So Sad

It makes me so sad how the LDS church is being ostracized for its backing of Proposition 8. Is it any surprise that they were such ardent supporters of something that has been taught since the beginning of time? It is an issue that they have not wavered. Not once.

Proposition 8

In California the majority voted and Prop 8 passed. The majority spoke. That is democracy.

I don't like the way the president thing shook out, but the majority voted in his favor. Done.

Election Aftermath

It comes as no surprise that I am not a fan of President (in January) Obama. I sure am a huge fan of our country and democracy. I am happy that so many people got out there and voted for who they wanted. Even with my feelings about our new president, he is still my president. I will not show the same disrespect for him that so many people showed toward our current president. I believe that a president deserves to be called by his full title and deserves respect. If I do not like the way he is running things, that is fine. I can be outspoken, but the office is still deserving of some respect.

I also believe that our current president won't leave the White House in shambles like the Clinton administration. They won't pull all the 'O' keys off the computers and leave the executive building looking like it housed a fraternity four eight years. Our new president deserves a smooth transition into the daunting task, and our current president will help.

The best thing about our country is that in four years I can vote for someone else.

Obama said CHANGE a lot, but never explained what that meant. I am waiting to see.

Goodbye to a Great Friend

My swim coach and math teacher. What a great guy.

Michael Jack (Mick) Webb
Michael (Mick) Jack Webb 5/24/1960 ~ 10/8/2008 Michael Jack Webb, age 48, passed away on Oct. 8th, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mick was born in Spokane, WA on May 25th, 1960 to Jack R. and Claire Webb. He is survived by his wife Jen, and children Anika, Erik, Alex and their mother Rebecca. He is also survived by brother Richard; sisters: Dawn, Diane, Dayna, Julee; nieces and nephews: Sasha, TJ, Kevin, Jaycee, Skye, Carson, Dylan, Kaleigh, Zac, Myranda and step-daughter Amy. After graduating from high school in San Antonio, TX, Mick attended Ricks College in Rexburg, ID. He served a full time LDS honorable mission to Munich, Germany and returned to graduate with a BA in business from the University of Utah. Mick soon returned to the University of Utah to get his teaching certificate and began doing what he loved most - teaching young people. Mick also received a masters degree and had a 17 year teaching career beginning at Midvale Middle School for two years and 15 years at West High School. He was chair of the math department at West, taking students to the State Math Contest every year, where they did very well, he coached the swim team, served as athletic director and was an assistant coach for the West High football team. Mick had many friends and was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at the Murray 29th Ward (6300 S. 700 W.) at 11 a.m., Sat., October 18th. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mick Webb Scholarship fund. Contributions can be made to the West High Alumni Association at West High School, attention G. Ray Hale - 801-355-0871. Online condolences may be given at www.serenicare.com

Burning Down the House

This video goes over the economic crisis and the events that led up to the mess we are in.

The video definitely has a political slant to it, but the facts that are brought up have been verified, re-verified, and verified again after that. You can do some independent checking yourself. This is not being posted to start some political argument about one candidate or the other. It is just a good time line of what happened and why.

Please look at it.

Burning Down the House

The only political statement I am trying to make is that Big Government failed us and they won't take responsibility. Now they are trying to fix the problem by becoming bigger and blaming everyone else.

USSA

Welcome to your new country - The United Socialist States of America!

Way to go big government. I WILL NOT re-elect anyone that voted in favor of the bailout.

Eagle Eye

Yesterday I went and saw the new movie Eagle Eye. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to anyone. The plot was interesting and the action was great. I did not like the part where you find out to whom the female voice belongs, but all in all it was good.

In no way is it Oscar worthy, but if you are looking for a fun movie that has some good action and a fun plot, go see it.

Eagle Eye Trailer

If you are looking for a second, and better opinion, go to Liam's blog My Final Take. He knows more about this stuff than I do.

YouTube

I put my first video on YouTube. When Janelle and I were in Portugal we went to a birthday party for some great friends.

YouTube Video

If any are interested...

Election

Every day that goes by I become more discouraged about this upcoming election.

The other day I was reading online that Biden might leave the ticket which will open the door for Hillary Clinton. Either way it sounds like we are going to end up with a female president for the next four years. Here is how it will go down.

McCain is so freaking old that his ticker will stop working in the first year. BAM! Palin is president.

Obama replaces Biden with Hillary. Within the first year Hillary offs Obama. BAM! Hillary is president.

Book

Lately I have been thinking about writing a book. I am not sure what it will be about, how long it will be, or when it might be finished. I just feel compelled to write a book.

Extreme Blog Makeover

Right now I am at a crossroads with my blog. I finished my degree, and I am very proud to report that the final semester did not kill me. The issue that has arisen now is the fact that my blog needs a new identity. I am talking a full on makeover. This is where I need everyone's help. I am going to call it Extreme Blog Makeover.

For the next couple of days I would like to hear some suggestions. I know that everyone else already has a blog that they manage, but if you think about it this could be fun. Slowly but surely you will get to see the transformation of this blog.

First changes:

What can I name my blog?
What do people really hope to find in a blog?

Let's start there. Let the changes begin.

I'm Back

After a long hiatus I am back.

Our trip to the other side of the pond was amazing. Many of you follow(ed) Janelle's blog. She is a pretty good writer, and her stories were pretty accurate. It would have been so much fun to have everyone with us to really see first hand all of the wonderful sights, smells, sounds, and tastes we enjoyed. Well, maybe not so much the smells, but everything else was great.

Even though part of me wishes I were still there, I am truly glad to be home, and blogging again.

Here We Go!!

Last week Janelle quit her job. It was the last step to take before our big announcement.

WE ARE HEADED TO EUROPE!!!

These plans have been in the works for a long time. We have been very anxious to pack our bags and head out to another country.

We will be gone until August. For updates please check

janelleandlogan.blogspot.com

YouTube debut

In Portugal I served in a city called Villa Real. This was a college town and logically we ran into many students. My companion and I found an apartment with some of the coolest people in Portugal. The two main students were George and Joao and we became great friends.

Today a friend sent me a video that is a memoir of their studies. Don't ask me how he found it, but he did. If you don't want to watch the whole video you can just head to minute number two. Apparently we are part of their memories.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPe7BTpfkjg

Three Years - No Returns, Refunds, or Exchanges

Many of you have been a part of our lives since the beginning. Five years ago I met Janelle, but we have only been married three. It is probably a good thing because if she would have married me too early she might not have wanted to stick around. It's way better that we took some time dating. Now she has no excuses and no surprises.

So here is to my sweet Janelle...

It has been three years. Short ones for me. I can't believe we are already into this three years. Maybe they were long for you. I hope not.

Let me remind you that the mail-in rebate was due 30 days after purchase. Any hope of getting the time or money back is long gone. I am no longer responsible for snoring, farting, burping, and in general being a normal guy.

I would also like to note that the exchange policy (trade in, buy back, newer model, etc.) expired last night at midnight. Quite frankly you are stuck with me. At times I probably got your pretty close to cashing in on one of those. I am so grateful you didn't. There is no where else I would want to go.

All joking aside. The three years have been wonderful. They truly have flown by. We both have been able to stay away from support groups and I feel like that is a good thing. We will see in another three years.

You are wonderful Janelle.

You are smokin' hot. (In a total 'appropriate for a blog' way)

Lawn Chairs

Hanging out with my dad is one of the things I enjoy most. We play racquetball together once a week, and even though it is good competition I always get the better of him. I may not win, but he doesn't get out of there without remembering all weekend who he was playing.

My dad and I have recently put into action a plan that we have talked about for at least eight years. We are building lawn chairs. Not just any old lawn chair, but beautiful Adirondack chairs made out of Baltic Birch. We have even started selling them.

Take a look, and if you or interested in one let me know.

Cherry Tree

There was one branch of the cherry tree that was the perfect height for me to grab. From there I could swing my legs up and hoist myself into the tree. It took a few years, but when I got the courage I remember the first time that I climbed high enough I could actually see the 7-Eleven on State Street. Not only was it a great climbing tree, but it gave us great cherries.

Unfortunately the tree has died and no longer bears the sweet fruit that we grew up enjoying. Fate would have it that the man living in the house is a good friend of mine that I know from my former place of employment. On Tuesday I was there helping him cut the tree down.




Cutting down such a large tree has been a difficult task, especially since the tree is fighting back. My own blood now stains the tree after it kicked the chainsaw I was using back at me and cut my hand. Good memories.

Blond Moment

Anyone that knows Janelle can agree with me that she is a very intelligent woman. Which means that blond moments do not come often, but when they do they are a doozy!

This is the exchange that took place the day before we left California for our road trip home.

"Mom, how long does it take to drive home?" Asked Janelle innocently.

"About twelve hours." Mom responds.

"What time should we try and leave?"

"Around 8 would be best."

"So if we leave around 8, then we will get home at..." Janelle begins counting on her fingers.

"8. We will get home around 8 at night." Mom pipes in and helps before Janelle can get any higher than ten fingers.

"Oh." Everyone laughs.

At first we weren't sure if she was being serious or not, but when we realized what happened we all had a good laugh.

That Janelle is so funny.

Grades Posted - It is OVER!!

The grades were posted the other day. Here is the breakdown:

A
B+
B+
B+
B+
B+
B

Not too shabby if I say so myself. Those are just the grades from the U. The grades from my online classes are privileged information.

Okay, Okay....I will tell you.
B+ and C

The C only comes because the instructor was not clear at all in giving instructions. He was very ridiculous.

MVP

The day before a Jazz game I get to put together media packets and take them around to the various hotels where the media are staying. All teams and most media stay at the Grand America hotel so it makes it fairly easy.

As I was dropping off the packets at the hotel I noticed someone in a driver service limo. I dismissed it as being one of the radio personalities for the Lakers and did not pay much attention. When we (I was with Janelle) pulled out onto the street I pulled up next to the Suburban. When I looked over I noticed Kobe Bryant sitting in the passenger seat with his window down.

What an opportunity to totally get in his head. Instead I talked to him about the game before and congratulated him on his MVP. I totally folded under pressure. I should have thought of something witty and rude, but how can you bag on one of the greatest basketball players ever? The guy practices so hard and it shows. He was super nice and very responsive so I can't complain.

Even with a lack of insults I still must have got in his head because we won.

GO JAZZ!!

My First Movie

I am the proud owner of a mac book pro, and much like my brain I only know how to use about 2% of it. One of my goals after graduation has been to learn more about my computer so I can get the most out of it. The other day I even went to a workshop at the Mac Store to learn about some of the programs. Today I spent a long time putting together a movie of some footage that I got at the BBQ. Did I mention that I got a camcorder for graduation? You can be expecting more video as we go along.

So here is my first movie debut. I hope you all like it.

Graduation Pictures

I know my posts can get a little long. Here are the pictures from graduation, but don't forget that there is a post about graduation beneath this one.

Graduation

So I finally did it. I graduated on Friday, and barring any setbacks, like a teacher not giving me a passing grade, I should get a diploma. At first I was against the whole idea of walking and being a part of the graduation ceremony, but my family and wonderful wife talked me into it. I should have stuck to my guns.

When I went to Janelle's graduation at BYU I remember it dragging on. If hers was dragging on, then mine was an eternity. There also were stark contrasts between the way that both ceremonies were run. Let's go through them:

BYU - Two speakers both good. The faculty speaker did well while the student speaker did fair.
UU - Too many speakers. All terribly long winded.

BYU - Faculty on the stage
UU - 'Hundreds' of faculty on the stage taking an hour to pat themselves on the back and give each other awards.

BYU - One student at a time walks across the stage
UU - Cattle being herded to the floor of the Huntsman Center where two people are reading names and you can't tell Adam from Mary.

I could go on forever, but you get the picture. In the end the fact that I finished is all that matters.

Steak Dinner

Janelle promised me a steak dinner after my last final. Here are pics of my delicious 16 oz medium rare prime rib. I have to admit that I like my steak a little red, well maybe a lot red. I feel bad for Janelle because she has to sit there and watch me. She likes her steak to look like charcoal.

As you can see. I ate everything.

It is Finished!

Walking out of my final today I could not bring myself to do anything crazy. I kind of got a little emotional knowing that I was finished. I know it is silly.

The whole drive home I found myself saying out loud, "I am a graduate! I finished! Look at me I am a graduate!" If anyone else would have been in the car it might have been weird. Fortunately I was alone.

Between work and school I came home and this is what I found:











Above is grad man. He was showing me how to dress.




It was a great surprise.

Final Final

In the morning I take my last final. It is open book, open notes, and open computer. This means that I will most likely fail the final because I will be spending time trying on ESPN or something else ridiculous.

In sports when you score there is a little celebration. In soccer it is after a goal and in football a touchdown. These are the sports where it is most common because scoring does not happen as often as some others.

For the past 6 years I have dreamt of this moment. I have been thinking about what my celebration should be as I walk out of my last final. I am tempted to try a back flip because of how excited I am going to be, but I do want to be at my BBQ on Friday instead of recovery at the hospital.

I will let everyone know tomorrow.

See you all at the BBQ!

StarStruck

The Jazz could have ended their series last not, but instead lost game 3. So instead of getting a huge break the team is headed to Houston which means this thing will probably drag out to six games. At least they won game 4.

While I was at the game I was standing in the team tunnel when someone came and started talking to me. We were chatting a little about the game, but I did not know who I was talking to because they were standing behind me. When I finally turned to address the person I realized it was Jeff Hornacek. We talked for almost the entire fourth quarter.

Since I have started my internship with the Jazz I feel that I have been very professional. I have not been awestruck by many of the players I have dealt with. Don't get me wrong because it is exciting to be around the players, but I understand that I have a job to do.

Talking to Jeff Hornacek was completely different. He is the one I watched in high school and was a part of the playoff team that went to the finals. For the first time I was really startstruck.

Relfection

I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the last few months of my life. As I am sitting hear there is only one thing that comes to mind.

How am I still alive?

As the end gets closer the motivation factor goes lower and lower. It is sad because there is still some work to be done. Like the ten page paper that is due tomorrow.

At least the Jazz won tonight and I had 4 goals at my indoor game. What a way to take my mind off the stress.

Playoffs Here We Come

Last night was the last regular season game for the Utah Jazz. Although San Antonio absolutely dominated, we are still in the playoffs.

Just after the game last night I got the opportunity to head into the Jazz offices and help prepare the playoff media guides. I was there until 5:30 this morning. It involved a lot of stat gathering, copy editing, and formatting. A lot of it was very tedious and we had to wait on the league to send us a lot of information. I did notice that my name is on the front page. What a great addition to my portfolio.

The only problem is that now I am running on two hours of sleep in the last 24+. I am now on my way to school which means there is no chance that I am going to be able to stay awake.

GO REDBULL!

facebook

I broke down and finally did it. I have just created my very own facebook account. I can see how it might become an addiction, but if my blog is any indication of how much time I will spend on facebook, then I have nothing to worry about.

PARTY!

Come Celebrate!
May 2nd 2008
5 p.m.
THE BIGGEST GRADUATION PARTY!
(it may or may not technically be the biggest, but it will be fun)
BBQ!!

Everyone is invited.

Scary!

A couple of days ago I received an email from the University of Utah telling me that I was short some credits.

I almost went ballistic! If I had taken 28 credits this semester, and was not going to graduate I might have made the news.

I went to the graduation department today to sort this whole mess out. They had not updated their file with my graduation information. Once they did they clearly saw the mistake.

Lock it up. Logan is graduating.

Thinking Cap

It is now down to the wire. The final stretch. In the beginning they told me I can do anything for four months. Well, we are almost there.

Two weeks left of class. I am so excited, but even with the excitement there is still a lot of work to be done. Since the end is so close all of my big projects are looming and need special attention. Whenever I get writers block or start to lose motivation I just put on my thinking cap. It helps get my creative juices flowing and my mind re-focused on the two weeks ahead.

I wanted to share some pictures of my thinking cap with everyone. It may not be the greatest or latest fashion, but to me it is designer and chic. I can't believe it fits my BIG head.


I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW CLOSE IT IS!!!! COME ON BABY!!!! ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT!!!!

'Good Game' from the Ref

Joey Crawford


About the only time it is okay for one guy to touch another guy on the butt is when you are playing sports. When butt slapping takes place in various sports guys just know that it means 'good game'. There is no other underlying message.

It's obvious to even the most casual observer that I am not a player in the NBA and therefore do not merit a butt slap. Especially one that comes from the ref. Not just any ref, Joey Crawford.

During timeouts at the game tonight I was assigned to take stats out to the scorers table and the opposing team bench. During one time out in the second quarter I happened to be walking past Joey Crawford as he was talking to someone at the table. It was a coincidence that as I walked by he was turning away from the table. We kind of made that quick 'how are you' eye contact, and I kept on my path just barely missing any sort of collision. It was perfect synchronization. Milliseconds later, out of nowhere, I felt a quick slap across my posterior.

I was shocked! THE Joey Crawford, THE head ref, right in front of an arena full of people slapped my butt.

When out on the floor I try to stay as invisible as possible. I try not to trip on the TV cords or run into players. I work especially hard not to fall on my face over nothing. The last thing I need is attention drawn to me because the ref took particular interest in my rear. I was embarrassed.

The worst part about it was that when I returned to the press room at half time some of the PR guys were poking fun at me. They actually thought it was kind of cool. I kind of thought 'I wonder how much I can get out of a lawsuit?' Larry H. does not take kindly to sexual harassment. I am sure the league doesn't either. After my initial shock I think it is pretty cool too. How many people can make that claim?

List of cool things:
Met David Beckham
Had NBA ref Joey Crawford slap my bum

Now if I could only get David Beckham to give me a 'good game'. That is a real claim to fame!

I mean come on, who can resist the backside of this machine?

Excursion

Last Thursday dad and I took a little trip to Antelope Island. Thankfully dad was willing to come with me so if I got attacked by a buffalo he could at least tell people what happened. I went for a part of my Geography of Utah class. We had a great time.






Buffalo are really ugly, but cool looking at the same time. They were everywhere. It was the first time I have seen so many buffalo on the island.

Way Cool Weekend

Finally! This weekend was the day that I got to shadow the Jazz. It turned out a lot different than I thought. In a good way.

The Clippers were in town and I was told to be at the stadium at 3:30 p.m. For the first part that I was there I helped set up the stadium. We got the media tables ready, which was not hard because the Clippers did not have a lot of media attending the game. Another part of it was putting stickers on the floor behind the basket for photographers and camera men.

As I was running around before the game players were coming in and out. I was very surprised at how nice they all were. Kyle Korver, Mehmet Okur, Carlos Bozzer, and others all said hi to me or some sort of greeting as they walked by.

When you are in the stands during a game the court seems pretty big. Before the game, while I was walking around, it was really cool to see the actual size. It is really not as big as it seems.

During the game I was very busy running up and down stairs. My thighs are actually sore. After each quarter we had to run stats to the media and the team benches. It was crazy during the game to be running from one bench to the other handing things to the assistant coaches.

After the game I had to get some quotes from coach Sloan that would be used in the post game notes. I was nervous, but everything worked okay.

Later that night they asked me if I could be at the Jazz practice on Saturday morning to get some quotes from Carlos Boozer and coach Sloan. That morning I was at Wal-Mart very early to buy a digital recorder. I sat in the parking lot to make sure it worked and that I understood how to use it.

When I was at practice it was neat to see the players interact and joke around with each other. Carlos Boozer came over so I could get my quotes. He kind of made fun of me because I had the questions written down. He thought it was funny. Again I was nervous, but the players treated me really well and I got what I needed.

Later in the day on Saturday the people from the Jazz called me to let me know that they wanted me to come and help out. It is a paid internship, but I am completely stoked. It is going to be a great opportunity.

People think I am absolutely crazy because of my school work load, but I know I can do this. It is just one more thing, but it will only be crazy like this for another three weeks.

Homework

This is a picture of the first part of my semester. See the smile? It was a big project for my advertising class. We (my wife and I) went through a ton of magazines to find all these different types of ads. It was a fun project that took all day and made a huge mess.



This is a picture taken recently with only 5 weeks left in the semester. See the smile? Huge difference. Here I am studying for a final in my Communications Law class.

I wonder what the next picture during finals week will look like.

Back Too Soon

School started again today. The end of the semester seems to be so close, but still too far away. It was discouraging to go to school today and realize how much I still have to do.

One good thing that happened was the Jazz contacted me today. I am going to the game tomorrow to shadow the PR man and see how things work. Of course I am excited.

Spring Break

Here is what I think of this week so far....

Still doing a ton of homework
Painfully counting the days until I go back
Reading textbooks
Itching to get out of the house
Napping (there are some good things)
Getting more homework done

Brainstorming what to do when all this madness ends
Re-thinking the decision to take so many credits
Excited that this semester is so close to over
A good job better come along when all is said and done
Kittens are not cute

Utah Jazz!

I went to lunch with the PR guy from the Jazz (see previous post). Here is how it went...well.

I was surprised when I met him to find out that he is my same age. He went to Judge Memorial High School, and knows some of my good friends from Challenger. This was kind of a shock to see a kid my age with such a high position. Then I realized that I am 26 and even though it is not old, it is not young either.

Being able to ask him a lot of questions about the Jazz and what he does was quite interesting. I was able to get a good idea of what it is going to take to get into the pro-sports basketball world. Unfortunately one of his big things was internships. I guess working two years for a different pro-sport doesn't count for anything.

This next week I am going to help set up the arena for one of the games, and run things back and forth for the media all night long. I will be there for pre-game shootaround and post game interviews. It should be a really good experience. Although they do not really have any internships available right now he said during the playoffs they need some extra help. I think I am interested especially since it is paid.

One thing I did realize from our little meeting is that going into sports at ground level is not going to get me where I want to be. I eventually would like to be involved in professional sports in a higher capacity (Owner), but to get there I will need lots of money. I need to be outside of sports to make my millions and then I can get some funds to step into the industry where I want. Working 60+ hours a week and not getting paid very much would take me far too long to move up the ladder. Therefore I think at this point I am going to step away for a little bit and do what I need to. Then one day my little nephew Fuller will be playing for my team.

Harder Than I Thought

This whole blog thing is harder than I thought. It is difficult to keep it updated. I might have been disillusioned to think that I could run a blog and conquer 28 credit hours.

Pretty Excited

This semester has been very informative. I already mentioned that many teachers and guest speakers are encouraging us to get internships. While I don't have time for an internship I did take some advice from a guest speaker and this is what transpired.

I got the number for the Director of Communications (fancy title for PR Guy) at the Utah Jazz from one of our guest speakers, who was the Jazz PR guy for 20+ years. I gave him a call and left a message. I wasn't sure whether or not he was really going to call me back. These guys are pretty busy.

Last night as I was watching the Jazz game I got a phone call. It was the PR Guy. He was calling me on a game night. I was impressed. We have a meeting set up for tomorrow. I am just going to take him to lunch and pick his brain about the industry. Hopefully I will get some good direction, but even more I hope to impress him. It would be neat to shadow him and learn about what he does. Then maybe he would see that I could be an asset to the team.

My wife was so awesome and encouraging. We discussed some things that I could discuss over lunch, but more than anything she was very supportive. What a perfect woman (I am so lucky).

My fingers are crossed. I want to stay in the professional sports industry. Lots of opportunities ahead. Watch out because here I come!

Bump in the Road

This week I took my final for my online advertising class. I was so relieved. Until I saw one of my grades.

This class had two big assignments at the end. One being a portfolio of ads, and the other my very own advertising campaign. I chose to use the navigation system Magellan for my campaign and got really excited about all of the ideas that could be used. I spent DAYS working on this project making sure I followed all instructions and included everything that was required. I got some help from a very credible source within the advertising industry, and was well on my way. When I submitted the assignment I was almost positive I would see a B grade.

The day finally came and my grade was posted. The suspense had been killing me. I checked and it was an.....E

E???? Really??? Do you know what that means???? I failed!! I completely botched it!! No sympathy and no love from Mr. Professor. I wasn't even close. I got an E!!! I was going to die.

In the syllabus the instructor states that even average work will get a C and that an E means I didn't even try. I couldn't believe it. My ego was nicked. I worked so hard. Who is he to say that I didn't even try? What a jerk!

My first thought was to go straight down to BYU and punch that stupid professor right in his PhD!

Then I calmed down and decided to email him. I wanted to know where I went wrong. Fortunately he replied and said I could fix some things for a better grade. He also attached what a 'good' advertising campaign looked like, and if I wanted a decent grade I needed to do better.

Do you know what that 'good' campaign looked like? It looked like someone working for the company gave their advertising campaign to the kid and said, 'Here boy copy this. It might just get you the grade you need.'

I don't know how I am going to do better. This person used photo shop and put a watermark on every page. I don't know how to do that crap. What am I supposed to do?

I am just going to have to make changes and hope for the best. At least he gave me a second chance.

If I don't pass this class I don't graduate. Everyone pray for me!

Getting an Idea

In my public relations classes we have had a number of guest speakers. Each of them are professionals from the industry and have given different advice. There are a couple of things that each one of them has said that are consistent.

1. Get an internship
2. Viral marketing is the next big thing

The last thing I want to do is more school, but I have decided that I want to get ahead in the game. Therefore I would like to announce that I am going to apply for grad school immediately and will be.....I can't even finish that sentence. It's not true anyway.

My plan is to actually start taking some web design classes in the summer. I am also going to learn how to post videos on youtube, maybe set up a myspace profile, and mess around with Second Life. Everyone keeps telling me that with those kinds of skills I will be ahead of the game, and it sounds more fun that more classes.

As far as an internship goes...I think I have enough work experience to be able to jump into an entry level position, at least. Besides, that is what an internship turns into anyway.

So wish me luck! I want to leave college and start making the big bucks, but I have realized that without viral marketing I am nothing.

Public Relations

When I first started this journey I thought for sure that I wanted to get into Business Management. I was then awakened to the harsh reality that there was a lot of math involved. I had already taken Math 1050 twice so I was not excited about business statistics and the other math class that I no longer remember the name.

I was sitting in my business statistics class dreading the upcoming semester when I got the most awesome message. It was from Janelle and went something like this, "I just found a major that involves zero math and you will be finished one semester sooner."

I immediately left the classroom and gave Janelle a call. We talked for maybe twenty seconds about Public Relations. No Math? I was sold. Going back into the classroom I just shut my books and walked out. Never to look back again.

So now the question is going to be whether or not I chose the right major. Is PR right for me? Should I get into the field or go on and do my own thing? Can I hide from math forever??

I guess I have eight weeks to figure it out.

Countdown Begins

8 weeks. That's it. 8 more weeks.

Feeling the Effects

This semester is really catching up with me. This weekend was supposed to be a nice long three day weekend. I had plans to do a lot of things and really get ahead on some of my bigger projects. All I did was sleep.

After a very emotional four hour funeral on Friday, I hit a wall. The rest of the weekend I spent a lot of time napping. I was so exhausted. Tuesday is here and I feel like I did not get any rest.

Fortunately spring break is not too far away.

I can do this....I think....

Goodbye Friend

Tonight I got a phone call that I wish never would have come. A friend from high school called to let me know that one of my best friends from West had been shot and killed early this morning.

Bob Ramirez was a huge kid. He stood over 6' tall and was tough as a brick. During high school it was not uncommon to see myself, Chris, Mike, and Bob together all the time. Every single weekend we were together and he was the one who affectionately gave me the nickname 'poo hands' (It is a story for another time).

Apparently last night Bob was at a party and there was a fight. Someone pulled a gun and fired two shots. One of the rounds hit Bob in the back, and he did not make it to the hospital.

I saw Bob last week at the gym. We talked about getting together and having a BBQ or heading down to Scipio for a relaxing weekend with everybody. (Chris' parents own a house in Scipio, we went there a lot in high school)

Bob was one of the nicest guys I knew. This world is way too crazy, and I am still in shock over the whole thing. Going to a funeral for a best friend that is my same age is not something I look forward to. I am so lucky to have known him and look forward to seeing him again.

Here is the story on KSL:

Bob Ramirez

Mystery Meat

The weekend was absolutely nuts! I am surprised that all of us survived.

Being married is a wonderful thing, and this past weekend brought a whole new meaning to marriage. Friday night after the wedding dinner Janelle mentioned that she was not feeling well, and as the night progressed it got worse and worse. Neither of us got any sleep because she was so sick and I was worried sick. Finally the next morning with a little convincing and some outside help Janelle conceded and we headed to the emergency room at LDS Hospital.

It was a very scary experience for me sitting in the waiting room. A number of times I almost lost it because I had no clue what was going on. I tried calling mom, but she was out taking care of wedding stuff so I did not have a chance to talk to her. I am kind of glad because I am sure that I probably would have really let the faucet run.

When they finally called me into Janelle's room I was so relieved. She had suffered a severe case of food poisoning, and the doctor had set her up with an IV to replace a lot of fluids that she lost because of it.

We left the hospital with Janelle in one piece. Thank goodness! To my surprise and the surprise of everyone else she attended not only at the wedding but also the reception. She looked so beautiful that unless you knew the story you would not guess she was in the hospital that morning.

I am so grateful Janelle is fine. I really would not know what to do without her. It was a very scary moment for me, but now I have a greater love for her and everything she does for me.

NOTE: Don't eat the mystery meat at the LDS Business College. We think that is where it came from.

Mutiny

Yesterday in my Geography of Utah class I had a very interesting experience.

Our teacher is a lady that is a geologist, has tons of experience in the profession, and basically knows her stuff. She has a long list of credentials to back her up.

Since this class is full of elementary education majors, our teacher likes to use a teaching style that you would find in an elementary school class. It makes sense right? She brings ideas that any teacher could use for a class to help the kids learn in a fun way.

Yesterday we started to get some of our assignments handed back to us, and one girl FLIPPED! She was so mad that there were some points taken off and started complaining about how awful the teacher was. Right to the teachers face and in front of the whole class. It was very awkward and the girl just kept on griping about the lectures and how they don't help us at all with the homework...blah blah blah. It was pretty bad especially when other students, like myself, came to the rescue and reinforced that the teacher had given us everything we needed.

The teacher summed things up well when she said, "I am not going to give you all the answers. I will give you the resources, but you then have to go outside of class, look, research, and learn some of these things on your own."

Too often students are looking to be hand fed all the answers. They don't want to have to put any work into anything. The girl in my class fits right into that category, and I feel awful for all the future students that will have to put up with her if she ever starts teaching.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANELLE!! I LOVE YOU!!

The Man

Just a follow up on the tattoo story...(people have been giving me a hard time about it - in a fun way)

I remember having everything ready for my 'awesome' tattoo, but was starting to have second thoughts. Knowing that my mom would kill me should have changed my mind, but I am kind of a slow learner. I was walking home from my 'high paying, high profile' security job at Crossroads, and stopped by the chapel because it was priesthood session. I already felt uncomfortable because I was under dressed, and then the Prophet talked about tattoos. It didn't take long for me to throw away that great tattoo design that had my initials intricately placed in it. Soon after I was so glad I did, I mean, what was I thinking?? It couldn't have made me any cooler than I already was.

This morning as I drove past President Hinckley's apartment I remembered that talk, and was so grateful for his words that day.

On the street in front of his apartment a pile of flowers had been started by people who had been touched just like me. I am not going to lie, I had to choke back some of those Logan emotions. We lost a great man, but it is comforting knowing that we won't be left long without the leadership of a prophet.

I am so happy that he is now with his wife and free of mortality. In his book "Stand a Little Taller" he says:

"What a wonderful thing is death, really, when all is said and done. It is the great reliever. It is a majestic, quiet passing on from this life to another life, a better life. We go to a place where we will not suffer as we have suffered here, but where we will continue to grow, accumulating knowledge and developing and being useful under the plan of the Almighty made possible through the Atonement of the Son of God."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

Tagged

I was tagged by Meghan

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago:
I was a sophomore in High School still trying to convince my mom to let me get my drivers license. It didn't work. I was a senior by the time I got it, and my friends were so sick of picking me up that whenever I called for a ride their cars mysteriously stopped working. Fortunately my buddy Chris was always there for me.

5 Things on my to-do list today:
-Homework
-Eat
-Homework
-Maybe go to the mall (probably just more homework)
-More Homework

I enjoy:
-Being with Janelle
-Playing Soccer (two goals in my last game!)
-Reading
-Playing with my nieces and nephews (my family has put together great families)

What would you do if you were suddenly a billionaire?
Buy myself a house. Buy my parents a house next door. Invest a ton of money into whatever I want. Get more sports memorabilia. NEVER work for the man again!!!

3 of my bad habits:
-Ebay and sports stuff (jerseys, autographs, cards)
-Having a different definition of clean than anyone else in the world (my definition is a little more relaxed)
-Driving like I am the only one on the road that knows how (even though it's true)

5 places I have lived:
-Portugal
-South Salt Lake City
-Just North of 300 North on 200 West - Salt Lake (with my parents)
-Just East of 200 West on 300 North - Salt Lake (with my roommate)
-Just South of 300 North and barely east of 200 West - Salt Lake (with my wife)
(note: all three areas are within a one block radius - what can I say? I love it here)

5 jobs I have had:
-Paper Route (Longest continuous job - 8 years I think)
-Security at the now demolished Crossroads Mall
-Robinson Armament selling guns
-Selling pizza books door to door
-Real Salt Lake soccer team

5 Things people don't know about me:
-I had a tattoo designed specially for me, but at the last second thought better of it
-Until recently my only broken bone was my little finger. I broke it sleeping. Twice. Don't ask me how.
-I get emotional when; I watch my sports teams win, I see people being kind to each other, I see anything patriotic.
-I don't know the birthdays of everyone in my family (it's embarrassing)
-I have a weird obsession with sports memorabilia

Since everyone I know has already been tagged the game ends with me.

I hope you like it.

No Writing Skills

Not only is this a place where I can put together my thoughts about school, it is also a good place for me to practice my writing skills.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a very good writer. The sub par score that I got on my first paper confirms it. My writing is always choppy and I try to sound smarter than I really am by using big words that I think sound cool. I am going to use this blog to work on simplifying my writing and become more polished.

I am always up for suggestions and help.

Don't worry, I am not ALWAYS negative

It kind of took me by surprise when some people asked if my blog was always going to be so negative. I am not a negative person, I promise, I just need a forum where I can talk about some of the things that really tend to bother me.

This blog won't always be full of downers. The last thing I want to do is add to all of the negative things that exist in the world.

It was good feedback and really made me think. This whole blog thing is kind of interesting.

Student Taught by Students??

Some would argue that the UofU is a more accredited college than the local Community College (SLCC) because of its tenure and programs. Although I think there is some validity to that statement I also feel like I have been cheated by the grandeur of going to a big University. After starting this, my last semester, I feel like I might have been better instructed at SLCC than here at the U. At least the night classes were taught by professors with experience in that particular field.

Of the seven classes here at the University, only two of my teachers can actually be considered professors or have any kind of credibility. The others are students that are my age working on their PhD's.

My Criminology class is the worst. I am actually being taught by a guy that used to hang out with Napoleon Dynamite. He literally used to practice bow staff skills with John Heder (Napoleon) outside of their church while waiting for scouts to start. (He bragged about it on the first day of class after he asked if any of us knew someone famous. 'way to set yourself up dude.' thought Logan)

The guy graduated from BYU and is now working on his masters at the U. He has NEVER had any experience in the field of criminology, but feels like he is legit because he helped with some research projects at BYU and has studied the subject a lot (his words). Whoopity Doo!

This guys whole quest is that he is going to show us how awful our Criminal Justice System is and that we shouldn't trust it at all. I doubt the guy has ever had a speeding ticket let alone been involved in the process. It just frustrates me so bad. I could get more by doing ride alongs with my cop buddy and getting tours of the court house. I guess I will just have to continue to read the chapters and listen to him stutter and stumble through his lessons. It is so easy to see that he has not clue what he is talking about. Not a good faker.

So as you can see I am pretty discouraged that I pay thousands of dollars and I am being taught by my peers that have a few more classes under their belts and have written a few more papers.

I want a refund.

Who's gonna read this anyway?

This is my first entry and I have sat here for the past half hour writing and re-writing what I think I should say. This stuff is harder than it looks. I also have big shoes to fill considering that a number of members of my family are already established bloggers and do a pretty good job. Maybe I should have just stuck with blog surfing and leaving the occasional wise crack comment.

Even though it might be hard to believe there is a reason for this blog (even if no one reads it).

My family has given me great words of encouragement by telling me that no matter how hard something is you can do it for at least four months. It sounds great, but that was before my final semester of college started. It is a semester in which I am taking 22 credits hoping that I won't completely shut down before the May 2nd graduation. Four months seems like forever.

This blog is dedicated to my adventures as I go along. I love learning, but I hate school.