3 things..

Wow, it has been WAY since I have been here.  I have had some events take shape in the past year or so, and as I have seen them develop into what they are now, I feel overwhelmed with joy that my Heavenly Father is the guidance to my life.  He knows the best way for me, trust in Him I should, though at times I admittedly say and do dumb things that make my course a little bumpy. You are probably looking for something spontaneously said, amazing inspiration, or an incredible detailed update on my life. I'm sorry, but that's just not going to happen (at least in today's blog)! I've had my heart crushed, reattached, crushed again, dreams fade away, goals set aside, priorities mixed from it's routine order, and friendships that have come and gone.  I'll tell you exactly what my Stake President told me a few months back when I sat down with him.."Three things I want you to keep in mind.  Make good choices, Be happy, Love others and EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY." I stand by that and share that with you, those who may seem confused, struggling, heartbroken, frustrated.  And also with those who are in a state of happiness. Keep this as your reminder. I love my Heavenly Father.

L.I.F.E.

      It has been a while, and I have been busy.  I've had work and a church calling to fufill, but finally my mind has been given permission to relax and ponder about life. Life- what a precious word.  That one word brings all sorts definitions to the page of a book.  Life is short, meaningful, full of items from our bucket list, with not enough pictures taken and regrets, but memories as well.  But as I sit here and ponder so many people come to my mind who have passed on.  I think of the service men and women who have fought for my freedom.  They are the true heroes of mine and many other lives.  They put there life on the line day after day, leaving the comfort of their home, family, and safety behind.  I have seen thousands of pictures and videos of soldiers returning from duty and surprising the kids and wive.  It tears me up, to be quiet honest.  They cry, I cry and so do millions of others who view the same video or picture.  To them I say THANK YOU.  I know doing so on this blog does not and never will do justice for them.  But I do think of them often and thank them from the bottom of my heart for all that they do for me on a daily basis.
     Next I think of my 2nd cousin Steven Jellum.  We were close enough to be first cousins and so we upgraded our family relationship to such.  Steven was put in critical condition after being involved in a horrific car accident.  I saw him once after that.  I was asked to give a motivational speech for a company.  One to the morning shift, another to the afternoon shift.  Between the two shifts I went home, lunch, then on my way back I visited Steven.  His mom was there.  She was so cool, calm and collective about it all.  I felt sick to my stomach.  I looked at Steven, he couldn't hear, talk, or communicate at all.  I did my best to keep my composure.  I talked to the mom who seemed to be doing ok, and when it was time to leave, I looked at Steven, tapped my heart twice and slowly walked out.  That was the best I could do so I wouldn't start bawling and making myself a mess before giving a motivational speech.  I gave the speech and did just fine.  Steven passed away a day later.  I think of the great times we had.  Especially between my junior and senior year of high school.  We made a video together and I still have it for memory reasons.
      Last, there is my beautiful Grandma Salvesen.  I love and miss her more than words could ever explain.  Her heart, smile, laugh, all of it was so motivating for me and I was one who certainly needed it at times and still do as well. Grandma and I had a personal relationship.  It was like we had a heart string attached to each other with a knot that no one in the world will ever be able to untie.  She passed in May of 2011 after a courageous battle with diabetes.  The funeral was beautfiul..just as she would have wanted.  My dad gave the closing prayer at her grave site.  It was the first time I ever saw him cry.  
      People come and go in our lives.  There is nothing we can do to stop it.  What we do with those people in regards of friendship..now that is something we can control.  Take time to ponder the special people in your life.  Who are they?  Why are they there?  What makes them so special to have a place in your heart?  You'll find your list to be long..in what is a very short life.

Retired in Paradise!!

My parents have completed their "Retirement" House and it looks gorgeous in my opinion.  I finally got the time to get over there and get some pictures to show off.  Hope you enjoy them as much as my parents enjoy living in the home!!            
     This picture (BELOW) is the living room with the host entertainment provided by the 70 inch monster

My dad may not know how to cook but he has a kitchen that makes him look he knows what he is doing..

This is a room between the master bathroom and master bedroom...so maybe it's called the master "I'm pissed at you right now so go sleep somewhere else because the bed is mine tonight" room

The master bathroom

Master bathroom continued

Dads office

My moms sewing room..talk about a mothers Heaven huh??

Moms huge sewing machine.  

Plenty of space inside those 4 closet doors for my moms sewing storage.

The Theater room

The theater room

The guest room

Our living room from a side view

Ok so this picture is the coolest!!  A family friend of ours drew this and it was a gift from my sister to my parents. On the picture is the kids.  The top left is Kassi, the top right is Ajay, the bottom left is Nick, and bottom right is Abby.  Each picture represents something of our family.  Kassi has her ipod, I have my New England Patriots shirt and a football, Nick-Boston Red Sox shirt and baseball bat and Abby-phone.  Our dog is also in there at the very bottom with a bone in her mouth and rocks surrounded around her because she plays/wrestles with them all the time.  Upper part of the tree is our cat.  You'll see a quilt and a tractor that represents my mom and hanging near the bottom of the tree is..yep you guessed it..Homer Simpson.  The reason behind that is because in a Simpsons episode, Homer buys Marge a bowling ball with Homers name on it, so then Homer can use it.  Mom and dad usually do this to each other on Christmas as well.  So that is our really cool Christmas present!! 

Harlee sitting on the couch and ruining it.

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Cleveland, Ohio

I remember back in my high school years, of the personality I had.  I was cocky, arrogant at times, still friendly with those I came in contact with, but yet didn't seem to care about being the caring guy.  I always worried about what others thought about who I was or how I acted.  I tried way to hard to get people to like me.  When I tried to fit myself into certain groups, I would sometimes change who I was, and that too, failed abruptly.  My attitude honestly became worse towards others and myself after high school and I was not the person that my parents had raised me to be nor, as I would find out in later time, who I really wanted to be.  Then came my 2 year mission to Cleveland Ohio.  I left to Cleveland, from the MTC in Provo, to try and do something the Lord had in my life plan from the very start.  I'm not going to get religious on this blog post.  But I will say that I was converted by the Lord to the person who He wanted me to be.  I left September 22, 2005 and returned September 9, 2007.  There are many things I miss about that area. 
- I miss the fall.  My, how gorgeous it is in the fall, because the area is filled with trees everywhere and though there are no mountains, the landscape is absolutely amazing! 
- I miss CiCis Pizza!  A pizza buffet that had EVERY kind of Pizza!  But the best was there cinnamon rolls.  Not joking when I say that I think I gained 14 pounds in that area thanks to that buffet!  
- I miss the walks at night.  The winter walks sucked, no lying there.  But the ones in the fall and spring were incredible and some of my most favorite.  We'd sometimes bike ride too, and they were just pleasant as could be.  Those were the times where my comp and I would talk and get to know each other and go into a deep life discussion.  It was warm so you weren't into big of a hurry to get inside.  I miss a couple of the areas.  The 2 that I miss most are, East Cleveland, and an place called Hills & Dales, which is located next door to Massilon and near Canton.  

     East Cleveland will always hold a place in my heart.  I LOVED the people, and not just because they were black.  Some of them were the nicest I could have imagined.  They were fun to be around, loved God (even when they were high on whatever it was they were doing), the youth there were hilarious even when they were making fun of us (which to this day I think they taunting my white companion, because I know how they all roll, so we never had issues) The fact that there was a rap song blowing out of every car you drove by, and all of them with the same freaking song.  The bus system was way fun to use.  Some of those people would be going crazy screaming and yelling weird stuff every time they saw the "Jesus People" get on.  

        Canton was "Football country" unlike anywhere else I've ever been.  Massilon vs Canton High School attracted more people than a Jackson County High School Prom.  These people were in love with football and I loved that I was in the area during the fall season.  The area is so dang unbelievably beautiful it is unreal!!!!!!!!  I could live there forever and never have a complaint.  I'll suck it up through a winter to enjoy a spring, summer, and fall, with the fall bringing on the pigskin fall traditions.  As I am sure you know, the football hall of fame is there as well so it was a genuine blessing from the Lord to me that I was able to visit a place that honors the game that I cherish.  The people were also very warm to us.  I did not have any "success" in regards of baptisms, actually that area was my worst production area, because they didn't want anything to do with the LDS church, but at the same time I made some wonderful friends.  There was Richard Owen, who I became very close and as did other missionaries gain a close friendship to him as well, had a powerful influence on me to smile and enjoy life.  He was constantly fighting an emotional, physical, and spiritual battle everyday of his life but you could never see it if you didn't know what was going on in his life.  His sense of humor, willingness to care, and love of life always overshadowed the hardship and adversity he took on which ever way it came and I tell you what, it came at a pace that some people would have balled up and sat in a corner and surrendered to the devil himself.  Richard was a great example to me.  Richard passed away in 2008, and to this very day, there are moments where I can fill his spirit.  The person or in this case, family that had a huge impact on me was the Thomas Family.  A mom who's personality was identical to my mom that made me feel right at home, courageously raising two daughters, who are as outgoing as....well lets just say there is never a dull moment in their home.  The daughters, Hannah and Sarah, all grown now up bring forth eventful moments into the home with there cooky ideas, and stories.  I remember when I met the mother, Suzan.  I honestly thought she hated me like Cleveland hates Lebron.  Not kidding at this moment either, it wasn't until Easter of 2006 while at Richard Owens house, that her and I actually had a humanized conversation about....Hannah.  In saying that, the conversation got a tad weird for me, since I hated the girl (or any girl age 17 or younger) with all of my heart.  That's what missions do to you.  Because of the standards you are expected to hold and should hold, you begin to see how totally insane teenage girls are.  I saw it in Hannah the moment I met her.  Anyway, Suzan and I became very close friends.  I remember when she was being taught by the sister missionaries, she called me one night because she had a question about a topic.  To the best of my memory I answered the question, but then she asked about me.  It was something to the effect of why I was given such an outgoing personality, but yet so willing to hide it.  I opened up unexpectedly and we've never lost touch of each other since that moment.  I visited the Thomas Family, during spring break of 2010.  Canton was still gorgeous as ever, Suzan was still the mom of the year in my books, Hannah had became less psycho, which made it easier for me to approach her and Sarah who I don't ever remember meeting during my time there in 2006, was one of the funniest gals I've met.  Her life could be a comedy book and just the introduction would make you change your pants twice.  I love the experience I gained within just 2 short years and I'm grateful for the Lord being so persistent in getting me to go on a mission so He could change me into a better person.  I'm grateful for the people I met at every door step, or through other various ways.  I'm grateful for the friends I made in those 2 years, and I'm most grateful for memories I've created in those 2 years!!

PICTURES are worth a THOUSAND words....

So this is my parents retirement home.  There's a more updated version that I've yet to put on here, but they said they wanted to "Downsize" and i really don't think this was it.

The love of my life, beat of my heart, happiness in my smile, light of my life..people meet my dog Harlee!  Actually the family named it Harlee but I named her Ferocious!  You can tell why I named her that by this picture.

Harlee was not cooperating with my wanting to have a photo shoot with her and I.

That's MUCH BETTER!

Ok, so she wouldn't stay still for even a second.  So I told her I was taking one more picture then leaving.  Well at the last second, she poked her head up and kissed me.  Not the most romantic one I've ever experienced, but at least we got one in, right?

....

My younger brother Nick and I.  I love this kid to death.  We're pretty close.  He lives in Montana, and I miss him like crazy.

Retirement home.  Guess what the biggest room will be in this house??  My moms sewing room..

So I just got done with my blog then my mom put this picture up on Facebook, so I stole it from her and had to show you all!!  I'm totally stoked about it..I'm still in negotiating terms with the life size statue of me they are going to put in front of the house ;)

Life of 2011....so far

So 2011 is over halfway done now and here in July I finally thought I'd update you on life so far, from this year.  It's been a learning experience to say the least..as much as there's good times I'd say there has been plenty of heartache as well.  The eventful part starts off when I was dating a girl, whom I met at work.  Her name I'll keep secret, but will tell you that she is a wonderful girl in so many ways.  Though we never really got serious, we were with each other a lot of the time.  I really did cherish my time with her and appreciated the moments that we had.  But as time went on, I found out that there was another guy.  He's been talked about in my earlier post, but she fell for him....and I had no idea.  I finally called her out on her kissin him.  She confessed she did and stated, "Sometimes you don't need a reason to kiss someone.  You can kiss someone just to kiss him/her."  That bothered me for quiet sometime..I even thought about doing just that..to see what it feels like.  I still haven't done it.  One night we had a huge argument after she had stood me up 2 days in a row.  I ended my friendship with her and have elimninated any contact with her as well.  It's something I've never done before with anyone..but she had so much emotional control over me, because I liked her so much.  I had to take her completely out of my life. and hope to never had the desire to do so again.  She still crosses my mind, when I hear a song, or a comment, or her name.  But I've learned that sometimes you have to let go of something good, so something better can fall into place.  I'm still waiting for that better part. 
        My grandma, Jane Salvesen, has been one of my closest friends, and strongest supporters of my whole life.  She was always encouraging of me and yet, knew when to instruct me on things that I needed to improve upon.  She is incredible in so many ways, and loving from the bottom of her heart.  In May Jane was sick, we all thought she'd be able to press through it since she's done it so many other times.  But as time went on through the month, she got weaker, and more sick.  I realized that this time, the sickness was going to get the most of her.  I remember just before she was sick I went over and visited her and grandpa.  They weren't able to go to church because it was to hard for them.  So whenever I'd give a talk, I'd go to their house and give the talk to them to.  They both seemed to love when I would do that.  Especially grandma.  That day I wanted to give them one of my talks.  As I was giving the talk my mom had walked in and down the stairs.  I had to go talk to her about something and interupted the talk to see mom.  I never came back up to finish it.  I still regret that to this day.  The last talk I gave them, I never finished.   When I came home from my mission, I gave them my homecoming talk, I remember my grandma getting emotional, and with her voice cracking said, "I'm so proud of you."  That really meant a lot to me.  As she laid on her bed 4 years later, with only hours until she moved on from this life, it was just her and I in the bedroom.  I was having a hard time saying anything to her because I'd nearly start crying.  Finally I was able to have enough control of my emotions to talk to her.  I said a few things, and she responded with some thoughts.  I won't put on here what I said, but the conversation was beautiful, meaningful, and I won't forget it.  She passed May 24.  I often think about her and the strenght she was to my everyday life.  She still has that same positive influence on me today. 
        I've been active lately as well.  I just finished summer school at Utah State, and look forward to going back in the fall.  I'm playing in 3 softball leagues as well.  I planned on only one, but a guy talked me into to playing and so did another.  I am pretty sure my arm will need sewed back on by the end of the seasons.  Mom and Dad sold their house and are buidling their retirement home.  I think they really enjoy it, and the future that home holds for them.  I'm still living in Providence with my good buddy Lace.  He's a great friend to have and we get a long really well.  He's a great chef too!!  I did a little work for the radio station driving the 103.9 PT Cruiser in the July 4th cruise in.  That was a blast, having my music cranked up full blast as I drove down main street waving at all the cruise in fans. 
      So that's my summer thus far, I'm sure I'll update you on all of it after.  Everybody who reads this, I hope life is good for you.  Always smile, laugh, live and love.  Enjoy the moments, take control, regret nothing.  BYE!!

My summer of....

Ok my faithful bloggers, I'm back.  I had a a few weeks hiatus due to..well whatever it was that I was exactly doing but here I am today on Sunday and wanting to write it up.  I want to write about one of my favorite summer memories that stick out to me.  Summer is always a fun time, and for most where they build great memories.  So here is one of mine..and you might notice that it doesn't include dating a girl.

 It was the summer of 2002 and I was coming off my first year of being an equipment manager for football, basketball, and baseball at Mountain Crest.  We won the 2001 4A football title so Coach Erickson was asked to coach the 4A All-Stars against the 5A All-Stars in Viewmont in 2002.  When I went into his office I shook his hand and congratulated him, he replied, "Well congratulations for being the manager of the 4A team.  I grinned and acted like I knew that it was coming, but inside I got all giddy and excited.  So in June of '02 we got our squad together.  Kids from West high, Logan, Sky View, Highland, Box Elder, Timpview and others. 

    The first practice was light, the second was contact and third we we're in full mode.  One of the days we went to the Logan pool and all hung out.  That's when I was able to get to know some of the guys, including one named Ryan Bohm who was our QB.  Ryan played for Logan High and had talent written all over him.  He was good, extremely good, crazy good.  He tore us apart in the 2000 Region Title game, then the 2000 State Semi-final, ruined our 2001 Homecoming and nearly dashed our State Title dreams in 2001.  Needless to say Ryan wasn't my favorite guy in the world simply because he was so good and owned us during his 3 years at Logan High in football.  As I chatted with him and got to know him he is quite the cool guy.  Humble, great leader, planned on serving a mission--which he did--always nice to everyone who would go chat with him, and their were lots who did.  He was the local hero in Logan and was/is a very good ro-model to kids.  It was really fun to get to know all these players and their differences, how they came together, what they wanted most, and their love for football. 

  The day of the game, my mom and I drove down to Provo.  This is one of my favorite parts of the trip.  I don't remember if my Grandma came down with us or she met us in Provo but somehow I got the front seat.  It was just Mom and I.  I feel that we have  a close friendship.  I can tell her anything and everything and she puts it the way it is and yet is able to comfort me.  Well that 2 1/2 hour ride down we talked and talked about anything and everything.  Just me and her.  She's always been so supportive of me and my dreams.  I'm deeply grateful that she came with me on that trip.  We stopped and grabbed some McDonalds, then my mom dropped me off at the stadium.  The players were all ready to go, just without there pads on.  The game before us went into overtime, so we had to wait a little longer.  Finally we got on the field, had our game plan talk, warmed up, and kickoff was upon us.  The game was exciting and very fun to be a part of.  We lost 27-26.  The game ended at around 10:00pm or so.  But I had to clean up the field and our sideline, and that took a while.  By the time I got out of the stadium it was 11pm.  I was exhausted, drained, and wanted to crash in bed as soon as I got to Aunt Yavonnes house.  By the way Aunt Yavonne is the coolest lady in the world!  My grandma also went with us and when we got in the car, she said lets go eat.  I knew nothing would be open at 11 so why not just go home and make a quick pb&j and call it good.  Well instead of looking for a fast food place we went to Target.  Target?? What could possibly be at Target that would consider feeding us?  We walked into the store, and I was zombie walking it felt like, forcing my body every step from one isle after the other.  Finally we made it to the grill area, where my mom grabbed what would later become one of my closest friends: George Foreman Grill.  It's a small grill that cooks anything.  Cheese Sandwhiches, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Steaks, the list goes on!  So we took it home and used it outside because my grandma was afraid that we might "Set of the fire alarm at 11:30pm."  So there we were, grilling till a quarter to midnight.  I ate quickly and went to lay on the couch to sleep. I remember one of my cousins who was living their, grabbed the TV controller as I was watching SportsCenter and telling me about the Rated R movies that are on at that time of night.  I'm pretty sure he was joking..I think? 

 So there is my favorite summer. That's where George Foreman grill and I started a relationship that has never been and never will be broken.  That's where I got to be an all star for one night.  That's where I got to see that great players can also be great people.  That's where my mom and I talked for 2 1/2 hours about life, and I got to sit in the front seat with no siblings to bother us.  All this equaled up to one of my favorite and most memorable summers.  But there is 2003 of course....