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.
.
.
.
.
.
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.