Contemplation Synopsis

Yep.

2009-09-09T17:52:00.003-07:00

*small chuckle. Quite the change from my last post.

This theatrical production is going to take up a lot of your time. I guess I finally get what I deserve: a drop on the priority list. 35 days and I won't even be on there at all. I'm sorry I made/make this so complicated . . . . .

*half-content sigh

2009-07-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Brayden loves his Tanika. :)

Interesting

2009-06-17T21:59:00.002-07:00

I think I've figured it out, with much help from Lindsay:

Unnecessary loneliness sucks.

:D

2009-06-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Armenia. :) Hehehe.

Continually Learning

2009-05-30T23:32:00.002-07:00

Ya know, the past few days have really been great! I should post more happy stuff on here more often, but I just don't really get around to it.

The thing I ask myself right now is:

When am I going to learn that she doesn't coddle?

I hope I can learn it soon.

*sigh

(Mission Call next week . . . hopefully . . . . )

Leaving . . .

2009-05-27T08:29:00.002-07:00

Within the next week or so, I'll get my mission call. Hopefully I leave sooner than later.

Then I can live my own life, serving the Lord.

The first two years of my adult life will pass, and I know they'll be tough, and then I can come home, and start my own life, all for me.

I'm really starting to get tired of this whole "living at home" thing.

Life . . .

2009-05-20T14:48:00.003-07:00

. . . . is all about learning to get used to disappointment.

I guess, in the past, I was so oblivious to everything that I didn't realize most things are disappointing.

This sounds really cynical, I know, but I'm allowed to be cynical right now, because I've been trying to find a job since before we went to Hawaii, and since then, I've sent out about a bajillion resumes, had three interviews, and been declined thrice. Unless you could the bajillion resumes not contacting me a decline, in which case I'da been declined a bajillion and three times.

On happier note, my mission papers go in today, maybe, and if not, for sure tomorrow. Maybe as soon as I have my mission call things will be a little more stable. Yet, I highly doubt that for some reason, since the adversary is trying to work on me. He's doing a d*** good job at it too. I wish he'd just leave me alone.

Patience. Patience. Patience.

I wonder how many times I have to type patience before my mission call comes. We could try it! . . . . Patience. Patience. Patience. Patience. Patience. Patience.

And now "Don't Stop Believin' " came on. Cool. Good song.

Patience. Patience. Patience. Whoa, I just totally had a flashback from my childhood. I used to ALWAYS do this when I was upset: write the same word that I have having a struggle with over and over. Expect I'd do it on paper. And for some reason, I remember it being pretty effective and therapeutic. Actually, I'm already starting to feel better.

(5 minutes later)

Okay, I'm done writing this post. :P My diarrhea of the fingers was somewhat successful in helping me feel better.

Send Me On My Way

2009-05-12T07:08:00.001-07:00

I've probably posted this before, but here's a repeat:

On my way ( 12 times)

I would like to reach out my hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
You know what they say about the young
Well pick me up with golden hands
Oh may see you, Oh may tell you to run
You know what they say about the young

Well I would like to hold my little, hand
I will run I will. I will cry I will.
I would like to hold my little, hand.
I will run I will. I will cry.

Send me on my way, on my way

This is my latest song craze. If you scroll down to the bottom of my blog, you can listen to it in the music player. I love the folk feel it has to it, but there's also something special about this song. Hmmm.

Mission Call

2009-05-11T16:33:00.002-07:00

Today, I thought I'd have some fun on facebook, and change my status to "Brayden Santo has been called to serve in the Atlantis, Atlantic Ocean Mission!!!! I knew I had to be scuba certified for a reason!"

Lemme tell you how entertaining it's been: ummmm, if I were to say "extremely," it would be the understatement of the decade.

These are comments I've gotten:

Where in the world do you wet suit that look like church suit?

awesome! congratulations Brayden! :D

Are you serious?!!

well, I guess I was right about you having to learn a language...I don't suppose the speak English there.

COOL!! CONGRATS!!

It's been really funny, 'specially telling people I'm going to have to learn the latest form of Atlantiean Sign Language.

On a more serious note, I'm hoping to have my call within the next month. My papers will go to Salt Lake in about 12 days, and then it's 1-3 weeks after that when my call comes.

Now if only I could find another job, life would start looking up . . . .

I don't try . . .

2009-05-11T16:02:00.001-07:00

to be obnoxious, or annoying. Really, I don't. I'm just me.

Am I obsessing unhealthily?

Allergies

2009-05-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today was my worst day of the year so far. Hopefully it doesn't get this bad again.

Allergies suck, man!

And I'm only going to bed early so that I don't get sick . . . . :-/

Brilliant Ideas

2009-04-30T13:14:00.003-07:00

1. Writing a ficition novel based on one of the Sons of Helaman. I don't think it's been done yet.

2. A computer mouse with a built in speaker. I don't think that's been done yet either.

Also: Some type of exhaust energy generator, that me and Christina are going to develop after our missions.

It's That Time of Year!

2009-04-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

MLeh. Hayfever *sniff.

I didn't sleep well last night, hardly at all, actually.

By the way, if anyone knows of a company looking to hire someone short-term (part-time), go ahead and let me know. I'm looking for a new job.

Yay, for life!

My mission creeps ever closer . . .

(No Title)

2009-04-08T05:55:00.001-07:00

I'm masking most feeling right now by listening to a lot of the music I listened to in Junior High School . . . . Interesting . . . .

Send Me On My Way

2009-04-07T22:56:00.002-07:00

That's the song I'm listening to, it doesn't really have any significance. But at the same time, maybe it does. At least in those words.

Next week, I'm going to Hawaii for a week, and it's the week before finals. Honestly, I'm a bit worried, and I'm hoping I'll be able to pull it off. I think I can if I focus really hard. I don't feel as much pressure as I did when I was trying to graduate, but it still is pressure.

Hopefully soon I'll be able to get my mission papers in, as well. And send me on my way there. Every week, I go to my mission prep class, and Brother Smith gives us scenarios that just make me grin. I'm so excited to go . . .

In other news, band tour was excellent! I was glad for all the new friends I made. Right now, I'm feeling quite tired, and I'm not sure how I'm gonna pull of a 15 page research paper on Cirque du Soleil, but tomorrow I'll talk with Stacy to see how I can flesh it out. I'm particularly hungry right now, but I'm not going to eat anything because that's not healthy. I also need to start working out again. I've been slacking on my push-up and sit-up routine.

School's out in two weeks (basically) and I'm hoping I'll be able to pull off the GPA requirement for my scholarship. I'm also hoping they'll hold my scholarship, even though I'm getting my call so late after summer/fall registration. But I know that whatever happens is supposed to happen. I can always appeal before the school board, worst case scenario. But since school's going to be out soon, I've been looking for another job to pick up. I need something that will be fine with me working for only a few months, but something that pays halfway decent. I'm still keeping my job at Lekson, but I'm just under $3000 short for my mission, and I could easily pick that up (and a little extra for saving) in working a month full time for over $10.50 an hour. Maybe I'll do some freelance stuff . . . who knows . . .

Every second a second passes, and every 60 seconds a minute passes, and time continues to fly by. I'm trying my best to enjoy life, and have found that applying the principles I've been reading in "How to Win Friends and Influence People," really help to make me feel happy. So do the principles in the Book of Mormon. I'm striving, especially now, to complain less, and serve people more than I serve myself.

I often pause to look with my eyes, and occasionally what I behold is truly amazing. (Maybe I'm just turning this blog into a regurgitation of what's been going on in my brain for the past howeverlong. It is midnight, anyway.) All too often I take advantage of my senses, and I think my humanities class has really helped me to look around.

The song has changed now (actually long ago) to 99 Red Balloons. I don't really have much to say about it.

The other day, I had some flashbacks from my childhood. Living in Bogota, Columbia, as well at St. Louis. I'm not sure why I had them, but it was fun. And I'm pretty sure this post is just turning into a reason for me to stay up. But I don't really care, because I don't.

*laughing

Man, I'm going crazy. Life is great. And I've got tons of stuff on the mind! Is this what it's like to be an adult? It's not that I'm complaining, because somehow I enjoy it. Maybe I'm just tired. Maybe I should go to sleep. At the same time, I've seemed to forget how therapeutic blogging can be! I should probably start writing in a journal again, but for the longest time, I posted just about every day on this blog, and I kindof counted it as my journal.

Boy . . . . I can't wait for my mission. 143 days to the big one-nine.

Weekend

2009-03-22T10:00:00.002-07:00

Wow.

That was hard.

Still counting down the days . . . 160 days, 6 hours, 56 minutes, but hopefully sooner than that . . .

Or, only about 230816 minutes.

Clocks keep ticking, and I'm trying to enjoy every second of it.

After A 99 Day Hiatus . . .

2009-03-13T19:25:00.002-07:00

. . . I'm back. And blogging. :) It's been about 142,560 minutes since I posted last, and, due to popular request, I'm gonna start blogging again. Actually, it wasn't such a popular request, just my English professor. No one actually seemed to miss my blog, but today in class, Stacy said that I was lame because I stopped blogging, and I told myself that when someone complained that I was gone, I was gonna start posting again. So there you are Stacy! Not so lame anymore, am I? ;)

ANYWAY!

Let's see . . . . Life has drastically changed since I last posted. Lemme go look at my last real post. *goes to look. Ah ha! It looks as though my last post was about my new job! Which isn't so new anymore, but I'm still loving it. Take my word for it, doing tech support for a product that rarely breaks and basically works itself is a great thing! I'll be moving on in a few months though, because I'm currently in the process of filing my MISSION PAPERS!!! :D Within the next several months, I'll receive my mission call, and be headed out!

Currently, I'm dreaming of Cirque du Soleil, going to school, playing in a cover band, doing the occasional magic trick to a random stranger, as well as working. I've also been taking an evening mission prep class on Tuesday nights. I'm ready to go, but I'll leave when I'm supposed to, and where I'm supposed to go. Tanika keeps me motivated and focused, and she's such a soul for doing it, even though I make her feel bad sometimes. Right now, she's what I needed, and I'm really glad that I have her. :)

Other than that, I take care of my frog, and try to watch out for my little brothers. My instrument collection grows larger, and I read my scriptures every day now! It's a glorius thing!

We just came home from Tucano's and I'm full of meat, so I'm gonna go digest now . . .

Finished . . .

2008-12-03T07:57:00.002-07:00

Well everyone, Blogging's been great, but when you don't post for a month, you know its starting to fizzle. I do like the layout of facebook though . . . .

Either way, I think I'm going to stop wasting my time checking this blog, so you should probably do the same. Maybe I'll start back up, and I surely won't delete it (I have way too many great posts here . . . .) but as for now, Contemplation Synopsis is retiring.

Thanks for reading! See you on facebook. . . . :D

This just about sums it up...

2008-11-03T08:19:00.003-07:00

My friend showed me this quote, and its pretty much how I feel:

Blogging: never before have so many with so little to say said so much to so few.

Hmmm, who to tag

2008-10-26T12:56:00.004-07:00

I see Mishy's idea behind this! She's tagging me cuz I havn't posted to my blog for so long. . . . heh heh, well, here's the 4th picture in the 4th picture folder on my computer:

This is a picture of my sister Lizzish, or Willow, or whatever else she likes to be called. :) I'm I have it becuase I like the memories from Scout Camp that it brings, and also that she cares for me. Awww how precious.

Anyways, now I tag ANYONE who reads my blog! *evil laugh

NEW JOB

2008-10-06T19:07:00.003-07:00

Anyways, the job search is up. I have a new job, and I'm very happy with it. I work for a security manufacturing company called JMC Global. Its pretty freakin' sweet. I start this week! :D YAY! *jumping for joy My life isn't so bad!!!

Money Hungry

2008-09-27T15:52:00.001-07:00

Recently, I've been really money hungry. I need to start saving for a rainy day (or my mission, probably both) :D Anyways, I've basically decided I need a new job. Any ideas?

Weird day

2008-09-16T22:10:00.001-07:00

Today. was. weird.

Like my facebook status said: Maybe I should leave this place . . . .

Memories

2008-09-08T06:03:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited, because today, my grandpa from Germany is coming. He hasn't seen our house for almost 9 years, no joke. He'll be here for 20 days, and its going to be so much fun. :)

Ummmmm . . . . .

2008-09-03T11:52:00.002-07:00

So basically, life is too crazy and busy to try and upkeep this blog. If there is anything more coming, it is strictly per chance, (and Steve did tell me that . . . haha, inside joke) ANYways, good luck to everyone, and keep reading. :) Take care everyone!

Camp Maple Dell

2008-08-13T21:09:00.003-07:00

Eventually one of these days, I want to post a nice long post about Camp Maple Dell, what I do there, and why I work there . . . .

Just a Test

2008-07-28T20:40:00.003-07:00

Facebook makes it much easier to upload many photos at once, so I think I'll continue my adventure on Facebook if their "share this album with a public link" button actually works. Here's a tribute to me, lemme know if you can see the pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005613&l=ca998&id=1053347938

Nostalgia

2008-07-25T16:25:00.003-07:00

*sigh, Well the past few days, I was able to go and visit my beloved Camp Maple Dell and spend some time with the staff (and scouts) there this week. Going back for even 2 days made me totally see what I missed out on, and now I'm a bit depressed that I couldn't/didn't go back this summer. It's such an amazing experience! Now, I'm a Knot Demi-God, and I'm glad I got to see my friends, but I came now and now I'm really nostalgic. I don't really know how I'm feeling. Happy? Sad? Grateful? Wishful? Tired? Excited? I have no clue. At least I'll get to go up for the last week of camp, as a real staffer. :) That is still two weeks away though, and anything can change in that time. :P Anyways, I just had to get this down on something, I'm really okay, I just don't know how I am feeling.

I had to . . .

2008-07-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

*laughing . . . . well, to cure my boredom today, I decided to create a Facebook profile for myself (finally!!) so yeah, you can find me now on facebook too, if you'd like. More pics to come soon too! Don't worry Jenna :)

Germany (Austria) Part 2

2008-07-05T20:06:00.005-07:00

After spending a few days in Munich, by ourselves, we had the chance to ride the train for a few hours over to Austria. It was an interesting train ride, involving passport mix-ups and much frightenedness. . . .

We made it to Austria fine, here are the pics:

These are a few (of many) of me being seriously and honestly lost in the Austria train station. I was also a bit nervous too. . . .

Europe gas prices! Now before you start whining about how high our prices are, remember that they have liters instead of gallons, and the the Euro is about 1.7 times the US Dollar. Can't do the math? Gas is about $8/gallon over there. . . .

The placard in front of Mozart's birth house. It was a bit unbelievable that he was born there, since it had just been freshly painted and remodeled.
Chane . . . defiling someone's grave. . . we aren't sure who. . .

Castle scenery

No comment . . .

A funny ad we found. Well, I found. And well, I thought was funny . . . Be glad I didn't photo some (many) of the others that we came across on our journey.

And with that concludes our day-trip to Austria, and we return home to Germany . . . Until next post! Thanks for reading!

Germany, Part I

2008-06-21T07:49:00.008-07:00

I'm not sure how many parts are gonna be in this series. . . I guess just enough for me to get lotsa pictures in, so we'll start with part 1, the trip over, and Munich , Germany. Prepare for photos.

Our flight left at 7:00 in the morning, which means you get to the airport at 5 in the morning, which means we got up at 4 in the morning. :) Me and Chane didn't really sleep . . . . Notice the glazed eyes on McKay.

Chane's glazed, but excited eyes . . .

After the flight to Atlanta, we had a few hours layover, and found this cool art exhibit that had animals made out of random "junk objects." Here is McKay petting the horse . . . (or so it seems...)

Our "perfect" aisle seat for the journey over the Atlantic. . . and into tomorrow...

The colors of the sunset were AMAZING as we flew over the ocean . . . my camera doesn't do it justice (plus the guy at that seat thought I was photoing him . . . *bites tongue)

We stayed in Munich for 4 days, and were all by ourselves. Over the course of the whole trip, we all got pretty good at just "bumming around," which is actually more fun than it looks.

Notice how clean the underground is . . . .

Funny story here: McKay's first encounter with "bubbleless" German folk. He was sitting alone when the college-age guys decided to join him.

Bumming around, and being tired all at the same time.

They have cool playgrounds. . . this thing was HUGE!!

Our first "Real German Meal" which ended up being kindof confusing and a bit of culture shock. Ask my why sometime. :)

The view from an old church we went up in the tower.

Our teenie hostel room (not even hotel) :) I dunno how many times I had to slap Chane to keep him awake . . . sorry 'bout that Chane.

View of the Olympic Park

For all those girls (and boys) who are obsessed with the Stephanie Meyer series Twilight, yes, they do have them in Germany. The book art is a bet better there too I think . . .

Chaner on his bike, during Lenny's FREE Bike tour!
Our tour guide, who was quite crude, but still very good. He was an American: spoke perfect English.

This China tower is supposedly, like, the most famous beer garden in the world. Don't worry, we had Currywurst and French fries, no beer. :)

McKay fell asleep . . . need I say more . . . ?

The river goes fast enough that they have guys come and surf on it!!

We came across a really cool (HUGE) museum called the Deutches Museum, and its the biggest I've ever been in. Our tour guide said that if you were to spend one minute at every single exhibit in this museum, it would take you 33 days to see everything . . . . I wish we'd had more than 4 hours in there. . . .

A water attraction/eye candy at the museum.

This is a cross section of the main support cable that holds up the Golden Gate Bridge. The diameter was THIS BIG!!! *holds out his hands as far as they can go. I'm not even joking, it was as wide as my arm span.

This instrument was a prototype "Clarinet-Sax." Its a clarinet body, with sax keys and pads to fit . . . kinda weird. I wonder what it sounds like.

I was drooling ALL OVER this one. I'm not 100% sure, but rather 80% sure that these saxophone are some of (if not) the very first makes and prototypes of saxophones ever. When I went to look at the stamp (brand) they all said Adolphe Sax (who was the inventor of the saxophone. . . . ) So I was basically freaking out.

The museum was so big, they had full size ships, sailboats, and even sailplanes!

More bumming around, this time on some funky out, outside a pretty "official looking" government building. :S

And thus ends our journey in Munich. ( I think) Next post will be our day trip to Austria! Hopefully I can get these done a lot sooner so that peeps can see what I actually did . . . .

Anyways, thanks for reading, and keep(ing) checking back . . . blah blah blah
I'll stop typing now and hit Publish Post. . .

Reading Blogs. . .

2008-06-20T11:34:00.001-07:00

I think that rather than spending so much time reading blogs . . . I'll spend more time actually posting on mine. Or maybe doing something more productive. Why do I read blogs? *shrug

Germany Trip

2008-06-18T08:53:00.001-07:00

I am supposed to write a long blog about my Germany Trip, with photos included, but when I look at the 700+ pics I have on my computer . . . that task seems too daunting. . . . :S:S:S Hopefully I'll get around to doing something :)

A sad loss. . . .

2008-06-12T06:56:00.003-07:00

Although the Swiss team played very well last night, the turks still beat us. . . . :( it ended two to one, band the turks got their last point in the third minute of overtime. Oh well! I really am American, and not Swiss . . . ;) anyways, today we hung out at the Basel zoo, and now we are waiting for train to Geneva, where my uncle lives. More posts coming . . .take care!!!

As of this moment. . . .

2008-06-11T12:53:00.002-07:00

Right now I am caught up in sea of red. . . . of course, as everyone knows, I am in Basel, Switzerland right now, and as most of you dont know, its the European Cup right now and Basel is a host city (we just found out . . . . ) so upon our arrival, we were greeted by many cheers, and drunk people singing ¨olay¨ and waving the country flags of switzerland and turkey..... we decided to join in, so we bought hats for the team we wished to support, and walked around a bit with the swiss people (but didnt drink . . . dont worry . . . ) as of right now, we are winning the game with one point, but its raining cats and dogs, (and swiss frogs, (franks) ) long story . . . . and the field is practically flooded. So thats all im willing to type on this terrible keyboard. .. . for now . . . we will see what comes next.

And, girlfriends of my mom. . . pictures will come. . . soon . . . I promise . . . as soon as I get home hopefully.

Take care everyone!! More updates to come!!!

At home . . . Sortof

2008-06-06T14:52:00.002-07:00

Today was our first 'day' in Grafenhausen, with my dad's family. Tody we went to EuropaPark, which is basically the German Disneyland. Google it someday. . . its really cool. My Opa has a ladyfriend named Ingrid, and shes really cool. This is the happiest I have ever seen my grandpa . . .ever. Its very nice to see him so happy, espeicially since the time my grandma died two years ago. You know, it seems like it was only last month since I was here, lowering Oma into the ground, but it really was two years ago. We ate some authentic German food today, and then Rik came so that we could go shopping. The store has like all different Axe deodorant smells! None of them are the same, so it was crazy!! :D Now, we are sitting at his house, listening to classical music, and playing with his Sphinx cats, who are ugly, but have cute personalities. I think I bought about $140 worth of goodies today . . . which isnt near enough . . . :( oh well, we'll just have to see wont we. :D well, I am tired now . . . we'll go to sleep soon . . . :) *hugs

An Interesting Day

2008-06-04T12:38:00.002-07:00

Today was an adventure day, filled with many one-liners and adventures. It was our day-trip to Austria, and the first 'mishap' was the fact that both McKay and I forgot to grab our passports before we got on the train. . . so we've been worried all day that we wouldn't be let back into Germany. Thats the ULTRA watered down version, since I'm in an internet cafe where I only have a few mintues to type. . . . so yeah. . . we ran around Austria, saw some cool castles, ate Chinese food, saw Motzarts (I'm tired okay??!) house and yeah . . . I'll post more detail later . . . Take care! Tschüs!!

1 minute left

2008-06-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

I have one munite left to wrie a blog about Germany on this internet cafe computer. Germany is amazing!! I am safe and having a great time! I have to go how *hugs to everyone!!! :D:D:D:D:D

Graduation!!!

2008-05-31T07:13:00.004-07:00

Well readers, I am officially graduated from high school, which means that I am done with this VERY long chapter of my life, the very bane of my existence for the past 12 years. Maybe I'll post pictures later, but as for now, I'm leaving to Germany tomorrow, so you're lucky you're getting a post. :) Anyways . . . I just wanted to take some time and go through my memories (or whatever is left of them) through my schooling career.

Kindergarten:
All I remember was the "electric chair" which was where you were sent if you were naughty. I also remember that for some reason, I thought Velcro was poisonous.

1st Grade:
Half of my first grade was spent at Truman Elementary in St. Louis, Missouri. I remember that school being just as big as my high school, and my teacher's name was Miss Carlock. Weird. I also had weird friends, and we'd build big contraptions during indoor recess when it would rain outside. Then we came home to Utah, and I had Mrs. Kruitmoes. I remember writing all the numbers to 1000 and drawing dinosaurs out of numbers.

2nd Grade:
I don't really remember second grade. I think my teacher was Mrs. Clegg, and I think I remember getting the chicken pox and thinking I was gonna die. I also remember her reading us "the Bailey School Kids" stories.

3rd Grade:
I lived in Bogota, Columbia for a lot of 3rd grade, and was homeschooled, but when I was at school Mrs. Alsthrom was my teacher. I remember getting surgery on my eardrums, having amazing hearing and throwing a fit when all the kids laughed at me because I lost my spot in four-square. I also remember the class rat getting a tumor on its neck while it was at my house and us having to bury it when it died. My teacher also had this cool dog that was huge, and his name was Prince.

4th Grade & 5th Grade:
I can't really remember either of these. All I remember was that I had Mrs. Kruitmoes again, and that Mrs. B had a pet hedgehog that everyone loved because he was so cool.

6th Grade:
My teacher was Miss Crego, and she was freakin' awesome!! We did so many cool things in that class, including the school musical (Into the Woods. . . the junior edition), Colonial Fair, Medieval Fair, learning Italian, listening to music, etc. Just lots of cool stuff. I also remember making friends with Kevin Rodriguez, and Geoff Jakeman. At one point in the year, us three had a praying mantis for a pet, that we were sad when it died. . . . randomness. :)

Woot woot!! I'm halfway through this post!!!!
Continuing on:

7th Grade:
Junior High!! Woot! I was playing the clarinet, and taking 7 classes a day. I remember I got really sick in 7th grade, and had to have 2 surgeries in the same month. I also learned how to do the Rubiks Cube! Which is still cool now-a-days. I had a co-ed PE class, where I actually started to notice (and like) girls. There was a particular one that caught my eye, but I thought she didn't even know me.

8th Grade:
Switched to the saxophone! I'm glad I did too . . . :) hehehe I don't remember much of 8th grade.

9th Grade:
I remember I liked Audra. . . a lot. . . too much. Looking back, I also realize what a egotistical little 9th grader I was . . . hahaha, strange year, the 9th grade.

10th Grade:
I was now in high school, playing in both the top bands with mostly seniors. yeah! 10th grade was great fun. Thats about it, that I want to write for 10th grade.

11th grade:
I turned 16, and was able to date. And I took that girl who I liked in 7th grade on a few dates. The bands only got better, etc. etc. I don't feel like writing much for this grade either, since its when I started my blog.

12th Grade:
You all know whats been happening this year since I've been pretty good on my blog, posting stuffs. So yeah.

AND NOW I"M GRADUATED, and leaving to Germany in less than 30 hours!!! HOORAYYY!! I'm gonna miss my friends and family, but I'll try to keep in touch with my blog and e-mails, ish. . .
Good luck and take care everyone!!! :D

Cops

2008-05-28T19:29:00.002-07:00

I'll I'm gonna say is that I hate cops. . . . simple as that. I think the world would be a better place if there were less of them, and that law-abiding citizens like me would still turn out just fine.

I don't understand that while stores are being robbed, buildings are being vandalized, and people are being abused, raped and killed and yet, cops are simply out to give friggin' parking citations. Don't they have anything better to do? Oh wait . . . , I need to put that in statement form: They have EVERYTHING better to do. Maybe, instead of giving out tickets, you could catch those punks who think they can spray paint on buildings, or abuse their friends and family. Then you might actually be able to stand back, look at your work, and say "A job well done." But until you are actually helping the people who need help, stay away from me!

Psh! Violation 11 my freaking butt. I'm gonna appeal this one, because its absolutely ridiculous. I just hope that it won't be a waste of my time . . . since this system is so screwed up anyways, that it doesn't even work.

Well, I'm pretty much done venting with what acceptable to say online . . . .

College!!!

2008-05-27T16:12:00.003-07:00

Today, I went into an "Academic Adviser," becuase I had a registration hold on my record, and the only way to get rid of them is to change your major through that specific person. I went in, and she took my hold off, told me what classes I should be taking and sent me on my way.

Let me tell you:

I AM SO EXCITED FOR COLLEGE!! ITS REALLY HAPPENING!!! AND I DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING!!!! (sorry, gotta boast my pride a little bit, especially now, since I need a bit of an ego boost. . . )

I drove out of that place just grinning . . . knowing that I'm a great kid! No matter what ANYONE says!

Haha, thats all . . . . I'm just excited . . .

:)

Only days . . . and counting. . . .

2008-05-26T06:57:00.002-07:00

Hello Friends, Family, and random readers,

2 days left of finals, 1 day at Lagoon, Graduation, one day at work, and then I'll be on my way to Germany!!! I don't think this post, or even this blog can contain my excitement. I can't believe that in less than a week, I'll be leaving this country, with two of my best buddies, and we'll be unleashed into Munich, Germany to try and survive there. I don't speak fluent German, but enough to (hopefully) get us around. It'll be fun!!! AHHHH!!! I'm so excited.

Sometimes, I wish that leaving this country behind would take some of my problems and drama away, and maybe it will . . . .but I don't know, it sounds too close to wishful thinking for me . . . . I guess I'm just tired of being walked all over and not treated right.

And random thought, I'm so excited to go on the FREE BIKE TOUR!!!! And to ride on a fast train . . . I've never done that before. Man, there's so much I could talk about . . . but I don't want to take my thunder for later.

Well, there's a post for you . . . hope you're happy!

Only until Friday . . .

2008-05-20T06:13:00.002-07:00

Last night, Mom and I had a really long, but great conversation, about many MANY things. She asked me if I'd commit myself this week, to the last week of school and really focus and finish out strong, and in order to do that I'd need to implement some changes to my schedule. I agree with her. She said its only for this week though, only the next four days. So, I'm going to get serious, I might even seem distant (to some of you) and my texting, chat, and play time curfew is 9:00, so that I can be in bed by 10. I need to finish out this year strong, and I'm going to. Thanks for understanding . . . .

Yeah . . . .

2008-05-19T13:58:00.001-07:00

Ummmm what a semi-bummer Monday for such an AWESOME weekend! I think last Sunday (yesterday) was probably my favorite Sunday EVER!!! Woot woot! But yeah . . . Sometimes, I wish my mind wasn't such a wishful thinker. . . :P

One down, two to go

2008-05-18T13:22:00.001-07:00

After my talk in sacrament meeting today, Bro. Ko'kohnen (my home teaching companion) reminded me that we were going home teaching this afternoon, and that I was teaching the lesson. Oh joy! ;) So now, I'm preparing a "lesson" and then I'll speak once more tonight at graduation, as you already know. Yay! for being busy! It keeps my mind off other things . . . .

A busy week ahead

2008-05-18T08:34:00.002-07:00

If I can make it though this one week, then I'll be pretty much set. Pretty much. So anyways, Today I am giving two talks in church, one at Sacrament meeting, and one at Seminary Graduation (which is so weird that I'm graduating Seminary . . . does that mean I'm Seminary Valedictorian? ) Anyways, I have three band concerts this week, I have to edit a film for the Seminary, I'll have to work, AND on top of it all, I'm trying to learn German before I go to Germany in about two weeks. I want to just stop, and be lazy, and do nothing, but if I do that, my grades will slip, and the graduation I've been working so hard to achieve could possibly get lost. All I need to do is pass math . . . . . ANYways. . . here's just a little rant. Thanks for reading. have a nice Sabbath! :)

Photo Shoot!!

2008-05-14T14:32:00.005-07:00

So the other day, Mom "hired" Jenna, this lady who lives on my block, to take my senior pictures. We did some really fun stuff, and I love how the pictures turned out. I guess I'm supposed to say something about posting these online, that they are, like, her's or something. So yeah, thanks Jenna! You make me look so great! Pure Genius! :)

Santo means "Saint" (look it up! I dare ya!)

I like this one . . . its pretty cool.

These last two are probably my favorite:

I'll be billing Levi-Strauss for their new Jean Advertisement. . . .

So yeah . . . what else can you say?

AP Test

2008-05-13T09:07:00.003-07:00

Well, in but a few hours, I will be entering the testing room to take the AP Psychology test. I'm not really scared, nervous, anxious, etc. but actually relaxed. I feel like I've been adequately prepared (I scored a 5 on one of the practice tests! woot!) but at the same time, I'm wondering if I should do some last minute studying or not. I don't really know John Piaget's stages of child development, nor Erik Erickson's theories. I can't remember what chemicals do what in the brain, nor do I remember what the hippocampus does. . . :S oh well. I guess I'll just have to cross my fingers and hope I'll do as well as I did on the practice test. *crosses fingers. I can do this! I am prepared! I am AP!!! (And that was one of the cheeziest things I've ever said. Oh wow!) Well, I'm off now. Take care!

May 10th, 2008

2008-05-11T19:31:00.008-07:00

My last "formal dance" in high school was a success. I really had a great time, even though I spent most of the day with sophomores. Our day date was probably the shortest I've been on, but it was also a really great time. First we went to Classic Skating, skated around for a while, and then played some DDR (AHHH!! Too many notes appeared at once!!!) and then we swung by Jamba Juice. Chelsea, I think you ended up with the energy boost, because I surely didn't! :)

We dropped the girls off to get themselves ready, and I spent the next 3 hours doing basically nothing. Haha, I love that part of formal dances, while the girls are getting all fancy, guys don't really do anything. It's always fun.

Then we picked them up to take pictures. We were there at about 5:15, and there was NO ONE there!! It was so weird/cool to just get our pictures taken so fast. Then we drove down to Provo, to eat at one of my favorite Japanese restaurants: Tepanyaki.

The food was amazing, need I say more?

We got out of Tepanyaki REALLY early (earlier than we planned) and there was still about an hour before the dance would even start, so I suggested we stop at my house. So we did. My mom had my dad take about a million photos of us, which was fun, and (this is really weird, and totally NOT planned) we were ALL wearing green. After the photos, we vegetated on the couches while playing Super Smash Bros. in our formal wear. It was a blast.

(Sorry the lighting is a bit weird, my dad's camera takes three pictures at a time, each with a different light setting, which makes the picture a lot easier to work with in the photo editor. I just directly uploaded these, without playing with them at all in iPhoto.)

We left my house and went to the dance, which was really fun. Ya know, the whole dancing thing, loud music, friends, etc. They had an iMac there, with photo booth installed, so we took some silly pictures. *giggle yay for computer effects.

After the dance, we remember that Kim had locked her keys in her car, so after trying to unlock it by cell phone, we called the cops to come do it manually. By the time that was done, it was about midnight, but we still decided to stop at Krispy Kreme for doughnuts. After ordering the man asked, "Will that be all of this doughnut transaction?" and we drove forward and asked him if this was the "portal of goodness." Turns out it was, because he gave us our doughtnuts for free since we were a prom group! woot woot! Then we took the ladies home. And I drove the Mercedes home feeling pretty good about my "Senior Prom," to which I took a sophomore cheerleader. Weird. Cool, but weird. Anyways, I had a great time, and can't wait to see our professional photos! Thanks again everyone for making Prom a great time!

PROM!!!!

2008-05-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

I need to write a Prom post, but I'll do that later! :D

I'm not sure why. . .

2008-05-09T05:33:00.003-07:00

I woke up this morning singing KT Tunstall's "Heal Over" :

It isn't very difficult to see why
You are the way you are
Doesn't take a genius to realise
That sometimes life is hard
It's gonna take time
But you'll just have to wait
You're gonna be fine
But in the meantime

Come over here lady
Let me wipe your tears away
Come a little nearer baby
Coz you'll heal over
Heal over
Heal over someday

And I don't wanna hear you tell yourself
That these feelings are in the past
You know it doesn't mean they're off the shelf
Because pain's built to last
Everybody sails alone
But we can travel side by side
Even if you fail
You know that no one really minds
Come over here lady

Don't hold on but don't let go
I know it's so hard
You've got to try to trust yourself
I know it's so hard, so hard

Come over here lady
Let me wipe your tears away
Come a little nearer baby
Coz you'll heal over, heal over, heal over someday.

I suppose life is hard sometimes, but I guess our struggles are what make us, us. Life is not so bad . . . . it never was so bad. I'm so glad to be alive . . . .

(P.S. I hope this post doesn't cause drama. . .)

Today I Feel . . . .

2008-05-07T20:05:00.001-07:00

satisfied
content
TIRED
lazy
like I did a good job at work (100% baby!!)
special
loved
excited
not poor
blessed

happy

YAY!!!!! :D

Later?

2008-05-04T16:57:00.001-07:00

Maybe I'll write a blog later. . . . we'll see ;)

Spring Break

2008-04-20T09:10:00.001-07:00

As you can see, I've already started to document my trip to Vegas, but over Spring Break, I also went to San Francisco on BAND TOUR!!! I'm working on getting that post up too. . . . please be patient, they'll be pretty good posts.

Vegas Day 1

2008-04-18T07:37:00.002-07:00

So yeah! Right now, just days after my San Fran trip, now I am sittingh here in Las Vegas baby! I'm a bit confused . . . but oh well. :P

ANYWAYS . . .

Yesterday, we drove for a really REALLY long time. I got some of my psychology homework done though . . . I really hate my English class, but I really need to get it done, and I really just noticed that I've written the word really, probably like 6 times. So it won't be written anymore.

Finally we pulledi nto Las Vegas and checked into our hotel, where we then proceeded to the strip! Dad surprised us (well, actually me, but that doesn't matter) by going to the ticket shop, and buying the whole family tickets to the David Copperfield Magic Show! (Tickets were about $75 a piece, and there are 6 of us.) I was like, "whoa!" . .. . I guess we aren't really holding back the cash on this trip. . . since tonight we are going to go see Cirque du Soleli *jumps up and down in excitement * So we walked all the way down the strip and saw all the good (and bad :P ), then went to the magic show, which was AMAZING!! And I have NO CLUE how he did it. Then we were walking back to our car, and we saw the most random person at the most random place. We are just walking and Micheal Birkeland comes out of nowhere, and recognizes my dad! They havn't even seen each other for like 3 years! (Micheal B is a Mormon comedian, he did Latter-Day Night Live, and The Home Teachers, etc. etc. etc.) So we talked to him for a while, then got in the car, came home, and went to sleep. So that was Day 1! Hoory! I'm really excited for the show tonight, since that's the one we came for. :) Update later. . . . bye

Band Tour 2008

2008-04-16T13:27:00.013-07:00

Well guys, tour this year was basically AWESOME!! And I took several photos (not enough, now that I realize it), so here's the summary of our 5 day trip! My photos don't even do it justice! Ahhhh. . . .the memories.

Day 1:
This was what our bus sort of looked like at the beginning.

Our first "stop" was at the Bonneville Salt Flatts, totally unexpected to me. This is Tiana and Carly, and then lovely, unshaven me licking (pretending) the salt.

And yet another fine addition to
my funny sign collection: the Foot Wash.

When we got to the hotel, we played a rousing game of
Settlers of Catan, which involved plenty of 12's, 2's, and 6's. Hahahahaha.

Day 2:
Not too much happened here, just more driving, and we made a few stops, but nothing that I didn't take any significant photos of. Jason starts a lot of his "China" stuff this day, which ended up being really hilarious.

Day 3:
This was one of the major highlights of the trip our festival playing and riding rides at the Great American Theme Park. It was this day that I learned my new found love for "spinney rides." Thank you peer pressure :P

Yay! for fun walking! :D

One of the coolest rides EVER! It swung like a pendulum and twisted like a carousel . . . it was my first "spinney ride" *giggles

Suzy getting anxious waiting in line for the Invertigo. Haha, not really.

More line waiting . . .

This is Melissa, getting excited to ride the Demon, which you will now experience because I was gracious enough to ride it again and take film. . . hehehe.

This sign was the political way of saying: "If you're fat, you can't ride this ride."

Happiness of taking the whole house of trophies. . .
My own personal rapture. . . she's so precious to me now. :)

This swinging boat ride went ALL THE WAY OVER. Suz and I were laughing like maniacs, like the maniacs we really are.

Survivor: The Ride, one of my new favorites, yet another spinney. :D

I've decided I'll eventually need to do a "The Many Face of McKay Blog/Poster" Combination. . . any takers?

See above

Day 4:
Was a great day, started out by going to Sacrament Meeting, where we surprised several old people, and probably scared the Priests. Then we went to the Golden Gate Bridge, and to one of my new favorites: The Exploritorium Museum. It was the mother of ALL Museums, and I wish Id'a taken 1000 more pictures! I'll go back there one day!

Yet another sign. . . . hehe

The entrance to the museum.

Some random girl playing with the bubble stuff that I wanted to play with but never got to! *throws a tantrum *

Ted, playing with little kids and bubbles. . . how fun!

I hung out with Kym when we were in the eye exhibits, there was some pretty neat stuff, like the pupil tracker and eye-blood-seer-thingy.

Tiana, trying to talk and listen to a joke at the same time. It didn't work. For either of us.

Grody bacteria art :P EWWWW!!!

That night, we ate at ChinaTown (I'm too lazy to put pictures up, plus I didn't take very many) but we saw this sign advertising Holly's new business:

Then we rode the bus home, and had a very long interesting conversation in the hotel, after all the games of Settlers had been played. *wink

Day 5:
Was spent at Alcatraz/ the Fisherman's Wharf, and on the Dinner/Dance Cruise. I only took photos at Alcatraz, because I didn't want to worry about my camera at the dance. But it was awesome, kind of like the band's own Mimi-MORP, since we were on tour during actual MORP. I think we had just as much fun . .. ;)

More silly signs.

Melinda at Alcatraz

The typical cell at Alcatraz, except for the huge ESCAPE hole dug out. Smart men, smart men.

A cool seagull, man!

Day 6:Included driving home, and eating breakfast . . . so I didn't take any photos. . .

Anyways! It was awesome! Hope you enjoyed the photos. Maybe I'll post more later, but most likely not. If you want to see EVERYTHING I took while on tour, come talk to me, I'll probably put everything on my iPod.

Thanks for reading!

Announcement!!

2008-04-09T06:53:00.002-07:00

Everyone, I have an official announcement to make:

I am NOT, and will NOT block my blog to ANYONE!!! If you want to read it, then read it, I really don't care. . . .

(Although thinking about it now, that might actually be a good idea . . . *evil laugh . . . )

I'll ponder about this . . . maybe my blog will become a seclusion area, where I can write whatever the heck I want to.

(I'm not upset, so don't read it that way . . . I'm just getting more thoughts out . .. )

Another thing, I am SO GLAD that I am a guy . . . lemme tell ya . . . .

sorry, this kindof turned into a vent . . . I'm gonna shut up now . . .

Life as we know it now. . .

2008-04-08T18:39:00.003-07:00

. . . which could very well change in the next few hours (not that it will) which is actually very likely for anyone.

Anyways, this blog might actually be decent. Heh, imagine that! :) Let's see here, I'll divide my life up into a few areas: political, social and financial. (Thanks to Mr. Fieldsted, and AP Euro. . . its the perfect thesis for ANY history paper. . . haha)

So lets start: political, which actually translates into age and school for me. I'm still 17 (woot woot! No independence yet!) I've still got a few months *phew. And school is probably one of my biggest stressors and greatest pleasures right now. I've been working religiously on my eClasses (that's another story in itself) in order to graduate. My friends keep trying to motivate me, but I've already got the motivation I need: A HUGE senior trip to Europe with two of my best friends to visit my family who live in the Black Forest area, (see map --->) a high school diploma, and freedom from the actual thing that I've invested the past 12 years of my life into. (Even though college will come right up fast, but I've heard its REALLY different.) I'll get it done, don't worry about me. It'll be done soon too, because my friends are going crazy that they have to put up with "serious Brayden." Also, the more I think about it, the more I feel blessed that I have a full-ride scholarship to UVU. It's a nice buffer to lean against and know that if I won't be able to pay for another university, I'll still be back to get a college education for decent price (can you say cheap as free?) Wow! That's a lot more on political than I thought I would write. Let's move on . . .

Social. *laughs Ummmm . . . I think my social life is doing pretty good right now actually. It's been struggling for a while, but everything seems to be working out. I hope that everything will continue to work out like its been. (No, I am not hinting anything here!) I am REALLY excited for my trip to San Francisco in approximately 1.5 days!! It'll be a blast to just get away from EVERYTHING and PARTY with my band buddies. Oh yeah, and also play my soul out for 100's of people that I don't know (comparing that to playing my soul for 100's of people who do know me, and have already heard my soul enough. :D ) Hmmm, anything else social I feel like I need to post now? I'm not getting anything. Probably cuz I need sleep. That's something social: I need sleep. Hopefully I can get to bed early tonight.

Before this post, I had quite the lovely conversation with my dad about finances, and money, and supporting a family! (I'm being totally serious here! I loved it!!) Although it might seem scary right now, I think that I'll be able to pull all this off, and grow up to be successful! I just have to keep living right, and doing the things I need to. My job is great, and I'll be getting another pay check soon. Hopefully I'll be able to pay my parents off soon, and then I won't have to worry about owing them money ANYMORE!! Hooray!!

So yeah, that's all I really feel like writing right now . . . which is more than I usually would. Expect another post soon about band tour, and then a family trip to Las Vegas to see the circus! :D Ahhhh . . . . the joys of a busy (stressful) but happy life. I can't wait for summer!!

Thanks for reading all y'all!

Taking a break

2008-04-08T17:41:00.002-07:00

I'm gonna do one more homework assignment, and then I'll take a break and write a happy blog. :D

Music!!!

2008-04-06T08:06:00.002-07:00

I would like to thank my Mom's friend, Caroline, for inspiring me to put a music player on my blog, and providing the location on how to do that. So thanks Caroline! Enjoy listening to some of the music that I like listening to.

Edit: I think that now that I have cool music on my blog, I'll visit it more often, thus improving my chances to writing a blog. :D Hooray!!

*sigh

2008-04-05T13:07:00.001-07:00

*sigh . . . .

. . . .

2008-04-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

I changed my template. That's kinda cool . . .

Update:

Workin' hard on life stuf. IsoMode is great, but not ... I'm excited to go to California next wee, 'cept I can't believe thatits actually NEXT WEEK!!! *chuckles. ANYways . . . yeah.

So is life.

Term 3

2008-03-25T20:39:00.002-07:00

IS FINALLY DONE!! Well, all the classwork that is, which means all I need to do is that the final, pass it, and I'll have it ALL DONE. I can get started on Term 4 now though . . . so thats cool! I'm so HAPPY!!!! I MIGHT ACTUALLY GRADUATE THIS YEAR!!! (Well, I know I will anyways, since I'll be going to Germany for my senior trip. . . ..hehehehehehe)

Wow, what a crazy week! What a crazy two weeks! Ummmm, I'm in the "overstressed" mode right now, to the point that I'm going crazy happy /hyper. I don't even know what I am writing. . . eh. . . typing .. . . yay for explosions! ????????????

IKEA

2008-03-14T20:29:00.007-07:00

It's been far to long (almost three weeks), but here are the picture from the date Daniel and I took to IKEA. It was a great time!! Sorry, these aren't even in order, or arranged the right way, but I'm too lazy to fix them. Just be glad you're getting a new post. :D

???

2008-03-08T09:14:00.001-07:00

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
whoa. . .. that's a lotta question marks .. . .

Now I've Been Tagged

2008-03-04T20:22:00.002-07:00

Curse these things. . . :D I only do them cuz it's fun to tag other peeps.

TEN YEARS AGO... I was 7. . . whoa. Just an innocent little kid who knew nothing of anything. I think I liked to swim in the pool, and play Nintendo. I can't really remember. . . .

FIVE PLACES I HAVE LIVED...
1. Orem, Utah
2. St. Louis, Missouri
3. Grafenahusen, Germany
4. Bogota, Columbia
5. Payson, Camp Maple Dell, Utah

I ENJOY... warm and cold activities. Playing my saxophone is also a great joy. I alost love to dance, especially ballroom. That sums me up. . . .

THREE BAD HABITS...

1. Procrastionation

2. Nail biter. . . :P

3. I tend to find a lot drama. . . ;) ;)

FIVE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME...

1. I can do the Rubik's Cube.

2. I'm an accomplished photographer.

3. I'm a professional saxophone player. ;) haha

4. I have 2 hermit crabs.

5. I sorta take horseback riding lessons. . . ish. . . .

FIVE JOBS THAT I HAVE HAD...

1. Student

2. Newspaper Reporter

3. Program Staff, Camp Maple Dell

4. OfficeMax Sales Associate

5. Unemployed

I now tag: Hannah, Brittany, Chelsea, McKay, etc. :D hahahaha

*yawn

2008-03-02T21:17:00.002-07:00

Well, here's an update on my life so far.

School
School
School

Trying to get a job

Scholarships

School
Date
School
Dance
Church

:) Haha, basically I feel overwhelmed by school. But I can't let myself fade out so fast. I need to finish STRONG! Anything you can do to push me will help SO MUCH.

This week seems prospective; with some time for myself, and a newfound motivation to do schoolwork, and go to bed early, and eat better food. Jazz concert on Friday and Saturday. Anyone should come :D

Thats about all I feel like writing about right now :D

Thanks for reading! :)

A change for "hair"t

2008-02-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally did it. I cut my hair. I got too sick of having to do it in the morning, in order to make it look somewhat decent. I don't have lots of pictures of my new haircut, but here's some before and one after picture.

This one is terrible, just a quick shot. I'll take some more when I feel like it. :D

Last Week Sucked

2008-02-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to vent a bit. I'm not really upset anymore, but I haven't blogged in a while, so I'll write something flaming and exciting.

Last week sucked.

Being a senior is tough. Its even tougher when your counselor didn't do his job too well, and you find out that you are missing a whole years worth of credit in order to graduate. So since then, I've been slaving: a full schedule at school, plus two additional classes online. We won't go there though.

On top of school, I have church duties, which include editing films, going to meetings, and being generally happy all the time.

It gets better! Last week, I was driving in the school parking lot, when a white car appears out of my peripheral vision, seeming to appear out of thin air (snow). I slam my breaks, and proceed to slide on the ice right into her rear tire. Even better: my last accident was 3 weeks ago. *dripping with sarcastic undertones.

Also last week was the story in the last blog I wrote. Yay! for scammers! NOT!

Then, to top it off, after a long day of snowboarding on Saturday, my favorite (very expensive) ski jacket gets stolen at my little brothers indoor lacrosse game.

But you know what?! ITS A NEW WEEK!!! And hopefully its better.

Like Michael Buble says:

"Its a new dawn, It's a new day, Its a new life! And I'm feelin' good!"

A Good (Long-short) story

2008-02-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

I wrote this for the newspaper this week . . . Thats why it's in quotes.

"You’ll never believe me when I say it. It’s something that you hear about quite often, but think it’ll never happen to you. I don’t really feel victimized, I don’t know why I would, but if I had done a few things differently, I’d be in some big trouble. Let me tell you the long story, short:

I’m a decent saxophone player, so I decided I wanted to make some money off my talent. I posted an advertisement online for saxophone lessons. I also put some flyer out at the local school and music stores. One day, I got an e-mail from a mother wanting saxophone lessons for her son. I responded back, and got no further reply. About a week later, I get an e-mail from a James Hamrock. He wants his son to study with me, but his son currently lives in Alaska, and he is in London on a business trip. His business associate in Kentucky owes him $3200 for some farming equipment, and will send that money to me, where I am supposed to take out my pay for the saxophone lessons, and forward the money to the travel associate who will get the son to Utah, where the son will stay with James’ cousin, who will drive the son to and from sax lessons. If that made any sense to you, congratulations.

At first, it seemed reasonable, I was a bit confused about the $3200, but assumed that I would only be getting a check for my pay, and it would all work out. This did seem a bit fishy though. To make a long story short, I received a check in the mail for $3200, and didn’t know what to do. James tried to push me to get the money sent on faster, but my dad told me to wait until the bank told me that the cashier’s check had cleared. Three days later, the check came back counterfeit, and we discovered that we had been scammed.

Everything is fine with me, and if James Hamrock e-mails me back and thinks that I don’t know, we’ll let him know that we know, and that the Feds are after him too. We’ll also wish him a sarcastic good luck.

Yes, I have been a victim of fraud. Of scam. But that’s okay, because I don’t hurt. Plus, it makes an excellent story."

Hahaha

2008-02-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

So I'm struggling to find a decent layout for my blog. . .

Taco Town

2008-02-03T20:35:00.001-07:00

This is a really funny commercial! I love it!

Taco Town

Best Friends

2008-01-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here's my first attempt EVER at some poetry. Sorry it's kindof sad . . . that was my mood when I wrote it. I'm happy now.

Best Friends

I don't have very many
of them.
The world overplays
that song.
Which is why I don't have very many
of them.

They have a special place
in my heart.
My heart is capable of love.
Whatever
love even is?

Carefully, I let them in. They gladly
come.

Time Passes

My heartstrings are pulled.
I am puzzled.
Please, try to understand, help me,

to understand.

You are my best friend.
You've been inside
my heart,
and started to hack your way out.

It hurts,
missing something.
It's that one piece, that, was you.

Please come back.
Begging.
It was all misunderstood.

Another song sings, "Once
a best friend,
always a best friend."
It is never overplayed.

Please understand, after all that
we've been through:

I am not giving up on you now.

Thank You

2008-01-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this, I have two words for you:

Thank You

You know who you are, but I'm going to tell everyone else. You are you. I want to thank you personally.

If you are reading this, I know you care about me.

Thank You

Some of the greatest words in the language of mankind are: Thank You. Every language has some form of it:

谢谢
Dank u
Merci
Danke
Σας ευχαριστούμε
Grazie
ありがとう
너를 감사하십시요
Obrigado
Вы
Gracias

And so, friends. Family. I thank you. All of you. :D

Have a nice day!

Thank you

2008-01-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this, I have two very simple words to say to you:

Thank You

You know who you are. *smile

I'll post more about "Thank You" when I get home off my ski trip! :D

Love,

Brayden

Rest

2008-01-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ah, glorious rest.

I've gotten sleep! Which is good. I just wish time could stop, and that I could fly away into Neverland with Peter Pan and never grow up.

I need to post something happy on my blog. . . and maybe change the colors. . .

[no title]

2008-01-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

What should I do in my situation? I'm sorry for what I said, I don't know. . . *sigh I just don't know . . . Can someone help me?!

Uuummmmm......

2008-01-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Its the end of the semester. I'm severely sleep deprived. I'm in a male beauty pageant. I have to learn a professional saxophone solo in three days. I'm dancing in the multicultural assembly. I'm trying to figure out graduation from high school. There's more, but I just can't think right now. My brain hurts, my tummy hurts, my heart hurts.

Right now, all I'll ask is why?

Please, lets communicate . . . I don't know what to do.

*sigh *

Preference is tomorrow: have fun everyone who's going. I'm not sure what I'll be doing . . . going to bed early sounds nice.

*sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh*

What can I do? What should I do?

*sigh

2008-01-10T20:14:00.001-07:00

*sigh

Preference. . .

2008-01-06T18:18:00.001-07:00

Since everyone seems to be posting about Preference, I think I will too:

I havn't been asked, so I have no plans . . . .

That seems to wrap it up.

(Haha, this is totally a joke, not to be taken seriously. . . I just thought I should post something. . . .)

[Insert title here]

2008-01-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

[Insert blog post here]

:P It's been to long. I haven't posted in a while. Here's a post. I really don't know what to say, so you get to choose your own adventure!! :) Hooray!

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

Winter Trees:

A New Fur Coat:

A Narnian lamppost:

Trees Wearing Snow Socks:

In the Trenches:

Faded Summers:

I thought that while it was snowing so much, I would document the fact that we actually got some snow. I'm not much of a photographer, but I tried to be a bit artistic..... Hopefully my photo class in 9th grade paid off.

Insanity

2007-12-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

I just remembered a camp song that portrays my afternoon:

"I am slowly going crazy. 1,2,3,4,5,6, switch. . . . crazy slowly am I going 6,5,4,3,2,1 switch."

*with hand motions *

:D

Edit:

Explanation: Technology is stupid, and I'm getting frustrated with the label printer my daddy just bought. . . . *grumbles * at least he's taking it back! :)

Rapture, Joy, and Elation

2007-12-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I (finally) feel. . . .

Rapture
Joy
Elation
relief
*sigh of relief *
loved, really loved
more full of hope than ever!

There really aren't words that can give how I am feeling right now. Have you ever been worried that a really good friendship was going out the door? Did you ever feel like a faded picture, a bedtime story never to be told again? I won't keep going, mainly cuz I'm too tired to think of any more sad and depressing things. . . plus, its hard to, when you're as happy as I am, because things all changed! So suddenly! Words cannot explain how my body, mind, and soul, feel right now. It's almost a feeling of euphoria, but in a good way. It's getting late, and I can't really think of how to make this post happier. . . Just know that I am happy now. I can honestly say that. Happiness, joy, relief, rapture, elation, whatever you would like to call it..... That's Brayden.

Today I Feel. . .

2007-12-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

awake
refreshed
in a new style
excited for snowboarding
not excited for the ACT
not as perplexed
curious
considerate
comical
headache
hungry
still hopeful
confused about what I want to do next Semester
happy
loved

Today was a much better day than yesterday. Yay! :D

Right now I feel. . . .

2007-12-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

perplexed and mystified
forlorn
loved
senioritis
*sigh *
like I need to talk, with my voice, and my face, not a keyboard
tired
cold
dementia
faded
like I think about things WAY TOO MUCH!

still hopeful, always have hope, always

I don't know what to do. . . . I don't know what I did. . . I don't know, I don't know, I don't know.

I'm so confused.

I don't even know if I did anything . . . I think I am freaking out.

WHY DO I HAVE TO THINK SO MUCH?!

Tonight I Feel......

2007-12-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

excited
sleepy
confident
loved
happy
not excited for the ACT
a bit stressed
enlightened

Yay! for a happy ending to a "start out bad" day! :D

This afternoon I feel. . . .

2007-12-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

psycho
full of energy
curious
ponderous
happy
like I still need a hug
stressed
tired
thoughtful

Well, my day really got better. .. . Let's hope it'll get EVEN BETTER! woot!

This morning I feel. . . .

2007-12-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

cold
alone
deserted
like a fading picture
like I'm going. . . going. . . gone?
confused
not excited for the ACT on Saturday
too busy
confused
tired
hungry

hopeful

What do I need to do? Why is this happening? It's only Tuesday. . .

More update on how I feel later today.

Today I feel.....

2007-12-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

hungry
cold
tired
bogged down by school stuff
like old news
like I'm loved (if that makes any sense)
like playing a nice long game of Warcraft
like talking
like snowboarding
like riding a horse
like I need a hug
that my hair is getting too long again
weird
distant
happy

Basically, I have mixed emotions. I don't really know how to explain what I'm feeling right now. . . . Maybe I'll sleep on it tonight, eat on it later, and something will emerge . . . .

Random thought: Like the new blog change? :)

Today I Feel. . . .

2007-12-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

. . . rested
. . . . happy
. . . . special and loved
. . . like dancing
. . . . like eating a Peanut butter Hot Fudge Oreo shake ;)
. . . . like ripping up the slops on my NEW SNOWBOARD!!
. . . . like teaching people how to snowboard
. . . . at ease about college and scholarships
. . . . like a son again, because Dad is home
. . . . broke
. . . . like I need a job
. . . . that I don't want to take the ACT next week :S
. . . . warm
. . . . excited

Today is gonna be awesome!!

Quando, Quando, Quando

2007-11-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

This is a REALLY GOOD SONG!! I did some studying and its actually Italian. Who'da thunk? I guess Italian and Spanish have lots in common. . . ;) Duh, I knew that! :)

Ahh yes, lyrics:

Tell me when will you be mine
Tell me quando quando quando
We can share a love divine
Please don't make me wait again

When will you say yes to me
Tell me quando quando quando
You mean happiness to me
Oh my love please tell me when

Every moments a day
Every day seems a lifetime
Let me show you the way
To a joy beyond compare

I can't wait a moment more
Tell me quando quando quando
Say its me that you adore
And then darling tell me when

Every moments a day
Every day seems a lifetime
Let me show you the way
To a joy beyond compare

I can't wait a moment more
Tell me quando quando quando
Say its me that you adore
And then darling tell me when

Oh my darling tell me when
And then darling tell me when
Oh my darling tell me when
Oooooh ooooh oooh weeeeoooeoeoe

Mmmmmm, the memories, the good times :) haha

Bubbly

2007-11-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

So I just read the lyrics to this song that a friend told me about. . . well, actually she didn't but I saw that she had it for her ring tone on her phone, so I wanted to look into it. . . I REALLY like this song, but I dunno if I'll buy it yet, becuase I need to watch on my $ spending. :P Oh well, maybe tomorrow. :) haha!

Good night!

New Blog!!

2007-11-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hey All y'all! I made a new blog called: "Top Fives According to a Guy and His Friends." Its basically a top 5 list for anything. Anyone is invited to post to it, just let me know so I can invite you! Check it out:

http://whatsyourtop5.blogspot.com/

YAY!

Dancesport!!!

2007-11-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well guys . . . today is the day we've been waiting for. After a few weeks of practicing EVERYDAY, Hannah and I will dance in the competition. We're pretty good, but only dancing for fun. If we make something, it'll just make the whole experience better! I'll have updates after the dance. . . Good luck Hannah!!

Halloween

2007-10-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

So, my costume isn't finished yet, but here are some updated photos. Enjoy!

The American College Test

2007-10-27T06:35:00.001-07:00

I'm off to take the ACT. . . right no. Hopefully I do well. *crosses fingers*

Hormones

2007-10-26T05:36:00.001-07:00

Today I've officially decided that I hate teenage hormones. . . . . Good thing its Friday and the term ends today, so that we all can get back to our normal lives. . . .

My "End of Term" Vent

2007-10-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hey All y'all! Here's my vent for the end of the term. This is basically copy pasted from my article (in fact, it is) which will appear on Thursday, so be glad you don't have to wait that long.

And now, the feature presentation!

I’m going to just come straight out and say this, as bluntly as I can, because I can say it bluntly. The “last week of the term” is the worst. There seems to be a cloudy haze that covers everything when it’s the last week of the term. We’ll call it the “Haze of Misfortune,” for lack of a better word. It seems that in the last week of the term, there will always be one gigantic assignment due, or even a group project, along with some type of essay in English. I call this the “ Essay Without Fail Principle.” On top of that, as hard as you try, your grades still will drop, no matter how well you did on that last test. So you are struggling to do as much extra credit and make up work to attempt to bring your grades up, but it just doesn’t seem to work. To add to the rush of things, there will usually be a band/orchestra/choir concert during that week. By the end of the week, you’ve lost a considerable amount of hair, due to pulling it out by your own free will.

If you haven’t picked it up yet, I’ve just described my last week of the first term of my senior year. Yeah, I may be whining just a little bit, but it’s all for a good cause right? I mean, I’m not the only one going through this. So are all the other seniors in my class. Maybe, these are pre-symptoms of senioritis? I’m not sure. What’s the best part about the last week of the term? Having it end, and starting brand new again the next week. Lets hope I make it that far. May the “Winds of Term Two” blow away the “Haze of Misfortune” to all my readers. Have a great day.

Ahhh The Memories. . . . .

2007-10-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

I just found some videos of Jam Camp and thought I'd post one. This is a band I played in, and we got to solo with Wycliffe Gordon!!!!! AHHHH!! :)

This one is of master bassist Brain Bromberg, this is CRAZY STUFF!!