#100 Meet Someone Famous

Hey everyone. I want you to meet my half Japanese brother. His name is Paulo Nagamura, and he is famous... well, sort of.

This summer Josh, Aaron, and I were able to go to the Major League Soccer All Star game against the Everton Soccer Club from the English Premiere League (that's one of the best leagues in the world). We saw world class footballers like Landon Donovan, Kasey Keller, Tim Howard, Louis Saha, and Tim Cahill play. I personally was hoping to get the chance to talk to one of them, but only had the chance to see them play. However, at the "Carnival Royal" prior to the game we were able to meet and get autographs from a few of the MLS players. That's how I met Paulo. I know it's a bit of a stretch to call Paulo someone famous. Only a few people probably know who he is, but he is a professional athlete nonetheless.

I suggest going to a soccer game at Rio Tinto Stadium sometime. At max capacity there are 20,000 screaming fans cheering on the hometeam with drums and all. That has been one of my favorite experiences from this past, eventful summer.

#32 - Visit These Places: A Fort

This one was pretty simple. On our way back home from Flaming Gorge we stopped at Fort Bridger to witness the fort. It was pretty great.

#39 Be a Genius

There are some very intelligent people that live in Park Place #1. None are smarter than Robert and Bob. This video shows how they are geniuses. Robert gives a lesson about fucoidal quartzite and Bob gives us a history lesson about Thornberg the Dog.

#56- know who your friends are

I have been thinking alot about this one. I think that friendship is one of the most important things we as human beings need. It gives our lives joy, and meaning. Our friends, at least in my experience, give us insight into who we are and what we can become. At least true friends do this. I know that I have had friends, and still have friends who have taught me the goodness that I am capable of, and what a good influence I can be. I think if we could fulfill the goal of knowing who our friends are, we only need to ponder how the people we consider friends in our lives make us feel. True friends don't make us feel we have to prove anything, or change who we are. No, true friends help us to truly be ourselves, and help us feel like we belong regardless of our weaknesses and shortcomings.

This being a blog run by a group of dear friends, I think it would be apropos to talk about all the "weasels" (excluding myself since I'm writing this). First off there is Josh Thompson. Josh and I have often been mistaken for brothers. We are quite a bit alike. We have similar personalities, similar senses of humor, and similar appearances. I think the only big differences we have are our political views, but we still are dear friends nonetheless. Josh has always been one to plan and organize the fun stuff we all do. He has planned two trips to Flaming Gorge, several parties, and countless other things that have helped make life more fun. I think that if it wasn't for Josh, and his leadership skills, our group of friends may not be as unified as we are.

Robert Kitteridge has been my roommate since I moved up to Logan. I consider Robert one of the kindest, most considerate people I have ever met. I have never heard Robert gossip or complain about anyone. He serves others so selflessly. Robert is also a very cheerful person, and is always there for us whenever we are having a bad day. Anyone who has Robert for a friend knows that they are friends with someone who is true and sincere to their very being.

JJ Miller and I both share a deep passion for fly fishing. I can't tell you how great it feels to have someone who wants to go explore fishing holes, and discover new spots with bigger and better fish. JJ always cheers me up. He reminds me of a teddy bear, which I mean in a totally non gay way. He is just such a lovable guy. I was in doubt if JJ would be my roommate this summer, but when I found out he was, I couldn't get over how excited I was.

Jason Jacobsen has always been willing to share with others. He is always cooking some scrumptious treat. Jason is a bit quiet, so I am still getting to know him. I do know that he has been a great roommate and friend in our group, who is patient with us and is a great giver.

I wish I could say more. I feel that what I wrote is inadequate to express how beatiful and holy my life has been up here in Logan because of the contributions of my friends. I can't get over how much meaning friends put into our lives. I think one of the most difficult things in life is when we have to leave the good times and good friends we made as our life changes. I know I miss friends from high school, snow college, and the mission. But one thing I've learned is that God will always bless us with more friends in each chapter of our lives. I will be in Logan for a while longer, but I do know that when my friends and I part ways up here, it may be one of the most difficult things of my life. I do know though that the friends I've made up here, be it my roommates, the girls next door, old roommates, church friends, friends in my social work program, and everyone else are in my mind eternal friends, who mean so very much to me!

#62 - Cook a Meal

This one is pretty simple, and one that all of us have accomplished. The picture is of a meal that Bob, Robert and I made on our trip to Flaming Gorge this past weekend. This one wasn't too complicated, it's a Mountain Man breakfast. It consisted of a dozen eggs, three potatoes, half a package of bacon, one pound of sausage, a dozen slices of canadian bacon and cheese. This was a particularly great meal, and the only one we've actually documented. That's why this one was chosen for the blog. MMM-MMM TASTY! Oh yeah, it was made in a dutch oven too, that adds quite a few flavor points.

#54 - Be a Daredevil

I would like to start off by saying that there are many aspects to this item on the list. First, I was a daredevil by not wearing a shirt and swimming in the lake. There are many fisherman who have heard of the mystical Lake Whale, and I risked being harpooned. Second, I later found out that the jump that I made was illegal. I was about to take another jump when some nice rangers came by to let me know that it was against the law to jump off any cliffs taller than ten feet. I don't know if it really matters or not that I didn't know it was illegal, but for the sake of the post, we'll assume that it made it very daring. Third is just that I was jumping off of a cliff. That's probably the least daring of the three things, but hey, the summer is winding down and we've got a lot of different things that we need to get done. Enjoy the video.

#97 - Learn to Take Great Photos

On our trip to Flaming Gorge this past weekend we had the opportunity to learn from someone about taking great photos. Her name is Carol Aldinger. She taught us a little bit a about taking great photos and then took us on a little hike on the Red Canyon rim and showed us some of the different wildflowers.

These are the things that she taught us:

1. Shoot during the Magic Hour: 1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset

2. Rule of thirds: Divide picture area into a tic-tac toe grid and put the horizon line on the top or bottom 1/3rd line.

3. Change your elevation.

4. Frame your shot for perspective and use lead lines to guide the eye.

5. FILL YOUR FRAME. Get as close as your equipment, and the subject, will allow.

6. Include signs.

7. Backlighting can give dramatic shots of trees.

8. Tuck in your elbows and support camera with the left hand under the lens.

9. Equipment isn't as important as "seeing". If something causes you to look at it twice, it's asking you to take it's portrait.

10. Wildlife doesn't hold still. Be patient and wait until the critters look at you if possible.

You can see her website at http://www.naturalvisions.org/

Some of the photos that we took from that little walk are posted at http://picasaweb.google.com/spunkyjt/97LearnToTakeGreatPhotos#

I personally don't think these are that great, but I'm sure with practice they'll get better.

#67 - Build the ultimate sandcastle and have fun in the sun

Building a sandcastle during the summertime is not a particularly difficult thing to do. We simply headed up to Bear Lake, found a beach and built this sandcastle. The thing that makes this sandcastle particularly impressive is that we built it mere hours after having had a snowball fight.

#99 - Be Vegetarian for a Week

This was one of the items on the list that I was particularly interested in doing. I've never wanted to be a vegetarian, but I thought that it might be something that was kind of challenging. I started on Sunday July 5 and ended on the 12th. It did not turn out to be too difficult. I discovered that about half of my diet consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches anyway. After having tried vegetarianism for a week, I ultimately decided that I would not like it. It's just so much easier to cook when you are able to use meat as the main dish.

#66 - Have a snowball fight and fun in the snow

This is one that we thought we might have a little bit of trouble accomplishing. We, however, are warriors and found some snow. On July 11, we drove up to Tony Grove Lake and then made the four mile hike to White Pine Lake. Unfortunately we did not bring our snowboard goggles and gloves, but we did find a substantial amount of snow. Here's the video:

#6 Touch These Creatures

Today we held a burial service for Steve McJackson. On July 7, 2009, Steve tragically left this world when he flew into our neighbor's window. A lengthy and drawn out service was presented in his memory, in which mourners shared memories, musical numbers, and tears for their beloved friend. Those in attendance were Sam, Becca Jo, Jason, and Robert.

In life Steve enjoyed eating birdseed in our front yard, flying high, and pooping on my car. He was flying high (or low) up until the moment of his death, and he is still flying high in the life to come.

Steve is (probably) survived by several chicks and eggs.

We had to touch him in order to put him in the casket, so we're going to count that as #6 on our list, but actually, Steve touched each and every one of us. His memory will forever live inside us. Anyone wishing to express their condolences may come and visit his grave at Park Place #1, underneath the "Leaking Tree."

Do Something Nice Without Being Asked Follow Up

I saw this video today and thought that I would share it. It also illustrates well the idea of doing something nice without being asked. I'm not advocating illegal graffitti obviously, but I think that this shares an important message. There are people out there that are hurting. Most of them are not in hospital beds or have and IV stuck in their arm. Doing something nice for someone always helps. Anywho, off of the soapbox. Enjoy the video.

Birthday Poetry

For the party on Tuesday, Bob decided it would be a good idea to have a poetry competition. Well, Bob was wrong. It wasn't a good idea. It was a terrific idea! I've decided to post the poetry so that everyone can be reminded of the poetry that was written and so that those who weren't there can enjoy it as well. There are no names associated with these poems, so if you would like to take credit, please do.

A Birthday Friend

Summer night

Friends celebrate

Josh beams.

Gifts pile

Box wiggles

Present unwraps

Puppy jumps

Fur stroked

Wet tongue

First kiss

Hearts warm

Tail wags

Happy dog

Birthday friends

Enthusiasm Poem

(To be read yelling and making the shape of the letter with your body)

Give me a J!

Give me an O!

Give me an S!

Give me a SHUA!

What does that spell?

(Follow with awesome leg kick)

Untitled

Sunday naps are great

even better than a date

An ode from the drunken

Get up and dance you pansy pants!

The night is young and free!

Come join my inebriated mindless rants,

And feel my endless glee

I know I spilt my beer on you,

But there's no need to fret,

We'll meet up later for a rendezvous

At the local laundromat!

Poem

Josh Thompson is the one

He makes livin' a lot of fun

Josh is not very strange

In fact, it would be said that his talents have no range

He is so cool

He aint no tool

He's so cool if he were a pea

He'd be 2 peas can't you see.

Everyday I see Josh

It makes me wanna dance

And put on my pansy pants

So let's take this special day

And celebrate the Josh Thompson way.

Untitled

Josh has been a very good brother

and as a roommate he is like no other

He wears white socks

and thinks he's a fox

We should all thank his mother.

Untitled

Fresh baked cookies are really sweet

Just like the person I'd like to meet.

They are not strange,

I like them this does not change.

I'll eat them all day & fight away the ants,

Because I'm no pansy pants.

I'd buy them no matter what the fee,

so give me a shout out to Double P.

Fresh baked cookies are really sweet,

just like being in Josh's presence as we sit at his feet.

Known Among Men as. . .The Josh

When he laughs he turns red.

His cooking'll make 40 turn blue.

But he's still very sex.

Untitled

The time has come

To spank your bum

You can't run from this fun

We'll line up and whack you dumb.

You might bleed and we know you'll plead,

But from this fun you can't run.

From 1 to 10 you'll cry a bit,

From 11 to 20 you will fidget

Once we finish your true years,

in the end it'll be all cheers.

So at this time don't you pine,

Just you smile and watch the line.

And remember, next year

To invite less people.

Josh From Nantucket

Josh is a man from nantucket

He sits all day on a bucket

He is very sweet;

and quite a treat.

Josh is THE MAN from Nantucket.

Untitled

One Summer evening I happened upon a party for Josh Thompson

I was pleased to see delicious food but what put me more at ease

was to hear that Josh Thompson has turned 23.

I wished him well, and as my fate fell,

I write this poem before I bid farewell.

Happy Birthday Josh Thompson

World Peace

All in Darkness

Black...Boom! Boom!

Hear the screaming

All is lost...

Light is coming?

White...see see

Shouts of joy

It's Josh's day!

Kissing Someone You Like

One eye opened, one eye closed

hoping not to bump a nose

Door step smile, is that a hint?

Where are my altoids, spearmint?

Looking in those sparkling eyes.

Ahchoo a sneeze - a bad surprise

Running away as fast as I can.

Maybe next date we weill just hold hands.

Josh's Birthday Suit

Take off your boot,

We'll give you some loot,

We want to see you in your birthday suit!

Don't be shy,

You're quite fly,

You're our #1 guy!

Little do you know,

You've let it all show,

And we've decided you aint no ho!

Well you're quite cute,

You got the body ta boot,

So let's see you trot that birthday suit!

Toilet Paper

Oh toilet paper

I love you here,

I love you there,

You stand beside me

At the chair

One ply or two

You're there through and through

Wheneve I've got

Something pressing to do

O my friend, little friend

How I love you

Oh toilet paper

I trusted you,

To stay in my home

But now that you've gone

I feel so alone

My small quilted friend

To this bare bitter end

Now I sit here for hours

Wondering how to begin

Oh my friend, little friend

How I miss you.

Blind Date

Blind date, blind date

Will it be fate

Jump up, jump down

Wait this guy is a clown

Running fast, running quick

Please don't kiss me on the lips

Shaking hands it will be

This guy is just not for me.

Better luck on my next date

Dating Josh, Bob's roommate.

This next one is a song that Mami wrote for the party:

Happy Birthday Josh

Happy Birthday Josh

You're everyone's favorite friend

because you are friendly, kind & sweet.

Thank you for being who you are.

You are a great example to those around you.

Wishing you a happy birthday.

#71 - Do Something Nice Without Being Asked

I've kind of been looking forward to this one. I have the best group of roommates that anyone could possibly ask for. They've all done several nice things this summer without being asked.

Jason often cooks meals for all of us. He has also made ice cream for us without being asked to do so. Robert often cleans up others' messes without being asked to do so. I was filling my car up with gas the other day as well and while I was doing that Robert washed my windows. He didn't ask or anything, he just started doing it. JJ also cooks occasionally and will offer us a sweet potato or to partake of his maté. Bob threw me the most prolific birthday party a man could ever ask for. The funny thing is, that as this post is titled, I didn't ask Bob to throw me a birthday party. He just did something nice without being asked. The video attached to this post is from that party.

There have been lots of great things that people have done this summer without being asked. It really makes a person smile. Give it a shot! I know that there are maybe four people who ever check this blog, but hey, you four should do something nice for someone. Do something small. It may make someone's day.

#42 April Fools Someone

This one was kind of fun. Obviously April Fools' Day does not fall within the summer months. We are however full of wonder and merriment and tomfoolery. We do not let silly limits come between us and our goals.

We decided that it would be appropriate to actually April Fools someone within the apartment. We borrowed a cardboard cutout of Legolas from Lord of the Rings from out dear friend Loni and Amber with the idea of scaring Bob Lloyd. The video will explain the rest.

#48 watch these films-Forrest Gump

So anyways, Yesterday I had a whole lot of spare time. In fact I have had a whole lot of spare time all week. There is a list of films we need to see. The list in the book seems quite lackluster to me. There are some good movies, but some of the movies on the list are actually quite boring! You know how some movies are considered "classic" but that's because some stodgy film critic says it is? Well there were some of those on that list. Forrest gump was on that list though, and while I was out and about supporting our local library, I saw that they had Forrest Gump. So I watched it. I must say that is one awesome movie. How could a movie about a dim witted southerner be great? Well dim witted people are great, heavens knows I'm a dim wit sometimes. It seems when I'm dim witted, life becomes more magical, and I find myself much more happy and content. I don't think about things too much. I also like Forrest Gump because Forrest has a darn good heart. I like how he unconditionally loves people, in spite of their shortcomings. I mean honestly, who in their right mind could possibly love Jenny after how she treated Forrest and herself. Heck if it was me I would drop Jenny like a sack of rotten potatoes, and find a girl who won't turn into a playboy model/coed/disco girl who snorts cocaine/stripper and every other thing Jenny was. There was also alot of history in this movie. What a turbulent time that 20th century was! And Forrest contributed! He taught Elvis to dance, met JFK, LBJ, and Richard Nixon (whom he inadvertently overthrew) was an all American football player, won the congressional medal of honor, started a shrimp company, and all sorts of other things. Great movie.

#94 See Your Name in Print

We knew this one was going to be a bit tricky to accomplish over the summer, so we decided to get creative. We went to a place called the Pie Pizzeria, home of the 23 inch pizza. There we were able to write our names on the wall and complete this task. We saw our name in "print" afterwards. We were sure to leave our mark, The Mustelidae, for all to see.

#76 Learn to say useful phrases in other languages

We did this one with the help of our friends Seiko and Jamie. Becca Jo is also there learning with me. Seiko taught us the words in Japanese, Jamie taught us stuff in Swedish and I tried to remember some spanish to teach everyone else. Arigato Seiko Chan!

#3 Make an Origami Crane

Folded paper poultry is my specialty.

#16 Make a Swear Box

Now that the NBA finals are over, we decided that now would be a good time to implement our swear jar. The concept of the swear jar is simple yet profound; if you swear, you pay the jar. Penalties are set at a dime for curses found in the Bible, a quarter for those not found in the Bible, and five dollars each time the 3rd commandment is broken, or the F-bomb is dropped. We still haven't decided where the change in the jar will go at the end of the summer. We're thinking either a charity or breakfast at McDonald's for the least cursive of the apartment.

#82 Skpping Stones

Well, honestly we all already know how to skip stones. So for this one we decided that it would probably be okay to just go out and skip a few stones and see what happened. Loni and I went for a little bike ride down to the river just south of the golf course to one of my favorite stone skipping spots here in Logan. It was quite the adventure, I hope that you enjoy.

#18 Win Somthing

Since the summer has begun luck has been with us. I started off the summer by winning tickets to see The Eagles in concert at Rio Tinto Stadium. I won them in a text off. I'm proud to say that I was able to text better than the 14 year old girl who was there. It was a great show, one not to be forgotten. Mr. Joe Walsh showed us all why we shouldn't use drugs even if he is still an incredible musician. So that was good luck number one.

Shortly thereafter, I was on my way to work. I heard the DJ say, "OK, we've got those Blue Oyster Cult tickets to caller number nine at 752-0095." I promptly took out my phone and dialed the number, only to hear on the radio that caller number nine was already there. The DJ asked for him, but somehow the connection had been lost. The DJ then asked for caller #3 to play Fact or Bullcrap. I already had the number dialed in, so I called and got through! I won the game and will now be going to the BOC concert next week.

The List

Here is the list of the things that we are going to do this summer. They come from the book 101 Things to Do Before You're Old and Boring. This book was a one month anniversary gift to all of us from Robert Kitteridge (one of our roommates).

Well, here it goes:

1. Send a message in a bottle
2. Run up an escalator the wrong way
3. Make an origami crane
4. Learn how to tell when somebody likes you (and when they don't)
5. Keep a dream diary
6. Touch these creatures
1. Mice
2. Butterflies and Moths
3. Birds
4. Worms
5. Snakes
6. Spiders
7. Frogs
8. Fish
9. Some sort of Bug
7. Prepare yourself for fame
8. Learn to play an instrument
9. Play a computer game to the end
10. Have an embarrassing moment, and get over it
11. Get your school involved in a world record attempt
12. Paint a picture good enough to hang on the wall
13. Learn to whistle (and make other noises)
14. See a ghost
15. Fart and Burp
16. Make a swear box
17. Act in a play
18. Win something
19. Make a T-Shirt
20. Stay up all night
21. Sleep all day
22. Invent a secret code
23. Learn to do a card trick
24. Grow something from a seed
25. Start a collection
26. Help save the planet
27. Turn back time
28. Learn to do a party trick
29. Climb to the top of a mountain
30. Make a one minute movie
31. Host a party
32. Visit these places
1. A safari park
2. Carnival
3. Fort
4. Theme Park
5. Farm
6. Aquarium
7. The Countryside
8. Another Country
9. A capital abroad
33. Learn to bake a cake
34. Hide a treasure and leave a map for friends to find
35. Learn how to ask someone out, and how to dump them
36. Start your own blog
37. Write lyrics for a song
38. Make a time capsule
39. Be a genius
40. Take care of an animal
41. Learn to like these foods
1. Broccoli
2. Shellfish
3. Lettuce
4. Brussel Sprouts
5. Carrots
6. Smelly Cheese
7. Coconut
8. Peas
42. April Fool’s someone
43. Do something charitable
44. Teach your grandparents something new
45. Invent a new game
46. Go as fast as you can
47. Make your own buttons
48. Watch These Films
1. THERE ARE TONS
49. Read These Books
1. Who can say Cliff Notes?
50. Pretend to be ill convincingly
51. Save your allowance for a month and spend it all at once
52. Learn to swim
53. Succeed at something you’re bad at
54. Be a daredevil
55. Invent a new trend
56. Know who your friends are
57. Plant a tree and climb it when you’re older
58. Start a band
59. Camp out in the backyard
60. Learn to live without something you love for a week
61. Join a club
62. Cook a meal
63. List the things your parents say they’ll tell you when you’re older
64. Make your bike or skateboard look cool
65. Learn to juggle
66. Have a snowball fight and fun in the snow
67. Build the ultimate sandcastle and have fun in the sun
68. Take part in a TV show
69. Make a scene in a public place
70. Spend Christmas in another country
71. Do something nice without being asked
72. See your music idol perform live
73. Have a sleepover
74. Become a spy
75. Watch a tadpole grow into a frog
76. Learn to say useful phrases in other languages
77. Make your own greeting cards
78. Hold a garage sale
79. Build an igloo
80. Start your own secret society
81. Research your family tree
82. Learn to skip stones
83. Dye your hair
84. Lobby your local representative
85. Write a story and get it published
86. Sing in front of an audience
87. Learn to use long words, and drop them into conversation
88. Blame someone else
89. Learn to stick up for yourself
90. Get from point A to B using a map
91. Send a Valentine
92. Have your own plot in a garden
93. Build your own website
94. See your name in print
95. Make a unique milkshake
96. Glue coins to the floor
97. Learn to take great photos
98. Drive something
99. Be vegetarian for a week
100. Meet someone famous
101. Decide what you want to be when you grow up