Monday, July 26, 2010

365 Project-#45



Yes, we are that happy. And yes, we do look that good.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

365 Project-#44



New day, new picture. Enjoy!!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

365 Project-#43



So I know I have been lame...but things have been really busy. I have been wasting a lot of time....doing things like giving myself manicures. Ha! I have actually been working a ton over the summer and doing my best to make some money. I also read a lot of books, and hang out in the sun. I am not gonna lie, I love the summer time. I especially love Utah summers. It is never too hot (well, some people might say it is) and in the evening it gets cooler. I love it. I am so glad that I live here, and that I have the chance to be in this amazing state.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

365 Project-#42



Had to do a little altering to this photo. Just because it was so extremely bright when I was outside. This called a "sundog" in my family, and i have never actually seen a full one like this in the middle of the day. I have seen them around the moon a lot, but never at mid-day like this one was. It was kinda cool. I was laying in the front yard reading my book when I put my hands up to block the sun. And there it was, a perfect 360* circle. Here is an article telling more about it....

http://www.komonews.com/weather/faq/4308372.html

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

365 Project-#41



Horses. I have been obsessed with them since I can remember. I love them, and I especially love their colts. We saw in this field three little colts. This one was my favorite though, because he is so different than his Momma. I love horses so much, and I really love taking pictures of them.

Monday, May 10, 2010

365 Project-#40



Freak ice storm? I think not. It is May here in Utah, and thought that means it still might snow, we hardly ever get ice like this (especially this time of year). So you ask...what in the world happened, and where did this picture come from? Well, my grandpa (along with everyone else in the Basin) usually leaves his sprinklers on over night. If they do not do this the grass catches up with them and they have burnt yellow grass for the rest of the summer. It just so happens that some nights it also freezes while the sprinklers are on. This makes for awesome pictures. The ice melts soon the next day and everyone (including the grass) is happy. I have more pictures and I just might post another one tomorrow.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

365 Project-#39



"Snips and snails and puppy dog tails" That is the rhyme my Mom used to say to me when I was little, explaining what little boys were made of. After taking this picture of my cousin Kaden this weekend, I think I would have to agree. As soon as Kaden and his family arrived in Duchense I asked him if he wanted to go out and see the puppies. "Puppies?" came his little reply. As soon as I rounded the corner of the house I knew I would be out there for a while watching my baby cousin play with the pups. The puppies were troopers, letting Kaden pick them up and carry them by their necks around the yard. Most of the weekend he just wanted to be outside with them tromping around the yard and exclaiming, "Puppies!!" I think I have truly found what makes little boys (well, at least makes their day!)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

365 Project-#38



Lazy summer days. That is what life is all about folks. This is my friend Hannah (on the left) and my room mate Michelle (right). Today as we were "hanging" out Hannah decided to do Michelle's hair, since she just got a cute new cut this last week. As we sat laughing at one another I couldn't help but feel happy. I love the summer time, and I love that none of us have anything real to do. There are books to be read of course, and some sun to be soaked up, but all in all that is about it. And I love it. I am glad I have good friends, and that we can enjoy good times together.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

365 Project-#37




"Good eye!" was the exclamation I made today as my cousin Linds watched this high pitch go by, not swinging (though as you can tell by her stance, she really wanted to) and walking to first base. 10 years ago you would have found me in Linds' shoes....14 years old playing freshman softball. I remember it like it was yesterday. I love softball almost as much now as I did then. Watching on the other hand kills me sometimes.

I wish I could take the knowledge I have now and either give it to someone who is currently playing, or go back in time and play myself. I think I like the second option better.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

365 Project-#36



We went to the lake yesterday and as we were driving we found this beaver dam. It was quite the site to see. It amazes me how little beavers are and how much they can do in a short amount of time. I thought this made a pretty sweet looking picture, for being so simple. I am glad we have simple things in life.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

365 Project-#35



New bicycle, new fun. this is my sweet new bike. Thanks to my parents recent divorce, I inherited this bike. It is way sweet and I really love to ride it. I am really grateful to be active and to have a life where I am able to be. I am also grateful that it is finally spring...well, spring enough to ride my bike and enjoy myself. Will it probably snow again at least on more time? Yes. But that is totally ok with me. I love Utah, and I love being able to be outside and do amazing things. It is awesome.

P.S. It does have a real seat. I just took it off because you never know who might steal it.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

365 Project-#34



Oh to be young again. Oh wait...I am just as silly as these two little girls are (if not more). Let me introduce you to Candice and Hailie. They are two of my cousins who live in Duchesne. They are also two of my favorite people. As we were cleaning today at my Mom's house, we found some of my little sister Audrey's fake teeth...her "grillz". The girls thought they were hilarious, and thus this picture was taken. They both make me laugh a lot.

I love coming to Duchense for the sole purpose that I get to screw around for two and a half days with the people I love. It sure makes my life easier.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Saturday, April 17, 2010

365 Project-#32



I have been such a slacker the last couple of days. I will blame it on finals, because they have been crazy. So, I totally didn't take this picture today. I did take a picture for today, but as Michelle and I were looking through my pictures on the computer I came across this picture from last summer. This is my little cousin Candice. I love her so much. Michelle and I agree, this has to be the saddest picture that either of us has ever seen.

It also makes me laugh though. We had been camping for like two days, and poor little Candice hadn't had a bath. She was tired and grouchy...and it wasn't probably the best time to take a picture of her. But I think it is amazing. Just looking into those big eyes makes me melt.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

365 Project-#31



So, I have been completely lame the last couple of days. The semester is wrapping up here at BYU (last day of classes was Tuesday) and well I have been swamped. Anyway, today I actually had a chance to take a photo, or two and decided to post it for all of you to see. My roommate Michelle and I decided to go to Sushi-Ya today and eat. I know...I know what some of you are thinking. "Sushi...that is so gross!" Well, my friends, let me tell you. A year ago I would have been right there with you. But since then I have become converted.

It turns out I really like sushi a lot. I still can't bring myself to eat the raw stuff (I thought ALL sushi was raw....IT ISN'T!!) and Michelle likes to eat the eel....which I can't do either. But as for the California Roll, Tornado, Godzilla, Spicy Cucumber, and Avocumber...I am all over those, plus a few more. Pictured is a Godzilla roll. If you EVER have the chance to go to Sushi-Ya, take my advice and order this. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

Monday, April 12, 2010

365 Project-#30



This is my boss Brye. The big moosie, the big cheesebread. I love him so much. Tonight I had the opportunity to learn a real life lesson from this man. Sometimes he amazes me.

Brye and I grew up in very similar situations. He and I have a ton in common. I think that is in part why we get along so well. He went from being my boss to being my friend a long time ago. I have worked at BYU and for Brye for...um...like 3 to 3 and half years. He and his family have become a huge part of my life (I'll give a shout out to Wendy, his wife, Lexie, his oldest daughter, and Erik, his son) I love spending time with them and having the chance to be part of their lives. Though I am positive that they influence me more than I could ever influence them. Take for instance tonight. Brye helped me to understand something that I have never been able to really grasp in life. Something that I have never been able to wrap my head around. He has no idea the impact this has made on me. He probably will never know. But I am grateful to have learned from him. I am grateful he is in my life.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

365 Project-#29



This is my beautiful little sister. Her name is Audrey, and I love her more than life. She is my most favorite person in the whole world, and I love to spend time with her. I am so glad she lives in Utah now, and that she is coming to the Y in the fall. She is the best little sister I have (which I tease her about all the time, because she is my only sibling). I seriously am so thankful for her though. She is the most fun, most outgoing person you will ever meet. She can make me laugh about nearly anything. I am so glad she is my sister, and that she is in my life.

I love this picture, because it looks the most like what Audrey looks like all the time. Always that stupid grin on her face. That stupid grin that I love!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

365 Project-#28



Today we went to Nine-Mile canyon to spent the day with our family. We spent the day looking at the ruins left behind by generations of Indian's who lived way before us. It was really fun to get out and hike around in the sagebrush and dust. A lot of people from our family went, which was also a lot of fun. As you can see in this picture, we decided to rappel off of this cliffside. I have to admit it isn't as tall as I have made it look in this picture with cropping efforts. But, it was tall enough for us to be able to rappel off and have a good time. This is me and my Uncle Rodney. As you can tell, he is kind of crazy, and decided to come off face first. We laughed at each other the whole way down, because I thought he might smash me. It was so much fun. I love rapelling, and quite frankly, I think I may be addicted. :D

Friday, April 9, 2010

365 Project-#27



Today was productive. I drove to Duchesne, after sitting with my roommate Michelle for the majority of the day (she had her wisdom teeth out...ouch!). Got here, and before I came to see anyone I decided to drop a line in the water and see what I could catch. As soon as I dropped my line, I got a text on my phone. Lo and behold it was Uncle Shane, "Does the river look fishable?" His ESP amazes me sometimes. Anyway, after like 3 casts I snagged a little Brown. Pulled it into shore and decided it was too small to keep. The hook was easy enough to get out, and I put it back in the water and sent it on it's marry way. Uncle Shane continued to text me, and I continued to catch fish. After another 4 or 5 casts I snagged the next fish. It was nearly the same size as the first, but this time I was using my brain and decided to keep it. It is the fish on the right. Then after another 4 or 5 casts I caught the one on the left.

Upon returning home I called up my Uncle Brandon to see if he could help me fillet (since I've never done it) the fish I had caught. Pretty exciting stuff. The secret spot where I was fishing is usually always faithful with at least one fish. I have never caught more than 2 there though. Uncle Shane showed me this spot. He and Uncle Brandon seem to know where all the good ones are.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

365 Project-#26



"One Day Without Shoes 2010"
I participated. As you can tell by my feet, I did in fact go all day without shoes. It makes me laugh a lot, about how many strange looks I got, walking across BYU's campus without any shoes on. I did see fellow "shoeless" people walking around. I didn't say anything to them, but all of them made eye contact with me, nodded, then moved on. Those that didn't participate, don't understand. And that is ok. I participated, because I believe that children all over the world deserve shoes. I know, that being one person, I don't have much of an impact. I also know, that things (big things) always start with just one person. I want to be part of something bigger than myself.

So, I went without shoes.

To learn more...go here, http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

365 Project-#25



From snow to Daffodils. And not just Daffodils....but double Daffodils! What an amazing couple of days. As I was walking home today from school, I noticed this little flower on the side of the road. Taking a few minutes I laid in the grass and snapped a few quick pictures. Much to my dismay, the owner of the yard pulled up. I really didn't think much of it, I mean, we do live in Provo, and I figured he would just think, "Eh, it's one of those crazy BYU students." About 3 seconds after he pulled up though, he let his dogs out. Two big dogs...charging across the yard, barking and snapping like I had just stolen their best tasting steak. I quickly stood up, and stretched out a hand, hoping to maybe make a friend instead of enemy. The dog's both looked at me, turned tail and ran back into the house.

It makes me laugh how sometimes I life we can think about an event and consider it good or bad. Laying down to snap this picture was good. Being charged by two pretty massive dogs, not so good. But, coming home still having two hands and feet...and my face pretty much intact...awesome. I will chalk this up as a learning experience. Neither good nor bad. Sure, for like 5 seconds I was pretty scared. But then again, the dogs were probably scared too.

There are always two sides to every story.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

365 Project-#24




There is beauty all around....even in the puddle outside my apartment complex. I've decided that today I should stray back to my "artsy" photos...for today anyway. I am not gonna lie, today was kind of crazy. Got up this morning to snow. Went to work, came home worked on some homework, then headed back to school in the not so nice looking weather. At about 5:00 PM it started to look really nice. I mean really nice. Sunshine and warm. At about 7:35 when I got out of my last class, it was once again snowing. Oh how I honestly love Utah's season's. I love that I can wake up and by the time I go to bed we have had an array of different things happen during the day.

It for sure keeps me hoppin'!! And I love it!

Monday, April 5, 2010

365 Project-#23



To-do lists. To-do lists are ridiculous. I hate them, with a passion. Yes, they help me feel organized, and sometimes even accomplished (when I can mark things on them off). But in all reality they just stress me out. Looking at the huge list of things I am supposed to get done, just makes doing them seem so tedious...and well, not really worth my time. This is my to-do list for this upcoming week. It is packed full of things I don't really want to do. Actually, out of the 7, I can honestly say I only really want to do like 2 of them. And there is more to come, I am sure.

There is no rest for the wicked, as my Uncle Shane always says. And I would have to agree. It feels like it is never ending. It is ok though, because I just keep trucking. I am thankful to have things to do. It would be a really lame life without them.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

365 Project-#22



This is what my drive to Provo from Duchesne looked like today. White-out. It was pretty nasty the whole way, I'm not gonna lie. I am glad I made it back safe and sound. Driving in weather like that is no fun. No fun at all.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

365 Project-#21



This is Petty Mountain. It is located near Moon Lake, north of Duchesne about 35 miles. I love going here, and I love having the chance to be so close. There was a lot of snow today as we drove up, so we didn't even have the chance to see the lake. But, we did get to see Petty, where the white rocks turn into the red. And the sage brush and willows grow huge. I love it. I was so glad to have the opportunity to go. I think I have pictures of this mountain nearly every season of the year. Infact, I think I have like 1,000 pictures....this same picture...of this same mountain...in this same place....with snow, with spring time buds, with summers green, and with fall colors. It makes me laugh, because I waste a lot of time at the lake taking pictures, of the same things....I already have 1,000 pictures of.

Friday, April 2, 2010

365 Project-#20



Du-shane, that is how you say it. Some people call it Du-chess-knee, but that isn't right...though it is funny. This is the town I am "mostly" from. This is the town where I hide away each weekend when Provo and the big city life gets to much for me. This is the town my family is from. And the town where most of my friends live. Where I can ride horses, or hunt, or fish, or go for a drive out in the middle of no where, just because. This is the town where nothing really matters. Where you feel like you are days from anyone. And where you can find real peace.

Located 96.4 miles from my apartment in Provo, Duchesne is my home. I love it here, and I come as often as school and work allow. I am proud to be "mostly" from here. Yes, I went to high school in Illinois...but you know...when you really feel like you are from somewhere, I say that's where you are from. And that would be Duchesne for me. My whole family is from here...both of my parents were raised in this little town...of no more than 2,000 people. And feel more at home here than any other place I've ever lived. I love Duchesne, and I am grateful for the chance I have to come each weekend, spend time with my family, and detox from living in the hustle and bustle of Provo. It sure is nice, to clear my head.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

365 Project-#19



50 Nifty birthday's galore! Today, the 1st day of April, happens to be one of my favorite holidays. The reasoning behind this is two-fold. First, it is April Fool's day. The day when you get to prank everyone you know with ridiculously funny things. I love it. It and St. Patrick's day are my favorite holidays! Second, it is my Uncle Shane's birthday. Today's post is a tribute to him.

Uncle Shane was born April 1st 1960. That my friends was a long time ago. He is the first of 7 children. As you can tell from this picture the man has quite a sense of humor. He really amazes me sometimes. Uncle Shane is one of the best guys you will ever meet. He is willing to do almost anything for anyone. He teaches the third grade, and influences the kids he teaches more than he will probably ever know. He is the best fisherman I've ever seen...and can catch a fish no matter where we might choose to cast our lines. He is also a pretty darn good hunter. I saw him once hit a deer at 300 yards, in the dark, with a 4 power scope. He is also the best basketball player I know. Put him on the outside arc almost to the corner, plant him on one foot, and watch him put it in all day long. He is the raiser of birds...pigeons to be exact. He takes care of these birds like they are family. He is also an athlete. Running 6, 7, sometimes 8 miles a day (which just blows my mind...especially at his age!) Just kidding Uncle Shane!

He is the jack of all trades, that Uncle of mine. He can do almost anything, once he puts his mind to it, and usually does. There are so many amazing qualities that he possess, that I can't even begin to list them on this page. To even try to do so would pale in comparison to who he really is.

He is my "go to" guy when I need advice or help. Heck, he is my "go to" guy for almost everything. I love him more than anything And I am very thankful that he is my Uncle. I am thankful to have him in my life. I know that I wouldn't be who I am today without the influences of this man. He has saved my life on a number of occasions. Literally and figuratively. And I can only hope that he knows, even a little, of what he means to me.

50 birthdays Uncle Shane! Let's make it 50 more!! I love you!!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

365 Project-#18



Today was great. I had the opportunity to hang out with my family, and some members of my pseudo family as well. We got together today for lunch, at Red Lobster. I am not gonna lie, it was pretty amazing. I love my family. I love my family so much.

Pictured here are some of my favorite people. On the far left is a lady named Paula. Then, me. Then, my Aunt Monica, my Mom, and Maxie. All of these women mean a great deal to me. I am very privileged to have each of them in my life. Sometimes we take the good things in our lives for granted. I try not to do this everyday.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

365 Project-#17



Sick desperation. That is what this is. This is what it looks like. Only 10 more days of the semester, and this is how I feel. With three papers due in the next 2 days, and three or four tests to look forward to in the next two weeks, I feel like I am in over my head. School is amazing, I love learning...but, the end of the semester blues hit pretty hard around here.

BYU gives no spring break. Granted, we get out almost a month earlier that most people, we still get NO spring break. Just about the time you are needing a break in the Winter Semester, your professors up the ante and throw on a test or two along with a couple of assignments. I don't know about you, but just thinking about it makes me tired.

10 more days. I can survive!

Monday, March 29, 2010

365 Project-#16



Well, today I made soup. I make soup like once a week. Then I eat it all week. In fact, if you want the truth, I mostly eat soup...all the time. Every once in a great while I will scrounge up something else to eat, but most of the time it is just soup. I am kind of like the narrator in the movie Fight Club, "How embarrassing, a house full of condiments and no food." That is my life. I never have any actual food at my apartment. I attend a lot of things where they give free food away, or I go to my loving Aunt and Uncle's and they feed me. But other than that, I eat soup.

I throw whatever I can find into this soup. If it is a vegetable, and I can cut it up, it usually goes in. I really like soup. Though, I have to admit I do get sick of it from time to time. Oh well.

Soup's on!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

365 Project-#15


This my friends is what roller blading looks like. Today was awesome. It was Sunday, which means I had the chance to be quite lazy. Got up and went to Church. Then I came home and had a few things to work on here. After like 3 or 4 hours of that I was sick of being in this house and sick of what I was doing. So I asked my room mate Michelle if she wanted to go on a bike ride or something. She said she was game, and away we went.

This was my first excursion of the season on my blades. We went from our house in Eastern Provo all the way out to Utah Lake. For those of you who know Provo, this is quite a little trek. Things were going amazingly right up until we were about 4 blocks from home. That was when I biffed it.

I don't eat it very often on blades, but today I did. And it happened right in front of like 12 other college kids who were playing a game in their yard. Ya, I felt like a total idiot. I guess it is through the tough moments in life that we are supposed to grow the most. Or something like that.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

365 Project-#14



Hare Krishna! The Holi festival of colors happened today, and it was amazing. I went with two of my greatest friends, Marcus and Amy (who happen to be siblings). It was a great day. For those of you who don't understand or know about the Holi festival, it is a Hindu religious festival that they get together once a year and do. It is like a reigning in of the spring time, hence all the colors. The powder is made of maize, or corn and it edible. Thought it stinks...like roses, or something odd like that.

This is what happens. You drive to Spanish Fork, you park your car, and then you walk. We didn't have to walk very far actually, which was quite nice. Then you go and you buy your colors. After you have bought them, you go to this huge field with a stage at the far end. You stand with a ton of people all around you. You feel like you are going to be trampled on because there are so many people and you are so close. Then a guy on stage starts to chant. He chants and chants and chants, and the whole crowd gets into it. Aboriginal style. You start to move and sway and jump and act crazy. Then after like an hour of this the guy on stage counts down from 10 to 1, and then everyone in the crowd throws a bag or two of this colored powder in the air. It of course lands everywhere. On your clothes, in your hair, and the worst part is, you breathe it in. There are like 10,000 people there, crammed into a field that isn't big enough to hold 2,000. It is amazing. And I loved every minute of it.

It is about as close to being a drunk, colorful, hippie as a member of the Church can get I think.

Friday, March 26, 2010

365 Project-#13


Good ol' Deseret Industries. I shop at DI for many reasons. Here are a few:

1. I am poor.
2. I am poor.
3. I am poor.
4. You can find really neat stuff at DI if you are patient enough to look.
5. Shopping there is like finding treasure.
6. I like second hand clothes, almost better than I like brand new things.
7. It is cheap.
8. They have one of everything, seriously.
9. Other people like that I shop at DI and think it is neat when I tell them I found cool stuff there.
10. The have old things...like retro...except it isn't fake retro, because the stuff at DI has actually been used before.

I love DI. I love DI so much that sometimes I wish I lived there. Ok, maybe not for real lived there. But I do wish I had the time to go and look through all the stuff they have there, rummaging around for a good deal. It is a great place to waste a lot of time.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

365 Project-#12



Happyness. Yes, you read right, happyness. I've always wanted to type it that way and have people read it. I wonder what went on in your mind when you read it? "That's spelled wrong?" Well, it wasn't spelled wrong for me yesterday. This is a 3 generation photo. My Grandma on the right, my Mother in the middle, and me on the left. Yesterday was pretty monumental in the life of my mother. She had the opportunity to go through the Temple.

Now, those of you who are LDS understand the significance of this. And those of you who read this that aren't well, it is significant. Very significant. I was so excited to have the opportunity to be there with Mom. She is so amazing, and I love her more than life.

Happyness. Total happyness.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

365 Project-#11



This is what changing light bulbs at work looks like. I cut myself this morning, and didn't realize it for about 10 minutes. It surprises me how the human body works. Prior to knowing that I had cut myself, I had no pain in my hand. After I saw the blood, I felt the pain. I think a lot of things in life are that way. Only when you know about the so called "bad" things in your life...only then does it hurt. I'm glad to know that the mercury content in the lights I change at work isn't enough to kill me.

At least I don't think so.

Monday, March 22, 2010

365 Project-#10



The eyes are the windows of the soul. At least that is what they say. My eyes most of the time can't decide if they want to be green or brown, or a mixture of both. I acquired these colors from my parents. My father has very brown eyes, and my mother has green. Combine the two (at least when they were combined in me) and you get weird brown/green/hazel. I find this kind of funny. I like eyes, and I like making eye contact with people. Your relationship always means more if you can make and keep eye contact with someone. It is an intimate quality most people forget about.

My eyes look tired today. My eyes look tired most days. But, when you run with the kind of hours I do, anyone would be tired.

I stay that way most of the time.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

365 Project-#9



This is most definitely what a lazy Sunday looks like to me. I totally bummed it out all day today. It was beautiful outside so I laid right outside of my door (in the middle of the walk-way) and soaked up some rays. It honestly couldn't have been prettier. I love Utah. And I love Utah spring/summers.

I stole these shorts from my cousin Chelise, who stole them from her brother Wesley, who stole them from his older brother Colton. So, these shorts have been through a lot. I think they are my favorite pair for this reason. Sure they have been used a little. And have been around since 2005. And they are kind of falling apart. But I love them.

Rock on lazy Sunday.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

365 Project-#8



Why? I think that is the question many BYU fans are asking themselves tonight. After a quick 10 to nothing lead in the first half, things were looking great for our boys in blue. But then after a timeout by #2 ranked Kansas State things began to fall apart. In a sad loss (72-84) we of course were knocked out of the tournament. It is a sad night in Cougar Town.

But, things are still ok. There are still a few teams namely Northern Iowa(9) who won big over Kansas(1) to make it into the Sweet Sixteen, which will be played next week.

Sweet Sixteen week will probably find me huddled in the corner singing, "Rise and Shout the Cougars are out..."

Friday, March 19, 2010

365 Project-#7



I love March Madness. I love March Madness a lot. I love spending days, nay weeks watching excellent basketball being played. I have the teams I root for every year, like Xavier and Gonzaga, and the teams that I root against every year, like Duke and Kentucky (who I hate...).

This year the tournament means a lot to me though. The BYU Cougars (who also happen to be THE team for me) made it past the first round. This hasn't happened in the last 17 years. There are a lot of excited fans around campus as of late, and to tell you the truth I am proud. I am proud of the fact that the Cougar's pulled out of a double over-time, nail biting game to win 99-92.

I am also proud of some lower ranking seeds for pulling through. Teams like Ohio(14) who beat out Georgetown(3) and Murray State(13) who beat out Vanderbilt(4). Granted this did no help for the brackets that I filled out, but I am still proud to see some lesser known teams making names for themselves in this years tournament.

That is what this tournament is all about. Having the chance to come from nothing (a lesser valued school) and make a place for yourself among the elite. I have heard and read many reviews this year, (and while the tournament is still not over and none of us are sure of the outcome yet) some of the teams that are not known well, or who have yet to make a name for themselves were ripped on pretty bad. And I think it is awesome that they aren't standing down. No matter what the reviews say, they are still playing well, and still winning games.

This is why I love the game of basketball.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

365 Project-#6



Converse. All Stars. Chuck Taylor's. Chuck's. And my favorite nick name for these shoes, Convy's. As you can see from this picture I could probably be a Converse spokesperson if I really wanted to be. I was introduced to Chuck Taylor's when I was in grade school. A few of the kids wore them then. I didn't really think much of it at the time. Then again, in Jr. High a few kids had a pair here and there. Then came High School. In High School the world of Chuck Taylor's opened for me, and has been open ever since.

My first pair was the black pair you can see here. I wore them nearly everyday when I first got them as a freshman. Then as the years went by I grew less and less fond of them. Finally, I boxed them up and came to BYU in July of 2004. My Convy's came with me, but were left under my bed for the majority of that year...and the next....and the next. Then once again, I boxed them up so that I could go on a mission in 2007. In December of 2008 after I had returned home my Grandpa had given me some money for Christmas. The green pair you see here were my next purchase. I wore them everyday when I first got them. That is until I went to Colorado and spilt battery acid on them...making them almost impossible to wear (until I found some duct tape that is).

After nearly ruining my green pair of Chuck's, and wearing them with duct tape on them for months, I decided to acquire a new pair of shoes. This time though I didn't want just any shoe. I wanted to make the shoe myself. I went to www.converse.com and did just that. The green white and blue pair here were the result.

As was mentioned before, my birthday was last Friday. And so, for a birthday present to myself I decided to buy the red pair you see in the middle. I have always owned All Stars that were either green, blue, or black in color. Never red. But, this red pair of Converse shoes has already brought me a lot of happiness. I think I am going to enjoy them as I have all the others.


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

365 Project-#5



Chuck Palahniuk is one of my favorite authors. He is real. He doesn't sugar coat stuff, and doesn't caudal you with lameness about butterflies and rainbows. He is gritty, usually writing about things most people are too scared to talk about.

My favorite book (and movie) by him is found right in the middle of this picture. If you haven't read Fight Club, I suggest you do. It might just change your life.

"It's only after you've lost everything, that you are free to do anything." -Tyler Durden

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

365 Project-#4



So as part of the psychology department at BYU we as students have the opportunity to not only become part of the Psych Association, but also receive way awesome T-Shirts. I love T-Shirts! I was very excited to buy this particular shirt because of the saying on the back as you can see.

As a psychology major some people think I can read their mind. Some people think I am analyzing them on the spot. And frankly, I won't lie. I do my fair share reading minds, analyzing, and pseudo diagnosing of my friends, relatives, and (most of all) acquaintances I meet everyday. I honestly can't help it. It is in my blood...and my brain.

I love the work that I get to participate in as a psychology major. I look forward to graduate school, for not only the purpose of furthering my education, but because graduate school means I will get to do the work I feel I am suited best for. I want to help people, bottom line. Living through what I have, and the experiences that make up my life have a lot to do with why I chose this field. In the end though, I really just love it and look forward to serving people for the rest of my life.

Monday, March 15, 2010

365 Project-#3



This photo was taken right outside of my apartment complex in Provo, Utah. As I said on my first post, I think reflections are awesome, and I always look for them in random places. This one was found in the scooter that I recently acquired. This scooter means a great deal to me actually. It was first owned by my cousin Quinn. He passed away January 11, 2009. After Quinn bought it, and didn't ride it he passed it on to my Grandpa Bill. Grandpa Bill only took it out once or twice, but the scooter had made a cross country trip from Utah to Illinois. With the recent divorce of my parents, the scooter has once again made it back across the country to be in my possession in Utah. It needs a little work, but as soon as I can get it running you can bet you will be able to see me cruising around Provo on it.

My shirt is also significant. St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday as we all know. I decided to see if I had enough green shirts to fill an entire week (because St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday) and today of course is the first (and for those of you who know my wardrobe, or course I have that many green shirts.) The shirt says "Lucky to be Irish, Proud to be Awesome." And I love it. I'd like to formally thank my ancestors for being from Ireland.

Serious. Thank you.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

365 Project-#2




365 Project-#2

This photo was taken outside of my Grandparents house in Duchesne, Utah. I love spending time in Duchesne, and wish I lived there. I swear, I must be half horse or something close to it. I have loved them since I was old enough to remember. They are honestly the most peaceful animals that I know of. Quiet, serene, and thoughtful, they can read my body language better than I can a lot of the time. If I am having a day (like I sometimes do) all I have to do is walk out in the field. I don't have to say anything, because honestly sometimes there isn't anything to say. All I have to do is reach out my hand to one of these horses and they know the whole story. It is amazing.

This horse's name is Buddy. He is a great ride and I love him. I also love that it was snowing when I took this. It was a good day.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

365 Project-#1



This photo was taken in the parking lot of Beer's Harley Davidson in Roosevelt, Utah. I spent the day with my Aunt Monica, shopping and doing various other things. This is a random truck I found in the parking lot. I think reflections are awesome...and there will probably be a lot of them throughout.

Thank you Zack for your inspiration. And Roxie for your ideas. I love you, cousins of mine.

So, I have decided to start this 365 project. I feel that it will be good, not only for me but for those around me as well. Taking photos has become a real past time of mine the last year or so, and I figure if I am going to take them, I might as well share them. I didn't start this back in January because my life was in upheaval. Things have settled a little now, yesterday was my birthday, and I figured it was a good enough day to start. You will find a lot of different photos here, dealing with my life. Happy hunting.