Firehouse Subs

Took Chris (Brother) and Lance (Cousin) to the New Sub Shop in Town. Lance was so in awe of everything that a few times his food just fell right out of his mouth...talk about sensory overload.

Taste like it...

It smells like Sprite. Colored like Sprite. Tastes like Sprite. Doesn't say Sprite...

Atlantic Ave

Wear Skimpy Clothes, Drink to a Crawl, J-Walk, but don't... what ever you do, say a curse word!!! You just might get pulled over!!!

It's a Small World After All...

It's a Small, Small World. Ran into a Elder here in VA. Recognized his last name and after he said where he was from I thought that I knew some one from there. Found out that I had some History Classes with his Sister and that we knew some of the same people. He just got done serving in my parents Ward. Probablly won't see him again, but it is interesting how small it is.

No Picture Messaging...

Not sure why they have not come through, but all the pictures I have sent to my site since I have been in VA have failed to post. So I will place all the text and put 'Pic Soon' for the entries that have fotos. This has been my longest trip in awhile but the time still seems to fly.

Cruel, Cruel Family - Pic Coming Soon

I have told many a people of the possible punishment for sleeping on the living room couch. Yet everytime I come home, I just can't fight the urge!!! But this is what happens!!! All I have to say is, "Sam, Watch Out for the Duct Tape and Major Marker!!!"

Playing with Lil Bro Chris

We actually weren't playing... I was keeping him busy in the middle of asking me a million times to go to Chik-Fil-A!!!

Not leaving on a Jet Plane

Waiting, waiting, waiting... Just sitting here in the plane. I was going to suprise my family but in the end I had to call for a ride. The flight was delayed several times so we ended up getting in about 2 hours late; making it some time after 1:30AM. Long Day!!!

Moosin Round Springfield

Scott & I spent the better part of the afternoon in 'The' Bass Pro Shop. It is 2 square blocks of Camping, Hunting, Fishing Goodness!!!

Branson Bound

Landed in Denver and hopped a plane to Missouri.

Zions or Bust...

Headed to Zion Ntl Park. Going to hike; Angel's Landing, the Narrows, and Observation Point. should be fun.

Summer Legs...

I have been keeping my bike at the shop so it has been easier to go out running on the trails as oppossed to picking my bike up each time I want to ride. My quads and calfs have been getting bigger, but it is still a beast getting up some of those hills!!! Now if only my chest and abs were as ripped as my legs!!!

100° and Rising

Went on a 13 mile trail run today on the Great Western Trail. Took a spill about half back down; covered my left arm, face, and both hands. I kicked up so much dirt that I could taste it. Had my roommate take a picture when I got back but it did not do my filthiness justice. It was hot but fun.

Mom this one's for you!!!

...and remember to save your mask, it's 50% on your return visit.

Lost Wages

Did I or Didn't I???

Lunch on the Pier

Okay, so it really wasn't on the pier...it was more of a deck / patio, but it was pretty and this is a picture I shot. I ate lunch with Shannon and had a prety good conversation about moving home or staying where we are at. Most of you know that I am debating a move back to VA and she is in the same fix but is having to choose between VA, CA, and AK. After that we went to this really cool candy shop. They offered tons of free samples... a couple of pounds later I walked out with a bag of taffy and a sugar high to kill an elephant!!! Old Town Sacramento was really cool, wish I had more than a few ours to tour around.

Late but lookin' good!!!

Missed my flight to SMF, so I am jumping on a later flight. Sad day because it was the last flight I needed to cash in on a free ticket to Virginia. :(

Second Time in SAC Town

Headed tomorrow out to Sacramento for the second time this month. I will be there for a shorter amount of time than I was earlier this month, but with more free time. Right now looks like I am going to head over to Old Town and possibly the Capitol Building. Not sure what transportation I will have available to me so I might end up 'running around,' literally!!! Also hoping that I can run into Shannon Majors. She is moving out to VA to live with my friend (and her brother) Rory, along with his wife Shayla, and their cute baby, Seth. We'll see what happens, but as always it will be fun, exciting, and a good excuse to come back to my site!!!

A Mini sure is small...

So small in fact that I saw this driver open his back passenger side window from the driver's seat, and he didn't even look to be streaching!!!

Gag... Diet Pepsi

I asked for DR PEPPER, she brought me Diet Pepsi. After a few sips I was sure that it wasn't me. I asked her if she could get me a Dr Pepper she said she did, so I told her it tasted like Diet Pepsi. She waited a few mins but when she brought me my refill she got it right!!! Silly waitress, she must think I'm fat!!!

The GD Bar...

Get your minds out of the gutter...it's just where I ate dinner. It just so happens to be in the hotel. I ordered the Buffalo Burger in honor of what I would have got at Tommyknockers.

Cab 416

Deboarded, Loaded into the Taxi, and headed to the Hotel. Tonite's MTG will draw a big crowd which will be good for sales. To bad that I can't make it to Tommyknockers. It is my favorite restaurant you know and not just because it mentions my name!!!

Jumping the Rockies

Boarding the Plane to Denver. As George Strait said of where I'm headed, "There's a place where Mother Nature has it all together."

In the Office

Just sitting here in the Office trying to get my new Moto Q to work. So far I am unsuccessful!!!

Snakes can Jump!!!

Went running up Rock Canyon to the Campgrounds and then down several of the camp site loops. Probably a round trip of 16 or so miles. It was a beautiful day, lots of bugs, but plenty of sunshine. The one thing that I could have done with out was the Snakes. I normally don't mind seeing them slither across the pass or sunning on rocks by the trail. What does trip me out (and not in the pschydelic way) is the ones that just happen to slither mid road only to realize that I am about to run over them. I usually try to jump, but some times it looks like they are too and that is what scares me. More than anything I think that my brother Chris will appreciate this entry after his encounter with some snakes this week down at Seashore State Park.

Cheating

Okay...let me explain. I am pretty new to this whole blog thing, but I am trying to catch up. In the process I want to add some photos that are dated. Some are Post-mission VA, some are of the early college years, and others are more recent. So they are easy to find click on the links below as they are created. It will be in chronological order, but you won't have to sift through a sea of previously read blogs. So here it goes:
Summer's Navy Photos
Orange Gatorade
Rory...
Women's Cougar Rugby Shirt
Thanksgiving Day at TGIF

Manti Madness

Just got back about an hour ago from the Mormon Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, UT. It is one of those things that I have been saying that I wanted to do every summer but when it comes around I am always working or out of town. This year I finally made it, especially because I have no idea how many more summers I will have left in Utah. Also, I could not have been in better company. We went as a ward, but four of us turned it into a double date and drove down in my car. Robert, CJ, CC, and myself drove, sat, and returned together. It was enjoyable, but as Robert put it, "I don't know that I would come back alone." One thing about going down there is that it always reminds me of my old roommates; Rusty, Bryan, Brad, and Preston. For those of you who do not know the story, Rusty was suffering from cancer. He had been harboring it for a long time but everytime he went to the Doctor's they kept treating the symptoms. The cancer became very agressive and spread to most parts of his body. During all of this he met a choice young lady, Amanda, whom he grew to love. She stuck through his treatment and after the first serious week they decided to get married. In the begining it all seemed rather sudden, but steeping back it made perfect sense. They loved each other and they were unsure of where he would be in a few months so they decided while he is sick now and even if he is going to get better his treatments were going to seriously inhibit his life for some time, so why not go for it. So they got married in the Manti Temple. It was a small affair and he had to take naps in between the events. But he made it and they are still together!!! They live just outside of Tulsa and are now both able to work. I have not heard from them in a while, but always let us assume; no news is good news.

So below are some of the pictures that we took on Bryan's Camera the day of the wedding. In both pics it is Preston, Me, Brad, then Bryan.

Zupas & Good Bye...

A big group of us went to Zupas in one last reunion to say good bye. Some of us are headed away for the summer, so for good, and others because we just don't know when we will see them again.

Looking Back

Sifting through the Pics. Actually this is a collage of pics that I have on my desk it is actually a collection of 40 pics, some dating back to High School. Some are from the mission, some from the last few months, all from very important people, places, and times. I took a picture of it though because I am going through my stuff, getting rid of everything that I do not want to lug on my next move.

Flight 1599

Just before the door closed.

Terminal 7

What I think of John Wayne Airport.

Dessert a la Serengeti...

Hotel food isn't so bad!!!

The Lion's Share

Disney makes everything fun. I have stayed at many a hotels in my day and there is often much spectacle in the center courtyard area, but Embassy Suites Anahiem takes the cake. They have a neat jungle scene, with a sleeping, moving, roaring lion. It's rather fun!!!

In Garden Grove...

I Can't Make this Stuff Up!!!

I mean really. Some of the stuff that happens to me on these trips is just so bizarre. At times I feel I am in some SNL Skit and don't know it. Today for example. A Nun. Yes, a Catholic Nun. Robes, Rosary, and all...walked out of the Men's Bathroom in the Airport. At first I thought it was a joke but after the second, third, and fourth take I am positive that she was not joking.

Non-Stop Flight

I am not just talking about my flights, but my entire life has been a constant stream of activities. I am running here and running there. This is the first down time I have had to get some blogging done, compliments to PHX Sky Harbor Airport. I was rather suprised to turn on my laptop and find out that the wireless connection was FREE!!!
Second time that I will be down in Scottsdale within in two weeks of each other. Only one word to describe the experience...HOT!!!

Your Superman is Here

Had a 'Red Carpet' Party with my ward, don't know if you can see my custome, but had a lot of fun with it!!!

Late Nite Runs, Thanks to Petzl

Bus Stop Blues

As I mentioned before I got an estimate on my car yesterday and dropped it off in Lehi for the afternoon. From the shop I walked to Porter's Place; ordered a Buffalo Burger, a Silver Quenn, and some Baked Beans. All very delicious. Then I sat in the shade waiting for the bus back to Provo. The shade did not seem very dark, but evidently the bus driver thought it was because he drove right past me! I whistled, screamed, and ran after him but to no avail. He left me to wait for another half hour. I headed down the main drag towards another stop. Made sure when the next one came I was leaning out past the curb. The driver stopped and we headed on down the road. I felt kind of left out every one who boarded the bus knew each others name. The bus made it less than five miles till it started this hidious shrill. The bus driver pulled over and it just cut off. The driver kept trying to start it but as soon as it turned over it would commence the obnoxious whine. After a few moments she asked all to get off the bus and that the next one would be there in half an hour. Once again I headed toward the next stop. About 15 minutes later the same bus strolls up and says that we could get on but the AC would be off. As I boarded the bus a bank sign was flashing 95 degrees!!! Once we opened the windows and got rolling it was not too bad. No you might think that I am comlaining but inspite of all that I could not be any happier. The bus could have blown up, but I would have been great. I was walking on cloud nine!!! Why you ask??? Well, I had just gotten my braces off. After 4 1/2 years I could not remember what it felt like without them. Let me just say that I will be the most faithful retainer wearer of which anyone had ever heard. They are still in need of some bleaching, but WOW what an improvment.

The Runoff Has Run

I do not know what happened when I originally posted this post, but it did not take. I forgot what I wrote other than the run off is all gone. The creeks ditches are drying up and the trails are getting dusty. Funny thing is that there is still a ton of snow blocking some of the paths, so the longest loop I have done so far is behind the Y. I am still waiting for enough snow to melt that I can run from Bigs Springs over Cascade Peak and down into Rock Canyon.

Sunday in SAC Town

Had a pretty good weekend here in Sacramento sold a fair amount of tools and enjoyed some great company. Found out that Liz & Emi had there baby, which means that I'm an uncle. He weighed in at 7lbs 10ozs, 19in with a mop of thick black hair and he's a junior. Now just waiting for my flight here in SMF.

On the Road Again

...going places that I've never been. Actually that itsn't completly true. I have not been to Sacramento before, but for the most part my recent trips have been to familiar cities. Also the upcoming trips like the one next week to Phoenix are very familiar. My time at home is equally as busy and once again familiar, seeing as I moved back to my old ward. It's smaller quaters than I am used to but I think my roommates are great and it is nice to be in a house, however small it is.

Lots of Luggage

Just off the plane in Sacramento, going to pick-up my bags and there are these really cool pillars. It was cool. Some were old chests, and others were classy handbags, it was all really interesting!!! Wish I had a digital camera, but I guess my phone did a decent job.

Over the Hedge

Went with a date and saw 'Over the Hedge' last night. It was cute.

Open Season

Well by the end of this weekend it seems as though all of the mountain passes will be open. The Alpine Loop opened yesterday and I rode it over from the AF side. It was really windy which made it cool, but also a lot harder to pedal. I hope to break 55mph on my bike this summer yesterday I just barely got 49mph. It was quite the rush!!! Monday depending on the weather I might try and brave the Nebo Loop. I do not feel too sore today, so I think I should be able to swing it. It could be crowded up there, but I think that if I start early enough it won't be a problem.

As for work, I am gearing up for a busy week. Tuesday and Wednesday I will be in Portland and Friday through Sunday I will be in Sacramento. It should be exciting. I am anxious that in a few weeks I will have earned enough points to fly home. Not sure when that will be but it is nice to know that it will paid for already.

Voiceblog Failed

Sorry to Jeff & Colby. I sent you the link only to find out that for some reason the voice blog never showed up. Oh well, maybe next time. I did type you quite the epistole if you hadn't already noticed. See ya' in th office later on this afternoon.

Long Days, Short Nites

Well now that it is summer time the sun is out longer and my days now include a short run or ride in the morning to get pumped up for the day, work, and then a longer trail run or an out-n-back on the bike. Today I rode down both forks of Hobble Creek Canyon. It was great, not to hot and with some nice tail wind for part of the ride. I am putting in as much time as possible when I am in town, because this summer is going to be trip after another with two that I am still trying to squeeze in. One is to VA to visit the Fam and meet my new nephew, he's still not here yet but we are all real excited. The second is a trip to Yellowstone. Right now the calender reads:

May 23-24 - Colorado Springs, CO
May 30-31 - Portland, OR
June 2-4 - Sacramento, CA
June 19-20 - Anahiem, CA
June 20-21 - Phoenix, AZ
June 28-29 - Denver, CO
June 30 - July 1 - Sacramento, CA
July 14-16 - Branson, MO

There will also be a week long conference that I will be attending for one of our other accounts in Dallas.

The Day Off

Well my intentions were to go in, take care of a few items of business and leave. Instead, I slept in, made breakfast, went running, made lunch, went to find a new watch. When all was said and done it was time to go to FHE and so I skipped the idea of going to the office. Now I am think that I don't want to go in tomorrow. Not because I dislike my job but because I hate missing a few days and then coming in feeling swamped.

Leavin Las Vegas

Well I guess I'm not really leaving Las Vegas. It's more like I am just sitting here reading some magazines and editing my blog. Still waiting for the craziness of this weekend to end so I can get home, sleep in my own bed, go running and get back to mine 9-5. Heard that back in UT this weekend it got up into the 80,s which means that I should get back on a good cycling schedule again to!!!
Peace out from McCarran.

Old Posts, New Pics

I have gone back and added some photos to my old entries. I do not think that it places them out of order but we shall see. And you should see what I have been up to.

That Sinking Feeling

I got that sinking feeling. Any one that has been let down, broken up with or on the receiving end of a DTR knows what I am talking about. Sometimes it is weird how your body picks it up long before your mind ever does. At least that is usually how it is for me. I get this sick feeling. My stomach knots and I know it is coming. The worst is when you feel it but she nevers says it. Then you never really know, were they really going to say it or did you imagine everything?

One More Visit...

You may think, "Haven't I read this before." The answer. Yes you have. I used the same title about a month ago. It is what the Orthodontist has used to replace his two more visit bit. I cried!!! I am half tempted to go in the bathroom and remove them myself. I am just so sick and tired of them.

Single-Track Mud Slide

Still plenty of snow towards the top and lots of water at the bottom with plenty of mud in the middle. My legs are covered in mud and my clothes are speckled. Took me 1:09 to summit Squaw Peak from Rock Canyon and a pretty speedy descent at around forty minutes, which did include my stop at the top and two breaks to clean out my shoes. I walked huges chunks of the way up because of the snow and mud. I think that by the end of the summer I would like to get the round trip under 1:30. Because my heart rate monitor is broken I am not sure how far I am running. Right now I am stuck between whether I should pay to fix my heart rate monitor or buy the new garmin that I want. We shall see!!!

Water, Water, Everywhere...

Took a two hour run up the Canyon today and before I had finished a mile on the trail my shoes were soaked. There is so much run-off. Huge sections of the trail are under water and sections that are normally trickles of water are impassable rivers. I fell in the river twice. Running so fast and being too sure of my steps into the water. It's hard to stop that forward motion when you're already up to your knees. But it was fun. Got wet, hopefully next time I will get more muddy.

Graduation

Well it has not quite been a week yet since I graduated, but I am already feeling a little lost and not knowing what do with my free time. The kicker of that statement is that I am actually doing less with more time. I used to work two jobs, attend three classes, run, and mantain some sort of social life. But before school was even out, I quite one job, finished one class, ran less, and hung-out less. I do not know where all my time went. I could normally squeze in at least 20+ miles on a busy week, but the last two weeks I couldn't even manage that. Last week I didn't even run. Here it is Tuesday Nite and I have already missed two days. My emotions and my body are going crazy, but my mind is saying that there is no time. I am already turning into a working stiff and it hasn't even been a full week. Any of you graduates have an idea or two you would like to share?

Action Packed

From the time I got up Friday morning until about ten minutes ago it has been; Go, Go, Go!!! I had to make a quick appereance at work on Friday morning, pick-up my cap & gown, finish cleaning for our inspection, go to graduation and then off to dinner with the fam. Drove up to Salt Lake that nite so I could take my Dad to the airport Saturday morning then I spent all day with my Mom. Before heading back to Salt Lake we went for Sushi with my roommate Ryan. I previously got Ryan hooked and I think that my Mom is staring to like it now too. Sunday we went to the 4,000 consecutive broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was great. After that we spent the afternoon at my Grandparents house with a handful of visitors stopping by. I came home with just enough time to get a little shut eye before work this morning and before heading to spend one last nite with my Mom. Nite!!!

Sunburn at Snowbird

Had a blast skiing with my Dad. We were some of the first people on the slops this morning, it was great. Most of the day we skied together, but I felt like I was holding him back. So I headed back to the shop for a board and he went on the Black Diamonds. I had his help sking and I picked it up pretty well. We did two intermidiate runs at the end and I did not fall, I wish that I could say the same thing for snowboarding. I left the shop with no instructions, just what I had seen in the movies and on the slopes in the morning. The first run I face planted more times than I care to count, the second run was much better. I mean I still fell but nothing really hard. I found my back edge which was cool so as long as I didn't did to cut the other way I was fine. On the third and final run I was confident that I didn't faceplant on the second run and that I found my back edge, big mistake. Things were going good, did the first two sections without falling. Third drop didn't look that bad, found my back edge, things are moving really fast, really fast. "Hey Tommy, Find Your Front Edge." That was the last thought before some three flips a six barrel rolls and twelve broken bones. Okay, all of that was true except the bone part. Crazy, that's all I can say. I laid there for some time and then got up. Only fell one more time the rest of the run. So while I did not walk away with a mastery of slope skills, rolled away with some ridiculous burn stripes; white forehead from beanie and raccoon eyes from glass. Verdict, I can't wait for next season!!!

Cool

Snowbird Bound!!!

No More Teachers...

No More Teachers, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks. When You Hear That Second Bell, Drop Your Books and run like... Hey, sure am glad to be done with school. I just got done taking my last History final. It was harder than I expected, but I really think that I will pass. My parents are in town and I am excited to try skiing with my Dad tomorrow. For those interested my graduation is at 2pm on Friday in the BYU Marriot Center.

New E-mail Address

I have decided to drop Yahoo and go Google all the way. My new e-mail is lk2bike@gmail.com.

On Doorsteps Soon!!!

Square Magazine has come out with its fifth issue hitting doorsteps early tomorrow morning. For those in the Utah County Area check-out my third appearance in the Mag. Not as impressive as my full page foto in the first issue, but this half page article is something you just have to read. I saw the proof tonite and am thrilled to be apart of another great issue. For more info on the Mag visit www.thesquarelife.com.

Two More Visits...

Two more visits...that is what every Orthodontists has told me for the last three years. Last visit I made my orthodontist said next time for sure. He even measured me for my bottom retainer, but today he said next visit. I nearly cried. My appointment is on May 16th, so hopefully I can get them off before my birthday. That would be a nice treat. But after so many dissapointments I think that I will just say I'll believe it when I see it.

Snow Still Around

After church I went on a Sunday drive up Provo Canyon with my roommate Derek. In addition to just wanting to spend time outside on a beautiful spring day, I was doing some scouting of what roads had been cleaned of their winter debris. Sadly one of my favorite mountain routes is still packed under several feet of snow. I knew that there would be a lot of snow in shaded areas, but I did not realize that so much would still be left on the roads. I am guessing that it will be several weeks before the snow melts and the roads are swept. I will just have to stick with running anyway, because my bike is having issues and I have a hard time wanting to fix her when I still can’t ride everyday.
So while this week will not be filled with much riding it will be great, not only am I graduating but my parents will be in town for most of the week.

Last nite I mentioned that I was playing Soccer with the work team and had Derek take some pictures. The seats are far back and there is a net so they are not really crisp pictures, but here are some just for kicks. No pun intended.

Me just after getting carded...so lame!!!

About to field the ball.

MLM UNITED @ Let's Play Soccer

If I wasn't already busy enough, I added Soccer to my schedule. Work has a team, so for you locals come out and see us on any of the following dates:

Tuesday, April 25 @ 7:50PM
Tuesday, May 09 @ 10:20PM
Saturday, May 20 @ 6:10PM
Saturday, May 27 @ 6:10PM
Tuesday, May 30 @ 9:30PM
Saturday, June 03 @ 8:40PM
Saturday, June 10 @ 8:40PM

For directions go to www.LetsPlaySoccer.com.

I know that 4 blogs in one day is excessive, but it has been a great day and I have had time to share it.

Latest Travel Recap

My Trips over the last few months have taken me to Nevada, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Idaho. While I enjoyed them all the one where I took the most pictures was my trip to Portland, OR with Derek Kirby and Jessica Shaver for the Hagg Lake 50K Trail Race. No Jess & Derek didn't run, I was the only one of the group crazy enough to run 30+ miles. Here are two pics of the trip. The car shot was early on in the trip; we're all awake & smiling. After seeing the one of my shoes you'll know why the race website is Haggmud.com.

Coming Soon!

What is coming soon? My voice blog. I started a MySpace page and realized real quick that I wanted something more. I was just unaware that Blogger had it. Now that I realized they do, I'm stoked. I have been spending a lot of time on the road, traveling with my new job and I have wanted to let people know where I am and what I am up to. Since I usually can't call everyone, those interested can hear about where I am and what is going on during my different trips.

Profile Pic

Thanksgiving Day at TGIF

No seriously, I had Thanksgiving dinner at TGIFs in Provo. It was actually pretty good. Fairy (Pic Center) invited a ton of us from the GAP. Derek and I went together. We didn't know anyone besides Fairy, but we had a blast. Not home, but pleasant. All in all the scale couldn't tell the difference!!!
















After that we wnet to Karli's House for a pretty mean game of Bingo and then a movie.

My First Ultra

My very first Ultra! Did well... but not as good as I wanted.

Women's Cougar Rugby Shirt

Every one always ask me why I wear a Women's Cougar Rugby Shirt, other than a good way to start up conversation, I rooted for two of the young ladies that I home taught.

Adrienne is the Blonde and Jenny is the Red Head next to her. They were both kick butt. Last I heard Jenny was in TX where her hubbie Chris was going to Med School and Adge is still around here in Provo with her hubbie.