2008: Highlights

With the year winding down I look back and want to share some of my highlights with you. So sit back and enjoy the ride!

(In No Particular Order)

• Rock Band Parties at good ol' 327 Mountain View Dr
• "Why Girls are so Freaking complicated" debates with Traci Farnsworth
• "Girls,.... am I right?" (High Fives to all the guys)
• July 11th - The day I stood 5 hours in line to get my iPhone.
• Singing with Brian Wall at Bread & Soup Nite
• Watching LOST non-stop
• "The Office" Parties in the Spring
• The Elders Quormn Meeting where I got Erin Marble's Phone Number
• The Valentine Dance with Sarah Michelle Lamoureux
• Diet Coke and Mentos Fight with Brian Wall, Jon McNaughtan, Marc Taylor, McKall Christensen, and Emile Andersen.
• I bought a Lightsaber
• My First Kiss with Sarah
• Being accepted into SUU Housing
• Discovering the $1 Big Mac
• Seeing the Midnight Showing of Dark Knight
• Buying my First HDTV
• Reading to Pre-school Class
• Playing Rock Band with the Family
• Shooting with Brian Wall
• Heroes Parties in the Fall
• Rock Band Competition where our band won best band name -- "Courtesy Flush"
• Discovering the Twilight Series
• When Sarah got her mission call
• Teasing Chris our room mate
• Winning the Institute's "King Tute" Pageant
• Holding my new niece Addison for the First Time
• Lord Hubbard's Tabletop Hockey Tourney Jan and Aug
• My niece Avery actually liking me
• Settlers of Catan Matches with Brian, Peter, Johnathan, and Megan
• Barack Obama winning the Presidency
• Jim and Pam getting engaged
• Being Promoted at my work
• Midnight Showing of Twilight with Monica Workman, and me being only 1 of 10 guys in the theatre
• Doing Improv Sports
• My and Sarah's 21st Birthday date in Mesquite, NV
• 1st Annual Bruns' Brother's Golf Touney
• Volleyball with RA's and Residents
• My first date with Cindy
• Basement discussions with Brian Wall, and Bryce Daley in 327 Mountain View Dr
• Playing games at Alyssa's and Jordan's House
• Flaming High Fives at Jon's House
• Seeing Iron Man for the first time
• Announcing SUU Government Results
• My hug with Liz Day
• Debates/Fights with Katie Danner
• Everytime I went to Costa Vida
• Finding comfort in Costa Vida
• The taste of Costa Vida
• Walks with Morgan Livingston
• Heading to the Driving Range with Brian
• Retro Night in Juniper!
• Teasing Jessica Brooks
• My birthday date with Sarah, which included the perfect kiss
• Having Jacob vs. Edward Discussions with girls
• 80's movies Sunday
• Getting my first letter from Sister Lamoureux
• Watching the Olympics
• Gears of War with Darin
  
• Seeing Camille eat sushi for the first time
• Ninja with Marty Paz
• Making Salsa
  
• Picking up chicks with Brian a.k.a. Going to Wendy's
  
• Man Night
• Teaching Sunday School
• Having Dance Offs and seeing the creation of the "I dropped my Glasses" move by Funky Brian Wall
• Breaking my No-Throwing Up Record at Brian's House
• Institute Dances
• Speaking Chinese whenever I could.
• Hanging with Sarah
• Mixing Drinks at Jon's House
• Watching Scary Movies with Katie Robinson
• Going to the One SUU Football game I went to
• Sunday Cocoa Parties/Disney Night at Traci's & Stacey's house
• Having Talks with all my friends
• Getting Ice Cream with Jayde Udall
• Snowball fights on Mountain View Dr
• Snuggling with all my friends on Brian's Love sac
• Sitting in Blue Heaven
• Seeing "Off the Cuff" with Monica
• Having Syrup, Crayon, Sherbet debates with Brian
• Having Tea with Sarah
• Eating the Cotton Cookie
• Discovering "Arrested Development"
• Seeing Cindy Spill on herself.... mulitiple times
• Singing hymn after family prayer
• Casino Night
• Super Smash Bros on the wii
• Drinking McDonalds Milk that Bryce brought home
• "Ooh La La" FHE
• Seeing my friends smile
• Taking comfort from my family
• Giving Priesthood Blessings
• Doing Baptisms
• Having Honest Prayers
• And Loving Life

Uh-oh.

Crazy Cedar City! I'm used to it being quiet and calm. But like the Salmon of the Capistrano, students are flocking back to SUU. (I guess Salmon don't "flock").
Anyway, it's so great to make new friends. I've met so many nice people. Of course the majority are the female folk, who seem to give off the "mia maid" vibe. Weird. Seriously I feel old. I'm 23, a RM, single, and I've read the entire Twilight series. Yep, I'm in the minority.

But RHA (the on-campus activities board, which I am on) have kicked off the year with a great "Campus Tie-Dye" activity last Wednesday. It was a hippie good time!!! We gave away white t-shirts, which students took to our tie-dying stations and created a little bit of their 60's nostalga.


And oh yes last Saturday marked the 7th Lord Hubbard Tabletop Hockey Tournament. This was the fourth tourney I've been in, and probably the worst I've done. I got eliminated fast in the Singles tournament. Liz and I are were off to a good start in the doubles but were denied. I still walked away with Male MVP. You hear that? Most valuable player.....even though it was a single match.... But I brought 3 people with me from Cedar City. 2 of which were give less than 12 hours notice, and I suppose I bring a lot of pep to the table. It was great to see the Fam. Ethan and Avery are getting way too freakin' cute.

And yesterday I finally finished Breaking Dawn. And my decent into non-manliness is almost complete...

This week is going to be crazy but fun!!!

"But where did the Lighter fluid come from?"

So some stuff has happened, but all not too exciting.

The first is that I've finally achieved my holy grail. I finally have an iPhone! I went on the opening day, 7/11 to the Apple store at the Gateway and stood in line for 5 hours. The wait was long, but the phone is so worth it! Seriously is the best phone I've ever had and it constantly surprises me with all the things it can do.

The second is my discovery of the best tv show I've ever seen -- Arrested Development! I've been watching it at work and have fallen in love with it. It seriously beats "The Office" on it's writing, simplicity, and the likability of it's characters.

So that's really it. New phone, new show, and that's all.

Divots & Piccolo Petes

Well, I'm glad to see you're back reading my blog. I'm glad that the emotional venting of my last blog didn't deter you.

Things are going well. The world didn't crumble or end. Sarah (now Sister Lamoureux) went into the MTC with a her loins girded...(can I say that about a Sister?) and full of faith. I have nothing but high expectations for her and look forward to hear her stories of trial, and faith.

It is weird though not having her around. It's like when you walking down the stairs in the dark and you think there is another step, only to find that you just pulled off a successful imitation of a horse. I miss her so much, and wish for the best for her and I.

But I'm trying to kickstart my life again. I'm making new friends, enjoying old ones, and taking up new hobbies. Namely, G to the Olf!

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen. Lorin Bruns has picked up on a sport that you can't play in a institute game room! It started with my Brothers and I having our 1st Annual Bruns Brothers Golf Tourney. On Friday the 4th of July we hit the links in Tooele. Being the 1st time I've ever actually golfed <---- (Looks Weird) on an actual 18 hole course I was looking forward to a afternoon of broken tees and broken confidence. But after I got into the "Swing" of things I picked it up, and by that I mean I about quadruple bogey'ed every hole, but it was fun. My brothers are hilarious and fun. It was a blast and I quickly developed an "itch" for golf.

The 4th was fun, the whole family was down in Tooele. Ethan and Avery were as cute as ever and the family had a lot of fun! I love the fam.

........... And yes it is approaching July 11th. The Pilgrimage to Mecca is coming! This Thursday, Brian Wall and I are heading up north to the Apple store to get myself an iPhone. Morning Glory and Hallelujah!

Good Week

Thoughts Come And Go. Feelings Stay.

Lately my mind and my heart have been so full.
A thousand thoughts that give birth to new feelings.
One feeling of my heart that will spawn the creation of a thousand thoughts.
The consolidation of previous wounds and holes into one large gap which creates the expanse between feeling alive and feeling dead,
the gap being big enough to fit only myself.

It's amazing how love amplifies every feeling, making dreams into reachable reality.
The blocks that so often deter me from reaching higher potential now belong in the reach of my outstretched hand.
My heart that once would feel content with present goals and with a present purpose,
now aches for the other heart to bind itself to, that perhaps,
just maybe,
it's purpose for beating, for living, extends to a greater purpose.

My brain exhausts itself trying to make sense of the "why",
the "who" having been decided much earlier on.
Surely there must be a reason why I feel this way?
Songs that speak of sunsets, and stars finally finding their designed space in constellations in the heavenly firmament,
surely I can belong? With her?
Divine feeling that reach beyond mortal desires and wants.
There must be a purpose for such feelings.
I know that I have never felt this way.
A truth I don't know if you believe.

In moments of reflection I shut my eyes.
My steady breathing fills my lungs, but I still seem to gasp for air.
It's a surprise to me I feel this way.
That she could have such an effect upon me.
But I should have known, with a girl like her.

My heart feels sore.
Strained by the constant demands I've put upon it.

I am glad I feel this way.
I guess it is proof that those countless moments, where my heart reverberated against my chest
at the touch of your hand,
the sound of your voice at the other end of the line,
and the feeling of your lips finding mine,
and the resolve to see that you come to no harm,
the faith that I could swallow up every pain,
every moment of self-doubt,
and you could find peace being held in my arms,
were not just equated to butterflies, whose life-span extend only as long as my interest.

I know I must let you go.

Feelings of absolute pain and joy which occur at the same time,
as if a blissful nightmare could exist.
Having the ability to see, but choosing to close my eyes.

Irony strikes as I realize that the only way I can let you go,
was because I'd let go of all my fears of trying,
knowing I could have left before I was here.
Getting out relatively unscathed by choosing a selfish exit of an ending.

But I don't feel like a fool.
It was worth it.
You were worth it.
You are worth it.

23... and STILL playing with Lightsabers.

Zhu wo Shengri Kuai le! What a Freakin' fun weekend! This past weekend I have been planning for a while now.

My old room mate Brian Wall and his friend McKall came down from Provo/Lehi to the holy town of cedar city. You may question the use of the word "holy" but if you've ever been to Provo you know that anywhere but there is a step up.

For my birthday I bought myself a Lightsaber. No joke. I love it! It's a lot of fun to play with, and to agree with what Brian said, "If you had this when you were a kid you would have been the coolest kid ever!" I highly agree. Friday night we played around and went to Wal-Mart for old times sake.

Saturday morning we went to Denny's and took some naps amid watching a movie. We also went outside to get some sun. I fell asleep and somehow had my shirt partly up, so now my stomach is half tanned. It looks like I've been belly slapped.

In the afternoon we had a Diet Coke and Mentos fight, or a Mentoke fight. We had 56 2 liters of Diet coke and 15 packages of Mentos and 6 of us just had a free for all. By the end we all were soaked in Diet Coke. We taped it and the video will be short coming. It was sOOOO much fun!!!
(Wish you could have been there Crumbs)

After a much needed shower, we ordered some pizza and played Yahtzee, with McKall winning all 3 games! In the evening we organized a steal the flag game (some would debate on calling it capture the flag, but.....) on SUU campus. We had 15 people show up. I realized that terms like "Puppy guarding" or "1..2..3.. NOT IT!" just never seem to die. It was so much fun and much needed exercise.

Sunday I went to church then made the 3 1/2 hour drive to Tooele and spent the day with the Fam. They all came down and oh how much fun it was! For dinner we had Spaghetti, my favorite food, and had a cheesecake birthday cake, as usual. I got some cool shirts from my sister, and board games from my brother, and cash.... Mmmm I like cash.

So now it's back to life in cedar city. For my birthday I went to a business meeting in Salt Lake, which wasn't too bad, and in the evening played board games with my friends. So now I'm 23 so old that I'm ready to fart out dust. ;)

"Mr. Pibb + Red Vines = Crazy Delicious!"

Hello those in Blogger land. ........ wow that was the cheesiest opening I've ever done.

Ok so crazy week, but so good. The biggest blessing I feel is that the Lord has blessed our little cell phone store and we have been blessed with much business.

This week was the American Idol Finale, and usually I'm not into american Idol, but this year I just caught on I guess. I picked David Cook to win but I was rooting for David Archuleta to win. After Tuesday's show it looked like Archuleta had it in the bag, but to everyone's suprise Cook pulled the victory. And yes I know Archuleta will get offered record deals but, it still would have been cool if he won. But like I said before, "The Jazz and David Archuleta: 2 Things from Utah that got screwed." But they're both talented.



The weather in Cedar has been crazy. Rain, coldness, and awkward periods of warmth.

Oh last Saturday my friends and I went and played with Diet Coke and Mentos. It was my first time doing it and I thought it was awesome! Plans are brewing for a D.C. and Mentos fight coming this summer: 2 Teams, 50 Bottles each, 1 extremely sticky day. :)

I'm making some new friends, but I still miss so many. One Especially, you know who you are.... (crumbs) :)

Next week also marks my 23rd birthday, Oy that getting old.

So until later Blogger world...... ugh, still cheesy.

Idols, Fouls, & Werewolves

Good day.
<-----Do I not have the cutest Niece and Nephew? This is from Avery's first Birthday party.
So here am I in Cedar City, kind of bored. This past weekend was great though. I went home to Tooele for Mother's Day. It a 3 1/2 hour drive each way so my butt was considerably sore. It amazes me how a butt could get sore. I mean isn't that what it's designed for? Thats like saying your teeth got sore from chewing.
Home was great. How I LOVE my family. It was loud in the house, mostly on the behalf of my brother Darin, but it was great. We popped popcorn in a big brown bag like we used to, and we just sat around and chatted. Sunday I went to the old family ward, then swung by the singles ward to visit some friends. I miss that ward. Any notion of what you think a singles ward is, come true as you attend. But if fun in a dorky way. But I figured I surrendered my coolness a long time ago, so might as well laugh.
Came home and took a nap with Mom. Oh! I forgot my little Brother Elder Matt Bruns called Sunday morning. It was good to hear his voice. I loaded him with advice like always. That's the thing anytime anyone is going on a mission I just load them up with advice and stories. I figure if I was a Grandpa my mission would be like the civil war stories I would tell.
Dinner at home was great. I got my Mom an iPod Shuffle and she loved it. Welcome to the 21st century Mom!
This week has been ok. It's really weird not having everyone around. The NBA Playoffs have been on and usually I don't care for Basketball, but I think my exposure to it has been changing me. It is actually interesting now. Although I had to ask a guy what a field goal was. :p
I've also got into American Idol. I'm a fan of David Archuleta and he made it into the Finale. Go Utah! If only the Jazz could get into the finals....
I've also been reading "New Moon" in the Twilight series. It's not bad, not as good as the first, but it's picking up.



So "The Office" Season Finale is tonight and if there is a pattern it shant be one to disappoint.

My Top Ten Movies

I've been thinking about this blog entry for a while. It's taken me so long to write probably because it's too hard to determine you Top Ten Movies, but after much soul-searching and thought here is my Top Ten. (Note: Subject to Change)

10."Hot Rod" (2007)


A really hilarious movie that few people know about. This is one of those movies where you don't mind paying $20 for. It's full of dumb humor, which has been referred to as Napoleon Dynamite-type humor. I think it's definetly better.




9."While You Were Sleeping" (1995)



I gotta have one chick-flick in there. And this is probably the best one I can think of. I think this one is subject to change. It's a good hearted movie. I think the movie is saved by the cameo of Joe Jr. Whenever he's on screen the movie just gets better.





8."Dumb And Dumber" (1994)



Ok, who doesn't like this movie? Whenver somebody quotes this movie, it just seems to say to me" Yeah, I'm THAT cool" and then they are instant friends. It's so quotable and hilarious.



7."Hairspray" (2007)



My favorite movie of 2007. Musicals have always been special, but this one blows a lot of them out of the park. It's just a good solid movie.





6."Jurassic Park" (1993)


The one movie I wish I could have seen in theaters, but unfortunately I wasn't 13. :( Amazing movie with beautiful screenplay. Too bad for the butt sequels that had to follow. Oh, by the way. In Jurassic Park III when the T-Rex and Spinosaraus fight, why did the T-Rex lose? I was actually saddened by that. We all love the T-Rex. Oy, anybody who wants to hear my gripe with the 3rd movie just ask.



5."Back To The Future" (1985)



A favorite since I was a kid. The BTTF Series is one of the only solid trilogies in existence. This show led to by cursing problem when I was a kid. (But has since been amended) This show also led to my life long dream of owning a DeLorean.




4."Stranger Than Fiction" (2006)


Interesting film with an interesting plot, kind of make you think, but not too much. Brilliantly casted, (especially with Emma Thompson) and good hearted story-line with rich visuals.



3."Casino Royale" (2006)

Ok, now down to action. This is one of those movies I could watch one night and perfectly be fine watching it again. My favorite James Bond played amazingly by Daniel Craig. Plus it has poker which I love.





2."My Date With Drew" (2004)



A documentary that few people have heard of. But it's AMAZING! The synopsis is that a joe schmoe has 30 days to get a date with Drew Barrymore. It a amazing show which is all about chasing your dreams.







AND THE #1 MOVIE IS.......





1. "Signs" (2002)



"What??? Are you serious? You like that movie?!?" This is what I usually hear when I tell people that this is the favorite. Prepare yourselves, for I am ready to fight Manfully for this Movie! It's Brilliant, amazing score, amazing casting, with a rich story that you draw more from every time you see it. SO Good! And it scared the Oreo Filling out of me the first time I watched it.

Vampires & Loneliness

Wow, it's been a while since I've "blogged" and a lot to get through. Well, my 2nd semester at SUU is done! It's been a crazy semester! I'm glad it's over and I'm actually looking forward to Fall. Starting then I'm going to take a lot more classes and jump start my education.
It seems that at the end of the year a lot of people decide to get their last wants out. What I mean is.... girls. It has seemed that more so this week than any other one more girls have expressed interest in me than ever before. It's kind of weird. I've never been the smooth type, a little awkward, and I'm still so used to being the overlooked nerd. Oh well, they're all pretty cool but, still looking.
This week has been so sad, my best friends are leaving. Brian Wall and Bryce Daley are gone. These two fellas have been the best room mates a fella could ask for. Between the inside jokes, tackling each other, going on Wendy's runs it seems good times are severely lacking lately.I miss you guys!

In my loneliness, I finished my finals, moved 2 doors down and on the way to making new friends. Also I've also buckled down and bought the book, "Twilight.It's an amazing book so far,... a little mushy but good."
So let's see where this chapter of my life leads!

Reaching Back Into The Bag

en·dear·ing [en-deer-ing]
–adjective
1. tending to make dear or beloved.
2. manifesting or evoking affection: an endearing smile.

I think that sums it up. :)

My Celebrity Playlist

Ok, So the other day I was shopping around on iTunes, and I found this cool section called "Celebrity Playlists." This section is full of celebrities and the music they listen to. They also give reason why each song. The Celebrities include; Jack Black, John Krasinski, Vince Vaughn, Adam Sandler, and many others. It was cool to see what all the Celeb's listen to and also to see that some of my tastes match that of some celebrities a.k.a. John Krasinski.

So I thought if I were a celebrity what would be on my playlist? So here it is, Lorin's Playlist. (Click on the song title to hear the song)

1. Gone for Good by The Shins - This song reaches to the #1 spot of times played on my iPod. My sister introduced me to the group and this song stuck out. Beautiful Lyrics and great melody.

2. For Reasons Unknown by The Killers - My favorite Killers song. Probably one of the best rockin out songs ever made. You know the times when you just wanna blast away your thoughts with music? This is definitely one of the songs that does the job.

3. Hey Girl by Colors - Every album by Colors is just solid. This one has always been one of my top favorites.

4. Yeah! by Usher - This is my favorite song to dance to. My friends and I often have "Dance-offs" and this song brings da funk out.

5. Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Great song sung by a great man.

6. I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family - Amen! I love this golden oldie, that seems to say what we all fear about love.

7. Hey Jude by The Beatles - My all-time favorite song. This song carries by life philosophy. It gives me courage and is one of the few songs where the melody and lyrics work perfectly.

8. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley - A really good feel-good song. Brightens your day and helps you to be optimistic.

9. Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra - What would music be without the Chairman of the Board?

10.Singin' In The Rain by Gene Kelly - Oh, how I love feeling like this!

Cotton Cookies

Oy! What a week. Busy!!!
Monday,..... can't remember.
Tuesday, Brian, Anthony and I entered a Rock Band Competition for our school. We had a 2 song set - "Say it ain't so" and "Paranoid." We entered under the band name of "Courtesy Flush", a name that would eventually win us "The Best Band Name" award. Gift certificates to Chili's. The crowd went nuts (real and virtual). :)
Wednesday, Studied and worked. I went to do homework with Sarah, and she uh gave me some cookies. How nice right? WRONG. I took a bit only to find she baked a cotton ball into the cookie. My reaction caused a giggle to issue forth from across the room. REVENGE! I also found out my best friend from high school, Spencer is going to be a daddy! I suggested the name of Lorin, but he just laughed. Everyone does. Think about it, good for a boy OR a girl. Win win.
Thursday, "THE OFFICE" CAME BACK ON BABY!!! My Office Fan club came back with a bang. We had 30+ people come and watch like old times. Good times.
Friday, Went to a bonfire with some friends. I haven't been to one in a while. Also worked on making signs for the service fair on Saturday. I was surprised to find a talent in sign making. I attribute such a skill to my Mom who was Stake Relief Society President. Maybe it's genetic???
Saturday, worked in the morning, played football with friends, and in the evening had a date with Sarah. She was kind enough to make me dinner. Stuffed Cordon bleu. It was very tasty. Afterwards we watched "Bambi" since I have never seen it. About an hour in I heard the heavy breathing issuing forth from my date. I guess all that hard work in the kitchen tired her out. It was a fun evening. Simple. Relaxing. Delicious.
Sunday, I went and did the Sacrament at Emerald Point Retirement Home. I was also given the blessing to bear my testimony. How humbled I felt to be in the presence of Latter-Day Saints who have lived the Gospel to the twighlight of their lives. In the evening Del Parson came and spoke at the fireside. I am amazed at the humility of this man. If it were anyone else, I'm sure they would have fell to pride. He's painted the most widely recognized paintings in the church. Later I watched Saturday's Warrior with some friends.
So great week.

Prophets, Pulpits, and Ssiks.

Life is an interesting thing isn't it? It never ceases to amaze me how things turn out. Life is so full of twists and turns I'm surprised I don't get motion sickness.
Remember when you were a kid and you used to make Kook-Aid? You'd pour in the water, then the sugar and flavor packet. They would of course fall straight to the bottom, and you would gain satisfaction by sticking in the spoon and mix up the powder, and the clear liquid would to turn to a vibrant red. I think all of our lives are like that Kool-Aid. We each have the possibilities of adding new things in our life, then the greater test of courage whether to mix it up or not. If we don't, we get a bland tasting liquid but if we do "mix it up" we walk away with cool Kool-Aid Mustaches!
Work is going good. Getting into the swing of being a manager is going well. The people I work with are great and are awesome.

Dating life in a word -- Endearing. :)

O thank heaven for General Conference! This Conference marks the 2nd time in my life where I have stayed awake for all 5 sessions! The 1st being on my mission. I prayed earnestly to gain a testimony of our Prophet Thomas S. Monson. I dressed in my Sunday clothes for the Solemn Assembly, and during the course of the conference I felt peace in my heart for this man. Hearing him speak during Priesthood session confirmed what Elder Jeffery R. Holland said that I witnessed the prophetic mantle settle on his shoulders. How grateful I am to live in a time where I can utter in my prayer these word, "Dear Lord, I thank Thee for my Prophet." I hope I may be faithful to his inspired counsel.

I Kinda Instegated Some Super Entertaining Dancing. She Always Randomly Asks "How?"

You remember the times where you would spend a large amount of time constructing a sandwich, then you would put it on a plate, bless it and then just take a big bite out of it? Life is like that for me right now.
School is going ok. My tenor in Student Government is coming to a close. I'm working on one last big project, and I plan to apply for STAB next sememster.
As of April 1st, I am now acting manager of 2 Brothers Communications. On the 15th if becomes official. Its an interesting time. I am so grateful for the financial blessing it will be. I love my job and I hope to do well in it.
I love my friends!! We've been getting into playing poker lately. Not for money, but for fun. I am quite the force to be reckoned with. :)
Next week is the Rock Band competition for our school. We plan on singing "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. And on Vocals and Bass Guitar is yours truly. Brian is on Lead Guitar and "Baby Face" Anthony is on Drums.
On Monday Sarah and I went on another date. This makes it #8. Sarah is so fun. We were going to go to a Acclamation Concert. It's basically a singing dancing choir. But we ditched that and went for a drive in the canyon. I let Sarah drive my car on the way up. A nice little break from the "Brave Little Toaster." We chatted and played some games...... I won. Sucka! Jacks over Sevens.

So Good week! Not a bad week at all... :)

<3

Debauchery & Easter Eggs

CRAZY SPRING BREAK!!!! Nah, just kidding. I worked all week. But it was still fun.

On Tuesday it was Sarah's Birthday. I spent the majority of the morning working on her gift and in the evening we went to Mesquite. (What better way to celebrate her 21st birthday??) We ate at a nice restaurant called Katherine's. We were a little early for our reservation due to the different time zone. Yeah, I felt like an idiot. But the evening went off without a hitch....whatever that means. We had so much fun, we always do.

The rest of the week was kind of boring. All of my roommates with the exception of 3 left. On Friday I went to Heber City to hang out with my roommate Brian. We went to Dairy Keen, a burger joint he's been raving about. It was really good! Then we hung out with his family. They are so nice. It's easy to see where Brian gets his temperament. In the evening we went bowling with a whole bunch of Heber friends. I felt a little out of place, being the only Tooele person. Especially that in 2003 Tooele kicked the crap out of them in the State Football Championship. Suckas!

I Spent the night with my brother and sister-in-law in Orem. I love them. In the morning we headed down to Tooele for our family Easter party. It was great to see the fam together. Ethan, who is almost 4 was real excited for Easter and it was so much fun to see him scamper off in search of eggs. I did ok in the hunt, I got 3 bucks and some Whoppers. We also had a Hawaiian Luau. We ate actual Hawaiian food, not like the ward luaus where they serve Hawaiian Punch and Hawaiian Haystacks. I love my family. I felt a little out of place, being the only one without a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife or ESPN Basketball. But still, it was worth the drive.

So not a bad Spring Break, but i'm glad to get back to life.

Not A Bad Week.....

Week before Spring Break is over! Look out world! Ol' Lorin is ...... is.......is....working during spring break. (sigh)
Good news though. The SUU Student Government Elections are over! I was on the Elections committee and it was great to get it done. The U party swept the elections, which was good. They are amazing candidates and will do the school well. I also found out starting April 15th I officially will be promoted to manager at 2 Brothers Communications! I'm really grateful for this chance. It definitely is a blessing to have a job that can get me through college. I also found out I made the Juniper Resident Housing Activities Board = FREE RENT & FREE FOOD!!! Bam! What a great blessing.
This week has been great. I went on a date last night with Sarah. What a blast. We went the Japanese Hibatchi NINJA in Cedar City. It was a lot of fun, and our chef spoke Chinese. Afterwards we had our own makeshift "drive-in movie" with my portable DVD player in my car. Sarah is such an amazing person.
Plus this weekend will be spent with the Fam. So all in all good week.

Rootin' Tute'in good time.

Another amazing but stressful week. I finished up my mid-terms this week. Also elections for Student Government are coming up and I'm Co-Director of the Elections committee. I have a lot of meetings coming up.
Also this week was the "King Tute" Pageant. It's basically is like Mr. Institute. We competed in 3 categories: Outback attire, Talent, and Formal & On-Stage question. For my outback attire I wore an old shirt with breakaway pants which reveals boy scout socks, (You know the the really high one?) I made the pants into a tent and painted a red hand on a volleyball to be my Wilson.
For my talent I did, "The Evolution of the Institute Dance." I cut and mixed a whole bunch of classic institute songs and dances. It was definitely a crowd favorite. It got a standing ovation.
My formal and on-stage question went well too. Well, it turned out that I won the crown. It was such a fun night. Jon McNaughton told me that the crown comes with much prestige and the women of Southern Utah will be at my feet. I don't know about that but, it was a fun time and I made some new friends because of it. Click here if you want to see my talent.
On Saturday night I went on another date with Sarah. Dates with her are always fun. We went and flew kites during the sunset. My kite kept on dive bombing into the ground, while hers stayed aloft. We then had a picnic in my car which ended up being messy....but fun. :) She is so much fun. I respect her so much. Crumbs, I know you're reading this.
Good week.

Moonwalk of the Nerd

Well, I'm glad last week is over. I did some major studying for a midterm that I probably didn't need to study for so much.
I found out one of my best friend's father had past away, and it's made me take a longer look at my life. I was kind of down for the entire week. Would I really be ready to die? How many people can say they are ready to die? I took the opportunity to call my parents to tell them I love them and what a good job they did raising me. You never know when your conversations will be last with people. Good ol' Ma & Pops, how I love them.
This weekend we had Stake Conference, and Elder Spencer V. Jones of the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy came. I love listening to the General Authorities. My mission president ending advice to me was, "Follow the Brethren." The way they look and act. He remarked that you'll never see a General Authority put their scriptures on the ground. They have too much respect for them.
The main thing I took away from conference was that "Love, is the quality of a Man of Christ." I felt I need to treat people better. Look more to uplift than, "dream of my mansion above." Humility. Humility. Humility. My Holy Grail.
The Institute also asked me to be in the "King Tute" Pageant. It's sort of like Mr. Institute. I was surprised that they asked me to do it. I'm a little nervous. I'm not used to people judging me for entertainment. It took sometime, but I found out my talent. I plan on video taping it, so it'll be on this blog later. But to let you know it involves Dancing. I've never been much of a dancer, but as weird as it sounds the talent came after my mission. One of the mission blessings I suppose. So I've been spending long hours dancing to Michael Jackson. Nerdy I know, but fun and it's exercise.
So life is tasty.

Broken Hearted Pizza & Outfits

Whew! What a week! I want sleep. Lately I've been staying up too late and it's killing me. I feel so sluggish. It's true that your body and soul are connected. My spirits feel down. But notwithstanding, last week was amazing.
Monday - Sold 3 phones! Bam! Good class, In our multi-cultural class 2 kids got in an argument. It's amazing how when tempers flare we say things we really mean. I've been trying to cheer up Brian so Sarah Michelle and I "sprinkled" his car with laffy taffy and wrote him a card. Brian is one of the coolest people I know. FHE was interesting. Still getting to know our new ward.
Tuesday - Meetings all day!
Wednesday - Today was stupid cupid which was SUU Valentine's dance. There was a huge blizzard which caused the attendance to suffer. Eric O'Shea was the comedian we got, and I don't think I laughed that hard in a long time. You know when you laugh so hard that you don't even make a sound? I took pictures for our "marraige booth" which was fun.
Thursday - Valentines! And once again....he remains single. I've realized I've only had one valentine my entire life. When I was a kid my Mom used to put chocolates on my pillow, so when I woke up they would be on my pillow. I woke up that morning and was saddened that there wasn't any. :( Love was in the air and my friends and I were singing to people. I helped set up at the Institue for the dance on Friday. ( Ok, right now I'm listening to Alanis Morriesete on the radio and yeah it hurts my ears.) Anyway, I had to pose in a dance postition while they traced my shadow and cut it out on paper. It was kinda fun. Then we had a Singles Party. We bought heart shaped pizza and cut it out in a broken shapes. And then we talked about the whole game of dating.
Friday - What a busy day! Finishing up projects and homework so I could enjoy my night. Tonight I had a date with Sarah Michelle. We went to the institute dance and had matching outfits (her words, not mine :)) We ate a simple dinner at my casa of PB & J, then went to the dance. It was the funnest dance I've ever been to. I always feel like a dork while dancing, but we both looked like dorks so, it wasn't awkward in the least. We danced a lot with her friends and they were so fun. We dance almost every slow song together and she taught my how to do the box step. I stepped on her toes about 3 times, so below my usual average. We cleaned up and I took her home. It was such a fun night. I really do have genuine fun with Sarah. It just feels like healthy dating.
Saturday - Went to the Service Cinema and watched Hairspray and sang a bunch of the songs. I finished some chores, and in the evening I went on a date. It was with a girl I barely met the previous Sunday. We made some dinner and played games with a bunch of friends. Afterwards we watched a movie. I'm beginning to not be a fan of late night movie dates. I think it just puts a damper on the night. You both usually end up falling asleep then when you drive them home they usually are too tired to care what you have to say. I can see if I was in a relationship but, first dates.... I think no.

So a great week of broken hearted pizza and matching outfits. Not a bad week.

My Prophet Dear

The other day my roommate, who is not a member of the church asked "What is a Prophet? And what does he prophesy?"
With the recent passing of President Hinckley, this question came at a poignant time. We gave him some simple answers. And he seemed satisfied. But this question of "What is a Prophet?" still rang in my ears and I found myself dwelling on it.
President Hinckley was my prophet. Not in the possessive sense but, in the sense you would call your hero "my hero." It gave me a sense of pride to claim him as such.
Now, I have never shook his hand, nor been within 200 yards of him, so how can such a man be so much to me? I have come to realize it was the feelings he gave me. Hope, peace, love, yes even godly sorrow. As I look back, I realized that my testimony for President Hinckley has grown slowly.

• He was the prophet of my youth. For the Strength of Youth, the 6 B's, the new Duty to God requirements all came under the direction of President Hinckley. But I remember attending Priesthood Sessions and sitting up straight in my pew to listen to the prophet.
• He signed my Mission Call. That one act alone forever seals him to my heart. He called me on a mission. It was under his presidency that Preach My Gospel was introduced, the book that my mission President said would train the future leaders of the Church.
• He came to Taiwan during my mission. He came and dedicated the Taiwan Service Center. This 5 floor building includes a stake center, distribution center, 2 chapels, employment center, and much more. He originally dedicated the grounds for the original chapel and we were excited to have him come back and do it again. He dedicated the Taiwan Taipei Temple. The Taiwanese Saints all reserve a special place in their hearts. Members would burst out into tears in his presence. In his address he even pronounced "Taipei" correctly. He blessed the members to, "always have rice in their bowls" and with his love.
• He was a humble man. In the 2006 General Conference do you remember when everybody stood up and sang "We Thank Thee O' God For A Prophet?" Later, Elder Hallstrom of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy visited our mission. He related that when the members started to stand up the Seventy were wondering what to do. Should they stand up as well? In the church you are only supposed to stand during a hymn when directed by a the Presiding authority. Then President Monson stood and the General Authorities followed. Now, President Hinckley due to illness had sat down during the other hymns and could have choose to sit and have the saints sing to him. But President Hinckley always said that that hymn was about the Prophet Joseph Smith, and when any other man would have sat, President Hinckley stood and sang with the rest of the members of the church. Elder Hallstrom then testifies as to why he did stand by saying, "It was because President Hinckley knows who's church this is." I watched that General Conference broadcast a week later with the Taiwanese Saints and without missing a beat they stood and sang. The spirit confirmed to me strong as ever that truly that he is a prophet.
• His Testimony is what I'll Remember. The strongest testimony of the Savior, Joseph Smith, Tithing, Priesthood, Temples, I have ever heard came from this wonderful man.

Oh how I will miss him. But I like him know "who's church this is." I echo what Elder Jeffery R. Holland said to us in a Mission Conference that I thank God for, "the miracle of Gordon B. Hinckley."

31 Flavors

Life is McDonalds's because "I'm Lovin' It." Really, Life is great. School is great and I seem to be keeping up. Work is going good, I've been making a lot of new friends. I started reading to preschool children, and I love it. Student Government has been great. We've been working on some really great projects, and LOST season 4 comes out today! Huzzah for Nerdom!
Dating..... Ugh. Dating seems to be the thing I simultaneously love and hate at the same time. Like black jelly beans. This topic interests me so. I seem to talk about it to everyone, and wouldn't ya know it? Everyone has a different perspective! Crazy huh? My friends and I have been in the talk of creating a documentary about it.
But I've been trying to date around. Usually I'm just a one-girl-at-a-time guy, but due to the counsel of friends and I guess the church, I've been trying to date more than one girl. I'm really not in favor of it because I always feel I have my #1 and my #2 and so on.. and if #1 doesn't work out then I move to the next. And in all honesty I don't think that's really treating girls right. But on the other hand, people tell me the "ice-cream" analogy. "You into the ice cream parlor and you have 31 flavors and instead of trying just one try rocky road, and mint-chocolate chip, and a little of moose tracks, etc. When you find one you like get a bowl of it.
The problem with that is what if the ice cream doesn't want you to taste it? And with ice-cream one small bite will tell you what the rest of the gallon bucket tastes like, but with girls you seem to find new things about them everytime. First date it may be like *bam* Mint chocolate ( I like it ). Next date *bam* it gets better by becoming chocolate swirl (Still good). Third date *bam* Rum raisin. (Oh, don't like that so much). See? That little pink spoon is good for dating, but for courting (yes, I still use that word) I prefer to use the scoop. But somedays I feel like the scoop in that cup of warm water, full of murky water with various flavors flotaing at the top. :)

Body Language in 2008

Happy New Year! My it feels good to be busy again. The break was fun, but I'm glad to be back at work, school, and with friends again.
School is underway and it feels great. I'm taking some more General Education classes and a few fun ones e.g. bowling (wink wink)
I've registered for institute, and I love it. I'm taking Doctrine and Covenants. But being a teacher and knowing the difficult task of teaching I often find myself making a lot of comments. I hope their beneficial. I just know how frustrating it is to have asked a question with no response from the class.
Life has been going great. I've been getting back in my scriptures and back into studying Chinese.
Lately I have also been giving a lot of relationship advice. I'm reading this amazing book called, "How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in relationships." The whole first section of the book is about body language. I am amazed how much we communicate without words. I've been getting in this kick of just analyzing people. In fact I was talking to my friend Megan Spyva (I don't think that's spelled right. *sorry Megan if your reading this) and this gentleman came over into our little circle of talking friends and started to talk to her. It was so apparent that he liked her! The way he would smile, the way he would lean, and every time she would ask him a question there was a 2 second delay because he wasn't focused on her words, and his mind was all ajumbled.
Ask me about it sometime. It's such and interesting concept. I've also been giving a lot of relationship advice lately. I really don't know why. I don't have a lot of experience with it. :)
Dating life has been going well. I've been set up a lot lately, and especially with becoming more aware of my body language, I've become more aware of signals I send. The irony is that I give relationship advice to others but I have no idea what I'm doing. There is this girl, Sarah who is a fun person. She's easy to talk to, and isn't tuned off by my nerdy-ness. :)
So life is sweet to eat, and I think I'm going to have seconds!