Destination Beautiful

The Game

2010-08-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

I love this song because its just so applicable to the things i went through in my life. That was extremely sarcastic. Anyways, this song is amazing, especially the hook and chorus.

Love this joint

2010-07-24T01:07:00.002-07:00

Home Stretch

2010-07-22T19:51:00.001-07:00

Yes, i know i haven't updated this for a long time and i don't have any excuses. I've been lazy BUT also living life to the absolute fullest. Road trips aplenty with non stop giggling...oh man! Anyways, a lot has happened since i wrote last, but all good things. Ive been able to spend a lot of time with family as of late and its been ideal. They've helped me understand things a bit better and with their help and also that of my friends, I got my swag back to the fullest:).

I'm approaching my last semester at BYU and it's completely bittersweet. I'm terrified to enter the real world and step into the next phase of my life but at the same time I'm eager to see if i have what it takes and I feel ready to leave Provo. I know I'll miss a lot of things about it but it'll be about time to leave.

There's a lot of things i don't know; like what I'm gonna do when i graduate, where I'll land a job, how I'll manage to pass statistics this fall, if I'll ever actually meet a girl that gets me twiterpaited (that word is fun to say but not spell) or if I'll ever outgrow my ongoing obsession for candy and mischief...

....BUT there are things i do know. Thus i wish to impart my wisdom to all of my loyal readers and tell all of you the things I've learned at this magnificent university. Listen to this song as you read.

1. Music can aid and help any situation. Listen to it and make it a huge part of your life. It's like alcohol for me (takes the edge off), but i don't drink...put the phone down mother.

2. Heed the advice of your family and friends cuz they're the ones that have your best interests at heart. No matter what the natural man in you desires don't succumb, listen to who cares about you. Especially if all of them tell you not to date a whorish, manipulative, scorpion woman who sold her soul for a few extra bucks (strictly hypothetical).

3. It's really funny when your best friends ask little 12-year-old EFY kids on campus if they know where to score some good Cocaine or PCP.

4. If the Blazers lose to the Jazz on a twenty-five point comeback in the fourth quarter, don't get so mad that you for some reason to decide to shave your entire body for the next two hours in the bath tub. It's messy and you won't stop itching for weeks (again, strictly hypothetical). Thanks for the lotion Amanda. BIG help.

5. Don't let someone that's negatively affected you continue to run your life and decide how you approach various aspects and situations. Live, learn, and cut them out of your life as soon as possible.

6. Forgive. This includes yourself.

7. Try really hard to achieve charity cuz it's the gateway attribute.

8. No matter how many times the cannon center makes you sick, keep coming back cuz something hilarious normally happens there. (I.E. #3)

9. Don't sweat the small stuff. I.E. losing your favorite velcro shoe at the airport while you were sleeping during a snow delay. (I freaking loved that shoe).

10. If you have money, spend it. Yes, very irresponsible but college is our last excuse to be irresponsible and there are way too many fun things going on to be frugal.

11. You look good, you feel good. Care about your appearance but it's weird when you go to ward prayer at belmont and it looks like a damn Rock n' Republic add. Sweats are appropriate sometimes (sorry Amanda...two shout outs! Hot damn!) But seriously, if you try on a pair of jeans and you feel like a new person, get em.

12. Go on roadtrips. If i had a nickel for each roadtrip i've been on id have enough nickels for like two games of pac-man. But roadtrips always offer laughter, riveting conversation with good company, and an abundance of fast food. But don't take that weird asian kid that nobody knows cuz he'll fall asleep on your shoulder a bunch.

13. Kanye West is the best rapper out there. I could care less what he did to Taylor Swift or how egotistical he is. I'm not going to hold him as a Christ figure or join his fan club. I love his music, now leave me alone.

14. Have passion in everything you do and be driven.

15. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and ask a girl/guy out. I've asked out the same girl on facebook like each month for the past 6 months and she's yet to write me back but will that stop me? Nope! Think again sweetheart (i hope you're reading this).

16. Girls. Stop waiting around to meet some guy that will support you and thus, neglect your studies by picking some lame major and never applying yourself. Put your big girl pants on, grow a pair, and do work (don't actually grow a pair, that's gross, but you know what i mean).

17. Voice your opinions.

18. Network yourself and meet as many people as you can.

19. Stop saying crap like, "i miss your face," "let's play," or "omg, idk, lol, or lmao." Is it really that hard to just say, "hey i miss you, let's hang out soon!"? And these stupid freaking acronyms have to go. Especially in common conversation not involving text messaging or some sort of technological medium.

20. Don't say or write anything in anger. Let it marinate a bit then approach the situation with caution and most importantly, tact. This is one of my biggest downfalls but I'll get there baby.

21. I've realized that since I've been at BYU, i can pick a fight with anyone, anytime as long as I'm with my friends. All of my friends, with the exception of two of them, work out religiously and look like body builders.

22. If you had a good relationship with your mission president on your mission, see to it that you hold onto that relationship because he can be an immense source of strength and solitude.

23. Its impossible to pee out of car window when it's going above 50 mph. So I've heard...

24. If you're going to cut a tree down on campus with a chainsaw for your Christmas tree, make sure and be a bit more discrete about it so you don't end up in the police beat. Also, don't forget to water it and definitely take it out before the first of May.

25. Guard your virtue with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.

26. Get to know girls before you take them out. If you don't you'll waste money and get stuck taking out girls that think the pyramids are in Italy, that "human trafficking" is where large groups of people are all in one area at the same time, that only listen to the mormon tabernacle choir, or dropped out of high school to check into teen rehab for opium (true story). Do your due diligence kiddos.

27. If you're confident, you can accomplish absolutely anything.

28. I don't care how many pairs of True Religions you own, how many APX accounts you've sold, or much you put down for your new BMW, you're still an idiot.

29. Always have things to look forward to because it gets you through the 8 months of cold and snow in Utah. If you don't have anything, create something like a roadtrip to see a sibling, a date, or a concert.

30. Roll with the punches and don't get frustrated. Especially important in my field of work of broadcasting, like when an interview cancels last minute, your camera man sucks, or a lead falls through.

31. I maintain that this is the funniest video of all time. (please watch the first 1:30 at least:))

32. I don't have any remorse for confronting that couple in the library that couldn't keep their hands off each other and making them so embarrassed with my harsh words that they got up and left. It's great you've found lust..i mean love, but please go back to your dorm room.

33. Provo is what you make it. Sure there's those peter's and molly's that tattle on you at flag football games for saying the "hell" or "damn" words but I've made friends here that i couldn't find anywhere else and It's been a helluva ride.

34. Spend as much time as possible with your family because you're not going to have many more Thanksgiving or Christmas breaks.

35. Please please please chew with your mouth closed during meals and if you're chewing gum. Not just because you're on a date, but because it's the right thing to do.

36. If your friend is dating a girl that you don't think he should be dating, don't lay in the weeds with your other friends talking about how toxic she is, but instead, stop, congregate, and formulate a plan of how you can kidnap her. Just kidding, but seriously say something before it's too late.

37. Don't regret relationships or circumstances that ended less than ideally. Step back, evaluate, learn, and apply.

38. Learn the correct uses of, your, you're, there, their, they're, to, too, affect, effect...especially if you're an avid texter because it'll likely bother me for our entire textual conversation if you slip up.

39. It's cliche and redundant but i really do have phenominal friends. At least i didn't bear my testimony about them right?

40. Keep a journal. You don't have to write in it every night but you'll be grateful if you make an entry every once in a while.

41. Facebook isn't a medium to convey your raw emotion about how some boy broke your heart and you can't ever love again because the drama is just too much to bare.

42. Procrastinate. Because how many more opportunities are you gonna have to watch one of your best friends streak at the dorms, go to a midnight showing of "Anchorman" for the fourth time this week, have a slip n' slide in the halls of a random apartment complex, egg your roommates ex's window with 36 eggs, play capture the flag on campus with 20 of your best friends at 3 am, pretend to be TA's in the physical science lab and ultimately make the police beat because of it, verbally abuse the parking patrol, make a "ghost ride the whip" music video, make countless wal-mart runs, build a fort in the lobby, or moon the freshman homecoming dance?

43. If you need a cheap date idea on a triple date, it's ok to tell the girls, "ok, we're doing something cheap but really fun and you guys have to guess what it is!" Then you just wait to see what they guess and plan accordingly:). Very sneaky but very "e"ffective.

Originally i was going to do 50, but then i got to 43 and couldn't think of anymore. Sorry.

In order to apologize, i posted these videos for your enjoyment. View them...all of them.

and my brother's personal favorite...

k, thanks for reading my blog. See you at the party!

Ben Harper

2010-03-24T16:56:00.001-07:00

Vance Law Story

2010-03-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Good way to start morning

2010-03-03T13:13:00.001-08:00

I've never been one to wear my testimony on my sleeve but i do indeed have one. This is proof. I enjoy this video. My hope is that you will enjoy it too. K, bye.

H-O-R-S-E with Jackson Emery

2010-03-02T16:02:00.001-08:00

Watch me! True Blue: Bench Production

2010-02-10T11:12:00.001-08:00

Shout out

2010-01-28T15:59:00.001-08:00

I have this friend named Amanda Wallace. We've had a few classes together the past few semesters. She's a PR major and she asked me if she could use me in her blog. (These requests are extremely frequent). I agreed and then i went to check it out. Amanda is an extremelyyyy talented writer and about as witty as they come. I encourage you to check out her blog on a weekly basis:

mymiddaydump.blogspot.com

She gave me a shout out so I'm giving her one.

__________________________________________________________

Here's her most recent entry:

RE: Someone Has To Tell You.

Things got a little serious with that last post. It was Sunday, and I was feeling spiritual.
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

My focus today is on fashion. Upfront, I acknowledge my seemingly superior attitude on the matter. However, reigning “Most Fashionable” among a student body of hunters and hoodlums does put me above you on the trendy tier, so I feel justified in my approach.

GIRLS:
1) Should not wear UGGS with skirts—or dresses or really ever at all—but I understand the need to feel like your worthless investment was worthwhile. I’m right there with you.
2) Should never, ever, under absolutely any circumstances wear white heels. I know Stacy has some rule about Labor Day, but let’s get real—she’s modeling Lee’s jeans. Credibility? I think not.
3) Should refrain from pairing patent-leather belts with patent-leather shoes, unless shrink-wrapped is your look.
4) Should wear super skinny jeans with flowing shirts, skanky dresses and wide-legged boots. Don’t be fatty flare-legs.
5) Should go crazy on accessories, so long as the earrings don’t match the necklace, the necklace isn’t puka-shelled and pearls don’t dance from every appendage.

BOYS:
1) Should not wear bedazzled, screen-printed or logo-bearing T-shirts. Abercrombie smells like puberty, and you look like a tool.
2) Should wear running shoes when running, walking shoes when walking and crocodile-prints when in Spain. I vote a simple pair of lace-ups.
3) Should burn their leather bracelet cuffs, khaki cargo shorts and jeans with hammer loops. Don’t flirt with temptation.
4) Should tuck no part of their outermost shirt into their jeans. I can’t believe this is even an issue.
5) Should venture into the world of peacoats and manscarves, consulting Skyler Stevenson for further detail.

WHITE PEOPLE:
1) Should not wear Ed Hardy.

SPOTLIGHT #1: DARLING DRESSERS OF PROVO:

Meet Jade Stolworthy. She’s from Arizona, and she’s as babe as babe gets. I’d hate her if I didn’t like her so much.

Meet Michael Bodmer. He’s funny, has the best curls ever and likes girls who are driven.

I now feel like Matt Clayton.

Dressed to Impress,
pooperSCOOPer

Iambic Pentameter

2010-01-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today's blog topic: The weird freaking kid in my shakespeare class yesterday.

We divided into groups yesterday to discuss themes in the second scene of Shakespeare's play, "Othello." To be honest, I'm enjoying these readings a lot more than i thought i would and despite me being the subject of ridicule on that memorable first day, i quite enjoy the class.

We have our groups: 4 in each. There's this guy in my group named Douglas Bubbletrousers. Just kidding, it's Hubert Cumberdale....Again, kidding. But those names would be pretty funny eh? He shall remain nameless because I assume that thousands upon thousands of people read my blog and the rich reputation has spread far and wide; even to the little people in my class. Thus as to not offend, we shall call him Bruce.

So Bruce asks me what i think of the play so far. I tell him that i think Iago is really clever and conniving but he's a bit of a jackass (pardon my french) and Othello better watch his back.

Bruce looks at me for literally 10 seconds completely speechless.

Michael: "Ya Bruce?"

More silence

Michael: "Bruce you're kinda freakin...-"

Bruce: "I'm sorry Michael i was devising a response to your statement in my head"

Michael: "A simple, 'yes' or 'i agree' would've done just fine man"

Bruce: "No. In this class i only speak in Iambic Pentameter. That is how Shakespeare would have it."

Michael: "Seriously? That's pretty strange"

Bruce: "No it isn't"

Michael: "Ok."

-End of Scence- ________________________________

Wikepedia defines Iambic Pentameter as:

Iambic pentameter is one of many meters used in poetry and drama. It describes a particular rhythm that the words establish in each line. That rhythm is measured in small groups of syllables; these small groups of syllables are called "feet". The word "iambic" describes the type of foot that is used. The word "pentameter" indicates that a line has five of these "feet".

________________________________________________________

And this is a picture of a cat with some sort of fruit on his head.

Shakespeare

2010-01-26T19:39:00.001-08:00

So i was in my Shakespeare 232 class a few weeks ago and it was the first week of winter semester and i felt extremely inadequate. I'm taking the class because it fulfills one of my last GE's and Shakespeare has always been someone i wished that i had an appreciation for and i wanted to be able to comprehend his writings.

During the student introduction part of the first day of class we we're asked to stand, tell everyone our names, home town, major, and favorite Shakespeare play. Really? My favorite Shakespeare play? I read the scriptures, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the mag, Rivals.com, and the sports section on oregonlive.com. I sat in the back (of course) so i was one of the last ones. Each student in the 40 person class was extremely intelligent. Nearly all of them were history, drama, or english majors and they were reciting lines and making insights regarding Shakespeare's plays that all just blew me away. These kids were SMART. They were drawing parallels out of plays that i wouldn't have noticed under ANY circumstances.

SO then comes my turn.

I stand timidly up with my sweats, hat on, and hood covering my hat and say...

Name: Michael
Hometown: Portland, Oregon (Go Blazers)
Major: Broadcast (hear a snicker from some nerd)
Favorite Play: At this point i just said, "Look guys, you all seem super smart and really well versed in Shakespeare. I'm not a big reader but I want to learn about shakespeare so don't judge me. So keep on making these comments cuz im impressed, but I'm kinda stupid when it comes to this stuff."

Everyone started laughing at me. It wasn't a laugh that suggested what i said was funny but that they were like, "oh don't worry, we already know you're stupid!"

The professor then said as he was laughing, "Thanks for the pre-warning broadcast."

What the hell? "Broadcast"? Ugh. Bad idea to take this class. I've already had to read "Othello, King Lear, AND Macbeth.

You know you've hit a new low when you're getting made fun of by the drama geeks. Ouch.

I don't make comments in that class. I sit quietely, occasionally playing scrabble on my iphone.

The ONE thing i don't miss about England.

2010-01-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

In England they have "Chavs." Chavs are the scum of the earth. They live freely off the Government. They're between the ages of about 12-18 and they are impossible to miss in England. EVERY city in the UK has them and the bigger cities have tons. There is no equivelant to them in America whatsoever. They all wear track suits, some sort of nike or adidas hat, tuck their pants into their socks, and spend all their money on burbury and Mcdonalds or KFC. They are missionaries worst nightmare. They spit, they cuss, they fight, they heckle. If you didn't have countless awful interactions with Chavs, you were an office missionary. If i had a nickel for every time a chav called me a bible basher and asked me to fight him, i'd have a helluva lot of nickels.

They travel in packs. They love soccer but they suck at it. In the summer time, no matter how fat or skinny, they'll have their shirts off.

Girls are chavs too. Once i was on Southampton high street and a 15 year old chav took my badge off my suit coat and put it down her shirt and told me the only way i could have it back was if i reached down and got it. I said "No." She called me a "batty boy" (homosexual in england) and then broke it.

They watch America's MTV and idolize 50 Cent and Eminem and try and emulate gangs.

Urban dictionary describes them as:

- Chavs are retards who think that they're rebels and also think that their local McDonalds is a 5-star restraunt.

- Male chavs wear clothes and jewelery which come from a market, they have a attitude problem and smoke since the age of 11.

- Female chavs wear tight trousers and when they sit down they're thongs show, have fake blonde hair as straight as an ironing board or they have the "croydon face-lift", they lost their virginity at the age of 14, they have a attitude problem and they have really really bad teeth.

- Chavs also use stupid words such as "safe" or "mint" or "y'wot?" or "quali'ee" or my favourite "innit" what are they trying to say?, it's like trying to communicate with a dog.

- They are the scum of the earth...need i say more????
_____________________________________

Here's a video that will give substance to my descriptions.

Missin the Missionary in me and the Kooks

2010-01-26T17:45:00.001-08:00

Every now and then i have a day where i ONLY listen to music that reminds me of my mission. Truth be told, when i hit my 20 month mark in the mission field in London i was absolutely ecstatic to head home. I still worked hard til' the very end but i had that thought of getting off the airplane and seeing my family and returning to normalcy in the back of my mind constantly. Any missionary that tells you he or she doesn't, is lying. The mission is hard. VERY hard.

(Compare The Beatles in Plymouth aaannnnnnnddddd.....The Elders in Plymouth. I'm second from left)

London was difficult for me. People aren't too kind or accepting of the gospel over there and the Lord did his very best to humble me in several various areas. Couple the constant humblings, the barrage of saliva darts lodged at my face, consistent swearing by teenagers, the knocking on doors for 6 hours a day in the pouring down rain, and the oft homesickness, i was ready to get the heck out of there and back to my friends.

I can honestly say that being back with friends and family was everything i hoped for. It felt soooo freakin' good to be free again. To see and do the things I had missed out on for the last two years: basketball, football, golf, girls, movies, music, staying up past 10:30 and sleeping in, etc.

BUT as of late there have been certain things that I've missed like crazy. I miss the guys i served with and it sucks cuz i don't get to talk to the english ones pretty much ever (Howells, Buckley, Casper). I miss telling a chinese person (in chinese) that i can speak mandarin and seeing how shocked they are. For some reason, i miss knocking. Alllll the amazingly awkward Dinner Appointments and Teaches. I just miss England. No way in hell i'd go back and do it all again but I would love to visit.

SO

Cuz i've been missing it, here are the songs I've been listening to today, to bring me back. Most are english bands that I like and also because the accent makes me happy. Listen to them. All of them...please. K, bye.

Brilliance

2010-01-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

Newton Faulkner...lyrics below

Every time I think of growing up I find out that I just slipped back,
I got it all wrong you know I,
Feel younger than I did when I was younger on a backwards track
I thought by now I could have figured it all out instead I'm further back,
Feels kinda stupid but I,
Feel 16 in my head but I guess it's only 5 years back

But I won't see the signs
it took so long but you were always on my mind, yeah,

For all the times I've tried to take a little time out for myself,
I'm just growing all alone again
But I find in my mind that I'm not.
Time is running out and I just want to say I'm sorry now,
Before I'm all alone again, and I'm broken and cold
The ageing superhero in me is tired
Because he's lived too fast for too long
and he still longs to be inspired

I feel old, feel broke feel cold and I can't fight back,
It sounds so stupid I,
But it's gone, this train won't run,
Guess it must be the track
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

But I won't see the signs
it took so long but you were always on my mind, yeah,

For all the times I've tried to take a little time out for myself,
I'm just growing all alone again
But I find in my mind that I'm not
Time is running out and I just want to say I'm sorry now,
Before I'm all alone again, and I'm broken and cold-

But I won't see the signs;
it took so long but you were always on my mind, yeah,

For all the times I've tried to take a little time out for myself,
I'm just growing all alone again
But I find in my mind that I'm not.
Time is running out and I just want to say I'm sorry now,
Before I'm all alone again, and I'm broken and cold
The ageing superhero in me is tired
Because he's lived too fast for too long
and he still longs to be inspired

Sorry.

2009-12-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since i've updated. In large part that I've been ridiculously busy. I have a long break ahead of me and I'll update everyone on my life. For now though, i have just one thought.

--> I've been told i attract crazy girls. I look back on my track record and for all of you that have said that, maybe you're right. Or maybe (due to recent events) alll girls are crazy. Yep, that's it.

(expletive)

-Michael

pretty remarkable.

2009-11-15T00:21:00.001-08:00

have a listen.

2009-11-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Devoted Readers and adoring fan club,

Michael is busy this week. Very busy. Thus the blog will not be updated but this one time. I am putting on a couple of the songs i've been listening to today on my ipod. If you love me, you'll listen to them.

p.s. If you have cable you should watch me on true blue this week. This wednesday at 4:30 MOUNTAIN TIME, comcast channel 21 if you're in utah, otherwise i don't know. It's KBYU so everyone, no matter where you are, should have it if you have some sort of cable or satellite.

K. Music time. K, bye. I really like these songs. K, seriously. Bye. Thanks. K, bye.

First Song - "Welcome to Heartbreak" - Kanye West feat. Kid Cudi
- My favorite kanye song of all time. Amazing that he uses Cello's and other orchestra instruments in his music and these lyrics are interesting. The end is my favorite part.

Second Song - "On the Wing" - Owl City
- They sound a lot like Postal Service, which is good because I love anything Ben Gibbard touches.

Third Song - "Face Drop" - Sean Kingston
- This video is amazing. He's really fat but he's ok with that. One may say he embraces it! Anyways, don't just listen to the song, watch the video cuz it's entertaining...especially when he's telling the girl off on the swimming pool.

Fourth Song - "Hero" - Regina Spektor
- From the movie "500 Days of Summer." I really REALLY like piano in music. Plus this movie was really good.

The Grouch

2009-11-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

As I've said, i have an extremely broad taste in music but lately it's been allllll rap and hip-hop. I've just been in the mood for it constantly. A lot times I make fun of the rap game just cuz so many of the lyrics are either ridiculously uncreative or amusingly crude. But I still listen to it because i love the beats and the rhythm...especially when I'm on campus. This song that I'm putting on here is called, "Breath" by the grouch. He's an underground guy from Oakland that I used to listen to a lot in high school. His lyrics are actually really creative and impressive and the beat just makes it all the more sexy.

Here it is.

A day in the life.

2009-11-03T09:15:00.001-08:00

A day in the life of Mikey B. Yesterday was one of the busiest days of my life BUT i enjoyed every minute of it. I like being busy, especially when I'm being productive as well. I'm exhausted but at the same time I feel good. As you scroll through my entry, listen to "Good Day" by Nappy Roots. I challenge you to NOT bob ur head or dance a bit. It's impossible; the song is THAT good.

6:15 AM: Wake up and let out my morning groan. I woke up this early because I have to produce the news for BYU Daily News and have to be there to get started at 7:00 AM.

6:10: Take a bath. I struggle to take showers in the morning because I'm normally too tired to stand up.

6:30: Put on my clothing, wore yellow shoes and purple shirt, then realized I was

wearing Laker colors so I changed to my green shirt (Duck colors...holla).

6:47: Get in my car and head to school. Running late cuz i fell asleep in the bath tub. (Very

common).

7:02: After parking and walking up those freakin' steps by the duck pond and then into the brimhall building, i get on cnn, ksl, deseretnews, and abc4.com, to decide which stories to include in my newscast.

8:00: My producers (classmates) show up and I assign who writes which stories and what format.

8:35: Got hungry so I bought these fancy crackers. They have peanut butter AND cheese filling. My two favorite things.

8:55: My teacher/executive producer Chad Curtis yells at people.

9:00: Chad Curtis yells again.

9:02: Still going.

10:00: I'm struggling to meet deadlines for writing headlines. No matter what I write Chad Curtis seems to shut it down.

10:05: Do a write up about the about the Pentagon offering H1N1 vaccine to cubans at detention centers. I write, "If you're struggling to find the coveted H1N1 vaccine here in Provo,

you may want to jump the next plane to Guantanamo

Bay!" (Chad Curtis doesn't like it).

11:00: Begin run-through for the news. It's a rehearsal for the live telecast which goes on at noon.

11:50: Put on my headset and get ready to produce. I keep track of time, i have to communicate with floor director, anchors, and others. I basically run the newscast.

11:55: Begin to get kinda stressed . Anna says comforting things. Chad Curtis doesn't help when he looks at me and says for probably the fifth time, "The success of this newscast is completely reliant on you!" (Thanks.)

12:00 PM: On the Air!

12:15: So far so good! No mess-ups but Erika is in my ear constantly freaking out. I tell her to activate her non-crazy self. She does....for 3 minutes. Then crazy again.

12:25: Almost done!

12:35: Show is over and we're now having the post show meeting. I thank my crew (reporters, photographers, anchors, AP's, etc.) They won't stop applauding me...typical.

12:40: Power nap in the library. (I only had 5 hours of sleep)

1:00 Meet Devin for quick lunch.

1:30: Study for quiz for my 2 o'clock class.

2:00: Head to class, Professor Campbell announces there will be no quiz. I raise my hand and tell him I have a midterm to take, then have to work and if I can miss class.

2:00: He says, and i quote, "No problem, you won't miss the quiz."

2:3o: Head into testing center to take midterm.

2:31: Get a text from friend in two 2 o'clock class that says Professor Campbell decided to give the quiz.

2:32: (Mutter expletive)

2:33: I swear the professor is like half retarded. Dude is soooo disorganized.

2:35: Begin Test

3:30: See that i got an 80% on the computer screen. (meh)

3:40: Get stopped in Brimhall to sign up for a mentor. I say no but then i notice they're handing out free candy. I sign up.

3:45: Arrive at JFSB to pick up my camera man for my weekly True Blue story.

3:57 Run to indoor practice facility to get footage and do interviews for story on the girls soccer team: "A season in review."

4:00 Arrive JUST in time.

4:30: After getting footage, my camera man (actually woman) Sally, sets up for interviews and I interview two players and the coach.

4:35: One of the girls I getta interview is sexually attractive. I gaze at her with much delight.

4:36: I find out she just turned 18. (Mother would never approve)

5:00 Finish interviews.

5:05: Can't find keys

5:10: Find keys.

5:15: See this guy dancing on campus. There was no music and he didn't have an ipod in. Just dancing for all of campus to see. I chuckle cuz he's wearing white pants.

5:30: Put a suit coat on and change my shirt and drive like hell to Crestwood apartments to then drive to Salt Lake to help a first semester 325 student cover the Jazz vs. Rockets game at Energy Solutions Arena.

5:40: Get into "Brendans" car. He's from Omaha, Nebraska and really knows sports. He can keep up with me so the conversation is riveting.

5:45: He likes the Huskers. I respect that.

5:55: We listen to Kanye West and Taylor Swift. Ohhh the irony.

6:35: Arrive at Energy Solutions Arena, get our press passes, and head down to the press room for quick dinner.

6:36: Enjoy pasta, chicken, soup, and cheescake. Sit at a table with two Chinese guys that act as Yao Ming's translators. I speak Chinese with them and they get excited and try and convince me to go to China this Summer to teach English.

6:40: They really like me so they ask to take a picture with me to show their families. Kinda weirded out (they're like 50 years old and male) but i agree.

6:41: I'm handed a business card by "Bill." (His American name)

6:50: Get to the floor and while Brennan gets warm-up footage i take pictures of Houston Point Guard and Oregon Duck alum, Aaron Brooks.

6:52: Also get pictures of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. I hate the Jazz but they were both on Team USA during the olympics so i give props where props is due. Notice how Carlos Boozer is looking right at me.

7:00: Brennan gets to film the game on the floor and i log tape for him on press row.

(Pathetic that there is so many open seats just two minutes before the tip-off)

7:30: Aaron Brooks looks good. He scored first 7 Houston points.

7:40: Houston has a TINY starting line-up. Their starting Center is 6'9 Chuck Hayes (Yao is hurt) and the Jazz don't utilize it and settle for outside jumpers.

8:00: Nearly halftime, Jazz up 51-50. Rookie Chase Budinger is legit.

8:10: Halftime. Go back to media room for more cake and see Tracy McGrady walking the halls in street clothes cuz he's injured. That's the first time I've really been star struck when seeing an athlete (it's freaking Tracy McGrady!) He looks right at me and I nod my head as if to say, "What up T-Mac."

<--T-Mac bammin on BYU's "finest," Shawn Bradley. The 7'6 stormin mormon has been on dunked on more than any man ever should.

8:10: T-Mac looks away. Didn't even acknowledge me. He must have something in his eye.

8:25: Back to the game. Houston goes on 10-0 run

8:27: Members of the Salt Lake media tell me that this is going to be a long season for the JAzz

8:30: Houston Extends lead, fans begin to boo.

8:35: Chase Budinger is RAW.

8:50: Worst I've ever seen the Utah Jazz play. The Rockets are plagued by injuries which is sad. Only thing more sad is the Jazz Defense.

9:15: Game over. Houston wins 113-96. More than half the crowd was gone by the 2-minute mark.

9:20: Everyone blames Boozer. Seriously though? You let a under-sized, injury-depleted, and fatigued Houston team shoot 50% on you on YOUR home court and the fans blame ONE guy? Scapegoat. Classic Jazz fans.

9:30: Go into Houston Locker room for interviews. Interview Shane Battier, Chase Budinger, and Aaron Brooks.

9:40: I ask Aaron Brooks how such an under-sized team put up 113 on the road against the Jazz? (He finished with 19 points, 9 assists)

- Sidenote: Brooks is 5'10 and 161 lbs. (tiny for the NBA)

9:41: This is amazing, I'm interviewing Aaron Brooks!

9:42: On camera i tell him I'm from Portland and ask him if he watched the Oregon game on Saturday. He smiled ear to ear and said, "Hellll ya i did and it was a thing of beauty! We killed USC and if i recall we ALSO beat Utah earlier this year so what up now Salt Lake?!"

9:43: That was awesome.

9:50: Head back on the court to take a picture and also help Brennan film a stand-up for his story tommorrow.

10:30: Head back to Provo. Listen to Kanye the whole time. CD of choice: "Graduation"

10:46: Laugh at lyric when Kanye says, "You know the kids gon' act a fool when you stop the programs for after school, an' they DCFS some of 'em dyslexic, they favorite 50 cent song, '12 Questions.' " (For my older readers, the song by 50 cent is actually called 21 questions.)

10:50: Brennan knows every Kanye lyric on this 18 track album. With the combination of sports knowledge and Kanye love, I think I have a new friend.

11:15: Get back to Apartment and say hello to Devin. We crack jokes.

11:30: Start cleaning for tomorrow's cleaning check.

11:45: I'm cleaning the blinds. Really? Blinds?

12:00 AM: Put on music to clean to. You guessed it, Kanye. "808's and Heartbreaks" album. I really wish he wasn't such an idiot cuz i LOVE his music.

12:30 AM: Do a little homework for quiz tomorrow in my comms 360 class.

12:35: Tell Devin about the wiener mobile i saw on the road. Nothing like a giant wiener speeding down the highway.

1:00: Get into bed and have traditional pillow talk with Devin. He's frustrated with his Physics class!

1:30: Devin falls asleep but our roommate Jon somehow thinks playing his electric guitar at 1:30 would be good idea. I get angry, send angry text.

1:35: He stops.

1:40: Jon has a bad cough or something and every 30 seconds he sounds like he's become bulimic while in reality he's just trying to clear his throat. It's the most viol noise I've ever heard.

2:00: Can't sleep so i do homework and watch sportscenter until 3 AM. Glad the Phillies beat the Yankees but it's just prolonging the inevitable: Yankees and A-Rod will win it on their home field tomorrow night.

3:00: Fall asleep knowing I'm only going to get 4 1/2 hours. (Devin and I are waking up at 7:30 to finish our cleaning duties before my 9 AM class)....mutter expletive.

Sidenote: It was 65 degrees and a beautifully sunny fall day yesterday. AMAZING.

-fin-

___________________________________________________________

A survey of sorts

2009-10-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

Pictures: Me and Me with Nephew.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 9:00 AM and i had a sore throat...again.
2. How do you like your steak? medium well...with some stank on it.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Ummm i saw Invention of Lying with Anna, Thorn, and Devo. Sucked.
4. What is your favorite TV show? Sportscenter, duh.
5. What did you have for breakfast? I dont eat breakfast..breakfast eats me. Whatever that means...
6. What is your middle name? Thug Nasty.
7. What is your favorite cuisine? It flip flops between mexican and chinese. Both cultures are very skilled at cooking stuff.
8. What foods do you dislike? There are many foods that make this list. I don't like beats.
9. What is your favorite chip? Chili Cheese Fritos
10. Favorite dressing? Cheese.
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Toyota 4runner with a OREGON sticker on it.
12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans, zip-up hoody, and vans to match.
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? Back to London.
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Both.
15. Where would you want to retire? Portland, Orygun. I put on for my city.
16. Favorite time of day? Sunset time.
17. Where were you born? the 503.
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Hard to say. I like balls. So anything with a ball im pretty in to. K, basketball.
19. Favorite Halloween costume? I used to be a teddy bear like every year.
20. First CD or Tape you bought? Bust a bucket by the trail blazers!
21. Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi...unless its in slurpee form.
22. Bird watcher? Seriously? No, i dont watch birds.
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? night. I like to boooogie.
24. Do you have any pets? I had a goldfish once but it died in a week. It was named Grendel.
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Im back on the wagon.
26. What did you want to be when you were little? Fire engine.
27. What is your best childhood memory? Halloween. SO....MUCH....CANDY.
29. Beer or Margarita? Orange Julius.
30. Always wear your seat belt? No i don't. Stupid i know, but i too like to live dangerously.
31.Been in a car accident? You betcha boots.
32. Favorite day of the week? "It's Fridayyyy Craig."
33. Favorite restaurant? PF Chang's.
34. Favorite Flower? Begonias...its a funny word to say.
35. Favorite ice cream? Anything with peanut butter. Im still REALLY into peanut butter. You heard dat mitch?!
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Wendy's!
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? None. Zero. Zilch.
38. From whom did you get your last email? John Canzano
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Nordstroms...i like jeans :-/
40. Bedtime? Whenever sleep overwhelms me.
41. Songs you last listened to? "I can transform ya" -Chris Brown feat. Lil' Wayne and "No envy, no fear" -Joshua Radin. Very different songs but both solid. Weezy and Chris Brown's video has some pretty tight effects.
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Mitchell Vest, Thorn, and others. Applebees Karaoke night!
46 What is your favorite color? green. Lets go Ducks!
47. How many tattoos do you have? 17. But all hidden in various crevices.
49. What time did you finish this quiz? 3:20
50. Coffee drinker? No sir/maam

Jumpy Legs and Vengeful Enemies

2009-10-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

I went to bed at around 11 last night which for me is pretty early. It's honestly the first time i can remember being in bed before midnight in quite some time. Each night in our room as we're about to fall asleep, my roommate devin and i have pillow talk (not as homo erotic as it sounds i promise). We talk about girls, boys, and music, you know the usual. Lately I've had what i call "jumpy legs." I can't lay still and i feel like i have to run a marathon. This is normally followed by me jumping over to devin's bed and letting out a series of inaudible screams and yells as i try and punch dance out my jumpy legs. Maybe I'm growing? I've had a lot of soreness lately and I'm always hungry. My friend anna (shout out...holla) thinks I'm pregnant cuz the other night i absolutely HAD to have ice cream and i had an intense pickle craving. I'd like to think I'm growing, if i could hit 6 ft id be completely irresistable to the ladies. Buuuuuut at 23? Not likely. (expletive).

Anyways, i wanna share a story from last week. I walked out to my car from my apartment complex on a rain soaked tuesday morning and when i got within about 10 yards i smelled one of the most rotten and just disgusting smells ever. As i got closer there was a NASTY, old, and rotten pizza, face down on my windshield and smeared alllll over my hood. Also, there was some sort of relish that covered the driver side of the car. As i uncovered my windshield, there was a note under the left windshield wiper that read, "People don't forget what you and your friends did freshman year you a$$hole." Wow. That was FIVE years ago! Whatever we did, it must've been bad for someone to be that angry. Anyways, i have an extremely sensitive gag

reflex so the five minute drive to the car wash was long and painful and i had to get out like 6 times for fear i was gonna vomit.

I've got two midterms this week and a story to submit for True Blue so I'll be in the library. When i study i need mellow music SO the songs of the day: "A Poem on the Underground Wall" and "Kathy's Song" by Simon and Garfunkel. Also, "Cant go back now" by The Weepies and "Your hand in mine" by Explosions in the sky.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV4_tcqqfbo

Probably the happiest i've ever been

2009-10-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

I'll come right out and say it. Last year flat out sucked. It started out promising but when the summer came around things just took a turn for the worst. I tried my luck as a door-to-door salesman and although i was somewhat successful, i hated my life and being a solicitor was honestly one of the worst ideas of all time. Selling companies are especially prevalent in Provo because the majority of the male student body has or will serve missions in which they'll knock doors to spread the gospel for two years. SO, companies come and prey on innocent return missionaries and throw huge promises of $$$ at them but more often times than not, these students don't even come CLOSE to seeing the fruits of their labor. Instead they're rewarded with four months of humid heat, slammed doors, and copious amounts of disappointment and regret. I sold eight hours a day for four months and i came home with a nice healthy check of $2,132. Not quite the $25,000 i was hoping for and what the "average first year sales rep" reportedly makes. I was the #1 rep in the Portland office as well, so there were about nine guys that made even less than me. As Kanye said, "Welcome to heartbreak."

BUT, i tried to take away positives and learn

from my experience and make the most of that hard earned 2k.

I just felt really unhappy for a period. I didn't like who i was or the person i was becoming, i hated how i felt, and i just wanted to move back to drop out of BYU, move back to Portland and do nothing. I had so much hatred towards this girl that it brought me shame. I kept talking to her though. Coupled with other current circumstances in my life, i just wasn't in a good place. A. I couldn't forgive her. B. I couldn't forgive myself.

Things took a turn for better when i went home to Portland this past summer. I was finally starting to get past it. I started dating a different girl who is seriously one of the best individuals i've ever met in my life and possesses SO many phenomenal qualities that i wish i

had. Things between us didn't work out but she really is amazing and i hope she knows that. I also got closer to my family for some reason, especially my parents. I just always wanted to be

around them and i found this new added appreciation for them. They're remarkable people and it's a lot easier for me to write that instead of vocalize it. My mom says i always sound sarcastic when i vocalize compliments so she can't argue with this eh? HA. My parents are my biggest fans. They are amazingly supportive in everything i do. 100% and completely cliche BUT i wouldn't be where i am today without my parents.

I formulated new friendships during the summer, i had a good job, i had a great calling in the church, and i was slowly but surely not thinking about Voldemort. I know if i want to progress, i need to forgive this girl. I struggle SO much though. I cared for her deeply and treated her amazing and that's why it's so hard for me to understand how she could treat me the way she did. I still struggle with it and i have days that i get texts from her and my heart pounds, my palms sweat, and i almost get dizzy but the other day my friend michelle who is pretty aware of the situation sent me an amazing quote that helped tremendously:

(Michelle)

"Understand that you are not condemned to being stuck in your past. You are not JUST your past. Sure, that's part of you, it even helps define you and inspire you but it's entirely up to you whether your past acts as an anchor or a launch pad. Make the choice: you can choose to play the victim, and stay the victim, or you can change the script."

Pretty bomb huh? I know what i need to do, it's just a matter of doing it.

Anyways, I've made an effort to be happy since I've been back at BYU. Again, it's cliche, but in many ways happiness is a choice and I've decided to make the most of everything and see the positive in every aspect of my life. Honestly, at this moment in time i think I'm the happiest I've ever been. I have an abundance of blessings in my life.

<--Blessings-->

- Great education in which I'm a broadcast student

-Amazing family

- New nephew

-Baby steps to dream job

- Supportive and spectacular friends (thorn, graydon, devo, diddy, danny, michael, brian, phil)

- I interviewed brandon roy, L. Aldridge, and Greg Oden last week

- Testimony

- Confidence

-Candy

-Health and well being

-Music

- Blazer Season is just around the corner!

- College football is in full effect and Ducks are #11:)

-MLB playoffs (good GHANDI do you not just love fall?)

Honestly, my life is amazing. I'm 23 years old, I've got support wherever i turn, I'm talented, I'm confident, my temple recommend is in my back pocket, and I know the sky is the limit. Life of mikey b, drink it in, it allllwwwaaayyyys goes down smooth.

Rant: Daily Universe

2009-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

I like to rant. I´m good at it. If there´s a sports opinion that i hear and i disagree with, i don´t hesitate to voice my displeasure. I think that´s why i need to join Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser on ESPN´s Pardon the Interruption, i´d be good. I know i need to be more accepting of people´s opinions but there are some things that get me going and i can´t help but go a little crazy. Take for example last Wednesday´s issue of BYU´s newspaper, ¨The Daily Universe.¨ Sports columnist Seth Stoker wrote an article entitled, ¨Support your school, not their´s.¨ In this article, Seth describes a visit to Texas Tech earlier this year and noticing the abundance of TT apparel worn by students. He proceeded to voice the opinion that at BYU, there are too many students who wear apparel from other college athletic programs other than BYU. He goes on to say that, ¨It´s embarassing and disrespectful.¨ He calls it an abomination and a punch to the face for those who represent the university. He proposed that students not be allowed to wear ANY other collegiate apparel aside from BYU.

RIIIIIDICULOUS.

Really?! "An abomination?" I wrote a letter to the editor and it didn't get published so I talked to the guy in person. He's in two of my classes so it wasn't hard to find him. I tried to calmly explain that i didn't come to byu for the athletic program. I came here because i was the only LDS student in my high school and wanted to be surrounded by people with the same values as me. I came here because i knew it would give me a great opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a sports broadcaster. Byu is GREAT school and I've recently decided i love it here. Just because i go to a school does that mean i should abandon my 22 years of loyalty to the Oregon Ducks? Should i be rebuked and reprimanded for wearing my UO shorts and t-shirt on campus? Spare me. It would be one thing to consistently and vocally criticize the athletic program on campus. I admit, thats disrespect BUT simply wearing a t-shirt does NOT classify as "a slap in the face."

(Disgruntled NON-Byu fan. Hilarious, but yes, disrespectful)

<--Texas Tech) I looked it up. 80% of Texas Tech Students are from Western Texas (site of TT) so of course they'll have more pride in their university Byu students come from allll over the globe and they don't come for the athletic program. I love my Oregon Ducks, my friend Graydon loves his Oklahoma Sooners, and my buddy Devin loves his Ohio State Buckeyes. We'll wear our teams apparel with pride. Especially considering we PAY to come here. I asked the named columnist if i was allowed to wear a blazer jersey at a jazz game. He said, "Of course, if it's your team and you paid for the ticket, then why not?" Hypocrite! The Ducks are my team (since when do i have to go to a school to like a team?) and i pay to attend byu so i'll do as i please. Mormons across the nation love byu sports and MANY of them don't/didn't go to byu so should they not be allowed to root for the cougars? I relish the fact that I stay true to my local teams, Ducks, Blazers, Mariners, etc. What do you call a Yankee fan that lives was born in southern california? A frontrunner. What do you call a byu fan that grew up a Wildcat fan and is from Arizona? A conformer. I refuse to conform solely because i go to a school. Byu has a solid athletic program and I'm not gonna hate on em but I'm also not gonna abandon my teams.

Seth didn't back down. He stuck to his guns. I respect him for that but still, ridiculous article.

-Fin-

Random Facts

2009-10-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

1. I'm very much a homebody. I love nothing more than being at home with in my hometown of Portland, Oregon with my family.

2. When i was little i dreamt about playing in the NBA but then i realized that id always be short so i then aspired to be a sports broadcaster.

3. I'm a sports reporter for BYU daily news. My dream is slowly becoming a reality:).
4. Im an emotional all-outer. At times il be extremely hyper and happy and then others il be pissed off or sad. I have reasons tho, i don't have unexplained mood changes.

5. I served a mission in London, England and although i didn't think i would, i miss it like crazy and really wanna visit London.

6. Im the most loyal friend you'll ever have and if you're loyal to me il do anything to make sure you're happy.

7. I'm slightly addicted to candy and by slightly i mean COMPLETELY. My fav's include Mike n' Ikes, Starburst Jelly Beans, Sour Patch Kids, and Purple Skittles.

8. I have the most broad music taste of anyone you'll ever meet. I'm currently listening to Imogen Heap and next up is Tim McGraw, then E-40 then The Temptations.

9. I'm pretty weird.

10. I have an absolutely phenominal memory. I can remember what you were wearing the first time i met you and what you said, when your birthday is, etc.

11. I don't know what i'd do if i didn't have sports in my life. I eat sleep and breath them.

12. When i set my mind to something and want it bad enough i normally get it cuz i do absolutely anything and everything possible to accomplish it.

13. I'm kinda scared of relationships

14. I contend that "Hot Rod" and "Stomp the Yard" are two of the greatest movies ever made.

15. I have extremely strong opinions and i love to argue...especially if it's about sports.

16. I have a pretty unique sense of humor and it takes a bit of getting used to but most people think i'm pretty funny.

17. I love singing and sing constantly no matter where i am. If i'm in my car i won't shut up and i'll probably be dancing as well. I really like to dance.

18. I used to aspire to be like my brothers but now i wanna be me and i like the fact that i'm so different from them cuz it makes me feel independent.

19. I'm really injury prone. On my mission i broke my nose, blew out my knee, spilled bacon grease and had 2nd degree burns on my hand, had double ear infections. Then when i got home broke my hand, needed minor foot surgery, cut my foot open to the bone, and the list goes on...

20. When im on campus you will NEVER see me without my headphones in and chapstick in my pocket. Oh and you'll rarely see me without my hood up during the months of October - March.

21. I make 30 minute brownies in 20 minutes.

22. I have a journal that i write in very regularly...most people dont know that about me.

23. I attach myself to people, places, etc. without hesitation. I give a lot of myself and don't hold back. Even when i know the result is gonna suck i don't change cuz i live in the moment and rarely think ahead.
24. I have a hole in my chest. My family calls it the bullet wound. I dig it.

25. Unless it's late at night i will ALWAYS yell "Helllloooo" when i walk into my house in Portland. Its a habit that has existed since i was in Pre-School. I can't not do it.. I'm v

5'9 1/2 from Portland, Oregon, #9, Michael Bodmer

2009-10-18T22:40:00.001-07:00

K so I've been wanting to start blogging for a while but amidst an extremely busy work schedule, a never ending load of class work, sports, and somewhat of a busy social life, i haven't had the time. I love writing and i love attention as well so this seems like the ultimate hobby right? Let's just hope it's a popular blog, I'm gonna make it, "a blog for the people" not like those fat cats upstairs.

Sports

Above all, this is my passion. There is nothing i can't watch, nothing i won't play, and nothing i don't light up when getting the opportunity to discuss. Since i was 5 years old i wo

uld put up a mini basketball hoop on my door in my

room and listen to the Blazer games on the AM 1190 KEX and try and mimic what i heard on the radio with my little nerf ball and fisher price mini hoop. I loved the excitement, the intensity, the competition

,and the sounds. Listening to those games remained a passion til my mom ponied up the dough for cable television when i was 15. FINALLY i gotta watch my team but I'll always remember listening to Bill Schonelly and Brian Wheeler every October - May.

I'm not just a blazer fan. Favorite

teams/Players:

1. Blazers

2. Oregon Duck Football and Basketball

(love LOVE UO football)

3. Seattle Mariners

4. Indianapolis Colts

5. Tiger Woods

6. Andy Roddick

7. LOTS MORE

I'm a broadcast journalism major a BYU and I love every minute

of it. Becoming a sports broadcaster has always been a dream of mine and I'm slowly but surely achieving it. I've covered byu basketball and football games, jazz games (hate the jazz btw), and I currently work for KBYU broadcasting and report for a weekly sports show called True Blue. I can't picture myself doing anything else and I know I'm going to be successful because I want it bad enough. I'm confident I have the talent and the drive for it and I'll do whatever it takes to get what i want.

Music

Another one of my passions.

One of my biggest regret in life is that i didn't learn to play an instrument when i was young. I can play a few things from memory on both piano and guitar but i wish i could read notes and perform. I'm overwhelmed with jealousy when some kid at a bonfire pulls out a guitar and effortlessly pulls out some jack johnson, john mayer, death cab etc. I normally make fun of this guy while in reality im just green with jealous rage. If i could play or sound like anyone it would be paul simon and art garfunkle. Both are amazing and although wayyyy before my time, I listen to them frequently.

Some of my favorite bands/artists:

Mae, The Format, Joshua Radin, Coldplay, Kanye West, Talib Kwali, Owl City, Something Corporate, John Legend, We the Living, Shiny Toy Guns, Journey, Simon and Garfunkle, Bob Dillon, Atmosphere, Ne-yo, Regina Spektor, THIRD EYE BLIND, Dispatch, Motion City Soudtrack, The Kooks, Zion-I, Relient K, and sooo many more.

My ipod is always on and has more than 7,000 song on it. On the rare days i don't bring my ipod to campus, i can't function properly. Music has this keen ability to say or express things that I'm unable to. I've got about 60 different playlists, each has a specific theme, and most appeal to a specific emotion.

FAMILY

My family is unique. I'm the youngest of 4 and h

ave two extremely loving, thoughtful, and wise parents. Erin is in Cincinnati with her husband John and 3 little daughters, pete is in Portland with his wife Kitta and brand new baby boy named Case. Then there's Drew who's a PA in Arizona with his wife Danielle. I love them all but we're all extremely different people with a wide variety of different interests and hobbies. A good sense of humor is evident in all of us but that's about it. All are return missionaries and have at one time or another, helped me

along the way and played a vital role in my progression. Without my family i would never have served a mission and my two years of service in London, England has been the most pivotal and important experience in my life.