Farewell Mr. Chunkars

Dear Mr. Chunkars,
Our years together have been well spent. The day Heather and I picked you out at Petsmart on Redwood road was a magical day. I had finally won the battle with my parents of a "cooler" pet than a goldfish and you my friend were that cool pet.
We named you Mr. Chunkars due to the fact of your frog obesity problem. You lived up to your name until the final days of your life. Your bright orange belly and bright green skin always brightened my day. The way you gobbled up a cricket never ceased to amaze me, I can never even catch them in my hands let alone my mouth!
My deepest apologies for leaving you with Heather to take care of you, I realize she didn't change your water nearly enough or give you as many crickets as I gave you, but I had to take wing and go to college. Sorry.
I hate to say this but out of necessity for your housemate, Smee, you had to be replaced. We chose an equally fat fire bellied toad who we lovingly call FattyPants. No worries dear Chunkars, you will always hold a very special place in my heart. Thanks for being the hoppy little toad you were!
Enjoy your life in toad land, eat as many crickets as you would like and swim in all the ever clean water you can find!

This is my temporary post...

Shauna tells me that its time for a new post. I have started a new post time and time again over the past month, but every time I just can't seem to write what I am feeling, thinking, or anything for that matter. So here is my new post for the time being Shauna...
* the semester ended
* I'm in Chicago.
* Life is wonderful!
*The End.

My first podcast!

This is my first podcast, all about fishing. It's imperfect, but hey I'm learning!

Express...

express |ikˈspres|
adjective
operating at high speed

This little comic strip brought a grin to my face this morning as I read it during class (yes I was reading comics, but don't worry I listened too). Anyone who has ever experienced an express lane at the grocery store knows exactly what I am talking about. Scenario #1: An older man or woman come to the join the express lane because all they have is a bag of raisins, 1 item. Yes, that is 15 items or less, BUT you are slow (slow |slō| adjective 1 moving or operating, or designed to do so, only at a low speed; not quick or fast) and its the express lane (refer to above definition). Express goes two ways ladies and gents, TWO WAYS.

No checks shouldn't be written in the express, 15 items or less really does mean 15 items or less, just because you have a mini cart doesn't mean you qualify for the express lane, if don't have a wallet why are you in the store in the first place? Most of all, if you ask "Is it ok if I come here?" the express lane checker really has no choice but to comply.

Working at a grocery store since I was 16 this comic rang all to true. If you are a customer behind an older gentlemen or woman and you think you are frustrated by their easygoingness, just be glad you aren't on the other side of the cash register. First of all, you have to be nice to them, help them out. Second of all, you don't have to deal with the customers behind them in line. Finally, it happens a lot during the day, its a wicked cycle.

Don't get me wrong, I love helping people out. Just common courtesy should be observed by all express lane goers, that includes you Earl and Opal...That includes you.

Family, Isn't it about...

A couple of weekends ago I had the opportunity to go home for a few days and celebrate mother's day with my ENTIRE extended family, all 60 something of us. It was perfect weekend. Literally perfect. As we stood on the stairs of the city and county building in downtown Salt Lake City I couldn't help but get slightly emotional as I was surrounded by all of my cousins, siblings, aunts, uncles, parents and my grandparents. It wasn't necessarily our hilarious conversations but the time we spent together. Watching everyone interact, love, and care about one another filled my day with many special moments. It was a slice of what I imagine heaven to be like. I only wish I could really express how I feel. I know that it is through the eternal organization of family that will lead us back to our live with God again.

The best way I can describe what I feel about the family is through the inspired document given to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Say Saints and people of the world in September 1995, The Family: A Proclamation to the World "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."
“The Family: A proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct 1998, 24

The sweetest lady I know, Grandma and Me.

Momma Linda and Poppa Ed

Shauna, Amy, Jenny, Heather
(Where are our brothers? Who knows!)

From Cacti to Fungi

A few months ago my sister Shauna and I were walking around IKEA in search of Christmas presents. On about our third lap through the store (no exaggerations have been made) I found this cute little gem, it was love at first sight and I decided I could use a pet cacti.

From Cacti

Sadly over the past few months my cactus I lovingly call Mr. Pokey has contracted a fungal disease. I recently had to dispose of my cactus, but this is a tribute to Mr. Pokey and the wonderful two and a half months we spent together. I will remember the times we shared together such as my 20th cowboy birthday party, and well that's about it, but your pot will soon be filled with your predecessor and better luck to it!

To Fungi

One year older and wiser too!

Well... I will soon be leaving the teens and entering the twenties. That's right the big 20. I am pretty sure my dad is proud and my mom is shocked. I feel old. It feels like just yesterday I was out with my sand box buddies digging in the sand, building castles, and letting my imagination run wild. 2-0 folks ... Next thing I know its going to be 5-0 then 7-0 then 1-0-0!!!

When I look back at the past week it seems like I have accomplished a lot, so looking back at the past twenty years it seems like I have done oodles and oodles. I can't even pick out a few of my favorite memories of my last twenty years of my life because there are so so many, but I can think of some things I am grateful for that have been a part of my life.

First and foremost I am grateful for the gospel. Without it who knows where in the world I would be. I would be a lot like Carmen San Diego or Waldo...LOST!
Second, my wonderful parents. I know its weird that they aren't first, but without them I wouldn't have the gospel in my life. So in a round about way they are first. They are such great examples of hard work, love and my Savior Jesus Christ. I hope to one day be at least a smidgen like them. Of course I am already a smidgen of them ;)
Thirdsies, I am grateful for good people in my life. This list includes teachers, leaders, neighbors, friends, siblings. Pretty much most of the people I have encountered in my life. I have found that everyone has something good to offer. But, there are those people who will always have a very very special place in my heart.
Fourth, I am grateful for experiences. All of them. Easy, hard, fun, painful. ALL of them. It is because of these that I am who I am. They continue to help me grow and strengthen my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Finally, I am grateful for the gift of life which I have been blessed. It has been so great thus far and I look forward to what the future holds for me.

From this...

To this...