Daily Update

It was a cold dark night. The wind was blowing. Trees rustling in the background.
I was driving on a deserted un-lit street on my way to my own neighborhood. I was
pondering life as the winter leaves brushed by my windshield. It was about then
when I had remembered that closed toe sandals and injured Big-toes don't go together
to well. My injury will set back my Summer Shoe Plan. Similarly, another delay in
that plan: I was playing with knives this morning, and sliced my other big toe
pretty good. Someone should really take my knives away from me.

Although it was freezing cold most of the day, I couldn't let myself down, so I
still went running. I got a late start, due to an unusual number of phone calls
early in the evening (2)[thats not a footnote, its the number of calls I got]. It
was another glorious day on the track. After adjusting my techniques the night
earlier with Coach Rider, my performance was improved signifacantly. From the
moment I stepped out of my car, I was ready to race. I ran so fast that I even tore
my left sock where the neck joins the heel. I was a great Springbok as my hooves
paraded triumphantly on the dirt path. There was no one else on the track for me to
display my power against, so that made it somewhat limiting, but if there was... oh
boy I can't even imagine. I would guess that the weather discouraged people from
competing against the Great Springbok. But it won't slow me down. I swiftly
pounced across the pavement taking complete control of my destiny. At one point I
noticed a person across the street competing with me for the lead, how dare they.
They were no threat to my skills. As I was staring them down at one point, I must
have forgotten about the branches that I usually have to dodge, because this time as
I looked elsewhere, they said 'hello' by whapping me in the face repeatedly. I got
a little distracted, but quickly regained composure. Just as in the wild, the
mighty Springbok had to leap over the rainy puddles and dodge trees. I did so in
record time too, although I didn't keep track, It sure felt like it should have been
a track record at least.

After running I went to Jeff's place to announce my victory. Similar to the episode
of 'The Office' when Jim trains Dwight to ask for an Altoid when he hears a bell
ringing, I think Jeff has subliminally learned to ask if I want to get something to
eat when he sees me. But I'm OK with it. Since I didn't have my wallet, I conned
him into making pancakes. They were yummy, but I didn't want to give him to much
praise, so I had to humble him and challenge him to make them better next time. you
see, if he gets to good and prideful about his food then he won't think that he
needs the practice, or excercise his talent. Thats where I come in. I'm just doing
it for him you see. I'm such a good friend.

A bit later Josh came over and announced that he needed Ice cream. I really didn't
take long for the rest of us to decide to accompany him in this endevor. As we got
in the car, evan was on the phone, so all the guys decided to greet Mary as well.
Well, Evan didn't like it apparently casue as soon as he hung up the phone he
slapped me in the back of the head! It wasn't just a love tap, I could tell he was
pissed. And I did nothing wrong! What a dork. Just cause I was closest, dosent'
mean I was most deserving. He then accused us guys, in the 5 seconds that our
worlds shared the same space, of making Mary have a bad day. He was being gay and
freaking out, so we all started yelling at him until we got to jessica's house, when
we started acting like angels. I of course wouldn't shut up about being slapped the
whole night. (What a baby). I We ended up going to Wendy's. After that adventure,
Josh just drove us around the neighborhoods; well drove isn't the best word, his car
idled, and just coasted at 1-2 miles an hour. Then he checked his breaks, then we
went 'off roading' into curbs and hedges and trash cans. We got pretty gitty, and
at some points couldn't stop laughing. I don't remember why. After four or five
laps we finally dropped Jessica off then went home.

Tomorrow there's a fancy lecture downtown at USC. Some world renowned Architect
named Rem Koolhaas. Have you heard of Him? It should be interesting. He's
considered a 'Hedgehog' in case you took Bob Harris's class with me at SC. I 'm
going cause I know of a few teachers who will want to have arguments with him :)

I ate at Marvins again. Mmmm

I was also cold at work. I need more insulation.

wow, it got late quick. busy at work today...

Daily Update

So last night was Music night for Family Home Evening. For the majority of the acts
they should have called it John Mayer impersonation night. Nothing against you
John, but lots of the kids were trying to sing/play just like you. Of all the acts
there was one Hammer Dulcimer, one solo, and one song with piano. Everyone else
played a guitar. Some were OK, one good, rest average to 'ho-hum'. But hey, I'm
not saying I'm better than them, I'm just playing the 'Simon Cowell' roll.

Last night after the LA area 'Audition Night', I went back to jeff's place. I was
kind of tired. I was being demanding and I got Justin to get me something to drink.
From there on out, I went from tired to exhausted really quick. Therefore, I think
he put something in the cranberry juice; either Rohyphol or GHB I assume. After all
he and Plewe were frat-boys. I was just sitting on the couch fighting with my
eyelids for a while. Josh showed up and we started watching a movie, then I
completely pulled a JEff - out like a light. I wanted to stay awake for it, but it
didn't last more than 15 min.

So the dress code at work is more or less 'Business Casual'. But, with summer
comming upon us, I'm prepairing both myself and the office for my summer attire. So
today when dressing myself I decided to start breaking down the 'Dress Shoe'
Barrier, so I'm sporting sandles. After a few weeks of Doc Martin sandles, I will
move to Airwalk Sandles. Following a week of those, I will stop wearing socks, and
continue that action for probably two weeks. Then from there its a quick step to
the Birkenstocks. And depending on those reactions, that will lead me to the
ultamate goal: Flip-flops at work. That goal is a ways out there, but I feel its
something I must do. If that goal is reached, I have plans of instituting other
goals of dressing down further; from pants to shorts, and from long sleeve button
shirts, to designer T-shirts. Oh don't worry friends, I'll still be professional,
But I plan to be professional in a comfortable manner. I feel so devious.

I was listening to 'the sound of music' when I started this, now i'm hearing the
Beasty Boys.

Lunch was sponsored by Quizno's.

I think this is the shortest Update ever.

Daily Update

At the girls' house: So on Friday night I think I called Kristen after work to see
if anything was going on. I got a text message from her saying that 'she was hungry
and wanted to get something to eat'. For some reason I thought it was a suggestion
of something to do, which I fully agreed with; I later realized it was simply an
announcement of what she was currently doing. Meanwhile, I went over there and by
the time I got to their place she was just finishing her dinner. I didn't really
care, but my stomach cried for a little bit. Its always fun hanging out with the
girls, but this time I was vastly outnumbered. The estrogen was defiantly
overpowering. I just sat there on the newly positioned couch like a deer in
headlights (but seriously, I was also content with just sitting there and relaxing.)
Surprising, interesting, informative, as well as educational. I'm so glad that
they feel comfortable enough to discuss THOSE kind of topics around me. Although I
did feel reassured that I still had ...I mean, that I was a guy, when Jill told me
to cover my ears because there was something she didn't want even me to hear. Its
not that I havent' heard that sort of thing before, or was embarrassed by it, I just
was suprised to hear it from these girls. silly. Luckily Phil Came after an hour
or two and the subject changed.

Basketball on Saturday: Somehow I got volunteered to show up to 5 of the stake's
basketball games and keep score. Wow, I don't know if you know how much I love
basketball, doing NOTHING on Saturdays, or even 'Ward Ball'; next time I see Plewe
I'm going to punch him in the ovaries.

So Saturday night Jeff took Kristen and myself to see Dreamgirls at the Fox Lot. It
was to be the only time I'll ever see it. Oh ya, in case you didn't know, ITS A
MUSICAL! No one told me that before. About half way through the movie is when I
made this discovery. It hit me all at once; Joseph's technicolor dreamcoat,
Saturday's Warrior, and Little Shop of Horrors; and thus I burst into laughter on a
few different occassions. I think it would have been better without all that
singing.

I don't remember waking up Sunday morning. I just opened my eyes and I was standing
on the edge of the Brentwood Country Club running corse, with people trying to push
me out of their way with strollers. This week was busy so I didn't get a chance to
dance around the track as normal. I knew I wasn't dreaming cause I had clothes on.
Luckily whoever made me go running remembered to dress me. As I began running I
realized my muscles were still waking up, and were angry for this early morning
jaunt. They didn't want to work properly at first, but don't worry, I tamed the
beast. As I started staggering around the track i'm sure many of the people thought
I was inebriated; running into other people, cars, light poles, and trees. This
'introduction to life' period for the musculatory system only lasted 90 seconds (as
far as I remember). After that I was swift and great(but NOT 'light on the toes'.
Let me just get that clear right now). Because of the early hour, I was not as
grand as I had hoped, But due to sheer will power and honest determination I was
able to overcome. I was like a Lion as I tore up the track. (Like Liono off of the
'Thundercats'). No one could have stopped me as I raced around the dirt track with
such power and grace. Now, although I was a lion, I wasn't the leader of the pack,
but I sure wasnt' a baby lion either. I would say I was more a teenage lion. (One
who only listens to their parents sometimes, lives safe yet takes risks, shows off
if needed, you know, one who is ready to take on the world). I passed quite a few
people. I did so in a triumphant manner. Granted some had baby strollers, or were
wearing suits, but none the less- I'd be king in their jungle. There was only one
person that passed me this time. He wasnt' a lion, (more like a lioness). I could
have torn his arms off and left his remains for the vultures if I had wanted. He
followed me for a few minutes, but then ran ahead like an Antalope (an antalope who
would wear faded pink short-shorts, sequends and sparkles on his shirt, and would
wave his arms around as he ran like a sissy-boy). So I felt OK about letting it run
ahead. Due to the farmers market, I went an extra block further. I felt good about
it cause I didn't want to scare any of the children there, me being a Lion and all.
So instead of a downhill homestretch, it was flat and then uphill. but I'll get
used to it, I assure you.

Church as usual.

Home teaching guilt trip. Ate at Jeff's place. Made fun of Evan. Josh came over,
watched movie. Spilled nutella on church clothes. Went home to jam on guitar late
into the morning.

Lunch was sponsored by Marvins today. Its the closest thing to Crown Burger in UT
that I've found here.

Right now I'm listening to the beautiful silence in my office, with the whispers of
the printer in the background. I was listening to Yodeling earler. I have to
practice for September.



p.s.(I find it kind of funny that I'm talking to the screen in third person, yet I
know very well that jill, kristen, and jessica will be [possibly] reading my aspect
on their conversation. Hi Girls:)

Daily Update

Yesterday was a nice day (in the afternoon). I followed Kristen around Westwood for
a little bit as she went to some office building. I think she's getting a job with
the mob. I only know of mobsters who work in office buildings like the one where
she was going. I think the dental thing is a cover up. Its the perfect cover. No
one would ever guess, (except me!). I was so happy to see someone I knew not
related to work, so I was frantically waving my hands like a circus clown in order
to get her attention. no response. I then started yelling. Again, nothing. Then
I started thinking: 'Oh wait, thats not her'. But then it turns out she had the
i-pod on and was looking the other direction the whole time. I invited her to go to
lunch with me, but she mumbled something about not wanting me to splash food on her
before an 'important meeting' she had. (What mobster goes in for the kill looking
anything less than great? exactly!) She also said something about being in the
family business.

In an effort to battle the rising favoritism of the Visiting Teachers in the ward, I
decided to start bringing sweets and treats when I go Home Teaching. Not that it
should be a competition, but I've heard complaints from some people that the guys
don't bring treats if they come over, and the girls do apparently.

I made an effort to show up at Kim Harrison's girl-party, but time just didn't
allow. By the time I phoned over there, it was simply to late. But I assure you I
DID want to do whatever I could to embarrass her, as well as have Renee pay up on a
promise, (wink wink).

After hanging out with the rest of the J-crew at night, I went home and started my
nightly work out. It was Arms and Back day. I don't know if you could hear me
counting from the other room, I did over a thousand reps. I know its boring, but
it's my life. [strong Anchorman reference there in case you've forgotten.]

I woke up really early today, at 7am. I don't know what I was thinking by doing
that. And because I got up early, do you think I made it to work on time? Of
course not. Still 15 min. late.

I had lunch in Beverly Hills today with a friend of mine. Did I tell you last time
that I got lost over there. And I forgot where I parked too. It's only kind of
funny now, cause it sure wasn't then! This time I resolved that by just parking
where they work. Traffic there sucks!

That's it. Kind of a boring day it might seem like. But don't worry, I'll make
sure to do something illegal this weekend, to make Monday's update exciting :)

I'm listening to Johnny Cash right now, Yesterday I forgot to say that I was hearing
'big in Japan'.

Daily Update

First off, my apoligies if you got two copies of yesterday's update. I completely
blame my internet. And due to the fact that it sometimes takes about an hour for me
to craft these little bundles of in-box joy, that could have had something to do
with it as well.

Yesterday I got an email from Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius Satalite radio. He just
wanted to mention that Sirius and XM (competitor) were thinking about a merger and
he just wanted to get my opinion, and if I had any suggestions for him. Similarly,
I recieved just this morning an email from David Neeleman, CEO of JetBlue Airlines.
He sent out an email to all of his company apoligizing for last weeks debockel. But
he sent me one as well asking if I had any other suggestions other than what we had
already spoken about earlier in the week. I'm feeling pretty high and mighty
dealing with all these CEO big shots. [i sigh as I put my feet up on my desk while
clasping my hands behind my head with a big 'crap-eatin grin' on my face].

p.s. My boss got business cards for me today. Wow, hey everybody, come and see how
cool I am. Oh wait, but that means more responsibility... oh boy. I'm not sure
I'm ready for it yet.

So after work I was considering going for a victory run for the previous day, but on
the way to consider that I stopped by Diddy Reese (cookie store). Oops. I'm not
positive, but when I got up to the counter, instead of saying "can I help you sir",
I swear the guy said "what do you want Fatty?" Everyone there has a thick
spanish/mexican accent, so I could be wrong, but hey... thats what I heard, I sware!
Then I get home and decide to talk with Eric about how great American Idol has
been lately. Then I started 'Fighting the Battle of my Life'. Then Jeff called.
It was about that point that I realized that my 'Victory Lap', was turning into a
'Victory Sit-down'. And tonight I have something else, so maybe tomorrow.

At Jeff's, after Panda Express beckoned me, I started telling Evan what my plans
were for his 'batchelor' party. oh ya, Mary was there too. He he he. We were then
talking about this years performance of the Gong Show. Its going to be pretty hard
to top last seasons 'River Dance', but I think we have a few hidden gems:)

I then woke up to a lovely European morning. I forgave my alarm clock. We're still
on the rocks, but I expect a full recovery after a few days.

Daily Update

Renee actually came running with me yesterday. It was fun. We were like a pack of
wild baby Impala's. (A younger version of the antelope, which is a step behind the
Gazelle in my opinion.) Granted, she will have to make her own animalistic
comparisons, that's just what I'd say. She warned me at the beginning that she had
a possible injury, that might act up, so when she showed pain, I had to show
caution. You never know what an injured impala would do when you get close.
Personally, I think she was holding back. She was being kind and didn't want to
show me up. With me I can run(well...jog is a better word), and I can go faster in
a straight line, but with Rennie, oh its different, she's like a fox, who can cut
corners on a dime, or stop and start in a split second. dangerous I tell you,
dangerous! There were a few people who passed us, but I didn't feel bad cause they
all had on Marathon, Triathalon, or 'I run for a living' type t-shirts on. I think
we all know that I could have kicked every one of their asses if needed. We made
good time around the track. On the home stretch we sprinted. It had been a while
for a full sprint for me, but man was I good. I was gracefull like Ballet and swift
like a Cheeta. I was in perfect form. High knees, straight back, locked elbows,
and chin up with the air flowing swiftly by my aerodynamic form. It felt like I was
dancing from cloud to cloud. (Of corse from behind I can just imagine Renee saying
I looked like a computer nerd sprinting to the video game sale rack. But her
opinion doesnt' count cause its my part of the story :) After shattering the finish
line I wanted to yell as loud as I could "Hey everybody, come and see how good I
looK", but then my exhaustion quickly set in and so I didn't.

Jeff came over later, after he broke into the girls' 'Panty Party'; he heard I was
making food. Not for the faint of heart indeed, I think Jeff was scared into not
saying anything about it other than 'they had good deserts'. That whimp:) He
obviously didn't want to talk about it, or Someone scared him into not divulging any
girl secrets.

Linda texted me last night. Did everyone else get 4 of the same message from her?
:) jeff and I called to harass her about that as we were watching Man vs. Wild,
(Bear was in Moab in this episode)

My alarm clock and I are currently not on speaking terms. I'm mad at it for being
loud, annoying, and disruptive at inappropriate times.

I'm listening to a combination of Guns n Roses and European Techno.

Daily Update

So apparently Kristen thinks my updates are a tad bit to long, so in an effort not
to scare her away from the super-exciting life of jim, I'll try to edit it down for
y'all.

Yesterday: After leaving work I strolled home. Not excited about the days past
events at work, I came home to a huge pile of dishes and mess. "OH ya, I should
have done those yesterday!" is how the saying usually goes. Sometimes it gets as
far as "Oh Boy, I should have fixed that last week!", but not wanting another one of
those messes I dove into the kitchen. Oh ya, I remember why I told jeff why I DO
NOT like it when people test spaghetti by throwing it against a cabinet/wall. Its
Because those retards who do that NEVER remove the sticky noodles from the
cabinet/wall! so My simple dish cleaning job turned into a wall/cabinet/floor
cleaning job. I haven't even checked the ceiling yet.

At Family Home Evening there was to be an exciting game of Trivia, boys vs. girls.
It was a cross between Jeopardy and Trivial pursuit. Logan offered to have it side
vs. side, but the girls demanded the Sexist game. It was actually kind of fun, not
that I knew many of the answers. There were more guys, and as expected, the guys
were much more stressed about being competitive. by the end some of the girls were
getting vicious, and luckily we had Tyson to make our rude/sexist/dumb comments.
My favorite moments were when the guys were asked a question, Bethany knew the
answer apparently because she lept in the air and let out a yelp in a peculure
manner, announcing her knowledge. interesting... And then another time the guys
were asked a question about how many downloads from I-tunes have there been. the
guys got it wrong and the girls were correct. But unrelenting, at least a dozen
guys felt robbed and wanted a source. Well, Logan was using a version of Trivial
Persuit that was about two years old, but Good ol' Danny Koontz, the argumentitive
Law student he is, ran into the clerks office, fired up the internet where Apple
quotes how many downloads to its stockholders a different than was originally read,
So he prints this article off and marches into the gym and announces his evidence.
Thats my Danny.

Afterwords Josh Jeff and I go over to Kristen's flat and hang out. She kicked us
out after the other two j's started to sleep. Then we continued the conversing in
front of her place until Jill got home, then we left.

I think it was still before midnight, so I wasn't tired yet so I started jaming on
my mini guitar. Hopefully I didn't bother jimmy, but the neighbors I knew were up.
I could hear them too.

Renee threatened to go running with me tonight. I'm going to have to break out my
ultra-mini shorts, leg warmers, and headband. She still has 4 hours, from now, to
back out(for a second time.) But whatever happens, I'll have plenty to talk about
tomorrow.

Speaking of which, I gave jeff a few phone numbers in case he backs out, he can send
in some REAL dude strippers.

I'm listening to my Swiss Yodeling album right now. I've been getting a little rusty.