Also...

...I've officially blogged more in 2010 that I did in 2009. I knew it was a record-breaking year?!

...I think I'm going to change the layout soon. New place. New year. New blog layout, naturally.

...This might be the last post before next year. So, see you in 2011!

Back in Portland...for a few more days

This has been a few weeks in the making, but I am moving on to the next part of the journey...in Austin, Texas.

I leave on New Years Day. Pretty epic, I think. It will take me a few days to get out there. I'm planning on passing through Boise, Provo, Albuquerque, and Lubbock. So, it should be an adventure.

I'm anxious to start this new phase. Wish me luck.

Shout out to Mindy!

Just thought that you all should read this post. I think it's hilarious.

Thanks again Mindy!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I'm probably not going to be able to let you all know, individually. So, I just wanted to write this post telling you that I love you and wish you a very Merry Christmas this year. I hope you receive all the happiness that this season should bring. I'm glad we're friends (and in some cases family). Thanks for being so good to me.

Arohanui.

Mormon Notes: The Greatest Gift

I think it's time to remember why we celebrate Christmas!

People.

As the previous post indicated, I flew to Las Vegas in order to get to St. George, UT yesterday. One of the highlights (and sometimes the opposite) of flying, is the people you get to sit by.

I think that people are really fascinating and I really like them. I sat by a few really interesting people on my flights yesterday:

• One was the mother of college-age children; she is a Nurse acupuncturist and was flying north to be with her daughter and son-in-law. She sat in the aisle and her husband was on the other side in the aisle also. 

• The next couple I sat between were older. The husband worked for Boeing, but has since retired, and his wife is a travel agent. We only talked for a short time, but they were very nice.

• On my final flight, I didn't end up speaking to them at all--I was tired--so, I slept almost the entire time. 

Talking to people is a great thing. You never know who you're going to meet and I think you'd be surprised at how much fun you can have on a flight talking to a complete stranger.

Back to St. George.

So, I'm heading to St. George tomorrow bright and early! Very exciting. I actually really love flying because it usually means I'm going somewhere.

I'm going to visit with these folk for the holiday season:

It should be a very Merry Christmas indeed!

My flights are a different story...they aren't non-stop, that's for sure. I'm going to be in four different airports tomorrow. PDX. SEA. LAX. LAS. How do you like them apples?

For the record, I took the cheapest possible option on Hotwire. Thank you.

I love life.

I just thought that you all should know how much I am loving life right now. Sure, I would rather be married with three kids; but, you know what? That'll come. Ha ha. Do I sound desperate? Because I'm not--I'm just happy. You can't ask for anything more than that, right? Happiness is a great thing.

I have honestly always been really blessed. I have a great job and I'm progressing.

One point of interest: I'm patiently waiting to hear back from the United States Immigration Service to see if I'm allowed to work in the country passed next May. I have a visa until then, but beyond that, I may have to go home. However, I believe that outcome is highly unlikely. Highly unlikely.

Room or an apartment in Austin?

So, I continue to go back and forth on this. However, I can't figure out whether I want to (1) have my own place (I'm a grown up now, ya know); or (2) whether I just want to move in with randoms in Austin.

This picture is from New Orleans...however, it sums up my feelings about this. Ha ha.

I think there are pros and cons for both of these options:
(1 - some pros) I'll be able to do as I please and I've never lived alone before (New Experience).
(1 - some cons) It'll definitely cost more and I own no furniture. Ha ha.

(2 - some pros) I'll get to know new people and I'll save a bunch of money.
(2 - some cons) The people may be weird ("Keep Austin Weird" is their city motto).

Any of you have suggestions for me?

By the way...

Any of my avid BYU friends going to the University of Texas vs. BYU game in Austin next October. I'll be there.

Just saying.

Oh, Portland.

Are there any songs about Portland? I could probably google that, but I can't be bothered.

I guess I just wanted to write a little tribute to the place. Portland, you've been good to me. I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss you.

That's right. Even though you rain heaps and are a little cold right now, I've enjoyed my time here. Plus, you have a lot of awesome places to eat out. Watch out!

Family Update

It's been a long time since Thanksgiving and I know that you've all been waiting to hear what's going on.

Basically, I had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend. I cooked the turkey for my cousin and her husband. We had a fairly quiet day, the meal was really nice, and we went to watch "Unstoppable." Then, that weekend, we went and visited some of my cousin's friends in Washington state. I thoroughly enjoyed myself too. Great families and really nice people.

On our way home, we actually stopped in and had dinner with some distant relatives. So, my Grandmother's brother, Percy Rivers, had a daughter and she lives in Washington with her daughter and son-in-law. It was a blast from the past--to say the least.

Also, since I last posted, my older sister, Ariana, and my father, Hapi, have both celebrated their birthdays; along with my cute niece, Belle. So, a huge "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" to all of them from me and my mates in America. Love you.

Mormon Notes: Thanksgiving!

Winter in Texas!

So, on top of the rain, it has been getting cold here in Oregon. I don't understand why I'm honestly such a pansy when it comes to the weather now, but I really can't handle it anymore. I laughed the other day though, I have a iGoogle homepage that shows me the temperature in Wellington, Provo, Austin, and Portland. At one point, it was the same temperature in all four places! Cool...I know.

Anyway, I found out yesterday that I will be heading out to Texas during the first week of January. I've just made some good friends and gotten into a groove here, now I'm leaving town. So it's a little bitter sweet that way.

However, I am excited about the "winter" weather in Austin. Apparently, it isn't going to be as cold as it is up here. Excited for warmer weather.

Regulatory training.

Yesterday and today (likely tomorrow too), I received some regulatory training. I've always wondered what the Secretary of Transportation does, and today I found out.

The 49 CFR is an interesting piece of regulation. You would probably be bored to tears to read it, and then sometimes you'd ask yourself, "What group of idiots made this up?" ha ha. No comment.

That is all.

Volleyball skills...

I was trying to explain to people in my current ward that, in New Zealand, I am really not the most coordinated person. In fact, I have multiple sources that will attest to this claim.

However, for some reason, I actually have some athletic skills now that I've graduated. Honestly, it makes me feel like I should've developed these skills when I was younger. What the heck?!

So, tonight after FHE, we played a bit of Volleyball and I wasn't that bad. If I play every Monday while I'm here, I think I could be a pro.

BYU and Buffalo Wild Wings

BYU won! We won pretty convincingly and that made me happy.

However, not being in a place that gets the Mountain, I was invited by some ward buddies to watch it at Buffalo Wild Wings. It was pretty awesome. TVs everywhere and wings to boot.

Then we had Stake Conference that evening; a great way to end the day.

Comedy Club

Tonight I went out with a friend from my ward and some work buddies to Harveys Comedy Club in Portland. Apart from the few parts where my ears burned, I actually really enjoyed the experience. I'm definitely not in Provo anymore. That's for sure.

But again, they were pretty hilarious.

And you thought I was uncoordinated...

Tonight I was at a work dinner and my boss showed me an amazingly funny, funny video. Remember, this video is legitimate. Legitimate.

The soldier third from the right is my favorite.



Watch it over and over again. So good.

Some of you voted. Some of you didn't.

The elections ran their course today. I think they were very interesting--I actually love American politics. I can thank Chance Basinger for that one.

America, Go and Vote!!

I really care about the American mid-term elections. I was going to ask if you think that's weird, because I'm from New Zealand, however, I'm not sure if I care whether someone else think that's weird.

First, too often people shoot down other people or their passions because they lack their own passions or don't approve or feel inadequate about themselves. Personally, I think that there are enough things to care about for everyone to be supportive of one another. Now, I would be concerned if I was into something morbid or immoral, but I think that elections are neither.

And tomorrows vote really counts, America.

So, my post today is dedicated to challenging everyone to who is legally able to vote in their respective elections, to go out and vote!

As a side note, I actually keep track of the New Zealand political environment too. I think that Prime Minister John Key is doing a fantastic job! He's the man.

A welcome home...Oregon style.

As you can see, this picture epitomizes the beginning of my trip from Idaho to Portland--I actually took this photo.

And then, I saw this beautiful opening in the clouds. I wish I had another photo to show, but I don't. Suffice to say, the rest of the trip was nice and sunny.

Welcome home indeed.

Eagle, Idaho

This place is fast becoming one of my favorite places to visit. I've mentioned the Hutcheson's before, and they let me stay there again on my way back to Oregon.

On top of that, I was spoiled with beautiful chocolate cupcakes, a legit Red Dirt shirt from Hawaii, and a Hawaiian statue. It was awesome, actually. Thanks heaps to the Hutcheson's for everything!

Back to Utah.

After passing through Colorado, I made it to one of my favorite places: Utah. As always, I caught up with some friends at Golden Spoon:

And in the BYUSA office:

Chad was placed in the pic because Chance couldn't be there.

And at Tucanos. This would normally be where I put a picture on the blog, however, unfortunately I didn't take one. This is the best pic I could find online:

Mmmmm...Meat.

Also, I just have to shout out to my friend Jordan Lee for coming tonight. He wondered where his shout out was. Here you go, bro.

Onto New Mexico.

Before I move onto New Mexico, I have to give a shout out to this hotel:

Honestly, the Comfort Inn on the way out of Amarillo was really nice. I'd suggest it to anyone that goes into town.
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These dots represent the amount of time it took to get into New Mexico from Texas. Apart from being expansive, West Texas was good to me.

Then, I saw this blessed sign:

After stopping in and meeting the President of Rinchem, Chuck, as well as the CEO and Owner, Bill, in Albuquerque, I continued onto the Basinger Home in Kirtland! It brought back a bunch of memories from the times I spent out there in years past.

Plus, Brother and Sister Basinger and Lindsay were so welcoming. I really enjoyed catching up with them.

Good night from Amarillo, Texas.

Tonight is my last night in Texas...for now. In honor of that, here are a few pics from the last few days:

It's a sign that I took a picture of in Waco, Texas.

Waco, Texas is not really known to New Zealanders for Baylor University. However, the city is known for this unfortunate event. I'm sorry, Waco, that this had to happen. And I wish that wasn't why you are famous to me...about 17 years later.

After passing through Waco, I hit the traffic of this great city.

Dallas, Texas. Doesn't it look nice? I think that it does. I have to admit that I was a little scared to walk around the hotel, although it was ok after I saw the security golf cart driving around outside. Patrolling, if you will.

Now I'm in Amarillo. I really wish that I had time to try this meal deal at the Big Texan.

Austin and the Earps.

So, I stayed in Austin with my mission buddy and his wife, Dan and Elizabeth Earp. They were so good to me. Made me a wonderful Sunday meal and let me stay with them too. I also really enjoyed getting to know their dog, Max.

Honestly, he was just like a little human. You should've seen the way he looks at you, and I'm normally not a sucker for dogs. I would've felt bad if I didn't pat him.

Anyway, I just wanted to give them a shout out for letting me stay. We had a great time and even got in a game of "Ticket to Ride." I lost. Bad.

Rome, Italy!

Baton Rouge to Austin.

Today was a great leg in my tour of the South. Started out in Baton Rouge and made a visit to "Tiger Stadium"--at Louisiana State University. Don't worry though, Cougars still beat Tigers. For real.

After a few hours, I made it here: The state of Texas.

It was my first time here. Also, my friend Katie and I had to go eat at Waffle House and we found one. It was good.

Also, along the way, I may or may not have taken this photo while driving. I had to because it says, "Adams Bayou."

Then I walked around Austin and found some crazy festivals. Good times.

At the end of the night, I got back to my car just before the tow truck arrived. Thank goodness.

Four states in one day...

First up, shout out to Dan Conger because he's from Niceville (and this is the only other picture I have in Florida):

The next few pics are pretty self-explantory:

There are a few pictures from the State of Louisiana:

 Out in the French Quarter of New Orleans:

Yes, I looked like that on purpose. New Orleans was actually really fun. It was sort of weird to think that, about 5 years ago, the city was a disaster zone. Sort of surreal, actually.

God Bless New Orleans.

Guess where?

I bet you can't figure out, from this picture, where I am standing (name the closest restaurant for the grand prize!):

To the East Coast...

If you're wondering where I am, you may not be aware that I've got a ticket with this airline:

And I'm heading to this city:

To pick up a vehicle that looks like this:

I've had some great birthdays...

I used to think that birthdays only got worse as you got older. However, I've decided that they actually get better. I wish you had the patience and I had the time to tell you about some of the GREAT things that my friends have done for my birthdays--but we don't.

Suffice to say, I've had some awesome ones.

Also, I wanted to pay tribute to some birthday surprises I received. Please don't be offended if your name isn't one of the two down here and you sent/posted me a message. I honestly, whole-heartedly appreciated them all. I just had to shout out to these few:

Joshua Ruri, my older brother, for the funniest one (to me at least)  "happy adoption day, this is the day we got you from one of your aunties like in murupara"

Chance Basinger for the most social media venues used for one birthday: 9

AND, everyone who came to Chuck E. Cheese's in Beaverton tonight. I've never been, and have always wanted to go. Thanks for making me feel like I have friends out here in Oregon! Love you all.

Me on the big screen at Chuck E. Cheese.

A few people at the birthday table (Chuck E looks on).

Chuck E doesn't like to look directly at the camera.

Some people were missing...sorry guys (they left a little early)

Oops, we found some of them hiding in the tunnels and playing games.

Buffets.

Tonight, my cousin and her husband took me out to dinner at the Hometown Buffet in Beaverton. I have to say that I was actually pleasantly surprised. First up, huge thanks to Napua and Tristan for the dinner.

Buffets are an interesting thing. I love being able to choose anything that I want and there aren't that many around in New Zealand. In fact, I'm amazed at how many chains there are in America. So many. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Mormon Notes: A Story from President Hinckley

Back to Seattle.

This weekend, Mindy and Brooke came into town. So, among visiting the sights in Portland, we decided to go on a road trip to Seattle, Washington. Some of you may not know that Seattle was one of the first cities I ever visited in the U.S. (stops at Airports don't count).


Back in 2005, I went with Heidi, Lisa #1, Lisa #2, Lisa #3, and Ben to Seattle from Vancouver, B.C. We had a great time--however, I haven't been back since. We also didn't get a chance to see all the sights in Seattle.

Needless to say, I've now seen a few more. I also got a chance to catch up with my friend, the former Weber State University Student Body President, Dan. He's up there working for the illustrious Boeing Company. So that's pretty sweet.

We all ended the day with a stop a great restaurant in Seattle, not before taking this picture (thanks Dan):

And then we headed back to Portland.

Sold.

This picture is from 2007--right around the time that I was given a new car from the Stevens--in the Liberty Square parking garage. I was so excited to get her and she's been good to me.

However, today, I finalized the paperwork to sell her. That's right. Pretty soon, I'll be without my own personal vehicle. It's kind of surreal; sort of makes me feel a little naked.

On the upside, I will be getting a company car next week. I'll be flying out to Georgia and then driving it back.  So, I'm pretty excited for all the changes. Should be good.

Tuhoe, Children of the Mist

Back home, the Maori people (native New Zealanders) identify themselves based on the tribes of their ancestors; the dominant being your paternal tribe.

My fathers tribe is Tuhoe or "Ngai Tuhoe" and they are known as "the Children of the Mist." I've thought a little about that since I've been seeing so much fog/mist in the mornings here in Oregon.

Seeing the fog reminded me of a story my Aunt told me as a child. She said that the "mist" protected my ancestors, and so it follows that it will protect me. Just thought you might want to know a bit about what some Maori people believe.

And here is the haka:

Food...again.

So, I've realized that a lot of my posts revolve around food. And, in keeping with tradition, I'm going to feature yet another food establishment. I throw them a mention because I think you'd get bored of me constantly talking about work. Ha ha.

Tonight, I went with some ward buddies to Elephants Deli out here in Portland. The food was good and the place was novel. Sort of a hybrid restaurant/grill/bakery type establishment. I had a chicken thigh (Southern Un-fried Style) and a bit of Penne pasta. I'd rate it 6.5 out of 10.

Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe.

Chocolate Truffles.
Mexican Hot Chocolate.
Chocolate Cake.
Mmmmmm....

New calling.

So, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members receive assignments or responsibilities aptly named: "Callings." Yesterday, in my new real ward, I was called to be the Elders Quorum Secretary.

To be completely honest, I've been excited to serve as a secretary in the Elders Quorum! I think that Elder Holland said it right when he talked about "helper" callings. This is the epitome of that and I can't wait to get into it. 

Mormon Notes: Voice of the Spirit

So good.

24-Hour Fitness

I got a month-to-month contract at 24 Hour Fitness in Beaverton. I'm enjoying it. Just wanted you all to know.

Lord of the Rings.

So, I have a few stories from home about places where they filmed "Lord of the Rings." For those of you from Upper Hutt (and the surrounding areas), you'll remember them filming, at some point, from 6pm to 6am in the following places:

• Haywards Hill (Helms Deep)
• Kaitoke (Rivendale)
• Harcourt Park (Isengard)
• Whakatiki Swimming Hole (random boat scenes)
• Part of the Hutt River out by Birchville (Mount Moriah)

Tonight I went out to dinner with a bunch of people and one girl arrived late, listened to the conversation and said, "That's all you guys could think to talk about?" Ha ha. For the record, if I'm asked a question about Lord of the Rings--I will answer. That is all.

First Thursday in Portland.

So, Art Galleries are pretty interesting places. In fact, I would have to say that they are a little weird (let's be honest here). A friend and I went into Portland to walk around, because on the first Thursday of every month they're open till late, and we were a little shocked.

Now, I admit, there were some amazing pieces of work. But, who wants to pay $500 for a blank piece of paper with 'hats' drawn on them in pen? My nephew could have done a better job...and he's 12.

I'm sorry if I sound angry. That's not my intent. I was just a little shocked.

Vote for the video below this post...

The way you vote is by clicking the "Like" button on Youtube! Go go go!

BYU Onestop Video (complete with Kiwis)

Had to do it:

Stop for School Buses.

So, in New Zealand we don't have to stop on the opposite side of the road for School Buses if they have flashing lights and a stop sign. This is probably due to the fact that they do not have flashing lights or stop signs attached to them.

Also, I know I have an American license, but for the last four years, I've lived in a college town. Do you have any idea where this is heading?

That's right. I got a ticket. $688.50 later, I will never pass a school bus if it's lights are flashing like this:

Mormon Notes: Continue in Patience

It's been a long time since I posted one of these. So, here goes:

Catch up.

Deidre Utupo and I had an excellent catch up this weekend:

We grew up together in New Zealand and she served her mission Pocatello. So, she came out to visit and we had to meet up! Love her like a sister.

Also, I spent a few moments with a number of good friends in Provo and Salt Lake. Love you all as well. Thanks for being amazing.

Favorites.

Among all of the awesome talks given during General Conference, I enjoyed and have a new favorite member of the Seventy: Elder Patrick Kearon from England.

He gave an excellent talk during the Priesthood session. I'd encourage you all to listen to it. Entertaining and Poignant.

General Conference

The LDS General Conference is being held this weekend! I'm excited.

Mormon Channel

I've decided that listening to the radio in the mornings is not very uplifting. Some of the songs are a little questionable and the DJs are quite "risque"--to say the least. Anyway, at the beginning of this week I started listening to the Mormon Channel on my phone on the way to work. I have to say, I have found it really uplifting. Highly encourage you all to download the app (if you have an Android phone or iPhone).

New TV Shows.

Because I've had a whole lot of extra time since school finished, I started watching a few different shows. Here's a few of my favorites:



"Outsourced." Honestly, I crack up at this show like crazy.



"Outlaw." I didn't think that I would like this one. But I do. It's interesting.



"No Ordinary Family." I've only seen one episode and I like it.

The Portland Temple!

Had an awesome temple trip with our ward this evening. I really love the Portland Temple.