Christmas in Africa

I know it isn't Christmas yet...but I wanted to post some pictures from Christmas last year. We woke up early Christmas morning to take a boat ride up the Nile River. We got on the boat right as the sun began to rise and the steam and mist began to leave the river. Along the banks of the river we were able to see Africa come to life. The animals all came to the river banks to get their morning breakfast and enjoy a cool off. We were able to see alligators, hippos, birds etc. What a wonderful way to start our Christmas day...out in nature with all of God's creations.We got back to our tents for a few hours of rest before heading off on our safari. While we were out and about during the safari we were able to see elephants, girafees, kobs etc. We had such a great time out there. We were gone for about five hours or so. Our tour guide was great and we were able to actually climb on top of the van to get a better look at all the animals. We cam across three elephants trying to cross our path. The mommy elephant didn't like how close we were to her baby and stared us down. Later on in our ride we came across another elephant who was not too happy with us. The van driver threw the car into reverse as the elephant started to charge. Luckily he got distracted and left the path and we could continue on our way.We got back to the camp later on that afternoon. We spent the rest of the day lounging around...reading, playing games and just enjoying the holiday season. That night the camp gave us a great Christmas dinner. You can see from the menu posted just how great the dinner was. The avacado appitizer was to die for...though I did have to scrap the mayo out from the center. I couldn't stand to eat a scoop of mayo. Dinner was great and the dessert was good too.
Even though I couldn't be with my family for the holiday...it was nice to be with friends. It will be one of the Christmas's I remember most.

One Year Ago

Well I am sure many of you are sick and tired of me talking about Africa. But since I haven't been out of the country in a year...it makes it hard to write about anything else. So for the next few week I will be doing a review of our trip to Africa last December. Most of these pictures will be new for you. It turns out I didn't post many pictures of Africa after all.
Early in the morning of Dec. 8th the team met at the Salt Lake Airport. We would quickly become great friends. The flight wasn't bad and many of us tried to catch up on sleep. Since we left so early in December, many of the students had to take their finals early. So the 24+ hour flight was just what many of us needed.

I want to give a shout out to Dr. Grenney who made this all possible. Thanks for being the best mentor out there. To all my Africa friends....I miss you and can't wait to come back some time soon.

8 Items!

Here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Answer the six "8" items.
3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

8 Favorite TV Shows:
1. The Office
2. Gray's Anatomy
3. Prison Break
4. Sports Center
5. Biggest Loser
6. Reba
7. ER
8. any sporting event

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Went to Church
2. Ate dinner with Melissa, Garrett and Missy
3. Slept in till 11
4. Spent way too much time on Facebook
5. Checked my email
6. Planned next weekends activities
7. Prayed...a lot
8. Played Disney's Scene It

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. The holidays
2. Shopping for my person
3. Not having to work
4. Going to Forrest's play
5. Visiting somewhere fun
6. The weekend
7. Sleeping
8. Going to the gym in the morning

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Olive Garden
2. Chili's
3. Wingers
4. Firehouse
5. Red Lobster
6. Cafe Rio
7. Texas Roadhouse
8. The Cheesecake factory (I've only eaten there once...but it was GREAT)

8 Things On My Wish List:
1. Everone to be happy
2. Another trip
3. More time to do what I want
4. More money so I can play more
5. Friends close by
6. Go back to Africa
7. All my pictures scrapbooked
8. A place of my own

8 People I Tag:
1. Who ever wants to do this.

Fall Break-Vegas style

As many of you know...Lori is in Vegas going to UNLV. Well, Missy and I thought it would be fun if we took a little trip out there to see her. Since Missy is a study-a-holic...I figured it would be best to go over Fall Break...plus that way we got to experience the warmth again.

Since Missy's brother lives in St. George we figured we would drive down there Thursday night and spend the night at his house. That really worked out well...we made good time and were able to spend some time with his wife and kids. So here is a little shout out to Andrea and the Kids...thanks for letting us crash there! We got up Friday morning and jumped in the car for the quick drive across the border and on to Vegas.

It was so nice to see Lori...we really hadn't all been together for months and so it was nice. Since we have all been to Vegas many times...we didn't want to do the "typical" Vegas stuff. Missy and I haven't had the chance to do baptisms since we were endowed...so we all went to the Temple to do baptisms. That was such an experience...if you don't know the story...and want to...give me a ring!

Last spring when Lori and I went to Vegas for Spring Break...we went hiking around Red Rock. Well, Missy had never been there...and Lori and I loved it there...so we headed there for one of the afternoons. It was fun to get out there and hike around in the warmth!

All in all...it was a rather fun weekend. Thanks Lo for letting us come out there and take over your condo! We need to do it again some time.

Where in the world?

As many of you know...my friend Lori and I were able to go to Europe during the summer of 2007. I was talking to Lori the other day and we are itching to get out and go on another trip. So my question to the blogging world...is where should we go. We want to go some where out of the country. We thought about going to Egypt, but kinda just need some feedback. So let me know where you think we should go. Remember, she is a poor grad student and I'm a poor office manager :)

Moved in

Well after about a zillion years...I finally made it into my condo! That is right...on Saturday afternoon I finally got all my stuff moved in. I am happy to finally have own place again. A special thanks to the Jenkins for letting me crash with them all summer long. Also a shout out to Forrest for giving me his bed when I crashed at my Dad's for a few weeks.

Here is a special shout out to anyone in the SLC area...I need visitors. Please come and see me...or I'll come see you...but let's get together!

I guess now that I am back to life...I hope to have more posts. Sorry for the lack of blogging the past few months. I hope to have more to share with you in the future. I might even take a picture of my place when I get it all put together (i.e. pictures on the wall etc.).

Growing Up

Well, I guess it is time that I grow up. As many of you know, I turned 26 the other day and so you would think that I would be grown up by now. But I like to delay responsibilities as long as possible :)

Well this weekend, I could delay it no more. I went out and bought a grown up bed! That is right, I won't be sleeping on little twin beds that the student housing provides for you. No more restless nights as I sink to the center of my bed. No more storing my crap under my bed because it is set up on cinder blocks. No more storing my clothes on shelves because the apt. doesn't provide a dresser. That is right...no more kid stuff.

I am happy with my purchase and can't wait for it to get delivered so I can finish setting up my grown up bed. I guess being a grown up has it's perks.

Lessons Learned From The Olympic Games

I don't know about you, but this past week has taught me a lot...mainly due to the Olympic Games. Who would have thought that you could actually learn something from these games. Here is what I've learned.

1. Don't piss off the Americans.
~ How did I come to this conclusion? Did anyone see the men's 4 x 100 freestyle relay? The French come out and say "We are going to smash the Americans, that is why we are here!" Did he honestly think that we were going to cower under his words? On the other hand...we took what he said and shoved it back in his face! The 4 x 100 freestyle relay was probably the best race I have ever seen! We appeared dead in the water, but give credit to Jason Lezak who appeared to ride the surf of the French team, to pulls us from behind and give us the win. Final time: USA-3.08.24.....France-3.08.32. So next time you want to piss of the Americans, make sure you can back it up!
2. It is all about mental toughness.
~ Let me explain. Last night I was watching the incredible Women's Beach Volleyball team of May-Treanor and Walsh. These ladies are amazing. They are the teams that everyone is picking to win gold...and for good measure. With their win yesterday, their winning streak is now at 105 matches. They haven't lost in 105 matches!!!! That is unbelievable. The games yesterday showed just how tough these ladies are. The Belgium came storming out and put up a pretty good fight. They actually believed that they could beat the Americans. Well I thought they might just do it. The Belgiums held a 20-17 advantage in the first set. All they needed was 1 point to win the set. But the Americans refused to play three sets against this team. This is when their toughness privaled. They came back to win the set 24-22! I couldn't believe it. After throwing away the first set, the Belgiums lost all confidence (again it's all about mental toughness). The Americans wons the 2nd set 21-10, it it took all of 15 minutes. 3. It's not over til the fat lady sings.
~ Ok, I'll be honest...I thought Phelps had lost the 100 butterfly. I counted him down and out. I thought "there goes his goal". But as the saying goes...it ain't over till the fat lady sings. Until they posted the score, I still didn't think that Phelps had won. I can't believe it! Five of his gold medals came quiet easily (four with new world records), one gold came on the back of his teammate (see lesson 1), but the seventh one came a little harder. Going into the race I thought he would have no problem. But with time running out, it looked like out Champion had run out as well. But instead of coasting to the finish (which is the wisest thing to do) he took a leap (literally) and it got him the gold.
4. 16 year old Americans are a lot more developed then 16 year old Chinese.
~ I am sure everyone has seen the photos and has developed their own conclusions. But I must say, that the Chinese don't appear to be 16. It must be something in the water here, that makes our youth sprout up and develop. I don't care what you say about training at a young age and what not...but nothing can stunt the development that much. Honestly, some of their gymnasts look no more developed than my little sister...and she is 12! I know their passports (which are government issued) say they are 16 but come on, there is no way. Like I said...it must be something in the water.

26...can it be?

Yep that is right...I've lived to see another birthday. As many of you know I have hit the big 2...6...! Actually, is 26 that big? I don't think it is any bigger than 25, nothing really special happens when you are 26. I mean honestly, at 16 you can drive...18 you are an adult...21 you can drink...25 you are a quarter of a century...so basically 26 is just another year.

The other day at work my boss asked me if I had any questions he could answer while he was in the office...I told him "well according to the song...I'm another year older and wiser too" so I shouldn't have any".

So here is to another year. Hope 26 is just as great as the previous 25 have been.

Tetons in the morning

I know I already posted about spending a week "working" in the Tetons. But I thought I would post a few more pictures. Some of our participants wanted to get up at 5:30 to do a photo shoot. So I got up and drove them around. We hoped to see different animals along the way and some great scenic pictures. My group didn't seem many animal (besides your basic elk and bison), but one group saw a bear. When I see the photographic evidence of that....then I will believe. Being on the road by 5:30 allows you to see the sun rise...and when it does...the Tetons just glow. We also ran over to Jenny's Lake for a little photo shoot there. By the time we got there the water was getting a little choppy and so it wasn't smooth. But you can clearly see the reflection of the Tetons in the water.

Unemployed

Well I have officially joined the ranks of the unemployed. I will keep you posted on how things go. But I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be living in SLC for the next little while, while I am searching for a job. So those in SLC...let's play.

Can life get better that this...?

...I submit that it can not! Now how many of you enjoy going to work every day? This past week has been an amazing one. We have a yearly conference that is usually held in Park City. Now don't get me wrong, I love Park City...but it can't compare to where we had the conference this year. This is what we get to look at every day! Now tell me this...who wouldn't want to come to work every day, when this is the view you have?This year is our 10th anniversary and we decided to head to Jackson, Wyoming. What a view. We wake up every morning to see the majestic Tetons. I went on a hike yesterday afternoon and got lost in the beauty that surrounded me.And after seeing all this...I have to ask myself...why am I leaving? What other company pays for you to spend the week in Jackson? So thanks Geoff and STI...it was great.

Enrichment Night

Ok, one thing I've learned..is I MUST have the internet at my house, or I go crazy. Since I am moving in a few weeks, I canceled my internet...and now I learned that I can't live without it. That is my excuse for the marathon of posts. I forget to bring the pictures with me to work to post...then I feel guilty about posting them at work...so usually I don't. But I will get better.

So last night we had enrichment. I don't feel like I am the most crafty person in the world. But when they said what we were going to do, I was excited to go. For the past little while, many of my roommates had boards that they were able to put pictures on. I thought it was cute, and wondered how to go about making them. Well that is exactly what we did at enrichment. This is the board that I ended up making. When we got there I saw the fabric I wanted right away. All of the frames in my room are black...so I wanted to go along with that theme. I thought the ribbon added a little to it. The best thing about it, is that they are so easy. I think I had mine made in about 20 minutes. You can also do it in all shapes and sizes. Such a great gift idea. I just wanted to send a shout out to Candace for putting the activity together...thanks friend!

Graduation

The other week...I had the opportunity to head home for a special weekend. On May 30, Thomas graduated from high school and Charity graduated from 6th grade. They both worked hard to get to that point. Charity...I'm proud of you and your efforts in class. I can't believe you had perfect attendance. I never had that! Good job. Thomas...thanks for making it. You know I would have had to beat you up if you didn't :) I both love you tons.Thomas and I after he finally made it!Charity with her teacher. Now don't think that Charity is freakishly tall (she is tall) but her teacher is just really short. :)

I'm proud of you!

I just wanted to post some pictures of my brother. He graduated this year! I'm so proud of him. He is such a good example to me. Thomas and I have always been close. We have had many conversations over the year and I just wanted to let him know that I love him so much. Thomas...I'm so proud of you!

Sailing

Ok, so I swear I'm not dead. We canceled our internet for the summer since we didn't want to pay more for it and I haven't been able to get on here to post for a while. But I'm back with a determination to do better.

Last week I was able to go to California for the Open House of Melissa and Devin. While I was there Bryan took us out sailing. Now, I have been out to Cali a few times to visit Melissa's family and I have yet to go sailing. I was pretty excited when we finally got to head out. Hope you enjoy these photos.

Daddy B., Erin, Nate, and Angie chillin' while Cody drives.

Erin, Melissa and I enjoying the water.

Devin, showin the love.

The newlyweds!

Cheesin' it.

Lookin' hot in my sailing attire.

Nate and Erin doing the "Titanic".

Lessons Learned

Ok so the weather is finally warming up and spring seems to have finally arrived in Logan. I love the warm weather and am excited to enjoy yet another summer in Logan. As the weather warms up and people are emerging from hibernation, it could only mean that one this is upon us...finals and the end of another school year!

Now I know that most of you are thinking...come on Lex, you've graduate...you don't need to worry about finals. And you are right...but for the past I don't know how many years....I've looked forward to this week. Let's be honest...it took me longer to graduate than other people. I graduated high school in 2000 and finally finished my undergraduate in May 2007. Now I did take a year and a half off to go on a mission, but it still felt like I was in college forever. In reality I was only in school fro 4.5 years, so that isn't bad.Was it worth it? Absolutely! There are things I learned while in college that I wouldn't have learned elsewhere. Like who knew that shooting a cupcake from a skeet shooter would destroy the cupcake upon launch? We learned that the hard way...the only way to really launch a cupcake was to throw it.
I learned that everything is better with chocolate and friends. Whether it was having a chocolate fountain party or home made pazookies, if there is chocolate and friends involved...it is bound to be a good time.

I've learned that mentos and dry ice really do make a large bang when combined and placed in a 2-liter soda bottle. You might not think that it does, but you will be surprised. And when I say a large bang...I really mean a LARGE bang, so plug your ears.

I learned an important lesson about roommate bonding. Don't ever try and come between three roommates. When placed with the dilema of kicking one of the three out of the apartment, they will go to extreme odds to stay together. That includes trashing the apartment so that the "clean freak" that wants to move in (and kick someone else out in the process) sees the apartment she is forced to change her mind.

Like I said, was it worth it? Absolutely. The student loans needed, the hours of studying, working part time along the way, all nighters to cram for a test, and then being so tired you sleep through class is what college is all about. Where else would I have learned these valuable lessons?