This is a GO no GO for Launch

So, I recently broke my glasses a week before school started and was in a mad rush to get them replaced. As mu luck would have it, my prescription expired ONE month prior which meant I had to go in for an eye exam before anyone would give my some glasses. So, last Monday I went in and went through the whole sha-bang. When I came out, It was time to choose some glasses. I had already picked out my main pair, but it was going to take a while to get to me, so I had to get a back up, and make them simple to get them here fast. I attempted to do so with my eyes completely dilated. These are what resulted from that experience.... i am not sure how I feel about them... lets have a poll.

I'm a PC

Well after talking about it for so long and doing a lot of price watching, I finally decided to build my own computer. It was really just a matter of finding what I wanted, at a price I was willing to pay. With technology changing so fast, one strategy I live by is never buy to newest. Something else will come out and make you frustrated for having paid so much. I go for what that new technology replaced. It's new to me and it is at a great price.

Building a computer is really not that hard. When I explain it to others, I like to refer to it as Legos for men, because all you are really doing is snapping things into place. However, you need to know what is compatible. Unlike Legos, you really can't mix and match any parts in these.


Just to get you a little oriented, if you look at my left pointer, I am showing you the location of where the memory (RAM) goes. This is not to be mistaken for your storage (Hard Drive) which people think of when they hear memory. My right hand is pointing to a huge monstrosity. This is where the CPU is found. A little lesson in computer vocabulary: The CPU is not the whole Computer, or tower (as computer people say). The CPU is the Central Processing Unit. This is essentially the brain of your computer. I take that back. We are the brain, the CPU is.... translates and carries out what we ask it to. But, for the sake of simplicity, it is just the Brain. That big thing is not the CPU, that is the heatsink and fan to cool the CPU. The actual processor it about the size of two postage stamps.

At this point I have everything I need inside, and I am now trying to figure out the wiring. That's what probably took the most time. I now know that some of it should be done prior to installing the mother board. Darn my large hands.





This is what it looks like all set up on my desk. That screen is not mine. It is a TV that my roommate was not using.


This is an attempt at a side view. The light in my room is horrible. I may have to take it out somewhere and do a complete 360 of it.

Lil' Stud

I am training Ammon in the art of "Stud" poses.

Court of the Patri-archs..... and an arch.

This was just a stop on the tram where you could get out and just take a picture. These peaks are the Three Patriarchs. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.


Real life view. I did not get there at a good time of day to take this picture.





This is a big arch you see on your way to the mile long tunnel through the mountain. I don't have any good tunnel pictures cause inside it was dark, and you can't stop and pose at either end.

Where Angels Land

This is day 2. We decided to do the Angels Landing Hike in the morning due to the heat wave that we had been enduring. This is just looking up the first part of the trail. You end up going back into the canyon.












Looking north up the canyon.
















Looking down south of the canyon.















the Three Amigos










This was a cool part of the trail. They cut into the mountain and paved a semi steep trail around this part of the mountain. It felt good in the shade and the nice breeze that swept down it.










Just another view. I though the butt view might have scarred you.




















This is my, "So-what?-I'm-here-hiking-and-I'm-awesome-and-there-is-nothing-you-can-do-you-want-to-fight-about-it" face







Connor and Myself.










Andrew and Me.











Hole-y Mole-y. This is me being creepy. I have to say, I believe my living quarters are now literally a hole in the wall....







Just doing a little caving. Nice formation. I should bring a sleeping bag next time.



The SWITCH BACKS OF DEATH!!!! After a while of straight up-hill hiking, we come around the bend to see this staring down at us. We had to give our calves a little break before making our assent.


As you can clearly see, our way up was slowed by the occasional dramatic pose.... you know, for the ladies.


Further back up the canyon. Not sure what the policy on leaving the trail was, but I thought it would have been fun just to go off on an adventure.












The start of the final assent to Angels Landing. That is pretty much the coolest trail. Who wouldn't want to hike on a trail that is three feet wide with sheer drop offs on either side?







Calling all seminary teachers!! Here is your real life "hold to the rod/chain" example. I recommend doing this hike to better your ability to convey the importance of hanging on.









Someone had carved 'BYU' into the stone atop of Angels Landing.







Thumbs up if you're a stud.....















This is my what's next pose.







Just the three of us enjoying a victory picture after we conquered the hike. Took some convinsing to get Andrew to do that last stretch and get out on the ledge with us. I think he enjoyed it. The threat of death tend to make you appreciate life and all around you more.

Onward to Zion

Here I am at the Zions National Park visitor center, as you can tell by the sign. Here you can find out trail conditions, pay for trail time on hikes such as the narrows, catch the tram to the trails, or buy over-price souvenirs.
















We just arrived at the park, so I thought I would start off the picture taking. So, you see Me + Backpack + Mountain. You do the math.






Connor Fowles and Andrew Hudson accompanied me on this adventure. This is us riding the tram around and checking out the hikes that were available.


This picture reminds me of a boy-band cd cover.
"Our new release will be coming out this Fall. That's right. The new, highly anticipated 'Backwoods Boys' CD is already getting predictions to top the charts. A true Cinderella story of three guys out of Spokane with a dream to bring the awesomeness of nature to mainstream America through their original cross genre, Hip-hop/ Pop/ Country/ Alternative Rock, sound."

















Just enjoying the tranquility found at Upper Pools. This is a really cool oasis. If only the water were a little cleaner and deeper. I am pretty sure all the diseases in the world originated in that pool.

















This is a nice shot down by middle pools. The water was full of all sorts of life.















Cactus.












On the trail to Upper pools.























Still on the trail, but this is looking out on the valley.














Man vs Wild

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART...or weak of stomach!!!!

Ward Re-Activation Activity