It's March!

Crummy Smarch weather...

My birthday is in ten days! Hoorah!

So I'm already on Spring Break, which can get quite boring at times. But... at least I have a Spring Break. Take that BYU! *laughs at BYU's lack of holidays*

The opera is at the end of this week, on Friday. I'm going to see Cinderella put on by the Utah Opera something or other... I dunno. I just have to do it for my music class, so I decided to drag everyone else along with me. It'll be an experience, at least. That's about all that I have to look forward to about it, I think... At least I can say I've been to one! The girls wanted to get all dressed up for it, so I have to wear a suit. Which... is kind of dumb. It's going to get very uncomfortable sitting there for two or so hours jammed with a bunch of other people, wearing a suit. It's a felony yelling "FIRE!" in a crowded area, isn't it? I'd be on the upper balconies, so I'd be ok. Maybe I should bring a rappelling rope and try and descend from the balcony! And then, I could bring along my katana. Chris and I were talking about this. Wearing a suit with a katana, I'd be unstoppable. Like in an anime.

At any rate, I've started to play The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. It's an incredible game so far, although Chris has told me it's going to start to suck right around where I am now. It gets kind of tedious and frustrating pretty soon. That part I'm not looking forward to very much, but I think it's my favorite one so far.

Also, I finished Avatar Book 2. I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3 from Jekka. She better hurry up here from Cedar! I guess it'll be nice to see her, too. Or something.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl came out sometime last week or something! That's super awesome. I'm going up to the Jones' and tearing it up if they have it. If they don't I intend to rent it. Not like the first Super Smash was intense enough at times, now you get to use your appendages to control your characters! I think something is going to get broken.

On a less exciting note, though, my uncle is in the hopsickle due to heart issues. He's had heart troubles for a while apparently; he had a defibrillator (that word is weird) put into his chest a while ago. He went into the emergency room to get something else checked out, and they discovered that his heart was only working at 10%. He's up at the U Medical Center now, in SICU. He's doing better, but he has a feeding tube and an oxygen tube inserted into his mouth, so he doesn't look all that great. Plus, he's in a hospital. I think that takes away how well you look. He's awaiting a heart transplant right now, which is why he's up there (other than the much needed care). He received an anointed blessing before he was transfered up there, and then a blessing for comfort while he was in the Provo hospital. According to what my uncle's friend was saying during the anointed blessing, he'll get through this. He still his other things to accomplish. I'm confident in that. It's tough, but I think he's tougher.

But at any rate. Saint Patty's Day is coming up next week. Not that exciting, but uh... Happy Get-In-A-Fight-With-An-Irishman Day.

'til next time. :D

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Now playing: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Desensitized
via FoxyTunes

Masainko, ha!

Well. Hello, there. It's a uh... fancy meetin' you here. So do you, like, come here often...?

If you've never heard of Nightwish go out and buy their album Dark Passion Play. Or I just might have to disown you. Also, go out and get Ayreon's 01011001. Also amazing. Nightwish has some of the greatest lyrics I've read for some time, and the instruments just grow on you more and more.

I also finished Zelda: Twilight Princess. It was a good game, with a pretty good ending. I think I played it too much, though, I should've paced myself a little more with it. The ending boss was a little bit too easy I think (once I figured out what to do...). You also have to fight this giant spider during one of the temples. That was freaking nasty. There was this one part, where the camera swiveled around so I got a good look at it. All... hairy, and... bug-eyed. That gave me the heebee-jeebies. It also died the way spiders do, which is also nasty. It curled up all sick like, and then exploded. But on the plus side, apparently spider hearts are also compatible with Link.

And more on the side of finishing things, I finished Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 1. I started Saturday and finished Sunday. Yep, I'm pretty much pathetic. It was a really good beginning, I'm way excited to finish it off. I wonder when the newest season will start up again? I'm also caught in the decision of which element is the coolest to manipulate... Earth sucks, and so does water. So either fire or air. I also wonder when Aang is going to be a master of all four, so that he can use all four styles in one battle. That's what I'm waiting on - how super cool would that be?!

I talked to my bishop last Sunday, too. He said he'd have my papers for me probably this weekend, at which point I can get them all filled out! I'm setting my availability for the end of May. Super special awesomeness! It's very exciting. Although he informed me that I won't be leaving North America as I had hoped because I didn't take seminary in high school. Although he still said that there is a chance that I could go Japanese speaking, up into Canada-Land or to some areas in the states. Even that would be amazing. I'm not too worried about where I go anymore, though. I'm very confident that I will love it no matter what.

In other news, I also finished The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum. It's nothing like the movie, and still really good. Although since it's a series, the first book doesn't actually end, which bothers me. Maybe I'll pick up the rest of the series some day, but at this point I'm pretty content with just that one. It's worth a read. I've now started Ghost Rider by Neil Peart. He's the drummer and lyricist to the band Rush. This particular book is about how he dealt with the loss of his daughter and wife within a ten-month period. And by doing that, he took a road trip. So far, I really like it. I'm only about three or so chapters in, though.

And I think that's about all... I've got to start on homework at some point today... I've been slacking off on that pretty well. I think it's what I'm best at. :D

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Now playing: Nightwish - Bye Bye Beautiful
via FoxyTunes

The return!

*trumpet flourish*
-decrescendo-
*kazoo flourish!*

Soomme daay.....

So we got back last night from Zion National Park/Cedar City. We left Friday kind of late, and ended up staying the night in Cedar. That was actually a lot of fun, I think I like Chris' roommates. Although I can understand why it's a pain to live with them. At about 1AM one of his roommates lit incense so that they could make a smoke ring device. It worked well and looked super awesome, but the incense stunk really bad. So the next time I try that, I'll have awesome smelling smoke.

The next day we departed for Zion. Once we got there, there was a little confusion as to what we in the van were supposed to do. So, we wander around the visitor's center for a little bit until we received further instructions according to the battle plan. After getting all settled in, we went on a hike! The first one. We went to Emerald Pools, which was snowed over. That was kind of exciting, I slid on my butt on most of the treacherous parts. Mostly everyone else slipped and butt-planted it. I couldn't laugh out loud too hard, because if it wasn't for my butt sliding I would've done the same thing. Once that one was done, we headed back to the campsite and chillaxed for the rest of the night. I think that was the night we cranked up the volume to Systematic Chaos, but some lady got mad and told us to turn it down... That was stoopid. I have an overly exciting video of Chris rocking out to that.

The next couple of days were full of hikes and adventure. I went real bouldering for the first time. It was difficult, and I'm sore, but it was really great and a lot of fun. I'm going to try it more and more when I get the chance. I'll probably break my head, but I've always liked the saying that if you have no brains, then there's no pain. Maybe I could engineer some kind of way to temporarily put my brain in a jar? Who needs it, anyway. Superfluous organ if you ask me! *throb throb*

Everyone got sick on the trip, and that was a big bummer. Although I did get decreed the bodyguard of the apparent Master, and I shall become a G.I. Joe. Now I have a legitimate reason to shout "GO JOE!".

Chris gave me two new CDs, as well. I now have the new Ayreon and Diablo Swing Orchestra. I don't think Jekka got the chance to rip them, though... But... uh... survival of the fittest? I'm also going to be giving this super amazing Avatar a try. I got the first season. It seems interesting... If everyone else can talk about it so much...

On our last day, just before leaving, we hung around Cedar for a little while and played around at Discovery Park. That was fun, too. We climbed all over the park in a very bouldering-style... climbing thing. I had Ashley shadowing me most of the time, and that was pretty interesting. It's fun having a younger sister now that can be capable of abstract thought. I was also promised delicious baked-goods when I'm on my mission from her. I'll remember, and she better hold up her side of the bargain!

Anyway, pretty soon after that we took off and headed for home. Once I got home I took a well-needed shower and realized that that "tan" was, in fact, just dirt. I also stole the GameCube from the kids, so now I have Zelda: Twilight Princess to play and keep me occupied. Although too much so, as I didn't do anything pertaining to homework today like I should have. It was also really nice to see Torie again - we got the chance to be together for a few hours as she finished work. It's strange missing her and leaving, because when I come back it's like I never left at all.

So, as it is, back to the grind. School tomorrow and other fun stuff like that... Whoo-hoo! I think I'm ready for another break...


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Now playing: Ayreon - Age Of Shadows
via FoxyTunes

Thoughts on things.

Whoo buddy. It seems like nothing has been going on, but to review it and think about it, everything has been happening.

Last Thursday was my one year anniversary. My Torie is the greatest blessing I've ever had in my life. She has shown me that love can be had without any doubts or fears. I love her very much. For our anniversary date, we went ice skating, and then out to eat.

Ice skating was bloody difficult, although I got the hang of it, and didn't even fall once! I stumbled a whole lot, and kept saying I was going to, but didn't! It was amazing. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and want to go again. Although... not when there are so many people there. That turns into a pain. What if, like... I fall, or someone else falls, and someone else trips over the fallen one, and cuts them with the ice skate?! That could turn horrible. I also didn't get the opportunity to donkey-kick anyone while ice skating. I don't think I could've kept my balance while doing that. It could've been awesome, though.

We then went to Osaka in Provo. As you might guess, it's a Pakastani restaurant. Hahah, not really. It's a Japanese place on Main. Or Center. I dunno. Anyway, we ate there and had some delicious food for very reasonable prices. We both tried broiled eel. It didn't taste bad at all - it was just really fishy. I'm going to get octopus or squid next time. I've heard it's good, but haven't gotten the chance to try it yet... Torie also agreed to give it a try, so even if it is horrible I won't be suffering alone. After dinner we hung out for a couple more hours, and then I took her home.

Also, my mother bought Rock Band for the PS2. Yep, my mom bought it, all with her money. So now we have Rock Band, and I'm almost done getting all the songs for it. It's super exciting, I love that game. It still gives me terrible tunnel vision if I play too many songs, though. I can play for longer than Guitar Hero. Plus, it's just plain better.

In other game news, Super Smash Brawl has been delayed until March, but it has been released in Japan, so the full list of characters has been released. I'm super excited for it! I'm going to have to commandeer a Wii for a while and have a Super Smash party. You're coming, right? But before that I'll have a Rock Band party. Since I own it! You're also coming to that. This one isn't even a question.

Later this month I'll be going down to Cedar and Zion with the Jones family. I think I'm going, I haven't fully decided yet. Although usually when this happens I just end up going anyway. It sounds like a lot of fun, at least.

So... not much else. School stuff, nothing too fun going on there. Stupid Biology teacher. Faked a hugging-tree experience in Sociology. Uhhm... I still have to go to an opera for my music class, although that doesn't happen until March. I'm kind of excited for that one. I had to take an hour to eat fast food for my Fitness class. That took for-freaking-ever. It was kind of interesting to do, though. We got a whole pizza between three of us so we all had four slices with some cinnamon bread. It was super good, but... the entire hour was kind of boring. We just sat there. And I didn't pace myself very well so I ended up eating two pieces of pizza and bread within the last ten or fifteen minutes. I think that's the end of my crazy assignments this semester.

Hum-dinger. That is all! Now sit back, relax, and just ignore the screams coming from the other room...

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Now playing: The Fray - Look After You
via FoxyTunes

In loving memory of President Gordon B. Hinckley.

President Hinckley died yesterday night at 7PM at his apartment in Salt Lake City. He will be missed on this earth, though I believe everyone should agree that it's the best thing for him.

The full story, and a little bit about his life.

When I first heard this I didn't quite believe it. It was sent through a text to people around me while I was at a fireside. I wanted to confirm it for myself, although as everyone around me began getting relatively the same text and began talking about it, I became a little more convinced. Once I got home from the fireside, I logged onto the computer and found the above website. Convinced then, I wasn't all that sad about his departure.

He was a great man. The only prophet my life has yet known. His words of wisdom and general vigor towards service that he delivered all across the world is something anyone with or without faith can admire. He was one of the greatest, most humble, and a wonderful child of God.

I wasn't all that sad over his departure from the earth because I knew where he was going. He's headed straight for the arms of God, Jesus, the prophets that came before him, his family, and his wife.

Who could be sad for him and his family that he left behind knowing that?

I never met him in this life, although I look forward to when I get the chance to. I only saw him once in real life, in fact. It'll be a pleasure to have the meeting on the other side of the veil.

May everyone remember this man as a great and powerful man, for all of the wonderful things he did for this earth and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. President Hinckley will be missed, although tears shed will be comforted.

Updates!

Uhm... Hi

Well hello there.

Hi.

Hey.

Hello.

Hi.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello?

Hi.

So how's everyone bean doing? Pretty alright on this side. School stuff, and other such... Not too much to report. I just got back from South Carolina yesterday. I'm not really sure what time schedule I'm on, but school is tomorrow... But anyway, that's not the exciting part. While in South Carolina we visited my grandpa and went to a car show. I got some pictures of some the sexy beasts that were there. And they are as follow:
















I actually don't remember what kind of car this is. Oh! This is the new Corvette. It kind of has a retro style to it, I thought.
















The new Camaro. I don't think I have to say anything.















A Jeep Hurricane... uh... thing. I'm not really sure what to think. It looks freaking beastly. I overheard a couple of guys there talking - they said it has two Hemi engines. I would love to see this thing in action.















A Lotus. Another one of those "I don't think I have to say anything" vehicles.















A new Subaru. I love these cars. They created like a... rally sedan. It's kind of weird, but I like it.


So yeah, that was some of the excitement I experienced. I've also discovered that Southern accents are horrendous, and a lazy southern speaker almost gave me an aneurysm. My sister and niece are home now, and that's super fun! The baby like me now. I like kids. Sometimes. When I can hand them over.
Mariah Jane. Daaaawwwh. She was eating a cupcake. My favoritest little girl I've ever met.

Anyway, I think that's about it. Not terribly exciting, but hey! My plan to take over the neighborhood (screw you i before e rule) hasn't commenced yet. I'll be sure to let you know when it does.

'til then!

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Now playing: Goo Goo Dolls - Let Love In

via FoxyTunes
(kinda girly, huh?)

New year, New Years!

A happy new year to everyone! I hope it was greatly fantasticle. I'd like to hear a story about someone ending up the hospital in a humorous manor. I think that would be outstanding. Not hurt, of course... Just something worth it.

Anyway, the final moments I spent at 2007 were partying up at the Jones' residence. It was a lot of fun, a lot of people showed up! I wasn't expecting that many. Everyone showed up on time, too, so we all got to hang out for hours and hours! We started off with playing the board game Imagineiff. Which is... kind of fun. It's more about conformity and knowing what other people will put rather than actually knowing the person I think. Which didn't make it as fun... But, there were a few really good moments. Did you know that if I were to be a famous Olympic site, I'd be Berlin? Which is dumb, 'cause I don't want to be a Commi. So anyway, after that, we all hung out and talked for a little while. David, Nate and myself were being mauled by small children while everyone else was talking, I guess is what I should say. That part wasn't so fun. I kind of wanted to start throwing kids, but then I realized I might break something. So instead I just hit their head on the ceiling. After I safely fended them off and took a break, we turned on Edward Scissorhands. I hadn't ever actually seen it, but now I know why everyone loves it so. It is quite a wonderful movie. I was very impressed at the versatile acting style that Johnny Depp can fit in to. I also liked it when he was trying to dress himself, and he tried to snap the suspenders but just cut them instead. Also, the Whoville hairstyle that some of the women of the community had.

Anyway, after that we had about fifteen minutes until the nuclear bomb went off. I mean... the... ball? I dunno, whatever. They should start threatening people/cities/countries with explosives, and if they don't cheer loud enough the microphone attached to the detonator will go off. That'll teach you party-poopers (heheh, I said poop). We all clinked glasses to Martinelli's, and took our swigs for the new year as it quickly approached us. After that, we simply went on with conversing with those that remained. People promptly started leaving when the final countdown hit. But, that's ok. A lot of the people that I wanted to remain around stuck around for a little while longer. After everything settled, and we viewed the destruction that we had caused, it was time for Torie to depart. I took her home, and we talked in her driveway for about forty-five minutes. It was about that time that her mom got really mad and had her come inside. I went back down to the Jones', watched ten or so minutes of Ever After, and then fell asleep on a recliner. Woke up at 3:30 or so, and stumbled into bed as the oh-so-amazing, never-ceasing-to-help-mother helped clean off the bed that I was sleeping in. And by help I actually mean... did it all. I woke up the next day with a Martinelli's hangover (sleep deprivation, maybe? .... Nah) and played video games most of the day. After that, it's all old news... Actually I went rock climbing. Which, if you haven't gone and you can afford a little adventure, I highly recommend.

And that was that. My sister, niece, and brother-in-law are currently home now, so I'll be spending time with them. I hope you all had an amazing time for your New Year's whatever, and welcome to 2008!

Where the freak is my flying car?