its my blog & my opinion

a little Lonesome Dove, on 'fire'

2012-02-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, so,
scooped me up one of those Kindle Fire tablets...and...
felt inclined to put up an edition of the Larry McMurtry classic novel.
I just got done with the dvd version and have to say I really needed a hanky. I was curious to see if the actual book itself could produce the same effects or not.
movie=good 6 hr. investment
book=???

*(the tablet=so far so good)

Are you kidding me right now?!

2012-01-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

wow

another year

oh my

Well, I moved again - back to Chandler. My friend let me use a room in his new house. I like that I'm a little closer to the "DC" (new nickname for downtown chandler) and Hamilton High. My own room is a definite perk, too. I 'dog-sat' the last 2 days for a little yorkie...goodness.

So, I hope 2012 is more of a smooth road and not so much a bumpy trail.
Good luck to you!

- JL

Looking back, ahead

2011-12-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

2011-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

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

movin on up, or down

2011-10-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Best of Boone (NC)

2011-08-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

22 years.

I hadn't seen this kid in that long.

So I called up his folks and they opened up their Bed & Breakfast for me this last weekend.

And it was in the town named after one Daniel Boone.

Also the location of Appalachian State University, home to the Mountaineers.

Back in the 80's we played the G.I. Joe, He-Man, and Star Wars like no one else.

Now in the 2000's, he's a family man, and doing quite well for himself.

In conclusion, the weekend visit to the Osborne's was, I believe, the highlight of my summer working out here. Thank you to the establishment for all the kind and generous hospitality. We had a good church service, and family meal after. I enjoyed the guided tours of the farm, the surrounding countryside, and the downtown area next to the college campus. I was fortunate enough to acquire some fancy artwork from the Natalie. I even finally met the famous Matthew (soon to be a husband) and his future wife.

Awesome people.

Awesome visit.

Hope to do it again sometime.

Hope things go well for all of them.

mini - roadie

2011-08-07T14:06:00.001-07:00

(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

2011-07-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-07-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

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 ..."

2011-07-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

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 *

2011-06-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

*(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

2011-05-29T15:07:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2011-04-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-04T16:56:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

* 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

2011-03-16T18:52:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

(sorry so fuzzy)

pretty well put

2011-02-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

(click on me)

freshman ballers

2011-02-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

all I got to say is...

17 - 1 !!!!!

(boo to the yah)

1 month down...

2011-01-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.bobby-fischer.net

...still searching?

new year - day 10

2011-01-09T23:12:00.000-08:00

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

2 thousand and...next!

2010-12-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

2010: hamilton hoops, saints win super bowl, winter olympics, did taxes, got in a commercial, phoenix mercury practice session, got blu-ray fever, titans clashed, turned 32, spring conference, Duke over Butler, applied for jobs, family history classes, ate rabbit, only 1 dentist visit, roadie to L.A. for nephew's birthday, new temple dedicated, played city league softball, car battery dies, USA advances in world cup, some job interviews, traded in Rogue for Versa, watched 'Inception', Sweetie's opens, pool parties, SRP gas leak/power outage, house-sat twice, read Mockingjay, blind date: Jesterz improv, fall conference, robbed cradle, carved pumpkins, big family photo, got (kinda) sick, coaching freshmen again, Harry Potter 7.1 released, ate turkey but no pies, christmas devotional, TRON in 3D, got (really)sick, happy birthday Joseph Smith, happy birthday Jesus, more hamilton hoops*
*subbed a lot, too

2011: ... we'll see

Six days of sick

2010-12-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

BLEH!

I caught a bug from raking leaves. It made me feel like poo.

Woke up in the morning, and it felt like I had the flu.

Sore throat one day...a hacking cough ensued;

Fatigue set in, I slept and slept, and was a really weak little dude.

But now I'm on the meds, for real - the doc just made it so.

So I'll be good for Christmas day, and that sure works for me, yo!

Let's Play!

2010-12-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

I already got a Christmas present !

Who wants to have a tournament ?

* appropriate words only please

This is my December

2010-12-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time again in the big A Z.

Crisp mornings, chilly nights, and shorts weather in the daytime.

And crazy out-of-towners behind the wheel and on the roads!

Santa's in the mall (all the malls) takin pics for $.

Bell ringers gettin your pocket change.

With a party every Saturday all month long!

Lights around the cactus, smores around the fire. Crazy deals on gift items for your peeps.

And of course, all the great hoops going on in gyms all across America.

But let us not forget the true meaning and spirit of this time of year...

"And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inns." (Luke 2:7)

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him..." (Matt. 2:11)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

Warm, Delicious, Beverages (w/ friends)

2010-12-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

[Because I don't do Facebook, I thought I'd get up a different kind of "status" for the ol' blogspot)

What up world!

Currently, coach Long has seen 1 win for the freshmen boys and hopes for another on 12/2

Mr. Long just subbed 8th grade social studies today, and was glad to see it end :]

J.Long is being hawked by Sallie Mae for his student loans...what a pain

SweetJ has recently released his 3rd Christmas mix CD (it's been given several thumbs ups)

Johnny boy enjoyed some Starbucks this evening with a blind date *holla*

J.D. helped put up chairs after the choir show at the Mesa temple lights - they were awesome

Best song right now: "Marry Me" by Train

Best movie right now: Deathly Hallows pt.1

Best book right now: Ether ch.1-15

Best candy right now: Mike and Ike Red Rageous

Welcome to December y'all!

11/22 - and Giving Thanks

2010-11-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

I feel so thankful for many things. Here is just a list of some, in no particular order:

* technology that lets me share info with you

* literacy which allows me to submit these messages

* friends who make me want to post things on websites

* even though I'm going 5 whole days without it, sugar

* a chance to help out the guys on the court and in the classroom

* my hoopty ride (yeah for Versel) which so far works pretty good

* Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ

* correspondences with missionaries in the field

* David Yates and his handling of the latest Harry Potter films...bravo

* actually having some things that I can help donate to those in need

* poetry

* having access to a Rally's right next door to a Sweetie's

* a knowledge of and belief in scriptural truths

* christmas carols

* my dentist

* coupons for car repairs and maintenance

* the hilarious texts both incoming and outgoing on my phone

* work bonus(es)

* my bed/blanket/pillow

* that cancer has yet to get at me in a bad way

[this list may or may not continue to grow this whole week]

have a happy turkey day

- JL

A. B. C. (as shown)

2010-11-12T20:25:00.001-08:00

You gotta be quick to get this...

Yours truly is the freshmen boys basketball assistant coach at Hamilton High

(go Huskies)

I had a meeting at work and I missed the team pictures - another sacrifice on my part

We are looking to go 18-0 this season, and yes I can see it happening

I remember when I played 9th grade hoops about 17 years ago . . . I hit the last shot of the whole season (which was my one and only legit shot all year)

a minor highlight for me

: ]

to the Vets

2010-11-10T08:27:00.001-08:00

This is for the men and women who have served, are serving, and soon will be fully involved in the defense of our country and the protection of human rights all over the world.

We thank you for your service, your courage, and your sacrifice. We live better lives because of those who put themselves in harms way.

Your acts may never go recognized or rewarded, but your valor in the face of the enemy has benefited the world greatly.

THANK YOU

Why I Can't Get a Job?

2010-11-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

The 4 steps to getting hired:

1) application process

2) interview process

3) training process

4) waiting for a phone call, finally getting a phone call, finding out there's no spots open in the desired shift, being called an 'alternate' for that shift...

HOSED (again)!

A funny thing happened on the way to gaining seasonal but full time employment. I was getting 'the business' so instead I opted to pick up the coaching gig again and help a brother out.

I think assisting the freshman boys basketball team is a good 'alternative' to doing 12 hour shifts anyway.

18 games this year - hopefully 18 wins !

fun starts Nov. 30 ... stay tuned

SUPERior Men

2010-10-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we had a lesson in Elder's Quorum about being true disciples of Christ.

There is the example of a father-son team, Dick & Rick Hoyt that is the real deal and way inspiring.

http://www.teamhoyt.com/

Check them out on their site, have hanky handy.

This is a good depiction of the ultimate in being Christ-like to others.

"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Galatians 5:14)

Sir I.M. Goldman

2010-10-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

My nephew turned 10 years old on Oct. 10, 2010.

A party was held in honor of the fact.

There were 5 'golden connors' awarded to several people for various things.

I won a G.C. for giving the golden gift (10 one dollar gold coins).

I show the man, in all his golden glory.

Oh, to be young again ... maybe not, actually ...

Columbus & a countdown

2010-10-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Reality gradually forced Columbus to a new conclusion: he had not reached India or China, and after a second voyage in 1493-still convinced he was in the Pacific Ocean-Columbus admitted he had stumbled on a new land mass, perhaps even a new continent of astounding natural resources and wealth. In February 1493, he wrote his Spanish patrons that Hispaniola and other islands like it were "fertile to a limitless degree," possessing mountains covered by "trees of a thousand kinds and tall, so that they seem to touch the sky." He confidently promised gold, cotton, spices-as much as Their Highness should command-in return for only minimal continued support. Meanwhile, he continued to probe the Mundus Novus south and west. After returning to Spain yet again, Columbus made two more voyages to the New World in 1498 and 1502.

[- A Patriot's History of the United States, Schweikart & Allen, 2004, p.4]

Your eyes do not deceive you. I count only 38 more days until the release of HP7 (part 1).

Try now to get off work. Excuse yourself from classes. This is a midnight showing event if ever there was one. So it's not in 3-D. It will still be worth the $12 or whatever they decide to charge.

Get in line early and don't forget the gummies!

I don't drink TEA-PARTY of one

2010-10-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

(The "Uncle Sam, you're killin' me!" memo)

Government math --> Taxes+Taxes=Taxes

I love the U.S. of A. I really do. But it has problems. Those problems all have something to do with people who think they know how to run the country. Let's be honest now and really break down what our government is up to. First of all, we need to apply the "Less is More" principle. There are way too many unnecessary and insignificant departments. Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution clearly states what Congress is supposed to do and not do. So what happened? Why do we have multiple organizations that don't need to be there? Who gave the okay for those? It's not about pointing fingers, though. How about we try to fix the situation, shall we?

Yes, there is an enormous deficit. But it didn't just show up overnight. Guess who is not to blame for the deficit...that's right, the tax payers. The only reason we don't have enough money is because of all the politicians who spend the money that isn't theirs to spend. Well, we can always print more, right? Getting more wood only feeds the fire, it doesn't make it smaller. There is a way to make things better, believe it or not.

Step 1 - stop wasting money all you schmoes in congress!

Step 2 - forget china, bring back all our factory jobs!

Step 3 - quit, stop, enough, no more, taxes! (there's already too many right now)

Step 4 - give successful business owners jobs in government (Romney in 2012!)

Step 5 - accountability, please!

You might be thinking this is another one of his crazy rants. You should you like this one at least. I wouldn't waste my precious blogs on things that didn't matter. Okay, once in a while, maybe - but not now! Last Sep.-Dec. I created a form letter and made copies and sent one to every senator and congress person from AZ and did it once a week. Those copies, envelopes, and stamps sure add up quick. But I felt a need to annoy the letter openers in those various offices with a message from an irate citizen.

I hope I made my point. Please let me know your impressions.

- JL

Real, really real

2010-09-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is some kind of weekend coming up. Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday. Here's what that means:

* It is projected that the newest Rally's restaurant in the state of AZ will open on Alma School & Chandler Blvd. Guess what? Lunch is served! Two Big Bufords and a banana shake to ease anyone's pain.

*Probably the biggest high school sporting event in Chandler's 98 year history. ESPN2 is coming in to show it live to the rest of the country. Hamilton (#1) and top recruit Christian Westerman vs. Chandler (#2) and top recruit Brett Hundley. Extra bleachers will be added. A new scoreboard will be unveiled. Tickets will be sold at 4:00, gates are opening at 5:00. Of course, kickoff isn't until 7. I think that 10,000 people in attendance is NOT an unreasonable estimate. Go wolves! Go huskies! Go $$$ for CUSD!

* Oh yeah, I am going out with a lovely young lady from Queen Creek. Should be fun. That's all I'll say about that.

Saturday:

*General Conference sessions 1 & 2. [Have to work] Priesthood session later with full-blown Elder's Quorum man-bonding afterwards. BBQ? sports? HALO? Sure, why not :P

Sunday:

*General Conference/Cinnamon Roll Extravaganza. What else can I say? I'm so there. But NOT in a purple shirt.

As you can see, this looks to be an interesting weekend for several reasons (one of them NOT being Oktoberfest). I'm glad that Fall is finally here.

Why So Serious-ly Hot Still

2010-09-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

TRIVIA TIME !!!

(answers on bottom - no cheating)

1. Name the year: Sony Walkman comes out, 1st test tube baby born, Velcro introduced to public, VCR hits the market.

A. 1977

B. 1978

C. 1979

D. 1981

2. How many U.S. presidents have been assassinated?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 4

D. 5

3. Name the longest running TV show in U. S. history.

A. Law & Order

B. Meet the Press

C. Gunsmoke

D. the Simpsons

4. Who is the top-selling author of all time?

A. J.R.R. Tolkien

B. Charles Dickens

C. J.K. Rowling

D. C.S. Lewis

5. Michael Jordan played for how many different professional teams in his career?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

6. On what day did the World Trade Center towers fall?

A. Monday

B. Tuesday

C. Wednesday

D. Thursday

7. True or False? The capital of Delaware is Dover.

8. Which state's nickname is the 'Sunshine State'?

A. California

B. Texas

C. Hawaii

D. Florida

9. The War of 1812 was fought between which countries?

A. France and United States

B. U.S. and the U.K.

C. France and England

D. Native Americans and the British

10. Name the most successful rock band of all time.

A. The Rolling Stones

B. The Eagles

C. The Beatles

D. U2

11. Which movie won more total Oscars?

A. Ben Hur

B. Titanic

C. Lord of the Rings

D. West Side Story

12. Which president is on the $20 bill?

A. Grant

B. Jackson

C. Johnson

D. Jefferson

13. Which state's flag has a bear on it?

A. Montana

B. Wyoming

C. California

D. Maine

14. How many people are there in Congress?

A. 100

B. 250

C. 435

D. 535

15. The North Star is part of which constellation?

A. Orion

B. Ursa Minor

C. Ursa Major

D. Polaris

16. What color is a Granny Smith apple?

A. Yellow

B. Red

C. Green

D. if you don't know this...

17. The Cold War was mostly between which countries?

A. England and Ireland

B. Alaska and Russia

C. U.S. and U.S.S.R.

D. Russia and Japan

18. True or False? Penguins live in the North Pole.

19. Xeranthemum is a type of

A. bacteria

B. flower

C. virus

D. vegetable

20. Which one is not a type of gum?

A. Super Bubble

B. Double Bubble

C. Bubble Yum

D. Bubblicious

*(answers:)

1. B, 2. C, 3. B, 4. A, 5. C, 6. B, 7. True, 8. D, 9. B, 10. C, 11. tricky-A, B, C all won 11 Oscars, 12. B, 13. C, 14. D, 15. B, 16. C, 17. C, 18. False, 19. B, 20. A

Correct:

1-5 --> "what's trivia?"

6-10 --> slept in class

11-15 --> soft glow lightbulb

16-20 --> You can be my friend!

!parc eht tahW

2010-09-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

oN, s'ti ton ruoy seye, s'ti em gnitirw siht eritne tsop ni esrever. aH aH.
yhW dluow I od taht ot ouy?
lleW fi ouy kniht siht si dnik fo gniyonna, neht emoclew ot tahw s'ti ekil gnibbus ni a ht7 edarg htam ssalc rof 7 sruoh no a yadirf.
dnA os ecnis siht si gnitrats ot ekam ym daeh truh, I lliw tel uoy teg kcab ot ruoy dnekeew.
retaL no speep!

-J

*sI ti yllaer ni esrever, ro si ti tsuj sdrawkcab?
mmmh

MockingJay review - not really a spoiler alert

2010-09-01T12:54:00.001-07:00

So in 48 hours I was favored with the conclusion of Suzanne Collins's popular teenage-drama trilogy. If you haven't yet read the first two, I would refer you to them before finishing this post...

I do hear that there is talk of putting these on the big screen. After reading this, I think it would be a good idea, if it's done right.

The Hunger Games was a good introductory piece to this series. Then there was Catching Fire, which I thought was going to make me sweat or something, but it left me yearning for some shaved ice. MockingJay was about as good as it could be for a finale.

I think the characters were a little under-valued, except for Katniss of course. The story gets a tiny bit choppy in parts. There was some intrigue, however, and even flashes of intensity in the action. Collins also threw in a few sentimental moments, for the younger-and-perhaps-female fans to enjoy. The conclusion goes from "WHAT?" to "REALLY?" and then settles on "I KNEW IT!" (similar to Harry Potter 7)

My final assessment is: A well-done part 3 that keeps you in until the very last page.

* 4 stars out of 5

Look-alikes?

2010-08-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

So let's say you were going on a blind date, and they wanted to know what you look like, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

If it was me, I would just tell them straight up ---

if you put carson daly

with mr. bean

and freddie prinze, jr.

then you would almost have my doppleganger...

so that's one way to put it i guess

changes at the office of JFL, Inc.

2010-08-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

So due to some recent budget cutbacks we had to get a new secretary person

another change was made with the security guard area

(we caught this one on their lunch break)

Man, this economy is pretty rough! but we try and get by though you know...

what a world we live in

2010-08-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

This is the last book I read, just recently (it's mostly a rough draft). The real title is How Can You Possibly Be a Mormon and a Democrat?

- I hope I have permission from the author to post this -

Anyways, he wrote about being a Latter-Day Saint and how that figures in to politics and government. It comes at you from multiple viewpoints (right, left, middle, etc.) Several major topics are debated, with a plethora of scriptures, quotes, statistics, and the like.

Overall, I thought it was a good way to present some of the perspectives on controversial subjects. I guess the bottom line is we just need to learn to be more civil with our fellow man, regardless of our opinions.

Or, 'What would Jesus do?'...

I think he would turn over a few tables in Congress (jk) (kinda)

[P.S. This is the copy the author gave to me. It is not yet on the market. The hope is that it will be the first in a series though. If you would like a better review/preview, I'm sure that can be arranged.]

Absoludicridiculositousness (mine)

2010-08-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

where do they find these people?
...just another reason to vote in November...
one of Washington's finest with a brain smaller than a pea!

Poster Child for what is wrong in Washington, D.C.

You will simply not believe this. Our 8th district U.S. Congressional representative, the Hon. Gabrielle Giffords, in a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee, asked Gen. David Petraeus the following question, "General Petraeus, what are you doing to reduce carbon emissions in the war on terror?"
Wow. I had to read and re-read this several times to believe it. Folks, there are American sons and daughters dying every week on the foreign battlefields of southwest Asia. The nation is completely bankrupt and...quite literally, borrowing 43 cents for every dollar in federal spending. We have the largest environmental disaster in the nation's history in the Gulf of Mexico, and we have Mexican drug armies invading our nation. And yet...a member of Congress from Arizona's 8th congressional district took the time to ask our battlefield commander what he is doing to curb carbon emmissions in the war. Gabrielle Giffords is the poster child for what is wrong with the U.S. Congress. We are being led by imbeciles. To the rest of America reading this blog, and to Gen. Petraeus if this email makes it to your inbox...my sincerest apologies for the stupid question asked of you by my U.S. congressional representative. General...I am sure you have better things to worry about than carbon emissions on the battlefield. I assure you, as a registered voter in Arizona's 8th congressional district, I will do everything I can to ensure Rep. Giffords is voted out of office in November, and I pray you will get back to business of fighting the war on terror without worrying about such petty and nonsensical matters as your carbon footprint in the war.

Mark Beres, Maj. USAF (ret.), Tucson, AZ

FYI: The 8th district surrounds Tucson to the north, south and east (Tucson is in the 7th district) and covers the southeast corner of AZ.

What Google says about Rep. Giffords -
Representative Gabrielle Giffords (AZ) took Afghan commander, General David Petraeus, to task for what she characterized as a willful disregard of the environmental impact of our war effort. 'There is no policy, no plan to minimize carbon emissions in our military activities', Giffords charged. 'Bombs are dropped and bullets are fired without considering the environmental impact.' Giffords insisted that she was not demanding an immediate halt to current military operations in the Middle East. 'I'm just saying that battle plans should include an environmental impact assessment as a regular part of the process before attacks are launched.'
She also suggested that the Army put more emphasis on less environmentally damaging methods, like stabbing or clubbing enemy forces in order to minimize the carbon output.

*New rules of engagement:
I think we ought to put her on the front lines so she can stab or club the enemy. It staggers the imagination that people like this can get elected to Congress! Walk softly and carry a big knife or big stick to save the environment.

God help us.

Sounds of the Cicadas

2010-07-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

This little guy looks confused. I was the same for a while. I was wondering when we were gonna get our 'good monsoon storm'. Well, it finally came just this week. It rained like crazy for a little bit. So I couldn't go swimming. But at least the cars got a wash.

Stupid El Nino, or whatever

p.s. School has already started back up...can you believe it?

What can I say ?

2010-07-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

This might as well be me. I use the phrase on a fairly regular basis. There are so many reasons for me doing so. Like right now, because it's so hot & muggy outside I feel like jumping off a cliff (into an iceberg or something)...

Wordsworth, William

2010-07-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

"A slumber did my spirit seal,

I had no human fears.

She seemed a thing that could not feel

the touch of earthly years.

No motion has she now, no force;

she neither hears nor sees.

Rolled 'round in earth's diurnal course,

with rocks, and stones, and trees."

Who's Who

2010-07-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

Whoa!

Where has the year gone?

Anyways, I am making a special offer to you, the public.

I will put YOU on my blog. That's correct.

Send me a pic of you that you like and I will construct a mini-bio

to post on this site. Don't all rush in at once.

This offer is good for the remainder of '10. But the sooner the better, baby.

And believe me when I tell you that it will be

a one-of-a-kind display of your essence, your charm, & my ability to capture it.

*Good summer to you all...

Smells like...

2010-06-24T16:49:00.001-07:00

(click on image)

"Question" (raises hand)

2010-06-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

These two characters make their re-appearance to the big screen this week (hooray!, if you're a kid)

But my beef for the week is this: Try to tell me how this works out:

Alice in Wonderland was only in theaters for 3 months and it grossed $1,017,220,165

The Dark Knight (by far a better movie) was out for twice as long-6 months-and came up with only $1,001,921,825

Was it that more kids came to see Alice? Ticket prices went up again in the two years? Alice was in more theaters? One was bootlegged more? What?

whatever...

I don't get people ... or movies nowadays ...

North A. in South A.

2010-06-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Sat. (12th) is when USA faces off against England in 1 of 3 first round world cup matches.

Wear your red, white, blue, and cross your fingers!

I think we got a good chance to come out and make some noise this time. But we will be up against the likes of Brazil, Spain, and defending champs-Italy.

It won't really be easy, but it should be fun to watch!

100 days, 100 degrees

2010-06-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

(Post-Memorial Day rambling)

The pool is nice, the watermelon's ready, summer's here again, try not to get too sweaty.

* Today is officially the International Day of the Child, aka 'Children's Day'. So if you have kids, read them a Dr. Seuss and let them have a cookie. Give them a hug and a kiss. Then take a break while they play with the dog. Remember that they will be the ones to carry on after you.
No kids yet?
No worries.
But don't wait too long : )

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” -Theodor Geisel

Cali Cali y'all

2010-05-25T16:17:00.001-07:00

Party in L.A. !
Nephew's 1st Birthday - at El Dorado park in Long Beach.
This guy thought he would try to crash it.
What is this? Over the Hedge part 2?

In case you have any doubts about the festivities...

It might have been a little too much fun for one day ... but you should have seen him 2 hours later when the cake kicked in [yowsers]
8D

Go Team Go

2010-05-20T17:30:00.001-07:00

The past 7 Wednesday nights have included me and a slew of other dudes on the softball fields at a park in Chandler. Some were old, some were out of shape, others were show-offs. What are you gonna do?

We don't care for the record - we had fun out there. (less than admirable maybe)
The tourney is coming up soon...hope we can get 'er done! We really do enjoy playing - we just like it more when we win, ya know.

Oh yeah we were the Panthers 8-]

TRIX are for grown-ups, too

2010-05-12T13:50:00.001-07:00

Recently, I met up with a visitor from our neighbors to the north (what up, eh)
We hit up a local dining establishment, which just so happened to be where a friend of mine works, who just so happened to be our server. Thanks Jen! Check it out:

http://www.houseoftricks.com/site

We both enjoyed it and found it to be a pleasant overall experience and recommend it to you and your friends. I got to taste the "Seafood Stuffed Poblano Pepper with Goat Cheese, Creamy Baja Sauce and Red Pepper Coulis" as well as the "Mustard Braised Rabbit with Celery Root Puree, Glazed Baby Carrots, Black Mission Figs and Watercress". The dessert is rich and caps off the meal nicely.

It actually was my first time having rabbit, and it was quite tasty. So moral of the story - get a date, go to the TRIX in Tempe, sit outside, ask for the section of Jen S., tip well, enjoy. Let me know how it went if you want to...

peace out peeps
- J

give props (or whatever the word is now)

2010-05-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is currently involved with a good cause. He is fighting a serious fight for the benefit of others. When you look up 'champion' in the dictionary, this is a definition that you see. Feel free to at least check the site. Donations are optional, but helpful, and can be anonymous.

http://troyhatch.com/

no, I'M not in Italy, unfortunately

2010-04-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

SO SORRY to be late with my posting

BUT it has been made clear to me that it's time for another list of things that are good, with maybe a list for bad things too, huh?

Ready? whatever

THE GOOD LIST (all about perspective right?)
- winning money at trivia
- free food on your birthday
- the weather, so far
- gas prices not going up (yet)
- watermelon & BBQ
- SUNS beating portland
- Panthers softball team
- 40% off books
- screening movies for free
- ooey gooey caramel brownie blizzard at DQ
- "Lonesome Dove" on blu-ray
- finding some dress clothes NOT made in china [thank you SteinMart]
- an inside tour of Chase field
- bread crumb coated chicken dinners at the Suites
- going to the temple more often

THE BAD LIST
- whoever the current president is
- the unnecessary hulabaloo about the recent immigration bill passed in AZ
- any kind of thinking that the above bill will even matter at all
- schools not having the funds they need
- some bloggers not having the funds they need...certain bloggers
- Samsung cell phone batteries
- people getting dissed by earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.
- the last movie seen at the drive ins (refund!)
- traffic accidents that take all day to clean up
- sooo much road construction
- people that can't control themselves enough to drive at reasonable speeds
- double tendonitis in the elbows :(
- waiting until august for The MockingJay to come out
- twitter, facebook, myspace, and other such sites --> all they do is suck out personal info for scams galore...and waste time
* I was serious about that last one, it's been proven *

pre(review)

2010-04-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Whoa! What's this chick doin' all up on my BLOG?

Well, it's actually my prop for the following post.

While the movie-whose poster you see here-does not come out until May 14th, I was able to be one of the crowd who recently screened it at a local theater. Here's the skinny:

So I don't often take in these types of films (chick flicks) yet I have to say that I was not let down. Sure it was free, but it still had some merit as a decent quality picture. My friend sitting next to me informed me that it was good enough for her-and I trusted her opinion.

This comes from the director of "Charlotte's Web", and "Bride Wars", and he remains effective in his presentation. The setting (Italy) was pleasant and attractive, with music to match the scenery.

Is it predictable? Sure. These kinds of movies usually end the same - happily. Is it worth your time? Indeed. It expresses the best traits of being in love, complete with appropriate lines and suitable acting. I also liked that it was "good, clean fun". So take the family, or just your sweetie, and enjoy 111 min. of AMORE!

Ever Elusive

2010-04-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

GOOD GRIEF!
No, it's not Charlie Brown's problem - it's my complaint.
My question is why, WHY?

Any of you avid shoppers out there (even just 'window' shopping types) please be on the lookout for neckties that are NOT made in China. Trust me, they are hard to find. The good ties that are made in other places just cost like $25-$30 (see how that works?) I'm surprised I even have the ones I do, quite frankly.

So to recap:
1. I don't like stuff made in china
2. I have hard time finding dress pants, dress shoes and socks, and now ties - thanks to #1

Not to be a Donny Downer ... but this is a rather annoying epidemic >: [

good times

2010-04-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthdays:
- HK (4/3)
- Millera6 (4/6)
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (4/6)

Now...what to post...hmmm...I got it!

APRIL is Jazz Appreciation month AND it's also National Poetry month. So, all you crazy cats get cranked and snap to this. I call it "Spring's flings" (Norah Jones w/ background)

That's right Daddy-O, go ahead and razz my berries.
I might go ape about this gig and lose my mind slowly.
When the rain stops and the sun shines I see the man steppin' on my dreams.
Ain't Spring the thing?

I'm hip to your tricks brother, and it's bringin' me down.
Don't call me kookie or I'll lay it on you with two coats.
It's about time to let the fish and the flowers do their thing.
Yeah, Spring still stings!

Before I cut out I wanna know that you're havin' a blast, and you dig my jive.
I'm not into rattlin' your cage, so cool out with the other cubes baby.
Let's see how the wind blows the news to our ears...listen...listen.
This is some fling, man.

Not a 'girlie man'

2010-03-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

As I write this on Fri., I have spent this past week 'in training' so to speak to get in better shape.
For what?
Well, tomorrow after work I will head down to the US Airways Center practice facility and play some b-ball. They are holding tryouts to field a practice squad for the Phoenix Mercury. Yes, I will be competing w/ many other dudes across the valley for the chance at one of maybe 15 spots. Those selected are to receive some new shoes and some game tickets. Just for showing up: a t-shirt and a boxed lunch.
Do I think I have what it takes?
Not necessarily.
BUT I have worked out this whole week to try and get back into decent hoops form. My diet has even been adjusted to help me with the conditioning (although I definitely could've done a better job at this :)
Workouts included running laps & sprints, aquarobics/cardio, and hours in the gym doing drills for dribbling and shooting.
Not that I think I am at all 'game ready'. My hope is that I can hang with the other guys and not embarrass myself too much.
Now...who wants to play me some H-O-R-S-E ?

In the 'Biz

2010-03-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

So Friday was interesting/educational for me.
I spent the majority of the day at Villa Siena in Gilbert for a GODADDY commercial shoot.
It was a poker theme and it featured Vanessa Rousso (top 5 all-time female poker tournament money-maker).
There were about a dozen of us that were extras and we just sat in the background at the tables acting like we were playing some Hold 'em.
There was a lot of sitting around in the lounge, but we did get snacks, and lunch was pretty top-notch in my opinion.
The set was loaded with the crew, and props, and lights.
For my first time, I think I rather enjoyed it.
The worst part was that I missed most of the day's March Madness games.
So goes my intro to the entertainment industry...

I feel naked, I mean bare

2010-03-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

Did you peep into this post out of curiosity?
I'm sure.

The reason for my title is that I have given up my Star Wars Trilogies and my Lord of the Rings collection. I know, crazy huh? It's because I feel like movin on up to the next step - Blu Ray. The Lord of the Rings 3-pack comes out in a few weeks. I still need a player of course, and an HDMI cable. This is an urge that's probably worth the wait.

Along the Family History lines, the following website is a DANDY.

http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/

This program is free, but the Deluxe version seems to impress others more. You can do some pretty cool stuff with your ancestral information in this system. (I wouldn't pass it on if it was anything less than cool)

Just like you wouldn't be reading this if you were anything less than cool. See how that works out?

B- ]

Ladies, I got your back

2010-03-08T09:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, today is International Women's Day, or something like that. Apparently, this is not observed here in the United States. Although, International Men's Day is November 19, and that does seem to be recognized by the U.S. of A.

Hey - don't look at me - I don't get it either. (chauvinism rules ?)

There's even an International Children's Day (June 1) and a Universal Children's Day (Nov. 20). So what's really going on here?

Well, all I can do is supply the information. I had no say in their origins. Why do we need to come up with "___ Days" to remember the roles of the family? It should be "Family Day" every day if you know what I mean. Some parents are lame, which affects the kids. [Trust me, I'm a first-hand witness] This takes its toll on our society.

Come on people...step it up!

YEAR of the TIGER

2010-02-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

Don't you just want to play some "SURVIVOR" right now?

So I didn't want to leave February behind without acknowledging the fact that it is Black History Month. Originally, it started with Carter G. Woodson back in 1926 as "Negro History Week" (or so the report goes). Since then, there have been many disputes over its relevance in our society. Even some of the more prominent black folks feel that it has lost its true value and meaning along the way. Well that's kinda weird. It's better than not having it at all though, right? I don't know. I guess you can't please everybody. Oh well.

* GO SUNS !

Some kind of day

2010-02-15T16:09:00.001-08:00

So President's Day 2010 involved getting to the top of good old Camelback mountain. The top view is of the buttes by ASU (not close). The next scene is of Sky Harbor Airport (pretty far away). The third pic is of downtown PHX (way over there). Had I taken a few snaps from the other side, there would just be some shots of really nice rich houses w/ pools and tennis courts everywhere. The hike was a good one - no injuries, arrests, or other such drama. Why don't you give it a try and let me know what you think...

spread the word

2010-02-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

So here's my 'name drop' for the week - check out this stuff from CleverEddie (the lead is in my ward)

http://www.myspace.com/clevereddiemusic

50/50

2010-02-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

* Beware...this post is 1/2 rant & 1/2 rave ( I'm all about balance)

My 'rant' is this:
I will say it right now. Phoenix has fallen apart and it was all under Napolitano's watch. They handled their city's budget like a fat kid with a piece of cake (not to offend, but just for imagery). If they think the best way to start to get things under control is to let go of some of their public servants, then they are more foolish than we realized. Firemen and policemen are VITAL to the safety of our society. As it is, they are under the needed amount of personnel - being heavily outnumbered by the citizenry. I don't have the exact ratio right now, but it is not close at all. These are people who often risk their lives just to do their jobs. Rewarding their loyalties by giving them a pink slip is not the right way to go at all. I feel bad for the reputation of this state if that is indeed what happens. You want to cut back on some jobs to save some money you don't have? Get rid of the clowns involved in letting this happen in the first place. The ones with nice offices that spend taxpayer money to eat out and take trips, etc. Need I say more?

Now for my 'rave':
OOOOOweeeee! It's all about the Jelly Belly, baby. I can't even pretend to say how much this stuff rocks. Not just because it's a product of the USA (take that China), nothing can beat a good mix of the JB beans. Talk about awesome! For those of you who have taken a tour of the factory (probably in Fairfield, California) you have to agree with me. There's nothing better than sampling some of the 40 or 50 wonderful flavors they provide. Every bite is a party in your mouth. No, this is not being juvenile. I am so legitimate right now. What else can I add to this shameless promotion of empty calories. If this is your only vice -jelly bean gluttony- I would still vote for you to get into heaven. In other words, eat these things like there's no tomorrow. Man, now I wish I had some to partake of. Off to the store I go!

Call it whatever

2010-01-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

Another B-L-O-G, another day of R-A-I-N?

Last night we watched the Mesa Jackrabbits visit the home court of the Hamilton Huskies. These two played in December (holiday tournament) and Mesa handled the Huskies then. This was still on the players' minds no doubt. Hamilton had a some key players sitting out, unfortunately. Mesa has probably the best point guard in the state and another one going to play for Tulsa next year.

At the end of the first quarter, Hamilton was ahead. At the half, Mesa was up by 7 or so. The third quarter ended with Mesa still in the lead. The last five minutes of regulation were electric, however. The Huskies took over and came back to tie it up, sending it into overtime. The students were rowdy, the parents were buzzing, and the refs ... well, they didn't exactly bring their A games.

Coincidentally, the game just happened to be broadcast live over the AIA website. So the proof is there. I can't count the number of bad calls or no calls on the part of the officials. But life goes on.

Here we go into an extra 4 minutes of action. The Huskies were in a zone, it seemed, and were up by 2 with about a minute left (due to an obvious goal-tend which the refs didn't call). Then the Jackrabbit all-star Jahii-what's-his-name took the ball and tied the game again. As Hamilton comes in after that, they made a costly turnover. Then a questionable foul call sends Mr. Carson to the line for 2 more shots. He missed one, surprisingly, putting Mesa up 73-72 with a few seconds left. Hamilton hurries the ball down and we find big Micah Fetters shooting it in the corner as the clock winds down. . .

The night was full of exciting overtime thrillers. The Phoenix Suns lost at home to the inferior Charlotte Bobcats in OT. The #1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats went down against the Gamecocks of South Carolina. And sadly, the mighty Hamilton Huskies felt the crushing blow of defeat, barely losing to potentially the best team in the Valley of the Sun.

A referee call here, a made free throw there, and today is a day of joy for HHS fans. But we can't let it ruin our day. That's what the clouds are for.

- JL

Subbing

2010-01-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

The other day I subbed for my 190th time since '07.

Here's what subbing in a junior high/high school classroom is like nowadays:

- eating a whole bag of "sluggles"
- holding a handful of dirt for several hours straight
- manufactured drama (like the kind on soap operas)
- letting ants crawl on you
- gargling vinegar
- running w/ shoelaces untied
- dipping earlobes in hot wax
- watching people ride roller coasters
- getting in a pie throwing fight ... and losing
- listening to a record of a shakespeare play, in reverse
- going to the zoo and someone pulls the fire alarm

heres a happy : )

2010-01-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

So, as promised, I present the first edition of the "Things That Are Cool" list...

- San Marcos ward socials
- doing Family History
- Tax refunds $$$
- Super Mario for Wii
- Hamilton Huskies hoops
- 10 Ghirardelli squares for $1.00
- going on a mission to Mongolia
- Peter Piper Pizza's lunch buffet
- a little thing I like to call "Sherlock Holmes" (now playing)
- writing letters to missionaries
- baptisms/confirmations
- the Cards playoff win over the Packers
- and yes...the LoveSac

Not to brag, but it's 69 degrees here

2010-01-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

While a lot of people in those other places are getting it from the freezing snow and other such weather messes, I have made a list of other really crappy things. It's just a short list, I'm sure.

- Things made in China
- Obama's fling with abusing his powers
- Not making enough money
- Drunk drivers - including bus drivers and delivery trucks
- Cancer :(
- All the "Saw" movies (seriously, stop making those already)
- Finding a hair in your DQ blizzard
- Harassing mormons without cause
- ASU's record this past football season
- Spam emails

BUT the good news is the list of really cool things is shortly forthcoming, so stay tuned kids!

T h e '10 ! (as in 2010)

2009-12-31T23:07:00.000-08:00

"Here's to you and all the rest, and those to whom we love the best..."

It's a new year, a new decade, and a new post, from a new man (sorta).

I personally hope you all have a great year and NOT buy stuff made in china.

That was kindofa joke, but not really.

Here are my predictions for this next year:

- Obama will continue to be a big schmo
- Arizona will keep losing money
- I will date a hottie (more than once, with any luck)
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will hit 14 million members
- You will be more into blogs and blogging than ever before

TO BE CONTINUED

Ideas...

2009-12-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

a list of New Year's resolutions:

- break down goals by month, week, etc.
- focus on fixes (personal traits or habits)
- do a good deed daily (like Cub Scout theme)
- write a letter and send it to someone far away
- less facebook, more face time
- discover new things (shakespeare, landscaping, whatever)
- get your vitals taken/find out your blood type
- exercise a little bit, make it physical AND mental
- dabble in various genres of music...mix it up!
- volunteer time
- recycle things

* feel free to add some

'Tis the Season

2009-12-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

( you can pretend to open them and make up what is underneath )

for sale

2009-11-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

It's a custom New Era Phoenix Suns cap size 7 1/8, in a case, signed by Amare Stoudamire back in '03, when he won NBA Rookie of the Year. He came in to the AZ Mills Hat Club while I was working and signed it.

It cost $30 originally. I am trying to get at least that, maybe more for the case...
Let me know if interested!
: )

3rd x CHARM

2009-10-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

April 1994: trip to Conference w/ Priests

April 2004: trip to Conference w/ the Scout's owner

October 2009: PRETTY MUCH THE BEST CONFERENCE ROAD TRIP EVER! (w/ owner of THE BLACK BURRO)

Stayed at HOTEL WILSON in PROVO (w/ "ROXY" as security)

<--- This is Roxy

AND got to be in the same room as the prophet and the apostles!

...how's that for awesome?

R-a-n-d-o-M

2009-09-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

my name is

i have a confession to make:

i checked a movie out of the library called "Babylon A.D." (for curiosity's sake)

and yes, it was a

on rotten tomatoes.com (out of 100)

I'm looking for a champion, who wants to help me out with this bad boy? (one of you Sudoku freaks...this one is tuff)

AND

i still can't believe Disney and Marvel got "married"

time for school, time for books...

2009-08-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

"In honor of the annual return to academics I present some former moments of mentoring"

Myself, and Jordan, at Periwinkle Elementary in Albany Oregon, 1998 school year, S.M.A.R.T. reading program
(Good kid but bad pic)

10 years later-
Me w/ my lil' friend Albert, at Ward Elementary in Tempe Arizona, ASKT program
(he was a character)
check out the website to volunteer http://www.askt.org/

It's about Freedom

2009-07-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

U.S. National Debt 1791 to 2006

2006	8,366,862,634,494
2005	7,932,709,661,723
2004	7,379,052,696,330
2003	6,783,231,062,743
2002	6,228,235,965,597
2001	5,807,463,412,200
2000	5,674,178,209,886
1999	5,656,270,901,615
1998	5,526,193,008,897
1997	5,413,146,011,397
1996	5,224,810,939,135
1995	4,973,982,900,709
1994	4,692,749,910,013
1993	4,411,488,883,139
1992	4,064,620,655,521
1991	3,665,303,351,697
1990	3,233,313,451,777
1989	2,857,430,960,187
1988	2,602,337,712,041
1987	2,350,276,890,953
1986	2,125,302,616,658
1985	1,945,941,616,459
1980	930,210,000,000*
1975	576,649,000,000*
1970	389,158,403,690
1965	320,904,110,042
1960	290,216,815,241
1955	280,768,553,188
1950	257,357,352,351
1945	258,682,187,409
1940	42,967,531,037
1935	28,700,892,624
1930	16,185,309,831
1925	20,516,193,887
1920	25,952,456,406
1915	3,058,136,873
1910	2,652,665,838
1905	2,274,615,063
1900	2,136,961,091
1895	1,676,120,983
1890	1,552,140,204
1885	1,863,964,873
1880	2,120,415,370
1875	2,232,284,531
1870	2,480,672,427
1865	2,680,647,869
1860	64,842,287
1855	35,586,956
1850	63,452,773
1845	15,925,303
1840	3,573,343
1835	33,733
1830	48,565,406
1825	83,788,432
1820	91,015,566
1815	99,833,660
1810	53,173,217
1805	82,312,150
1800	82,976,294
1795	80,747,587
1791	75,463,476

* Rounded to Millions

(Source: Bureau of the Public Debt - United States Department of the Treasury; www.publicdebt.treas.gov/opd/opd.htm) As we pay homage to our blessed independence, I took it upon myself to include some of the minor details...lest we forget. Congress has increased the debt ceiling to NINE Trillion dollars. All things considered, the burden of debt for every man, woman and child in the country has risen to over $100,000 each. Our nation is overspending at a rate of about $2 billion per day. During the first half of 2005, Americans got poorer at the rate of $80 million per HOUR...China...lends the United States $300 billion per year...Dick Cheney has reminded us that: "Deficits don't matter." In the private sector during 2005, for every $19 Americans earned, they spent $20. AMERICA = empire of debt [Skousen, 2006, p. 299] When we say God Bless America, we really need to mean it viva la liberty!

a QUOTE and a QUESTION

2009-06-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

quote:

"Try not to become a person of success. Rather become a person of value." - Albert Einstein

* the challenge now is to pick the topic that this quote falls under, and then reply with a similar type quote of your own (if you can)

question:

You are given a chance to return to any previous point in your life and change a decision you made, but you will lose everything that has happened to you since then. Is there a time you would return to? If so, would you like to retain the memory of the life you are giving up even though you could never recapture it?

* feel free to offer an opinion, or a response
(it might be a bit of a silly question, but how sensible of an answer can you come up with?)

MAY IS FOR...

2009-05-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

- movies @ midnight

- meaningful messages on monday mornings
* here's one "Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly." (Benjamin Franklin)

- movies in the park

- me subbing @ Perry High (go Pumas)

- movies w/ movie goodies

- multiple birthday parties

- my car does give rides :)

- many kinds of wings

- morning runs on Saturdays

- Mother's Day! (of course)

- must get my tooth checked out by dentist before it kills me

- man, it's already time for renewing car registration again

- mucho school graduations

- Manny Ramirez suspended 50 games

- making snowcones

- marking up the conference Ensign articles

- meeting the author (and i know her brother)

- maximizing salads, minimizing meats

- memories of those who've passed on

- mixin' it up a little

- mental exercises: 5 riddles (for the answers you have to post a reply and ask for them)
1. A murderer is condemned to death. For his execution, he has to choose from three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in three years. Which room is safest for him?
2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together, and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
3. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away ?
4. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday?
5. This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious as to just how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching!

-meeting the world for the first time (welcome to earth, junior)

- my opinion of honoring a special day

You are who you say you are, a superstar...

2009-03-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know I was famous? Do you still not believe it? Well, being that on April 2 of this year, I celebrate an anniversary of sorts. It is a personal holiday, a.k.a. my birthday. You know you wanna eat some cake and ice cream now as soon as I blow out my candles. Then I can open up all the nice presents you did or did not get me. Well, I will enjoy the day no matter what. Another year of surviving and not thriving. Thank you for sticking it out with me. I'm greatful to know all of you. I look forward to giving you grief this time next year, you rapscallions!

- John "the family history consultant" Long

Missed-her (Mr.) March

2009-03-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

Picture: to the left
Story: pay attention

The timeframe for this is the beginning of August 1997. I am standing out in the front yard of my friend's house and going home for the night. His name is Kevin Weeks. He was a Tempe motor cop. He died 9-28-06 after a bad accident. I hung out with him that night and we just were being goofy guys. In the snapshot my nose is kinda red. This is from blowing it too much (the friction from all the tissues I used making a rash). The previous Sunday
was my farewell talk (leaving on the mission). Kevin was there with my other friend Jeff (who is also a cop-in PHX). When I got home from my mission two years later, I went to his police academy graduation shortly thereafter (since he went to my farewell, ya see). We wrote some letters back and forth while I was away. He and the other fellas had some crazy times while I was gone. The photo looks kinda funny because I put it in Paint first and then took it to Word. The Abercrombie & Fitch shirt waited in the closet for me to finish my mission. It was my only green shirt for a long time. I miss Kevin, even though we weren't that close when he passed. His letters still induce a few chuckles and grins. The irony is the amount of tissues I used when I gave my farewell talk was quite a few; the scenario was the same for when I went to his "policeman's" funeral. And that concludes my tale for now...

*John*

or as I like to call it, the 'familiarly-4-fridays' month

2009-01-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

a quick peek at the calendar for feb.

mon. the 2nd: groundhog day (go Phil!)

fri. the 13th

sat. the 14th: st. valentine's day...of course

mon. the 16th: president's day, aka '2-presidents-birthdays-in-1' day

whole month: black history month - not african american history month

future honeymoon?

2009-01-04T17:26:00.001-08:00

I caught myself staring at this part of the world on a globe recently and had an idea for a trip I'd like to take that might be hard to do but tons 'o' fun all the way. I think it would include 12 cities and last at least 24 days (rushed?). I put the start and finish spots on the little map. I'm not sure why it costs so much less to fly from PHX to Dublin, Ireland than from Paris, France back to PHX - about 4.5 times less actually! Anyway, here is the mini "agenda":

1.Come into Dublin, take pics

2.Jet over to London, hit up Buckingham

3.Shoot across to Amsterdam, film an "illicit" act

4.Drop down to Brussels, eat normal food?

5.Bust it over to Berlin, find the old wall

6.Slip into Prague, just be sneaky...like a spy

7.Pop up in Vienna, get a souvenir

8.Cruise over to Bern, meet someone famous

9.Roll down to Rome, avoid mafia

10. (quality) S L E E P

11.Cross Mediterranean (boat?)

12.Go out with a Madrid hottie

13.See if Lisbon has hotter hotties

14.Last stop:Paris

15.Eiffel tower at night?

It's a generic plan but "on paper" it rocks my socks. If any one has any advice they can offer a fool like me on this crazy jaunt, feel free. Yeah, I just opened it up to you for mocking my only fun idea ever. Oh and if you feel so inclined, I am taking donations to make this whole thing possible. Every litte bit helps. It's a new year, why not be more giving in '09? : )