Grover's Wonderings

FALL

2011-10-24T22:38:00.002-06:00

I love the fall. It is always a beautiful time of year. I spent the weekend with Brynn up in Park City, doing things around the house, and watching BYU Football. I have always been a huge BYU fan. I was born the day after they won the National Championship. The joke is my mom wanted to finish watching the game and then give birth.
I support the Cougars in good times, and in not so good. After the Texas game I thought Riley Nelson should be the starter. He then got his chance to shine during the USU game. He has made some mistakes, but he hasn't really played for a year. I think I like his attitude. He is a player, and a leader. He knows his job, duty, and inspires those around him to do the same.

U2 Count down: Days 10-9

2011-05-15T21:42:00.002-06:00

Day 9
U2 One, Achtung Baby, 1991

Day 10
U2 All I Want Is You, Rattle and Hum, 1988

U2 Count down: Days 12-11

2011-05-13T18:24:00.003-06:00

Day 11
U2 Walk On, All That You Can't Leave Behind, 2000

In honor of those who died on September 11, 2001

Day 12
U2 I Will Follow, Boy 1980

U2 Count down, 13 Days

2011-05-11T22:09:00.000-06:00

U2 Who's Going to Ride Your Wild Horses, Achtung Baby, 1991

U2 Count down: Days 15-14

2011-05-10T08:02:00.003-06:00

U2 Bad, The Unforgettable Fire, 1984. Day 14

U2 Magnificent, No Line on the Horizon, 2009. Day 15

U2 Count down: 16 Days

2011-05-08T16:40:00.001-06:00

U2 I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, 1987 The Joshua Tree

Requested by Brynn

U2 Count down: 17 Days

2011-05-07T08:20:00.001-06:00

U2 Ultraviolet Light, 1991 Achtung Baby

U2 Count down: 18 Days

2011-05-06T22:55:00.000-06:00

U2 One Tree Hill, The Joshua Tree

U2 Count down: 19 Days

2011-05-05T08:08:00.002-06:00

U2 Desire, Rattle and Hum 1988

U2 Count down: 20 Days

2011-05-04T19:08:00.001-06:00

U2 Exit, The Joshua Tree, 1987
Day 20

April-May

2011-05-03T20:12:00.004-06:00

It has been quite a month. I first had the flu, then pneumonia, and then hives. The pneumonia and hives were during finals week, which didn't help with studying and taking my exams. We then went to Green River with the Bowthorpe family. It was my first camping experience with them. It is one that I will not forget anytime soon. We saw some great history and geology. We visited Thompson Canyon were I spent a day last summer mapping. We proceeded to the San Rafael Swell. It was my first time going to the swell. It was pretty amazing. I didn't realize all of the hummocky and trough cross-bedding in the Navajo Sandstone. On Sunday it decided it wanted to rain, hard. Everything and everyone was soaked. We had lunch at Bret and Erica's that day.
On Friday April 29th I bought my new Toyota Tacoma from work. It is an 2001 mineral silver (BMW color equivalent) color. I have had a lot of people ask me if they can have it. At the same time it is sad to see the Jeep go. It is like saying good bye to an old friend. I picked it up from work Friday night and it was like an old glove. It just fit right. The Jeep and I had about 80,000 miles together over the last 5 years.
We had a family yard sale on Saturday. It was cold, but a lot of fun. Some people were great to work with, while the first ladies who showed up were rude, and inconsiderate. I am amazed at some of the comments people make. Do they not have a filter, or realize that their thoughts are being heard by others, as they open their mouths? It was good to de-junk the clutter from our lives.

What a day..

2011-04-14T19:22:00.003-06:00

It was one year ago today that Brynn and I were married! It has been a great year, full of adventures and travels. I had planned to take her to The Garden Restaurant this evening, but something came up. Brynn was sick for about two weeks and has started to feel better. On Monday night I started to feel sick. I have not become any better the last few days. I thought it was time to go to the doctor today. Dr. Hart listened to my breathing and said that he couldn't hear anything. He ordered a chest x-ray. This was a first for me. I would finally get to see what I look like on the inside. Turns out I have pneumonia. I was able to look at the x-ray and see the white infection in my lower left lob. The doctor ordered some strong antibiotics. Hopefully everything will be fine. It is great to have the support of a great wife, who does so much, and asks for so little in return. It is still a happy day!

Crash and burn

2011-01-08T21:40:00.005-07:00

Today Brynn, and I went skiing at Brighton. It was a great day to hit the slopes. We arrived when they opened and there were practically no lines. We skied for a few hours and then went and had lunch. We had already skied about 12 runs. That is unheard of on a Saturday. After lunch we skied some more and enjoyed great weather, not too cold and windy. I decided to try a new run, Hard Coin a Double Black Diamond. Have skied double blacks before, but struggled. This run was great at first, but that soon changed. The run goes through a forest and and then spits you on to another run. Half way down I caught an edge and slammed my right ski into my left leg and went down. As I was getting up and continued down I was heading for a large branch/tree and ducked, but also saw some yellow snow I wanted to avoid near the branch and went down again with both my skis going into the snow, stopping me.
That run was difficult, but still fun. On the last run of the day, Brynn was leading and went down pioneer and then on to this fast paced run. As I was following I thought I would carve most the rest of the way down the run. In doing so my leg ski, caught an edge and went vertical. Doing this while going fast down the hill it threw my ski off. If any of you have see the movie Cars where The King goes off the track, that is what I did, but still on the slope. I got air, but landed on my left side. I got up and clicked out of my right ski, which had stayed on, and hiked 15 yards up to my left ski. I was shaken up, but not hurt that I know of.
Over all it was a great day! I loved skiing, trying out my new socks from Christmas and spending time with Brynn.
Brynn used here new Patagonia Capilene. She loved it! I'm glad that she enjoyed using it.

Follow up

2011-01-04T16:34:00.002-07:00

In the post that I did just a few days I ago I mentioned that I had lost $90. Today when I got home from work our landlord here at the house. I rushed to write him a check for our January rent. I started to talk to him for a minute about our new neighbors, christmas, etc. He then asked if anyone was missing any money. Yes, $90! I knew it was mine because he had found it. He said he saw it near where my Jeep had been. I thanked him for finding it and returning it.
It has been driving me crazy not knowing where it was. Prayers are answered in due time. I am grateful for honest people, prayers, and the comfort that comes from praying.

A horrible feeling...

2010-12-29T23:24:00.003-07:00

Have you ever lost something and have no idea what happened to it? On Christmas Eve morning, Brynn had asked me for some cash for the day. I went to my wallet and grabbed her some. I sorted my bills and know that I put $11 back in. I can't remember what I did with the other $90. I was planning on using the money later in the day. I can't remember if I put it in my pocket, my bag, set it down in somewhere in the house, or if it fell out while I was at the store. I think what is driving me crazy is having no idea where it is. Yes, it is a lot of money, but where in the world could it have gone. I had it with, so I thought.

Deals!

2010-09-25T08:10:00.005-06:00

For those of you who truly know me, you will know that I look for deals. I guess that is what makes shopping fun. I think I got it from my father. He and I would go look for scout uniforms for me and my siblings to use at camp. We would hit the DI's from Rwxburg-Preston to even Richfield once (note, we would stop in when driving though, not just drive to Rexburg or Richfield to shop). I think the most impressive find was a 1910's boy scout belt I found in a bin at the Preston DI. I was rummaging to find some sort of scout item and found it. It had a black buckle on it and thought it wasn't worth anything. I asked my dad if it was something he wanted. "Yes", he exclaimed! It was only 25 cents. Through the years I have found some pretty good things at the store and now online. I will just go through a few finds the last few months.
Lowe Alpine Backpacker backpack. $35.01 on ebay. I was just looking around one day on ebay and found it. I had Nathan track it for a few hours. I wasn't going to buy, but at the last second I bought it. The back is twenty years old, but is brand new. I even smells like it just came out of the plastic.

Oreck Vacuums $10 and $8. While living up in Rexburg I would visit the store, and look for deals. One day I found an Oreck vacuum that worked great and had a number of extra new bags. I bought that and then a few month later while taking a break from homework during field camp I stopped in again. They had another one. I bought it as well. I gave one to my mother who has had terrible luck since with vacuums since her Panasonic red vacuum died 18 years ago. She really likes the weight and quality of the Oreck.

Bread pans $3 My sister Alisa asked me to find her some bread pans at the DI. I thought this would be an ease find. No! I guess once you buy a bread pan you keep it forever, or every one else in the world goes to DI to look for them. They are kind of expensive I discovered. They are $15 at Macy's and at Bed Bath and Beyond. Last Saturday I found 3 of them and a muffin tin. They ranged from 75 cents-$1.50. When I went to purchase them the cashier looked that the first one and then the rest and priced each at the 75 cent price.

CLothes. I do look at the DI for some clothes, but I am a bit more picky on this one. The reason why is most of the time I can find new clothes for the same price or just a bit more. I really like Banana Republic, J-Crew, and Gap. I discovered if I shop around and wait sometimes that I can get clothes for a lot less. Example, I love Gap jeans. They are durable and the cut it great. I will never pay full price for most clothes. The last pair I bought were $23. That is pretty good since most jeans are at least $30.
I do like to shop, but It is for the hunt. I like finding great deals more than the actual shopping part. Also, I like to go with Brynn. I know she likes to shop and I like to help her find good deals. I think I am rubbing off on her a little bit. She has always like good deals as well, but I have noticed she will hold off more and buy later.

August

2010-08-17T08:58:00.015-06:00

After field camp, I needed to stay near Rexburg and finish up part of my research project before GSA in the Fall. It just so happened that it was our turn at the cabin. We were there for a while, and had a lot of fun boating, doing work projects, and going into Yellowstone. I also met some new friends, the Wilcox's. They are from New York. This trip was a great stroll down memory lane. I watch Yogi Bear. This time on a new iPad (very cool). Here are just a few pictures from the events mentioned above.

Last day

2010-07-21T19:35:00.005-06:00

I am taking a five minute break from my poster and reflecting on the past 7 weeks. I think one word can do the job. Amazing! I have had a lot of fun out in the field doing real geology work. We have had some bad weather, but we have been blessed with some good. I really enjoyed working with my classmates and figuring out what is going on geologically. We may not have figured it all out, but I has been fun piecing together the puzzle.

Field Camp: Week 6. 7 Coming up

2010-07-18T15:20:00.008-06:00

Our last week of field camp, in the field, has come and gone. It was a good week. I was able to get a lot done and at the end I was starting to feel all those times going up and down on the talus fields. It was a great experience doing real geology. Our professors were great. They helped us when we needed them, and were very supportive of us. This past week, while near "mystery hill" in my area I heard what sounded like a large cat, then I heard a large animal come hurrying down through the bush. I'm pretty sure it was a bobcat. I was a litter nervous. I was out of radio contact and no one was around. I just made my way back to the van and met up with Jason and David. We went into a couple of copper mines. One was in my area, and the other was up in Gilmore, ID, an hour drive north from our mapping area.
Here are some events from field camp.
Book Cliffs in Southern Utah, Showers, 100 degree weather the first week, rain and some snow in Gros Ventre. A bear in Gros Ventre, ez ups blew on top of each other, rain and ticks in Fall Creek, new canopy, cows, rain in the beaverheads for the first time in 6 years of field camp, running down talus and filming it, arrow heads, 4 flat tires (3 on the red Chevrolet Express, one on the silver Ford van), 1952 Buick find, Mines, synclines, and thrust, Copper Mtn. summited, and Meadow Lake.
Field Camp has been great! I asked my friend Chris Sant, some advice about field camp. He told me to be positive and to have fun. Our group did that. We have had a great time. We have until Wednesday to finish our posters and to print them for Thursday. I have loved my time up here. I have been able to do a lot with some good friends Adam, Jason, Ryan, Steve, and Patrick. We have either gone to Applebee's, G's Dairy, or Taco Bell at the end of each week. The Demolition Derby, four wheeling in the Jeep, and just hanging out.
The most difficult thing for me this semester has been being away from Brynn. She has been so good to not complain about me being gone and being very supportive. She did get a trip to California though, since I was gone.

Field Camp: Weeks Four-Five

2010-07-11T13:09:00.012-06:00

We are down to our last week in the field. I can't believe that it has gone by so fast. We have spent the last two weeks in the Beaverhead Mountains in Eastern Idaho. It is nothing like what I thought it was going to be like. I have been working with some great people the last two weeks. Patrick, David, and Jason have been a great help. It makes me feel good that even our professors have trouble with understanding what is going on. It is not a clear yes, no type of science. I am reminded what Bro. Peck told us one day in Chemistry 105. Science is not an exact thing. There is some things that are variable in it. Being out in the field has made me in awe of a great creator, who used science to create this beautiful earth.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=55bf8c6a47e0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
I do miss Brynn and am grateful for her support for me during this time.

Field Camp: Week Three

2010-06-26T12:28:00.003-06:00

This week was spent in the Caribou National Forest. We measured sections on Monday and Tuesday. We had rain on Tuesday morning from about 8-10 am. Then a nice clear day. We started mapping the area on Wednesday and rapped up on Thursday. It was quite the adventure between no restrooms, misquotes, ticks, cows, and the heat. Overall a great week. To answer some questions about week one in the the Book Cliffs, no that was not Nine Mile Canyon, it was near Thompson Canyon.
Week two was spent in the Gros Ventre area near Jackson Hole, WY. We measured section on Monday and Tuesday and divided up into groups to map two areas. We had afternoon thundershowers, and a lot of rain. A great area to spend the week.

Field Camp Week One: Done

2010-06-12T21:47:00.006-06:00

Week one is done. The Book Cliffs in South-Central Utah were amazing! It was great understand something that I have seen many times and have things click. When we left Rexburg it was around 50 degrees and raining. When we were down there the next day it was just over 100 degrees. Just a great time!

Next week it is suppose to snow in the Gros Venture range where we will spend week two.

FIELD CAMP

2010-06-05T21:02:00.003-06:00

It begins on Monday, Field Camp. After a few years of hearing all the Geology batches ahead of me mention it. I get to experience it.

One of those days...

2010-05-19T21:32:00.002-06:00

Day started out good. I do feel that I am in a drought. I have not really found a lot of items at DI or thrift stores lately. I went to a favorite place to find treasures, and I did. I found a Kodak Brownie camera. I have been looking for one for awhile now. One problem, it was already sold. I saw the gentleman claim his prize. I did find some milk glass and got a good deal on some bike racks this week. Next, Brynn found this letter box up in Seattle, but we didn't get it. I called when we got back and they still had and sent me a picture of it and some more info. We were going to buy it, but need to work out some shipping items. It sold the day after I sent the info. That is life for you. Life is good though. Just disappointing when things don't work out the way you had hoped.

Seattle

2010-05-06T07:18:00.012-06:00

One of the best days of my life was April 14, 2010. The days following were some of the most relaxing in the great city of Seattle.

Finals Week at BYU-Idaho

2010-04-06T09:39:00.005-06:00

Another finals week at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and another snowy finals week as well. Every semester that I have been up here in Rexburg, finals week has had snow. It is a good thing though. It keeps the students in the library and on their studies.
Finals week also means selling books back. Mark, my roommate, reminded me that buy backs started today. I decided to take my Pre-Calculus in. The bookstore only offered me $40 last semester for it. So, took it in and got $60 today! It pays to wait sometimes.
I have 4 finals this week. One was yesterday, two are take home tests, that are due Friday, and the last one is for Macro Economics on Thursday.
So, here is to another snowy finals week!

March Days

2010-03-21T20:34:00.009-06:00

This past weekend was very productive, and relaxing. I had a great surprise this weekend. Brynn came up. She called me and asked if I wanted to go on a date. Then she said she was coming up. It was fun. We went to the temple, ran a lot errands, watched a few movies, and enjoyed a few beautiful, sunny Rexburg days.

Me and Brynn

The Jacob Spori Building

A barn outside Rexburg

My friend Amy and I at Devotional

Scenes from Brighton

2010-02-21T22:07:00.010-07:00

Future Travels

2010-02-08T21:00:00.007-07:00

In the near future I would like to travel to the following places.

These are place I have not been before, but have heard many great things about them! I look forward to visiting them with dear friend.

Another Day...

2010-02-04T18:17:00.005-07:00

Here are a few spots from around campus.

The Store and White Out

2010-02-02T09:50:00.004-07:00

Yesterday while Jason Dayley (my roommate) and I were at Broulims getting a few items I heard my name paged over the PA system. It was Scott Landis from Group Dynamics. Scott works at Broulims and asks me questions about class while I am shopping. I thought he just had some questions. I was going keep shopping and go up after. I totally forgot to go up and last night at around 10:30 pm. I remembered.
Today while in class I asked Scott if he did page me. He didn't know my last name was Grover. A girl had asked him to page Samuel Grover. When he did two Samuel Grovers came up to the front desk. I have never met another Samuel Grover, still haven't, but there were at least three of us at Broulims last night shopping!
On a side note. On Sunday I left Utah at 5:45pm to return to Rexburg. It was a little cloudy, but the sun had come out earlier that day. I thought that the drive back would be great. As I passed the Riverside exit the roads became slushy and then when I approached the Utah-Idaho boarder it was snowing. Not to bad, but it was dark and the roads were becoming slick. I called my mom and she informed me that a few snow showers would be passing through the area latter on that night around 11pm (according to the weather channel). It really was snowing hard going over Malad pass and was a white out in Marsh Valley. There was about 4 inches of snow on the road. It was one of the worst road condition drives I have had. I was going about 35 mph. I passed about 4 snow plows, the most I have ever seen in Idaho. Even with the plows out they could not keep up with the storm. It let up was I drove into Pocatello and after Blackfoot I was driving freeway speeds with it overcast and semi dry roads. It as an adventure. I like driving in the snow and in bad conditions. I always have for some reason. I am glad to drive in nice conditions as well!

Months in Review

2010-01-24T23:55:00.005-07:00

Here are just a few snapshots of the last few months.

Your Mission....

2010-01-19T09:02:00.003-07:00

Over the last month of my life I have been on a mission. Not a mission like Jason Bourne, or like my mission to the Philippines. This mission was a special task, like one that I have not ever had before. It was to find milk glass vases, plates, goblets, bowls, etc. At first it was a difficult task. I visited several Deseret Industries in the Salt Lake area with no luck.
On one beautiful Saturday in January, Brynn and I were running errands and stopped in to a few antique stores. We saw many great items like mini bank globes, jadite plates (which was also on the mission also), and neat old items. We stopped in at a store in Layton that my sister Emily informed us about. Jackpot! Brynn spotted several vases right when we walked in. The store was a great little place.
With a few under our belt my search shifted from Utah to Idaho. On my way up to school I stopped in at the Idaho Falls and Rexburg DI's and again was in luck. I found several new pieces to add to the collection.
For an update on my mission status. I am up to 9 pieces that we can us.
When I started bringing home the milk glass my roommates gave me some odd looks and asked, "What are you doing with all of that glass"? I explained to them that my classy fiance wants to use them as part of the center piece for our reception.

Return to Rexburg

2010-01-04T21:59:00.003-07:00

I arrived in Rexburg today. It was a nice drive. It seemed to go relatively fast. It seemed like I just left though. A lot has happened since I was last in Rexburg. Brynn was in a car accident a week before school ended. We looked for about a week and a half for a car and we finally found one. It is a 2005 silver Toyota Corolla. It has more options than her previous Corolla. We bought it on my birthday, which was a nice gift for Brynn. We didn't have to worry about finding a car.
Also over the break, Brynn and I got engaged. We will be getting married April 14, 2010 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Finals

2009-12-14T19:34:00.003-07:00

Its that time of year again. Finals. Last week it was -18 when I went out to Sugar City for Group Dynamics. I think the high was 2 degrees. This has been my busiest semester ever. I have learned a lot, but I will be glad to see Friday come, when I am in Utah.
Also, Brynn was in a car accident on Friday. A high school teenager turned right into her on the drivers side. Her great little white Corolla was totaled. I spent quite a bit of time looking for a new car for her this weekend. Hopefully we get her into a nice newer one.

November closing

2009-11-30T09:01:00.002-07:00

Today is the last day of November. It has been a great month. A time to reflect on those people and events in our lives that have made an impact. A time to be grateful for the small things in life. A time to look past the petty differences, and come together to uplift, and encourage to improve our lives. To love and stretch forth a hand to help to those in need. This is a time to look to toward that ultimate example, the Prince of Peace. We shouldn't ask, "Why should I act better?", but "How would the Savior want me to act?".

November

2009-11-14T16:17:00.004-07:00

The Bronze Bow
I finally finished The Bronze Bow last night. I started it last year, started over and just read a few pages when I got a chance. I decided to sit down and just finish it. It was about a third of the book that I read last night. It was a good book. What was most interesting to me was the progression of the main character, Daniel. He harbors his hate for Romans and it lets that get in the way of his personal relationships. It was when he truly listens to the teachings of Christ that he changes. I have one more week of school before Thanksgiving break. I am looking forward to a week "off". I will be writing and rewriting papers for the end of the semester.

A Great Day

2009-11-04T18:41:00.003-07:00

November 4 is a great day!
Hot chocolate floats anyone?

October in Idaho and Montana

2009-10-29T19:39:00.007-06:00

a beautiful girl

2009-10-24T19:40:00.005-06:00

The Good News.
There is this girl that is just wonderful.
Brynn is her name!
Here are some things that I like about her.
She is kind.
She is beautiful.
She is checky.
She smells very good.
She loves teaching.
She loves making pie.
She loves autumn.
She is meek.
She is my best friend.

Good News On The Way....

2009-10-19T13:32:00.003-06:00

Good News on the way......
It is a blustery, rainy day in Rexburg, but everything seems so bright and vibrant! Just some great things are happening in little old Rexburg.

October

2009-10-12T17:58:00.003-06:00

Well it is October in Rexburg. That means highs in the low 40's and low's in the high 20's.
I like the month of October.
Sweater/jacket weather is here
General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
rain
sales at Banana Republic, Gap, J Crew, and REI
apples off our tree
spending time with family on weekends
collage football
apple pie
I have been down in Utah the last two weekends. First was for general conference, and last weekend was to go with Brynn to a school faculty dinner up in Park City. After study structural geology for hours, and getting some chores done around the house; we went shopping at Banana Republic and found some good deals, did some more chores at Brynn's house, and then ventured east to Park City. Dinner was really good. I even won a door prize for guessing how many employees are at her school, 68 in case you were wondering. It was cold in Park City. Overall it was a great weekend!
A first happened to me today. I guess it was the first time I noticed. Background first, a few girls in my student church ward mentioned to me that I walk fast. I know that I have a brisk pace, but not fast. That being said, someone passed me today. I know why to; he had longer legs than I do.

Jackson Hole

2009-09-27T16:31:00.005-06:00

It has been a great weekend! Brynn came up Friday night, and I was very happy about that. We grabbed a bit to eat at Bajio. We then played games with some of her old roommates and started watching October Sky. It is a great movie. I had not seen it for 6 years or so. We went to Jackson Hole Saturday morning. Brynn has never been, or remembers going. We stopped off at Teton Village. We stopped in several shops. I bought some Chaco's that were on a crazy sale.
It was National Public Lands Day, so entrance into the park was free. We went to Jenny Lake, but did not hike around the lake. A fire was close by so the air was full of smoke. It was very cool looking. We traveled to Jackson Hole and looked around some of the shops, had lunch in park, and snacked on some Hagen Daz ice cream. We then traveled home and Brynn went to the Relief Society broadcast and I made dinner for lunch for Sunday. It was just a relaxing, fun weekend with a beautiful young woman.

Let Us Be Men

2009-09-18T23:14:00.003-06:00

This past week has been one that I will remember. It has felt like a glacial till landed on me. Not literally, but just with the amount of work, and school, and life. It has also been one of the most spiritual. I have felt an add measure of the spirit. I have the opportunity to take a class from Brother Bruce Satterfield. I am amazed at when I go in to class with a few questions, and come out with a lot of answers, but more questions.
We have been learning about the endowment of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is nothing secret about it, but rather sacred. Moses had an endowment, and many other prophets. By receiving the endowment we dress, clothe, put on attributes or receive virtue. It truly is an amazing feeling.
I also have been watching some Mormon Messages on Youtube. I posted two, to my facebook page. They talk about being a man, a father, a friend, and a man of integrity. In one of them, it is about a husband who's wife is diagnosed with MS. She said that if he was going to leave her then there's the door. He stayed, and never made her feel like a burden or handicapped. His son was diagnosed with down syndrome and he loved him, and treated him like a normal son. He was a garbage man. He always provided for his family. He would build tricycles from parts he would find. He used his resources that he had to help his family.
It made me think of my own father. He is a paint contractor. He has always provided for his family. We always had food, clothing, and some things we wanted. He would go with out at times to put us first. I hope that I can be like my father, Thomas Grover. A man of integrity, truth, and compassion. So let us be men!

First day of school

2009-09-10T15:05:00.003-06:00

The first day of school is over. Well kind of. I still have home to do. I started out by going to Sister Bergstrom's class. I am her teaching assistant. I love working for her. She is just one of those teachers that can teach the entire class, yet focus on the one. It has helped me my own studies. I had my first math class since the Fall 2007 semester. I have Bro. Startin. He is a great teacher. He acts human and wants us to learn. He started class out by having a listen to a little kids song. That says good morning and nice to see you today. It was different, yet good for a math class. I then went back to ta-ing.
I am taking this idea from my great girl friend Brynn. A love list.
I will change mine a little. She does it monthly. I will do my for firsts in my life.
So first day of school list-

Jacob being born at around 12:30 today.
My father, He is such a strength to me!
My mother, she keeps my life straight and organized.
My siblings, they like to tease me, but all in good fun (I hope)
School, a chance to learn and to become educated.
My cell phone. I can't believe I just said that, but it has helped in many ways.
My Jeep. Anybody who really knows me, knows that I love my Jeep. All 341700 miles of it!
My books and scriptures. They really help keep me calm and on the right path.
Friends!
Grandma Cook. Even though she has past on, I still remember all of those funny good times. Her taking her teeth out and joking around.
Brynn! She is such a light and strength in my life. When I need to relax, do something adventurous, watch a movie, or get a treat she is always there.
So many great things that I love!

From the top of the world to the bottom.

2009-09-03T20:08:00.003-06:00

I just arrived home from my geo 210 trip. It was great! I saw so many beautiful sights. Some that I have not been to for awhile, and others that I have never seen. I love Wyoming. The geology is amazing. Even though I did not understand everything that we talked about, I am glad that I dipped my feet into it. We went from near Cooke City, down through the Wind Rivers, and out through Pine Creek Pass. It made me realize that God had his hand in the creation. There is no possible way that it just happened. We have a kind and loving Heavenly Father, who is all powerful and knowing. He is a great artist and architect as well. I have missed several people as well. My parents, and siblings. Brynn, Konrad, and many more.
I was glad to take a nice long hot shower. I think other are glad that I did as well.
Truly a great trip, and it is not over yet... 7 am tomorrow, it starts over, but just for tomorrow.

August

2009-08-20T20:59:00.002-06:00

Summer is coming to an end. I finished work at BMW of Murray on Tuesday. I really enjoyed working there again. It is a great place to work during the summer. The management is very kind to me, to let me come back when I want to. I have gone on some great trips during the season. Moab, Henry's Mountains, Hebgen, Camp Loll, and Ruth Lake (still to come). I am going down to BYU for a week to work on a research project with Dr. Moore. Then it is off to Rexburg for 210. Then school starts the next week.

Rain, Cuts, and Schwinn

2009-06-07T20:40:00.002-06:00

It has been an eventful few days. I bought a 1944 Arnold Schwinn cruiser. It is fun to ride and I will be detailing it up and posting some photos soon. It has been raining the last few days. I love it! I love the summer rain. It has always been the most enjoyable season for me. Warm summer days and nights with rain!
I was at work on Thursday and I received a phone call. The number was 233245402438. I was wondering who in the world it was. I answered it, and it was Brynn! She was calling me from Africa. I couldn't really hear her well, but she just wanted to say hi and that it was the 4th of June. We talked for about a minute and then the call cut out. It was thoughtful for her to call me.
Later that day I was cutting a plastic bottle to use to clean a drain. The razor blade I was using slipped and cut into the knuckle of my thumb. It was bleeding pretty nicely, and hurt. I went to the instacare and they helped badge me up. I have had to keep it dry the last few days. It feels a lot better today.

2009-05-30T15:46:00.003-06:00

Moab

2009-05-30T15:41:00.002-06:00

I went down to Moab on the 22nd of May. It was a lot of fun. A lot of rain, but a lot of fun. We hiked Delicate Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Broken Arch, and Landscape Arch. We had a down pour, a flash flood, gross showers, more rain, Dinner at Zax's, Nine mile canyon, sun, hail, and driving. It was so much fun! I love it, but missed some people. I am still working at BMW of Murray. I enjoy working there. I will be heading up to Rexburg in a week or two to start collecting samples for a research project. More to come...

Switzerland?

2009-05-16T09:59:00.003-06:00

I was at Salt Lake International the other day for good reasons, and I said to myself, self. You miss flying. You should go on a trip. Then the thought came of Switzerland. Nathan, my brother, and I have been talking about it and we might go there for a week of so. Just a thought.....

Utah and Skiing

2009-04-25T17:40:00.002-06:00

School is out for the summer. The last few weeks up in Rexburg were really good, and a lot of work. I am back down at BMW of Murray in Utah for the summer. Work is going well and am thankful for a job in this economy. I wend skiing today with Konrad up at Snowbird. It was the first time I have had to pay for a ski pass this season. It was the fourth time I went this season. There was about six inches of new snow last night and this morning. It was really good, but ice under the powder. At the end it was snowing, but the wind was really bad. We ended up not going down for our last run due to the weather. We rode the tram down. That was nice.

Count Your Many Blessings

2009-03-26T23:32:00.003-06:00

There are a few things that have been on my mind the last few weeks. I think that has been circulating about in there is my father. He goes in for surgery tomorrow morning on his foot. Normally most people would be fine with that. Sick leave from work, time to rest at home and so on, but it is harder for my dad to heal. He is the strongest man that I know. He is also the most charitable. I don't know many men who are driving along and see a man walking and have the impression to stop and give the man a ride. May dad did this one day that I know of. He gave the man a ride to the bus station in Salt Lake and then felt impressed to give him $20. It turned out the man was on his way to Alabama and hadn't eaten for some time. He is also one of the most educated men that I know of. I haven't found one teacher with a Ph.D that has that kind of intellect. If I have a question about the gospel, he can tell me the book, the page, and what paragraph it is. Oh, and it is usually a Hugh Nibley book that is 600 pages long. I hope that my father's surgery goes well and that his doctor will have an open mind and be guided my the spirit on what to do. I am confident that everything will go well! I think this surgery will be for the best and it will all work out.

Hydrology

2009-03-21T12:21:00.007-06:00

As a hydrology class we went down to Idaho Falls to the Hydro Electric Power plant. We toured the site, and we were taken down to see the turbine that generates power by the Snake River flowing through it. We went down underneath it and then climbed up through the turbine. It felt as if we were in a submarine or something. It was fun to see how it works. We then went to the sewage treatment plant and that was interesting in and of its self.
We then drove down to Twin Falls and saw the Snake River Canyon and it is very wide and deep. We continued down on to Thousand Springs and discussed the water rights issues were it all started. People just need to realize what is best for the environment and the economy. There needs to be a balance between the two. If we don't take care of the environment then we will not be able to have any profit.
Over all a great day. I also just bought a new phone. The Motorola Moto Z6c World Edition. It is a slide phone. I like it, but I do miss my old one.

No Line On The Horizon

2009-03-03T17:22:00.002-07:00

Well the U2 Album, No Line On the Horizon came out today. I have already had it for a few days, but have been listening to it all day. I have two songs that really make the Album. Magnificent. It has a good beat, has some quality U2 in it and is new and just a little different than some of their older stuff. I know that a lot of people do not like Get on Your Boots. I really like this song. It took me a while to warm up to it, but it is good. It has a faster tempo that I like in some songs. The music video junk, but it is a good song. I guess that my niece Grace has heard it and loves it. She is 3 and sings the lyric and dances to it. I think people expected more than what was really there from U2. They tried new things, but stayed with some core roots in some of these songs. They are different, but so is Viva La Vida. I think the X&Y is Coldplay's best. A lot of people didn't like Rattle and Hum, but we needed it to get Achtung Baby. Pop was needed to get All That You Can't Leave Behind. This album is much better than Pop and Zooropa.

Warm?

2009-02-28T19:21:00.002-07:00

The last few days have been very sunny, but not so warm. Last night my roommates and I stayed up and watched the Lord of The Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring. It has been years since I have seen it. We also watched Dead Poets Society. Another great show I have not seen in years. That movie reminds me of Sister Bergstrom's classes. I think that anyone who takes a class from her should watch it.
I did a group project today which was fun. I finished inputting grade for Group Dynamics and cleaned in my room a little today.
I bought to new songs off iTunes. I do not buy a lot of songs. They were The Magnificent Seven Composed by Elmer Bernstein, and Hawaii Five-O by The Ventures. Both good clean songs. I also downloaded the new U2 album. It isn't as good as I had hoped. I mean after 4 1/2 years off I think they could have written and composed some better songs. They are ok, but not U2 quality. It feels like some of them were thrown together a few days before the announced the album.

Surprise!

2009-02-22T19:57:00.001-07:00

I traveled home this weekend with Amy Worthington's FHE brothers. It was the first time that I had taken a ride from someone while going to school up here. It was nice to not have to worry about driving. We left Rexburg around 4:30pm on Friday and traveled to Utah. I was the hump seat. It wasn't that bad. I had only told Konrad that I was coming down and told Brynn that I was sending a surprise with Amy. It was me. They dropped me off at her home in Holladay and we then went up to Centerville and watched Dear Frankie. It was a good movie. It was well written and had some good acting in it. I helped Bro. Lawson fix the vent in the back of the house. The birds are trying to make their nest up there again. Brain and I drove down to Cafe Olympus at the Red Lion Hotel and had breakfast. He use to work there over 20 years ago. I drove his 650i and it was really nice. It is just so tight and drives like how a car should. We went and picked up his truck and he dropped me off in Centerville. I tried to get some stuff cleaned out but did not get a lot done. I went over to Deseret Industries and picked up Breanne's new secretary desk. It was really nice. I drove it to Salt Lake and helped here put a new Pur water filter on their tap. Brynn came and pick me up and we went to Banana Republic, and then on to IKEA. It was a lot of fun. It was good that I had my tour guide with me. I bought some dish towels and we ate there for dinner. It was less than $10 for the both of us. We stopped by her house and then went to Centerville and watched Penelope. I rode back up to Rexburg and made it to church just in time. The lessons were good and I taught in Elders Quorum. It seemed like the class learned a lot and most everyone was participating.

Another Great Day at BYU-Idaho!

2009-02-12T22:13:00.003-07:00

It has been a busy week. I had two tests and two issues of the Scroll. Two labs as well for Hydrology and GIS. I have been able to get a lot done though. I remembered to call Dr. Morgan's office and take care of some business. I got some things that I need for Saturday, and took care of some of the grades already for group dynamics.
I have been thinking a lot of my parents the last few weeks. I think they are so great and strong. Both of them are so strong in the gospel. They understand it and are willing to live it. I hear a lot of members talk about how they live the gospel which they well may do, but I remember what the Prophet Joseph said about religion. That any religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things does not have power of salvation. I was paraphrasing that since I don't have the quote on hand, but Truman G. Madsen talks about it in his lectures on The Prophet Joseph Smith. They read, pray, and study the scriptures. They attend their church meetings. They are humble and willing to submit to the Lords will. I consider my self very luck to have been born to them. I would not ask for any other parents. This have been tight from time to time, but those times have helped me in the long run. I just hope that someday I will be as good of a parent as them. My mom knows how to study and how to calm a troubled heart. She know just what to say. My dad is humble, and very intelligent. When you can quote Hugh Nibly and tell what page it is on and what paragraph, that is brilliance!

2009-02-11T08:49:00.003-07:00

February is here...

2009-02-01T11:48:00.003-07:00

So I realized that I never put what those photos I posted were of. The one of me is from when I went ice climbing in February 2007. I was covering it for the scroll. So I got to go for free. It was such a great experience. The week before that was taken were were out there in Teton Canyon and it was at least -40. We know that it was at least that. The thermometer only went to that. The other is of my sister Breanne. She and I went snowshoeing to Stewart Falls in 2006.
I am currently taking just four classes this semester, but it has been the busiest semester yet. I am in Hydrology, GIS, Old Testament, and American Foundations. They are all good classes and I am learning a lot, but I am swamped most of the time. It feels like I can never get ahead. There is always something due. I can not just take a day off and relax.
This is just the second full weekend that I have spent in Rexburg this semester. I went down over Martin Luther King day to hangout with my old roommates. We were suppose to go skiing at snowbird, but I needed to spend some time with my family. My dad is still mending. He has had to stay off of it. I was also able to see Brynn that weekend. Last weekend it was her birthday. I left Rexburg right after my last class. I drove straight to Holladay. I missed her dinner and present opening, but made it for some delicious pear pie. We went skiing up at Brighton. It was the best skiing I have ever done. The snow was great, and so was the company. It was the first time that I have not been sore afterward.
Nathan was up here in Rexburg from Thursday night to Saturday afternoon. We went and dumbed the papers and then went to Mill Hollow for some frozen yogurt. Friday, he came to Sister Bergstrom's class and then I need to study and go to class. We went to the temple and we were there for about 4 hours. The sessions were very full. Yesterday we drove up near camp, just on the Ashton-Flagg Ranch road and snowshoed. It was great powder. We just talked about old times, camp, and life. He left and I did my laundry and tried to get my hair cut, but no. I tried to get my GIS homework done, but that didn't workout. Rebekah Wood made some great Lemonjello Cake.

2009-02-01T10:25:00.002-07:00

"I'm ready for the laughing gas"

2009-01-26T08:19:00.002-07:00

I realize that this is the most that I have blogged in some time now. This post is about the new new song Get On Your Boots. The song reminds me of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, Achtung Baby, and Pop. I wasn't to crazy about the song, but as I have listened to it I realized the lyric was a little deeper than I had thought. It is kind of edgy but still has U2 roots written all over it. A great little ditty that peps you up. I would say it would be 8 on my list. I can't wait to listen to the other new tracks coming out.
I have been told over last 9 years that I obsessed with U2. That U2 is all I listen to. Also because I have a couple of there DVDs and I like to watch clips of them on You tube. I would like to send out a disclaimer. No I am not obsessed with U2. I just really like the band. A band that reinvents its self for each album. Yet some how sticks to their roots. I do not listen to U2 all the time. I do have a lot of other music that I listen to. I do like a variety. I do not listen to U2 on Sunday or when I am going to something that is spiritually related.
I hope that you too will enjoy the new song and some good old U2.

I-15

2009-01-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Let it Snow

2009-01-25T20:49:00.003-07:00

It is Sunday evening and I have my home teaching done, church went well and it has snowed, again in Rexburg. I went down to Utah and skied at Brighton, up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was snowing and was kind of windy. It was great snow though. I used my new skis, boots, and poles. Wow, it was the best skiing I have have had. I took Brynn up for her birthday, which was on Friday.
Friday night or Saturday morning right before I went to bed. I cut off Dad's cast. It was my first time. It took awhile. Those things are well built. It was a good thing that we got it off.
I came back up this morning and from about Blackfoot on, it was slow and snow. The Jeep did well, as it always does. I think it was good that I slid on the first day back in Rexburg. I realized that I need to slow down even more.
I am feeling much better today. I just finished an orange and it was very good.
Nathan is coming up this week and we are going to go snowshoeing sometime so it will be fun!

Get On Your Boots!

2009-01-23T11:37:00.003-07:00

I have been sick this past week with a cough and congestion. I was able to get a lot of business done this week. I did my first map in GIS, and a big Hydro assignment. It feels like it will never end some times.
I woke up around 5 this morning again due to the goop in my throat. I am feeling much better after a nice warm shower, organic oats and flax seed, warm raspberry drink, and a big orange.
It snowed this morning! I was happy, but sad since I need to drive to Utah today. I am going skiing tomorrow at Brighton on my new skis!
The new U2 song, Get On Your Boots came out this week and I have been listening to it. It is good, but I have had to listen to it a lot to like it. I do that with all U2 albums though.

Bueller, Bueller............

2009-01-16T10:02:00.002-07:00

So I am teaching Group Dynamics today. It is not that big of a deal though. I have taught it by myself before, but I think that one of the things that has made me nervous this time is that I will be doing it for a week with Sister Bergstrom gone today and the rest of next week. I just hope that I don't come across like the teacher in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZv5dRme73s
I am coming home this weekend, but I will not be going skiing like I had once planned. I have just realized that I am not suppose to go. Things have just not worked out so that I can go. It will still be a great weekend though. A time to spend with family. I feel like i need to spend more time with them.

Week 2

2009-01-13T19:47:00.003-07:00

I needed a short break from studying. Today has been very busy. A new issue of the Scroll came out today and so once again I was up at 4:55 am. I very sleep well one Monday nights, but I do on Tuesdays. It was a busy day. I'm still on campus (since our internet is down) and just finished working on some GIS. I have been thinking about the economy and just trying to conserve more than I have. I have noticed that I feel better about it. Today I found out that the ORC could not mount my binding on my skis. I have alpine bindings and they don't have the tools to mount them. I need to take them to IMT in Idaho Falls to have it done. I wasn't too happy about that, but what can you do?
Bro. Satterfield is an amazing Old Testament teacher. I have learned more about the atonement and covenants in one day than I have in years of study. He is a great man! It blows my mind on how much he really knows and doesn't tell us.
I am coming downt to Utah this weekend to go skiing with Konrad, Scott, and Daniel. It should be a lot of fun. It will be a great weekend! I get to see some people that I really care about.
This Friday I take over Group Dynamics for about a week. Sister Bergstrom will be out for that time and I am running the class. I know that I am just filling in, but I am excited to run the class. We aren't doing much, video's and group time. It will be good. I will miss Sister Bergstrom. She is a great teacher and it will be hard.

Im Back in The Saddle Again

2009-01-08T13:15:00.002-07:00

I am back in Rexburg. It snowed most of the way up on Monday. I left Centerville as the store was moving in. It was slow going for the most part, but it only took about 3 1/2 hours to get to Rexburg. As soon as I exited the highway and made the turn on to Yellowstone Highway I started to slide toward a white Toyota Corolla. I thought for sure that I would hit them, I let off the brakes and just steered to the left of them. I came just inches for hitting them. I did slide into a snow bank, but not damage to the Jeep. I think it runs better now. I unpacked and went to FHE for the ward. It was great to see a lot of friends again.
I have some new roommates this semester. Ken Harris is my room-roommate. He and I were in the ward together last winter. Stephen Sheppard is in the apartment again. Steve and I were room-roommates Fall of 2007. Mark Walker, Ben Kingsberry, and Paul Reading are still in the apartment.
My first day was busy. Jon Porter is sick and so I did the deliveries by myself yesterday morning. Then I had Group Dynamics with Berg. It was a good class. My Old Testament class was canceled and then I went to American Foundations with Brother Thomas. I think I will like that class. I have that with my roommate, Mark Walker. This semester feels very different. I kind of have an idea why, but it is just interesting.
Today is my Geology day. It feels a little much right now. It will stretch me, but that will be good.
It was 40 degrees today in Rexburg. The snow is melting which is good to a point, but it will all be ice later tonight.

Scenes from the Philippines

2008-12-11T13:21:00.004-07:00

"Sin is waste"

2008-12-11T12:49:00.002-07:00

It's finals week and I just have one more left, Geology 350! It has been a great semester over all. I have learned a lot this semester about myself and others. My calling has stretched me. It did not think that it would, but I learned to love it. I was taught that everything can and is a learning experience. Being a TA has helped me to be a better student. I am listening right now to my 80's music, and enjoying it. I had been looking for song for a few months and found it today on iTunes; Cutting Crew, "Dying in your Arms". It is a classic 80's song.
I was talking with Bro. Hartvigsen after class today for over half an hour about what I got out of his class. It was seriously one of my favorite classes. It stretched me in different ways. I love how he made English fun. I looked forward to reading assignments for the first time. We discussed things that went well and things that could be improved on. I took the class because of Bro. Hartvigsen. I could have taken the 316 that I was suppose to take, but I feel more educated now than if I had just taken the required class. I am here to get a degree, but more so to gain knowledge, learn, and to grow. I have no regrets on classes that I have taken.
Bro. Hartvigsen said that I should take his Fiction in Film class. We would read Pride and Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird, and other classics.
I was talking with Sister Bergstrom yesterday and found out some new things about her that surprised me! She is a great teacher and I have even more respect for her. She is such a great teacher. I have 4 teachers that really have touched my life this semester. They all taught in the same manner. They focused on the individual.

Photo's from this past summer

2008-12-07T09:58:00.005-07:00

"I'm fine and dandy with the me inside"

2008-12-07T09:45:00.002-07:00

It is my last Sunday this semester. I'm teaching the lesson today. I hope that it all goes well. It has been a really great week though. I was able to get a lot of stuff done this past week. I have a paper to rewrite for my English final, I have a geology ID test, a geology written final, and a Biology final this week. I think that I will do well on them though. I went She Loves Me on Friday with Brynn. It was kind of last minute. I did not have tickets and so we were able to get stand by. It was a great play. At first I did not know what it was about. I was talking with Amy about it and she said that You've Got Mail is based off of it. It was a lot of fun. Saturday I was studying in the Romney with Ryan and Patrick for a little over an hour, and then I came home and did my laundry. I didn't have as much as I have in the past.
Last night though I went to the temple with the Relief Society to do baptisms. We had 7 brothers and 11 sisters. It was a fun trip to Idaho Falls. We went and ate at a little Mexican restaurant there in Idaho Falls.
We came home and Kayci, Brynn and I watched The Incredibles. It is just a good clean, fun movie.

Pics

2008-12-04T19:24:00.005-07:00

"Its cold outside, and gets so hot in here"

2008-12-04T19:03:00.002-07:00

What a day it has been. I was going to stay up late and write a paper, but I decided to go to bed and get up early to do it. I did and was trying to finish it up, print it off, and head to class. It was a very rough draft. That is all that I needed though. I did some scroll work and when I was done checking the Scroll racks in the Snow, I saw Brynn. We talked for a bit and she invited me over for lunch. It was the first time that I can remember having toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It was very good! I then ran over to the Distribution Center and bought my a new bible. I have still been using my scriptures from when I was eight. I love them, but they are showing some wear. Mostly from the Philippines. I bought it and the price did not seem right. I looked down and it was mislabeled. I went back in and asked them to ring me up for the correct price. The cashier looked and at it and said, "Yes your right, but that is the way it is in inventory. Merry Christmas". I was surprised by that. I came home and got ready for Doctrine and Covenants. It was a good class. I really like Bro. Purse. He is a great teacher. He loves the gospel and tries to share that love with the class. I had a study group for Geology 350. Patrick, Ryan, and I met and at times we end up talking more than we should. I'm glad thought, that we are good friends. It has been a great day over all. I love BYU-Idaho. I do wish the semesters were 16 weeks though. That would help out a lot in Geology.

Goodbye to a Great Man

2008-12-02T18:55:00.004-07:00

I can't believe that December is already here. It would be
nice to have a little bit a snow and by a little I mean a lot, or 74 degrees and a nice ocean breeze. I will take either one. It does not feel like this semester is ready to be over. I still feel like there should be at least a month left up here at Brigham Young University - Idaho. I was happy to be home over the break. I had a lot of fun. I bought new skis, boots, and poles all at a super good deal. That is the way I do things. All super good deals! I have just a few finals to get through and then I will be done for this semester. Caleb, my room-roommate talk with a brother in his home ward that is a geologist, and I am meeting with him over the Christmas break. He works for an oil company. I am going to introduce Caleb to a brother in my ward who is in the construction business. We are just helping each other out.
Brother Bergstrom talked to day in Devotional and it was really good. He talked about the GE courses or the new foundations class and how they relate to the gospel and life. Ever since President Eyring told the story about his father and how he learned so much out of every meeting he went to. I have tried that and it really does work.
I have been running off a few hours of sleep the last few days. I am
starting to feel it now.
While delivering the Scroll this morning. Jon Porter, received a phone call from his father that Elder Wirthlin had passed away last night at around 11:30 pm. He will be missed! He was a great man of faith and dedication. It is sad to see a great man like
that pass on, but he lived a great life and it was his time to move on.

Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-27T22:40:00.003-07:00

Another Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. I remember being so excited to put the Christmas decor up as soon as it started to get dark. As I have become older I have just rested after the meal. I bought some skis last week and yesterday I picked up some poles. I just need to have my bindings mounted and pick up some boots. I went to Banana Republic yesterday as well and I purchased a car coat. It was a wool, charcoal color. I liked it, but I didn't needed it. Nathan liked it and so I gave it to him.
I have been going through items in my room and de-junking my life. I want to get rid of things that I don't use or things I have not used in a very long time.
Tomorrow I am helping Mom to get the Christmas decor out and up.

November Weather?

2008-11-20T12:00:00.002-07:00

I was in the Scroll office yesterday afternoon, and Arron (Kristina Miller's husband, my boss) came in and asked if I ran. I replied yes. He asked if I wanted to go running with him, and so I did. We started at his house, and ran up to the water tower and back. He brought his two dogs. One is a chocolate lab by the name of Baby. She ran with me for a lot of the time. It was a great run. I have noticed that when I am stress out that I go running, or do some sort of exercise. I guess this is a good thing. The weather was perfect. I had on my Adidas warm up jacket, shorts and a t-shirt. I started to get a little warm as I was running.
Today seems to be just another beautiful day. I can't let it get away. I might go out for another run or just go do some lifting.
I started a book this past Sunday entitled, The Bronze Bow. It seems interesting from what I have read thus far. I also started reading The Key to Science and Theology, by Parley P. Pratt. It is amazing reading it from a my point of view as a geologist. I hope to get through both of them this coming week.
This week has been very busy. I have been trying to stand still at times though and know that God is there. To feel that calm presence of the spirit.

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-20T09:11:00.003-07:00

"It's a Beautiful Day"

2008-11-19T15:16:00.002-07:00

It is Wednesday and I have two days left of classes before the Thanksgiving break. This semester has gone by very fast. Faster than I had wanted. It feels like I just got up here, and now I have two weeks of school left.
I start back at BMW of Murray on Monday. I am just working over the Thanksgiving break. I am grateful for the chance to go back and work there. It will be different than this summer. A lot of changes have happened there.
I am excited to see my nieces and nephews though this coming week, especially Hyrum. He reminds me a lot of me. Well at least of how I was at that age. Not necessarily now.
I will be working for Sister Bergstrom next semester as her teacher assistant again. We are starting to change something about the class. I am amazed at how humble she is. She can teach the whole class, and yet focus in on the one. We and I were talking about class and how some of the students just do not understand the class. It is to help them be better people. To work in groups and with others. It really helped me out a lot.

2008-11-14T11:45:00.005-07:00

I'm Singing in the Rain!

2008-11-10T21:13:00.003-07:00

The rain continues to fall outside my window. I love the sound of it raining at night. It brings back so many good memories or far off places and ones close to home. Lying in my Half Dome, in the Tetons listening to the storm come in, and knowing that I was dry. I really do love that feeling.
I learned a lot about myself this weekend. I thought that it was going to be a regular old weekend, but it was not. I learned that I am selfish. I think that I always knew that, but I just keep it suppressed in the depths of my thoughts. I kind of had to learn it the hard way. It has hurt, but it is worth it. I have discovered that the Lord teaches us at His own pace.
This year has had its ups and its downs. With every down the up (lesson learned) has been monumental. I have been blessed so much. It has been the spirit that has helped me. During those trials, that old satan was right there, but the still calm peace came. It was so sweet!
Over all I am grateful for my parents. They have taught me so much! I love them and my siblings. They are there for me when I need them. The Savior has been there ever step of the way. I have realized His tender mercies that he has given so freely. He lives! He knows me, better than I know myself. I am grateful for moral agency. I use it a lot and make those small mistakes. I love the saying, " Why do you fall? It is to know how to get back up".
This has been a great semester. I did not think it would turn out this way, but it has been a long road. There is more yet to come!
Things I am grateful for:
My Savior
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
My Family
The Gospel
My sight
My moral agency
My Health
Friends
Roommates
Getting an Education
Work
My Jeep
Freedom
The United States of America
My mission
Camp Loll
Trials
these are just a few...

Election Day

2008-11-05T11:29:00.002-07:00

What a night it was. I knew that Barack Obama would be our President Elect. Since he will be the new president. I will pray that he will make good choices that will help the United States of America remain a free republic. I snowed last night and that was good to see again. I love it when it snows, but I have loved the great fall weather.
I was happy to hear that Prop 8 passed in California. We have truely seen some peoples true colors. I do have hope for the country. I think that the republican party did start to go off alittle the last few years. The change in power can be a good thing, but this is a big change. God Bless the United States of America!
I heard a lot of people complain about the Electoral Collage the last few days. A lot of people don't understand how it works. I explained to them how it runs and that it is a good system. Why mess with something that has worked well for so many years.

An interesting week.

2008-10-26T19:17:00.002-06:00

Today while teaching in Gospel Doctrine. The lesson was very doctrinally rich. I kind of had a hard time trying to figure out how I was going to teach it. It was a little difficult to teach, just to get the main points in and to keep the class involved. It went well though. Not a lot of people read the lesson. I have the class raise their hands on who read the lesson. Just a few had. It made me remember Elder Oaks conference talk. That we need to come to church prepared to be taught. We need to do that too. I know that I have not always read the lesson, but since I have started to teach and to help the teachers, I know how important it is to be apart of the discussion. I learned a lot from preparing and teaching the lesson. It was just what I needed to hear. The Lord used myself to teach me something new. This weekend has just been very interesting. A lot of pondering and meditating.

The Good in Life

2008-10-21T21:44:00.004-06:00

Over the past few days I have been thinking doing some serious "rock sitting". President Osmond my first mission president told us that at times we need to do some serious "rock sitting", meaning just to ponder life. I guess this applies more to me, since I'm a geology major.
I think that far to often in life, we as human beings tend to focus on the negative aspect of life's goings. In my opinion, this can lead to a doom and gloom life. We are not as happy as we could be and can be.
I believe in being honest, tacticful, and being optimistic. President Hinckley would talk about the perils of our day, when he mentioned them he hoped that things would be better. The only way to make things better is to start with ourselves.
I was able to hear Elder Dallin H. Oaks speak this past Sunday at a stake conference. He talked about being a witness of Christ and that we do that each week when we partake of the Sacrament. He said: "We are delcaring our obedience for exaltaion when we take upon us the name of Christ." "The Savior compares us to what we can be. Not to others." These teaching focus on the postitive side of life. We need not focus and compare ourselves to others but to ourselves. What is our potential? What do we want to get out of life? We can improve in life each week. Elder Oaks also stated: "How and where do you come unto Christ? It is a week by week commandment. It is done at the Sacrament table". The also said, that we must come with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
When we focus on the Savior we are positive! We look for the good in all things.

2008-10-12T09:18:00.001-06:00

Winter, Again.

2008-10-12T08:52:00.003-06:00

Winter has arrived in "Nose Bleed". For those of you who don't know what "Nose Bleed" is, it is the nick name that my uncle, Brian Page gave it while I was working down at BMW of Murray in 2006. It has been very cold and the last week really. We received our first bit of snow though yesterday afternoon.
Classes are going well. I feel like I need to study even more though.
I am a Teacher Assistant for Sister Bergstrom. She teaches a Comm 350 class titled Group Dynamics. We use Harvard Business Online for our text book and mainly focus in on case studies, and working in groups. I took the class last fall and loved it. She continues to improve the class and so some of the things that I did are not taught anymore.
I am still doing Scroll delivery. Jon Porter is my co-worker and we having fun doing the job. We have noticed though, that the Scroll is not being picked up as much. A lot of the "issues" that I suggested last year are the problems that are still happening and students are not picking up the paper. I just want what is best for the Scroll. I see what gets taken and also not being a comm major and I feel not being biased or as biased I can see some of the problems. I have asked several non-communication students what they thought and they think about the Scroll over all, and they feel the same way. The Editor and Chief and Managing Editor wrote up some problems that they feel need to be addressed. I'm glad that they want to make it a better paper.
I am on a Rec. soccer team this semester. It is a lot of fun. It is my first time playing in a soccer league and I really like it. I play sweeper for the most part. We are 2-1 thus far in the season. Our first lost was on Thursday of this last week. It was bitter cold. The wind was blowing hard and that didn't help things. I have discovered that some guys and girls are too competitive. They play cheap and don't care about having fun and if you win, good. if not then you improve on what you didn't do good at and do better next game.
I watched Forever Strong last night. It was great movie! It is about the Highland High School Rugby team. The coach teaches the players to be good on and off the field, because they are connected. It is amazing to watch how the movie unfolds.

2008-09-14T09:54:00.005-06:00

"I want to feel, the sun light on my face"

2008-09-14T09:08:00.005-06:00

My first week of school this semester is over. It had to be one of the most busy weeks that I have ever had. I am amazed at how much I did and yet how little. It has been an interesting week. One filled with ups and downs. Over all it was a great week! A lot was learned and changes can be made to improve on some areas.
I love being Sister Bergstrom's teacher assistant. I do some of the computer work and try to answer questions but the class has changed since I took it just last fall.
Delivery is going well! Jon Porter and I are having a lot of fun getting to know each other and doing our job.
Yesterday was a fun day! Kristie Moss had her birthday and I taught Amy Worthington the basics of driving a manual. I showed her how and when to shift so that she got an idea of how to do it. I learned how to drive one by seeing others drive. I went out to a bonfire out at the sand dunes. It was kind of chilly out there though.
I was happy to see BYU win their game yesterday against UCLA. I wish that I could have seen it or listened to it. Breanne told me what the score was while I was at Broulim's.
I really like my classes. Emily and David gave me some great advice my first semester up here. I don't need to rush through school. Get through in a good time but enjoy your time and classes. That is one thing that I am trying to do. Last semester I tried to rush a little bit and it wasn't that fun. I think this semester will be different.
The Subaru is driving well but I miss my Jeep. I didn't think that I would but I do. Nathan, take care of it! I know you are.

I eat my candy with the pork and beans

2008-09-06T10:47:00.003-06:00

Hello Hello! I am back up at school in Rexburg, Idaho and the weather here has already started to change a big. I needed a jacket last night when I went outside. I am amazed at how much has changed on campus. The bookstore in a new location and is really nice. This past week has been a roller coaster for me. Brian, my boss and Uncle parted ways with BMW of Murray. I spend Tuesday night and Thursday with him. We dropped off one of his customers Z8 off at the dealership. What a sweet car! We ate a Market Street Grill on Tuesday night, my first time there and it was very good!
I drove up to school yesterday and it was kind of a long drive. I have been a little nervous about school and doing well. I want to do very well this semester and know that I can. I have met several of my roommates and they are really cool guys. A few of us might have a rec soccer team.
I have several goals that I want to accomplish first is to save as much money as possible. With my books as expensive as they were, that will put some strains elsewhere. No more Banana Republic for awhile. I figure on spending $25 a week on food and will be riding my bike more than driving.
Sister Bergstrom called me the other day and we talked about her class that I will be TA for. It will be a lot of work but it will be fun.

"When your on a holiday, you can't find the words to say"

2008-07-31T02:06:00.003-06:00

Work was very busy today. I had two X5's that needed full details, a Jet Black X6 for delivery, and then a black used X3 that had water spots on it. This all happened the last 4 hours of my shift. I was by myself too. One X5 was done, the X6 was washed and the x3 is clean and ready to go. Then I needed to come up to David and Emily's to spend the night before my trip with the family to Yellowstone and I have been on my computer for several hours now. I bought the new U2 album Live from Paris. It seems to be good. I can't believe that I am still up. I went out with Kimber Taylor on Tuesday. That was a busy day too with the roll over on I-15. I left work at 6 and got home at 8. Not bad since some were stuck for 3 hours. It takes me about 40-50 minutes on busy day. Anyways, we doubled with Konrad and a girl that he got set up with. Kimber joked about if it was safe to ride in my Jeep since the wheel came loose last week. I said yes, its safe. Well, the wheel came loose again and so I fixed, again. A cop pulled over just as I was finishing up. Kimber is the niece of Mike and Karen Stevens. We went to Dairy Queen and I had several brain freezes. Konrad and I dropped out dates off and then talked for a bit. He reminded me that he would have to kick me about an agreement we have, if I broke it. I haven't and won't. I made the terms of the agreement so it's all fair.
I went to the eye doctor on Monday and found some interesting things out. It was my first visit and Dr. Wilkes is a great doctor. No glasses! Sorry family, I'm still in the clear! He told me my eyes are health but to keep and eye on them and to come back in next summer while I'm down. I need to head to bed. It's 2:20 am!

"I'm moving up to Cherokee, I'm goin be a rock star!"

2008-07-27T20:25:00.004-06:00

Well I have some time to write on my blog so here it goes. I worked every day this past week, which was very nice. It has slowed down again which is good and bad. I went to the Real Salt Lake game on Wednesday. Real lost 2-1 I left a little early to go see The Dark Night with Drew and Brian. Drew and I stopped by McDonalds and picked up some grub and ate it in front of the theater. Brian showed up and we had to down our food in a few minutes. The movie was really good. It wasnt a typical comic book movie. It told a lot about human nature and how at times we can't figure people out. There is no logic.
Drew has been asking me to ask his cousin out on a date. He talked to her and so I asked her out to go to a concert in a week or so.
I leave for Yellowstone on Thursday and I am excited for it. I wasn't but yesterday I caught a wiff of a pine tree and it brought back some great memories and ones that I can make.

"They say I need some Rogain to put in my hair...."

2008-06-29T20:44:00.003-06:00

Yes I know that it has been awhile since I last wrote. That is the story of my life. I hiked Mt. Timp. a week ago and it was more of a climb. About six feet of snow was still up there and it was a great trip. I got my tan that I have wanted for a while and got some hiking in with some friends.
I bought new clothes at the Gap. I can't spend money on backpacking gear since I have a lot, so I am trying to dress better. Not that I didn't dress well before but just a different style that I am going for these days. I also went to the Farmers Market yesterday and it was like I was back in the Philippines. I told Amelia that, that is how I shopped in some areas for my food each week. That is where the "common" people go there but here its the "trendy" people that go each week. It was nice and I did enjoy it.
So use to love REI and would shop there a lot the last two years. After work I would swing up to the one on 3300 South and look and maybe buy or pick up an order but I just checked my gmail and saw that they were having a sale and I didn't bother looking. I realized that I have almost everything that I need. I have really started to conserve my money even more. Yes, I bought a new outfit but I pick up the good deals don't buy any clothes for a while.
No, Thomas I have wanted to read that book for while now. It has intrigued me.
I traveled up to Logan on Friday and helped deliver a X3. It was a nice ride up and back. After I drive one of those it makes me want one but I don't like the price so much.
For those of you who have not listened to the new Weezer, Red Album I recommend it. Well, get it from me. I have the edited version that Konrad did. It is really good. I have listened to it more than U2 and that is saying something.
I did pick up a new book on Wednesday. It is "Elijah The Prophet And His Mission" and "Salcation Universal" by Joseph Fielding Smith. I just started it and it is great. This is a book my father has been looking for, for 2o years; I am glad that I found it!

Is it getting better, or do you feel the same?

2008-06-14T01:19:00.004-06:00

Well I know that it has been awhile. I think that is how I start every blog these days. Well on Tuesday June 3rd at 1 am I was awakened by my mom who said that I needed to take my father to the emergency room up at LDS Hospital. So I did. We listened to Truman G. Madsen talk about the prophet Joseph and trails. How fitting for what would be happening the rest of the week. The nurses and doctors did some tests and felt that he should be admitted for some heart reasons. So I stayed with him until about 7am and then left to come home to get ready for work. I took a quick 1 1/2 hour nap and was off to work. My father was then transferred to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray just blocks form BMW of Murray. He ended up having 5 stints put in him. A stint helps open the arteries to the heart. On Thursday I was to go pick him and my mom up and drive them home. As was at work and I didn't feel my phone. So they called Brian my boss and my father's brother to tell me that they were ready. Brian had me get the new X6 and bring it around. So I did and we went and picked them up. It is about a $70,000 car. My parents liked it. I found out that each normal stint costs $13,000 dollars and the medicated ones that my dad have are more like $20,000. So my dad made the comment that my mom should trade him in for the X6. It was good to see my dad joking after under going heart surgery.
I fell in love Thursday! Well not that kind of love, more like lust. If I had $400,000 dollars I think I might buy a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. It is hand built and you can balance a 1 pound coin on the engine while it is running. This is to prove how smooth the V12 is. Oh, BMW owns Rolls-Royce so maybe I can get a small discount.
Konrad and I were to go camping tonight at a YSA thing but we left early and were going to a ward activity but that had ended so we went to Village Inn to eat. On the way there I was pulled over. The fuzz came up said that I had drifted into the turn lane for a bit and asked if I had any thing to drink. No, I said and then he asked for my papers. He was nice and I was glad that he was looking out for others as well as myself. Konrad was laughing in the front seat though. It was funny. My third time being pulled over and no tickets! Each time on suspension.
I have been thinking a lot about if I should do something this next week. It would be letting go of some pride. A book that I have been meaning to read for some time describes it well. The book is Pride and Prejudice. I just have to say that Mr. Darcy is bold.
Oh, it was the Philippines Indpentence day on the 12th so Mabuy ang Pilipinas!

Walk On

2008-05-28T07:28:00.005-06:00

So I know that Dan or some one will get after me for not posting as often as I should but that's OK, I've been busy. I went for a run this morning. Just 3 1/2 miles. On my way home on Main Street I saw deer in a yard near the stake center. I said to myself, "self", you haven't seen a deer down in these parts for years now. At first I thought that I was back in Idaho or some thing. It's Emily's birthday today so happy birthday. It is also Grandma Cook's. I didn't realize how much I would miss her, and how she would always wonder when I was coming home from work. I think was my crazy schedule that sent her to her grave. Some days I think it will send me to my grave!
Konrad and I are home teaching companions, again. We have 3 sisteren and 2 brothers. We are going up to the U of U 32nd Ward. It is a good ward and we like it a lot. Konrad, Karson and I went skiing up at Snowbird on Saturday and it a lot of fun. It was like mashed potatos at the end of the day. My face got a little toasted but it was a lot of fun.
I feel good this morning. I feel like I have done a lot and its not even 8 am yet. Last week Breanne and I went to the Gateway. I met her there. I took the train in. The ticket machine consummed 2 extra of my dollars. I was in a hurry to get one and didn't worry about it. Then on the way home it didn't give me my full change back! Breanne just laughed at me, as I laughed at myself. We went shopping for a bit and then ate at California Pizza Kitchen, which was really good. We walked though Barnes and Noble and looked at books, and at some Cheese Cake Factory cake. Breanne thought it was cheese cake and was quite dissappointed that it was not.

Stuck in a Moment.....

2008-05-14T21:41:00.006-06:00

Work has been very busy the last few weeks. This is good since our economy has slowed down so much. .
I saw Iron Man last week and it was pretty good. I didn't appreciate a scene in it though. I started to go to the 32nd Ward up at the U of U. Last week was my first week. I liked it a lot. I saw some people from high school. It really didn't feel like it had been five years since I had seen some of those people but it has. I received a letter from myself that I wrote my senior year of high school. My English teacher Mrs. Haslem sent it to me. Some of the things that I wrote about were I wanted to be have true. I am at BYU-Idaho but my major has changed and that I am not married yet. I have realized though that I am trying and the Lord doesn't need me to be married, yet. I found out today that a girl that I went to High School with died about a week ago. She was on her mission in England and was jogging with her companion and she collapsed and died. She was a great young women. The thought came to me today when I read that, that the Lord needs her on the other side. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. I went climbing today and it was good! We went up to storm mountain, up Big Cottonwood canyon. The weather was great, not to hot or cold. Much better than a few weeks ago. It was about a 5-7 to 5-8. I lead and then top roped it. When we were about done a guy and two girls came up and I helped them plan there route. I went to Cora's dance recital today and she did a great job! It was kind of long but I learned a lot about patience and about parenting.
My brother Thomas told me something when I was in the MTC that has helped me see those things that I needed to work on. I was having some trouble with some missionaries in my district and I thought that they need to change. He told me what his mission president told him. "Maybe its you who needs to change somethings." Now this doesn't mean that it was all me but when I was willing to change, they wanted to change and things improved. For some reason when my mission ended I forgot this simple principle. What I learned on my mission truly has and will continue to help me.

Photos from Winter 2008

2008-05-10T16:37:00.002-06:00

2008-05-10T16:05:00.002-06:00

Part one of many....

2008-05-09T19:59:00.002-06:00

What a week it has been! We found out that dad has to go in for eye surgery. The back of his eyes are bleeding. The doctors don't know how much damage has been done.

Work has been very busy. I went to Wendover, Nevada on Tuesday to drop a 128i Conv. off. The man who runs three of the casinos there was giving it away. Robert Clark, one of the salesmen at BMW of Murray dropped off a 135i to the to the same man who runs the casinos. We ate at the Peppermill, which was pretty good! We had to walk through the casino and it was smelly, and dark. No spirit what so ever! If I ever had any desire to gamble, which I never did, being in there really made me to never want to gamble. On the drive home we talked about the geology in the area. We also talked about evolution and global warming. He asked me what I believed since I am becoming a geologist and have to deal with the theory of evolution. I said to him that things evolve. We evolve into becoming like our Heavenly Father. God created Adam and Eve. He did not evolve from the Lower orders of the animal kingdom. The last part that I just said is church doctrine from the First Presidency. I mentioned to him about global warming and how we don't know how much of global warming we are causing. What we need to do is to be wise stewards of the land.

A day of Growth

2008-05-04T21:32:00.003-06:00

Hello
I know I haven't been as diligent in blogging as I should be but I am trying to do better at it.
It has been a busy week. Work really picked up and I was working long days. Nothing like those 12 hour shift last year but just 9-9 1/2 hours a day. I have started to take Frontrunner, the train here on the Wasatch Front and it has been fun. I went climbing Saturday and it was a lot of fun and a nice stress reliever. I went to the Real Salt Lake game and it was fun. It was my first time at a soccer game I enjoyed watching it. Real played the LA Galaxy and they tied 2-2.
Stake Conference was great. Elder Bednar talked about doing what we say and becoming that. Also about being constant in the gospel. President Eyring talked about obeying the voice of the prophet. That when the prophet speaks we are being tested. He mentioned about when we receive a letter with a single signature at the bottom. That this is a test to see if we will do what the prophet has asked us to do. Great things that I can improve on to be a better person.

All in Your Head

2008-04-29T19:23:00.003-06:00

It has been an interesting few weeks. School is out and I am back at BMW of Murray. My Grandmother died on the 13 of April at the age of 85. It was hard for a few days but things are better. I went to the temple last week twice which was really good for me. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about myself and things that I need to improve on to be a better person. My surgery went well and I am still taking it easy to not open the wound up. I went to the Rooney concert with Konrad last night. It was a good concert. They played a lot of the songs that I like. I'm going to the Real Salt Lake game this Saturday. Which should be fun. I have really started to like soccer over the last year. Drew Fuller, friend and co-worker at BMW of Murray has really convinced me to be a Liverpool fan!