B-radley's blog

A new......

2011-12-08T01:36:00.004-07:00

Bromance. I really hate that word. It is a stupid stupid made up word. But i don't know what to call it. There are certain dudes that i have an affection for, not in a gay way, but just an admiration for their ability to be awesome at something they are really good at and I am pretty sure if we knew each other in real life we would probably be best friends. If you have ever had this conversation with me you know that I think that this list includes: Andy Roddick, Brandon Flowers, Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, Chris Pratt, and the this new addition: Donald Glover aka the Childish Gambino aka Troy from the show Community. Actor, writer, comedian, and rapper. Its like we were twins separated at birth.....except that I am not any of those things. And he is black, and as much as I tell people that I am probably at least half black, no one believes me. So maybe not separated at birth twins, maybe just best friends who won't meet until heaven where we discovered we were totally best buddies before in heaven. Tangent over.

If you don't know who he is you should watch this show

Community

Where he plays Troy

or listen to his amazing rapping skills. I would describe his skills as Kanye and Kid Cudi having a lovechild that is somehow raised by Lupe Fiasco or with a close family friend being Immortal Technique. His rapper name is Childish Gambino.

or you can listen to his rap. Warning this is explicit, i was too lazy to find an edited version, so if that is not your cup of tea just trust me he is awesome.

or this awesome remix to Rolling in the Deep

And now a friend showed me that he has a blog of his own that I spent the last 2.5 hours reading, and if I ever was to develop a tumbr account it would look exactly the same. I dig everything on it. His random videos, his art, the music, the journal entries, the love of minimalist architecture, the ladies, and the dudes fashion. If I could somehow lose 15 pounds and be able to pull off the clothes he puts on there i totally would. Luckily we both got a love of flannel and cardigans and the guy has a love for canvas shoes and nice dress shoes and cool looking tennis shoes that may even exceed my own. Seriously, all i want for Christmas is a sweet pea coat, a new pair of brown dress shoes, and another bright colored cardigan to add to the collection. Anyways, check it out for yourself and just know that I would have created something just as cool that would look very similar if I could allocate the time to do it and muster up any motivation.

http://www.iamdonald.com/

Weird Celebrity Crush

2011-11-06T01:22:00.007-06:00

Yeah, its probably time for another round of awkward celebrity crushes that I have. B-radley's blog is a judgement free zone, so don't judge me. You may remember posts of the past with such celebs as: Charlyne Yi, Leslie Mann, Chelsea Handler, and of course my very real crush on Lindsay Lohan. I want to make free Lindsay t-shirts but probably won't.

Parker Posey:
You may know her from numerous Christopher Guest films like: Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration etc. You may know her from these ridiculous movies like Party Girl, Josie and the Pussy Cats, and Scream 3 (She played the film version of Courtney Cox's character Gail Weathers). Or you may have just seen her last year on one of my favorite episodes of Parks and Recreation. She is a riot, and kinda cute, am I right?

Sandra Oh:
You probably best know her from Grey's Anatomy where she plays the best character on that show, Cristina Yang. She has also been in a few movies where she was really great like Blind or a recent favorite of mine, Rabbit Hole. But it is her role as Yang that won me over

Aubrey Plaza:
You probably know her from the hit show Parks and Recreation where she plays April Ludgate, the college intern turned assistant who is one of the best parts of the show. You should also check out her interviews on any late night show, she is so awkward it blows me away. She had me at awkward moment number 1. She was also in Funny People and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

or she has had a couple guest spots on Fred Armisan's Portlandia, in this awesome skit:

Last but not least: Casey Wilson
You may know her from the show Happy Endings. If you are not watching this show you are missing out. Its on Wednesday nights right after Modern Family. You now no longer have an excuse because I know you are watching Modern Family. She also was on SNL for a year and had a small role in Julie and Julia and Killers. Her character Penny Heart is becoming one of my favorite characters on tv. I started watching this show to support Elisha Cuthbert because she is Jack Bauer's daughter, but Casey steals the show. I started watching on day 1 and haven't missed an episode since. She also has amazing shorts on Funny or Die .com. Which i will post for your viewing pleasure.

Black Best Friend with Casey Wilson from Casey Wilson

Charla Loves to Dance with Casey WIlson from Casey Wilson

You're Welcome.

Well there you go, that is it for this round of weird celebrity crushes.

So it turns out that......

2011-10-23T21:23:00.003-06:00

I am a 5 Star chef. Please scroll down like 6 posts to see the cookies I made not too long ago. But for a more recent example please see the pictures below.

Turkey Stuffed Peppers with White Sauce

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti with sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and spinach.

I promise they taste so much better than they look.

Its the Jersey Shore..........

2011-10-21T01:59:00.003-06:00

Biotch.

In honor of the season finale of the 4th season of the Jersey Shore and at the request of a friend, I am going to post my favorite Snooki quotes of all time. Here they are in their splender.....edited slightly for your benefit and with some explanation when needed. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

- When I woke up I was like what did I do last night? Like what did I do? I f#$%ed up… story of my life.
- Pickles is my thing.

- He’s a really good guy. That’s the kind of guy I need in my life. I think his name is Ron. [it was Russ]
- She gives great advice. [in response to JWOWW saying, "Get some food. Feel better. Drink heavily."]
- Please don’t tell me I have missing teeth!
- I came home when they were putting in the lobsters, i was like yo, are those real? That’s disgusting, I’m a vet tech. Like, I save animals, I don’t kill them.
- I tried to eat but I couldn’t get it in my freakin’ mouth ’cause I’m disabled.
- I’m not trashy, unless I drink too much.
- I’m not pissed off that they put pickles under my bed as a joke, but I’m pissed off that Mike and Pauly wasted two pickles.
- That’sNotCoolThat’sNotCoolThat’sNotCoolThat’sNotCoolThat’sNotCoolThat’sNotCool.
- Snook gets political: I don’t go tanning tanning anymore because Obama put a 10% tax on tanning. I feel like he did that intentionally for us, like McCain would never put a 10% tax on tanning.. because he is pale and he would probably wanna be tanned.
- Eating fried pickles was a life changing experience.
- My first thought was: I don’t wanna clean this up. My second thought was: I just f*$%ed up dinner. My third thought was: What the f*&k am I gonna eat?
- Me & Jenni are terrified to go come back to the house, we just don’t want to deal with the drama… that WE caused.
- Snooki: I’m not white. JWOWW: What are you? Snooki: Tan.
- What I would love to find is a guido, juicehead with my style who’s not a cheater ’cause I’m not gonna go on Match.com again.
- I can’t read a map because I can’t see. Ron can’t read a map because you know, Ron’s Ron
- Jionni is very conservative sexually. Me I’m the total opposite I don’t give a f*&k what people think about me. I peed my pants in public, I’m still not be embarrassed.

- I look like a pale freak. I feel like Vinny.
- I couldn't even tell you how I felt in that jail cell. It was like a f*%king phenomenon ... I'm not a phenomenon. I'm a train wreck.
- I'm a f**king good person!
- Where's the beach?
- If I want a beer, then I can have a beer. This isn't law school, it's a t-shirt shop.
- Guys are douchebags and I hate them all. They don't know how to treat women, and I feel like this is why the lesbian rate is going up in this country.
- The geography in Italy is beautiful. Vinnie: what do you mean by geography? Snooks: like the landscaping, they have trees and stuff.
- Jesus take the wheel.

I have never cried because of a television show.....

2011-09-25T19:44:00.002-06:00

or hardly at all because i am a big tuff man, but if I ever was going to cry because of something I saw on television it would be this:

Oh Michael Scott, you are the greatest thing to happen to tv and will be missed. Related side note, the first episode of the new season of The Office was pretty funny. I am interested to see how the show progresses. Andy as his replacement, was the best choice.

Emmy Predictions

2011-09-18T17:55:00.002-06:00

Outstanding Drama Series

Boardwalk Empire

Dexter

Friday Night Lights

Game of Thrones

The Good Wife

Mad Men *

Friday Night Lights was consistantly an awesome show, that ended in one of its best seasons. It deserves it. However, Mad Men will probably get it, because it is the most complex drama on television, an entire show based on character development.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Big Bang Theory

Glee

Modern Family *

The Office

Parks and Recreation

30 Rock

I really thing Parks deserves it this year. It was an amazing season. As someone who watches all of these shows every week, Parks n Rec is the funniest show on television. That said, Modern Family will prob win it.

Outstanding Actress in a Drama

Kathy Bates, Harry's Law

Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights

Mireille Enos, The Killing

Mariska Hargitay, Law and Order: SVU

Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife *

Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men

I want Connie Britton to win so bad. But she probably won't. I really think Mireille Enos carried the awesome show The Killing. And Elisabeth Moss is my favorite character on Mad Men, and definitely deserves a win. But the awards show really loves Julianna Marguiles. I don't really watch the show so I can't comment.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama

Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire

Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife

Christine Baranski, The Good Wife

Margo Martindale, Justified

Michelle Forbes, The Killing

Christina Hendricks, Mad Men *

I think she deserves a win for playing the formidable Joan. And I think she will take it.

Outstanding Actor in a Drama

Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire

Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights

Michael C. Hall, Dexter

John Hamm, Mad Men *

Hugh Laurie, House

Timothy Olyphant, Justified

Again, this is his last change to win and he derserves it. But John Hamm will prob win.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama

Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Josh Charles, The Good Wife

Alan Cumming, The Good Wife

Walton Goggins, Justified

John Slattery, Mad Men *

I think it is a Mad Men season this year. He Should win.

Andrew Braugher, Men of a Certain Age

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy

Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie

Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Laura Linney, The Big C *

Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly

Martha Plimpton, Raising Hope

Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Amy should win. It is hard for me to take anything away from my girl Tina. But Amy was awesome in Parks. But Laura Linney won last year and my guess is she will win again.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy

Jane Lynch, Glee *

Betty White, Hot In Cleveland

Julie Bowen, Modern Family

Sofia Vergara, Modern Family

Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live

Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock

Jane Krakowski deserves to win. She has been amazing every year on 30 Rock. Kristin Wiig also deserves it for carrying SNL. But Jane Lynch will prob win.

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy

Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Louis C.K., Louie

Steve Carrell, The Office *

Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory

Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

He has never won and this is his year.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy

Chris Colfer, Glee

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family

Ed O'Neill, Modern Family

Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

Ty Burrell, Modern Family*

Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

The best character on Modern Family. Phil Dunphee for the win.

Outstanding Variety, Comedy Or Musical Series

The Colbert Report

Conan

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart *

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Real Time With Bill Maher

Saturday Night Live

I really think Jimmy has the most quality program improvement and should be rewarded. However, Jon Stewart wins every year and with good reason.

Outstanding Reality Show

The Amazing Race *

American Idol

Dancing With the Stars

Project Runway

So You Think You Can Dance

Top Chef

SYTCD is the best reality show on tv. I am surprised the Voice wasn't nominated. But Amazing Race always seems to win.

So these are my picks. I am tuning in now to watch. Just thought I would give my 2 cents.

Gross

2011-09-11T22:39:00.002-06:00

That would be the one word to describe the last 6 days of my life. I had not one but 2 grandparents go in for surgery this week. Which sucks. It sucks even worse when you are 700 miles away and can't do ANYTHING. The only thing I could do is wait impatiently for text updates from my mom. If you know me then you know that I do not like to wait and if I have to do so, I cannot do it patiently. I don't know if it was that or a myriad of other things that led me to horrible bout of homesickness that basically lasted all weekend. There was nothing that I could do to get rid of it.......or probably better put, there was nothing that I really tried to do to get rid of it. I also somehow managed to hurt my knee while running this week too. Most people would take a few days off and let their knee rest............I am not really most people. I managed to convince myself that I could just run it off. I would be good for 1-2 miles, and then I would hobble another mile before I gave up. Then I would go lift weights and try to hit the treadmill again but would get a mile into it before I had to call it quits. Repeat everyday since Tuesday. FML. So I have basically avoided everyone and anyone all week while I wallowed in self pity and homesickness. I decided to change that with going to church for all 3 hours today. I think it helped a little. And then I just got back from a late night jog along the canal, which was cool. It felt good and the knee didn't really act up too bad, so maybe its getting better. Got a call from my mom saying my Grandma's surgery went well, she has to spend the night and if everything goes well she can come home tomorrow, to my Grandpa who is recovering from radiation and prostate surgery. Both seem to be on the mend and I am praying that they continue to get better. I have also decided to really focus on school and working out with the hopes that both of those things will get me out of this funk.

Well if you have ever wanted a soundtrack to miserableness here has been mine:

There are more, but I just found out that Sister Act 2 is on tv right now........and that is what I will be doing for the next hour and a half. Sorry for the prolonged wait in blogging. I will try to be better.

So I am moving

2011-08-10T03:11:00.003-06:00

It is that time again. I am moving back to AZ. Really crazy. A big part of me wishes I could stay longer - another part is ready for a new adventure. I decided to move into my own apartment this go around, so that will be interesting. And I had to rent it site unseen, so this is going to be a big adventure. I looked at a few places before I moved back, and had a place that I wanted and had in mind, and like all things in my life, I waited too long and they didn't have any available. So I turned to what all people do when they are desperate: Craigslist. I found a cool place in scottsdale about 5 miles north of school. I am semi-familiar with the area, but have never driven past this complex. The inside has been renovated recently and looks cool.....at least from the pictures the realtor posted on CL. This will be my before post: meaning i will post the pictures that the realtor posted and then post pictures of what it actually looks like when i get there. She promised me that there will be no difference, and that the place doesn't smell like pee or smoke, and that it has been nicely taken care of and is super clean. This adventure is going to be CRAZY

I'm Sorry

2011-07-10T15:59:00.004-06:00

That Betty Crocker ain't got nothing on me.

I was craving cookies from Ruby Snap (formerly known as My Dough Girl) late last night. But it is closed and in Salt Lake, so today I decided to try and find some recipes similar to my favorite types of cookies sold there and make them. And it turned out pretty awesome. The two types I made are similar to the Ricki (Cocanut dough with almonds coconuts and chocolate chips) and the Maris (Chocolate chocolate chip dough with a carmel center.) So found a recipe for a chocolate chocolate chip cookie with a carmel center and made it but added some pecans to the top of it. Turned out really good. The Ricki was a lot harder to find a recipe for, so I kind of invented one on my own by switching up the ingredients a bit on a standard nestle tollhouse recipe. I decided to make almond dough instead of coconut, which turned out sooooooooooooo good. I have never really made cookies before, so I was pretty impressed with the turnout. Here are the pics:

The Voice

2011-06-25T02:39:00.002-06:00

Can now be added to the long list of reality television shows that I watch................fml. But it is really good. Like three or four singers are super exceptional. Here are my faves:

Dia Frampton:

Losing My Religion

Heartless

Javier Colon:

Fix You

Angel

Vicki Martinez

Dog Days Are Over

Jolene

The Head and The Heart

2011-06-05T16:36:00.002-06:00

I went to the Iron & Wine concert this weekend with one of my best friends, and was pleasantly surprised by the opener for the show. They completely beat out Iron & Wine, and I found a new group that I can't get enough of. Here are some of my faves, listen and enjoy:

Cats and Dogs and Coeur D'Alene

Lost In My Mind

Down In The Valley

Rivers and Roads:

As a side note, I am not, nor have I ever, no will I ever be a hipster, I can recognize good music, even if it comes from a hipster setting.

Why Hello There

2011-05-29T19:57:00.004-06:00

Remember when I used to update my blog fairly regularly? Oops. Since my last post I finished finals, my first year of law school, packed up all my stuff in Arizona into a storage unit, packed up all my other stuff into my car and drove back home to Utah. This post will be a breakdown of all of those events and what I have been up to since I have been back home.

Finals
I had 4 finals each were 4 hours long and a 15 page memorandum to write. The memo was due first. We had to research court cases and argue whether or not warrantless GPS surveillance of a suspects vehicle is constitutional or not. It actually got pretty interesting to study. I did fairly decent on it, made a couple of stupid mistakes, but overall was pretty happy with the way it turned out.

The first final was in criminal law. This was my favorite class of the semester, probably a combination of an interesting professor and awesome cases to read. I thought the test went well, but grades haven't been released yet so who knows. The next final was Administrative Law. I thought the final wasn't too bad. We had a midterm in that class and I did pretty well on it so I am hoping that the final goes the same way. Next final was Property Law. This final was miserable. Luckily everyone thought so. Basically we read almost 1200 pages worth of material and were tested on random things in those 1200 pages. Most other law schools divide the class into 2 semesters and make it a more manageable 600 pages worth of material. But ASU doesn't not do that and it makes for one biatch of a final. The last final was constitutional law. I think that this one went alright. It was the second hardest final, and I think that I did decent enough on it. Who knows though. In law school everything is graded on a curve. And not a curve that used to make your 82% into an A like in high school and undergrad. Instead the curve makes it so the top 10% are allowed to get an A on the test. So in theory and in my case a reality a 94% on a final paper can give you a B-. I really hate the curve.

1st year is donzo
I really can't believe that the first year of law school is finally over. It really is as hard as everyone makes it out to be. It is not fun, don't let anyone tell you it is, they are lying to try to trick you into going to law school. It requires a lot of hard work and a lot of dedicated effort. But I feel like I have learned a lot. And I know that it will all be worth it one day. And I am told that it does get better. I hope that is the case. Overall I have really liked my experience. Moving away from home to a new place has bee a really valuable experience, one I am glad I chose to do. I learned a lot about myself, made some really great changes in my life, and know that I am better because of it. Where I will be next semester?.......know knows.

Arizona State University
I took some pics my last day in AZ of the school, library, and the institute building that occupied so much of my time so you all could see where I was at. Here are those pics:

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

Law Library

Institute

On Top of Institute parking looking at institute and law school and library

The Drive back home
Or as I like to call it my roadtrip with Tina Fey. I really do not mind the drive to and from Arizona. I took the scenic route from Phoenix to Flagstaff to Page, around Lake Powell, to Kanab through Cedar City canyon and then on to I-15 and back home to Farr West. My roadtrip with Tina Fey started in Flagstaff. I got her new book, Bossy Pants, in audio form and listened to it completely. When I didn't think I could love her any more, she goes and narrates this book and proves that I could, in fact, love her more. It is hilarious, offers some really interesting insight in to her life, what it was like to be a woman breaking into comedy, being the first female head writer on SNL, and then some insight on writing and producing 30 Rock. So entertaining. Made 6 hours of my trip really engaging. Also the drive is beautiful. Outside of Phoenix you get the real desert experience of nothing but rolling hills with cacti and sagebrush. Then you start to climb mountain on the way to Flagstaff. Flagstaff is super pretty too, you climb to about 7000 feet when you get there and you are surrounded by pine tree covered mountain peaks. It kind of reminds me a lot of Park City only a little bigger. Once you descend out of Flagstaff you go through wild flower covered meadows until you hit desert again and you circle around the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Then you have occasionally glimpses of the Colorado River and really pretty red rock plateaus until you hit Page, AZ. Then you go over Glenn Canyon damn and circle around Lake Powell. Then you go on to Kanab and see the Grand Staircase Then you can go and go to Panguitch or you can cut through Cedar City Canyon and take one of the prettiest drives in the whole state. If you haven't ever taken that pass you are missing out. It was all still covered in snow but super pretty. I saw an Elk and a ton of deer while driving through it. Which kept me awake. If you have never been on a roadtrip with me I have only one fear, and that is hitting a deer or some other large animal while driving. You come out of the canyon into Cedar City. Then you get on I-15 and head home, which normally isn't a pretty drive until you get to Nephi, but with all the rain, instead of everything being brown and dead it was all really green. Anyways, I left at 9am Arizona time, and pulled into my parent's driveway around 11:30pm. Traffic in Utah County was miserable.

Life As I Know It
Well I have been home for two weeks now. I have caught up on a lot of sleep. I am doing an internship for a attorney/friend of mine, got a job doing legal research for a health law attorney in Salt Lake, and am going to be getting another job at Lowes or The Buckle, depending on who will pay me more or maybe both, to earn some cash money for the summer. I have spent a lot of time with friends in both Salt Lake and O-Town, if I haven't seen you yet, call me. I have also spent some quality time with my nephew and niece, boy I have I missed those two. Also, My 4 year-old neighbor/best friend has been over almost every day to see if I could play or jump on the tramp. This kid kills me. I think me really getting started with my internship and my new job and working at either the Buck or Lowes is going to be hard for him.

Anyways life is good. Glad to be where I am right now. Let's make this summer fun, deal?

Parks and Recreation's Best in Show

2011-05-09T22:34:00.003-06:00

The award for my favorite guest actor on my favorite show Parks and Recreation is...........

Parker Posey for last week's guest appearance as Leslie's counterpart for the rich neighboring town of Eagleton. I really wish she was going to be a permanent fixture on the show but am super glad she is going to be in the next one.

Here is a clip, not the funniest one of her, but a very funny clip.

Warped Tour 2001 Flash Back

2011-05-08T00:08:00.002-06:00

Oh punk angst, somehow you still go down smooth.

Stage 1
Tsunami Bomb: No One's Looking

Stage 2
AFI: The Days of the Phoenix

Stage 3
Ataris: San Dimas High School Football Rules

uh oh, the fans want more

The Jersey Floor Biatches

2011-05-06T23:54:00.002-06:00

Your welcome in advance for this. Please watch Jimmy Fallon and other great SNL alum make you laugh and pee a little.

Some advice for all my friends having children

2011-04-28T00:31:00.002-06:00

First of all, let me say congrats on creating a miracle. Second, stop it already until I can catch up.

I find it weird that you are coming to me for advice on how to raise children, because I have none,* but since you obviously are by looking at this post. let me give you a little nugget of wisdom I learned from watching the Daily Show tonight. Raise your child the way I would have been raised if I would have been left in Asia, where obviously I may originally be from. It is called Tiger Mothering.

*That I know of**

**Paternity test pending***

***Alicia Keys is stalling

Adele

2011-04-25T00:53:00.002-06:00

Ok, I know I have recently done a post about her a few weeks ago. But I have finals to study for, so you know that means I have basically lived on youtube for the past two days. What have I been watching? Adele, performing live. Man, she has pipes. No one can compete with her.

Lately this song has been my fave:
Turning Tables

Someone Like You

Rolling in the Deep

Don't You Remember

Adele's recent breakup led to her writing this CD. Does it make me a bad person to hope that her next relationship ends bitterly so we can get another gem like this?

Also as a side note, I have heard she is coming to SLC this summer. If anyone wants to take me you can have my first born or something else, like a snickers bar.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T23:29:00.003-06:00

So, this was my first real holiday away from home since the mission. I am moving home in a few weeks so it didn't make any sense for me to go home. A friend of mine was going to come down here but couldn't end up making it. So I thought that I was going to go through my first family holiday as a family of 1. Yeah....it was every bit as depressing as that sounds......until one of my buddies at school invited me over for Easter dinner with him and his wife and some of our other friends from school and friends from their ward. It really turned out to be a lot of fun, great food, good conversation, and definitely filled up that gap that being away from home and family for the holiday left. I kind of felt like a grown up. Like I know that I am 26, but somehow being a student still, even though it is grad school, still makes me feel like I did when I was 21. And the fact that I am not married blah blah blah and all that stuff also does not bode well for the making me feel older thing. So, time away from home over Easter, having a gap filler with friends down here, makes me one step closer to being an adult, right?

Anywho, Happy Easter, I hope that it was a good one for everyone!

Perfect Couples

2011-04-12T03:03:00.002-06:00

If you don't watch this show, I recommend you get caught up on Hulu. It started off a little rough but mid season it found itself and now it is a perfect part of my Thursday night of television watching while I run at the gym or Friday at the library in between classes when I am "studying". Here is a clip to get you interested:

Impulsive

2011-04-10T03:16:00.003-06:00

Today I realized that I may over react on impulses. I realized this when I started filling out an application to join the Peace Corps. It has always been a dream to serve in the Peace Corps. I really wish it wasn't a 2 year program. I really wish I didn't have the desire to have responsibilities like a real job as a practicing attorney and a family, or else I would be boarding a plane to Ghana or Thailand or Moldova or Samoa or Jordan or Costa Rica and be building farms and digging wells and teaching English or health and playing soccer with kiddos and teaching them tennis and baseball and basketball. I would be on a beach or in a jungle or wherever. Ahh......I should go to bed before I restart an application.

Fear

2011-04-04T23:26:00.005-06:00

No not this bad Marky Mark movie of the 1990's

but real and actual fear. I fear one thing and one thing only: the unknown.....and sharks. But I want to talk about the former in this post and will talk about how I just know from years of watching Shark Week that a shark attack is probably the way my life will tragically end in another post.

So fear. I am not really good at talking about emotions with actual people. I am tough. I am nice, but I am tough. I try not to let things get me down. I am generally really optimistic. I try to turn anything into a joke, whether or not it is appropriate or too soon to be joked about. But, if Katrina taught us anything, sometimes those levies just bust wide open. Yeah....I know.... too soon...

Anyways, things that happen to me I never get afraid of. I once heard this quote my Marie Curie that I have tried to live by: "Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." So I have taken that fully to heart. If there is something that I am afraid of I try to tackle it head on. Moving away from home? Check. I may hate it sometimes, but I am grateful for everything that I have learned about myself in moving away and it has helped me understand myself, families, and independence in a way that I would never have been able to do any way else. My former health problems? Ok, I let them get the best of me when I was in high school. But, I beat that. And now I am not afraid of anything that happens to me. I know who I am and that I am tough.

However, what, does scare me, and one thing that I cannot understand: is when bad things happen to the people I love. The fear of the unknown. Of not being able to control the outcome. Of not really knowing any way I can help. What I am talking about is how my Grandpa was diagnosed yesterday with an agressive form of prostate cancer. He is 82, and you know what they say, if you don't die first you'll live long enough to get some type of cancer. I don't actually know if that is a thing that people say. The Big C is something that happens to people all the time. I know I shouldn't be taken back or surprised......but I am. My Grandpa is my hero. Someone that if I lived my life to be half as great as he is, I would be a really successful person. He is 82 and in really great health. Someone that has taken excellent care of himself. I am just trying to wrap my head around the understanding part of this. I know that if I had to pick between my Grandpa's fighting spirit against his aging self and an agressive cancer, I would pick Gramps every time.

So here comes the time for trying to understand. I stayed up until 4 in the morning trying to learn about prostate cancer, how it is formed, warning signs, treatments, probabilities, preventions, potential for it to run in families, etc. Trying to understand so I can not be afraid of it. Reading about how to help loved ones who get the disease, so I can understand how I can best help my hero. Reading message board posts of people who have it so I can understand how they feel so I can understand and develop empathy. My hero has got a battle ahead of him. His own body is literally attacking him from within. It is hard to wrap my head around that. I am not going to lie, I am a little afraid. But I think I get my toughness from my hero, so I know that the Big C doesn't know what exactly it is up against.

So it is basically the weekend

2011-04-01T03:25:00.006-06:00

and in all honesty all I want to do is take an easy saturday and watch these movies that I haven't seen:

Rabbit Hole

This is the movie that I want to see the most on this list that I haven't seen yet. It is supposed to be dark and a little depressing but I have heard it is also supposed to be amazing

Love and Other Drugs

Ok, I have heard some reviews that make me wonder if I should actually watch this or not....so I am undecided

Due Date

Again I have heard it is hilarious and that it is the worst movie either Robert Downy Jr. and Zach Galifnakas have ever made.

If you have seen any of these please let me know if any of them are worth my time.

or I could rewatch some of these new movies that I really, really, really like.

The Fighter

The best boxing movie I have ever seen

It's Kind of a Funny Story

One of my new favorites.

127 Hours

This one was intense and crazy in the same way that Castaway was really good....although I like this movie a lot better than Castaway.

But in reality:
This is what I am going to be doing tomorrow FML

Writing a legal brief. Also it is what I will be doing Saturday. Oh, and Sunday. All of course Intermingled with General Conference. I actually really like General Conference a lot. I am going to miss Momma Cummings' giant homemade General Conference Sunday breakfast. French toast, cinnamon french toast, pancakes, fruit, scrambled eggs, ham/spinach quiche, bacon, fresh orange juice, and my grandparents coming over. My mom makes breakfast only 3 times a year so I think she tries to make up for it by going all out on these occasions. (2 Gen Conference Sundays and Fathers day to be specific) Luckily (being optimistic) this legal brief will keep me so occupied that I won't even know the difference between the banana and granola bar I will be eating for breakfast instead of that family tradition meal.

Saturday I scored a free training session with the head trainer at my gym in between conference sessions so that is going to make for a long day. Ironically enough, I scored a free session with one of the trainers tonight too, basically by chatting with her for a bit before I started working out, and her asking me if I wanted to work out with her when she got off of work. So I ran 4 miles until she got off and then she basically killed me. And by me I mean the areas where I am supposed to have biceps and triceps and pecs and abs.

Correction to last post

2011-03-28T13:21:00.004-06:00

I was informed that Drew Barrymore isn't even believable in being a person and should be removed from the list. So as her replacement I submit someone I totally forgot to include on the list in the first place.

January Jones

Oh Betty Draper. I apologize for not putting you on this years list.

and she is hilarious:

Alright enough already- Celebrity Crush time

2011-03-25T00:47:00.013-06:00

I have eluded to my top ten ladies of 2010 for quite some time now and have put off making the list until now. So here we go. These are my top ten celebrity crushes of 2010.

10. Gwyneth Paltrow

I know....what?!? Gwyneth hasn't been on my list in quite some time, and I am honestly surprised that she is on it. But her guest appearance on Glee and her version of Forget You by Cee Lo, along with finally being in a movie again has brought her back into the spotlight and probably more importantly, on this list.

9. Emma Stone

Oh Emma. I didn't want to love her, because every time I see her I see what my girl LiLo could and should have been. But because LiLo has taken another path.....Emma welcome to the list. Easy A- surprisingly very funny. Zombieland- classic. Superbad- disgustingly hilarious. I will even give her some credit for being the best thing in the Housebunny. What I love about her is she is hot as a red head (very hard to do), with black hair (my fave for her) and with blond hair.

8. Lauren Conrad

L.C. I need you to do something other than write a book that I will never read in order to continue on this list. You have moved up a few spots because over Christmas break my sister and I watched a Hills marathon, and I remembered why I love you and your cry-ey mascara face.

7. Kate Hudson

Kate, you are slipping too. I fell in love with you a long time ago because of 2 movies. The first is one of my all time favorite movies: Almost Famous. The second, one of 5 chick flicks that I think are decent movies: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I need you to stop doing romantic comedies. You are better than that. You can do better.

6. Eva Mendes

Eva you are slipping too. You are being kept alive because of Hitch, another chick flick on that list of 5.

tied with (I am doing a couple of ties this year, deal with it)

Drew Barrymore

Drew has finally figured herself out. And that is what makes her finally on the list. She has always been cute. But kinda crazy. Like have to leave off of the top ten because of the crazy. But her acting in the HBO movie Grey Gardens was her best work yet. And lets face she is the best thing to happen to an Adam Sandler movie since Happy Gilmore. Also, her directorial debut for Whip It, really good. So welcome to the list Drew! I want you to stay for a long long time. That means no more weird marriages to Tom Green or flashing David Letterman.

5. Minka Kelly

If you haven't had a conversation with me in the past 6 months, then you might not of heard that I fell in love with a show called Friday Night Lights. She plays Lyla. She is also in Parenthood. She is also going to be a new Charlie's Angel (I think this may be a mistake.) But congrats Minka you are on the list.

tied with

Emmanuellle Chriquii aka Sloan from Entourage

I will refer to her as Sloan. She marries E in entourage who is the character I relate to most in that show, so it is only fitting she is on the list right? So her and Minka are tied because they look really similar and my love for both is about equal.

4. Marion Cotillard

I mean seriously. I have yet to see her do a bad movie. La Vien Rose- really good, Public Enemies- good, Nine- I am not really a musical kind of guy, but she was good in it, and Inception- one of my favorite movies of 2010. That movie alone enough to put her on this list. How does someone new jump all the way to the top 5? She just signed on for the next batman flick.

3. Rachel McAdams

Oh Rachel. She punched me once.................it was awesome. I have nothing but good words to say about her. I mean seriously. She is one girl that 2 of my friends who are completely straight, say they would turn for. That is who she is. Mean Girls, Wedding Crashers, State of Play, and I will go as far as The Notebook (don't judge me, like I said there are 5 good chick flicks.)

2. Alicia Keys (gasp)

The person who has been number 1 on my list since forever. It was hard to do this. Really hard. But I thought we were in a committed relationship. Turns out I am not the father. And for that, I had to do this. It hurts. It hurts really bad.

1. Zooey Deschanel

She can do no wrong. (With the exception of The Happening.) I love her music. She is in one of my all time favorite movies, 500 Days of Summer. Also Elf. She made Yes Man a watchable show. She is in a ton of cool indie movies. So, there you have it. A new number one.

Well, Well, Well

2011-03-24T01:25:00.005-06:00

So I just happened to look at the calendar on my laptop and discovered that it is now March 24th. I know you all know what that means and why it is important. But for the few of you who may not, let me enlighten you. It was exactly 5 years ago today that I returned home from my mission in the Southside of Chicago. I know, I know, I did a mish post like 5 posts ago....but I do feel the need to share how grateful I am to have had that opportunity and to tell everyone that I now know because of it how much I love and respect them. Here are some of my favorite moments......that were captured on film (or the digital equivalent).

Hey-ay

2011-03-23T01:09:00.002-06:00

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. I went back north to Utah for spring break...you know because that is where all the partiers go. JK. It was, however, a really good trip that was very needed. I crammed in as much as I could in my 7 day break. I went and spent the night in Vegas on my way up there with my best buddy Will and is equally as awesome wife, Magz. Which was AWESOME. Seriously love those two and their adorable kid, and their always comfortable couch.

Then I drove home to Farr Whizzle. I try to give it a little street cred. Some people think that being home of the infamous me and the country boy store Smith & Edwards is enough to give it all the street cred it needs, but if not i throw out slang like Farr Whizzle. Need I remind you guys that in addition to that we have not 3 but 4 gas stations?!? Oh my goodness, the Chevron's closed? Try the Maverick. Oh no, the Mav is full?!? Try the Pilot. Gas price to high?!? Go to 7-11. Order yourself up a domino's pizza while you fill up, because we have one of those too. Or you can try one of 3 fast food joints listed in order of classyness: Taco Bell, Wendy's, and McDonalds. Oh what is that you say? You are craving some sit down Mexican food? Well look no further. We have one, and if you have one mediocre Mexican sit down restaurant do you really need any more? Of course not. So go to Bella's.....or Melina's....or whatever it may be calling itself this year. Or you can just come over to casa de la Cummings for where the fun is really at. I don't want to brag.....but we have a trampoline.... and my best friend, my parent's neighbor, who happens to be 4, who occasionally escapes from nap time and comes running over to get me to jump on the tramp with him and or have a water fight no matter what the temperature is outside. He will also trick you into giving him a hug, where he will then lick your cheek and tell you just got Lily kissed (Lily is his dog.)

I tried to see as many people as I could in such a short time, but with my birthday to celebrate with fam and friends and my parent's 30th wedding anniversary, i really had no time. So If I was able to see you, thank you so much!!!!!!! And if I wasn't able to see you, I am sorry. I really really wanted to see a few people that I didn't get to, and meet someone new that I didn't get to, and hang out with the few people I did get to see for longer but didn't get to, so please accept my apology. And hope that I get an internship back in SLC so I can come back for the summer.

But I am back in AZ, trying to get back into the swing of things. And not studying or running 4 miles a day for a week and then trying to do both again kicks my trash. Next break I need to try to do a little more of that and a little less sleeping in until 11 while everyone is at work.

Anyways, my friend Missy sent me a link to this video, and I think that it is too good to keep to myself, so here you go.

Landslide

2011-03-09T22:44:00.002-07:00

I love this song. The recent version on glee was pretty good....but the story they used behind it made it a little awkward and not as enjoyable as it could have been. So naturally, instead of studying for my midterm, I went to YouTube, and found all the versions of the song that I love. And I want to know which one you guys think is best. So, here are the contenders, your vote matters America:

The Original Version: Fleetwood Mac

Landslide goes country: Dixie Chicks

Landslide goes grunge: Smashing Pumpkins

Landslide gets covered: Boyce Avenue (my fave youtube acoustic cover singer)

Landslide goes Glee: Gwyneth Paltrow with Santana and Britney

Ok, these are just the ones that I like the best. Let me know if there are any others out there worth listening to. And don't forget to cast your vote in comment form. Just curious. Right now, Smashing Pumpkins have one vote. (mine)

Best Birthday Gift Ever

2011-03-07T00:08:00.004-07:00

One of my best friends in the world, Melissa, made me this little diddy. She sent it to me a few hours ago but made me wait until now, at after midnight and actually on my date of birth, to watch it. It is priceless.

I laughed......I cried......and was reminded how amazing my friends are. (Both real and fictional)

It's Kinda Crazy

2011-03-04T23:49:00.004-07:00

How it has now been almost 5 whole years since I came back from my mission to the Southside of Chicago, and I still have these kiddos on my mind.

I wanted to take each of them home with me. Especially four of them. Three of them were kids of a less active lady and we were teaching them, the other was Kenyon, their cousin, the cute kid on the right in a white shirt.

She wanted her kids to go to church sooooo bad. But her husband was a dealer and a gang banger, and did not want her going to church. His kids could go. But I know he was afraid that if she went, she would finally build up the courage to leave him. We met her at a thrift store in Chinatown on a p-day. She knew who we were, we discovered that she was a member, and then we discovered that she was in my area. From then on it was instant connection.

Man I miss that family. In the next 7 months we would go through so much together. It started with us stopping by once a week after the kids got home from school and going over the basics with them. I bonded with the boy, he had just turned nine. His name is Anthony. He is the one in the Bulls uniform (it was hard not to hold that against him.) He was the middle child. He could make you laugh by giving you this look, where he would cock his head to the side, squint one eye, give an upturn of one side of his mouth, and say something like, "Now Elder Cummins" (he would never get the 'g' into the name), "now are you tryin to tells me that both y'alls name is Elder?" Then he would point to my companion and say, "this guy, this guy looks like an Elder...You Elder Cummins are my brother."

He told me that after I stopped his dad from beating him. We had an appointment, their mom must have forgot, but Anthony was still there. I knocked, and yelled through the door "Who there" We responded, that it was us and he threw open the door and told us to get in. Turns out his dad....was.....for lack of a better term....about his business. He saw us walk and see what he was doing and snapped. I don't think he knew that we knew. He charged after Anothony who ran. I got in his face and told him that he needed to calm down. It was at that moment that I was expecting to get punched in the face for the first time. We looked at each other, face to face, eye to eye for what seemed like hours. It was really only a few seconds. He tried to move towards Anthony and I grabben his shoulders and told him to come sit on the couch, and we would talk. I told him that as far as i was concerned I saw nothing there that day. I then told him, that he was going to start respecting us when we came over, that he was going to sit down with the family during our gospel conversations, and he was going to be there for his family if they wanted to come to church. That he was going to pray with his family and be the support that they needed. He teared up a bit, shook his head, apologized for the things he had said about us, told me I was "aight for church people". The next sunday he drove his wife and kids to church. He even started sitting in on the discussions and asked questions.

I was asked some of the most heart wrenching questions that really made me cling to these kiddos. We were from different worlds. My biggest fear as a kid was getting grounded from teenage mutant ninja turtles again. There fears, were things that really should be scary. I was asked, "What happens to a mom, if someone breaks in and cuts her, cuts her so bad she bleeds and dies. Does she go to heaven?" The boy on the far left, a distant relative of my three kiddos, had that happen to his mom. "What happens to a boy who gets shot walkin to school? Can he go to heaven?" The girl holding the doll asked that, because her best friend and neighbor had that happen.
The girl in the pink to the left of me, is Anthony's sister Aneeka. She had more attitude than any girl I have ever met and the prettiest big brown eyes. Their sister, who was 11, was practicing for her school play when that pic was taken. She was chosen to play Coretta Scott King. She had real potential. She was brilliant. I used to tutor her in math and history after the lessons or after dinner. She had real potential of going to college. She wanted to be a doctor.

Saying goodbye to these kiddos was one of the hardest parts of my mission. I knew that I could reach the dad. We had bonded, he would pick me us up if he saw us out tracting or walking around. But he did not trust people very easy. He understandably did not like my companion. And if I left then it was going to be a major turning point. Its a hard thing to balance when you are teaching people as a missionary: to know if they are responding to the message or to you as a person. I worked with them for the better part of 7 months. I couldn't get them to church for one consecutive month. And I could only get the mom to come maybe once a month, and the ward wasn't willing to take responsibility for the kids, having to pick them up, take them to church, and I understood that. They needed to be tested, to see if they would do it without me being there. I had already been in the area for 5 transfers, which was unheard of in our mish, but I worked really well in that ward, so they let me stay longer than most. But to stay for a sixth transfer was not an option. My mission president told me he had other things that he needed me to do. So I was transferred.

Unfortunately, when I left, they transferred, with good reason, my companion too. The missionary who replaced me, was not a fan of mine. He really disliked me. I never knew why. So he stopped seeing everyone I taught.....as some way to stick it to me for being made something he thought he deserved more than me. And my kiddos never went back to church again.

I was lucky enough to get transfered back into that ward for my last 3 months. Sometimes knowing the president really well has an advantage or two. I was asked by a lot of people why I chose to go back there since I had already been in the area for almost 8 months. These kids were one of the big reasons. Members of the ward were another. But I needed one more chance with these kids. I knew that the gospel was going to be the one thing that would keep them safe. It was dangerous enough for them to have a gang banger dad. That placed a target on his back. His profession potentially placed targets on each of them. You can get by in the rough areas without being forced into a gang if you go to church. Church is well respected on the Southside. But it was too late, I was gone for 7 months, and the damage was done. The dad was back to doing what he was doing, I could come over, I could pray, I could give a lesson, he would take me to lunch, but it just wasn't going to happen. That was my last night ever seeing the kids. I don't know if you can tell but my eyes were so watery in that picture. I am too tough to ever really cry, but sometimes......my eyes get watery......don't judge me. So here I am, 5 years later, reminiscing about these kids. Hoping they are okay. Still mentioning them in my prayers. Missing the crap out of them. Wishing I could have taken them home, and give them a life like I had. Still trying to figure out how it has been five years and still feel like it was yesterday I was having a bbq in Washington Park, or seeing Keisha play Mrs. King in the school play, or celebrating my birthday with the funnest group of kids on the southside. It's kinda crazy.

Someone Like You

2011-02-25T22:32:00.003-07:00

Hey guys, its time for another song recommendation from me. This week, the song I have been listening to a lot is "Someone Like You" by my favorite Brit- Adele. If you don't know who she is, that is a shame. I found her a long time ago, before her song Chasing Pavements and winning a few grammys by playing around on Itunes. I called that she would blow up in a post a long time ago. And, ya'll know how much I love being right, and I am glad I was, because she just released her latest record 21, and it is really good. If you get it, make sure you get the deluxe version on Itunes because if you don't you miss out on 2 really great songs. She did a remake of 311's "Love Song" and then there is a song called "I Found a Boy" that is really good- the kicker, you have to get the whole cd in order to get that last long, one of Itunes' album only kind of thing. Anyways, this is Adele singing "Someone Like You" at the BRIT Awards. You're welcome in advance.

I will include a few of her other songs, too because I am awesome like that.

Chasing Pavement

She did the best remake of Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love

Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-22T14:16:00.002-07:00

I am turning 26 in two weeks and I think my body has decided to fall apart before that happens to convince me that I am getting old.

Exhibit (A):
I run 3-4 miles everyday of the week except wednesday (because I play tennis) and Sunday (because I am not sure if running is breaking the sabbath or not.....like I know getting a Jamba Juice or forgotten items to make dinner with aren't, but does real physical exertion count? :/ ) Well yesterday at the gym I started my daily run on the treadmill. And at a mile, I began to feel like I do when I hit 4 miles. My shins were killing me, my feet hurt, my lungs were hurting - which is weird because I don't really get out of breath even at mile 4, so I pushed on for another quarter mile and then had to stop and walk for a bit. Pissed I thought I would just push it out, and that this was going to be a mind over matter kind of thing. I started running again and at half a mile in I thought I was going to die. (a little over dramatic.) But I was going to push through, just make it a mile Brad, just make it a mile. So I did.....and then immediately had to walk again for another minute or two. Then I was going to do it, run another mile, and only made it a half, and said eff it. Matter wins this time.

Exhibit (B):
I don't sleep very much. I average around 4, at most 5, hours a night during the week and about 7 on the weekends. Saturday I woke up at noon thirty.........Sunday I woke up at 1:30(p.m)....Monday I did fine, I woke up at 8am, and then today I woke up at 1pm. I have class at 1:30 and it takes me 40 minutes to get to school park and walk over to the law school and sit down in class. And I needed to shower. So I tried, to make it, but was 20 minutes late, so I decided it would be best to not walk in that late.

Exhibit (C):
I am still exhausted. I feel like I can sleep for another 8 hours no problem. And weirdly enough, I really want to do that. I have never had a problem with not getting sleep, I figure it gives me an advantage on all those people who need their precious 8 hours of sleep because I have an extra 3 hours a day that they don't have. I don't want to lose this edge.

So I am probably getting old........or as my mom said- you sound congested and are coughing.....maybe you are getting a cold.

Missing the good old days

2011-02-15T18:34:00.005-07:00

Did you guys see the grammy awards?!? Me neither. I was reading about illegal search and seizure. I have, however, seen pictures. Here are the said pictures:

My girl Nicki Minaj, who I respect as a rapper and is the best female rapper since L-Boogie, went all thundercat.

But not to be outdone by anyone, Gaga set the caliber to unbeatable heights:

and then emerged from the egg

This crazyness has me missing the good ole days where:

A simple kiss between two pop stars

or

A simple wardrobe malfunction

Were enough to cause the Superbowl to have only those over the age of 60 preform the halftime show for the next 7 years.

In times like these, I wish, celebrities would turn to my life mentor, Tracy Jordan, for advice. If they did, I think this is something he would have to say:

I am so naive

2011-02-13T17:54:00.005-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought I was so wise. I thought that I knew everything about everything that one could be naive about. Turns out I am totally naive when it comes to drugs and or drug references. Here is what just happened to me. I am wearing this what I thought was a cool Lucky Brand t-shirt that promoted live green......as in lets make the earth better.

What I thought was a promotion of environmental friendliness in an organically made shirt from one of my favorite brands of clothes.........apparently is really a promotion of marijuana. My shirt is tan, not gray like the pic above, and the plant under the "LIVE GREEN" is blue. The plant....when I first bought the shirt looked like the fronds on a palm tree like this:

It is a wonderful 75 degrees in AZ right now so I thought I would celebrate the warm weather by wearing my pro-environment palm tree shirt to go to the school and study after I got home from church. So I put it on and headed to the school. Parked in the institute parking lot, was walking to the law library, having my weekly sunday phone call with my mom, when this guy I don't know said hey, let me look at your shirt. Taken off guard I did just that. Then he said, "Yeah man, bad ass shirt." To which I hear my mom say, "What is going on, Brad?!?" and I was like, "Thanks." and then walking away, "Some crazy guy really likes my shirt." I walk a little further and I get stopped again by a different person wanting to talk about my shirt. "Dude that shirt is awesome, let me read what it says." You can't tell from the picture above but on the bottom of the shirt there is writing. I never noticed it before, I have only worn this shirt once or twice, under a jacket, so I thought I would take a moment to read it with this polite stranger. He finished before I did, offered up a high five, and said, "yeah man, don't let the man walk on you grasssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!"

This is what the shirt says in smaller writing on the bottom of the shirt: "Give Earth a chance. Take a trip and support the high life. Don't let the man walk on your grass"

Now I remember reading this once before, probably when I bought it. And didn't really think anything of it. But at that moment it hit me. This shirt did not mean what I thought it meant. And the fronds of a palm tree was not on this shirt. It is really this.

Yes ladies and gentleman, that is marijuana. Ganja, the mary jane, the juan valdez, the sweet lucy texas tea. Yeah I knew all of these crazy terms for it.........but didn't really no what it looks like. And now apparently I promote it on the clothes I wear.

Some random thoughts

2011-02-11T01:17:00.002-07:00

Nothing in particular just some stuff i have been thinking about lately.

- Norah Jones: it amazes me that i can never not like you. Your music, especially your first cd, is really, really amazing. Me and a person that I was really close to in high school, would drive around chilling to that cd. It allowed for some really good conversation. We decided that any one of those songs can just take you to a different place. Don't Know Why takes you to a beach on a cooler day where there is no one else out there but you and maybe the person you are in love with. Come Away with me, is the song that will be stuck in my head traveling to wherever it is i will go on a honeymoon......provided that it ever happens. And also provided that ever happens, i really don't care about any of the details of the wedding, and i don't really want there to be dancing, but if there is, i want to choose the song......and i want that to be Painter Song, by Norah Jones.

- I seriously cannot create a play list that doesn't eventually end up having a Killers/Brandon Flowers song on it somewhere. That is not a lie.

- I am really grateful for such good friends. I am 700 miles away from you guys, well, with the exception of WIll and Magz who are only like 300 miles away and i get to see a little more often because they are awesome enough to let me come over when I need to get away from law school and life here for a weekend. Those two are seriously the best and produced the cutest kid i have ever seen. I talk with four of you on basically a daily basis, you know who you are, and I just wanted to say thank you for your friendship it really means a lot to me, and i think you are all the best. Magz please accept this for Will, because I am pretty sure he doesn't know what blogs are.

- I have been listening to Stephen Colbert's audiobook as I try to fall asleep and have written down my favorite quotes for you:
"Sorry handball, you are just tennis for poor people"
"Every time I see a lady in the WNBA make a basket I can't help but think a guy could have done it better"
"The first sport you should ever watch is baseball. It is as American as apple pie. So American in fact, that I think it should be played with a real apple. And I have a lot of other good ideas too"
"In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth. Sorry Darwin-huggers, it wasn't in the beginning a monkey evolutioned gay marriage."

- My mom is awesome. That should just be a given. But as it turns out I left a few things back in UT over break, and she is kind enough to mail them to me. Seriously three packages in the last two weeks. I procrastinate a lot, especially when it comes to packing and prefer to do it all in the 30 minutes prior to when i leave to go somewhere. And i always forget something somewhere.

- Instant streaming from Netflix is the best/worst thing to ever happen to me.

- Parks and Recreation is tying with 30 Rock as my favorite show on television. And I am so glad the Office has stepped up its game this season. Dear friends at my former place of employment: I miss our Friday chats about the television shows on the night before and the office office parties we had. Good times.

- Never trust the scantily clad female who sits down at the same black jack table as you to know what she is doing. She will hit on 15 with the dealer showing a 6 every . single . time. That said dealer, will then not get the jack she received by hitting when she is not supposed to, and will get a 5, giving him 21 and beating your 20. And you will then lose.

- I had my first experience at an Indian Casino last weekend with my roommate Jake. We both learned that lesson the hard way.

- I am craving Red Iguana.

- I am also craving Cauliflower soup from Zuppa's. Or the cauliflower soup that i make from scratch. Seriously just as good as Zuppa's. I just don't have time to make it down here.

- I enjoy it being 70 and sunny during the winter. Here is to hoping it lasts until May.

It's Kind of a Funny Story....

2011-02-09T00:09:00.003-07:00

If you have not seen this movie yet. Please do. It is really good. If you don't believe me watch this clip.

I think this calls for a recreation? In anticipation I have listened to nothing but Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie. I am willing to do either parts.......but I prefer the Freddie Mercury part. Just a preference. Lets face it I will be a fake guitar player or play the tambourine. I just want this to happen. Also I apologize, they do the whole song in the movie, this is just a little teaser. I didn't want to ruin the whole experience for you.........also I couldn't find a video that contained the whole song on it, so this is what you are stuck with.

I hate....

2011-02-05T01:01:00.002-07:00

getting an email from Itunes that says"Your Receipt..................$19.80" and then I have to think of what in the H did I buy on Itunes this time. Its the 99¢.....it fools me every time. Every.........Single..........Time

Setting the Record Straight with 21 Questions

2011-01-23T22:09:00.003-07:00

So, Facebook has this application where people answer questions about you. It is called 21 Questions. I have never paid any attention to this application before but apparently people have been answering questions about me over the years and I have taken the time to gather the questions asked and the corresponding answers. The results show that some of you don't know me at all. So I have taken it upon myself to set the record straight, and give the real answers to the questions asked. Here is how this post is going to shape up. First I will write the question in bold, then the answer or answers by friends on FB in italics, and then the actual answer below that.

Do you think that Brad Cummings is a slacker?
No
The correct answer is actually yes. Yes I am a slacker. If anything Facebook, Twitter, and definitely this blog are all evidence of that. Also, have you ever had a conversation with me? I will keep you on the line for hours to avoid reading, studying, etc. You nay sayer, are incorrect.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has a cute butt?
Yes/No
Ok, mixed answers on this one. I can respect that. Depending on the mirror and the pair of jeans I am wearing the answer could indeed go either way.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has smelly feet?
No/No/No
3 no's. Hmmm, I don't want to say I have smelly feet.......but I might. I run 2-4 miles a five times a week. I have really excellent hygiene, take two showers a day, but it might happen.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever eaten a booger?
Yes
No comment except to say that at one time I was 3 and at one point I was a teenager who played truth or dare..........

Do you think that Brad Cummings is 'smarter than the average bear'?
Yes
This person is correct. Over Christmas break I went to see Yogi Bear 3D with my nephew and niece and couldn't help but think I could totally own Yogi in every way. Listen Yogi, you are a bear that can talk and wears people clothes. Humans eat that crap up. You are worth millions (unless you look at box office records.....sorry that was a low blow) and yet your highest ambition in life is to steal picnic baskets from unsuspecting campers then you are a complete waste of God given talent and I can't wait to see you lying on the floor of Sarah Palin's house in the next episode of Sarah Palin's Alaska.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever been unfaithful in a relationship?
No/No
You would be correct two people who said no. Fidelity is very important to me.

Do you think that Brad Cummings still sleeps with a teddy bear?
Yes
You are incorrect. I do however sleep with a small pillow that I may snuggle with as I try to fall asleep. Tmi......well if that wasn't then this picture may be.

This is the afore mentioned pillow

Do you think that Brad Cummings is mean?
No
The real answer to this question is completely relative.

Do you think that Brad Cummings brushes their teeth regularly?
Yes
You are correct. I am a two a dayer

Do you think that Brad Cummings would look good in a bikini?
Yes
I will let you be the judge of that one scroll to the bottom of this post for a visual

Do you think that Brad Cummings owns a nice car?
Yes
I drive a 2010 Nissan Rogue. I like it.

Do you think that Brad Cummings is a good driver?
Yes
You would be incorrect answerer. I was going to take a picture of my parking to evidence this but forgot. That will be a future post. I have described my driving as being similar to, and i mean this in the least sexist/racist way possible, a 16 year old asian girl who is texting while driving.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever skinny dipped?
No
Correct answer friend.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever pranked call someone?
Yes/Yes
Yes I have, but I will admit I am fairly bad at doing it.

Do you think Brad Cummings has ever pulled an all-nighter?
Yes
Yes, I do it on a fairly regular basis

Do you think that Brad Cummings is smarter than George W. Bush?
Yes
The only person to underachieve more than Yogi Bear is George W. Bush

Do you think that Brad Cummings is superficial?
No
Thank you, I don't think I am either

Do you think that Brad Cummings is trailer trash?
No/No
I knew hating country music my whole life would pay off eventually, and now it has with two correct answers to this question.

Do you think that Brad Cummings is a wannabe?
No
At one point I did wannabe your lover, so I had to get with your friends
Make it last forever, friendships never ends
If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give,
Taking is too easy, but that's the way it is.

So tell me what you want, what you really really want...........

Do you think that Brad Cummings has soft hands?
No
Partially correct. I play a lot of tennis, so my right hand is kind of calloused and rough. I have a one-handed backhand so my left hand is never used and maintains a soft feel.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever had a 1 night stand?
No
My answer can best be summarized in a monologue of a made for the big screen movie of a monologue of a made for tv movie starring a young Sally Field about a girl named Cybil with multiple personalities.

You are correct, I am not a slut

Would you hook up with Brad Cummings?
No
Thats not what you or your mom said last night.

Is Brad Cummings's profile picture ugly?
Yes
Eff you. Looks like I need to clean out my FB closet, Eminem style

Do you think that Brad Cummings puts 'hoes' before 'bros'?
No
You are right, my friends mean the world to me.

Do you think that Brad Cummings is smarter than you?
Yes
Yeah, you are right, I probably am

Do you think Brad Cummings prefers Coke to Pepsi?
No
This may be a surprise, but if I am going to be perfectly honest, I prefer diet coke to mt. dew.

Do you think that Brad Cummings is more manly than Serena Williams?
Yes
Thank you

Do you think that Brad Cummings is a jealous significant other?
No
Yeah I am not really the jealous type.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever stolen money from their friends?
No/No/No
You all keep on thinking that..........bhahhahaha

Do you think Brad Cummings can drink a gallon of water?
Yes
Like in one sitting? whoa, i don't know

Do you think that Brad Cummings is hot?
Yes/Yes
and yet I have an ugly profile pic? you guys are giving me mixed signals.........which must mean only females are answering these questions. haha I kid

Do you think that Brad Cummings likes blue eyes?
Yes
You are correct, i do

Do you think that Brad Cummings is cute?
Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes
I am kind of adorable

Do you think that Brad Cummings could key a car for revenge?
Yes
For the record, I have never done that. And having been the recipient of that once in high school I would never do that to anyone.

Do you think that Brad Cummings sings Britney Spears aloud when no one is around?
No
You obviously don't get how awesome the songs Lucky, womanizer, and toxic are

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever taken money for a bribe?
No/No
You are correct......although I am not opposed.....

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever kissed a girl?
Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes
Yuppers

Do you think that Brad Cummings spends more than an hour on facebook everyday?
No
Haha, I wish. I would have so much more time to blog more if that were true

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever punched someone?
No
You are right, I have never punched anyone. But I am seriously considering taking boxing classes so this could change soon.

Do you think Brad Cummings has good taste?
Yes/Yes
Why thank you. I do. I really do. In clothes, friends, music, movies, and girls. Ok, one of these is not true. You decide.

Do you think that Brad Cummings has a bad haircut?
No
Thank you for not making my sister cry. (She is responsible for the cutting process)

Do you think that Brad Cummings has ever failed a class?
Yes
I have technically never failed a class. I got really sick in high school, missed a third of my junior year, and came very close to failing my math class that year. But my math teacher may or may not have been one of my mom's close friends and in my ward and the ward choir director and said if I joined the choir I wouldn't.....so I didn't. So suck on that.

Do you think that Brad Cummings still wet their bed in 6th grade?
No
No, i still didn't wet the bed. However, funny story. One time while sleep walking I walked into by parent's room and started to pee on the floor. Technically not wetting the bed. It was a one time only experience. Also my parents started locking their door.

Do you think that Brad Cummings can cook?
Yes
Yes I can cook very well. I just choose not to very often.

Is Brad Cummings fun to be around?
Yes
I think just this post should be evidence of that.

Do you think that Brad Cummings can dance?
Yes
I don't want to correct this one because I would love to let this person continue thinking that I am a good dancer....however I started this post with the intention to be completely honest with the answers so..............no comment. that is lawyer for no comment.

Do you think that Brad Cummings can run a mile without stopping?
Yes
Yes, I can.

Do you think that Brad Cummings would help an elderly woman cross the street?
Yes
Yeah I probably would.......even if I wasn't related to her.

Do you think that Brad Cummings is a good friend?
Yes
I am alright.....I guess.......whatever

Have you ever had a crush on Brad Cummings?
No
If you haven't yet, then I am sure you will soon.

Do you think that Brad Cummings is annoying?
No
Yes and No. I actually can be. That is why I never hang around anyone for too long, so that way they never figure it out.

Do you think that Brad Cummings thinks shopping at Wal-Mart is classy?
Yes
Ugh....maybe klassy with a K. I hate Walmart and am proud to say I have not purchased anything from that hell hold for over two years.

Do you think Brad Cummings dresses well?
Yes
I do alright. If GQ is alright.

Do you think that Brad Cummings would ever do community service voluntarily?
Yes
Yes, you are correct. If yo know me at all then you know UNICEF holds a very special place in my heart. Please check out their website, the US Fund's website, and the organization me and a few friends created at the University of Utah called UNICEF/RED to see how you can help disadvantaged children. www.unicef.org www.unicefusa.org and www.unicefred.org or www.unicefred.blogspot.com

There we go. I just confirmed or straightened out the 21 Question application for FB. Please comment to see if you disagree with any of my answers.

Trying to put on

2011-01-17T18:01:00.001-07:00

.........My studying face.......

This is obviously not it

Three Songs that I can't get enough of as of late

2011-01-16T22:08:00.002-07:00

Having driven from Gilbert AZ to Farr West UT and back in the last month gave me a lot of time to listen to music and an audio book. The audio book was World War Z. It was amazing. Now I have to read the book. The audio was great and was probably the 6 best hours of the entire trip back. I love Zombie movies and now books......at least audio books. I also heard Brad Pitt's production company has bought the rights for the movie version, and I can't wait. Ironically it fits in with one of the three songs that I can't get enough of and I am hoping big time that they use this song in it.

Dog Days are Over by Florence + the Machine

Another song I can't get enough of is Boyce Avenue's take on Fast Car. Tracy Chapman, the original artist is someone who has such a unique voice that I didn't think I would live a cover of any of her songs, let alone her best. But I really did this version. Also the lyrics are sooooo good.

Fast Car by Boyce Avenue ft. Kina Grannis.

Lastly, this song kind of sums up the depression leaving home to come back to AZ made me feel. I don't mind it here, I just really miss people up there.

Top 10

2010-12-14T15:27:00.003-07:00

Guilty Pleasure Songs. I know these songs aren't really that great. But I love them and listen to them all the time. Welcome to my shameful little world.

10. Hall & Oates: You Make My Dreams Come True

You're welcome for including the 500 Days of Summer video

9. Joni Mitchell: Both Sides Now

Call me a hippie, call me whatever. Listen to the lyrics. Joni Mitchell knows where its at.

8. Missy Elliot: Work ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

My friend Leigh once in high school printed out the lyrics for me, because i loved this song, and had absolutely no clue what she says in the chorus.
Is it worth it, let me work it
I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it
It's (I put thing down, flip and reverse it)*Backwards 2x which sounds like its your femma neppe vinette
If you got a big [elephant], let me search it
To find out how hard I gotta work ya
It's (I put thing down, flip and reverse it)*Backwards 2x* which sounds like its your femma neppa vinette

7. Mandy Moore: Only Hope

Okay, once every ten years I like to be a hopeless romantic, and I listen to this version of the song. Any other time you can listen to the better Switchfoot version and not have to feel guilty about it. Ahhh, Mandy

6. Ace of Base: The Sign

I don't know if I should admit this or not..........this is not the only time I have tried to find this video on youtube........

5. Natalie Imbruglia: Torn

There is so much I can say about this song and this music video. I wasn't allowed to watch MTV as a young teen, so when I slept over at my buddy's house that is all we would watch until three in the morning. This is one of those videos that made us keep watching...I used to have such a big crush on Natalie. Why did she have to be a one hit wonder

4. Vanessa Carlton: 1000 Miles

I am a product of 1999............somethings just don't ever go away

3. Outkast: Hey Ya!

I don't really know what to say about this one...........

2. Mary J. Blige: Family Affair

Ok we all know, I love me some Mary J. What makes this a guilty pleasure is how much I really love this song. Like, really love it.

1. Bonnie Tyler: Total Eclipse of the Heart

Yeah, if I am ever in the car for longer than two hours you can guarantee that this song will be on the playlist. It is my favorite roadtrip song and one of my favorite 80's song. Then I see the look in your eyes....................

You are now entering..............

2010-12-10T01:16:00.003-07:00

THE FRIEND ZONE

I need to check something with you all. When a girl tells you that you are nice and that you are funny she has removed you from the possible interest pool and placed you in the friend zone. Correct? Like I am two steps away from being told about boy problems and four steps away from hearing stories about forgetting tampons and such, right? Because chicks don't like to date funny and nice boys.

Ahh why must you girls be so........cryptic............for lack of a word that could set the whole blog-o-sphere ablaze with hate comments................but if I did say it, You would probably all fall madly in love with me. There I go again........being nice.

Oh well.......I don't even know why I am spending time thinking about this, I don't really have time for any type of relationship right now, let alone one that has other obstacles that make it harder than just figuring you girls out.

Anyways, advice is welcomed. Sorry I have been bad at posting.........i hope to be better while at break........which is four days away......and then I will be back home!!!!!!!

May I recommend....

2010-11-19T18:10:00.003-07:00

That you listen to this song.......it gets me. For reals, I just discovered this guy on a sleepless night playing around on iTunes. But this guy is Bob Dylan meets Gavin Degraw meets James Morrison meets my soul. Okay, a little over dramatic. But for reals, listen up kids, this guy has some real talent:

Song Title: Lawn Full Of Marigolds
Artist: Joshua James
Album: Build Me This

Lyrics:
I moved myself west to find a philosophy,
to learn my geography at best.
Where the mountains are cold,
the rain drops it's tears, I'm told.
Amongst the ashes a heart of gold, they say.
I guess it's best to imagine it that way.

So I bought me a book to teach me the ways of God,
to open my tarnished heart from it.
Started praisin' the Lord & talkin' in tongues & code;
I did repairs on that broken road back home.
I guess it's better than being alone.

And now to death: I'm dying.
To love: I'm trying.
To God: I'm lying again.
And to my Ma: I've failed you.
To my Pa: I [always] blamed you.
And to God: I have shamed you again.

So I moved myself out, I pictured a better home-
a lawn full of marigolds, I guess.
I headed back east, started thinking my hope away,
depression was the one to stay since then.
Now, I take pills to push it from my head.
Yes, I take pills to push it from my head.

And now to death: I'm dying.
To love: I'm trying.
To God: I'm lying again.
And to my Ma: I've failed you.
To my Pa: I [always] blamed you.
And to God: I have shamed you again.
To God: I have shamed you again.
To God: I have shamed you again.
Again.

also, if you like, listen to these ones too:

A Hairy Theory

2010-11-18T19:12:00.008-07:00

So, I have this philosophy, that as my hair goes so goes my day. I know that sounds what people may call gay, but I am comfortable enough with myself and my love for Alicia Keys to have this discussion. If I have a good hair day, my day seems to be just as good as my hair. If it is bad, well the day pretty much sucks. Does my hair make my day or my attitude at the beginning of the day shape my hair and the rest of my day? I don't know, I am not a scientist and or a psychic. I have just noticed the correlation, and decided to document it as proof. Here is my proof.

Day of Haircut: Not So Sure. I didn't style my hair, Monica at Knockouts did. Knockouts, or as I like to refer to it, Hooters Haircutting. It is a very fun place to get your haircut. Not only is that title well deserved, but each station has ESPN on on your own personal television. The only thing that seems out of place is that there is not hot wings. And the chicka, in my case Monica, asks which game you would like to watch, and then proceeds to tell you which games are on and who she thinks will win. I somehow always feel suspicious of this, like a happy ending proposal is only minutes away, but the two times I have been there it has not happened. Although, I have never gotten a massage there (yes they are offered) so who knows. I for one, am not going to try and find out. Anyways, I can never be sure of my hair after someone else does it. It usually looks alright, but never quite like me.

A few days later: Figured Out What to Do with It = Good, long, productive, day of going to court and meeting with judges, lots of reading and writing done. Good times for all

Then there was the bad day, where I went into the bathroom after showering to do my hair and said out loud, "Eff it. Not today folks, just not today" and that was basically my attitude for the rest of the day resulting in this tragic mess at the end of the day

And then today, I woke up and thought you know what, life- not too shabby, and this came about:

Why? This may or may not be a question going through your head at this very moment. Why is Brad blogging about this? Did he really take this many pictures of himself?

Well let me tell you. 1. I don't know. 2. I really don't know why I blog about the things that I do, just deal with it. 3. Yes, I really did take this many pictures of myself. Its called a webcam, it makes taking random weird photos of yourself very easy.

I have always had this hypothesis of as the hair goes so goes the day. And I wanted to share that random oddball fact, and see if anyone else concurs.

Also, I hate going to anyone that I don't know cut my hair, they don't know me or how much my hair apparently will affect my day. My friend Jamie used to cut my hair and always did an awesome job. Then my sister started cutting my hair, and does an awesome job. My hair was getting too long and couldn't wait until I went home for fear of a constant time of picture number 3. So I went to Monica, she seems to do a pretty decent job......but Katie is just as good and free. Luckily I go home for Turkey day soon and Christmas, and the free hair cuts I have enjoyed for the past few years will be back and hopefully so will more days like pic 2 or 4.

Top 10 Old Betty's

2010-11-09T23:12:00.021-07:00

Okay, before I do the top ten ladies of 2010 I thought I would do one of the ladies that paved the way for the hotties of today. It should be no secret but I love old movies. Acting was just different then that it is today. It was classier. Today is more realistic, fast paced and edgy. But then it was just classy. As you all know I love movies, all movies, oldies, foreigns, indies, everything. If I wasn't wanting the surety and safety of a law career I would have loved to do something with the film. D-word practicality. Anyways, I digress. So with two exceptions, all these ladies hit their peaks in the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's. What else could they do? They could make smoking hot. No girl today can do this. None. But there was something about them back then that makes me understand why so many people die of lung cancer now.

10. Lucille Ball
You may just think of her as this:

The lovable, funny, accident-prone ginger from I Love Lucy. But before she was that she was this:

She paved the way for funny gals everywhere. I Love Lucy.

9. Jean Arthur
She is in one of my all time favorite movies, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I would also recommend Can't Take It With You. She is a cutie, but I think it is her voice that gets me. This is her in Mr. Smith.

And this is my fave pic of her:

8. Goldie Hawn
Okay, I know she isn't that old. But I am talking young Goldie. Like Laugh In Goldie. And that started in the 1960's so she can stay on the list. She is also the MILF of a girl who has been a regular on my top ten list since 2004. Will she make it this year? You will have to wait and see. (Building Anticipation)

Goldie, on Laugh In

My fave Goldie:

7. Bette Davis
Those eyes inspired songs. All ABout Eve, good flick. But look at those Eyes. Also may I recommend youtubing Brandon Flowers singing Bette Davis Eyes, it is a good rendition of the song.

My fave Bette:

Okay I embedded the Brandon Flowers Bette Davis Eyes. You are welcome.

6. Julie Andrews
How could I leave this classic sweet heart off the list? That's right I couldn't. Is she attractive? Yes. Not the classic bombshell that some of these ladies are. But for every Eva Mendez there has to be a Natalie Portman, am I right? Still cute, much more talented, than the others, and often less recognized for their beauty. Julie Andrews, the Natalie Portman of her time?

My fave Julie:

5. Katherine Hepburn / Ingrid Bergman
Ahhh a tie. I needed to include both of these ladies in the top 5. Smart, sexy, and in some of the best movies of all time.

Ingrid Bergman
You probably know her best from the classic, and one of my fave flicks, Casablanca, or from the classics For Whom the Bell Tolls or Anastasia. She is the second most oscar awarded actress of all time. Second only to.......wait for it, wait for it....
Ingrid in Casablanca:

My fave:

Katharine Hepburn. You may know her from a billion different movies. She is the most oscar awarded actress of all time at a total of 4 best actress (out of 12 nominations) and according to Wikipedia is ranked as the best actress ever by the American Film Institute. I believe it. My favorite movie of hers is Guess Who is Coming to Dinner. Funny, provocative at the time, and good message. Although her other classics are Brining Up Baby, On Golden Pond, The African Queen, and The Philadelphia Story.

Classic Katharine:

My Fave:

4. Grace Kelly
So pretty she became a princess. Literally. Princess Grace of Monaco. But before she was that, she was in my second favorite Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. Probably best know for Mogambo, Dial M for Murder, and Country Girl, that is other than becoming a humanitarian and princess. Honestly there isn't a single bad photo of her. Here are two of my faves:

Classic Grace:

My Fave (You know I dig a chick in cool shades)

3. Audry Hepburn
Is there anyone classier than this chicka? The answer is no No there is not. My favorite movie of hers is Charade. Shut up, I know there are a billion others that are just as amazing and probably more praise worthy. Its just my personal fave. Deal with it.

Classic Audry:

Fave Audry:

2. Norma Jean Mortensen aka MF Marilyn Monroe.
Yeah, like she wouldn't be on the list. Say what you will about her, I love her. She really needs no introduction.

Classic Marilyn:

Fave Marilyn:

This is my fave because of how simple it is. Not a whole lot of dolled up, uber sexy, like she usually is. This is the Marilyn i picture as the real Marilyn. The off the camera Marilyn.

1.Twiggy
Ok, not a movie star. But really one of the hottest models of all time. Sorry Heidi Klum, but I put her just above you and just above Gizelle. You may unfortunately recognize her from my sisters favorite show, America's Next Top Model. But you should know her from changing modeling forever. I heart her.

Honorable mentions: Bridgette Bardot, Tippi Hedren, Ava Gardner, Jayne Mansfield

Okay, there are so many other betty's of yester year that could and should be on this list. These are just ten that came to me right now. Other suggestions?

Help

2010-11-02T01:49:00.003-06:00

I need this song in on my ipod, like right now...............but it is not for sale anywhere that I can find................help

you may know her from this song

or from this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDbrur1Cs_Q&feature=related

Sorry it won't let me embed. But I highly suggest looking it up

This speech is very interesting

2010-09-29T13:41:00.002-06:00

I want her story to be the next HBO movie starring maybe either Anne Hathaway or Idina Menzel. I think Idina looks and sounds a lot like her and would probably do better, but Anne Hathaway could pull it off just fine.

I miss.........

2010-09-25T15:53:00.002-06:00

These guys:

My family on the day of my brother's wedding to Amy. I am grateful for them and for the building behind us that makes it so we are all together forever.

On the Floor..........

2010-09-21T23:48:00.003-06:00

This song by Brandon Flowers gets to me. It is one of those songs that when I first listened to it I kinda blew it off because it is a little slow, and moved on to a few of my other songs that I really really love on his cd Flamingo. Then one day after talking to my mom and hearing her worried about my grandpa's health and feeling soooo helpless being 700 miles away and being homesick for most of the week I let this song play out in its entirety. Brandon Flowers has one of the most hauntingly amazing voices of all time. You combine that with lyrics that are so beautifully written in this understated way that somehow speaks volumes and juxtapositions something so ugly with something so grand and you get this song: On The Floor. It kind of reminds me of where I need to be more often.

Play the video to listen to the song and I pasted the lyrics below it. I hope you enjoy.

Lyrics
When the lights go down in the city, getting real low
Settling in my room, I’m unnoticed
When the still comes in through my window, letting me go
I feel a calm, come over me, on the floor

On the floor
Where the rats all come away clean
There on the floor
Where the children all stomped and screamed straight out the door
Well I find myself on my knees
Begging please

When the lights go down in the city and everyone goes, to their room
Walking the trail to dreamland
When the lights go down in the city, something is roaring
I find myself waiting to believe

On the floor
Where the mice call shots in the corner that’s where I’ll be
When the crickets come home and sing their symphony
Well I find myself on my knees
Begging please

On the floor
Facing the things I’ve done here on the floor
Where the years have gathered and run that’s where I’ll be
And I find myself on my knees
Begging please

This is what I have been doing for the last 2 hours

2010-09-21T20:32:00.002-06:00

I outlined the creation of the Erie Doctrine:

Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins
304 U.S. 64, 58 S.Ct. 817, 82 L. Ed. 1188 (1938)
Parties
Plaintiff: Tompkins; resident of PA
Defendant: Erie Railroad Co.; corporation in NY. (Erie)

Procedural History
A. Tompkins was injured while walking on a path along the railroads right of way
B. Tompkins brought an action in Federal Court in Southern NY
-Fed Court in So. NY had jurisdiction because Erie was a corporation of that state
-Trial Judge refused to rule that the applicable law precluded recovery.
-Jury brought in a verdict in favor of Tompkins for $30,000.
C. Erie appealed; judgement affirmed by circuit court of appeals
-Circuit Court of Appeals claimed: Where general law is applied, as it should in this case, federal courts are free, in absence of local statute, to exercise their judgement as to what law is.
D. Erie appealed to SCOTUS. Supreme Court granted cert
- Because of the importance of the question whether federal court was free to disregard the alleged rule of the PA common law

Facts
A. Tompkins was injured by an Erie train while walking along a path in the along the train’s right of way
B. Tompkins Argument:
- Accident happened by Erie’s negligence
- He had a right to be where he was walking because it was a commonly used beaten foot path and there was no statute claiming otherwise.
- He was struck by something that looked like a door projecting from one of the moving cars.
C. Erie’s Argument:
- Its duty to Tompkins was no greater than that owed to a trespasser.
- It’s duty/liability to Tompkins should be determined in accordance with PA common law as declared by the PA highest court that says people using pathways along railways are trespassing and that the railroad is not liable to undiscovered trespassers accidents resulting from its negligence.

Question Presented
A. Whether the oft-challenged doctrine of Swift v. Tyson should be disapproved
- Main ruling in that case stated the “laws of several states” in the Rules of Declaration Act does not include state common law.

Holding
A. Yes, the Swift v. Tyson doctrine should be disapproved and federal courts should apply state common law. (The creation of the Erie Doctrine)

Rule
A. Swift v. Tyson = federal courts are free to exercise an independent judgment as to what the common law of the State is or should be because of section 34 of the Judiciary Act of 1789.
- More recent research by a scholar examining the original document shows that the construction given to it by the Court was erroneous, and the purpose of the section was merely to make certain that in all matters except those in which some federal law is controlling, the federal courts exercising jurisdiction in diversity of citizenship cases would apply as their rules of decision the law of the State, unwritten as well as written.
B. Experience in applying the doctrine of Swift v. Tyson had revealed its political and social defects; and the benefits expected to flow from the rule did not accrue.
- It introduced grave discrimination by non-citizens against citizens
- Made rights enjoyed under the unwritten “general law” vary according to whether enforcement was sought in the state or in the federal court, and the privilege of selecting that court was left to the non-citizen. This rendered the equal protection clause impossible
C. Except in matters governed by the Federal Constitution or by Acts of Congress, the law to be applied in any case is the law of the Sate. That includes law made by the legislature of that state or the highest court of that state.
- There is no federal common law.
- Congress has no power to declare substantive rules of common law applicable in a state.
- SCOTUS declare that in in applying the doctrine of Swift v. Tyson this court and lower courts have invaded rights which in their opinion are reserved by the Constitution to the several States.

Dieting.........

2010-09-11T00:40:00.002-06:00

I believe the hilarious Kelly Kapoor can best summarize how I feel right now....

ahhhhhhhhhh. I tried everywhere to find the clip where she passes out and the one where they are in the conference room and Michael makes her stand on the chair and she says "I hate dieting.......and I hate this worm that is inside of me." But they seem to be missing on youtube and other various clip related sites and cannot find it to save my life.

I have finally incorporated some gym time back into my life. Which has been soooooo good. It really hasn't helped the weight loss as much as I was hoping but it does make me feel good. So I guess I will continue on with it. Dieting isn't as bad as Kelly Kapoor has been making it out to be. Luckily with school, studying, the US Open, and the gym occupying most of my time it has made it easier to not be tempted to eat as badly because I have the goal that I have to burn off at the gym on the treadmill all the calories I ate for breakfast/lunch. We'll see how long I can keep that up.

MILF Island

2010-09-01T00:16:00.005-06:00

So my definition of a MILF for all intents and purposes is going to stand for a Mother I Wanna (get bow chicka bow wow) Fro-Yo with. Listen pervs Fro-Yo as in frozen yogurt. Where are you from a stupid rock? Fro-Yo is the biggest craze to hit since sushi. Anyways here it is my long awaited and much anticipated MILF top ten list. Let me clarify, these hotties are all moms over 40, not your Jessica Albas or Jennifer Garners. We all know I love to flirt me up some middle aged mommas. No harm no foul, just good old fashioned fun times.

Honorable Mentions: Not chosen because they are way too obvious: Sandra Bullock, Jada Pinkett Smith, Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Selma Hayek and Meg Ryan (pre plastic surgery)

10. Michelle Obama

Are you really that surprised she is on there? She is classy, smart, and has nice arms. I am glad she shows them off. The hottest first lady since Jackie-O.

9. Molly Ringwald

I fell in love with her in one of my all time favorite movies, The Breakfast Club. I named my high school tennis racquet after that character. And she still kinda as it goin for her. Way to go Claire.

8. Dianne Lane

Dianne is the oldest on the list coming in at 50 years old. I know I was going to keep this in the 40s but I threw her in there because, she is still pretty hot at 50. I first fell in love with her when she played Cherry Valance in The Outsiders. But she has kept it going on.

7. Julianne Moore

She never ceases to amaze me. Amazing actress, nominated for 4 oscars, in great movies, and always seems to be getting down in them. Her guest appearances on 30 Rock sealed her fate on this list.

6. Sheryl Crow

I love this folk rock star turned pop rock star turned country rock star.

5. Naomi Watts

Duh, look at that picture. And she is 41 and at one point dated Heath Ledger so you know she must be legit

4. Nicole Kidman

Nicole was once upon a time #2 on my real list of hottest celebrities. But that was back in 2003. She still has it though. She is the kind of classic klassy hottie.

3. Tina Fey

I love this liberal comedic genius. She is the new Lucille Ball but with edge. And hot. She made glasses hot.

2. Tea Leoni

I fell in love with her when she had this little known show and even less watched show called The Naked Truth. It was hilarious. You probably know her from Family Man or Spanglish. In all three things she was HOT. and hilarious. I love the show Fun With Dick and Jane.

1. Betty White

C'mon look at that Golden Girl and tell me you would not wanna get Fro-Yo'd with that. And by Fro-Yo I actually mean frozen yogurt this time. I don't know why I think sexually suggestive jokes about Betty White are overly hilarious but I do.

1. Mary Louis Parker

Ok the real number one goes to hotty Mary Louise Parker, of Weeds. I love her. I want to quit my life and go on the run with her. She has made this show into something I can't get enough of and did I mention she was hot? Because she is.

Well I wasted enough time doing this when I should have been studying. Oops...........I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Life

2010-08-13T02:05:00.002-06:00

Ah life is a little different for me now. I am in Arizona now. Living in Gilbert with three other dudes. I haven't had roomates for over a year and am getting used to it slowly but steadily. Luckily for me all three have proven to be cool guys. I have played tennis, gone to the movies and to a party with them. All in all I can't complain. Well I can, but only about the heat. 110 is a little hotter than I thought it would be.....116 is hotter than it should ever be anywhere....except in hell, it can be 116 there. But what makes it bearable is knowing that in January where it is snowing and cold and freezing in most places in the country I will be enjoying sunny and 75.
Also, I wasn't going to publicly share my weight loss goals but I am kind of proud of myself and thought I would share. Since my birthday in March I have lost .......drumroll....... 22 pounds. I was really terrified to jump back on the scale when I moved down here. When I moved to my parents house for the month of July I stopped weighing myself. And I also stopped running 10 miles a week. And I was taken out to eat so much that I really was so afraid to step back on the scale. Luckily for me I still managed to drop three pounds. How- I don't know. Now I am back on a pretty good diet and since being here have dropped another 2 pounds. So if I can finally get myself back on a solid exercise routine combined with this diet the next 30 pounds should hopefully be off before Christmas break. That is my goal. That would put me about ten pounds less than I was when I came home from my mission. I came home in really good shape. And I maintained that for like three months. Then slowly by slowly the pounds came creeping on. Then after a year and a half they came on a little faster until it kind of put me into a slight state of depression I was depressed that I let myself get this way and depressed that I was lacking the motivation to do anything about it. Then I sprained my ankle and then a few months later did it again. Each brought on bad eating and no exercise. Then came the holidays and finals and blah blah blah a lot of other excuses. Then my birthday hit and I began to analyze my life and what was making me a little blue. The largest answer was my weight. I didn't want to date because I didn't feel good about the way I looked. I felt like I had to compensate for the unattractive state I was in by being funny. Yeah I made myself the fat funny friend. Which in case you have never been this person is a depressing state to be in. Because when you don't feel in the mood to be funny you feel like you have let down the one thing that makes you valuable to a friendship or a group of people. I became kind of disconnected to a lot of people because I didn't know what else to do. Also people treat you much differently when you have extra lbs than when you don't. I have noticed it first hand. People care more about what you have to say, about you in general when you weigh less, and take you more seriously. Friends who are fit and good looking start making you plan B. It is sad. If I have ever done this to anyone I want to apologize now because it is one of the worst feelings in the world to watch people who you care about and who you know at one poing really cared about you treat you differently because of the way that you look.

So to make a long story short, I am tired of feeling blah and not good enough. So I began hitting the gym really hard and dieting. I have had a few setbacks of weight fluxuation but I am finally to a point where I don't feel like I can go back to where I was four months ago. So the next 30 lbs will put me just at the ideal weight for where I think I need to be. Just got to get my fitness and diet to work together.

As a side note, next post will be a top ten milf post. I am very excited. I hope you are too. Thanks for listening.

Things I have learned this week

2010-07-30T00:25:00.004-06:00

- I somehow have a way of disappointing a lot of people without ever meaning to. Like I can literally make people really upset with me and not know it until boom it is blowing up in my face. Your thoughts?

- That my nephew and niece love me as much as I love them. I just said goodbye to them because they are going back to their dads for the weekend and today was the last day I would see them before I moved. I spent most of the day with them at the water park swimming and going on water slides with them. It was a blast. Then they came over to eat bbq at my parents house. I played Wii with my nephew as my niece told me stories about her boyfriends Finn and Puck (yes the ones on Glee). Then it was time to say goodbye. My niece turned four not too long ago and is only kind of comprehending what me leaving means. But my nephew is 6 and we have always been really really close and he got it. He came to give me a hug and didn't let go. The hug lasted like two minutes and he had tears in his eyes when he was done giving me the hug. Which of course made me start to tear up a bit. Which made him give me another hugg because he thought I was sad. Then my sis in law text me later and told me that when her and my bro got home my nephew was really quiet and when they tucked him in she asked him if he was okay and he started bawling and then my niece came in and she started bawling and then my sis in law started bawling because I was leaving. She never said if my brother was bawling but I am just going to assume he was as well. Man am I going to miss them and am so glad that google is as amazing as it is and has a video chat so I can still watch my nephew and niece grow up.

Now I know that everyone always claims that they have the cutest nephews and nieces but c'mon look at this picture and try to argue with me on this one.

- Also I learned that my serve in volleyball is back and almost better than ever. Just need a little more power in it so it hurts to hit back and then it will be there. Hopefully my new singles ward has a weekly volleyball night happening because I am going to miss playing volleyball with my friends every wednesday here in F-Town. That means Farr West you sickos.

Gavin Degraw -Recreating Chill Music

2010-07-29T04:05:00.003-06:00

Of the many types of music I listen to chill music is one of the most constant. I like music that makes you feel something, and real chill music does just that. One of my favorite chill artists is Gavin Degraw. I love the songs Belief, We Belong Together, and probably my fave More Than Anyone, the stripped versions of the songs, the other poppy versions don't do it justice. I also love old motown songs. Smokey Robinson is king, if I could sing like anyone, he would be one of those that are at the top of my list, also Sam Cooke. My favorite Smokey song is Tracks of My Tears and one of my fave Sam Cooke songs is Cupid. I can't sleep and am playing on youtube and discovered this little gem where Gavin Degraw mashes both songs together in the best chill mashup I have heard in a long time. Enjoy

Tonight I Wanna Cry

2010-07-22T01:02:00.004-06:00

So I learned today that two people that I love and look up to and helped make my mission what it was passed away. Hattie Smith and my Grandma Rosie, Rosie Shelton.

Hattie Smith

Those of you who know Hattie knew there was something special from the get go. She was a horrible smoker for years. Started meeting with the sister missionaries and tried to quit so she could get baptized for a year with no success. Then she had a stroke.......and then she had another. And then she gave up smoking and considered the two strokes a blessing because it finally allowed her the opportunity to get baptized. Such a strong example of making the best out of a bad situation and recognizing blessings in the most obscure ways. I served in her ward for a year and went back to visit since coming home. Two weeks before I went home I was able to go with her to the temple for the first time, which for mormons is a huge deal. Everytime we left her house we had to sing I am a Child of God. The strokes left her with limited speach and in a wheelchair and when she sang along you really knew that she was just that, a child of God. Her smoking caught up with her and lung cancer hit and combine that with another stroke and Hattie returned to her Heavenly Father two months ago. I wish I would have known sooner so I could have tried to be there for her funeral.

Rosie Shelton

The next one really hit me hard. Rosie Shelton is one of the greatest people I will ever know. She took me in my first night in the ghettos of Chicago and reassured me of what I was doing and that I would be safe. My first 7 months of my mission I was in the cornfields of Indiana and then the ruralish suburban city of Oswego IL. Then I was transfered to the southside of Chicago. I was amazed at the poverty, the dirtiness, and empty feeling I felt as I made the drive from the mission home to the southside. I was scared. I suddenly became very aware how white, how privileged, and how niave I was. Luckily I had a companion, Shane Hall, who will always be a brother to me, show me the ropes and on that first night he took me to Rosie. I walked into her small apartment in a senior citizen high rise tired, scared, and beat spiritually, mentally, and physically. Shane was still a fairly new missionary and I wanted to give the spiritual messeage to show him A that I was a good missionary and someone he could learn from and B that he could trust me to deliver. Rosie was personable from the very beginning and contained the perfect blend of sass, love, and hilarity. After my spiritual thought she gave me a hug and told me that we were going to get very close while I was serving in her area. Little did she know that I was going to be there for 7 and a half months and she would be seeing my face at least once a week for that. We had a special connection from day one and when I call her Grandma Rosie I mean it. I viewed and loved her like she was my actual grandma and I know she felt the same for me. Her sass toughened me up, her love gave me the sense of family I missed, and her hilarity kept me going when I wanted to give up. Her cooking was out of this world and I will never have cornbread that will compare to hers and I will be having some corned beef and cabbage in her honor. There is so much more that I want to and can say about this woman, but just know she has left permanent footprints on my heart and her death has broke my four year absense of crying. She had MS and after I left dimentia began to set in and she forgot almost everyone. But in my dreams I would have long conversations with her that felt so real. I have missed her ever since I left Chicago and will miss her everday until I get to see her again. Grandma Rosie I love and miss you.

Real/Funny Parody Videos

2010-07-20T01:02:00.005-06:00

The Harvard Sailing Team comedy group is seriously the best thing to happen to me in a long time. Ok that was a little dramatic but seriously I could watch these videos a million times and never get sick of them. Here are my four favorite. The first three are parodies with a lot of overexaggerated life truths about the difference between men and women. And the last is a joke on people getting together who do not know how to play poker. Please watch, enjoy, and let me know what you think.

You're Welcome. Now when I say totes or where are you from- a stupid rock? you will know why.

Another Post about Sunrises

2010-05-14T01:29:00.010-06:00

Ok I know I posted a long time ago about how I dig sunrises and sunsets. I am going to repost why I enjoy them:

Sunsets/rises are one of the great equalizers in our society. I derive this partially from one of my favorite books, The Outsiders and partially to my own thought. If you have read this book or seen the movie you may remember how Ponyboy and Cherry and later how Pony and Johnny talk about sunsets. During Pony and Cherry's discussion Ponyboy talks about how he likes to watch sunsets. After ranting about all the breaks rich kids get Cherry says something like, "Pony things are tough all over." Ponyboy disagrees and she asks, "Can you see the sunset on the southside?" Pony replies, "yeah." As she leaves she says, "Yeah, you can see them real good from the north side too." Later on in the narrative you have on the run criminals Pony and Johnny hiding out in an old abandoned church in the country on a hill. One morning they wake up early and see the sunrise. It is the first time Johnny has ever taken the time to notice one. He says that it is golden. Then Pony recites a poem by Robert Frost, that to this day after reading this book so many times I have memorized:

Natures first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold
Her early leaf a flower
But only for an hour
Then leaf setside to leaf
And so Eden sank to grief
As dawn goes down today
Nothing gold can stay.

As sad as it is, these moments of the true granduer of God are fleeting and are at an apex for such a limited amount of time that it is so easy in the hustle and bustle of modern day life to miss it. That is what makes Johnny's request of Pony at the end of the book to stay gold so poignant because the ability to stay gold is so universal, so tangible, but so often and easily missed that one needs to be reminded that "things are tough everywhere," but the ability to overcome lies in all if we allow it to. If we choose to stay gold.

I have not been to a lot of places in my life but the few places that I have been are tantamountably different. One common theme in all is that they all have killer sunsets/sunrises. Whether it is watching the sunrise over a snowcapped Mt. Ogden from under a blanket on my parents deck to watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago. Or watching it set over the cornfields of Indiana,or from the twelth floor of a fenced off balcony of a housing project in the inner city, or watching it set over a lake in the serene mountains oustide of Cedar the common theatric visage is possible to see everywhere. Echoing the true physiognomy of God, that he is there and the silenced plea to stay golden, to endure well, is echoed in the chromatic hues so effortlessly spread across the sky.

So sunrises, the one thing that we all got to remind us to keep on keepin on.

Two weeks ago I went down to visit ASU Law School to check things out and on the drive down me and my friend Christa stopped by the Grand Canyon to watch the sun rise over the natural wonder. We were the only two people there in that part of the park that early. Here is what transpired:

Once the Sun was up this is what we were able to see

This experience was easily one of the most incredible things to ever happen to me. We got there when it was pitch black, only the moon and some stars to light the path to the edge of the canyon. Then the sun slowly began to rise and every minute illuminated on something new. New colors blew up across the sky in front of us and it slowly painted the most incredible background behind us. It reinvigorated me, physically and spiritually. Physically it opened me up to new senses and visages that blew my mind. Spiritually it confirmed to me that God is there. I had a moment sitting there on the ledge. A moment where I felt very connected, connected to something so real, so tangible. It was incredible. It reminded me who I am, what I should be doing, and that life is for lack of a better word, good. I was reminded of what it is like to be golden, or at least to feel it. Ponyboy and Johnny's conversation hit me hard. Nature's first green is gold. And that gold can come and go so easily. This whole experience lasted for less than an hour. Then the sun was up, the gold was gone, people started to enter the park. Life was back to normal. But I still have that moment in my mind's eye. Where things were golden. I have gotta stay gold.

Law School

2010-04-15T12:31:00.002-06:00

So I have had a few requests for an update on my law school situation. So here it is. It will begin with the schools I have been accepted to and their ranking (2011 US News and World Report Ranking, just out) and will be listed in preferential order. Then the wait listed schools and then sadly the schools who have rejected my sorry butt.

Accepted:
1. Arizona State University, Pheonix AZ, Ranked 38, $15,000 Scholarship
2. Pepperdine Universtiy, Malibu, CA, Ranked 52
3. Baylor University, Waco, TX, Ranked 64, $21,000 Scholarship
4. American University, Washington, D.C., Ranked 45
5. University of San Diego, CA, Ranked 56
6. University of Houston, Houston, TX, Ranked 59

Waitlisted:
1. William & Mary, Ranked 28
2. University of Utah, Ranked 42
3. Wake Forest, Ranked 38
4. University of Arizona, Ranked 42

Rejected:
1. Cornell, ranked 13. There goes Trebel
2. Washington University, Ranked 20.

Let me know what you think I should do.

Redemption Song

2010-04-07T11:05:00.004-06:00

Normally iconic songs like this should never be done. But if it is Lauryn Hill I will generally make an exception. Add Ziggy Marley to the mix and it is definitely and exception. Add that they are both related to Bob Marley and it makes it even more acceptable. I love this version of the song. Lauryn's rhymes dropped in the middle of it complete the makeover. Sooooo good. I can listen to it over and over again.
Enjoy

Welcome to the Real World: DC

2010-02-24T23:29:00.004-07:00

Okay so as all of you probably know, I am an addict of the Real World. I was a true watcher all through high school, and then picked it back up when it went to Brooklyn. So it is time for my seasonal Real World Post where I give you my list of favorites and those I don't like.

Those cast members I like:

Emily

Emily is a hippy chick that I have loved from the very beginning. She is someone that I want to be friends with. She is who she is, doesn't really let anyone else influence who she is, speaks her mind, is honest with those when they need it, yet a little mysterious at the same time.

Mike

Mike is by far the coolest dude in the house this season (not a hard thing to be with a house full of d-bags this season). I was kind of surprised by the whole bisexual reveal, and inspite of some bad decisions while trying to figure out who he is and what he wants in life, but I think that he has the best attitude of anyone else in the house. When he fights with others I think that he makes a good stance, handles the situation fairly well, and tries to repair things. I like that he was the first one to get a job in DC, and one that involves service. All around good guy.

Callie

Callie is the sweetheart of the group this season and apparently the cast drunk dialer. That was funny and sad at the same time. I think that she will be the least drama in the house and that will make her the Baya of this season-aka the one with the least amount of camera time, but I will like her anyways.

Those I Tolerate:

Ashley

I initially thougt that I was going to love love Ashley, and I did in the beginning. We all know how B-rad loves a biatch. But enough is enough already. You can only be a biatch and play the victim for so long before it gets old. I still like her more than I dislike her, hence the placement on the top of the tolerate list. I hope she grows up a bit, lets other people get close to her without jumping all over them, and heals some deep set wounds that are obvious from what we have seen so far this season.

Andrew

I initially started off hating and liking him at the same time. He is a dork, a funny, loud mouthed, horny, dork. I think that he is funny but in a way that gets old quickly. Congrats to him for finally getting some. I hope it was worth it.....but I am guessing not.

Those I Dislike:

Erika

Oh Erika, I wanted to like you, I really did. I thought that maybe you were this cool, hipster (btw I normally hate hipsters) emo chick with a good voice. Later we learn that immaturity and self-centeredness is what makes you the singer who sings about sad clowns . Thats a metaphor, I hope you get it.

Ty

I have hated Ty from the very beginning. Manipulative, lyer, chuavinist, intolerant, jack a, are all words I would use to describe Ty. He is rude to everyone, manipulates the situation to make everyone else around him look bad, and lies about everything. Now that he pushed Andrew off the porch for no reason, he will forever be on this list.

Josh

I want to preface this by saying that I have no respect for those who cheat on the person they are in an exclusive relationship with. I think that nothing is tackier, horrible, and lame as being a cheater. And that is what he is. And then he justifies it by saying I am a man, I couldn't help myself- really? Really? As someone who is almost 25 and still a virgin let me tell you that guys can help it. They can if they really want to. Bad news Josh, you also cannot sing. Take it from someone else who can also not sing, you can't as well. Those who can't sing can spot those who can't sing from a mile a way, and you suck.

All in all an interesting cast, some good stories, not a whole lot of trashiness, make this season of the Real World a pretty good one. Let me know your thoughts.

Motivation.....

2010-02-11T16:14:00.003-07:00

Where are you? I wake up in the morning and just want to go back to sleep. I go to class (sometimes) and play on my phone the entire time. I go to work and go through the motions day dreaming of a much better place. Homework.....still wondering why it is half way through the semester and I really haven't done any. Oops.

Here is what I need to do:
Fill out 20 more law school applications
The TAP Project is not going to run itself
Get a 3.6 this semester so my graduating GPA will definately be over a 3.5
Work out......yeah really bad
Get my tennis on. I am taking a class (again) for the second half of the semester and I want to be the best in the class.
Find cheap health insurance
Clean my apartment
Organize my life
By then probably reclean my apartment.

So I am thinking about posting an ad on craigslist to see if someone will come sprinkle some motivation on my corn flakes every morning......

Hey friends

2010-01-27T01:58:00.002-07:00

So I apologize for being a horrible blogger/phone answerer/ text returner the past month....bad news it is going to continue for about two more weeks. Way tooooo much going on and not enough time to do it. But I am hoping by then all my law school apps will be in and I can actually be a real person again. So brace yourself, two more weeks of little to no me time, and then I will be back and better than ever.

Since I have been doing

2010-01-09T02:45:00.002-07:00

so good updating my blog lately (not really) I decided to start a twittering.......I have no explaination for the things I do. Anyways if you want to check it out: http://twitter.com/b2radley

This is where I will write the things maybe i shouldn't on FB or on here. Just random things I think of or hear or wish I would say but may be too innappropriate for the given situation. Let me know what you think

It's time again for another random and weird celebrity crush post

2009-12-09T01:13:00.004-07:00

So you will have to wait until 2010 for the year's top ten celebrity crush list, but here is a short list of weird crushes I have on random celebrities......don't judge me.

Chelsea Handler

The funniest person on late night tv. She kills Conan, Dave, Jay, and the Jimmy's. I aspire one day to be on the round table. Me, Heather "Longboobs" McDonald a must and either Whitney Cummings (we could battle for who should retain the last name) or Ross the intern or Guy the funny gay.

Charlyne Yi

She is adorable. This picture shows just how adorable she is. I would marry her in a heartbeat. I have been in an Appatow film fest mood lately and her small role on Knocked Up is the funniest part of the movie. See Paper Heart and you will see again why I love her. Also, coming in my next post of funny clips you will see two reasons more why I love her.

Leslie Mann

I have been on an Appatow film movie craze lately with the release of my favorite Appatow film "Funny People" but between "Knocked Up" and "Funny People" it has made me realized that I have a thing for Leslie Mann. Hot right? I know, a little old for me, but she is funny. Way funny.

Ok that is all I have for this list. It is late and I should go to bed. Just thought I would give the blogging world what they want.....another celebrity crush post B-rad style. Let me know what you think.

This is not going to be popular but.....

2009-11-23T16:47:00.004-07:00

I regret to inform you all that I have officially decided to leave the blogging world. It has been a good/awkward/interesting journey over the past two years but I feel like it is time to call it quits. A thank you to you all for keeping me company on here, it has been a trip and a half.

Psych. I really had you going. My title however, is what is going to come next. I put the previous paragraph up to hopefully lessen the blow of this next statement. You know, if that is not the case then whatever I am about to say could not be near as bad as the thought of never seeing my blog again......just remember that as you keep reading.

Taylor Swift is possibly the most over rated musician since the creation of music. There I said it and I think that you all really needed to hear it. The truth stings a bit, but just think about her songs and look for any real talent that she may have. Did you find any? Her voice- mediocre at best, often off key and weird sounding (even worse live). Meaningful lyrics- none unless you are a drama filled 15-year-old girl. Guitar playing? I will give her some credit that she can actually play, but as with most pop songs, especially country ones, they aren't that difficult. I get the appeal, finally a good role model for kiddos. Check she has that. I get why kids like her - they have no real taste in music, but you adults, you are what keeps me up late at night.
Apparently she won best artist of the year at the American Music Awards last night. Granted here was her competition: Kings of Leon (an aight band but nothing spectacular), Lady Gaga (America's most prominent transgender since Fergie) Eminem (had a coupla decent tracks on the new CD but has been losing what made him what he is) and Michael Jackson the King of Pop. First of all I am shocked that these are the people who are nominated. Not to go all Kanye on everyone, but I wish he would have interrupted here. Beyonce should have been on that list for the following reasons: If I Were A Boy, Halo, and Single Ladies. Three hits that had to of sold more than any of the others. And I wanna give a shout out to her beau, Jay-Z who I have ridiculed for six years for putting out flat CDs dropped Blueprint 3 which has been the best rap CD since Kanye's College Dropout. Jay-Z the mastermind that he is, pulled out all the stops with collaborations. Who else could put Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye, Kid Cudi, Pharrell, and Young Jeezy all on the same record. Sick is all I have got to say. Sick album. Those two should have won and declared it a tie.
With that said, I will admit I like the new John Mayer song that Taylor Swift sings backup vocals on...........can I reccomend a new stage location for her to sing-behind those who can. Bahahahahahahaha. Deep down you know its true.

Hi

2009-10-06T23:42:00.002-06:00

Hi Nerds,

I got nothing.

I wanted to sit down tonight and write a novel with stories of: fun late nights, draining school work, a job that is less fun with two of my besties going on to much better things, music I am listening to, shows I am watching, movies I would reccomend, dates I have been on, how my dad is my hero, how I want to be a better person, how important doing UNICEF work is to me, how the loss of someone I don't see very much anymore is having more of an impact on me than I thought it would, how I am finally starting to get the LSAT better, about how I miss certain people, how excited I am for my brother, how I want a vacation ASAP, some new goals I have, my belief in the need for healthcare reform, my fears of the future, the size of my muscles, how I want to quit life and follow The Killers on tour, how I have been getting a ton of migrains, wendover fun, and finally how I finally got new windshield wipers.

But I am tired.......and lazy.

B-radley out.

Blog Identity Crisis

2009-08-14T01:09:00.002-06:00

Dear You.

I have a blogging identiy crisis.

It has been a month since you last saw something new.

Sorry.

Life has been Stellar. Busy. Fun. Sleepless. Awesome. Chill. Stressful. All wrapped in to one.

And I can't think of anything to blog about.

Help.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

B-rad

True Confessions

2009-07-09T02:21:00.004-06:00

True confessions is something one of my best friends says to me right before she is about to say something either really personal, personally embarrassing, or embarrassingly funny. I think that this post is going to contain a mixture of all of the above.
Embarrassingly Funny
I heart Michael Jackson. OK I said it, it feels good to say it publicly, because the last ten years it has been uncool to pop in an MJ cd unless it is Halloween and you are ripping Thriller for a bad A party. I am ashamed to say that I would have to jam to MJ when driving in my car by myself. If only you could see me bumping to "Beat It" or "Billy Jean" or "Smooth Criminal" or fill in the blank with any MJ song, for the last ten years you probably would have been embarrassed for me. Well guess what it is finally cool again to heart MJ. So suck it, now when you hear me blaring down South Temple with "The Way You Make Me Feel" following behind, please recognize my coolness, and take a moment of silence for the greatness that was MJ.
Personally Embarrassing
His death has had me thinking a lot. Like a little too much about death and how unexpected it is. I really feel bad for him. He was dealt a pretty tragic life. He had an abusive father, shoved into the spotlight at a young age, and had to deal with the never ending onslaught of fame and the public eye for all of his life. I have noticed with great musicians, when they reach this iconic level of amazingness, that they break. Each break differently in their own uniquely weird way (Elvis, John Lennon, Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, David Bowie, etc)where there musical Guinness takes a hold of them and they sort of lose touch with reality. Unfortunately for MJ this was all too public, all too misunderstood, and far too sad. I really think he was a good person, who did a lot of good for others, and changed music forever.

Really Personal
I blog a lot about how much I look up to my parents and family. They mean everything to me. But I think I don't tell some of my friends, who are true personal heroes to me, how much I look up to and admire them. So this part of the true confessions is going to be dedicated to a few of them. If your name is not listed here, don't flip out. I don't have the time to list everyone, just a few that I really need to tell them because I really want them to hear it.

Brianne:
I think it is amazing how fast that we have been able to become amazing friends. If you don't know her, or know her well, I really think that you are missing out. She is my hero because she has sacrificed so much of her life to take care of a little boy who needed a home and had no where else to go. She took him in, gave him the one thing that he really needed, unconditional love, and has given him everything. She literally has saved her little guy, and it is because of her that he will become an equally amazing person. You know in the scriptures you read about charity. Charity being the pure love of Christ. I think it is because it costs something, it requires a real sacrifice. She exudes what real charity is day in and day out raising a small boy as a single mom, and I hope she knows how well she does it. Also she is one of the funniest people I have ever met.

Wes:
I don't see or talk to my old roomie near as often as I would like. If you haven't met Wes, just know that he is one of the coolest people I have ever met. In all honesty, I never felt adequate enough to be considered one of his friends. And I am pretty awesome, and for me to admit that, should just tell you how awesome he really is. He is just one of those people who is naturally good at everything. He can play any sport, can play the guitar, sing, and everything else, better than you will ever be able no matter how hard you practice at it. I have probably played Wes in tennis over twenty times and have lost to him every single time. I hate losing. I hate it, especially at tennis. But somehow he never gloated about it. He is always just really laid back and chill and one of the most down to earth guys I have ever met. That is why he was able to marry Jesse, who equals him in the awesomeness I just used to describe Wes. Those two are so effortlessly cool, I was lucky to have Wes as a roomate and them both as people I considered to be really good friends who I really look up to, and hope to be cool enough to not feel inadequate when around them.

Leigh:
Leigh has this innate and unique ability to get people. All people. No matter who they are, what circumstances they may find themselves in, she gets them and understands them. I kick myself in the face for never being as good of a friend to her as she has always been to me. She is one of the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for.

Jaimey:
She just came back to visit and I am so glad she did. She just got married not too long ago to a cool guy named Jim who is in the armed forces. She sacrifices him everyday in order to ensure the freedoms that I enjoy every day. She has done this for a few months and will for a few more until he comes home. I find that amazing and inspiring. She is a constant reminder for me to pray for the military and for their families back at home, because without them, me and my big mouth would have landed me in the slammer in so many other countries. But because of their sacrifice I can live in the here and enjoy the freedoms that I have.

Cole:
This kid I miss big time. He was my best buddy in high school. I like to laugh so all of my best friends can make me laugh like no other. Gilfillan. You know how there are just certain people that you just kind of lose touch with, even though you don't want to, it just kind of happens, but when you do see them it is magically like it hasn't been two years since the last time you talked. He is one of those kind of people.

Christa:
One of my really close friends. Another sacrificer. She really gives so much to other people that it is really humbling for me to see how much someone will do for their family. I am so glad that we are neighbors and that we have become such good friends.

McCall:
Everyone at work knows why McCall is a hero. Work just isn't quite the same with her gone. I get really sad whenever I go into her old office. Sometimes I forget and come into work with something that I have to tell McCall and then remember and think crap, she is not there. I don't think she understands how helpful and cool she really is. Lucky people in Pittsburgh are getting her and her just as cool husband Tannon for the next few years. They better be greatful.

Anyways, I hope this post is coherent. It is almost four in the morning and me and my dumb insomnia are finally calling it quits for the night. Please, if your name was not listed here, don't get mad, I don't have all day to list everyone, I just needed to tell these guys this. You will probably get an honorable mention in a post at sometime in the near distant future. Just know that I appreciate you friendship.

Top Ten: NYC Version

2009-07-01T00:07:00.013-06:00

Ok ok ok, I get it. People want to see pictures from my trip to NYC. So here they are in a top ten form. Enjoy.

10. The Chrysler Building

This is one of the coolest looking buildings that I have ever seen.

9. Time Square at Night

8. Ground Zero

My hotel was two blocks away from Ground Zero and I walked passed it almost every day I was there. It was a really sombering sight to see. I think that we have forgotten.......sad.

7. Besties

This is a picture of the besties I made while I at the Unicef Conference that brought me to New York. Meet Shristi and Olivia, and that is my friend Aj that I work with and helped start the club Unicef Red. We had a lot of fun from chilling at the conference from Shristi and Olivia pretending to be Mormon with me for a night. Classic. They were a ton of fun.

6. 30 Rock

It is no secret that I love NBC Thursday night comedy line up and Saturday Night Live. Hence spending most of a day at Rockefeller Plaza. Here is an awesome pic of the GE building.

5. Random Pic I photo-shopped

I walked down this street on my way from the headquarters for the US Fund for Unicef. So I decided to take a picture of it and then played around a little with it. What do you think?

4. Top of the Rock view of Central Park

Really amazing.

3. The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty really is an amazing sight to see. I layed down in the grass in front of her and took a lot of pics. This one for some reason is my favorite.

2. View of Manhattan from the Top of the Rock

I spent 45 minutes on top of the Rock taking pictures and just admiring New York. It was really my favorite place in all of New York.

1. Time Square Remix

I black and whited this pic and then added a color focal point of the yellow taxi. I really love this pic and am going to blow it up and frame it.

All in all NYC was a lot of fun. So glad I went. So glad that I made new besties and got to be with one of my old besties, Leigh. It was soooooooo good to see and be with her again. She is definately one of my heroes.

The Big Apple

2009-06-17T01:31:00.002-06:00

So I am going to New York. I board a plane in roughly 21 hours and 4 minutes.....but who's counting? I don't mean to sound like a wimp or anything but I kind of have butterflies in the belly, kind of nervous anxiety where my mind can't stop thinking and I feel like I have to be tapping my foot. New York is the place I have dreamed about going since, Idk, forever. I have always thought of myself as an East Coast person, ironic because I have never been to the East Coast. More specifically I always thought of myself as a New York kind of person. I heart big cities. Going to Chicago on the mish confirmed and reinforced my love of big cities. I love the buildings, the people, the diversity, the business, the way you can get lost in a million people yet find yourself kind of thing that big cities encompass. At least Chicago has done that for me. I know that definately I could move to Chicago and I would be perfectly ok. I kind of know that about San Diego and the O.C. as well.

But New York is different. Much much more different. It's New York. Over the past 15 years I have dreamed of going to NYC and have built it into something that I am afraid could easily disappoint. I hope it doesn't. I think NYC is the mecca that progressive thinking Americans must take at least once in their lives. And here I go, on my own little Mecca to the capital of everything awesome.....I think I am about to pee my pants. And I will feel that way until a few days after I get back.

A few random thoughts....

2009-05-29T12:21:00.002-06:00

So I have been thinking lately and this is what I have come up with:

- What if I go to Cornell for Law School? That would still be cool. Maybe I can join an a ca pella group, and we can call ourselves "Here Comes Trebel." If we do this than the first song we should learn is "Take a Chance on Me." What are your thoughts?

- Maybe I know way too many random bits of information about the Office......and should stop trying to incorporate it into my every day life.

- What's up with Meg Ryan's face? That's weird.

- I went and saw Dane Cook live. It was what i like to call hilarious. Completely inappropriate and crude but overall was big smiles time. My favorite bit: "Have you seen those ads about being politically correct. Like the one that has two ladies shopping and one tries on a jacket and asks the other how it looks on her, and the friend replies, 'it looks really gay on you.' Then out of no where Hillary Duff comes walking out explaining how we shouldn't use the word gay to describe something you don't like. Thank God for Hilary Duff. What would we be doing without her. We would be calling things gay left and right. For now on, whenever I find myself in a little conundrum I am going to ask myself, 'What would Hillary Duff do?'"

- One of my high school teachers begged me once to try stand up. She wanted me and a friend to be on SNL really bad. What would life of been like if that would have ever happened.......

- I have learned that I have so many friends and family with bdays in april and may. Literally one bday party a week (Two times there were two) for every weekend in April and May. My bestie Brianne's was hilarious. Honestly who had adult bouncy houses for their B-day? Only the coolest. It has been awesome. Which means August and September must be a busy time for couples.

- I don't know if I am ready for one on one yet.

- If ever in a really awkward situation I like to ask people if they have been working out..... it really makes things less awkward and weird silence is gone and no one gives you a weird look.

- I am going to see the Killers on Sept. 26th. I am buying my tickets next week.

- I am so sad that comcast doesn't have the tennis channel. I would be watching me some French Open 24/7 if I did. Luckily the parentals do. I should get them to DVR me some Sharapova (for obvious reasons) and Roddick (because he is my fave).

- For the first time in my life I have been wondering if maybe I should change my sleeping habits. For the past two weeks I have been going to bed around 3 in the am and waking up at 8:30. A little over five hours of sleep I am still fully functional but often complain about being tired. IDK, I will keep you informed.

- I had my first Wendover experience two weeks ago. It was awesome. 12 of us made the trek there and then came back at 4 in the am. It was big smiles times.

- I wanna go camping sometime soon.....who's in?

- There has been a homeless man sitting out in the plaza in front of my work all week. I have given him a dollar as I walk in to work and this morning he wasn't there. It is supposed to be a hot day so I brought him my favorite new drink a Sobe Life Water. I had to drink it myself. Sad.

Well I guess that is about it.

The B-radley's

2009-05-19T10:27:00.003-06:00

It is now finally time for me to give out my picks for the best movies of last year. Kind of like the oscars but not gay and slightly less anticipated. It took me a while to see all of the movies that were nominated for awards but I have now done it with the exception of Vicki Christina Barcelona, and I really don't have any desire to see that movie. Penelope Cruz is not that talented in my opinion and Scarlett Johanson has potential but picks stupid movies to do. So that one will not be counted. So here it goes.

Best Supporting Actress
- Amy Adams (Doubt)
-Viola Davis (Doubt)
- Tariji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
- Marissa Tomei (The Wrestler)
- Frieda Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire)

And the winner is........ Viola Davis for Doubt. She is only in the film for less than ten minutes but her five minutes overshadows the two power houses of Phillip Seymore Hoffman and Meryl Streep.

Best Supporting Actor
- Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
- Phillip Seymore Hoffman (Doubt)
- Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon)
- Josh Brolin (Milk)
- Brad Pitt (Burn After Reading)

And I give the B-radley to...... Heath Ledger of course. But I will note that both Michael Sheen and Brad Pitt were deserving in their roles. I did not include Robert Downy Jr. in Tropic Thunder like the Academy Awards- it was a dumb movie, and his role was not that great, or Michael Shannon in Revolutionary Road (Because I haven't seen it yet.)

Best Actress
- Kate Winslet (The Reader)
- Meryl Streep (Doubt)
- Angelina Jolie (The Changeling)
- Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)
- Frances McDormand (Burn After Reading)

And the winner is . . . . . I will give it to Kate Winslet. The Reader wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be, but she was great in it. I have thought about this one long and hard (that's what she said) and at first I wasn't going to give it to her I was going to go with Angelina Jolie or Frances McDormant (who unfortunately wasn't even nominated by that other award show, which is a shame) but went with Kate Winslet because she really was great in a mediocre film. I would much rather her have won this for Eternal Sunshine or Finding Neverland but she is due for a win, I just wish I would have liked the movie better.

Best Actor
- Sean Penn (Milk)
- Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
- Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon)
- Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire)
- David Kros (The Reader)
or instead Clint Eastwood (Grand Torino)

And the winner is.......... I have to give it hands down to Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon. Frank Langella was amazing as Richard Nixon. I was amazed. Sean Penn's acting in Milk was good but way too reminiscent of his performance in I am Sam. Harvey Milk was gay, not mentally handicapped. He was good but not good enough. Brad Pitt was really good and I am mad that Dev Patel wasn't even nominated for his job in Slumdog by the Academy. I did not find Mickey Rourke's performance to be that great in The Wrestler. I was really disappointed with the movie. Maybe I was so distracted by Rourke's weird looking face to pay attention his acting, but I think it was over-exaggerated. David Kros was great in the mediocre film The Reader.

Best Film
- Frost/Nixon
- Slumdog Millionaire
- Doubt
- Milk
- The Dark Knight

And the winner is . . . . . . . Slumdog Millionaire. Yes it really was as good as everyone made it out to be. Followed closely by Frost/Nixon. Almost nominated was The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. See last post. But Slumdog wins it.

Best Flick
A flick is in no way a typical award winning movie but is still awesome and deserves some recognition.
- Role Models
- In Bruges
- Pineapple Express
- Kungfu Panda
- W.

And the winner is. . . . . . . . Role Models. It really was hilarious and probably the funniest movie of last year.

Well that is it for the first annual B-radley's. Let me know what you think and what I missed or should have changed.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

2009-05-13T13:43:00.003-06:00

I watched this movie last night and it blew my mind. It is one of the best Holocaust movies I have ever seen. Probably right under Schindler's List and tied with the old school black and white version of The Diary of Anne Franke. It is an Israeli film telling the story of a boy who's father is a German soldier during World War II. That is all I will tell you because I am afraid if I say anything more it could spoil a little part of it and I like you all too much to do that. Just please see this movie. It is short, only PG-13, and seriously a great film- that is if you can handle depressing Holocaust like movies.

I love these types of movies. I like them because they are real. In reality you don't fall in love with someone through their son calling a radio station and saying that he needs a new mom or a rich businessman picking up a prostitute with a heart of gold blah blah blah (referncing Pretty Woman and Sleepless in Seatle). Real life can kind of suck sometimes, and every once and a while it is refreshing to see a film that doesn't shy away from reality, that tell it to you in a way that makes it so you are speechless and drained of energy at the end of the film, but leave you to wake up the next morning making you think of what can I do to make the world a better place, a place where there will never be another Holocaust again, where people treat each other decently just because that is the way it should be.

I know liberal idealist bull, but nice thoughts to think about. Maybe it takes seeing things like that to wake me up from a simplistic every day nerf life where a bad day consists of waking up before 9 in the AM or catching the common cold or having to do the dishes.

Anyways, sorry for the long absence in blogging, I am back from school caused hiatus, and will hopefully be able to fill you in more on my life and my never ending rants on the way things should be (see above rant).

Coming soon: After I watch Frost/Nixon a list of my nominations for best films, actors, actresses, etc for last years movies. I think that is the last one on the list of all the oscar nominated films that I haven't seen yet. So that will be neat-gives you something to look forward to.

Things I Miss

2009-04-21T13:51:00.003-06:00

1. First and fore most bad 90's music that is awesome. Ace of Base, Kris Kross, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Paula Abdul, and the my life mentor, MC Hammer. Long gone are the days of being driven to soccer practice while jamming out to I Saw the Sign, 2 Legit, and Kris Kross makes ya wanna JUMP JUMP. Straight up now tell me you don't agree with that one.
2. Speaking of soccer practice I miss oranges that someone's mom had already cut up for you, capri suns, and juice boxes. Also shin guards
2. Saved by the Bell. I haven't seen it in years. Sad.
3. Old school xmen, thundercat, and TMNT cartoons.
4. Night games. The classics like kick the can and steal the flag.
5. Climbing in trees. Although I was banned after falling/jumping out of a tree and breaking my foot, I miss it.
6. Signing casts- everyonce and a while I will think of something when I see someone get hurt......or when I get hurt and think - ha ha that would be awesome to have stuck on a cast for six weeks.
7. Going to Bear Lake. My family used to go to Bear Lake all the time. I miss that.
8. Wave running and swimming to the buoey at pineview.
9. Going and hiking waterfall canyon or northfork
10. A lot of my long time friends that I don't see much anymore. Stupid marriage
11. High school sometimes, mainly just my debate class and my friends in there.
12. The Drive In. I haven't been to one since premish times. I used to have parties there all the time. I miss those.

Sorry just reminiscing. Thanks for listening.

Another Cold.....Honestly is this happening?

2009-03-29T23:16:00.002-06:00

Why yes it is. It is the fourth time this winter season. The fourth time!!!!! During an average winter I will get the common cold once maybe twice. This year I guess I unknowingly decided to outdo myself and went to bed last night with number 4. I guess this weather doesn't help, the whole it is 75 and sunny to 30 and snowing like a motha. My perfect day of sleeping in, doing a little bit of homework, going to church and then dinner and games with some friends was put on hold for some other time. Instead it involved waking up every thirty minutes hacking up a lung, no sleep, locked up in my room, watching the entire third season of the office (no real complaint on that one) and overall feeling pretty miserable. I guess when I asked for a lazy sunday I should have specified for a healthy lazy sunday. Simply said, colds are lame.

3 Years Ago this Week

2009-03-28T03:23:00.006-06:00

I just realized that three years ago this week I returned home from my mission in the Southside of Chicago. Which means five years ago this week I first entered the MTC. It is really crazy how time goes by so fast. I look back on my mission with great fondness, it was in the field and on the streets of Chicago that I really grew up. I was forced to. I was 2,000 miles away from everyone I knew and from anyone that really knew me. In the beginning I was scared, not really sure why exactly I was out there, and really afraid that I wouldn't succeed. I didn't have my mom and dad to run to, to tell how I felt, and to ask advice. I didn't have any friends that I could vent to, that I could be around just to make myself feel better. I only had one source of strength and comfort to turn to - Jesus Christ.

I decided that first night in the mission home that I was going to give it my all. And I did, try really hard to do just that, I studied, I prayed, I tracted, I taught, I even baptized a few times. I never became unafraid, not really of the areas I was in- there were some shady ones- but I was never afraid to be in them, I was afraid of failing. Of missing that person that I needed to find, of letting down that One person who I realized was the only person I could lean on. I was afraid that there was going to be someone who needed to know who the Savior is and that I might not be there to tell them. I tried really hard to be successful, and I hope that I was, I never was able to quantify what being a successful missionary was. My mission meant everything to me, for the longest time that was all I could think about. I still think about it almost every day. There is always something that reminds me of it.

I miss how sure of everything I was. I knew that God loved me, that Jesus died for my sins, that there is a plan for me to return to live with them someday. I knew it, I fully believed it, and I taught it with the conviction of knowing it. Then three years ago I came home, back to the world I left behind.

Realizing how long ago it was that I came home from the mish has led me to some serious introspection. The real world hit me faster than I was prepared for. I started to slip into the old routine of things, casually forgetting to say a prayer at night, not reading my scriptures. And I have realized how easily not doing those two things makes it to not do other things. Someone once told me that the only way you really could measure a successful missionary was a few years after they got home, by the way they were living. If that is the case I feel like a failure.

I have lost that surety that I once had. I have let my testimony slide. I feel like one of my favorite church paintings....well almost. Here it is and then I will explain.

The painting is by Greg Olsen and it is called "Lost and Found". It is a painting that I have always loved and kept in my room. Right now more than ever does it make sense to me. I feel very lost. I know that I have to make a decision soon if I want to be found. Right now I am the boy in the picture. I can see Christ on the park bench a little ways in the distance, and I know He is saving a place for me on that bench. That as soon as I sit down next to Him, He will hug me, tell me He has missed me, and as I try to explain why I left the bench three years ago, He will tell me that it doesn't matter, that I am here now, and what matters is what I do from here on out. He will let me know that He will be there for me when I am tempted to get up off the bench if I want Him to be. I turn around and I can see another life,it is just as inviting but the the pathway down is a little darker, more mysterious, but enticing, and I have to decide now which direction I am going to start walking towards. In the last three years I have semi-unconsciously taken a few steps away from the park bench. Now I realize that I have to consciously decide what I direction I need to take.

I have avoided making this decision for as long as I can take, I procrastinate everything I do, but the deadline is up, if I continue to procrastinate I know I will be taking a few more steps away from the park bench, and I don't think I can afford to do that if I want to make a fully conscious decision.

The decision should be easy, I know the outcome of taking steps towards the park bench, I know that it leads to a fulfilling happiness, or at least that it has in the past. Taking steps in the other direction lead me to short lived moments of extreme happiness that leave you with a dull feeling inside once they leave, making me do whatever it takes to get my next fix.

And so it goes, B-rad at the apex of a crossroads, at home plate ready to bat. The pitcher is ready to throw the ball and I have to decide if I am going to swing or not. And if I do swing am I really going to go for it-the ball out of the park home run, or am I going to hit a pop fly, guaranteed to get myself out.

I don't know why I am writing this here, for the world (also known as the four of you who read this) to see, but I felt like I had to. I wish I had the certainty that I once had, where I knew the answers or at least really knew who I could turn to for the answers.

Anyways thanks for listening, I am sure the decision I make will be evident, I should probably stop blogging in the middle of the night, maybe I will just delete this, chances are I will probably fall asleep and forget I ever wrote it until a week from now....or most likely after American Idol and I come on here to blog my opinion of the week and realize how lame I am for writing this. oh well I will leave it on here, so I don't feel like I have wasted the last hour and a half. For now I am going to go pass out on my bed for hopefully ten hours, wake up ready for a new day of soul searching and decision making.

The TAP Project-I need your help

2009-03-23T01:41:00.007-06:00

The TAP Project is a program created by the US fund for Unicef to raise money to provide clean drinking water for children who do not have access to it. Every day more than 4,200 children die due to a lack of clean drinking water. Unicef has a goal to reduce that number to 0.

The TAP Project began in New York City two years ago when Unicef partnered with major NY restaurants asking them to have their patrons to donate a dollar or more for the drinking water they would normally receive for free. Unicef promised to turn that dollar into 40 days worth of clean drinking water for children in third world countries. The idea grew and this is the first year that it has become a global initiative and the first year it has been introduced into Utah.

I have been lucky enough to help introduce the TAP Project into the Salt Lake area in trying to get restaurants involved and helping to create awareness for this amazing opportunity that we have to really make an impact on the world. I feel overwhelmingly lucky and blessed to be living in a country that I do not have to walk four hours every day to find clean drinking water. Since I am lucky enough to have unlimited clean drinking water I feel it is my duty to try and help those that are not as fortunate as I am.

Please watch this video, it explains the TAP Project better than I can.

If you can't view go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JXbaWQDjZQ

I need your help!

I have been thinking about how the blogging world could be an aid into helping more people aware of the TAP Project and I am literally on my knees begging you to make a post showing the video with your own comments on what you think of the TAP Project begging your friends to do the same. Kind of like a tag, but one that will create awareness of this amazing project and letting people know what they can do to help.

Today marks the beginning of World Water Week and the week the TAP Project is in full form. There is a list of participating restaurants at www.tapproject.org and also for those in Utah www.utahtap.org.

Please post the video and beg your friends to do it as well, the goal of 0 is attainable with your help and the help of your friends.

Meet the my Family

2009-03-10T01:31:00.012-06:00

I guess it is probably time to introduce you to the fam-damily. I think you all know me well enough now that it is probably about that time. So here it is:

THE CUMMINGS FAMILY

That is us, the Cummings family. We are a pretty cool bunch. Now let me tell you the story of a lovely lady and a killer dude. My Mom and Dad.

Meet the Parents:
My Mom and Dad mean more to me than anything. They are constantly there for me when I need them and I know that no matter what they always will be. They have always been the cool parents. I remember once me and my friends went to get shakes at Johnny's Dairy, and my friends
saw my parents pull up at the drive through window to pick up some milk and they ran over, left me to watch their stuff, so they could go outside and talk to my parents. My house has always been a hang out house. Whether it is two or twenty people, my parents have always been good about having my friends over.

They have been there for me at every significant event in my life. I owe them everything that is me.

Jeff:

He is my brother. He is three years older than me and has secretly always been my hero. Don't tell him, it will go straight to his head. He is the kind of guy who just seemed to be good at everything. And as much as that drove me nuts growing up, looking back it made me better at everything because we were so competitive with eachother. When we were kids we were good friends, I remember him beating up a kid who was trying to pick a fight with me who was two years older than me. (I was kind of a smart A, even back in the third grade) and again a year later with another dude. He always had my back and was always willing to fight my battles for me, even though I was his punk kid brother. When we were teenagers we kind of grew apart, got in stupid fights constantly, but now we are back, probably closer than we ever have been. I am so glad to have him as my brother.

Katie:

Katie is three years younger than me. We have always been really close for as long as I can remember. We have always had inside jokes and nicknames for each as well. I would go into that, but some may find them inappropriate or require a long story, just know they are funny. It was crazy to leave on my mission seeing her as an almost 16 year old and then coming home to see her being an almost 18 year old. She is one of my closest friends and one of the funniest people you will ever meet. I am so lucky to have her as my sister.

Kylee:

Kylee is the youngest in the family at 15. She is one of the most thoughtful teenagers I have met. She is smart, cute, and really starting to come into her own. Being the baby of the family has probably been hard but she is a champ. We have always been pretty close. One of my favorite memories of her is when I went and snuck her out of school once and went to artic circle for lunch and then to a movie. I owed her one big time, and that is how I made up for it. We had fun. She also stays up late watching tv with me whenever I spend the night at the parentals. She had got serious insomnia like I do, and it is nice having someone as cool as her to spend that time with.

So here you have it, the Cummings Family

Those of you who know me know I am not one of those look how perfect my life/family/world blog kind of people, so I thought I would include some of the funny pics. Most of them are mine, because I don't want to embarass the fam too much, they say I do that enough as it is. Now it is time for the Cummings family photo bloopers. Mainly they are of me. I guess I am what photographer's call "a blinker"

Hair Malfunctions and funny faces:

24 years and those who made it happen

2009-03-10T00:56:00.002-06:00

Hi everybody, or basically the three of you who read this blog. I turned 24 on Saturday. It is kind of crazy for me to think that I am now 24. 24, still single, still working on my bachelors degree, still having to stop at the parental's once a week, still playing practical jokes on people (for my latest one I have to apologize to my friend Brianne at work for.....it was pretty funny though, I am glad you laugh about it now, and I am glad you didn't call me at six in the a.m. when you mysteriously had your alarm go off on a Saturday morning,) and even inspite of still being as immature as I was at 23, I am still your average rockstar. I am glad that being one year older hasn't had any dramatic effects on me yet. It is kind of weird though. I always thought I would be two more steps ahead of where I am now when I used to think about what would happen when I would be 24. I thought I would be graduating this fall because 18 credit hours would be easy, (Ha ha never have taken more than 15 with two of those credits always being tennis classes) thought I would be married or engaged (this is not even close to happening, and right now I don't feel too bad about it), I don't think I will ever stop playing practical jokes (you may just never want me to see your cell phone again, it was such a funny practical joke, sorry again Brianne) and I will probably be a rockstar when I am 80. Thats it, no new profound explaination on the new age, no sudden new plans, no new resolutions.
With that said I do have to thank all my killer friends for making my bday an awesome weekend. First, Friday afternoon my awesome friends at work had a small bday party for me. Thank you Erin, Blair, Mccall, Jenni, Kelly, Wendy, Jesse, Will and everyone else at work. Then that night Christa and Amber took me out to eat at Stoneground, one of my favorite restaurants, and then we met up with Sheldon and saw the Reader (I will blog about the movie later) and then went back to the APT for brownies and ice cream. Then Saturday I went up to O-town to celebrate my birth with my friends up there. They took me to the OG, and then we went back to Missy's for an Office Marathon. Thanks Missy, Kriddy, Chelsie, Tyler, Lawrence, Heather, Brock, Briann, Kellie, Mike, Chiara, and Chantastic. I got a pass to do the I-fly at the Junction (indoor skydiving) and a few other goodies. It was awesome. Thanks.
Then Sunday was the fam's time to party. Both sets of G-parents came over, and my whole family was there (minus Katie who was on a trip and said she will make it up to me). It was a lot of fun. Made out with some loot from the the Parentals and the G-parents, and got some good flicks from the siblings, and the best picture from my buddy Jax. All in all an awesome bday.

Thanks!

Season 8 of American Idol

2009-03-03T23:01:00.004-07:00

So as you all probably know I am an addict of American Idol. Lame I know, but I love music and it is cool to watch people who don't have the opportunities that others have to make it into the business. Anyways I guess I don't need to defend myself, even though I kinda feel like I do. Well finally tonights show has given me a favorite. Her name is Lil Rounds. She rocked Mary J Blige's Be Without You. Awesome. I finally have someone I am really cheering for.

Lil has got some pipes. She is my favorite.

Here are some others that I like.

Danny Gokey: I hate on him a little bit because I think Fox has been exploiting the death of his wife to make him as popular as he is. He has been shown more than any of the other contestants, which again gives him an unfair advantage. Can he sing-yes in the whole Bryan Adams kind of singing. Don't get me wrong I like him, I am just not buying the hype that has gone into making him what he is. If his wife was still alive would he be as popular?-probably not, and it is shameful of Fox to exploit it. I do not give out pitty votes. That said he sooo deserves to be in the top 12, unlike the blind guy. He is sacrament meeting good, not I wanna listen to him on any other day but sunday kind of good.

Ju'Not rocked Hey Delilah. Changed it up enough to make it different but left the important parts the same. He was the best guy of round 3, I hope he makes it to the top 12.

Kris Allen suprised me by doing a classic MJ song and doing it well. Who would have thought a white boy from Arkansas could authentically do Man in the Mirror? He is pretty good.

My Wild Card Hopefuls: Those I want them to bring back.

Megan Corkrey is hot. I kind of have a crush on her, and maybe that is why I am hoping she makes the wild card picks. I know her style of music is limited but I think that it represents a new era of music for women who can't do the powerhouse vocals of Alicia Keys, the hip of Beyonce, or the rock of Pink, but don't want to fall into the dumb pop genre. It is a throwback to 60's jazz/r&b mixed in with a bit of British invasion that is cool, soulful, and chill. Think Amy Whinehouse, Adele, Duffy, Corrine Bailey Ray, or Norah Jones. She has potential.

I kind of have a weird crush on Jackie. She is goofy but she has an awesome soulful rock voice that reminds of Janice Joplin mixed in with Pink when she is actually singing and not being goofy/angry. She has potential and I hope they bring her back even though i think it is doubtful.

That leaves one more spot in the wild card and I hope it goes to either Anoop-Dawg or Kai. They are both really good and I like both of them.

Some of my fave SNL stuff

2009-02-19T01:10:00.003-07:00

So it is probably no big secret that I love SNL. Here are some of my favorite ones with the exception of recent Tina Fey Sarah Palin skits-those are fantastic but I couldn't just choose one. Sorry some might have brief commercials.
Beyonce, JT, and Paul Rudd- Single Ladies

justin timberlake snl beyonce single ladies video

Debbie Downer

Anne Hathaway-Mary Poppins

Natalie Portman Raps (Warning bleeped out f words, maybe inappropriate for minors. Haha)

Angelina wants more babies

Really with Seth and Amy, Really

Sorry, couldn't sleep so I was playing around online and thought you all could benefit from it.

Living for yourself

2009-02-14T00:23:00.003-07:00

Apparently does not include school work or cleaning your room. At least not on a daily or a weekly basis. Putting off school work and room cleanage for five weeks means a lot of fun, a trip to San Diego, and did I mention a lot of fun, but these five weeks have finally hit a crossroads. My room is literally a giant mess and I have three papers due in a week and a half. Do I know what these are on?....no. Have I read anything to get me ready to write them?....no. Do I even know when the are due?....not really, just in a general sense, I remember looking at my syllabi (that is pluaral for syllabus, right?)at some point and making a mental note that a lot would be happening in February, somewhere in the twenties. Last time I checked, and then was reminded every where I went today, it is apparently February 13, well it is after midnight so I guess it is V Day. (Side Note, my friend's coworker wished her a happy VD, then had to have it explained that if you want to shorten Valentines Day, call it V-Day, VD means something entirely different....As a further sidenote I submit calling February 15 VD Day, because I am assuming that is the day you find out that maybe Valentines day isn't such a good idea.)
Anyways back to the point at hand, I gotta get my schooling on, and fast. Also I guess I have to do a class presentation or something on Tuesday, about contructivist theory in international relations, yeah pretty intense, and am not even sure if I spelt constructivist right. And get this, teach wants me to give her an outline by tomorrow night, on what it is I am going to do. So I get to spend V-Day making up an outline and then VD Day figuring out exactly what I am going to present on. Lame.
I guess life has to eventually catch up with you right? Even though my V Day and VD Day are going to suck, I don't think I would take anything back that I have done over the last five weeks. It has been fun. Living to make yourself happy has been the best and only resolution I have kept this year. I am not so worried about what others think, I beginning to care less about it. Instead of getting worried when I think someone is mad at me I say boo on them. Treating other people the way they treat you is kind of theraputic. Thinking you know what, they really don't care how you feel when they treat you this way, you should care just as little, as bad as it sounds feels kinda good. I am experimenting with this new way of looking at life and those who I interact with, and it is kind of interesting. Those who treat my like crap, are now all of a sudden mad that my backbone is showing again. That I am not saying thanks serve me up another junk punch and keep em coming all night, please. Those who treat me like they should probably don't notice too much of a difference. This goal of not being the proverbial doormat, is paying off. I feel less stressed, less self-cautious, and am getting back to being me.
I want to thank a few people, who have been really awesome to me lately, and for no apparent reason. First my work friends. You know who you are. Thank you for making work a place I don't dread going, no matter how much someone is trying to make it be that way. I do have to say that I have always had awesome friends that I have made from work. Then my roomie and the girls upstairs. Even though this weekend (actually doing homework) is going to suck, the past five weeks have been killer. Thanks for keeping me occuppied. And the others of you, know who you are, thanks.

Coming soon in a future post, the family pictures that were three weeks in the making, and a movie update.

PS: I didn't know how to incorporate this into my post but feel the need to tell you all about my bad luck day on Thursday. All in one day I broke my phone, a copier (literally a door to it fell off after I closed it), and a blender all in a day. All not on purpose, all corresponding with the first letter of a swear word I wanted to say. Lame day huh? I dealt with it better than I thought I would. Weird.

The Real World

2009-01-28T23:27:00.011-07:00

"This is the true story... of eight strangers... picked to live in a house...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens... when people stop being polite... and start getting real...The Real World."

So, I have decided to do a throwback to 1998 and watch the new season of the Real World. I haven't watched the Real World in seven years, but this new season with two people from Salt Lake, I thought I would give it a try again. And it is awesome. Maybe I mentally never really graduated high school, but for reals guys, it is good. I would check it out if you haven't already. Here are the members of the house with my commentary.

Chet

Chet is definately in my top four favorite of this cast. He is a pretty cool, funny, chill mormon dude from slick city. Remind you of anyone? Ha ha. He is a little full of himself and a little to quick to start a fight, but I am a fan.

Sarah

Sarah is definately the nicest person on the show. She is the go to person for everyone on the show. I think that she will be the one who causes the least amount of drama for others on the show but has a a ton o drama in her real life. Sad. But she is def in my top three as well.

Ryan

Ryan is the funniest one on the show. Ryan and Chet are the pranksters of the show and are hilarious. He also can sing pretty well. Check out the first episode if you want to see it, don't judge it just by the tampon song.

Baya

She rounds up my top favorite four. She is pretty cool, at first I was a little skeptical of Baya. I didn't buy her love for hip hop dance in the beginning, but after thinking about most peeps wouldn't think I live hip hop music, but I do, so I let that one slide. But as the season has continued I have started to like her more and more.

JD

I really liked JD in the beginning, but his drinking problem gives him a totally bad case of drunk foot in your mouth itis. He is really rude to the others in the house and to random strangers when he gets his liquor. Sober JD pretty cool for the most part, drunk one of my least favorite.

Devyn

Boring. Boring. Boring. I had some high hopes for her, but her lack of doing anything exciting has made her the second most boring member of the house. Sorry Devyn the acting and singing career just isn't gonna happen. Go back to school. Harsh deal of reality, but I gotta say it like it is. She is nice though. Also get over Scott. That also is not going to happen.

Scott

And here goes the award for the most boring part of the whole show. Scott, Scott Scott, who let him on the show? Honestly, the only person he can have a conversation with is Devyn and that is because she loves him. Dude lay off the juice and pick up a book or.....I don't know a dictionary so you can learn words and then ask someone to show you how to put them together to form sentences. Ask Devyn, she would be more than willing to help.

Kaitlyn

I will be the first one to admit that I am completely ignorant when it comes to the transgender lifestyle and don't quite comprehend what it is that makes people want to do that, that said, I think she needs to be honest with everyone in the house. She should have came out the first day they were all there, and even more so with those that she dates. If she wants to be taken seriously as a transgender she needs to be honest about her lifestyle. Lying about who you are is never a good thing, especially about this. Anyways she creates a lot of drama on the show which keeps it entertaining.

So there it is, that is the house, someone watch it so I can have someone to talk about it with.

Top Ten Tuesday - San Diego Version

2009-01-21T00:00:00.006-07:00

So as ya'll probably know this past weekend I went to San Diego. It was my first time going there, I have been to LA area a lot, but never ventured further south than Aneheim. I freaking loved it. San Diego has got it all. It is a semi-big city, with a cool downtown area, it has awesome beaches, sweet parks, mountains (well big hills), perfect weather, and most importantly killer sunsests. It has everything I could ever ask for in a city. Why did I come home? Because I am poor. Sad, because if given the option to stay there, I don't know if I would have came back. I probably would have, the parentals would not be too happy about that, they still think they have me for a year before I move for law school, and leaving early would have been hard, but on the opposite side they would have a fun place to come and visit. I didn't want to leave. Sad face.
Anyways I haven't done a top ten Tuesday in a long time so I thought I would do a throwback to the top ten days with my top ten fave pics from San Diego.

2009 - The Year of B-rad

2009-01-06T01:48:00.001-07:00

2008 with its ups and downs has taught me one thing: that I have got to live for myself. I have spent a good deal of my time trying to live to make other people happy. I don't know if it was out of obligation or just trying to be a good person or to have others believe that I am a good person, but I have learned especially lately that I cannot do that any longer. It feels good to make other people happy, but I have learned that you, well at least I, cannot find real happiness in just trying to make others happy.

2008 was the year of Brad the doormat. Me and a friend were talking about some of the happenings in my life and she said Brad don't let yourself be the doormat. Probably the best advice I have gotten in a long time. During some serious introspection at the typical end of the year resonance period and due to some things that a different friend said that really made me question who I am. I have always thought if I was one thing, I am a good and loyal friend. I am the person people feel totally fine calling at two in the morning to talk about a problem, the person that takes someone out of town when they just need to get away and escape life, the excuse someone can use to get out of a bad date, an unwanted family event, etc. The person that if you tell a secret to and asked not to tell will take whatever it is to the grave. I am a vault.

What I have noticed is that I have spent way too much time trying to make my friends happy that I really have started to lose some of the qualities that I need to have to make myself happy, since I have learned I can't make my friends happy all of the time, I should just focus on what really makes myself happy. With this new plan don't worry ya'll, if you need to talk at 2 in the a.m. I am still awake, give me a holla, and you know I am always up for a spur of the moment vacate, but I am going to do things differently. I am not your doormat anymore.

This is the year where I get my life back on track, the year that I live my life for me and not for anyone else. I need to rediscover who I really am and not define myself by what ya'll think of me. Recent events in life have kinda shattered the one thing that I thought I was good at and it has really got me thinking of what I really need to do in life. I need to get comfortable in my own skin again. I kinda lost that this past year and I miss that self assurance that I had in who I am.

So here's to 2009 a year to redefine, reshape, and be happier.

Best Songs of '08

2008-12-29T16:15:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of what I think have been the best songs of this year. Let me know what you think. The amount that can fit on a CD. Let me know if you want a copy. Not in any particular order. Also the songs are the playlist that plays when you are on my blog so go and check them out (with a few exceptions, some songs I couldn't find to put onto the playlist so they are different songs by the artist or in the case of Beyonce or Kanye I am sure you all have heard that song before.)
1. Human - By The Killers. Deep lyrics, awesome vocals, a great introduction to a new sound for the Killers. Great renovation of an awesome band.
2. Nine in the Afternoon - Panic at the Disco. Again, a great renovation for a band. When I first listened to the album, I thought, "are you kidding me?" I was not impressed. On second listening to, I changed my mind, especially about this song. On third listening, I applaud their effort to be innovative.
3. Better Off Alone - Marie Digby: Great new artist. Awesome voice, good lyrics.
4. Unhappy/Angels On the Moon - Thriving Ivory: Thanks Chantasic for reccomending this awesome band and taking me to their concert. They are amazing. Just as good live as they are on their album. I think they are gonna make it big.
5. Chasing Pavements - Adele: Awesome mix of jazz/pop/soul sound with an amazing vibe to it. Haunting song. Really good.
6. I'd Rather be with You - Joshua Radin: I spend a lot of time on itunes looking for new artists to listen to. This is one I found. This song is awesome. When/if I ever get married this is definately going on the wedding video.
7. Live your Life - T.I. ft. Rihanna: I think it is the best rap song of the year. I really like it.
8. Paper Planes - M.I.A.: I think this is an '08 song, but I am going to be too lazy to check. Awesome song. It was on Pineapple Express, but a friend at work had me listen to it a long time ago. It is a little weird but still awesome.
9. Viva La Vida - Coldplay: I ate, drank, and slept this song. So amazingly good.
10. Change is Hard - She and Him: This is kinda a timeless folk song by Zooey Deshanel's band. Great.
11. Fall For You - Second Hand Serenade: This is just great. Listen up.
12. Take a Bow - Rihanna: One of her best, shows that she is better than the average singer on the radio.
13. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis: I know it is really poppy but it is just a really good song.
14. Just Stand Up - A bunch of different artists.
15. Drunken Lament - Ludo: Lesser known band that is awesome.
16. Gives You Hell - All American Rejects: I really love this song. Especially right now in my life.
17. Single Ladies - Beyonce: This partially gets on due to the Justin Timberlake/Beyonce skit on SNL, but it is a good song. Also, Beyonce is hot.
18. Heatless - Kanye West: Different change of pace for Kanye but I like it.
19. All Summer Long - Kid Rock: Good Summer song.
20. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz: The version with Joshua Radin. It is by far the better version.
Now y'all tell me which songs I missed. I think it is a pretty good list, but not totally perfect. So let me know.

Almost Famous

2008-12-19T02:40:00.006-07:00

Warning this is kind of a sad, middle of the night, not going to make any sense but to a sleep deprived Brad post. Read at your own risk.
I have had a horrible night. A bad day followed by a pretty horrible night. A big final followed by a bad day at work followed by a last minute project that kept me at work until 9:00 at night. From work I had to go over to Kinko's to have them laminate my project. Call me crazy but I really love walking in downtown Salt Lake, especially at night. Kinkos is two and a half blocks away from where I work. As I turned down a street I passed a homeless man throwing up on the side walk and I kept walking by. Then there was another homeless man huddling against the side of the building that Kinkos is in. After showing the idiots at Kinkos what exactly I needed to have them do, and after showing them how to do it better after they ruined the sample they did for me, I left and started walking back to work. The homeless man huddling next to the building Kinkos is was being questioned by a few of the Salt Lake Angels, and the man throwing up was laying on the ground. I looked at him and knew something was wrong. Then a fire truck pulled over and two firemen jumped out checked his pulse and his breathing and then started performing CPR on him. I stood frozen watching them for a moment, not knowing what to do. I had to walk away. There was nothing I could do, the firemen obviously know CPR better than I do. And I had to leave because I couldn't wait to see if he made it or not. It was just too real for me. Death is something that I cannot comprehend. And I needed to at least be able to believe that he made it. If I would have stayed then maybe he wouldn't have, and the guilt that I am already feeling is keeping me up til 3am and there is no sleep in sight. When I first saw him he was puking his guts out into a bush. I didn't stop, I was in a hurry, I was mad that I was working that late, tired due to studying for my final living on three hours of sleep and just wanted to get my project finished. And I just walked on by. Thirty minutes later he was receiving CPR. And I really hate myself right now. I left my phone at my apartment so I didn't have anyone to talk to about it, and after finishing a few things up back at the office I went to my parking garage and found that it was locked up, and my pass was in my car. So I sat on the steps outside my parking garage contemplating on what had happened, what I am doing in my life, and how the world can just literally suck sometimes. I did that for twenty minutes until some random stranger was going into the parking garage and after reassuring that I park there too I talked him into letting me in. I went back to my apartment and for the first time in a really long time felt completely alone. So instead of tackling my life head on I call my mom and dad. Gosh I am such a wimp sometimes. But I needed to talk to someone, and the list of people I can talk to about this is getting increadibly smaller as I get older. It was a good thing I did, they always have a way of making me feel like I am still a decent person. Still not satisfied I turned to music. I couldn't find a song that really went with what I was feeling so I started watching one of my favorite movies.
Here is a clip from one of my favorite movies of all time, Almost Famous. It kind of fits exactly how I am feelig right now. Premise for the clip is Patrick Fugit plays the young kid sitting next to Kate Hudson. He is a young reporter for Rolling Stone who follows the band Stillwater on tour writing an article about them. Kate Hudson is Penny Lane, the ultimate groupie, who inspires lead guitarist of Stillwater played by Billy Crudup to be a better musician. The band just got into a huge argument and is on the verge of breaking up and this is how they all get back together again. Through the song Tiny Dancer.

It somehow made me feel better. I don't really get how, but it did. Elton John had some good stuff back in the day. I highly reccommend the movie it is rated R so if that is not your thing look for it on cable to get the edited version. I guess posting this is my last effort in trying to talk to someone about a horrible day without having to actually talk to someone and burden them. Anyways I just want to forget about this bad day and fall asleep and start a brand new better day. Thats the way it works right?
Anyways, "Hold me closer tiny dancer. Count the headlights on the highway. Lay me down in sheets of linen, you had a busy day today...." Good song.

I've been tagged

2008-12-16T22:29:00.003-07:00

So I don't do these very often but I thought I would do this one from Missy. Christmas Tag:
Tag:

3 Favorite Christmas movies:
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - By far the best
Home Alone
Four Christmases

3 Favorite Christmas songs:
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
O Holy Night
All I want for Christmas is You ha ha jk (kind of) but I am going to say The Christmas Song by Johnny Mathis

3 Favorite Christmas traditions:
Opening up pajamas on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve monopoly game with my uncle Kenny
My dad telling us his made up Christmas story that he has told us ever since we were little called "Tinkle Tinkle." The funniest story.

Snow or the tropics
Snow on Christmas day and tropics the rest of the time

Candy Canes?
Gross-I can't believe you people like them

Favorite Christmas gift you've ever gotten:
My fly fishing pole. I hardly ever use it anymore but it is probably my favorite gift. One day I will use it more often if someone will go fly fishing with me.

Sorry you guys. Another celebrity crush post.

2008-12-10T00:22:00.008-07:00

So my life has been consumed by school and work for the last month so I haven't really done too many interesting things that are blog worthy. I wrote 28 pages worth of papers, helped put together 6,000 Christmas cards (yeah that involved three saturdays, and many late nights at work,) helped conduct a survey for Salt Lake County, dealt with some friend drama, set up the parentals Christmas lights, and got another cold. So as you can tell the lack of fun has made it so I haven't posted in a bit. So this is what you are going to get. You are going to get another celebrity crush post. I will refer you back to my top ten list I made a while ago.(http://b-radcummings.blogspot.com/2008/04/tuesdays-top-ten.html) Most of those will stay the same, although Rachel McAdams moves up on the list as well as LC, and Lauryn Hill and Halle Berry move down on the list towards the back of the top ten.. Anyways that is not the reason for this post. All of those on the previous post were obvious everyone has a crush on them crushes, except probably Lauryn Hill-I may be a loner on that one. Well this crush list is suprise crushes. The crush you don't expect.
Zoey Deschanel

I don't know what it is about her that I love, but I do. She is quarky, and goofy, and really cute. She just needs to pick better movies to be in. I know The Happening seemed like a good idea on paper and who wouldn't want to be in a movie with Mark Wahlburg, but I really don't think she read the script. Big points for Zoey, no points for The Happening.

Lo, from the Hills.

Now this may strike people as a little odd. Don't get me wrong, LC is on my top ten list, probably at number seven right now, but there is something about Lo, that makes her my second favorite on the show. I also think she is better looking than Audrina and Whitney. I will probably get a few weird looks on that one.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

You probably best recognize her from the Dark Night or Stranger than Fiction, my crush on her developed a while ago while I was on a date with this girl before my mission. I went and saw Mona Lisa Smile on that date. Her choice, definately not mine, maybe it was just because I really like this girl but I fell in love with everything that night. That girl, Maggie Gyllenhaal, the popcorn we were eating, the freezing cold night, the gum I stepped in, I fell in love with it all. Okay I probably didn't fall in love with any of those things, but there was just something special about that night. Anyways Maggie Gyllenhaal has carried on.

Nicole Richie.

Okay so I guess I have a thing for chicks who will junk punch you and then leave you. While the rest of the world was mackin over Paris Hilton, I fell for Nicole. And who wouldn't want to be Lionel's son in law?

The Biggest surprise...............Lindsay Lohan. Sick I know.

So I get that she is a lesbian now. I get that she does drugs. I get that she is basically an overall bad person. But there is just something about her that makes me say if I had no morals at all then ....maybe.

Poetically A-pathetic

2008-11-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

So maybe I have been watching to much BET, but lately when I get really irritated I will come up with some rhymes in my head, stuff that just gets me to vent out a ton of frustration. Sometimes I write it down and sometimes I don't. This was one that I did. Am I the next Kanye? Probably. Here it is my blogger debut rhyme. Help me come up with a gangsta rap name.

Perfectly imperfect living out my days. The runner up, tagged out on my home run plays. The consistant second place, no trophy, no ribbon Just bumps and bruises I hang onto when I'm done. Seemingly forever lost I pretend to be found Living for laughter, my favorite sound. The jokemaker often turned into the joke... The fatman in a little coat... The constant bouey others need to float, until they can swim, sometimes ya just can't win. The fighter of the good fight, the last picked on the team. The diamond in the rough, polished but chipped. Too clouded to be on display too valuable to be thrown away. The "nice guy" who finishes last, the bait is set but the line not cast. The idealist living in reality, subject to human fraility. The kryptonite to the superman I wanna be.
That was then and this is now. I aint gonna sit and wait and wonder how. How you could have forgot about me, how you could make plans all over me. Tired of acting like its all okay, hide my feelings and put it all at bay. Its not gonna happen any more, not gonna be treated like a whore. Using and abusing me like I don't matter, then when something new come up I am second batter. Not any more I am tired of this shiz. This is something I really can quit. Not anymore. I ain't gonna be third or fourth place, I am the freakin ace who's gonna rock this base. Yeah I saw the sign, I hit it and it opened up my mind. Yeah I saw that sign.
Shoulda saw it coming a while back, when I thought it was something I could hack. History is a dirty switch, ya turned on the light and thought I could be ditched. Nope, not gonna happen any more, that was the last time my heart ever got tore up. I am gonna call y'all out when you be acting shady, not gonna act like some crazy old lady. I deserve much better than that, tired of jumpin so high but fallin flat. On my face is where I been, up in the starz is where I'll be. Lookin down on you and all that you've done, I sure hope it was fun. That it was worth it when you look back, that you don't feel like you got off track. As for me I'm done. Movin on with my life looking for a new one. Or two or three, there ain't nothing goina stop me. This shiz has got me thinking, about who I was and what I will be. I can thank you for that, you got me poetically apethitic. It about time I finally got something out of this 'ship, its been a good ride and a long trip.
Yep I got poetically a-pathetic.

Writers Block

2008-11-18T19:28:00.003-07:00

Sucks big time, especially when you need to write a minumum of 16 more pages for some papers due on Thursday. Why, tell me why do I procrastinate? Homelessness here I come.......... ok maybe I am being a little dramatic but honestly people, why?