in? it

was okay though because breakfast was the bomb, and then we ventured out to the car show

and got to see mucho cool cars, and guess who was there...more related adults and their

offspring, who just happened to notice that it was lunch time and we all decided to congregate

back at the cabin for some more fine foods and beverages, at which point it was time to skip

naps and go see more of those fancy rides at the car show, but it got late fast and the see-saw

still had to be assembled,which meant that before it got dark the golf ball scavenger hunt was to

get under way, there was time for a lite supper before the big game where ASU put a little

whoopin on those punks from USC - ZZZZZ - rise and shine again for more playtime w/ the

kids, a birthday breakfast, and some cleaning up while catching a little sunday pigskin action, it

looked like it might start to rain but never really did, we proceeded to grab a quick bite from the

Taco Bell, gas fill-up/ice cream run via the Circle K, brief potty break at the Burger King, and

then hit the last little roll down the mountain back into the valley = tons of fun! :D

the sub rub

thats about how many sub jobs I've had now, these last five years or so

it's been quite a ride, for sure

do I like it? sure

will I keep doing it? sure

is it worth it? sure

chandler district is the best bet it seems - both teacher wise & student wise

the above graphic may or may not look familiar... but it's not always like you're a spartan educator ... and you're outnumbered by all those darling young minds

does improving the education system still appear to be a battle? sadly, yes

summer home 2011

I will miss you apartments 3312, 16215, & 17313.

We had some good times this summer.

One of them was when the lady below us hated our very existence-for being awake later than her, I guess-so she complained enough that we had to move...in the rain.

I remember moving into a 3 bedroom apartment with 7 dudes living there - and only 1 key.

There was also the time when we helped another dude move in, to our 3rd floor apartment, and he had a weight bench (w/ 300 lbs.)

Can't forget about the many heated but still hilarious volleyball matches between the reps and the techs.

I won't miss those 8 great speed bumps. Multiple times per day. ugh!

Nor will I forget about surfing on the car while running trash up to the dumpster.

I definitely didn't enjoy pulling in to a blacked out complex one night. No electricity is the worst!

The morning visits to the pool will be missed, as well.

Some action in #16101 also: the mouse running loose, the pipes bursting and water flooding the floors, the table collapsing, etc.

So I wish you well, complex off of exit 55. It was an interesting summer living on your grounds.

mini - roadie

(Thanks to Gaffney, South Carolina, for the roadside attraction...they must really love peaches)

So I spent the last 5 days mackin' on the incoming senior lady bulldogs, returning to campus for the fall semester at the University of Georgia.

Okay, not really.

But I did stay at a Candlewood Suites and average 4.5 hrs. sleep each night. We worked in "nearby" Gillsville and Gainesville for the week. Most of the time being spent at Lakeshore Mall. Why did I drive 220 miles - 3.5 hrs away - for only 5 jobs in 5 days ???

This summer has been interesting.

And still 3 work weeks left to go.

OY VEY

3 little birds-i mean words

and they are:

deep sea fishing

The 17 of us embarked on Captain Long's vessel - the New Billy Boy, out of Little River, in North Myrtle Beach, SC.

We were 30 miles out in the Atlantic.

And then we fished.

Well, actually, I tried to fish but the unending dry heaves impeded my efforts at enjoyment.

So I think I was made to pay the price for not making it to worship services on this sabbath day.

No one's perfect.

Zero sleep the night before. A ton of driving. Huge storm while on the freeway. Chunk of change out of pocket. Fishing hook in the arm. One of the only ones not to catch a baby shark. And it was still a cool trip, overall.

hallows? deathly?

Dear Hollywood,

Generally speaking, you suck.

Dear Warner Bros.,

Congratulations on the future record for highest grossing movie of all time.

Dear David Yates,

As of right now, sir, you are THE MAN (in my opinion).

Dear Emma Watson,

I would look for horcruxes with you anytime. I mean it.

Dear Harry/Daniel,

Good job buddy, but I think you should just retire now.

Dear kid who played Ron Weasley,

Well done my friend, but no more movies for you either.

Dear Mrs. Rowling,

I pretty much think you lucked out with the franchise...but whatever.

Dear fans of Hogwarts,

I know you are all sad that it's over, but deal with it.

* If you can't tell, I thought highly of the last installment of this series. There has been few movies in a series made with more art, skill, and craft than what I watched happen in 3 dimensional specs on 7/15/11 at 12:12 a.m.

"... it never seemed so strange ..."

So far this July has been full of:

- rain

- humidity

- getting sunburned

- michael jordan dvd's

- Cars 2

- driving an hour to do an 8 hour install

- almost dying on the freeway

- restaurant food/leftovers

- mad volleyball competitions

I'm sure there's much more to come ...

story of a solstice

This week there is a scheduled appointment at the clinic.

Let's just say aliens are not involved, but their methods will be.

We won't dwell on this much, but I have to take the day off work, too.

Other than that - it is hot! and humid! and hickish! (sorry carolinians)

I even left some room here for comments. Yes you have my permission to be unedited.

So drop some gab down...then get back to the pool baby!

- JL

FullMoonski

Hey blog peepers...I see you out there

I have come across a situation recently, and it has made me think about some words from our friends on the emerald isle:

"Here's to a long life and a merry one
A quick death and an easy one
A pretty girl and an honest one
A cold beer and another one!"

(Irish Saying)

All kidding aside, we should keep in mind that our health is an important part of our happiness. So let us try to take good care of ourselves and take it easy on other people, too. We are all just trying to get by.

*peace*

Bull-Froggin' Skeeter-Fodder *

*(referencing the cacophony of amphibious noices at night AND the onslaught of pesky flying pests w/ their itchy marks being left on a regular basis)




So here's my view from Monday morning.


I managed some free time in the morning to take in a minor league game. The Kannapolis Intimidators (Chicago White Sox team) played the Rome Braves (Atlanta Braves team). The bad news is that it was Education day. The stadium was 90% full with elementary and middle school students. Yeah - noisy.
The Braves won 2-1, but more importantly, it gave me something to do for a little bit that was not work. It was a little warm out too, though.

Things keep rolling here in Concord/Kannapolis/Charlotte/Raleigh. The office is maintaining despite all the ups and downs of the biz. The apartments are fairing well for the most part.
Im sure AZ is being missed and missing me back. Too bad about all the burning going on there right now.

Gotta go do some tech stuff now. Stay safe, stay cool, and stay with it.
- JL

Ode to a la Mode

happy Memorial Day weekend!

in between the BBQ's and Band of Brothers marathon and maybe even the Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway, we all keep in mind the memory of those who paid the price of devotion for their country...

This weekend I spent part of the time in the area of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. I think I drove by the campuses of N.C. State, Duke, and UNC-Chapel Hill, all in one day. Several hours involved me on the highways, dodging the NASCAR traffic. The last few installs have been fairly smooth. I just might be hitting a groove finally. I recently moved into my 3rd apartment in this complex. (having your own room is awesome by the way) Some of the office staff let me use their internet/tv/food while I watched their dogs for them.

Yes, I also watched the new 'Pirates' movie. Yes, I almost fell asleep.

Off I go to church now. Check back later y'all.

- JL

A little fish told me

Tech life ... oh brother ...

Late nights, early mornings, sitting around waiting, trying to hurry up on jobs, making customers happy, starving, getting stuffed, getting fat, working out, gas stations, NBA playoffs, taking out trash, getting equipment, maybe some midnight movies, restaurants, keeping barcodes accurate, seizing phone lines, hating cancels, hating pulls, working with reps, dealing with GPS, securing tools, loud/messy roommates, (it rains a lot), traffic jams, avoiding tickets, grocery shopping, no mail, spotty phone service, off & on internet reception, laundry, shooting pool, perfect paperwork, tech meetings, service calls, and still getting in some blogging!

- your welcome -

* JL

Thor loves his mom

The Charlotte chronicles continue...

- crawl spaces: does that even sound like it's any fun? the correct answer is no way jose. one option when getting phone line seizure is accessing the crawl space to run a line from the keypad to the outside phone box. recently this happened and i felt like the lady in "Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom" when she was in the tunnel trying to help Indy and Shorty get out of a trap and she had bugs and creepy crawlies all over here (super gross)

but

i do what i must

(JL)

witches & switches

The latest from the Q.C. (queen city):

So we had an apartment on the third floor...emphasis on had...

Some lady who lived below us I guess was not cool with the fact that we had different hours than her. This comes from her banging on our floor (her ceiling) and then our door. I opened it up and said, "Yes ma'am."
I was then presented with a 2 minute tirade, laced with a plethora of profanities, including other threats. All we did was shower after midnight, really.

It got to the point where management 'asked us to leave'. We were told we had to move in with 4 other dudes (who had 1 total key for the other apartment, by the way). Not cool.
And we moved - in the rain.

Take another look at the title of this post. Let me know if it fits or not.

ugh

- JL

mile-ology AND false alarms

So last week I 'roadied' from the valley of the sun to the east coast metropolis of Charlotte North Carolina.
I learned a little something along the way.

Flying is so much more better.

Well, I finally did make it, safe and sound. Thank goodness.

I'd especially like to thank the sponsors at La Casa de Omer for their meals, mattresses, and spirited conquests in "Shadows over Camelot". Many thanks also go to the establishment at Alverson Manor. The '5 guys and fries' went so well with the Quantum Leap episodes and watching the hordes of bats wake up from under the overpass at dusk. Oh, and there was a birthday involved as well.

Hope to see you all again before summer ends!

Currently I am a technician for AMP alarms (monitored by Vector)
Allow me to present a typical (so far) schedule of the day:
9am - get up
noon - get equipment, have a meeting, get ready to go out on jobs
3pm - still waiting for first job/getting first job/helping someone else
9pm - most likely on 2nd or 3rd job
midnight - in office turning in paperwork...or posting on the blog

*the above schedule may or may not be a little vague and condensed but it's fairly accurate. funny story below:

So every time we put in a new system we test it out by sending signals. Well, it was put on test but I guess it expired and so when I finally sent my signals they weren't verified and emergency response was dispatched to the home! I was on two different phone calls when the fire truck pulled up and the ambulance crew came in. It was CRAZY. Imagine what the homeowner was thinking. Funny story over.

Apologies for the delays in posting - have been juggling work with other work and then more work along with some work.

hugs, kisses, and high fives!
- JL

Tulips + Daisies = todaysies ?

In about 48 hours from this post I will officially be on the road and headed to the east coast

(crickets)

So with that I offer this latest post from the valley of the sun ... hey, stay awake!

Today's trivia-

Q: What do you call a baby porcupine?

A: A porcupet(te)

Today in history-

* On this day in 1513, explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed at St. Augustine and claimed the whole of Florida for Spain (from the spanish for 'feast of flowers')

Today's quote-

"The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them away from the knowledge that they have obtained." (Joseph F. Smith, 1915)

Today's website-

www.chefbrad.com

Today's shout out-

this one is for the Arizona Diamondbacks, on the night of their home opener... hey guys, let's make it a good year, huh, what do you say?

Today's R.I.P.-

former NBA player Drazen Petrovic (October 22, 1964 – June 7, 1993)

he was LEGIT

[to be resumed later this month 2 time zones away]

skiddlee beebop a we rock a scoobie doo and guess what america we love you

am i mad? upset? angry?

why should i be?

i'm not the moronic idiot who recently took it upon himself to set fire to a certain holy scripture used by the largest religious group on the planet - and he resides in our country, by the way

i did take the assignment to babysit a cluster of little darling middle schoolers for the next few days

i'm not involved with the nuclear crisis taking place in japan as we speak (i kinda think there should be a plan for when things go wrong, that's already been established before the emergency happens)

i sure do wish the courts weren't so much responsible for robbing me of much needed funds

why in the world would the car wash take it upon themselves to remove the plastic bottles from my backseat? don't they know that if i wanted them gone, i could probably do that task my own d*** self

the early april 99 degree weather has nothing to do with this post!

should i really go broke just trying to fill my thirsty car's gas tank with regular unleaded on a weekly basis?

the president ... need i say more

my ongoing dental ordeal is just another way for me to 'learn and grow'

i like to read, but life is too short for books over 500 pages; what's wrong with getting to the point and then continuing the series? I'd rather get through 9 smaller copies than lose a whole month getting to meet the main characters

i need some marshmallows! i'll be back later though

Brake, Spring

* the following took place from 3/13/11 - 3/23/11:

- brackets were made

- a couch was moved from north glendale to downtown phoenix, and up stairs

- a moving truck was driven without any casualties to the cargo

- taxes were done

- shoes were purchased

- heads were shaved

- movies were viewed by friends

- installs happened out on the westside

- hospital visits were made

- gifts were purchased

- the moon was ginormous

- BYU made it to the Sweet 16

- yummy food at 'the suites'

- S P R I N G officially arrived

- and yes...it even rained a little

- mad weeds were pulled

- triple overtimes happened

- bags were packed

- roadies were made (to UTAH)

- blogs were posted

Plans

If you've seen this movie http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1385826/

then this post is for you-

So we wake up every morning and have our expectations for the day, and then it just happens, and by the time we call it a night, things seem to have either worked out or not...

We all like for things to go the way we had it in our mind that they would go, but life is really about how flexible you are gonna be...

There are all kinds of scenarios which we could encounter, so which ones are right? or are there right ones and wrong ones? or just some that work out better than others?

Our choices really do determine the person that we are, but what do they have to do with other people? or do they ever have anything to do with anyone else?

- Is there a design, a blueprint, a map, a course to your life?

- Is there one who controls this OR just monitors this?

- Are there forces/beings/powers that guide you in your daily interactions in life?

- Are the decisions you make on a regular basis relevant in the grand scheme of things?

* Just some things to think about...ponder...stew over...wrap your mind around...kick around in your head, etc.

march9

"The earth is bipolar" - Carlos Irwin Estevez

"Beware the Ides of March." - soothsayer to Julius Caesar

"It's hard to focus when your life is a blur, It's hard to see the truth; How can I move on when there's so much to learn?" - Chester Bennington

"The current Republican Party is not really the Republican Party." - Ron Schiller

"It turns out I've got a lot of other stuff to do, " Barack Obama when asked if he'd intervene in NFL labor dispute.

"When will I learn? The answers to life's problems aren't at the bottom of a bottle, they're on TV." - Homer Simpson

"If dogs ever take over the world and they choose a king, I hope they don't go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas." - Jack Handey

"I love you like a fat kid love cake, you know my style-I'll say anything to make you smile." - Curtis James Jackson III

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." - Robert Frost

End of an Era

Six years at the Pier (pier 1 imports)

events taken place during July 2004-March 2008:

- associates degree from MCC
- first day actually teaching a junior high class
- utah road trip for a wedding
- Lord of the Rings trilogy marathon(s)
- lost a fellow high school alumn and good friend
- 10 year high school reunion
- student teaching, while working two part-time jobs
- bachelors degree from ASU
- trip to L.A. for conference (cancelled)
- trip to minneapolis for OAH Centennial meeting
- ASU campus gets new Tempe University Stake Center/institute building
- moved to mesa, new family ward
- store #765 closes

* went through 4 different store managers

events taken place during October 2008-February 2011:

- cardinals in super bowl! and barely lost!
- got family history calling
- volunteering with chandler library
- spring training game for birthday
- registered with MovieWorkNow casting agency
- dad gets a palomino horse
- lost a good friend and former boss
- replaced laptop hard drive (lost data)
- harry potter 6 @ midnight...free
- utah roadie in "the black burro" for conference
- ran into screen door at halloween party - still sorry about that
- cashier training w/ fry's, never got to work a shift
- almost got a job @ AAA landlord...?
- parents get a new house, in same neighborhood
- 54th plasma donation (over 11 gallons total)
- broke sprinkler valve in rear exterior of store #1542 (best accident ever)
- watched 100th CES fireside ever, during a storm
- in a GoDaddy commercial w/ Vanessa Rousso
- worked out for Phoenix Mercury practice team, took tour of USAirways Center
- BluRay player, Ipod Nano for birthday
- on city league softball team (3rd place)
- got v.i.p. tour of Chase field
- ate rabbit at House of Trix in tempe
- nephew's 1st birthday party at park in Long Beach
- Gila Valley temple dedicated
- almost got a job at Concord Services...?
- traded in Rogue for Versa : (
- Sweetie's opens down the road
- SRP kills power, hits gas line, evacuated from house for over an hour
- got to present family history lesson to the whole ward
- almost got job w/ Corestaff at Shutterfly...?
- 2nd softball season (1st inside the park homerun)
- Rally's opens - mmmmm buuufooord
- brand new family pictures out in Verrado (buckeye)
- assistant freshman boys basketball coach: Hamilton High
- went without sugar for 5 days, during thanksgiving week no less
- big family reunion in mesa for new year's weekend

* there will never be another truck boy like SWEET J

s t o r y t i m e

(sorry so fuzzy)

pretty well put

(click on me)

freshman ballers

all I got to say is...

17 - 1 !!!!!

(boo to the yah)

1 month down...

I.Q.'s

(aka interesting questions and/or idiotic questions)

list:

- Where does mucus really come from?

- What happens with animals in heaven? (pets?, zoos?, etc.)

- Why is the country of Egypt having a major cow right now?

- Will we ever figure out the criminal justice system?

- Who else besides Jimmer Fredette should get College Player of the Year?

- Why is it already 75 degrees in January?

- Wouldn't it be awesome if bird poo was something that actually went against gravity?

- Why do I like Sweethearts candies so much?

- Who wins Super Bowl XLV? Who really cares?

- How much will I be missed at store #1542?

- When will the 'Christian community' finally respect the Latter-Day Saints?

- If Natalie Portman doesn't win for Best Actress this year, will her celebrity status spiral downwards?

- How many more sub jobs will I end up getting in my career?

- Will this be the summer I get to meet 'the green bill brothers'?

- At what point does our government take a good look around at the mess we call the USA?

- True or False? 2011 will be the lamest movie year this century.

- How many roadies can the Versa handle?

- Chandler was voted "All-American City"... Who was on the voting panel?

- Who invented Scrabble? (potentially a legitimate question)

- Do you feel cheated after spending valuable time reading all these questions?

* input-feedback-harassment = always welcome

1 of a kind

http://www.bobby-fischer.net

...still searching?

new year - day 10

Q.T.'s

We'll call them quality thoughts if they are good, questionable thoughts if they are not so good

List:

- If only I had a mind like Hugh Nibley's

- Just Dance 2... yes, I did do some on the Wii

- Nothing like a good old fashioned family reunion to help wear you out (all those kids!)

- I can't wait to see the boys go undefeated in region play (freshmen hoops)

- Went to the dentist the other day... amazingly, I 'passed'

- The 3rd Narnia movie = utter nonsense (good book/bad film)

- Finally, a BCS bowl game worth watching ---> oregon vs. auburn

- Satan is a punk!

- Love when people have birthdays, I mean I like going to their parties

- Why do the Suns stink?

- Recent shooting in Tucson where Congresswoman was injured: not the first time this happened, and probably won't be the last

- For the most part the media is so preposterously ridiculous and good for almost nothing

- I have the worst sweet tooth! I need to order my dentures now

- Friends are cool, good friends are better, BFF's pretty much rule

- Trust me when I say 'the pressure cooker is the way to go'

- Scriptures are the b-o-m-b (is that sacrilegious?)

- I really need a better foundation in my life... still struggling in a lot of ways

- AZ is the best during winter, except for all the visitors who drive crazy

- Speaking of driving, I consider myself a pretty fair motor vehicle operator. I will not have the city of Mesa telling me otherwise.

- Not to be silly, but if animal language was like human language, how rad would that be (seriously)

* If you have some Q.T.'s then by all means, do share

- JL