choose your words wisely

The people I know make me happy.

So, you know that a conversation is going to be good from the sentence that precedes it. Such examples include:

I can say this because my best friend is a bishop...

Now I love [ethnicity] people, but...

So a new one was laid on me today. It was one that I had never heard before.

We're friends, so we can talk about this...

The conversation that followed was how since her breast implant surgery, it's been somewhat difficult because she is always cold but if she wears anything to keep warm, she sweats more than anyone could imagine.

"Oh. Thanks for... letting me know...?"

operation codename: boot

Natalie is back from her surgery, and she came with a new, boring, fun-killing toy... a boot.

Well, after we told her that her new nickname was "Boot" and that her boot's nickname was "Fun-Killing Boot," we got to work making sure that this boot could rock out. (The name of "Fun-Killing Boot" comes from the fact that Natalie was going to come to the GSL with us, but she couldn't because she can't get the boot or her foot wet. Boring. Fun Kill...)

Here was my contribution tonight:

The picture doesn't quite do it justice. Yes, those are freaking awesome flames coming out of FKB. My logo is the M in the corner. Yes, it's on fire too. Awesome.

Natalie is going to be just fine. She just needs some time to have a little R&R.

soep trip #3

You know, looking back on my blog posts, I didn't ever really write about Yellowstone, which was the inaugural Summer Of Epic Proportions trips, but I'm sure when I get some time, I'll write about it. But for now, trip 3: buoyancy.

We (2.0 et al) took a trip to the Great Salt Lake. For those of you who do NOT know about the GSL, you will be pleased to learn that it is one of the most salty bodies of water in the world. That being said, only one organism can live there. Brine Shrimp.

These little buggers are a delicious treat for most fish, but since the water is so salty in the GSL, they seem to thrive without the natural predator. They are tiny and if you are not looking for them, you won't see them, but in the lake, THEY ARE EVERYWHERE AND NUMBER IN THE MILLIONS! It's kinda gross to swim with them (including the stink of the lake), but that is in fact what we did.

We had stemware with bottles of sparkling apple cider and other good beverages. We got out in the water, and watched the sun set as we drank cider and played. One would think that as soon as you got out far enough, it would be hard to keep afloat with all the stemware, bottles, etc. Not the case in the GSL. Because we are more buoyant, it was in fact hard to be completely immersed in the lake. I tried. Floating is so easy, that it's hard to sink, if not impossible. It's quite the experience. If you can stand smelling horrible for the next 48 hours (with showers... showerS) it's amazing to try.

After some frisbee and such, we got out and headed back to Sarah's house for some treats. One of the group members has a hot tub in the apartment complex so we headed over there. We all rinsed off as best we could and got in the hot tub. Even with the best rinsing, when we got out, we still found little brine shrimp not-so-enjoying themselves in the hot tub. ...Sorry to those that have to clean it...

Quickly heading to the Pi Pizzeria for a bite, the night came to a conclusion. Good times. Although smelling myself even after a shower, hot tub and a shower... this is going to be an interesting thing to explain to those around me. Although with the salt deposits after swimming, you come out feeling like you are COVERED in sand (which is purely salt), your skin does look amazing!

burgers and donuts

Okay, tonight pretty much rocked. Laursen called me and we decided that it was high time that we got some food. We were pretty hungry. Well, one thing led to another and we were off to Alby's to grab some fixins for burgers and dogs. $10 later, and we had enough food to feed enough for the impromptu BBQ.

One or two invites seemed to escalate into a few more which seemed to take another step, and before we knew it, it wasn't just three or four people, but rather we had a good ten or eleven.

2.0 came and brought a salad that she had made. It was freakin awesome. She had composed her own raspberry vinaigrette dressing on spinach and mixed lettuce. (No iceberg junk for this masterpiece)

A mutual friend Heather was there and shortly after leaving, I got a call from someone she drove with named Angela. Angela explained that Heather had gotten a flat tire just after leaving my house and needed some help. I was on my way to the rescue.

Now, I'm no MASTER at changing tires, but I know what I'm doing. But this tire was a MONSTER to get off. A very kind officer of the law stopped and helped us with the light. We chatted with him while we got the tire off and he told us about how we was working the night shift on this particular street for just a little while. He had come from being undercover ("a long haired dirtbag with earrings, not to say long hair or earrings make you a dirtbag...") where he had been working for the last 5 years or so. Before that, he was a homicide detective. Wow.

Well, with the donut in place, Officer Long-Hair was off and we all parted our ways. I drove Sarah home while she got the update of her nephew who was in the hospital for having a nut lodged in his esophagus. Fun. Now I'm off to bed to sleep until eight AM work... yippy...

ben rocks

Kudos to Ben for the awesome pic at the top of my blog. He wants the credit, so I'm giving it to him. It's from the Yellowstone Summer of Epic Proportions trip. There was a strorm coming in over the water. It was pretty amazing.

3 extreme's extreme glee water fight

That's a first... I went over to 3 extreme's house (For those who get confused with the numbered nicknames, let's just say I know a lot of Sarahs). I had called her to hang out and I was with the fellas. We headed over to B&D Burger (It literally is Ben's back yard) and got shakes and fries... I went with the Oreo Cheesecake. Yeah. I know. It was as good as it sounds. Well, after grabbing some grub, we headed off to Sarah's house ("3 extreme" has been established)

I have only been on the outside of her house, so it was a little adventure to just walk in without knocking and having it be dark (Imagine some old lady having some kids walk into her house... screaming ensues... "This isn't Sarah's house?

Sorry." Luckily that didn't happen). We went into the kitchen and I could hear laughing and screaming. Instantly when we came into view of the back yard, laughing went to zero and there were some whispers of "hurry." Conspicuous?

No, of course not.

After closer inspection, we found 4 soppi~g-wet people hiding (fully clothed) in and around the hot tub.

Step One: Lock door

Step Two: Take all electronics out of pockets

Step Three: Wait patiently for 3 extreme to turn her back

Step Four: Grab pitcher

Step Five: Apply liberally (to others)

Step Six: Get attacked

Step Seven: (Still fully clothed... jeans and t-shirt) Admit defeat. Get in hot tub

After the water fight which none of the other fellas seemed to want to join in (Oh well. More fun for me.) it was inside playing time.

The rest of the evening was spent with me in a towel and a borrowed shirt while my clothes were in the drier.

As Sarah explained it, we were in France. They had French fries, and we were going to watch Ratatouille. Billiards wasn't really French, but we played anyway.

I've got cool friends who are pretty spontaneous.

stardate tango charlie sierra 2009.01

Note: Buildings shown in photo are MORE curved in real life...

Yes, TCS 2009 baby! Concert 1! Tonight was Bon Iver and it was freakin' schweet!

I went with Sarah N. ("2.0") and her friend Megan from P-town. Yes, the one and the same P-town with the whole carpet cleaning escapade. It was a blast. And with the VIP tickets, we totally got free water bottles... none of us drink beer so the 6 free ones didn't really seem to appeal to us...

I would say the two highlights of the night:

Megan found a bench and somehow shimmied enough to get enough people off to fit Sarah and I. We proceeded to listen to music when Sarah got a fabulous idea. I quickly pulled out my phone and downloaded an app... then and there, with our twinner gPhones... yes the suspense is killing you... flashing from the screens of our phones were zippo lighters. The amount of people who looked and pointed us out to their friends was astounding.

Soon thereafter, a girl who had had WAY too much to drink came stumbling (near passing out) onto the cement. Someone had to help her up and we gave her our hard-earned free water bottles so she could sip. We gave up our seat on the bench.

Returning back from the concert, Sarah made us a supurb dinner of eggs, black beans, tortillas, and a fruit that resembles a banana that isn't a banana, who's name escapes me.

It was a fun night.

soep hiking... the drive there

Summer of Epic Proportions trip #2 - Hiking Green River

It's been a while readers. Guess what though? I am freakin amazing!... and somehow still alive...

I was helping my friend Dennis the other day make some calls on Monday, and it soon got too late to make any more. I don't know about you, but I think around 10:00 pm, I have to call it quits because I feel bad calling people who are not expecting calls from a random person...

Well, as luck would have it, we started to chat. He asked if I could make the final few calls on Tuesday. I had Tuesday and Wednesday off of work, so I was delighted to put in a helping hand. Lo and Behold, it was just my luck that I told him that because after a few moments of thinking, he said, "Well, do you want to go on a hike with us tomorrow?"

Woot!

Of course I want to go on a hike! What kind of silly question is that? So he had to make sure there was room in the car, so he called our friend Sarah to see if that was cool.

IT SURE WAS!

Sarah called me instantly and in more or less these words said, "We're leaving in about 20 minutes... [(thinking)... what? It's 11:00 PM] and it's going to be a 7 hour hike with repelling. Do you have any gear?"

"No," Morgan replies

"That's okay, we can send it up and down the ropes. [(thinking)... Let's see, the last time I went repelling... 12 years ago...] Do you have any good clothes that are quick drying?"

"No."

"That's okay. I think it's not going to be too bad if you just bring some shorts."

"... shorts eh?..."

"Do you have a camel back for carrying water?"

"... No."

"No worries. I might have one. Make sure to bring some good food for hiking because it's going to be a long one. Online it said 7 hours, but we're thinking about 5 or 6."

"hmmm... I'll have to stop by the store..."

At this point Morgan started to doubt his ability and preparation for said trip. Although somehow Sarah convinced me and I found myself at Albertsons packing my cart with granola bars. As I was packing, I wasn't exactly sure what to bring so I grabbed some plasticy pants that I use for sleeping every once and a while. They're kinda like warm-up pants, but totally cheap and crappy. My guess? 50 cent sale at Old Navy kind of quality. Although my dollar flip flops are still holding together. "Thanks Old Navy!" [Cheesy smile and thumbs up as seen in photo]

Sarah and Nathan quickly show up and I load my very improvised-last-minute gear (bag with granola bars) in the car. I had forgotten by this point to think about where we were going to go hiking. One of those last-minute details that seemed to slip my mind as I scrounged the isles of Albertsons. I asked where we were headed.

Sarah replies, "Well, to tell you the truth, we need to go pick up Dennis in P-town (~45 minutes away) because he's still doing a job out there."

??

"He's doing some carpet cleaning of a house, and might need some help."

Here's the lucky thing. I worked as a carpet cleaner for a long time with my dad's company, so it was pretty easy for me to get back into the swing of things. Although here is the major problem with it. Boy is it hard on the body! It uses a lot of arm strength which I sadly have lost from my carpet cleaning days. I got right on a machine and started the hardest part of professional carpet cleaning... stairs.

Clean stairs, clean second floor and 4 hours later, we were done. I know what you're thinking...
Phonecall: 11:00 pm
Picked up: 11:30 pm
P-Town: 12:30 am
Carpet Cleaning: 4:30 am

You are correct, and give yourself a gold star for aweome math skills... base 60, carry the 2... We loaded up Dennis's car and returned the equipment thus leaving P-town by about 5:00am. I proceeded to ask the question again of where exactly the hike was thinking mostly about how much sleep I was going to get after working my arms for quite a while and then going on the 7 hour hike.

"It's just outside of Green River."

"Green River? How far is that?"

The next part of the story is a little painful in memory and may have been permanantly blocked in my memory... Let me just show you the picture...

Point A: P-town
Point B: Green River
Distance: 140 miles
Time (with construction): ~3 hours

Now here's a little reference for you. You might be thinking, "Where is Green River exactly? What landmarks or big cities are near it?"



As you can see... Nothing. Unless you count Crecent Junction, which litteraly is just two highways converging with nothing there. Salina is 70 miles away...

Back to the good stuff. Let's see here:
Carpet cleaning: 4:30 + 3 hours... carry the 12... oh yeah. 7:30 am

I don't sleep in a car too well either...

We arrived and luckly the group that had slept [there] the night before was just leaving. They were about 10 minutes ahead of us, but they could hear Sarah's poor car being demolished my the dirt and motly tire-eating rocks which seemed to find delight in slamming themselves against the undercarrage of the car. Fun!

We didn't want to keep them waiting any longer than they already had waited for us, so we packed up our stuff and started to head out. Sadly, due to lack of sleep and food, Sarah was feeling pretty sick to her stomach. She said that if she went with us, she would be good for the first 2 hours or so, but she knows her body well enough that she would get REALLY sick. After much deliberation and trying to convince her to "tough it out," Sarah made her decision to stay with the car and sleep. She gave us her equipment and food and mothery concern, and Dennis, Nathan and I started down the first hill (and back up the second)

And thus the Hike begins...

[Next time on IisMojo... can he survive the towering cliffs and shear cliff wall drops? Stay tuned for the next installment of IisMojo]

j-e-l-l-oh, it's alive!

Let's see, what type of fun can you have with Jello?

First comes Moses

Then Kristina and Ginny

Well, here's Moses again, parting the Jello Red Sea...

Yes, he also had a orange jello aura.

And here's the soldiers who followed...

And after completing said story, I jello-through-a-straw-eating competition.

Need we say more?

russkiys and card sharks

We've been having fun with our Russian visitors. I've had my phone
with me since Sunday night, always expecting a phone call from
neighbors and friends, asking if I can help with a translation. I
even appended my phone's answering machine message to have, in
Russian, "If you need a translator, please leave a message and I'll
call you back in a few minutes." Fun times.

I think that I have forgotten how different this culture is. They are
so funny. Instantly walking into the house, they asked if they could
have some house shoes. I told them not to worry about it because we
don't normally take off our shoes in a house here, but they insisted
that they CANNOT walk around the house in the same shoes that are
"dirty from walking on the street."

It has been fun having them around though. But holy hannah, my
Russian grammar is awful! I keep catching myself saying things that I
KNOW are not right, but I just spit them out like a bowl of cereal
with 2-week-spoiled milk. (Nice and chunky) I should practice more,
but I don't really have a lot of time (or opportunity) to do that.

So Natalie came over tonight, toured the RFC and met the russkiys.
Sergei (18) blushed way beyond the Soviet flag's crimson red. We all
pointed it out to him, and he got even worse. She and I had a good
time. Let's just point out the awesomeness of the evening:

Kung Pow Shrimp & Lemon Chicken - Both coming from the resturant where
they normally say, "We thought that was you on the phone."
Checkers (a version called "Russian Checkers" that I'm sure does NOT
derive from Russia)
California Speed
Five Crowns
Mojo crying like a baby when he got WORKED at each of the events.
(Including the shrimp)
Delilah crying because she was locked in the bathroom all night (and
because I was crying)

Oh yeah. Totally awesome.

extreme partying sports

Okay, I've been getting pretty bad about writing on here. I've been trying to keep this blog updated, one: for the leagues of followers, two: because I'm just that awesome, and three: I'd like to keep a little bit of myself for posterity (think about how [much more] popular this blog will be when I'm [much more] famous)

It's been a pretty crazy week. I made a video. We've been taking the Halflife 2 Game Engine and making movies in my Machinima (WHAT?! 'Machinima' isn't in the dictionary?) class. It's a fun class, and I've really enjoyed it. I spent MANY hours on this assignment, and now I realize that if I started over now, it would only take me about 30 minutes to do what I did, but hey, it's about learning the stuff right?



I know. It's pretty basic. I just had to texture the scene (background, walls, make doors, etc.) and then have each of the "actors" go around and do what I wanted them to do and such forth. It's pretty boring. Some of the ones that came out of the class were pretty good.

That's pretty much been my life this week. Boring, I know.

I did have a chance to go to a party last night for Sabriel. She had a birthday this week, so we had a "surprise" party that she somewhat knew about. Pictures coming soon:

Cheesy "Prom" Photos
Twister
Twister Limbo
Twister Jump Rope (didn't really work or last long)
Moon Boot Dancing
Spraining ankles due to Moon Boot Dancing
Popping balloons between two people using a chest bump

Oh the joys of kiddom.

I believe that the festivities will be continued tonight at the crepe party...

frances cake 14: a cupcake story

A lovely tradition, only surpassed with it's own spoils...

Frances

The spoils

The Glaze

Now, the first batch got the glaze while it was still cool. The second batch was a little too hot to frost, and then when they cooled, the frosting was little hard to put on.

It was pretty fun. I mean, how can you be disappointed with funny stories from foreign countries (and one shocking one from the good ol' US). That Frances is a smarty-pants.

She's also convinced me to start with Battlestar Galactica.

couch potato

Okay, this time I have pictures of our shenanigans... although sadly, I forgot my camera, so it's all cell phone pictures:






Yes, after the snow storm, we got a snow blower, many shovels and got to work building a snow-ten-person-holding couch. We then proceeded to watch Cool Runnings all huddled together under (and over) blankets (and tarps).

We were closer up the canyons, so the temperatures were maybe a little different, but it's showing 23 degrees F (-5 C) right now where I live. Yeah. I was cold.

But what can I say, [suave voice] snuggled up with some cute lady friends, [speaking deeper and sexier] keeping each other warm. [eyebrows raised] All right.

Seriously though. What an awesome idea (Dennis, you take credit now). The snow couch was HUGE. We could all sit with only our feet dangling off. There were arm rests, and even a tall back so that most of us could still rest our heads. It's just nice to be in a warm bed now.

planning spontaneity

Okay, tonight was a blast. On Sunday, I was talking with Sarah and she decided that we were going to be spontaneous, but that we would have to plan a night and a time for it. Well, that night was tonight!

Let me just say:

Unwrapping Hershey's Kisses and rewrapping them as Hershey's Hugs (check)
Unsuspecting victim getting white chocolate (check)
Rock Band (check)
All instruments playing (check)
Anyone not playing being groupies (check)
Groupies on their knees screaming in front of the TV screen (check)
Tom, as a groupie, flashing the players (check, and double check)
Fake tattoo on Tom's chest saying "I heart Jaimie" (check)

I have some cool friends.

So to continue our spontaneity, after seeing some snow, we made a Rock Band Spontaneous Memorial Tribute Snowman (RBSMTS).

8 or 9 feet tall (check)
Holding a shovel as a guitar (check)
Arms playing the guitar (check)
Another shovel in front for a mic (check)
Ten people making a human pyramid next to giant snowman (check)

I asked for the photos, and I hope to get them soon. I'll post them when I get them... and I might go over again tonight to get the photos myself...

festivus for the rest of us

My new favorite conversation overheard of today... almost of all time....

M(whom I work with): Hi T. How are you?
T(customer): Good thanks.
M: How was your Christmas?
T: I don't celebrate Christmas. I celebrate the birth of Jesus. He was there.
M (as if she expected that answer): That's great. Did you celebrate with anyone?
T. Yes. Jesus Christ.

Okay... That was so awesome.

I really like my work. I work with good people and I enjoy getting to know them. They've become my friends. Even the customers.

are we human, or are we dancer

(for the the music video, go here)

"...don't cry because it's over. smile because it happened..."

Dr Seuss, you are right. Goodbye 2008.

Tonight was spent Latin dancing with some cute latinas (and gringas). Holy cow pants it was fun. I'm not sure how I was convinced to go, but I'm glad that I did.

I didn't get any photos because I didn't take my camera. Sorry ___ (brother's name excluded for his own protection). I did receive your text, although my battery on my phone was so dead, that receiving it caused the phone to shut off. Sad. I know.

It's been a good year.

A trip to Paris (France or Idaho I leave up to you for the protection of my bother's identity)
Picked a direction in school
Saw a sibling married
Home 3 years from Russia
Free local concerts (I'm remembering 4?)
Made new friends
Lost old friends
Human body in exhibit
Celebrated the life of lost ones
Laughter
Tears
Tears from Laughter

I'm thankful for my experiences. I'm thankful for my opportunities. I am blessed. That I do know. As I sit here on the eve of a triumphant beginning (although, it IS already nearly 2 AM), I hope that God blesses me with new experiences that will shape me into what I need to be.

"For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (1Ne 20:10)

Silver is a very curious metal. It is said that when silver is refined, the furnace must be very hot. When the silver is pure, when it is ready, the Maker can see his reflection in it.

May God choose all of you. And when all is said and done, may He see himself in you, but more importantly, may you see yourself in Him.

chicken chow mein

Okay, this has nothing to do with Chinese food, but I'm craving it. I think it was onset by watching Kung-Fu Panda with my friends. Good movie if you haven't seen it. I've seen it twice now. Even better the second time around.

I don't spend a lot of time with those friends anymore. But tonight I thought it appropriate. I used to be there every Sunday night for movie night, but haven't made it in a long time.

I'm glad that I get to choose with whom I socialize. It's nice not to have to worry about being around the wrong kind of people. Are people like Chinese food? I say yes. Sometimes I crave it, sometimes I don't.

it's a christmas miracle

It was a longer and busier day at work today, but there was something that made it much easier to get through. It was a Christmas Miracle.

Yes, homemade bread.

Ah, the powers of delicious bread. Well, the snow started

The roads got bad for driving...

But I made it into work and we had a great feast of fresh bread and jam. (and there was much rejoicing.) But the fun part was after work, when I got home. Ali-G (Most people call her Ali) came over and we made honey butter (and one honey "butter" made of margarine) for the delight-filled treat. We made them into Christmas gifts for people.

What a good day. It really was fun to take a day, bake bread, make honey butter, talk, laugh, eat, breath, digest, you know, the good stuff.

I'm so thankful for family, friends and the chance to take the time out of my day to do something for someone else.

a relaxed day

Well, I'm done with finals, and now everything is out of my hands. It's great to be able to just relax and enjoy the break.

As you've seen from an earlier post, I did get a change to hit the slopes. I've been so excited to do it and finally got a chance to go. Jessica and I had a great time. I think that was the perfect way to start the break from school.

Now, moving onto today... It was filled with relaxation again. I made sure to go to the post office to send Marcey her CD that I promised to send her such a long time ago. Marcey, sorry I'm a putz.

Then I went and watched the Green Mile on Grant's new TV (gorgeous) and it makes me want a flat-screen. I guess when (not if) I become a millionaire, I can start splurging on gifts for myself.

I went with Grant to a wedding reception that evening where he ditched me and went on his date (she picked him up at the reception...) and I stayed and just chatted with old friends from high school. The funny thing about the reception is that it was for a girl whom I've known since I can remember. Her family lives a street or two over from us. My mother told her at the wedding shower that she was somewhat sad about the wedding because she wasn't marrying me. We both laughed about that.

But still, it makes me thankful that my life has been working out the way it has. God knows what's supposed to happen to me, and even though my thoughts on the subject are on the other extreme, it's worked out the way it should. As I sat next to my friends (the only single one) at the reception, I just couldn't see myself as a father (one to the left), or living in another state (also one to the left), stuggling with money (well, pretty much everyone). I live a comfortable life, which I'm thankful for.

hittin' the slopes

Thank you Warren Miller! I spent the day up at The Canyons resort
today on pristine powder, and the only thing between it and I was a
snowboard. The slopes were phenomenal. Jessica and I headed up to the
resort at about 8 this morning, and arrived around 8:50. It was
snowing the entire time we were up there, and honestly, it was the
best snow I have ever seen.

As we rode the chairlifts up the mountain, Jess and I took the chance
to talk to the people that were on the lift with us. One man came
from Chicago, two others came from Illinois, and the last two, who
looked about 19, were from around Salt Lake, the exact city escapes
me. It was so interesting to see people coming from everywhere to
come enjoy the snow here in Park City.

How lucky am I to have such a close proximity to theses mountains.
I'm grateful to also have the opportunity to enjoy nature and it's
beauty. We live in such an amazing place. I think that I forget that
sometimes. You know that whole inversion thing from the valley, and
even the cold. But still, it truly is an amazing place.

Jessica's goggles broke just after we got up the mountain. We hadn't even gotten into our bindings before they popped off her head. She tried one run, but there was too much snow falling. She bought some new ones.