First Snow of the Year in Denver 2007

While I was up in Colorado for a Children's Oncology Group (COG) Meeting, I was able to spend a couple of days with aunt Carol. Cara gave me the weather forecast a few days before I flew up and told me the weather would start out in the 50s and warm up to the mid-70s by Sunday, October 21. Yeah...not exactly 75 degrees!

I actually enjoyed my time in Denver because I didn't realize how much I missed the seasons. Leaves were changing colors and falling, and then the snow came blowing in. Within a few hours, the sun melted most of the snow away. It ended up being a nice weekend to sleep in and relax.

Unfortunately, aunt Carol was experiencing pain in her stomach and aching throughout her body all week. She wasn't feeling so great, so we had another excuse to stay in and take it easy! Hopefully, she is feeling almost normal now. Even though she may have not felt the best, I couldn't have asked for a better host! Thanks again for everything! Oh...I almost forgot to mention...Scully came around on the first day. She's warming up to me!

This One's For You, Cara

When I saw this car, I couldn't help but remember past conversations I've had with Cara and their car. Cara and Graham have a Toyota Camry...currently sporting a bike rack on top. It doesn't quite mix, but when I saw that they weren't the only ones with this look, I had to take a photo. Sorry the picture didn't turn out so well...it's really dark. But, it's a Lexus with a ski rack on top. Just to let you know, Cara, it could be worse!

Grant's 10 Year Reunion

Here are Grant's 10 Year Reunion Photos. (October 13, 2007)

Saturday night, as we were cleaning/washing our cars, Grant was called by a former high school friend asking where he was. He wanted to know if he was coming to his High School Reunion...which was going on at that moment. Grant hadn't received any information about this evening prior to the phone call. We both hurried to clean up and get ready for his big night!

The reunion was held at a restaurant called the Rustlin' Rooster. The restaurant overlooks the city. I was so excited to be there because I pass by these lights everyday on my way home from work, and I was always curious what was there. The view was beautiful from up there. The restaurant reminds me a little of Trail Dust. There is a slide and live music. It's a country-themed steakhouse. We didn't have dinner there, but I'm sure it would be really good.

The reunion was outside in a barn. It was casual with picnic tables and a buffet dinner. There was a slide show presentation and lots of socializing. It was a really good turnout. I was definitely impressed. Grant visited with lots of his high school buddies and acquaintances. Even though it's awkward being at high school reunions, I think Grant was glad to be there.

I don't know if you can tell or not, but the last picture of Grant has a bull in the background. (I'm having a hard time figuring out how to take pictures at night. Hopefully I'll learn soon...so you all can see what I'm trying to capture.)

Exhaust Day at PCH

Last Friday at Phoenix Children's Hospital, our garden level was rudely awakened when exhaust was coming through our vents. There is construction going on next to the Outpatient building, and our air conditioning return sucked up exhaust from trucks parked nearby. Our smoke alarm went off moments after I smelt a horrible smell and felt as though I couldn't breathe much longer in it. We all left the building and were told to come back in an hour or so while they cleared our space.

We went to the Biltmore Mall. Dianne, Nica, Patrick, and I enjoyed some leisurely time visiting stores and eating lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen. Yeah, I'm not sure what Nica is doing there...but it looks like Dianne doesn't want anything to do with it! As for me, I'm not sure what's going on with my hair...let's just hope it's normally not like that! Patrick, I'd say Nica captured a darn good picture of you. You win with being the most photogenic this day!

We got the okay to go back to work, and actually it was really bad still. We were all worried about being poisoned with carbon monoxide. So, within an hour or so we left for the day. Most of us weren't feeling well. We had headaches, nausea, and our faces didn't look too good. But, as you can see...I at least made it! We all are feeling much better now, and hopefully this will not happen again while we're at work...scary!!

AZ Diamondbacks vs CO Rockies

Grant and I went to the first 2007 AZ vs CO playoff game. They played at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ. Grant picked me up early from work and we grabbed a bite to eat at a nearby pizza place. I got myself a D-backs baseball cap and wore red to support Grant in cheering for AZ. Unfortunately for him, they lost to Colorado. Since I am now posting this a week later, I now know that Colorado beat Arizona all 4 games. I think this is actually quite exciting for CO. I just remember when I used to live in CO, they weren't a very strong team. So, it's nice to see that they're stepping it up now.

But, back to the game...I was so happy the roof was open so it was like we were at a real baseball game. Last time we were here, it was all indoors, and that felt strange to me. There was no reason to wear a baseball cap. Now I had a reason! We had really good seats chillin' in the back row of the bleechers.

Being at the game, we were able to witness some bad fan behavior. People were throwing beer bottles and drinks onto the field because of a bad call. I've never seen anything like it. Another interesting thing to witness was this CO fan holding up his sign. The sign had the dates his buddy was alive on it. I thought that was a bit much, especially since the date he died was a year to the date of this game. Well, maybe that game was for him...since CO ended up winning!

This Is Going Down In The History Books

For the first time in Grant's life, he drove on the ramp from the 51 southbound to the 10 westbound. I thought I should document it. (Just to give you prospective, the highway ramp behind Grant in the first picture is the 202 eastbound from the 51.) I'm glad I was there to witness such an event. By the way, don't you think he looks pretty styling in his new X-Terra?

Double Rainbow

You wouldn't believe what I saw on my commute home from work the other day! I saw a double rainbow. One rainbow was on top of another rainbow. They were both comeplete rainbows, too! Unfortunately, by the time I grabbed my camera and was stopped on the highway, I only could capture one. Not only that, but I was too close to the rainbow to get the full rainbow in one snap. So, this is all I have. But, believe me...it was a sight to see!

Speed Dating

On September 28, 2007, the Porter's hosted a speed-dating activity. Monique invited me, and I invited Bryan. (Monique's the blonde in the picture next to Bryan. Brother Porter is on the far right.) I decided to take a picture of this event to show Paul that I still go to these amazing date-nights. I'm sure he would appreciate this. :) Also, now you know who Monique is...this one's for you, Ben. :) Bryan is a guy who I knew from Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He just moved here around the beginning of September. He's now trying to get me buff by forcing me to go to the gym with him. I'm actually willing to do it, as long as I'm not working out for 2+ hours.

Anyway, these pictures descibe briefly what speed-dating is all about. Every 3 minutes or so a new guy comes over to talk to you. You both decide if you'd like to go out with them again. If you both agree, emails/phone numbers are exchanged. If either one or the other does not seem interested, then nothing gets exchanged. It's a night of many rejections, and perhaps many future dates!

I have to admit, this was another one of those nights I would rather not have been there. Grant and I just broke up recently at this time, and I wasn't excited to meet any of these guys. I wasn't anticipating to meet anyone like I had when I met Grant at a speed-dating event earlier this last summer. Later on, Grant told me he had a hard time with me being there that night. I felt bad being out without him. All I wanted to do was call him. So, to make a sad story better...we are now back together!

By the way, Jon Parkinson was my only date who was willing to get his picture taken...or at least noticed I had a camera on me. I'll give him an extra star for that!

My First AZ Luau

Drew and I went to the Stake Luau in October of 2006. It was so much fun. This was the first activity I was able to go to as a new resident of Arizona. I was impressed with how many people showed up to this event. The food was amazing and the dancers were entertaining...who could ask for a better time? I have to admit I was a little chilly...I didn't realize we'd be outside the entire night. But, I was pleasantly surprised to see heaters throughout the giant backyard. It was kind of funny to see so many people huddled around them. I tried to be tough and not use the heaters because I knew if I went to them, it would be hard to leave them. So, I was sporting goosebumps most of the evening.

The time has come once again, and this year's luau is October 20, 2007. I, unfortunately, will be in Denver, Colorado, so I will miss it this year. It should be lots of fun. I wish I could go. I would have asked Grant to come with me.

Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple

This was my first visit to the Mesa Temple.

My new friend, Drew, came along with me. Drew and I met through my former roommate at BYU, Taryn Smith. While I was staying at Taryn's house during my visit to Arizona, she mentioned that Drew might be interested in doing something with me. He moved down to AZ for an internship at Intel for the semester the same weekend I came down to interview and visit the area. I called him up and we became friends instantly! We spent the weekend checking out Arizona together. He was a great friend to have around being new to the area. We both wanted to see the temple...so we did!

When I think of the Mesa temple, the first thing that comes to my mind is my mom. This temple is very special to her. When my mom chose to go through the temple the first time, this temple was her choice. She was able to come here and have her family members present, which was very important to her.

My mom always had a magnet on our refrigerator of the Mesa Temple. It was a nighttime photo. The temple looked massive. It appeared to have so much water around it. But, when I saw it in person, it didn't look as large as I had imagined. The pools of water seemed to be smaller, also. It's interesting how our minds perceive places before we actually go and see them. The temple is definitely a beautiful place. I especially was in awe when I saw the temple grounds lit up with Christmas lights.

A White Penske Truck?

I know what you're thinking...we thought the same thing too. We didn't know if we had a dud or not getting this white Penske truck. What happened to the common yellow truck? I questioned the person who handed it over to us, and he didn't know what to say. Some of the trucks are yellow, and some of them are white. Wow, but really, what are the odds of getting a white one? Maybe it is greater than I ever thought!

My mom offered to drive the moving truck along our adventurous route to Arizona. I am so grateful to have a mom who loves to drive trucks! She was such a good sport. My mom ended up driving this Penske truck clear from Salt Lake City, Utah to Chandler, Arizona. I followed behind her a good chunk of the way, and boy these trucks can move! I had a hard time keeping up with her!

We had a long 2 day trip and all was well. We didn't experience any problems, other than a few misleading signs/directions. We were able to pass through Zion's National Park. My mom was actually not too happy to drive along the narrow switchbacks and tunnels the park had to offer. I don't know about my mom, but one thing I gained from this trip was is that I'm never going to drive it again. It's way too long/far. I'm flying from now on!

I would like to re-thank all those who helped load and unload this monster of a truck! You all are awesome! Thanks again mom, Graham, Michael, Ryan, Drew, Logan, and Logan's friends (sorry I forgot their names). I seriously couldn't have done it without you. I'll let you know when I need to use your services again. :)

Home Sweet Home

When I moved to Arizona, back in October of 2006, this became my new home. (This still is my home.) I live in Stonebridge Ranch Apartments. It really has been a nice little place to live. I have warmed up the place with a welcome mat at my front door, and some personality inside (thanks to Christi's decorating skills).

My patio overlooks the southern side of Arizona...including the 202 (a great and spacious highway). Actually I don't mind having the highway behind me because I have a great view, and I don't have to worry about snoopy neighbors.

The final picture is of the apartment complex's front pool. Can you believe it...I moved to Arizona and I've only gone swimming once in a year?! It was quite a memorable day at that! I had a short day at work, so I got home sometime in the early afternoon. I noticed people were out at the pool. I couldn't believe people were actually swimming in February...but I guess that's just Arizona for you. So, I thought I'd go for it. I got changed up and headed for the pool. Only a couple of people were in the pool when I got there; most of them were laying out. But, I chose to get in...and boy did I get surprise! The water was pretty chilly! I tried to get adjusted to the water...but I couldn't. It was just too cold. So, now I know that only crazy people go swimming in Arizona in February. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to go swimming since.

An Excuse To Take A Break From A Long Trip

My mom and I saw this dam along the way to Arizona from Utah. I cannot remember what the name of this dam is, but here it is! It was quite an amazing scene. It was also really nice to get out of our trucks and take a short walk. I have to admit that after taking the tour at the Hoover Dam in 2005, I caught myself comparing this one to it....yep, doesn't compare! Just kidding...I'm impressed! Check it out!

I'm moving to Arizona (October 2006)

I found some pictures from a year ago when I made my decision to move to Arizona.


Time for a party! Traditionally, I choose to have all my parties at Red Robin, but this time I thought I'd try something different. Just kidding, I couldn't go against tradition! (I used to work there back in the ol' days of college as a server.) All my good friends were able to come celebrate my big change...I was moving to Arizona!! It was really nice to be there one last time together.

Paul was threatening to kiss me the whole time...I was nervous again around him. Instead he gave me a gift bag with Hershey Chocolate Kisses and a couple of Kissing books. I was relieved! Sorry, Paul, no kisses for you.

My friends who were able to come (from left to right) were Paul (of course), Trevor (from Springville), Josh (Paul's roommate from AZ--told me to move to the University 6th ward), Eric (Paul's roommate), Latisha (friend from freshman year at BYU-she still has my lamp, I believe), Jon (Paul's cousin), Richardo's girlfriend, and Richardo (from Springeville). I am so grateful to have met and gained friendships with these amazing people during my time in Utah. I could write novels about these wonderful friends, but for now, you'll just have to trust me about how great they truly are.