DMB with the Guys

DMB from out in the lawn!!!

I'm Big in Japan!!!

Liz & Emi sent me some sodas from Japan, Coke just isn't as big there.

The Starting Line-Up

Well tonite at the game I have been selected to pitch!!! I do not feel to crazy about the idea; I have seen how they treat the other pitchers!!! If I for some reason show-up missing here in the next day or two; I'll be on the other side, with all the Sound Concept's Pitchers that came before me.

The Move

I moved houses on Sunday. Went about 4 Blocks East of where I was this Summer. I am amazed everytime I move, how much stuff I have acquired. Funny thing is that when I moved out here I brought it all in less than one car load. Now I have a cargo box on my roof rack and I still can't carry it all at one time. I am in serious need of downsizing if I ever plan to move anywhere far.

Running Stats

Well because of all the problems with my bike lately I have been running more than ever before. Not to mention the fact that I have finished two ultras so far this year and would like to do two more by the end of the year. So here are the stats and if I wasn't already wasting enough time... I have now; recorded, analyzed, and posted the data. Enjoy it... I have:

YTD Time: 6 Days 21 Hours 19 Minutes (165 Hours)
YTD Distance: 909.3 Miles
Weekly AVG Time: 4 Hours 51 Minutes
Weekly AVG Distance: 26.7 Miles

Races Completed:
Hagg Lake 50K
Kat'cina Mosa 100k

TX... 44oz Small

I thought I asked for a small!!!

As for the game, it was rocking. It was a No-Hitter for the A's pitcher until the 8th Inning. My co-workers did not see it as that exciting, but it would have been the first no-hitter since 2002 in the American League. Mac (the boss) was tired so we left right at the start of the 9th so we wouldn't catch traffic. We sat with a pretty colorful crowd, it was great!!! Sorry Rangers!!!

4th Inning @ Ameriquest Stadium

Here we are watching the Rangers getting spanked by the A's, Scoreless and Hitless in the Third.

Yee Haw...

Actually, can I even say that while wearing a tie??? This is a pic at our booth for the NSP Expo at the Gaylord Texan. The whole event has a Western Cowboy theme. My boss scored this hat. He was suppossed to get one for everyone...we shall see. I would be way stoked to get one; this one seems to fit me really well. What do the ladies think???

Utterly Crazy!!!

Can you believe this... it's actually a video game!!! I guess my real question is who came up with it??? Anyway it was a ton of fun... for just $10 you could play unimited for 5 hours.

Leaving the Gaylord

Well if the high prices on Coke, Internet Access and Food wasn't enough we got kicked out of our rooms. The hotel was booked over capacity and we got asked to leave...forced I guess you should say!!! Needless to say we got two rooms much more our style at the Ameri Suites down the street. Now we aren't paying out the noes for breakfast because it is free and we can walk to a ton of local and chain restaraunts.

The Excitement Never Ends!!!

Everyone is safe, but we got rearended leaving the Airport!!! Sad thing is, that it was one on a list of several 'incidents' in the van on Tuesday. For those that work at the SC ask Paul about the map & the toll booth!!! As for when we finally showed up the Gaylord Texan is massive. It is a destination hotel and they show it; charging $3.75 for a Coke and I didn't even get it spiked with anything!!! I did find the in though, if you sneak into the employee hallways there are vending machines with the sodas and treats at the real prices.

3:30 AM @ the Airport

After a major delay in Vegas and after being up & working for 23hrs, we're finally home...well alomst!!!

Meat Thrower

No one was watching this meat slicer so it was throwing every other slice behind the counter onto the floor and nobody seemed to care. They were out of three meats, both soups, and their sodas were all warm. Went to the next terminal where their oven broke, and instead of doing anything the employees were watching a sub turn black... Go Quiznos!!! I won't talk about the adjoining bar and the adjacent bathroom.

Sight of the Century

My desk is clear...that never happens!!!

Bob Roll

Eat this cycling fans!!!

Pacing the Race

We rode in the Pace Car!!! This is when we were jumping in...literally!!! Thanks Colby for the VIP Tickets!!!

Tour of Utah... Waiting

Rachel, Dane, Matt, and Me waiting for the peleton just South of the Capital building.

The Hot Pizza Spot

Some pre-race grub on the way to the Tour of Utah.

On the Docket

If I had not already pointed out how crazy I was by my race this weekend, then this schedule should prove just how nuts I am. You see I have a racing bug and the upcoming months are great for racing out here in the West. Even though none of these plans are definite I mention them here to get any possible groupies that might want to participate, spilt gas, or just tag-a-long. The ones in bold I will most likely do or already have some possible groupies swaying the decision. Since alot depends on funds, timing, and or planning I have put cutoff dates for my decision. Also if any one that reads this knows of a race that is in near where they want to go, bring it to my attention and we may just have another option.

Date: Saturday, September 2
Race: Pocatello Marathon
Location: Pocatello, ID
Decide By: 12-Aug

Date: Monday, September 4
Race: American Discovery Trail Marathon
Location: Co Spring, CO
Decide By: 21-Aug

Date: Saturday, September 9
Race: Mid Mountain Trail Marathon
Location: Park City, UT
Decide By: 30-Aug

Date: Saturday, September 16
Race: Silver Spur Half Marathon
Location: Snowbird, UT
Decide By: 9-Sep

Date: Saturday, September 23
Race: Top of Utah Marathon
Location: Logan, UT
Decide By: 15-Aug

Date: Saturday, September 23
Race: Moab 50 Miler
Location: Moab, UT
Decide By: 15-Sep

Date: Saturday, October 7
Race: Telegraph Trail 50K
Location: Durango, CO
Decide By: 4-Oct

Date: Saturday, Nov 11
Race: Rim Rock Run 37K
Location: Grand Junction, CO
Decide By: 23-Oct

SC Sluggers Softball

Actually I am not sure that we have a name for our team, but I just thought the Sluggers sounded good. So come out and catch a game or two. Here is the schedule, all games are on Tuesday at Lakeside Park in Orem (1850 W 400S):

Aug 8th - 8pm - Field One
Aug 15th - 6pm - Field Two
Aug 22nd - 8pm - Field Three
Aug 29th - 9pm - Field Four
Sept 5th - 7pm - Field Five
Sept 12th - 7pm - Field One
Sept 19th - 9pm - Field Two
Sept 27th - 8pm - Field Three

62.2 Miles Later

This is what your feet look like after 62 miles of trail running. Cool thing is that did not get a single blister.

Not only is this pic 62 miles later but, 1 goal, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 drop bags, 4 socks, 5 brands of Gels, 6 Water Bottles, 7 ibuprofen, 8 electrolyte tablets, 9 Aide Stations, 10 Thousand Feet of Climbing before Breakfast, 11 Refills...I'll stop there!!!

The Start of a Long Day

Kat'cina Mosa 100K Mountain Challenge Run. Katcina is Hopi. Translated I think it stands for Crazy as Hell!!!

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.