tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47553402431431899122024-03-05T02:30:59.524-07:00Thoughts From the SaddleInspiration and the lessons of life seem to come more easily while sitting in the saddle.Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-49036173879355269252010-01-12T10:48:00.002-07:002010-01-12T11:19:13.617-07:00My Bathroom Chatter (BC) storyI was taking a moment before class to catch up on my friends and their blogs when I ran into Jason's blog about bathroom chatter (very good post by the way although I am somewhat intrigued by his claim to having a 'skillful tongue' and wonder where he has been practicing that since moving to Missouri but I will leave that for another post) and realized that I had mentioned on facebook an experience I recently had with Bathroom Chatter and decided that for those of you who have NOT heard this story now would be a great time to tell it.<br /><br />Several weeks ago I was returning to Blanding after the first of several trips to the north country during my December break from school and needed to stop in Moab to get gas. Sure I had enough gas to get home but one learns quickly that it is in one's best interest to gas up anyplace but Blanding because the 'cartel' keeps gas prices in Blanding 20- 50 cents a gallon higher than the rest of the free world, but that is a blog for another day also. Anyways, I pulled into the one place I feel comfortable in that bug (no offense intended to actual members of the bug species as I am not referring to that type of bug here) infested gut pile (hunting term) of a town. I have always stopped there and have always been quite pleased with the nice people I've encountered there as opposed to those I encounter IN Moab. I topped off my tank and then went inside to.... use the little boy's room in order to make the last hour of my trip a little more comfortable. I opened the bathroom door to realize that it was full and I needed to wait outside so I backed out and closed the door when I was confronted with a particularly fairy-esque voice saying " Is it full? Don't they know I've been holding it since Provo?" Not wanting to judge the voice I slowly turned and noticed that indeed his attire and posture fit his voice to a 't' but not wanting to be rude I decided to reply that I had been 'holding it' since Salt Lake. That started a dialogue in the hallway that I was pretty sure would end once we entered the bathroom. All men know that talking in the bathroom is strictly prohibited (especially with strangers) and that for the most part we want to just enjoy our time in this peaceful place.<br /><br />As coincidence would have it both occupants of the bathroom came out at the same time and allowed us to enter. I quickly made my way past the lone urinal and into the sanctuary of the only stall (with locking door) in the bathroom. I was safe at last! WAIT, WHAT? He continues to talk to me over the stall! I'm a little freaked out and limit my responses to short, concise and very fragmented sentences in hopes to squelch his desire to talk to me but to no avail. He finished up first and washed his hands and while he dried his hands while I washed mine. That bathroom is an absolute DEATH TRAP for people in my position because if a man is washing his hands nobody else can enter or exit the bathroom. Due to this terrible design flaw my unwilling conversation continued with him standing directly behind me and me washing my hands while standing sideways and keeping at least one eye on the man at all times. Finally I was certain that my hands were clean, or at least clean enough, and turned to take some paper towel and that's when it happened.....<br /><br />He puts his hand on my shoulder blade and as he very gently slides (rubs if you ask me) it off my back and half way down my humerus (Yes Kendra I DO know anatomy just not while playing Taboo) while giving me a disturbingly salacious look and says, "drive safe and don't go tail piping me." Then he left. I was in shock.... this had REALLY just happened to me!? I looked in the mirror and stared at myself for a moment. Then, with head drooping quite low I left the store, got in my car, and, being quite careful to not do anything that he might consider tail piping, I drove home as quickly as possible.<br /><br />The moral of the story: 1- Moab is not a safe place, 2- Bathroom Chatter is WRONG, and 3- apparently one must be careful whom he/she speaks with while waiting for the toilet.Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-51966990502263542612010-01-07T23:51:00.002-07:002010-01-08T01:32:26.751-07:00Trait of Flaw?I was told last night that I am a very analytical thinker. At first I wasn't sure if that was a compliment of a trait I hold or a criticism of a flaw that I wasn't aware of (I thought I was pretty aware of my flaws and shortcomings so this was a bit of a surprise to me). However the more I've thought about it, and admittedly analyzed it I have come up with a conclusion as well as an explanation. If you have any input I'd be more than happy to get feedback.<br /><br />Although I didn't realize it before Kendra pointed it out to me, I can now see that I am clearly an analyzer. I find myself often times carefully choosing my words and trying to gauge the response they get as well as whether they are saying what I want them to say. I also noticed that I miss out on fun and spontaneous moments (such as throwing the most amazing girl in the world in the snow and giving her the snow bath of a lifetime) because I think too much of the consequences or possible consequences of the actions not only from the person directly involved but also by those around me who are not directly involved. First let me explain where this process came from and why I adopted it.<br /><br />I think I was born to be a lawyer. Although I don't like contention and I absolutely HATE contention with those I love the most, I am also one that enjoys a good argument. When I say argument I <strong>do not mean</strong> that I like to fight. I hate fighting but I love a good healthy argument. If you have any questions about what constitutes a 'good healthy argument' and how it differentiates from a 'fight' then feel free to ask and I'll explain but that is not the focus of my post tonight. I digress... In order to argue effectively one must gauge the response of their words on the opponent in order to find wholes in their argument or resolve. One must also choose words wisely to prevent being backed into a corner or having their words morphed into something they do not believe. I also find that it is really important to look at the facts and look at ideas and arguments and weed out the cold hard facts from the fallacies or not so firm facts. In order to do this it takes a great deal of analyzing. So, all in all I think I was just born to be an analytical thinker.... is it a character flaw or is it a valuable tool and trait?<br /><br />I think it is both. When I get into law school and become a lawyer I believe it will be a very valuable tool in making me a successful lawyer. I think it will be something I will be very grateful for in years to come. However, when it comes to relationships and that person or persons who mean the very most to me I think its a double edged sword. While its important to think before you speak and to try and communicate clearly, its is just as important (if not MORE important) to be spontaneous and simple. Often the calculated speaking comes across and lacking sincerity and thus doesn't have the same meaning to those you love. Also when you thin and calculate too much you end up missing out on fun experiences like giving Kendra a snow bath, or going and getting frosty's and fries on a whim and eating them in a parking lot while listening to sappy late night radio. Those type of experiences are so important in a relationship. I girl needs to know that you are FUN and that you can let your hair down and read a Dr. Seuss book to her and her mom and sister. So there are times when you need to go NIKE and 'just do it' and not worry about the consequences. I know that I will certainly work on being more spontaneous. I don't think there is any doubt of my feelings and my commitment to those closest to me but I wonder if they realize that I CAN have fun and let my hair down and just go with the flow. So my January resolution is to not be so calculating when it comes to having fun with those I love.<br /><br />In thinking about this today I did come to one conclusion that I think is worth sharing. As I mentioned before I take information and observations that are in front of me and I try to sort them, <em>solid facts, possibly fact, not sure of the validity, </em>and <em>false. </em>If things are accepted as solid facts then I don't analyze them past that point. If there are enough 'solid facts' for me to feel confident in the course of action or in the course that something is taking then I wont analyze it. I am capable of being spontaneous and doing things on a feeling rather than simply on logic but I can only do that if I am confident of the situation.... I'm trying hard to be better at leaving logic out of relationships but I think if there are enough solid facts about the course it is taking then I will be less likely to calculate every move and every word. That's just my opinion.... take it for what its worth.<br /><br /> _ ____ ___ ____ __ __ ___ ______!<br /><br />aaacwwwiitttnllooohsyumeKendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-81629683846258934682010-01-06T22:21:00.002-07:002010-01-07T00:23:48.918-07:00Village Innyes everyone, it is true, i am writing in my blog two days in a row! i can't believe it myself really. Kendra started a blog today and it has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">inspirEd</span> me to be better at writing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iN</span> my own blog. the title of this blog <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">inDicates</span> that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">i'm</span> going to say something about village inn we can assume:) Right?<br /><br />so last weekend I had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tHe</span> great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">OpPortunity</span> to drive to south <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">jordan</span> to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">kendra</span> and her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">familY</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">fOr</span> a few days <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">bUt</span> because of the circumstances i didn't leave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">blanding</span> until 8 pm and didn't get to south <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">jordan</span> until 1 am. however, much to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">suprise</span> Kendra still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">waNted</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">tO</span> see me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">tHat</span> night. i was really happy and had initially just planned On seeing her for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">feW</span> minutes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">eitHer</span> At her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">hosue</span> or at my brother's Parking lot and then going to P bed but when i got into town and called her to see what she wanted to do she asked where we should meet. half <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">jokinglY</span> i said, "well we can meet at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">mY</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">brOther's</span> parking lot or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">i'd</span> be willing to drive to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">yoUr</span> house and see you there if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">that's</span> easier. or we could get pie at village inn." again, Much to my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">surprise</span> And delight, she went for the idea of meeting at village inn for pie. what started out as a simple 1 am date for pie turned into 2 + hours of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">talKing</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">gEnuinly</span> having a great time. it was possibly the More <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">relaxEd</span>, fun <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">tIme</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">i've</span> had the past year! the details of the time we spent together wont be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">incLuded</span> here but, speaking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">fOr</span> myself, it was amazing.<br /><br />i digress <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">howeVer</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">thE</span> purpose in writing this post is to explain the situation at village in during the wee hours of the morning. while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">kendra</span> and i were there there was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">onlY</span> one table that stayed as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">lOng</span> as we did and they were still there when we left. it was interesting to watch them <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">becaUse</span> at 2 in the morning they were eating deserts AND playing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">cArds</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">i'M</span> not sure what game <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">tHey</span> were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">plAying</span> but they were having a great time just talking and Playing some sort of card game in the middle of village in. the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">peoPle</span> that were there were unique also. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">theY</span> didn't show up until about 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">ish</span> and When they ordered they ordered food for themselves to eat but also ordered several to-go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">dIshes</span>.... however, The to go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">disHes</span> came out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">wiTh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">tHeir</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">ordERs</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">thEy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">causuaLly</span> just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">sAt</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">aTe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">theIr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">foOd</span> there <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">iN</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">reStraunt</span>. all in all it was quite an interesting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">situation</span>. 3 couples at one table playing cards, two couples eating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">eitHer</span> a very late <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">dInner</span> or an even earlier breakfast, and 1 couple talking and laughing and reconnecting. it just goes to show you that sometimes things happen when you least expect them to and in locations that you least <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">exPect</span> them to happen in. so if you cant sleep some night and there is a village in near by you should really drop in and have some pie and take a look around.... i assure you it'll be a unique experience.... as for me, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">i'd</span> like to go there in the wee morning hours sometime and play cards just for the sake of doing it.... who is with me?Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-14749724968562048632010-01-05T22:47:00.002-07:002010-01-05T23:10:15.592-07:00Exciting MonthWow what a month this has been! First of all who in the world thought it was a good idea for Utah State to give us a full month away from school? I mean sure its fun and it gives you time to relax and have some fun BUT I'm honestly afraid they will have to retrain me after such a long break! I'm not going to remember where the library is (not that I use it anymore... the secret UR lab is a ton better)! At any rate they gave us a month off and what a month it has been. Here are some of the highlights:<br /><br />I went to Logan once (very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unexpectedly</span>) and Salt Lake twice (once planned and once not so planned) in order to try to fix my own stupidity. I'm not sure how its working but I'm learning to be a patient man. The details of this particular part of my month will be omitted and left for my journal. However, on the way back from one of these trips I was hit on in a Maverick store <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bathroom</span> (in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Moab</span> of course) by a severely gay <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Navajo</span> kid.... I could <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">definitely</span> live the rest of my life without that happening. Luckily I had the stall so i was able to lock him out of my space... ugh!<br /><br />Christmas was amazing this year and New Years.... well I slept through New Years cause I was sick.<br /><br />Last but certainly not least.... I heard back from my first law school that I applied to..... the letter went to my apt in Logan so I asked Kendra to go get it and read it to me over the phone. I got accepted! Its my 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nd</span> choice out of the schools I applied to so now I will just wait for the others but I'm really excited. Its somewhat far away though and I am not really excited about moving so far away without any friends or anything to take along with me... maybe.... (but maybe).<br /><br />Anyways Sorry this isn't much of a blog post but I just needed to get some of the dust off of my brain so hopefully I can do better in the future.<br /><br />PS University of Tulsa is where I got accepted to today.Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-68299638923949122302009-10-07T20:45:00.002-06:002009-10-07T21:45:27.644-06:00The Beauty of Castle DaleIt may <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprise</span> many that I am breaking my blogging silence. That is, if anyone even reads my blog anymore since it has been months since I posted and even longer since it was a meaningful post. You may wonder what has caused this extended absence from the blogging community. Well, that question will not be addressed in this post but it will be addressed in the next post.<br /><br />This post is dedicated to the awesome little town in the center of Utah. I certainly don't mean Price! Many people don't even know of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">existence</span> of the town of Castle Dale, Utah.<br /><br />Founded in the late 1870's the communities in Castle Valley (among which is Castle Dale) were part of the last colonization call given by President Brigham Young. This call was issued just 7 days before the death of the Prophet. In the 2000 census there were found to be 1,657 people living in Castle Dale. The main source of employment for the town of Castle Dale is probably Pacific Corp. (Rocky Mountain Power, formerly known as Utah Power and Light). There are also many farmers and ranchers in the Castle Dale area as well as the employment that comes with being the Emery County seat (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ie</span>. school district, county office, and Emery High School).<br /><br />Now that the demographics are out of the way let me tell you the top 5 reasons why Castle Dale is an amazing place, and why I could honestly see myself living there in the future.<br /><br /><strong>1. The People </strong><br /><br />The people of Castle Dale are some of the nicest, most hardworking individuals I've ever seen. Its very impressive to me that a person can go to the many activities (4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> of July, 24<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> of July, Dinosaur Days, etc.) in Castle Dale and the surrounding communities and that person is welcomed in as part of the family even if they have never been there before. The people of Castle Valley, and Castle Dale specifically, are certainly part of a dying breed of people in this country. Just think of the problems facing the world today and then realize that if the people of the world, or even just of the United States, would remember their roots and act more like rural America, these problems would disappear very quickly. If you want to meet the friendliest, most helpful people, go the the country (places like Castle Dale and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blanding</span> of course).<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>2. The Location</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Castle Dale is situated along Cottonwood Creek in Castle Valley, Utah. Many people might say that it is the middle of the desert and as such is quite unappealing and ugly. Moreover there are two massive coal power plants within just a few short miles of Castle Dale so how can it possibly be a location that I love? Well, very simply, I love the desert and I love Coal Power! Call me crazy but the whole global warming thing is a load of crap and I quite enjoy seeing the steam rise from the triple (when all three are working) stacks of the Hunter power plant from my brother's front porch. To me it signifies why America is great and serves as a reminder of the natural resources God has blessed this country with TO USE. Also it serves as a reminder of all those brave men who work in the coal mines and power plants to keep America (and California which I hesitate to include in the word "America") lit at night, cool in the summer, and warm in the winter via electricity. Besides this the area out in what the locals call 'the desert' is absolutely amazing. I've been out there <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">geocaching</span> on many occasions and it steals my imagination and my heart every time. To think that it is the same area that the legendary Butch <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cassidy</span> and the Wild Bunch roamed and that somewhere out there the infamous Robber's Roost is tucked away from the public view. The 'desert' is quite enchanting, I could spend days out there without even the quaint desire to return to 'civilization'.<br /><br /><strong>3. The County Community</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />As was previously mentioned in the 1st reason the people of the area are amazing. This 3rd reason is about the people of Castle Dale alone but to the whole Castle Valley community (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">orangeville</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">cleveland</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">huntington</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">ferron</span>, etc). While living in Cache Valley I have seen how the once rural communities of this valley have their own individual celebrations and invite everyone in the valley to attend. I was quite impressed with the set up and had thought it to be unique until I went to Dinosaur Days in Cleveland a couple years back. It was then that I realized that Cache Valley had departed from its rural roots and had probably, at one time, had the sense of community that it now lacks but that is found in abundance in the Castle Valley Community. While one might argue that the reason the county acts so much like family is because it is, in reality family, I argue that this is simply the ignorant urban population accusing the more content and more ideal part of America of such absurdities in order to make themselves not seem like such a culturally defunct lot. While it is fact that often times there are families in the rural areas that seem to enjoy intermarriage it is not the rule, but rather the exception. In reality the reason why rural communities such as those found in Castle Valley are so close and so familial-like is that they share one <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">another's</span> ideals. They are content at being hard working, under paid, and under appreciated. They also enjoy being left alone by the cultural rot that urbanization and city life bring into the relaxing life of the country. The County as a whole consists of the type of people you can rub shoulders with in any circumstance and know that you are part of a family.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>4. Family</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />The 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> reason why I could live in Castle Dale is certainly not lacking in importance. My Brother and his family live in Castle Dale. This brother use to live in Logan and took great care of me. I was pretty sad to see them leave Logan and move so close to Price (I'm not a fan of Price). However, I have seen them be welcomed into the community with open arms and have never seen them more happy. I love my brother and his family and would enjoy living so close to them.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>5. Jackie</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Jackie is the reason I am writing this blog. During the summer I was in a jam and Jackie bailed me out. My payment to her was to write a blog praising her community because I tease her so incessantly about it. However, let me make it clear that the things I have said in this blog are my sincere thoughts on the subject and are in no way tainted by the necessity to praise the community of Castle Dale to pay a debt to a friend. So let me take a minute and explain why Jackie is so amazing. She is my computer go-to-girl since Jason had to leave me to go to Missouri (not that Jason was my go-to-girl but he certainly was my computer whiz prior to leaving Logan for the truly inbred state of Missouri :) ). Jackie is always willing to help me figure things out with my computer even when she isn't at work at the IT desk at USU. Plus she is such a smart girl when it comes to so many other things on top of being a computer whiz. Also, Jackie is a very friendly person. She truly has carried on forth the community banner from the small town of Castle Dale and has established it here Logan. Her community should be proud. So besides bailing be out of a desperate situation over the summer that allowed me to talk to Kendra via cell phone Jackie has been a great friend and help. She's usually pretty happy and is even OK at Taboo (better than me of course). So Thank you Jackie for everything.<br /><br /><br />Well Friends and Visitors if you have any desire to see what America is all about I recommend that you visit Castle Dale. It truly is an amazing and pleasant place.Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-35592528157496015512009-07-30T21:59:00.002-06:002009-07-30T22:09:13.404-06:00High School PoetryI was looking through a file of my high school English assignments and found a poem that I had written.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>GIRLS ARE LIKE PARKING SPACES</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center">Girls are like parking spaces, </div><div align="center">all the good ones are gone.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You must search and search for the one that fits your car best.</div><div align="center">However, if you wait too long,</div><div align="center">all the good ones will be gone leaving you with one that is wrong.</div><div align="center">If she is perfect let your car stay there and don't look around cause soon as you leave your</div><div align="center">spot will be stolen in a Christmas shopping rush.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">If you feel left out cause everyone else is already parked,</div><div align="center">don't rush into the first one you see and suddenly find yourself in something without a spark.</div><div align="center">Now many will say, "what is one compared to another, as long as they don't bicker?"</div><div align="center">I say, "they don't have my handicap sticker!"</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="right">Kendall Laws</div><div align="right">10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> Grade</div><div align="right"> </div><div align="left">Not exactly the most romantic 'love poem' but isn't life great when you are able to find an available handicap parking stall? Nothing makes you more angry than to see some 'pimped out rice grinder' of a car, with no sticker, parked in a perfectly good handicap stall.... Think about the imagery :). Anyways just wanted to share this.... masterpiece. ENJOY</div>Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-56373882258670911742009-06-11T21:50:00.002-06:002009-06-11T22:51:30.623-06:00When in the Course of Human Events....Today I've had the opportunity to spend roughly 10 hours on a piece of equipment and have contemplated the more recent developments in the relationship between the BLM/Forest Service/Federal Government and the citizens of San Juan County. As the title might indicate my mind has been brought to bear on the Declaration of Independence. That is the approach I will take with this post.<br /><br />"But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security." Now I know what you may be thinking, " Kendall has lost his mind and has turned into some fanatic." Well, that might be so but lets look at the situation and then I'll let you decide what the writers of the Declaration would say about the events.<br /><br />Before I delve into this let me first establish that I am not saying who is guilty or who is being falsely accused. Quite frankly I don't care if the men who were rounded up yesterday are guilty as charged or not. What I do care about, as will shortly be evident, is the complete disregard on the part of the Federal government and her ghestapo-like henchmen of the BLM, Forest Service, and National Park Service of meaning of 'citizen' when dealing with the people of the rural West. <strong>Please feel free to comment</strong>.<br /><br />I will assume that anyone reading this is familiar with the raids that took place in the 4 corners area yesterday morning and with the sad developments of today dealing with yesterday's raids. If you are not familiar with what I am talking about then check out any of Utah's major news websites. I am not disputing the fact that what these people are ACCUSED of is a crime (although I think it is ludicrous, it is still considered a crime) but what I do dispute is the necesity of putting thousands of man hours over the course of several years into an investigation to appreahend such "HEINOUS CRIMINALS" as those who dig indian ruins. Many will argue that they are stealing America's cultural artifacts, others might argue that they are stealing 'tribal property' and to both I say BS. Who's tribe do these artifacts belong to? Last time I checked the Anasazi's have been dead and gone in their entirety for nearly a thousand years. If in fact some tribe does have ownership of these 'artifacts' then I want them to know my family is going to charge them rent not only in the future but also an insanely high back fee for storing all of their left over dishes and discarded weapons and clothing for the past 80 years. Feel free to contact me if these articles are the property of your tribe and make sure you give me an address to send the bill. As to the argument that these people are 'stealing America's heritage' I say, "atleast these people have the ambition to go dig this junk up so we can know more about these lost civilizations!"<br /><br />All arguments aside the fact of the matter is that the FBI and their fellow goons raided homes and arrested people yesterday to close a several year investigation. How much money was spent on this investigation? How many Border Patrol agents could we have trained for that much money? How many DEA agents and drug dogs could we have trained for that much money? How many terrorists could we have waterboarded with that much money? In the world we live in are there not more important things for the government to be doing to protect us? In the quote from the Declaration that I already used it says that when the government stops providing for our future security it is our RIGHT to find a new guard for our future.<br /><br />I found several aspects of the press conference held by the government yestarday to be quite interesting. Mr Salazar (who I think is about as worthless as worthless gets) said (quoted straight from CNN.com), "Let this case serve notice to anyone who is considering breaking these laws and trampling our nation's cultural heritage that the BLM [Bureau of Land Management], the Department of Justice and the federal government will track you down and bring you to justice," There you have it, yesterday's raids on American citizens were nothing more than terror tactics brought to you courtesy of our own government that should be protecting us from foreign and domestic dangers not from pot hunters! When a government starts allowing its people to be terrorised in order to 'prove a point' then that government is no longer functioning as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and the like set it up, but rather as Hitler and Stalin set up their respective 'governments.'<br /><br />The other part of the press conference I found to be quite disturbing was the fact that all of the officials were flaunting the fact that they had the Redds again. The attitude was that of "well we were too sloppy with out case on them ten years ago so we came back at them and got them this time and regardless of what the truth is we WILL convict them." Thats not the way the legal process was designed to work but alas the government we are governed by today is not the organization that Hamilton so nobley defended in the Federalist Papers either.<br /><br />Basically what I'm getting at is that yesterdays raids that resulted in 24 people being arrested and lives being broken and ruined forever was nothing more than terroristic scare tactics by a government that would rather have the citizens of this part of the world be evicted so they could turn the 4 corners into a play ground. The government that was founded to save us and provide safety to us against the tyranny, oppression and despotism of England has, over time, BECOME that very institution it was developed to deter. Once again I am not saying anyone is guilty or innocent but what I am saying is that this is a poor use of our limited funds and law enforcement resources and that if Mr. Salazar wanted to 'send a message' he did a fine job of it. Message sent AND recieved, you don't want us here and thats fine cause we don't want YOU here either! You keep taking our land and our ways of enjoying it, we know you will, but stop fighting our desire to have freedom in our own land with trumped up charges and ridiculous laws!<br /><br />In closing I just want to tie the complaints back in with the Declaration of Independance. What do you think? Are James Madison and Thomas Jefferson rolling over in their graves? You bet they are!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-1907087114547361502009-06-04T12:55:00.002-06:002009-06-04T13:18:05.736-06:00Rifles for Watie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyJxeY9CyRgVQk6SCndBNbYWMWPaa9QYhp4dCPZ_tVIal1fd_3rA5n32fAnFtxmudRZcdCsj_PxHyUS7CUSZyOD5BgCH9Y_WR0RA088qYCW3juTMhsf0NKm9ixD96vVff1uUoujCRgw-i/s1600-h/rifles+for+watie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343548013027501970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyJxeY9CyRgVQk6SCndBNbYWMWPaa9QYhp4dCPZ_tVIal1fd_3rA5n32fAnFtxmudRZcdCsj_PxHyUS7CUSZyOD5BgCH9Y_WR0RA088qYCW3juTMhsf0NKm9ixD96vVff1uUoujCRgw-i/s400/rifles+for+watie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What would summer be without getting a chance to read a good book? In my opinion it wouldn't be a fulfilled summer without reading at least one great book so the past couple days I decided to read a book I hadn't read since before my mission. Before I could read it I had to find it. I ended up crawling all over in the attic digging through all the boxes I had packed up with all the stuff I'd accumulated over the first 19 years of my life in order to find this amazing book. Once I finally found it (in the last box left in the attic of course) I realized just how many times I had read it growing up since the number was recorded with tally marks on the inside cover of the book, 12 times before the mission. After being read that many times its not wonder that pages 184- 213 are completely free of the binding and fall out anytime you casually pick the book up. Also the cover is so worn you can barely read the back of the book to know what the story is about, lucky for me I don't need to read the synopses to know what Rifles for Watie is about!</div><div> </div><div>Anyways, after having read a book that many times you'd think it would be hard to get 'into' the story but the 13th time around was the best yet. I stayed up really late last night (early this morning) to finish the book because I didn't want to put it down and sleep! Maybe I'm just crazy but I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction would be the same way with this book.</div><div> </div><div>Rifles for Watie and I met when I was in the 5th grade and my teacher, Mr Bayles, read it to our class. For anyone interested in a pretty easy but very enjoyable story of a young boy who joins the Kansas Volunteers of the Union Army at the start of the Civil war and ends up being and infantryman, a Cavalry man and eventual a Union scout/spy and in the process of being out on scout for the Union is enlisted into the Confederate Army and serves under Colonel Stand Watie in his Cherokee Mounted Rifles for 18 months before making a harrowing 125 mile escape back to Union lines with the whole confederate army after him, I highly encourage you to look into Rifles for Watie. Oh and did I mention that I have a huge crush on Miss Lucy Washbourne? You'll have to read the book to understand but just remember, I already spoke for her!</div>Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-65815209522683650932009-05-01T09:45:00.001-06:002009-05-01T09:45:50.905-06:00:)Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-46038448741199529782009-04-28T14:35:00.003-06:002009-04-28T14:48:49.309-06:00Finals WeekFinals week is here!! I'm excited for the part about being done with school but I definatly have my apprehensions as well. Lots of things are up in the air with me these days, work, school, and other things as well. So rather than dwell on the things that are out of my hands I went and had a BBQ last night with Jason and his date Cami, Micah and his date that stood him up, and I was lucky enough to have Camille with me. So I took a few pictures and I'll post them on the blog so anyone that is hurting themselves studying can be jealous that we had fun.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfd-LytYS04SlcKoireClPZGK65cqaTa9E514p6nOq6sxu1ZMldtiRP_wK7lUwM61rp5sSPo7TLdvem5n8URZItOyA0a6V_hXU8ZQ7xdMIvXjOTjwL1p5v0ppJJPsdKr7aicaTaozrP0R/s1600-h/Finals+week+09+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329845530870000546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfd-LytYS04SlcKoireClPZGK65cqaTa9E514p6nOq6sxu1ZMldtiRP_wK7lUwM61rp5sSPo7TLdvem5n8URZItOyA0a6V_hXU8ZQ7xdMIvXjOTjwL1p5v0ppJJPsdKr7aicaTaozrP0R/s320/Finals+week+09+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> Micah working the mountain man routine and getting our fire started on the 5th or 6th try!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329845533478025730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzPQQZWpEbJBNBUIHqfqD0G2BWZeu5tZged0zvZxjVTflV73syLDT1r0KXBmui4KaWZ8F9L4gftXBCKAko8GLo1iqM2DogonaUAhJun3e50Yl18F_dLQZsk6oqQ53q0ABKrUgVjpQr8tc/s320/Finals+week+09+005.jpg" border="0" />Camille not sure if she's cold yet or if that is just the sensation of having FUN during finals ;)<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZazgV80V1T32dPPOI3wNgHiEvaDk48CyPrRJx_9wvsjNmFuFLsHzBJPhAZ8y6x5_mM24yzkUMxYHR1g2KWjDMQOC9Gk93KkcWcH5qUqfiGqSZydIJymFQwQcDgI0hWPhGfHcn-vOSr153/s1600-h/Finals+week+09+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329845525302151154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZazgV80V1T32dPPOI3wNgHiEvaDk48CyPrRJx_9wvsjNmFuFLsHzBJPhAZ8y6x5_mM24yzkUMxYHR1g2KWjDMQOC9Gk93KkcWcH5qUqfiGqSZydIJymFQwQcDgI0hWPhGfHcn-vOSr153/s320/Finals+week+09+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Jason and Cami (aka jackie, trixie, and waffle). Not really sure what they were doing but Cami was laughing as always.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y2s1JdFR2RaGDi9IXpSI9V0_v_c2Z4MUuUxfShSZeCIoHPBnU7aOXKjxMi__2IBPBaWVm3diyL6Sq5eIQA45IcvC5TXGebiob8JfB1kDb6kqpxvxvtKQrokioFulJthlSXrf73K4ANcN/s1600-h/Finals+week+09+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329845520478619362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y2s1JdFR2RaGDi9IXpSI9V0_v_c2Z4MUuUxfShSZeCIoHPBnU7aOXKjxMi__2IBPBaWVm3diyL6Sq5eIQA45IcvC5TXGebiob8JfB1kDb6kqpxvxvtKQrokioFulJthlSXrf73K4ANcN/s320/Finals+week+09+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Micah still working the fire... Camille and Cami wondering if he'll get it started before they freeze to death.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329845538978763282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlotq1xFwDAjlPZjB_1KA3J5QZgt7KPsIxvugEbtv5nQDcsXULoHM9JYRq9XDDWRObEbHP_WjlPekaPX7vH_xwqqYxrJzsqAcHMDPCVvENsNs4n_khmrjo_a6qhOJRwKCgfQUb0CwDL3T/s320/Finals+week+09+006.jpg" border="0" /><br />:)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left">Well there ya have it! If you're not jealous you're not human:) GOOD LUCK TO YA"LL ON FINALS!!!<br /></div></div>Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-76476015468417639362009-04-23T21:57:00.003-06:002009-04-24T02:34:23.507-06:00Another Season Soon Ends and a Chapter ClosesDo you ever realize that a chapter in your life is about to end whether you want it to or not? Well I've recently noticed that another chapter in my life is quickly coming to a close. I must say that this chapter has not included all the things that I had imagined it would at the onset but it has also included many things that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. So, although this chapter of my life still has approximately a week left I just want to take a few minutes to reflect on the things that the past few years have held for me. Lessons learned, lessons missed, mistakes made, friends made, friends lost, loves lost, understanding gained, and heaven felt are all part of this game we call life and I am so grateful to be able to be a player in the game and not just a sideline observer.<br /><br />1- Friends gained and lost: I can't believe its been nearly 2 1/2 years since my best high school friend Eldon was killed! Time definitely flies past us if we aren't careful. I feel lucky to have had him in my life and am grateful that I haven't lost any more loved ones than him. Along with losing a great friend I have gained 3 of my closest friends in the entire world here in Logan. I count my blessings every day that I was put in an apartment two years ago with Jason and Micah. They have been such a great blessing in my life and I love them like brothers. We have had a lot of fun and interesting times together and have never had any roommate drama.... well besides that time I pushed Jason just a hair too far... whoops! The third friend will remain unnamed but she has literally been my salvation in the past year. I don't know what I'd have done without her! She'll probably never know just how much she means to me. I have also made many other friends and associates that have helped me so much in this chapter of my life. I will truly miss those that are moving on to new chapters of life and leaving me, especially Jason and Micah. Thanks guys!<br /><br />2- I have gained a whole new understanding of who I am and what I am doing with my life. Its crazy how Heavenly Father will remind you that you're not going the direction you should be going and will help guide you to retrace your steps and make the right turns in your life. We really can't go wrong with Him in our corner. My testimony and understanding of the atonement and other essential Gospel principles have grown immensely. So grateful for the learning opportunities that God has put in my path. Its nice to have a more clear idea of where you want to go in life and how you intend to get there. Doesn't mean you wont have to work your tail off but it does mean that you can be certain that the hard work will actually get you someplace, not just anyplace but someplace you actually want to go.<br /><br />3- The depth of love that I have for my family has really come into focus in this chapter of my life as well. In the past three years I've had the opportunity to hold 3 new nieces and 1 new nephew and I tell you what, holding one of those precious little infants is about as close to touching Heaven as I've ever come. The most recent addition to my family was this past Monday with the birth of Kyle and Becca's second child Abigale Kate (spelling?). I was so happy to be able to drive down and see her the day after she was born. Family is probably the most important thing in my life right now. I don't know when I'll be blessed with such blessings of my own but for now I am content with sharing these precious moments with those that I love.<br /><br />4- The loss, gain, and eventual loss again of love has been a very active part of the last few years. I don't feel it is necessary to go into any great details on this topic. I hate the topic and have yet to have any lasting good experience so there is not reason to dwell on the losses right? I have seen the hand of the Lord in this aspect of my life. Sure it is tough when someone you become interested in leaves and goes on a mission but I accept that this is the right path for them and I am so jealous of them for being able to get away from the world and serve the Lord for their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">allotted</span> time. I can't believe how soon one gets home and I wish the other all the luck in the world. She will be just as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">successful</span> as the first. The one thing that does frustrate me about this part of my life is when a very amazing and steadfast friendship suddenly appears to be so much more. But I have also learned that when in the pursuit of a meaningful relationship one can never assume to know what the other is thinking. As the old antage goes, "when you assume you make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'." I couldn't agree with this more. But every once in a while you come across another person who is as honest and straightforward as you are. When you find that person you need to fight for them like there is no tomorrow. I intend to do just that! Love isn't always fair and almost never makes any sense but I'm confident that it will all eventually make sense.<br /><br />Basically I want you all to know that you have each touched my life in the past few years in a way that only you could have touched it. You are each important to me. I struggle to express these feelings and because of that inability I find that most of those that mean so much to me never realize just what they have done to touch my life. Thank you all! I hope many of you will be key players to some extent in the next chapter of my life!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-77484201295063197652009-04-13T23:42:00.002-06:002009-04-13T23:58:41.190-06:00I Guess it Means I Have Good Taste....?Followers of my blog aren't used to me making short posts but this one is going to be quite short and to the point.<br /><br />My mission helped me to clear up a very popular Mormon legend: "Sister missionaries are worthless."<br /><br />Some of the greatest missionaries I had the opportunity of serving with were Sisters. Such hard working and dedicated Elders are hard to find. So I guess the "cream of the female crop" are those that go on missions..... If that is the case then I must be attracted to the "cream of the crop" but dang its frustrating! Sending one amazing girl on a mission was hard enough but I don't know if I can do a second one.... But for those of you that know me I always have a hard time getting between a person and something they feel very strongly about. I know how I feel when people do that to me so I struggle to do it to others. So basically I'm STUCK! What to do?<br /><br />I guess I'll look at the bright side.... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">At least</span> I'm attracted to the Cream of the Crop huh? RIGHT?Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-78756920186818114992009-04-10T11:40:00.002-06:002009-04-10T12:06:05.637-06:00I'm Glad Michelle Obama is 'Finally Proud to be American"As the title of this post might indicate, I am going to vent in this post. For those of you who are unaware of the titled quote from the great princess of the New America it was said at a rally towards the end of the Presidential Elections last fall. So what am I going to vent about? I am really disgusted that the French President Sarkozy has more backbone than our savior president Obama! Let me explain.<br /><br />For any of you that are living someplace besides under a rock you have heard the buzz the past few days about the U.S. flagged ship that was attacked off the coast of Somalia this week. If you haven't heard anything about this, crawl out from under your rock and listen to the news, or HEAVEN FORBID read a newspaper. The sailors on this ship epitomized the spirit of America by fighting off the heavily armed pirates and at one point even taking a pirate hostage. As Americans these are individuals that we can be proud of! In the scuffle, as we know, the American captain was taken hostage by the pirates and currently they are sitting in a 'dead' lifeboat in the middle of the ocean with one US Destroyer on site and two more that should be there later today. So now that there has been some background on the situation let me explain my beef with our invertebrate of a president.<br /><br />The first sign that we, as a country, are in trouble when it comes to security came yesterday when, following a Presidential briefing on the housing crisis a reporter asked the President about the current situation off the coast of Somalia. The Obama said, and I directly quote, "we are talking about the housing issue right now." He then folded up his papers and exited the room! Not even a, "we have specialists on site and we are working towards a peaceful ending. Our prayers are with the family of the Captain." So my blood has been at a simmer since that happened yesterday and now it has again returned to a healthy boil. The latest news reports are that they are negotiating a 2 million dollar ransom demand by the pirates for the captain. WHAT? There is very reliable intelligence that proves these Somali pirates are funneling a good portion of their money to known terrorist groups, our enemies, but rather than kill these worthless pukes of humanity and take back our captain we are NEGOTIATING WITH THEM? At the same time the French military stormed a French yacht held by pirates earlier this morning and killed the pirates and took back the boat. Its true that one of the french civilians on board was killed as well but atleast the French had the guts to fight back!<br /><br />Now they are reporting that several pirate controlled ships are heading to the area and the standoff will soon become much more critical. Thankfully we have a President, Commander and Chief, that will NOT make decisions when it is critical and now unstead of just killing 4 worthless Somali pirates and moving on with life we are now involved in a situation that can only get worse! So much for the French being gutless. It seems that the shoes have switched feet and the U.S. is now the gutless nation and the French are willing to fight for what they believe in.<br /><br />So, Michelle Obama might be proud to be an American FINALLY but I think right now I'd rather be French!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-73750932489181757682009-03-31T17:56:00.002-06:002009-03-31T18:34:47.931-06:00A Copycat or the Real Thing?I very rarely go back on something I vow to do but times like these call for exceptions. For anyone who has followed my blog the past several months the Lucky Charmer was banished from my blog months ago. For those of you who are new to my blog I would recommend reading about this phantom of the night in my previous blog entries.<br /><br />Why am I talking about the banished follower of my blog? I'll explain. Last night my favorite neighbor from BLAPT 13 was at my place visiting Jason and I and when we walked her to the door at a little past midnight we were surprised to see the LC's calling card (a box of Lucky Charms) sitting in front of our door. Those of you who are familiar with the LC will recall that each item that was left on my porch was littered with meaningless clues to nowhere in an attempt by the adversary to piddle my time away chasing false clues (it worked). Well, last night's 'gift' followed the same mo with the words 'Grow up' and 'time is running out' circled very prominently on the box. Today I decided to open them up and have a bowl of cereal only to find that this particular box of Lucky Charms was lacking the marshmallows! Upon further investigation I found that the perpetrator had opened the bottom of the bag, poured out the cereal, sorted out all the marshmallows, put the puffed poop leftovers back in the bag, and then melted the bag shut again! Once again, for those familiar with the LC's beginnings you will recall that it all started when I made reference in a blog post to Lucky Charms in a post dedicated to life and dating. In that reference I pointed out that while most of the time, in life, we are stuck dealing with the menial labors of life (nasty puffed oat pieces in LC cereal) once in a while we are blessed with sweet little morsels that persuade us to continue looking for love, success, education, etc (this would be the marshmallows). So, in essence last nights little escapade by the LC (or a copycat) was meant to show me that they have essentially taken it upon themselves to deprive me of the sweet moments in life. To me this is an act of war and I refuse to stand idly by while they do such things!<br /><br />You may be wondering, "what can he do since he doesn't even know who it is?" That is an excellent question, and one that I have a very solid answer for. A very close friend of mine just happened to be out in the parking lot in his/her car that was parked very closely to my door and noticed the package being dumped on my steps! Yup, the LC was caught red handed! Well upon investigation we figured out who it was that made the drop last night and we are planning retaliatory measures that will, essentially make them cry. I have my doubts that last night was actually an impersonator that only wished they were the LC but regardless the war is on. The <strong>ONLY </strong>way that you can escape the wrath of BLAPT 14 is by admitting your actions. You might think that by saying this I am admitting that I really don't know who you are. In that case, you are absolutely <strong>WRONG</strong> and will suffer the consequences. Choose wisely.<br /><br />If you are in fact the original Lucky Charmer I will gladly admit your greatness on my blog if you come and fess up. If you aren't the original LC then apparently you had nothing better to do last night so you pulled a flawed copycat prank (flawed since you were caught) after stalking my blog. Anyways, Copy Cat or "Real Deal" the choice is yours. If we have not heard from you by Thursday night you can expect a visit from us. Good Luck!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-70031539257477240942009-03-02T23:36:00.002-07:002009-03-03T00:06:53.611-07:00Is Having a Taste Better Than Ignorance?Well, I'm still alive! Hopefully the majority of those that read this are glad to hear that news. Sorry I haven't written in so long. I have been really busy and really shouldn't have time to be writing tonight but for two nights in a row I am unable to sleep. Maybe I'll get back into the swing of things though.<br /><br />It seems like all of my closest friends have been going through one hardship or another recently. Admittedly most of them have to do with relationships with the opposite sex. I was in the middle of a conversation last night with a dear friend of mine about her recent let down and the question came to my mind, "is ignorance really bliss?" I mean just about all of us have experienced some sort of situation in our lives where we feel like, at least for some short period of time, we were able to taste what the happiness of heaven might be like. We have also probably felt the sting of having that little taste of heaven ripped away from us, never to return again. Maybe this was a relationship, a friendship, or an outpouring of the spirit, but we have all felt the highs of life and the lows in some facet of our life thus far. If you haven't... get away from the computer and go live a life.<br /><br />So, back to the ignorance issue. Since it was a broken heart at the hand of a boy that brought this question into my mind I'm going to focus on that. Anyone that has had a dating experience that seemed so perfect, you clicked with the significant other in every way possible, you felt like there was nothing negative about the experience, and, in the best of cases, he/she brings out a side of you that is so good it surprises even you to find it inside yourself. I've had a couple such experiences and, to me it seems like that's the closest thing to heaven I've had the pleasure to experience thus far in life. However, in the aftermath of the collapse of such relationships the pain is so immense you wonder if you'll ever want to clear the emotional rubble and date again because you just can't imagine finding such happiness with anyone else. At least that's how I've been following surprise breakups. This is where the ignorance question comes in.<br /><br />Those people that have never had such an experience as outlined above are, essentially in a state of ignorance. This ignorance may or may not be of their own choosing but, nonetheless they are ignorant of the happiness and joy that such an experience can bring into their life and are left hoping that one day they might taste of the fruits thereof. At the same time there are those of us who HAVE tasted the positive fruits of a healthy, happy relationship but are no longer involved in one. For us the single life is bitter sweet. Sure its nice to have 'your own life back' but on the other hand hanging out with the fellas just doesn't have the same appeal that it once had (with each healthy relationship that appeal seems to diminish) and you may find yourself wishing, albeit on the inside only, for something more to brighten your life. Basically what I'm getting at is this: Those who are ignorant don't have first hand experience of what they are living without and as such can't fully understand just how good it really is. Those who have tasted, to some extent, the fruits (both good and bad) of the better parts of life are keenly aware of what they are living without and, in many cases, mourn its absence. This is applicable to nearly everything not only in life but in the eternal scheme of things also. So while I don't regret having the life experiences that I have acquired I still wonder if maybe ignorance in some things is the way to go.<br /><br />One has to wonder what other things we as humans are living in ignorance of. For those things I guess all we can do is hope that someday we can taste of those fruits.Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-79516871622229197722008-12-22T18:05:00.005-07:002008-12-22T19:28:56.476-07:00The Day I Hated the Snow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbre773O6KnUsWWfyB3CzXy2qnnXHLq2AYxwFlQcPx1GQLKE9utgn7FnYnyIDG4ZZkk5Px59O_2CuQwGpj23iztC7ddkvgGl_U0KFNfLyA_b88HME8sWuMg4N-3UiWoBOk9kjghuwEgN1/s1600-h/DSC01220.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282803921728405330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbre773O6KnUsWWfyB3CzXy2qnnXHLq2AYxwFlQcPx1GQLKE9utgn7FnYnyIDG4ZZkk5Px59O_2CuQwGpj23iztC7ddkvgGl_U0KFNfLyA_b88HME8sWuMg4N-3UiWoBOk9kjghuwEgN1/s320/DSC01220.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>I've always been one to love winter and snow. All of that changed last week... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">at least</span> it changed for a few hours. I will try to put some pictures up of my little.... "incident" but let me tell the story the way I want it told.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo0iXXPzytjMohFxI-_2YvfO9y0JSgcL9QDSQ240GfqVD_slqHaFYuZnG-Dck4ivw_GwUMPg476taXiVLvSTP3vVqzp8cXr53oOjtzmW5f5LlfDdOr9Gqsjqp6yq_o0sGzS4VjCIJ_xbC/s1600-h/DSC01219.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282803917496733154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo0iXXPzytjMohFxI-_2YvfO9y0JSgcL9QDSQ240GfqVD_slqHaFYuZnG-Dck4ivw_GwUMPg476taXiVLvSTP3vVqzp8cXr53oOjtzmW5f5LlfDdOr9Gqsjqp6yq_o0sGzS4VjCIJ_xbC/s320/DSC01219.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>On Wednesday (the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Blanding</span> had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">approximately</span> 15 inches of snow and Mustang (where my family ranch is at) had a few inches more than that built up since Monday. My Dad asked me to go out and check on some of our cows to see if they were finding grass to eat and water to drink. So, me being the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">diligent</span> and obedient son that I am, I got in our farm truck and headed out into the storm. I loaded up some hay and went off into the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">back country</span> to find the lost cows.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4PW9Q1pani_qBd12jSAUO0SiktjU0d7nLZcGAnP04peFVWk4QI5cI-7n25H3YdXdDejIlm04r9O6kdtrPqxByKW3CT-hfnBeMqT9HMZJGGeneoao2fo1dd4E6vb8kre6oXNzYUxI-dKO/s1600-h/DSC01218.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282801872995980466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4PW9Q1pani_qBd12jSAUO0SiktjU0d7nLZcGAnP04peFVWk4QI5cI-7n25H3YdXdDejIlm04r9O6kdtrPqxByKW3CT-hfnBeMqT9HMZJGGeneoao2fo1dd4E6vb8kre6oXNzYUxI-dKO/s320/DSC01218.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The important thing that my dad forgot to inform me of was that the tires on the truck were about as bald as tires can get. FYI: bald tires don't drive very effectively in the snow. Anyways, I found the cows and checked their water and headed for a better spot to feed them, but I couldn't climb up out of the valley that I was in. I went every direction, through the brush, over a couple of small trees, into a few washed out ditches, and still couldn't get up the hill. About this time my blood pressure was going through the roof and I was on the verge of blowing my top when I looked out my driver's side window and saw 4 of our cows just standing there staring at me spinning the tires. I lost it! I rolled down my window and yelled, " You stupid cows! Don't just stand there, PUSH!!" Needless to say, the stupid things just stood there and didn't reply. I attempted to stare them down with the look I've been known to give when I've been pushed beyond my limits, but because cows are so incredibly dense they absorbed the look and were not even slightly affected.</div><br /><div>I realized this hill was not going to cut me any slack so I backed down it and turned around to try the hill on the other side of the valley.... as the pictures show I didn't quite make it...</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8UDqFZAiGc8VlfL_Q7v-UuMBTGAn9ynDgLQKL3yFxoD6m6StD1H6lrKQCVnmNmWj1dB-v1NgCmFbOL2ss47SE1VsUajbN8nKgv0wcSXujvXPCb4gfih8qPwvNLGzjY8KJzpdUAl1AqCK/s1600-h/DSC01217.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282801153821320050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8UDqFZAiGc8VlfL_Q7v-UuMBTGAn9ynDgLQKL3yFxoD6m6StD1H6lrKQCVnmNmWj1dB-v1NgCmFbOL2ss47SE1VsUajbN8nKgv0wcSXujvXPCb4gfih8qPwvNLGzjY8KJzpdUAl1AqCK/s320/DSC01217.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>I had to climb out the passenger side because my driver side door wouldn't open (As you may notice from the one picture there is quite a gap between the snow and the bottom of the truck directly under the passenger door. You may have guessed but I slipped and slid all the way under the truck), threw the hay off to the cows and started walking.... Luckily I had my phone so I called my mom to meet me on the county road about 1.5 miles from where I was stuck. After I had trudged all that way in snow up to my knees you'd think I would have 'cooled off', I hadn't. I even went so far as to text Megan and tell her that I hated snow, hated winter, and hated the cold! She was happy to welcome me into her world! </div><br /><div>My family says its not a vacation for Kendall unless he gets stuck so I just thought I'd christen my vacation early on and get it out of the way before I had anyone else with me.</div><div> </div></div></div></div>Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-77892621785327561852008-12-14T17:38:00.003-07:002008-12-14T18:01:21.410-07:00A Nephew ATLAST!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAjfpCTBXFwJvfM_sFTBvgu6GtzIF5e-NtknwbmgdyjxhZp-0aFl47uu-6yyeOO-8SbPrJhli7s7XHxK3Nd3WAMw_Vq5OTDHV2KG6qYgs62h2t11CrJmzNkgZssmm9vDM8npvQozx_aNd/s1600-h/DSC01213.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279813618852175842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAjfpCTBXFwJvfM_sFTBvgu6GtzIF5e-NtknwbmgdyjxhZp-0aFl47uu-6yyeOO-8SbPrJhli7s7XHxK3Nd3WAMw_Vq5OTDHV2KG6qYgs62h2t11CrJmzNkgZssmm9vDM8npvQozx_aNd/s320/DSC01213.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Now don't get me wrong, I love my nieces more than anything in the world... BUT I was beginning to wonder if my brother's and their wives were capable of having male children. I was happy to be proven wrong when my nephew, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kooper</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teage</span> Laws was born Friday morning. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Klayton</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shelbie</span> finally proved me wrong (probably the first time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Klayton</span> has had the upper hand on me in 23 years :) ). Both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kooper</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Shelbie</span> are healthy and well and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ryleigh</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Reaghan</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Klayton</span> are happy to have their mother and baby brother at home.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I went down on Friday and babysat the the girls (with my parents) while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Klayton</span> was at the hospital with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shelbie</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kooper</span>. It was funny to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Reaghan</span> trying to teach her two day old little brother the secret handshake that I have with my nieces! Needless to say he wasn't at all interested in learning that at the moment and was content to sleep.</div><br /><div></div><div>As you can see by the picture I had plenty of help anytime I got the chance to hold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kooper</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ryleigh</span> went through the checklist: Wash your hands, Sanitize you hands, sit down, and let her and her sister sit on my lap while I hold him. She's got the system down that's for sure! Anyways, life is good.</div>Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-72102385028892740472008-12-10T18:54:00.002-07:002008-12-10T19:16:53.633-07:00Finals, Christmas, and GingerbreadMany of you might be wondering, "what has happened to Kendall since his fabulous weekend?" Well, I'm here to tell you that I am still alive and that my fabulous weekend has extended itself into a fabulous two weeks!<br /><br />How on earth could finals week be so good? Well, first of all, 3 take home finals and one rather easy Russian final make for an easy, stress-free 'finals week'. I found out today that I got a 100% on the Russian final which solidified a 98.5% in the course for my final grade! I was grateful for that! My last final was finished and printed just a little bit ago and will be handed in tomorrow. So, Finals week has been really easy on the school side and lots of fun on the social side.<br /><br />Christmas break is upon us and I'm excited! I love Christmas and I love breaks from school so, naturally, Christmas BREAK is a fantastic time of the year for me. It means no more school 'til January 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>! Along with Christmas comes Christmas shopping... not exactly my past time of choice but its alright sometimes. Jason and I went shopping the other night and found the most amazing deal at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JC</span> Penney's! It had a certain <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">some one's</span> name written all over it and it was on sale! Not just any sale mind you, but the sale of a lifetime! I liked it so much that I am wishing someone was giving it to me :). (If any of you know what it is please don't say in the comments cause its still a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">surprise</span>! ) I just realized that I still have two people in my family left to shop for so I guess I'll do that tomorrow....<br /><br />Now, for the social part of my life.... well it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">suffices</span> me to say that it is going GREAT! In the last two weeks I've seen both Chronicles of Narnia movies for the first time (GREAT MOVIES), went to the Festival of Trees in Salt Lake, went shopping (and actually enjoyed it), and last night I made the coolest gingerbread house/winter scene ever! If you want to see pictures click <a href="http://www.megan-carter.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> for details and pictures. There are some things that are left out of the story on Megan's blog though. 1- We not only made the gingerbread house but the coolest paper snowflakes EVER! 2- In the process of making the gingerbread house we cut the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">table clothe</span> in several places. We tried to tape them before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Keara</span> could see what we had done. In the process of covering up our crime we actually taped frosting to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">table clothe</span>! WHOOPS :) I guess it'll be a treat for someone next Christmas.<br /><br />Anyways, this post was only intended to catch you up on my life since my last post. I'm thinking that over the break I'll post more often and even add some photos.Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-64559724054780836762008-11-30T11:18:00.002-07:002008-11-30T11:58:53.349-07:00My Fabulous WeekendYes, you read that right, it was a fabulous weekend! This is pretty significant coming from me and I'll explain why. When I am lucky enough to have an extended weekend I love nothing more than going home. Yes, its a 6 1/2 hour drive but, its worth it! But, since my two older brothers have gotten married they, along with my parents, came up with a 'holiday rotation play' that one year we go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blanding</span> for Thanksgiving and the next year we go home for Christmas. On the off years my brother's go to the homes of their respective in laws and, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">at least</span> for Thanksgiving, my parents go the my mom's family in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Grantsville</span>. I went down <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wednesday</span> evenings and got to my grandparents before anyone else. This gave me the rare opportunity to visit with my Grandmother one on one. It was really enjoyable.<br /><br />Thursday morning my dad and I went for a Thanksgiving morning drive. Its a tradition we've had since I can remember that on Thanksgiving we go for a ride and explore <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tooele</span> County. This year we went out to Skull Valley and did some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">geocaching</span> along the way. It was oodles of fun and we ended up at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dugway</span> Military Base. We went past it and hit the old Pony Express Trail and took it over back into the valley <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Grantsville</span> is in and then headed home in a round about sort of way. It was a good chance to talk to my dad and have some one on one time with him. Thanksgiving itself was a lot of fun too. Family, good food, and lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">aforementioned</span> good food :).<br /><br />Black Friday is not a day I enjoy AT ALL. Not even a little bit. I don't like the aimless wondering around style of "shopping" and I like the massive throngs of people doing the same thing even less. Usually I only last about half a day of doing so with my parents before I start getting grouchy and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">irritable.</span> This year however, I followed them in their 'shopping journeys' all day <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Friday</span> and a good portion of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Saturday</span> without getting upset once! Well.... there <em>was</em> a little incident Saturday when I was making an important phone call and my parents were ruthlessly teasing me (with Kyle's help also) and I apparently gave my mom a dirty look... I apologized for it though so its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">OK</span> right? Really though I think the only reason I was able to accomplish such a feat while shopping with all of those other people was because I had a good friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">texting</span> me both days and helping me to keep my sanity! She'll never quite know just how grateful I am for that and the other shoppers don't know how grateful they <em>should be</em> to her for that :) Thanks Megan, from all involved :)<br /><br />Saturday night we went to see the Christmas lights on Temple Square. It was the first time I had been in several years and I had forgotten how great it was. Helen had invited me the night before but I had a dead phone. So, Saturday night, my parents, Kyle, B<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ecca,</span> Hannah, and myself rode <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">trax</span> downtown and met up with Megan, who had driven down from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Centerville</span> to meet us. The lights were GREAT! It was so much fun to just wonder around and enjoy the lights and holiday spirit down there. It was also fun to watch Hannah as we walked around and she saw the lights and the manger scene and stuff. She's such a funny little girl. Yes, she has her uncle Kendall wrapped around her finger (as does her two cousins, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Klatyon</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Shelbie's</span> little girls) and I'm not ashamed to admit it! :) The weather on Temple Square was perfect last night too! All in all it was a great night to spend at my favorite place in Salt Lake with some of my favorite people around! I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">don't</span> know if everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did, but I think they did.<br /><br />Anyways I just wanted to post a blog about my fabulous weekend. No better way to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday than to spend it with family that you love and other great people!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-678829055664028682008-11-25T10:31:00.002-07:002008-11-25T11:24:52.600-07:00ThanksgivingSince Thanksgiving is coming up in a couple of days I decided it would be a worthy idea for my post. I hope you will forgive me for taking a moment for sincerity. As this time of year comes around I try to make a special point to be grateful for the blessings I have in my life. This, combined with my bishop speaking in church on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sunday</span> and asking us to take a minute this week to be thankful, has pushed me to take some time here on the blog.<br /><br />The 5 things I am most thankful for:<br /><br />1- My Family. When I think about my family it doesn't just include my wonderful parents, great brothers, incredible sisters-in-law, and adorable nieces (with a nephew coming anytime now). When I express gratitude for my family it also applies to my ancestors. My grandparents and great great great grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc. I don't know if any of you have read the books Banner is Unfurled but it is actually about my ancestors, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ezekiel</span> Johnson Family. This summer, in all my driving for work, I listened to the first several books of the series and realized how inspiring my ancestors are. I also took the hours on the road and listened to interviews people had done with my grandparents and my gratefulness grew even more because I was only 2 when my paternal grandfather died and by the time I could remember my paternal grandmother she was suffering the affects of diabetes and wasn't the woman that I heard about in the interviews with her. My maternal grandparents are also pretty amazing and I'm grateful to them for much (possibly the most is for there daughter, my mother). I also take the chance when I have free time to read the histories of ancestors. If you have never done this I highly recommend it. You will 'meet' amazing people you never knew much about, and be inspired by them.<br /><br />2- The Gospel. Without going on for pages and pages I'll just leave it short and simple. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is what propels me to continuously strive to be a better person. Many people say "I don't know where I'd be without the Gospel", but I, on the other hand, am precisely aware of where I'd be and that makes me cherish my testimony and cherish the Gospel that much more. No, I've never been where I would be without it but I know myself better than anyone and I know my weaknesses. Thanks to the Gospel I also have a clear picture of what I want to achieve and that keeps me from taking the easy and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">immediately</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pleasureful</span> route in life. It is TRUE.<br /><br />3- America and the Associated Freedoms. I have always tried to make a point of not taking my freedoms for granted but I sometimes fall short on that. There are so many things to be grateful for associated with this. The chance to get an education, the freedom to own guns (for now <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">at least</span>), the freedom to speak your mind, the freedom to choose your own partner (although sometimes I think that the African tribes have it easiest), the freedom to travel anyplace in America without having special documents or permission, and most importantly the freedom to hope and dream (in no way is that an endorsement of ANY KIND for our next President). While he has used that as a political strategy I mean it in the sincere way. How many countries allow their people the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">luxury</span> of being able to dream, with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">possibility</span> of actually achieving those dreams? Not very many but it is not a gift from Barrack Obama but rather a gift from our ancestors and the veterans who have made the freedoms given by God a reality, with their blood on foreign battle grounds. Be grateful for your freedoms and for the veterans that have paid the price for our freedoms.<br /><br />4- Friends. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Roommates</span> are probably the top of this list. For being 4 guys thrown into an apartment with little or no knowledge of one another beforehand we are like family it seems a lot of the time. Of course they are not my only friends. I refuse to pin point anyone specifically but I figure if you think you are one of them then you probably are :) . I am grateful for you and for your support and friendship. You are important to me. Thank you.<br /><br />5- The University of Utah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Runnin</span>' Utes. I love college football and Saturday was great! If you want to watch a funny video click on this link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6CROOR2QN8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6CROOR2QN8</a> . It is a couple minutes long and subtitles but it is HILARIOUS. Thank you UTES!!<br /><br />Thanks All and Happy Thanksgiving!!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-2745246844090787592008-11-21T14:19:00.001-07:002008-11-21T14:20:16.912-07:00Tomorrow at 10 AMTomorrow your time runs out Lucky Charmer.... After 10 AM if I have not recieved a legit clue then you will be banished from being mentioned in the blog. Do you have what it takes?Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-21651657470638956382008-11-20T10:13:00.001-07:002008-11-20T10:14:39.095-07:00THREE DOWNTWO DAYS TO GO!!!! The half-way point has been reached.... what will you do?Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-974132075575643752008-11-19T10:44:00.003-07:002008-11-19T10:46:57.701-07:00TWO DOWNTHREE DAYS TO GO!!!! TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK!!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-41690735889633982712008-11-18T21:08:00.001-07:002008-11-18T21:08:54.845-07:00One DownFOUR DAYS TO GO!!!!!Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755340243143189912.post-45843135317811555792008-11-17T10:55:00.003-07:002008-11-17T11:11:21.760-07:00Steak and ShrimpWow what a weekend.... It was a lot like a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">roller coaster</span>, ups and downs and such.... I really don't wanna talk about it right now but I would like to make my final challenge to the Lucky Charmer.... I like Steak. I like Shrimp. Your code was a hoax. So steak and shrimp it is for your last challenge. We'll see what you got.<br /><br />I've been told several times recently that you shouldn't be intimidated of people. So if you're sure of yourself bring it on. If you're not then work on that. You have 5 days.<br /><br />PS "Last Challenge" doesn't mean anything more than that this is the last time I'll mention the lucky charmer in my blog unless there is a LEGIT clue.Kendall Lawshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158010154900849801noreply@blogger.com1