Road-tripping

CORPUS CHRISTI - As I type, I'm sitting in a condo with some friends after road-tripping down from Austin. It was a nice little trip filled with laughs, food, and driving skill mockery. Ha ha. I was driving. It's fine.

Anyway, I'm excited to be chilling for the next couple of days. We'll be partying on the beach, kayaking, playing games and just having the time of our lives.

Life is good.

P.S. Happy New Year to you all!

Facebook Timeline

AUSTIN - So, I've decided to make the switch over to Facebook Timeline (it's where your profile appears as a timeline of events instead of the current format) and it has been fascinating. I literally cannot help but watch old videos and look at old pictures from years gone by.

A few notes:

• I've done heaps of things in America.
• The things that I've done have made me pretty happy.
• I can tell by the pictures and videos.
• In 2011, I had the most birthday wishes on Facebook of any prior year.
• I can't complain about the life I've lived.
• Also, I've got some great friends!

Ok, love you bye.

The Home Office

AUSTIN - A document was signed a few months ago that dramatically changed my work environment for the immediate future. What was it? Well, it was a contract that gifted my office to a customer here in Austin after they agreed to work closer with my company. This means I now work from home.

Working from home is not all that bad. I don't have the hour to hour-and-a-half commute everyday. I also don't have to get dressed up everyday.

That's the beginning of the end right there.

I used to get up religiously and go to the gym at 6.30a.m. Now, I roll out of bed and start answering emails or frantically setting up for meetings (read as "conference calls")--the gym happens around lunchtime.

I used to shave pretty much everyday. Now, you're lucky if that happens once or twice a week.

I used to shower everyday. Now, I still shower everyday--just later than usual.

Here's what I'm going to commit to do in the New Year:

Get into a schedule and stick to it.

I think that will help solve my Home Office woes. If you can really call them that.

Historical Movies

SALT LAKE CITY - I love historical movies. In fact, movies that have some ounce of truth to them (and are well-made) are usually pretty fascintating to me.

"We bought a Zoo." The story of a family that purchased a broken down zoo and reopened it. I saw it this past week and I liked it.

"Fair Game." A movie about the start of the Iraq war and subsequent outing of a covert CIA agent. I watched it again this week and enjoyed that too. (Note: I don't normally like to re-watch movies I've already seen.)

AND, I cannot wait to see this movie:

"The Iron Lady." A movie about England's first, and only, female Prime Minister. Looks pretty interesting to me.

I'll let you know how it is.

Boxing Day In-Transit

SALT LAKE CITY - 1288 miles.

That's the distance from Salt Lake City to Austin, TX via car. It's a long trip. And, I can tell you that by experience. But don't worry, today I'll be flying back on American Airlines via DFW.  I end up arriving in Austin pretty late and am actually pretty excited to be back in my own room and my own bed.

The past few days here in Utah have been great. I caught up with some friends in Salt Lake / Provo and also down in St. George. I had a great little Christmas with the Stevens (see post below) and also got to speak to every member of my immediate family (see Christmas Eve post).

Some asked why I didn't go back to NZ for Christmas--it's because it costs about $2500 to fly around this time of year. It's summer. It's Christmas. And, it's a great place to be. Who can blame those ticket holders? Not me. Plus, I'm planning on being in that part of the world this November for my brothers wedding. He gets married in Brisbane, Australia during November. Good times.

However, being in-transit is not always my favorite thing. I can't wait for the days when you can just teleport to wherever you need to go. Do you think that'll be a possibility one day? Hope so.

Oh, and Happy Boxing Day!

St. George Christmas

Spent a few days down here in St. George with some of my favorite people. In fact, they are the reason why I'm in America.

We all had a great time at church. We opened a few presents, ate some ham and played Rummikub.

"Uncle Jack" and "Aunt Jane" have been playing Rummikub for a few years, but guess who goes back to Texas as the reigning champion?

Yours truly. NBD.

Merry Christmas (From Hobbiton)

Just a little Hobbit video blog.

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas tomorrow and it'll be different for my family. We're all growing up, 'expanding,' and are not really going to be together for the holidays.

Some of you might know that my family are spread out all across the world:

• Dad and Shaz are in Sydney, Australia.
• Mum, Nath and Jade are in Rarotonga.
• Ari, Mounga, Zydal, Molela, Monaco, Belle and Josh are in the Hutt Valley (New Zealand).
• Caleb, Chev, Malia and Kapri are in Brisbane, Australia.
• I'm in St. George, Utah.

That's a lot of different places. Just saying.

Also, Merry Christmas to everyone in NZ and Aussie--they're already opening presents and eating stuff because of time zones.

Much love.

Bachelor Party

Last night we had a little Bachelor party for my buddy, Tyson.

He gets married this coming Saturday and we had to throw him a little celebration before he ties the knot.

Yes, we did eat Mexican food.

...followed by Karaoke.

Epic?

(Ha ha!)

My Life.

I don't have one right now.

Remember how it's 11pmish and I'm still finishing up a project for work? Yeah, that's right. I'm that hardcore.

Or I'm just a chump...

I choose hardcore.

The Life of Pi

How many of you have read "The Life of Pi"?

It's a pretty interesting book and I just finished reading it. However, I know it's a novel, but I have a few questions in my mind. So, if you've got a few moments to spare, please give me a call so we can chat about what actually happened? I'm confused.

Ha ha. Thanks.

Cricket

While I was at the gym today, I met an older East Indian woman and her husband. We chatted for a few minutes (after they asked if I was an Indian) and then I told them I was from New Zealand, referencing the fact that our national team plays cricket against India.

Some of you may know that I enrolled in a local cricket team as a young boy. I played for about a season, before quitting because I wasn't very good and also because it was a bit boring.

Did you know that some cricket matches last for days? Days.

One time, I was looking at the sky while our team was fielding (i.e. in the outfield). This was a bit of a problem. Especially because the ball went flying past me and some other kid had to grab it and throw it back. Ha! I was also regularly placed as the last batter--a position that meant I would probably not get to bat before our team got out.

I'm not going to use this blog to talk about the rules of cricket (you can do that here), however, I just wanted to say that these Indians brought back a few funny memories from my childhood. Oh, cricket.

I'll admit it...

Sometimes I get it wrong. Maybe I misspeak. Maybe I was misinformed. Maybe it was true once and now, after a series of events or period of time, it's not true anymore.

It's ok to be wrong.

Took me a long time to realize that. I think that there are still times when I think to myself, "Just take this on the chin, you're right, but you don't need to do the haka about it." Ha ha. I don't think I'd have any friends if I did this every time I thought I was right (because I'd be doing it a lot, if that was the case).

Tonight was one of those times when I actually was wrong. Ha! That's fine. No big deal (It was about politics).

I'm just glad that I can actually recognize this and accept it. And, hopefully, I'm glad I have friends that can overlook these moments and keep being my friend. Much love.


Don't you just love the 80s?

Opening night: Savior of the World

A few months ago, I was asked to be the choral director for the Savior of the World production in our Stake. "Savior of the World" is a musical play about the events preceding the birth of Christ.

I wanted to give a little shout out to the musical on the blog, because, tonight was our opening night and it has just been a fantastic way to recognize the true meaning of Christmas. I've been blessed to be part of the help--although I didn't always see that.

Because of the play, I've resolved to be a little better and work a little harder in remembering the reason why we celebrate Christmas--Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.

NZ Facebook Product Trials

I just think it's awesome that New Zealand gets to do stuff like this. I mean, we're a relatively small country in the grand scheme of things. Also, 2 million FB users in NZ? Who knew?

Click here to view the news story.

Happy Birthday, Detective Ruri!

In Sydney with Dad - Very glamorous photo. Ha ha.

And today, is my father's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

So, technically, it was his birthday yesterday and we Skyped. I told him that I thought he was looking good (maybe a bit better than when I was there) and I realized it was because he got a good haircut. Ha. His girlfriend said that his last one made him look like a criminal.

FYI - My Dad is a retired Undercover New Zealand Policeman. Pretty legit and definitely not a criminal. Quite the opposite, really.

Love you, Dad.

It's Christmas!

On Saturday, we got a real Christmas tree for the flat and today we put decorations on it.

I think it's pretty cool.

I've been excited for this season to roll around, even though I won't be with my family (I wish I was), and it's just been making me smile. I ran some Christmas errands and have been enjoying listening to Christmas music.

When I worked at KFC in Upper Hutt, I always loved saying, "Enjoy your meal, and have a Merry Christmas!" I would even say it after New Years day (force of habit). So festive. It was awesome.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great holiday season and remember why we celebrate--it's not just for the presents.

Love you.

Kid History

Also, here's a little plug for Kid History. I think they're hilarious. The videos are stories acted out by adults, but told by children.



And here's the most recent one:



They kill me. Everytime.

Also, one of the guys that made them was in my first BYU ward bishopric. Hilarious.

Making NZ treats.

A few weeks ago, and last week, I made the famous New Zealand dessert, Pavlova (find out its origins here).

Today, I made one of my favorite New Zealand treats called, "Chocolate Caramel Slice."

Mine will look a little like this,

Minus the chocolate on top (I wanted to make the low fat option....bahahaha...).

Mmmmm....

Karaoke

Karaoke is awesome.

Last night, some friends and I went to the dodgy-est little karaoke place in Austin. Granted, I have been there before, but, that still doesn't diminish the dodginess of it all.

But boy, did we have fun? Yes we did.

Why don't people want to come karaoke with me more often? That's what I want to know.

Back from Georgia...

After a few hours in the ATL or "Hotlanta," (as some people call it) I arrived into the Savannah airport on:

Then, using

I rolled around in a 2012 Chevy Suburban for the week.

And I stayed at this four star hotel downtown.

I also ate at a number of nice Savannah restaurants--the city is famous for their food--and drank some pretty disgusting water. But, all-in-all, a great trip.

Off to Georgia!

Well, tomorrow I'm traveling to Atlanta and Savannah for work. I have an appointment in Atlanta for the morning/lunchtime on Monday, and then I'll travel onto Savannah after that until Thursday night. Should be good.

I've been to Savannah a number of times. It's a nice little city. However, I've never been to Atlanta and cruising around there for an afternoon will be a bit of a treat.

Watch out!

Atlanta, GA

Stopped by the police.

Usually, I have the worst luck with traffic stops. Tonight, that was different.

After having a little Mexican food with some friends, I had to take the two missionaries back to their bicycles. When we picked the bikes up, the missionaries asked if I could drive them to another person's house, so that they could put their bikes in the back of an SUV, and then drive them back to their flat. I had to follow alongside them in the car and then I waited while they squeezed the bikes into the SUV.

When they got back into the car, we started driving towards their apartment and I noticed a police car heading toward me on the opposite side of the road. The policeman drove past me slowly, did a quick U-turn, and turned on his lights. The officer walked up to my car slowly, searching the back of the car with his flashlight. I wound down my window.

Policeman: "Good evening, I'm from the Austin City Police Department."
Me: "Hi."
Policeman: [Looking in the back] "Ahhh...are you missionaries?"
Me: "Ha. Yeah, they are." [Pointing to the back seat]
Policeman: "Well, we had reports of a dark car chasing two men in white shirts."
Me: "Yeah, I was following them so we could put their bikes in the back of the SUV and am about to drop them home."
Policeman: "Oh, ok. Well, have a good night." [Walks away]

Pretty uneventful. But, I thought it was funny. Oh, and the missionaries also felt like they were being looked after. Good on you, good Samaritan! Good on you.

But chasing? Ha! Oh wow.

Ever wonder what happened to Leilani Joyce?

"Leilani Joyce, now Leilani Rorani, (born 15 April 1974, Hamilton, New Zealand) is a former World No. 1 professional squash player from New Zealand. During her career, she won the British Open in 1999 and 2000, and finished runner-up at the World Open in 2000 and 2001." More on Wikipedia.

It's Thanksgiving...

Just wanted to wish all my friends around the world a great big "HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!"

I hope that it's filled with all sorts of things to be thankful for. Food, family and friends...not necessarily in that order. Love ya!

"The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth"

(Click here to find out what Thanksgiving is all about...)

All the Above by Maino

During this past summer, I was introduced to this song (Note: The word "Hell" is used. American viewer discretion is advised):



Anyway, I really enjoy running or lifting to this song. After listening to it, I just want to go out and start achieving..."all the above."

Ha.

Never too late

I really wish that I had watched this video again yesterday.

You've probably already seen it before. It's hilarious. (Thanks, Allie.)

A new day

Name the rock in this person's eye. It's quite famous.

You know, I fully intended on blogging yesterday, however, it was rough. I was in meetings from about 8am until 6.20pm and then I still had work to do. That's right, I was writing emails etc until midnight last night.

But, Monday is over and today is a new day.

I'm glad.

Benevolent Sexism

Apparently, I'm sexist.

I don't want to be sexist. But, according to understandingprejudice.org, I have a very high rating of something called, "benevolent sexism." What the? (You can find out more here)

I know. I'd never heard of that either. However, I'm now very disturbed and want to try hard not to be that.

Here's how it played out: My companion and I were hometeaching two girls this morning. The discussion began after I asked one of them, "So, where are you from?" She said, "Minnesota." Because I am somewhat familiar with the politics of Minnesota, I mentioned presidential candidate and current U.S. House Representative Michelle Bachmann (she's from the state of Minnesota and pictured to the left).

From there, I learned some things that will forever change the way I perceive women.

Now, here's one reason why my friend (and understandingprejudice.org) think that I'm sexist: I've decided to only give money to homeless women and not homeless men. Something that I thought was pretty noble, maybe even a little endearing. But, sexist? Woah.

I feel like I've been taught to revere women and, often times, place them on a proverbial pedestal. However, apparently that's a very sexist thing. Not hostile sexism, which is what people traditionally think sexism is, we're talking about benevolent sexism. 

"Benevolent sexism may seem harmless, noble, or even 'romantic, but its effects can be devastating. Benevolent sexism, like hostile sexism, is an ideology that supports gender inequality."

At the end of the day, I don't want to be any sort of sexist. I'm against gender inequality and I would love to understand this more. In the meantime, I think I'm making progress by at least accepting and acknowledging this. That's the beginning, right?

Opinion Blogs

Riddle me this: do we want to see not-so-serious stuff on blogs like mine OR hardcore, well-thought-out (three hyphens?) and meticulously executed opinions about life occurrences or current events?

I'm just of two minds about it all.

I don't think that ya'll really want to hear a travel log of my life--although I will be excited to share stuff like that at times--because it's just too braggy to do on a regular basis. I also don't think that you want to hear my opinions about the electoral state of affairs in America right now, because I'd probably alienate nearly a quarter of the five people reading this.

I just don't know.

Plus, if Americans disagree with my politics, they can always take a cheap shot: "What do I care, you can't even vote!" Ooooo...so true. Sorry you're not smart enough to come up with a better comeback than that. Just saying. (Ha ha. It's happened to me before!)

I know not to ask for opinions/comments below on the subject. Because, I have a marginal response rate with such things, however, I just wanted you to know that I think about it.

Oh, the issues of our day. #nerdproblems #firstworldproblems #cantreallycomplain

(P.S. And before you make a comment about my use of a hashtag in the blog, I'd just like to say, "Meh." That's right. They give me an excuse to use poor grammar, no punctuation and communicate some Adam Ruri style. #livingthedream)

Alarmed.

I blame the blog.

Remember how I was meant to wake up for our Stake Production (I'm the Music Director) at 8am this morning so I could be there by 8.45ish? Well, I didn't. I slept right through my 8am alarm and I think it was because I wrote in the blog last night. Seriously. Why was I up that late blogging anyway?

It turns out the Assistant Director gave me a call at 9.25am. The call woke me up, I threw on some clothes, brushed my teeth, wet my hair and was there by 9.39am. Legendary? In my own mind, yes.

I'm going to the gym now. I've got to get this day back on track.

The parentals

Some of you may know that my Mum and Dad (pictured below) live in Rarotonga and Australia respectively.

In the last month--once in person and once over Skype--they mentioned that they were looking at my blog. Dad told me to keep it updated more often (because he doesn't follow the twitter feed) and Mum just said, "You don't blog much anymore, do you?"

Needless to say, I've decided to resurrect the old blog and begin anew. I really wish I had time to talk about this business visit to Shanghai, China:

Or discuss my weekend and first ever trip to Sydney, Australia with Dad & Shazza:

Or, tell you countless stories about these two High school mates of mine from Upper Hutt, New Zealand:

But, unfortunately, I do not. It's 1.30am in the morning and I really should be asleep. I will let you know that I had an awesome time though.

I loved being in Shanghai where nobody could really communicate with me and where I bought some "Beats by Dr. Dre" for less than a quarter of the price they go for in the U.S.

I really enjoyed spending time with Dad and Shazza in Sydney--eating fish heads, paua fritters and lamb/kumara pie while watching the All Blacks beat France in the Rugby.

I also really loved being back in NZ, getting my visa approved, road tripping with Mum, staying with my cousin and then my 'bootiful scissor' (Shout out to my niece and nephews--Belle, Molela, Monaco and Zydal! And thanks for waking me up in the morning by sitting on my face with your smelly nappy or jumping on my stomach...awesome).

New experiences and families are just great, aren't they?

All the above...

So, I should honestly be in bed asleep right now. However, I needed to put a place holder in here that would remind me (and you) of a few things:

1.  I have a lot to blog about. This summer, although not quite over, has been epic.
2. Contrary to popular belief, I am still alive and literate. Therefore, I can write more blog posts than I have in previous months.
3. It's ok if no one ever reads this blog, at least I'll have some sort of record if I ever lose my journal.

That is all.

FOMO

Mates! I should really be on my way to work already...but I had to write something on the blog (because I haven't in a long time). Fomo. If I don't write anything now, when am I going to get something on here again? Not sure.

Anyway, life is going great right now! I had this hilarious Fourth of July weekend, where I was basically laughing the entire time. Mostly at myself, and then sometimes at other people (when they were trying to be funny, of course).

I made a few videos on iMovie and am now determined to get a Mac. That might be my next computer purchase. Maybe.

I Fomo this.

Still don't know what Fomo is? Here you go: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/fomo-the-fear-of-missing-_b_817253.html

Note: If you don't read this and laugh about yourself (or me), then I don't know what can be done for you.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

I've been known to dabble in American politics and I really like what Michael Otterson is saying here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/evangelicals-mormons-and-the-beliefs-of-the-president/2011/06/07/AGnGX8KH_blog.html

If you want to know something about the Mormons and Politics, this might be an interesting place to start. Good on him for getting the word out there--responding and representing! Great logic and great rhetoric.

Buffets (part two)

A buddy and I took the missionaries out to Golden Corral last night. I just have to say--I have a love-hate relationship with Buffets. I love the selection, but I hate the feeling after.

You know what I mean.

Also, on an unrelated note, I forgot what it was like to hang with or be a proselyting missionary. I forgot that everyone, whether they mean to or not, will just stare at you/them. It was pretty funny.

Finally.

It's been over a month since I last posted. A lot has happened since then. Most of you have seen the updates on my Facebook profile, so, I've decided not to re-hash my life since Paula Deen's restaurant. Sorry mate.

However, I was grateful to have finished another race this last Saturday! The Hell Run was everything that it cracked up to be. Here's some photos:

Before I knew what was going to happen...

Random girls that I asked to be photographed with.

The aftermath...the kid in blue was first in our heat!

Paula Deen

This is Paula Deen. She's on the Food Network.

This is me outside of her store and restaurant in Savannah:

I went inside and had a great meal!

Also, right before we went in, my work colleague made friends with this husband and wife in-line to get seated. Next thing, this guy was asking my work colleague about Paula (whom he has never met) and then my work colleague offers to "autograph" a menu for this guys wife. It was honestly so funny. I wanted to be a fly on the wall when the old guy presented the "autograph." Here's what it said:

"Sherry, Enjoy the Southern Cooking! Love ya'll, Paula Deen."

I about died laughing.

Savannah, GA

Today I headed out to Savannah, Georgia!

I've been here once before (to pick up the company car), however, I haven't had a chance to get back since. I'm excited. I'll be here almost all week on business and it should be good.

Also, remember how I missed my flight tonight? Yeah, I had to be rescheduled and made it to my hotel room very late.

A video from the trip...

Our road trip crew just thinks this is hilarious...

I am...

A Warrior? Ha ha. I actually totally sucked it up. However, Ryan told me to 'be a man' and I kept going...barely.

A huge thanks to the crew (Ryan - the Coach, Jenna - FKC Director of Events, Kendyl - FKC VP, Tyson - FKC CFO, Not pictured: Hannah - Fake Maori Tattooist, Photographer - Don't know his name)  for getting me through it! You're all awesome. Great memories.

Heading to Houston.

A few months ago, I wrote this post. Tomorrow, I'm actually going to run the race.

But, not before some road trip goodness from Austin to Houston. Wish me luck?

St. Patrick's Day!

Green is a great color. For those of you that remember this picture:

You will remember why I love the color green. Ha ha.

Anyway, today is not about me. However, today reminded me of some great moments back in Provo. In particular, I had a set of roommates who loved this day. We had some good times there.

So, Dan, Jon and Dave--thanks for the memories. I like St. Patrick's day because of the parties we had in La Costa 203. Good times.

March Madness

Most of you will know that I am not the most athletic individual in town. However, tonight I wrote a brief email to my ward and began a March Madness Basketball bracket. Ha ha.

To one and all, I say "Good luck." Oh, and...Go Cougs!

The Melting Pot

Has anyone been to this restaurant?

I went there for a friend's birthday and then had to excuse myself. It actually wouldn't have been that bad (if I hadn't already just had dinner), but it was late and it was expensive.

One day, I'm actually going to go and not have to worry about how much it's costing me.

South by SouthWest (SXSW)

Apparently, this is some huge sort of Austin-based Festival. I need to learn more about it. I've looked it up online, but does anyone have any tips?

Sentimental Note: Friends.

I love my friends. They might not love me (all the time), but I love them.

Over the past few days, I've had calls, exchanged messages and wished Happy Birthday's to a few of you. I like you and I'm thankful for you putting up with me. Thank you for being examples of love and strength in my life. Thank you for the amazing memories and for helping me to create new ones.

Eventually, we grow up and get older. Things change and we change.

One day we want a dumpster truck cake and like to wear rainbow suspenders. The next, we are going to ChuckECheese as a young adult.

Really? Really. I did it.

At the end of the day, I'd like to think that we actually stay the same. The essence of who we are is the same as when we were younger. That same hesitant little boy with the cake is the same as the one with the large mouse. Maybe we're not as cute. Maybe we've had some 'life experiences.' We've definitely made some choices, but how much have we changed on the inside?

As a man, I still want to have friends come to my birthday party. I still want to play around and I still want to be loved. Heck, I still want to eat cake shaped like a dumpster truck (Who doesn't?).

I'm sure you have pictures or memories like this. Keep making them.

And to the friends that I've made. I still like you and I hope you still like me too.

Blood and Rodeos

I gave me some blood today.

I visited Kerbey Lane--it's a restaurant.

And, I also went to the Austin Rodeo.

Yeehaw!

Major League Baseball

versus

June 8th, 2011 at 7pm

I am singing the National Anthem. Legit? I think so.

The Big D.

Dallas, that is. Well, that's what Brother and Sister Stevens call it.

I was up there this week for work and I had a great time. Met a number of people/customers and hung out with a buddy from school who also works in the company.

I was only in Dallas for a two nights and days. But, I sort of really enjoy travelling around the place. My job is pretty sweet.

"Resumes are dead!" by Richie Norton

This is a dang good book. Really short and just inspirational.

My challenge for the month of March: Read it!

Once you've read it, you'll see why I suggested you read it. It'll take about 30 mins and you won't regret the time you spent there.

Tell me what's wrong with this video...

Oh say, can you see?

I've sung the American National Anthem a number of times. Officially, the first time was at the Meleleuca Stadium for the Idaho Falls Chukars:

Then, it was at the Marriott Center for a BYU Basketball game--my friends blamed me for the loss we suffered to No. 6 Wake Forest. There was another time for the Utah Flash and then there was this weekend at the Minute Maid Stadium.

By far, the Minute Maid Stadium was the biggest venue I've sung at so far. I'm not sure whether there were as many people there as there were that day in the Marriott Center, but the place itself was big. Real big.

Long story short, I had a lot of fun. Photos from the day are in the works also; because, I want to show you how much fun we had that weekend. Road trips are good times.

And, I've gotta give a shout out to my mate Ryan Smith. He's the reason why I've gotten almost all of these gigs. He's interning for the Houston Astros and he interned for the Idaho Falls Chukars. One day, he's going to be the General Manager for the Boston Red Sox. He's the man.

Yike Bike

Don't worry. A New Zealander invented this bike.

Thanks to Jeff for posting this on my profile.

I'm going to Hawaii!

So, one of my cousins is graduating and the other is getting married in April. Not that anyone really needs a reason to go to Hawaii, but, these two events are a great push to visit the island. I'm very excited. I got vacation approval and booked the flights. Impulse ticket buying. It is awesome.

Malia!

This little cutey is my neice and she's been entered into an Australian competition by her parents (my bro and sister-in-law to be). You should vote for her! Do it here: http://babysearch.bonds.com.au/entry/6905/malia-r

Nat came to town.

This is not a very good picture (or very recent), but I wanted to make mention of my good friend, Nat Harward, visiting the ATX from the NYC.

He has a work conference in town and it was awesome catching up--like the good old days.

For those of you who aren't aware, Nat was the Comms VP in BYUSA during the 2008-2009 academic year. That's how we became good friends. Oh, he also was Chance and I's Campaign Administrator.

President of the Fat Kids Club

Today, I officially gained the title of "President." I don't have any sort of authority. Just the shame in knowing that, after purchasing two doughnuts from Gourdough's, I was elected to the aforementioned position by a table of my peers. Ha ha.

But, oh. The doughnuts were so good. "Funky Monkey"? Yes please. "Flying Pig"? Sure.

Voted #1 by my friends. The "Funky Monkey" wins hands down. HANDS DOWN! You'll have to come and try it.

Teaching Seminary

So, for the past few days, I've been teaching early morning seminary classes to some youth in a local ward. I volunteered a little while ago and the regular teacher needed some time-off this week (family was visiting etc.), so here I am.

Needless to say, it was an experience. I feel kinda bad mentioning any specific experiences..."learning experiences" on the blog. However, I will say that I really had a great time. The youth were great and they taught me a lot!

By the way, I really enjoy the Doctrine and Covenants.

Bless my Nanny!

(from l to r) me, my uncle, Nanny, sister Jade and brother Josh.

Just a little pic from my 2010 visit to NZ. Nanny's not doing so well. She had a little heart attack and is trying to recover. She still has her same sense of humor though--I gave her a quick call and she was hilarious. Love her.

Christchurch Earthquake

I feel pretty bad for Christchurch, New Zealand. They've only recently had a bad earthquake and this one looks to be even worse. My thoughts and prayers are with all those around the area.