It's Me!

For those of you who haven't seen me in a while, I thought I'd give you an updated photo... Don't worry, I will be shaving on September 5th, since I will be back at BYU-I, and classes will start. I might keep the mustache, HOWEVER I would like to put it to a vote: leave a comment about Mustache or clean shaven, lemme know what you think. 

Check it out!

This is one of my favorite Photos from my mission. Kinda neat, eh? 

One Wild Weekend...

Well, I am sure that it was wild for someone... No that wasn't me, I just hit the road. Hard to believe, right...

Friday night I loaded up with Shawn "Puffy" Coombs and his lovely wife, Mickey and headed off to ST. Anthony, for the Pioneer Days Rodeo. Lemme tell you that St. Anthony, ID is not a mainstream kind of place and it is always fun to see what kind of people come out to the rodeo. If you have ever been to a tractor pull, mud bog, demolition derby or a monster truck rally, you know what I am talking about. Any how, I had forgotten how much fun rodeos are. You see, the rodeo bunch is a lot of folks who travel down the road hitting up the same towns at the same times. I have been doing this since I was a junior in High School, and so I still know a few people. Two of my favorite folks, Brad Reamer and Buck LaRoche, are over 55 and still rope calves and team rope together. I think Buck is over 60 and he still can rope calves at a high rate of speed. The best part is that I hadn't seen them for a few years and they still knew who I was, even with the goatee... (Just a note, some of the kids I went to BHS with didn't recognize me with the goatee when we had the "party" at the City of Rocks, and I saw them almost every day for 3 years!) I kinda felt bad, and I hope that my good friends all forgive me, I hope Ty forgives me for pulling that trick on him, and that Mary understands that I didn't sit very long 'cause I wanted to talk to folks.

So, it was Puffy's first rodeo in the ImPRA, and his horse had never been through a rope barrier (for an explaination of the barrier system call me or listen very carefully to your local rodeo announcer). Any how, his horse balked at the barrier causing his hat to fall over his eyes... Basically, not a good run.
We got home about 2 in the morning and we were supposed to be in Oakley at 8 for the slack there. 7am came super fast... I had the most bumpin headache I have had in a long time. Puffy tells me that that is what is like to have a hang-over, minus the puking, cotton mouth and such. We found out that we would be roping about eleven, so we settled in on Uncle Eugene's big flat bed truck. It lives at the Oakley arena. It is where my family gathers and watches the rodeos there. It is really nice to watch the fireworks from as well.

Anyhow, my tummy got to rumbling so I headed over to the cookshack for breakfast. I knew the fellas running it and I asked them what was for eating. They told me they had panckaes, eggs and sausage. I asked if they'd make a sausage sandwich, and they replied with a message often heard in Oakley, "If you want it that way, do it yourself." So I headed to the back of the shack and proceded to build a fantastic sandwich. When I asked how much they told me since I cooked it, it was free. I had earned it. I don't look a gift horse in the mouth and off I went. Pretty good breakfast.

We finally got our draw and drew steer #36. I asked Merv, the Zen Master of Roping in my book, how #36 ran. He pulled out his notecard (Merv is a serious roper and he watched every steer run. He knew what each would do.). He asked what we drew and I told him. He smiled and said "I can't let you see this." After coaxing, Merv let me see the note. It said "36=MONEY." Simple and to the point. We had drawn the steer to win the rodeo. Booyah! Puffy and I backed into the box. The nod came and out we went. The steer was breaking a little to the left, just the way it should. Puffy threw to be in the 5 hole (in other words, a catch and we could be as fast as 5 seconds...) His loop sailed... right over the horns. No catch. I was a bit disapointed, but that is rodeo. It happens. There is next weekend, we're headed to Shoshone. It oughtta be good.

The rest of the day was pretty chill. Best part of my day was getting home from the rodeo and seeing a letter in the mail with a Oklahoma postmark. In case anyone wonders, I get pretty giddy to get mail and when it comes from that part of the country, I can't help but smile. It's okay, huh.

The rodeo that night was good and the fireworks rocked.

Sunday came fast, but it was a good day. Good meetings. Learned an amazing truth. I was teaching the lesson and a brother made the comment "You never get addicted to anything good. All the bad things get addicting, but I haven't heard of someone who absolutely NEEDS to read thier scriptures or they go into a state of shock..." I thought that was pretty insightful. You have to work to become righteous. It isn't something you just DO.

Then movie night at the Preston house. Bad A and The Champ bought a projector. We hung white sheets and set up theater seating. it was great.
All I know is that life is pretty dang good and I can't complain. Half of you wouldn't listen and the other half would be glad to hear I have the problems...

By the way, drink a Jones Soda. Do it cause the flavors are cool, the picture on the lable is unique and there are fortunes on the lid...

How to be king...

Okay, for most of you this won't apply, but I want to tell you that it is totally good to be king. You might be thinking I am ripping off Tom Petty, but I am not wanting the same things that he professes in his song, although it is one of my favorite songs... But I digress...
So, why do I fell this way, well, I don't really know. It could be that the other day I was roping pretty good ans won a menial amount of money. It could be that I have had more fun this week of summer than I have had all summer, even though I really didn't go any where special. Well, I DID go to Twin Falls and eat at Sushi Tokyo. HIGHLY RECOMEND IT. The owners are from Hiroshima, nice folks and they are very fun people. My date had never had sushi before and I got her to eat eel. Now eel is lots tastier than it looks, so fret not. If you ever get the chance I would tell you to take a chance and throw some down your gut. After dinner we couldn't get into Pirates of the Carribean, so we headed back to Burley. I took the old highway and she told me she had never been to the top of Mount Harrison, a travesty in my book, so off we went. At the top you can see all over the valley. It was pretty cool. It almost took me back a few years to a simpler time on the 4th of July...
Any how, I think that perspective is 98% of how great life is. Things can be pretty crappy sometimes, but if you look at the bright side, things will work out right. Like you know placing one out of the money sucks, but at least you know that you tried. That girl might laugh hysterically at how you kissed her, but at least she didn't slap you. You might drive a truck that only gets 12 MPG, but it is YOURS outright and the bank has no claim on it. Shoot, look on the bright side! Just remember that things could always be worse!

If you're gonna go GO BIG!

I had the sweet opportunity of riding a water weenie for the first time in my life yesterday. Boy Howdy! That was fun! The Park Avenue Singles Branch had a FHE activity down at Hobsons Dock. I hadn't been down there for a few years, used to go all the time when I was a youngin', with my buddy Craig. Anyhow, I had a sweet time riding and I learned that the best part of getting bucked off was taking people down with me. And I went off big time when it came down to it.

Haven't written about going to Reno, either. Course, I really can't say too much about Reno, as it might incriminate me. However, I will say this: It is good to drive a Ford, right, Linds? Anyway, the reason we headed down there was to watch the BFI, a who's who of the roping world. It was pretty good to watch, not only for entertainment, but for education. I learned some new things about my tie-down and positioning my feet. I think it will help. Saddest moment of the day was when Walt Woodard missed a steer that could have won him and Matt Sherwood a bucket of money. The whole place was wishing them the best. I guess there is always next year... (But they did kick some hiney at the Reno Rodeo, I watched them rope in the Slack on Wednesday, and they were a smooth 4.4 seconds. There are some of you that can't even do up your zipper that fast!)
We also went down to watch the Reno Rodeo Invitational, our buddies Hoggie and Hoggie were in it. It paid $100,000 a man to win it! and if you caught 3 steers you would get $3,500 , which was $1000 more than the fees were! Unfourtunatley the fellas had some hard luck and missed the 3 steer cut-off by 1.5 seconds. But, it is like Hoggie said, "It ain't like that was the last roping on earth, there'll be others." That is a life lesson in it self. Why get so wrapped up in outcomes of one event? There will be other chances.
After the roping there was a performance horse sale. WOW! they were some sweet horses. The one I thought would be nice went for a song and dance, only $13,000! That is NOT a small number, at least for a 4-year old gelding.
Speaking of 4-year olds, Kody, the paint horse and Will, the sorrel, are coming along nicely. Only had one good blow up with Will, he tried me pretty hard, but I stuck to him. Kody sometimes thinks he is a world champion buckin' horse, but that is all in his head.
Hope your world is good and that you are enjoying your summer as much as I am! Have a Good One!

Correct me if I am wrong, but are you asking for a challenge?

To be completely honest I can't fathom the fact that it is already June! Good crud, where'd the first few months go? Okay, now with that out of the way I would like to say to everyone: BOOYAH! You wanna know why I say BOOYAH? Well, basically because I can. Really no other reason.

If you are reading this blog to be blown away by some of astounding knowledge that I may share, I would like to appologize. I have no actual knowledge left in my brain. BUT I do have some interesting, but maybe not actually factual tidbits of information:
-You can hypnotize Chickens by using a stick and scratching the ground
-My truck has 2 gas tanks and that comes in very handy for a nice trick, running out in one tank and convincing people we are stranded
-Girls fight just because they can
-Divine proportion is 1.681 (Thank you Dan Brown)
-People DON'T listen to the first things you say on the telephone if they call the same place a lot (I answer the phone with the same greeting, which includes my name and people still call me Brent, my dad's name)
-My friend Joe can hypnotize cats, I think he is the true "Cat Whisperer..."
-It takes about 2.77 weeks for me to grow a sweet fumanchu, or goatee
-If you want real truth, ask someone who is younger than 10
-George Burns said that the key to a good sermon is a great beggining and a great ending and to make sure the two are close together
-"KISS Rules!"-Billy Shaw
-A Natoosee Leather Couch is perhaps one of the most comfortable couches produced
-The average heart beats 2 BILLION times over a lifetime
-People in the Land of the Rising Sun can play Paper Rock Scissors faster than any people on the planet
-Paper Rock Scissors can decide the most difficult problems. from whose toy is whose to whether the red button gets pushed


Okay, I have given you some sweeeeeet knowledge, now here comes the challenge: I want you to leave at least one useless peice of knowledge that has "changed your life." Keep it G-rated, please. I realize that the ones I have left don't mean much to ya'll, but one day you will understand...

Sometimes You Win...

And of course sometimes you lose. I am talking about the elections here in Idaho that occured yesterday. I will have to say I am a bit disappointed. I know it may sound like philisophical gobbledie-gook but I have seen results and they make me hang my head in shame a bit. I am mostly disapointed for my old boss, Norm Semanko. I would have thought that the people in the 1st District would be a tad bit smarter and see that he was the man for the job. The problem is that he may not be slimey enough to represent them. Norm is a good upstanding man and very trust worthy. He does a great job in his work as an attorney and as the Exec. Dir for the IWUA. He gets things done. I learned a lot from him as I watched him handle the issues of his campaign as well as the work of the IWUA. You'd think folks would want a guy that can get things done in office, and maybe Bill Salli will, I just had hopes for Norm. I think the people of the 1st District missed a great chance to have a good man go to bat for them in Washington. I guess it could be worse, it could have happened in my home District, the 2nd...

The County Elections were almost as disappointing. I think the downfall here is that we base too much on who a person is, not what he can do. I like the fellas that got elected for County Commisioner here in Cassia, but just because I like them doesn't mean that I think they will do a great job. I would just look at what they have done (or haven't) for the County. However, I guess enough people think they are doing a good job and they got re-elected. I just think a little change would do some good.

No surprise was the race for Governor. Go Butch! A freind of mine said this morning, "He may be a womanizing drunk of an idiot, but he is OUR womanizing drunk of an idiot!" I think what he meant was, yes Butch's morals might not be the greatest, but at least we go into the deal knowing he is that way. He does move and shake and can speak the lingo of the folks back in DC as well as be downhome in Idaho. I think he will do alright.

All in all I guess the best part about the election is that I cast my vote. I tried to have my voice heard. Some of the folks I voted for got elected, some didn't. It doesn't sadden me or make me bitter. Why would I be mad, I did my civic duty and now I can still voice my opinion, even though I might have chose some losers, I still chose. Did you get out and vote? Well if you didn't then keep your trap shut! Your vote could've changed things! Every vote counts and for people to sit by and do nothing and then complain because it isn't going the way they want, I say to hell with them! Appathetic people are the kind of folks I can not stand. Don't just sit there DO SOMETHING!

Remember, all it takes for Evil to triumph is for Good men to just stand by and do nothing.

My Parents are Cooler than Your Parents...

Okay, so that may sound like a pretty loud statement, but it has got to be true. Why? Because my Mom just left for Europe tob there 20 days, she will see 7 countries and have tons of fun. It is her birthday from my Uncle Vance and Aunt Joan. They are also taking four of their grandchildren, which Mom is sort of doing the nanny thing for them. They flew out yesterday and they should be in Frankfurt by now. Uncle Vance has a friend (Max) from Hawaii that speaks 7 languages and he is originally from Romainia. He wants to take a gal there who is one of his friends to see some of the opera scene. She is 28 and a good performer and Max wants her to see some things that may inspire her.

Dad just left for Park City this morning to film a comercial with some famous golfer. I will tell you who when the commercial airs, I don't want to get in trouble for leaking information... But Aunt Linda is producing the comercial, I think. Dad took a golf buddy with him. The information Aunt Linda said was that they needed some guys who looked like they golfed that were from the ages of 30 to 55. Both Dad and Kelly golf and off they went. I think they will get $100 for their trouble. I just hope it isn't a Levitra commercial...

I am working at the Shop, of course. The weather is nice and sort of a good cloud cover. I would post a picture of me and my new style, but Mom took the camera with her. I have a Fumanchu and burns down past my ears now... I kinda look unkept, but it makes for some fun times. I got to go to Conner Creek Junction Saturday and rope at the Sam Adams Arena. It was pretty fun. The view from thier place is pretty cool. You really can't beat being out there. Sam is a nice guy, good family and some quick cattle.

I hit the first of the Summer Series ropings put on by Dan Kidd. I didn't do any good. I wasn't roping too hot. But I had the chance to talk to a fella, Merv, who always has some good advice and he is a heckuva roper. He said I need to stop analyzing myself so much, just get in postion and rope. I tried to do that at Sam's but the wind was blowing into me when we would turn left... So maybe I will try tonite, it is Monday and Family Rope Evening.

In other news: I am reading the Da Vinci Code. Yes, I like it. Saw the movie and I liked it as well. I realize lots of folks criticize both, mostly the movie, but it really doesn't matter. I just take things for what they are worth. You have got to remember, IT IS FICTION PEOPLE! My goodness!

Yeah, and Branch Conference was yesterday. The Stake Presidency spoke. It was pretty cool. It is always good to hear and be somewhat chastised. I think I will be a bit better person for the whole experience.

So, if you think your parents are cooler than mine, that's okay, this isn't a contest in any way shape or form. But I know my Dad is tougher than your dad, so there...

Unregularity

I have been doing pretty much the same stuff over and over everyday for the last few weeks, not much in adventuring tales to tell. I am a bit bummed about that, but what is a fella to do? I wish I could have my unregular life again. Most the time things are changing so much that I have to keep looking for similarities, but not so lately. Although, life is still full of surprises...

First big surprise was last Sunday when High Councilor Campbell pulled me aside and said the Stake Presidency needed to meet with me. I tried to talk them out of it, by telling them about my bad habbits and saying I might develop more bad habbits, but they wouldn't give. I was later informed of a freind who said he had the same situation and he asked them if they were sure they'd prayed about the matter, and then asked if they might have meant another person of the same name, or maybe a name that sounded like his. Any how, no such luck. (that is a joke, I am sure this calling will be a good thing for me. I always grow with my callings)

The next neat thing was having my brothers and thier families come home to help out at the annual Yard Cleanup at my grandpa and gramma Larsen's. We had all the little kids around and we roped on Friday night. Way fun. The kids took turns running out of the chute and chasing each other. They ran themselves ragged. It was pretty fun to watch.

I hope everyone had a good Mothers Day. I hope we all took the time to thank our Mom's and let them know how much we love them. Heck, think about it where would YOU be without your mom? I liked the answer from the card that Cody and Sally got for my mom. It said we would probably be eating candy from a stranger sitting too close to the TV in yesterday's underwear. Or something like that. BANZAI to Moms every where. And a BANZAI to those future moms out there who are going to be just as wonderful to future generations as our moms have been to us.

Oh the Places I've been...

No this isn't a travelog of where I have been in my life, because, let's face it: I am well traveled.
I am talking about the emotional journey I have been on the last weeks. I have fighting off the crazy demons of Boredom and Laziness. Do you know these fellas? They aren't really nice guys. They make everything seem old and crusty, tastless. Food seems drab, nothing seems cool. Not even flying down a road at 100MPH doesn't cut it. Sad, too sad. But once again, my positivist outlook has kicked in! I have so much to do! I just need to get out and experince it. I reckon I might not have anyone to share the journey with at my side, but I will someday. When that day comes I will have many a tale to tell about things I have done and places I have journeyed to. How great will that be?

I tell you now that I am looking out the window and I can see mountains and places to go that I have been before, but I need to revisit. I am going to hit the road. No, no long journey to foreign lands (I'll leave that to Mom). I am going to see what my home has to offer. Mt. Harrison, Elba, Almo, City of Rocks, Big Cottonwood, Trapper Creek, Birch Creek, Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Oakley and all the cool stuff in my preverbial back yard. Here I come. Booyah!

By the way, since I last blogged I have been roping in Nampa, didn't do any good (got the Flu and roped every steer turned for me). I have also been working for Mom and Dad. Fun stuff.

Hope you all are well and dandy! Have a Good 'Un!

The $3200 Scholarship

So, here is a lesson in math: 1 new engine for an Olds 98 $3150, gas $50, new windsheild $150 and a Check from BYU-I Ag Dept for $200 makes the cost of my $200 Scholarship $3200.

I was driving to Rexburg to recieve this award in Mom's car. About American Falls I noticeted that the car was wanting to shut down and she was billowing smoke and her oil pressure died. I climbed the first off ramp by the Pioneer Tractor dealership and called Mom. She drove my truck there and Dad followed with the Sheesh wagon and a flatbed. We loaded up the car and I hit the road, about 2 hours behind my plan. Got to the dinner an hour late, just in time to recieve my award. I looked great (suit, tie and matching hankie) and had a hottie for a date (You rock, hot chick!); so I had a great entrance. Oh yeah!

After the dinner we hit up the campus country dance night for a spell. I danced in my suit, well, I shed the jacket. But it was good fun. Left for a bit and came back with proper dancing atire. Good fun (really more than I can explain, for safety's sake). I crashed at Glen and Denise's place. I tell you what. In all my travels I have noticed that it is a far better deal to stay with married people. They are cleaner than an apartment full of sinlge guys, have better blankets and nicer places.

Think about it, I am sure you might know of what I speak. This is the real reason I go to so many weddings. It isn't just to see the bliss of others, but to build up social credit. People remember some things and if you do give a good gift or at least save a life during a wedding, people remember. Then they let you sleep on their floor. See, I am basically a genious in disguise...

Any how, I got back on the road to go home and noticed a chip in the windshield. DRATTS!!! So my little award is great, but I will have to work like hell to pay for it! I think next year I will just write a nice thank you and tell them someone else can enjoy the blessings.

Too little too late...

Too little sleep that is, and too darn late last night. I went up to Iceburg and hit up the country dance scene at the Strata, way too much fun! I haven't been dancing in a place without alchohol or smokers for about 4 months. It was great! I like not having to worry about the sobriety of my dance partner, course, I am sure some of mine wondered about me... I, of course, was not drunk, I have never even tasted the garbage! Lemme tell you, what makes me go is havin good fun and there ain't no more fun than good dancin, cept maybe good ropin. I think my Uncle Blaine used to say every day, when he was a kid, looking in the mirror, "Who is the greatest guy in town and why am I? Because I can dance." Yup. Me too. Just ask the girls that had the chance to last night, I am thinking they would all agree, and out of two or three witnesses.... Booyah!

Stair wells and small dogs... Part One

What a weekend... I started early Friday morning and jumped on a plane to SLC. Met a new friend, Gary. He was a good man headed to go skiing with his buddies. We had a good chat about life and what was going on in the world. I was met by Lillian and Blake. Blake was one of my companions in the mission. He is a good man, studying music at BYU. Lillian is Blake's girlfreind, she is a sweet gal. They rock as a couple. I love seeing people happy together, I think I see that in them. We went to the new Joseph Smith film. WOW what a great show. As we were watching I kept thinking it was because of that wonderful man that I am who and where I am. Thans to Joseph's prayer and his desire to know the truth, I have what I have. I couldn't help it, I bawled like a baby. I was just so thankful for all I have. After the show we headed down to Provo. We hooked up with Aaron, one of our other doki and a former mission companion. We went to Demae, a great Japanese restaraunt in Provo, soooo good. After that we cleaned up and off to Springville for the misson reunion. That was way fun! Good crud, it was great to see lots of folks. Josh showed up and the fun began. We talked about stuff that both of us had completely forgot about. Josh was my trainer and we sure had some crazy times. The great thing is that all our fun isn't in the past. We had another episode at the reunion. We had been joking about someone that we both knew and you know what they say, speak of the devil and he is sure to appear. Well that person walked right in... Tehehehe. We busted out laughing and proceeded to laugh so hard that we had to go outside. The dogs in the neighborhood barked at us... It was crazy. Then a few of us gathered up and went to the Hunt's house for some sukiyaki, boy howdy, that was soooo good... So, after the sukiyaki Josh and I were off to Provo so I could crash at Blake's. We laughed so hard on the way that I almost lost my cookies, as well as the sukiyaki...
Wasn't Conference great? WOW. I loved Elder Neilson's talk. Of course, they were all good, but that was sweet. I actually got to see Preisthood session live, Joe got tickets, props to Joe! I sat next to John Gochnour, the last time he and I watched a session together live was when we were 13 or 14, and that was in the Tabernacle. Crazy. (After the session we went up to a sweet pizza joint, the best pie I have ever had!) Back to Provo with Jonny G. Joe let me use his wheels to drive around. What a guy, that Joe. Over to Mary's folks' to bed down.
I would just like to pause here and thank everyone of my friends. I am so dadgummed blessed! I had the opportunity to spend time with quite a few of the freinds that the Lord has given to me. You guys and girls are all great. I wouldn't want to overlook all of those whom I haven't seen for a while. What are you all thinkin? How'd you end up with me? I'm sure glad you all put up with me. You all put up with me and all my bad habits and problems. Thanks so much!
Sorry to get all mushed up... I will continue again soon...

All good things...

Or must all good things come to an end? I am looking down the barrel of the end of my intership. I am not going to B.S. you and say that it has all been roses, but it has been a great learning experinece. Like I told someone today, I have worked with a lot of good people and met a whole bunch of "interesting" folks. I would like to publically thank the IWUA for giving me this opportunity. You guys ROCK! If you are in the 1st Congressional District of Idaho remember to Vote in your primary on May 23, and VOTE SEMANKO!
If you are wondering what McCord will do next (not a rip off of Ford's "What will Phil do next?") I will not leave you all in suspence. I am running away and joining the Circus. Boo-yah! I heard The Ringling folks were hiring a bearded lady and I thought I would see if the ERA would help me get a job...
Seriously though, I am headed back to B-Town. I will take up my former position of HNIC at Burley Refrigeration, working for Mom and Dad. I like it, it is something I am decent at doing and they let me set my own hours. Yes, I will be roping, would you really expect anything else? C'mon... Hopefully I will convince my favorite header and my financial secretary to hit the road and rope in some IMPRA shows. If I get turned down, I will have to resort to begging and pleading... It might not help, but I'll do what it takes.
I also want to bounce up to Ricks on occasion to get a little groove on at the STRATA. Look out Rexburg! OH YEAH!
I would like to send out a jovial holler to those of you who have been there for me. I am not naming any names but you know who you are (an extra special shout out to one heckuva waitress at Applebee's, you rock!). The good times that I had in your various presences will not be forgotten. If you have the inlking to, just drop a line in the comment section, beleive me, I read them and reply...
Well folks, the workday is drawing to a close... I am looking forward to my commute out to Riley's. What a great life, I think Gary Alan hit it on the head: Life ain't always beautiful, but it is a beautiful ride...

Wonderment

Have you ever felt like you had no idea what was going on in your life? Welcome to my world. I kinda am having one of those days that U2 talks about in a classic song: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. I have done a lot and I have tons to be thankful for, but dang, I still fill a void in my heart.
Anyhow, lets move on, eh? The Legislature is winding down and we know what that means: Rodeo Season wil be upon us soon. Looking forward to it. All our bills have passed and are waiting the signiture from the governor. Not too bad.
Last night I got to go Home Teaching with Riley, that was cool. He is a darn fine man, good Father, husband, son and brother.
The other night I went out with Riley and the kids. Dang those little ones are observant. We were eating ice cream at ColdStone and Annabelle says to me "Uncle McCord, you're going to be a good daddy." I thanked her and pointed out that I needed a wife before I could become a dad. Then Addy piped up, "First you need a girlfreind! Uncle Jeff got a wife fast, how come you keep losing girls?" Darn good question... I don't know if I have a decent answer to that wonderful question. So I reckon I will have to do a bit of R&D. If any of you have good answers, I'd be obliged if you could offer suggestions.
In other news, the DNCFR was pretty good. Long night, though. I got home to Burley about 3:30 A.M. Sunday morning. Still got up to go to Church with Gramma Matthews at 10:00. Think I had better thank a few folks for making that a fun night: Roman, Ty, Devonie, Uncle Reed, Aunt Linda and most of all Mandy (for puting up with me). After the rodeo hit up the Green T and danced a bit. That was a hoot. We left before things got too crazy. Good times though...
The weather outside is looking pretty good and a bit breezy, course, if there wasn't any wind I wouldn't know how to stand up straight.

Willie Must Have More Endurance...

I think the reason Willie likes being on the road again is that he rides in a sweet tour bus and probably doesn't have to drive. I have been from one side of the state to the other side, and I am going to head back out as soon as I have lunch. I am headed back to Burley to hopefully rope tomorrow and then head up to the Dodge for the last performance. Thanks to Jay for the tickets. So for those of you wondering how many miles that is well, here is the math: from Star to I.F. is 299.30 miles and I did that twice-600 miles; now back to Pocatello that is another 256 miles, and yes, I will be coming back to Star Sunday night, so 512 round trip. Okay 1112 miles doesn't seem that much for my buddy Virgil, but that's plenty for me. I think it'll be worth it. I have a lunch date with my family in Burley tomorrow and probably rope and I might go watch my cousin's rodeo in Rupert before I head out to the Dodge.
I have also had some dang fine sushi this week. Went to the Blue Hashi in I.F. It's good, but I thought that Sakura Sushi in Eagle was better. I don't know, I just think that folks that are actually from the Orient make better sushi than guys from the U.S. Course, there was a Hawaiin kid in Iceburg that was pretty good. I guess I just like to see hendersized sushi. Oh well.
Anyhow, if you get a chance, try the Dragon Roll, it rocks! I reckon I will get on the road here soon, the quicker I leave the quicker I get where I am going...
On the road again...

Black, White, Cold and Hot Tub...

Last year there was a calf born, I don't know where he came from, but he had short stubby legs, a potbelly and he was black as coal. We bought him so Hooter could calf rope him, and from the get-go he was a bit different. He got too big real fast for Hooter to rope, so he graduated to the team ropin pen. He runs pretty darn fast and has short strides. He is one tough bugger to rope. Well, Hooter got a bit tougher, so we brought the little fella back to the calf ropin pen. Man, he'd give Hooter a run for his money. I roped him a few times, crazy to handle and if you didn't watch your step, he'd eat your lunch, and your neighbors as well. He got too heavy to calf rope, so back to the team ropin pen. He was dehorned, he's a crossbred, so we strap the plastic fakies on. Good crud, its hard to get them horns on that feller. He'll charge to take your hands out and shake his head trying to avoid the inevitable. He is pretty darn fun to rope, though. What makes him real fun is how tough he is to catch. His stubby legs are hard to time and add to it that he is still so light he just wangs out there on the hop, one tough catch. So, to rope him is a good satisfying feeling.
I got into Burley last night and it felt warm enough, so I was looking forward to roping. I got the steers up, caught the horses, saddled up and just as Hooter and I were mounting up to warm our horses up, the snow fell. Started out with just a few flakes, but they brought friends, lots of 'em, and big ones! Got bad enough that I couldn't see the end of the arena. We powered through and continued to rope. Dad showed up, as he was reffing a explorer ball game. I had saddled his horse, but forgot to cover it, so it was soaked. He ran the chute, what a dad. Course on one steer I hear him say, rope this one, no matter what the distraction. As we left the box he blew his ref whistle, I think it scared Poco (Hooter's horse). But he roped the steer anyway. I missed, my second miss of the night. My rope was basically a 35-foot string of mud and the glove I was wearing was caked as well. I was 4 for 6. Hooter roped pretty good. What made me smile was when Hooter turned that black steer, even with all that white snow falling and the fact I could barely see his legs I roped him slick and decently fast.
Another crazy event was when the little black flecked heifer escaped the back gate by popping the latching horseshoe off. She really is a mean little wench. I am pretty sure she'd a taken dad out if he'd gotten a bit closer. As it were, she ran down the alley and then got into the horse pen.
Heck, by the time we got done ropin' we were soaked and Hooter was freezing. It was snowing hard enough that I couldn't see worth a darn with the arena lights on and I shut 'em off to be able to see. We decided we try to rope tonite of the weather played fair. I hope it does.
Well, I went inside to eat dinner and thaw out. I watched a bit of TV with the folks and then was getting ready for bed when my phone rang. It was Roman. He and Dane were home enjoying "Spring Break" from ISU. They wanted to go hot tubbing and were calling to see if my folks would care if they used it. They thought I would be in Boise still, so they were surprised when I walked out the back door to greet them. Dane had been waiting for about 20 minutes... His date was in the back seat, he thought they'd have to change in the car. Funny thing was that the girls Roman brought with them were both 2004 grads of Burley High, and I had really no idea who they were. Oh well. We sat in the hot tub and man that felt gooooood. I am thinking that was one of the best purchases that Dad made since he bought the Sheesh wagon.
All I can say is its good to be home... Course, I'll be back on the road today. Guess the lesson is to happy for what you have right in front of you.

Six Foot Town

Good song from Big and Rich, I hope folks take the chance and listen to a bit of B&R. Good stuff. Lots happened last week. I actually baby-sat for the first time in about five or six years... I am sorry to Jeremy, my nephew. I baby sat him when I was a senior. I changed his diaper and thought, man I need baby powder. None in the house. Viola! I had some in the horse trailer, more specifically in my rope can. I used tons of it to keep the ropes nice and fast. So, I piled that stuff on his little rump, stood him up and powder came out! Yeah, I think I used plenty... Anyway, I am a bit smarter now. I was sittin for my brother while he and his wife went to a class; Annabelle (6 and smart as all get out), Adylyn (4 going on 21) and Davis (3 and catches on to stuff a bit too quick sometimes). Anyhow as it was time for a movie, and we had to pick one. Of course, each kid wanted a different one. How to settle? Paper Rock Scissors (JonKenPo in Japan)! BOOYAH! I had them face off, winner chooses. I think that I have found a simple solution for the common fighting! I want to say this was not an original idea of mine, I learned it in Japan. I was at a daycare, where we did service, and two boys were playing with a toy and one took it from the other. The boy without the toy cried to the teacher. The boy who took the toy stated that they had played JonKen and he won. There was no further argument. It was settled. I am going to try to use that when one day I become a dad. I think it is right next to genuis!
Right now I'm sittin in I.F. at the Shilo Inn for Ditch Rider Workshops. It is pretty durned informative. It is good to see people who get passionate about their work!
Tonight I will be in the Magic Valley and I will hopefully be chasin some steers and soaking in the hot tub. NICE!
Last night I went out on the town with some really nice folks. We hit the Blue Hashi. Pretty good sushi, the miso was good and the tempura was delicious. It is always fun to see people who never had sushi give it a try. The look on Virgil's face when he ate wasabi was great. Course, he got me by leaving a good glob on his last peace and then generously offering it to me. I ate it, woooooh. If you've never had wasabi, give it a shot. Its great to clear your sinus when you are congested. Speaking of wasabi, I remember at Heslop's farewell party Itakura filled a shoe-cream with wasabi and we had a eating contest. Heslop had the one filled with wasabi, we all crammed them into our face, Heslop dang near died. Hontoni waratta yo! Onaka ga itakunatta noni waratta! Gomen Rop-chan!
Well folks, hope you all are living and living well!!!
By the way, that is Ady and Anna, KAWAII! (They're cute, eh?)

Just don't step in anything...

That, my friends, is how I tell folks not to get in any trouble. Wish I could take my own medicine. I don't get into much, but it seems like when it rains it pours. I just hope the holes in my slicker aren't too awfully big... As I type this there is a whale of a storm outside and I am in a hotel room in Idaho Falls. I have a mirror in front of my computer and I am looking into the eyes of the man that I am and I am thinking "Who are you anyhow?" Of course, I know the general answers to the questions. I am a son of good parents, a brother to good siblings, the uncle to wonderful nieces and nephews. I am a decent worker and a man with ideas, dreams and visions. My long term things are pretty much water tight (pardon the pun for those in the know of what I want to be up to...). I just wish that I could get over not knowing what will happen by the end of the day, week or month. You never know and I need to accept that. I know that most of what I am saying here is for my benefit, but this is kind of therapeutic. I know that this isn't read too much by very many people. Its not really important, but its good to get my feelings out there...
-K- Enough of that emotional gobbledie gook. I am glad to be where I am. You know, sometimes I don't thank Heavenly Father for what I DON'T have. I don't have a reason not to trust those that I love. I don't have a relationship destined for destruction. I don't have a car payment, mortgage, alimony, court fees, outstanding warrants (that I know of), fierce enemies, or a price on my head. Good Crud! What a great list!
So I am here to go to meetings and introduce myself to a committee that chose me for my current position. I had the opportunity to travel home to Burley with Dad and Mom. We took kinda the long way home. We went out through Murphy and Bruno, it was my first time in Owyhee County. It was pretty country, if you like that brown desert look (and I do). Then I went to church in my home ward. I love that ward. Just like the song from Cheers, its where every body knows my name. Nice. Met Norm at the 211 exit and we rolled on up to I.F. It was a good chance to get to know more about each other. I work with a pretty amazing guy. I think he will make a great Congressman, he is a Statesman, not a politician, in my mind. The best part is I got to visit some good people that I know in Rexburg. Nate and Lydia are so happy and things sound in order for their welding. Mary is doing good (good luck on your tests, girl!). The Jones girls looked pretty happy. I learned about new people that I had never met. Pretty good stuff.
I tell you what I am really lookin forward to is roping the next time I go home. I tell you, I have had a lot of off days roping, but the worst day roping is better than the best day at work! Hope all of you are living good and well. Remember: Just don't step in anything!
By the way, that is Dad, Cody and me this last summer before we teed off and had a little fun. Check out that SWEEEET goatee. Booyah!!!

Well, I 'd have to say I am one lucky feller

I haven't been on here since last week cause I been traveling. I went on "tour" to help out with the IWUA's Pesticide Applicator's Recertification Workshops. Went home to Burley for the first one and slept in my bed at home for the first time in a month, soooo nice. That was Tuesaday. First meeting was on Wednesday. Good turnout and all. Then I loaded up with dad and Hooter and we went over to Filer to go ropin. Fun stuff, heck, I roped pretty fair for not being on a horse for over a month. A darn good friend gave me a ride over to Jerome, as I was staying in a HOTEL in JEROME (crazy, I know. I have never stayed in a hotel in Jerome, never needed to). Good trun out at the meeting in Jerome. Then off to Ada. Went to Nampa for the last of the meetings on Friday. I was sitting in the back of the room, dinkin around on my computer. Checked my email and saw one from LSAC (Law School Admissoins Council) and realized they had sent my test scores! I am not a complete moron, but I am far from being a legal smartee pants. I think with my grades I will be able to get into the Law School I am shooting for. Nice huh? Yeah.
I helped Riley paint his kitchen on Saturday. Looks pretty darn good if you ask me. Truth be told, I didn't really paint too much. Riley is a great painter. His kitchen looks great. Spent some quality time with Davis Annabelle and Adylyn. Good fun.
Hope all is well for everyone out there. I am doing well and having a good time, hope you are too!
Its okay, Huh... Yeah, Its okay....