finale.

Thank you for all the support you guys have given me these past couple of years. I've made many friends; new ones from college, and renewed ones from living in Utah for 8.5 years.

I love you all.

When I come back, I'll be on a journey for my own rebirth. Think if it as a New Game+. I'm expecting you guys to bring the me you all know and love back, alright? Counting on you guys. Keep me in your thoughts, prayers, and dance parties. Maybe dedicate some ballad to me on occasion.

Well, here I go.

penultimate.

 I AM LEAVING FOR MY MISSION ON OCTOBER 12th

I'm guessing this will be my second-to-last post on here before my mission. I'm leaving a couple loose ends. I haven't finished detailing my adventures in San Diego, nor have I written about the other half of my Hawaii trip. I just don't really have the concentration to do those things right now... I don't have the concentration to do anything, it seems. My life is literally being thrown away as I know it, and I don't know how to react other than shutting down. I don't have the resources or availability to really get started with projects I'd like to do in my life. I'm so ready to start living for once, but I can't do it. White noise is surrounding me, and it's so loud that I try to listen to all of it to pick out what I need to focus on.

aloha.

These first couple of days have been very unique from my other visits to the Hawaiian Islands. I've been 3 other times so far, but only to the island of Maui (the second-largest island). I'm on the third-largest island, Oahu – home of the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, and the memorial of Pearl Harbor.

day 4 (tournament day 1)

Here's the map again.

day 3

DAY 3

day 1 & 2

DAY 1

postponed.

Over the next few days – or weeks, if it takes that long – I'll be detailing my San Diego trip. To save space and prevent your computers from suddenly moving like slugs in tar, I've separated each day (or few days) across pages that can only be accessed inside the original blog post, adventure. I'll update when new days have been added on Twitter, Facebook and Skype.

On a more serious note, though, I will not be leaving for my mission on August 31st. I'll repeat that.

I WILL NOT BE LEAVING ON MY MISSION ON AUGUST 31st.

To sum it up, my bishop feels I need to study and prepare some more. Which is completely correct. I'll update my new departure date when I know what it is.

Right now, I'm not attending UVU for classes. I'll probably sign up for Institute, though. I still work at Trafalga, and I still play D&D. Life is...mellow.

adventure.

From Tuesday, August 9 to Monday, August 15, I went on a grand adventure to San Diego, California with a car full of strangers that slowly became friends. For the most part, anyway. Any pictures can be clicked on for a larger view, and some language may occur in this post. You've been warned.

Here was the party.

another.

I was walking down the street yesterday, staring at the ground as I normally do, and, again, I found another broken dragonfly laying in the middle of a driveway. This one had moss-green spots instead of blue ones. This dragonfly wasn't whole, like the one I had seen earlier that day; this one had half of a wing torn off, probably by a bird attempting to eat it.

I used the same shoe tactic. This guy cooperated much better than the other one, and seemed to accept the fact it could no longer survive. It clung to my shoe desperately, and I left him close to some bushes where he wouldn't be seen or stepped on.

mindless.

I was walking down to my English class this morning, which is in UVU's basement floor. I was staring idly at the patterns in the stairs, while keeping my head down to avoid eye contact with anyone in the halls. On the last step, the pattern was interrupted in the corner of my eye. I looked, adjusting my vision to focus on this discontinuation, and I still had trouble seeing what I was looking at, exactly.

do-re-mi.

I like to sing. I listen to lots of music, and mostly enjoy the ones that I am able to sing. Sometimes it's not even in English, but as long as it's in my vocal range, I don't mind doo-dooing along.

flit.

Right now, in my writing class, we're reading a book called Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, written by Annie Dillard. It's a nature journal, similar to Thoreau's Walden, but in more modern (and for me, understandable) language. I came into writing class this afternoon, and my usual desk-mate came in a few minutes later and sat next to me. He pulled out his book, flipped through a few pages, and said to me, "I do not like this book." I laughed a bit and asked why, and he told me that it was monotonous.

leek.

Been a while since I posted something. Work and school have kept me busy. But this time, I actually have something to talk about, instead of life's goings on.

Did you know the world has a virtual pop idol? It's a crazy thought, something I didn't expect to happen until maybe 2020, but we have one. Right now. In fact, we have more than one pop idol. We have an entire "family" of them.

From left to right: Meiko, Kaito, Megurine Luka, Hastune Miku, Gakupo, Kagamine Rin, Kagaine Len

almost.

I don't think this will be a particularly long post. I think I'm maybe emotion-dumping on this one? Which I hate to do, because I don't want my blog to be like that at all. School and work have absorbed me into a lifestyle I don't particularly enjoy The move hasn't helped much, either. It's been difficult to tell stories or describe something when I'm constantly on the move. All I can do right now is form opinions on things, which is a really jerky thing for me to do.

So, something good, then: Over the weekend, an anime called AnoHana (That's the nickname. The real name is uber long.), which I talked about before, ended its 11-episode run. It was such an incredible and beautiful story. Great animation style, good characters, and probably the most crying I've ever seen. Not in a bad way, though. Words can't express how amazing this show was to me. I'd just recommend it to anyone that's interested, or even not interested. Everyone, go watch it.

fab.

Here is my final project for my 2D Design class. The objective was to make something that had to do with your major. Since mine is graphic design, I decided to make a
 promotional poster for the Beatles' last public concert, for which they told no one about before it happened. It took place on the roof of the Apple Studio, and they sang to many office workers on their lunch breaks. Crowds filled the streets, and the police went up to the roof to stop the production. The Beatles ended up performing the entire concert anyway.

Click for an enlarged version.

similar.

It's about time for an update, and a life-related one, at that.

First off, I've been listening to this new song (Update: Sony's killing anyone that posts this song. It's called Aoi Shiori by Galileo Gailiei) that's played at the intro of an amazing new anime I've been watching. The title's really long, but the nickname for it is AnoHana. The series starts off with a kid that hasn't gone to school for an entire semester. Going into his past, he used to have four other friends, and they formed a small club called the Super Peace Busters. One day, a girl in the group, Menma, dies in a river as the club gets together. From then on, the club slowly disbanded, and everybody grew up separately. From where we pick up in the story, the main character, Jintan, starts seeing Menma's ghost. She looks like she had grown up just as much as all the other members of the Super Peace Busters. Menma remembers that she wanted a certain wish granted by Jintan on the day she died, but she can't remember what it is. Jintan's job is to find out Menma's wish and help grant it. Over the course of his efforts, he reunites with his former friends. Many tears are shed because Menma is still around, reminding everyone of the pain they still feel from that day she died.

kickin'.

It's been a week since my last post, so I feel like it's about update time.

It feels like there's something I've been wanting to talk about today, but nothing's coming to mind, so I'll go with a subject I thought up a couple days ago that I had no time to talk about until now.

I think a big part of being a youth (or youthful) is to go on a few big adventures in your life. A big adventure, to me, is going to a large setting that is unique to your normal lifestyle with some comrades. Your parents aren't there. Maybe a couple of siblings, depending on your relationship. Best case scenario, go with some mere acquaintances. These big adventures are a great way to discover more about yourself, as well as develop great friendships with others. A couple of adult guides are a must, because we are merely youths, and can't get by doing everything by ourselves in the world. We're still knowing simply how to exist in it, let alone mold it into what we want. Anyway, these big adventures have been incredible points in my life.

tangents.

My blog – no, more like my life – has been incredibly low on the social side of things. For the blog, I haven't been receiving any feedback on it, online or otherwise, so it's felt like I've been talking to air for the past month or so. But that's simply a blog, and I don't feel like it's completely important to check up every day. They're simply thoughts, after all. Thoughts of a teenager keeping a record of his small thinks. However, in my everyday life, I feel like everyone's drifting away again. I say again, because the times this has happened before is after I've moved. Only this time, I've been in the same exact place I have been for the past year. Even when I did this last move, I still had friends and such to talk to daily simply because I moved a mere 10 minutes south. But now...

putrid.

So I was working the afternoon shift at Trafalga yesterday. 3 to 11 PM. I was working with my good buddy, Corbin. A family of 3 consisting of a well-built, older, mustached man, his "son" (I think) dressed in a mock police outfit, and another tall "son" (again, not sure) in a blue-and-white striped polo came out to the go-kart track. The latter two gentlemen were mentally handicapped, each in different ways. The blue-and-white striped guy was a bit physically handicapped. There's your setup.

scale.

Just a quick thought I've wanted to put down somewhere.

I work at the Trafalga in Orem. I say that again because people keep asking me where I work, and it's getting annoying. Anyway, as I work there, I've noticed a great amount of people coming and going, all on different levels of the maturity spectrum. It goes something like this:

the.

Yesterday in my humanities course, we began discussing about Japanese art forms. To begin, we first talked about how Japan was basically a replication of China in every political way. And then Buddhism happened. Zen Buddhism, in fact. In 849 AD, Japan broke off from China, and the new Zen Buddhist religion mixed in with the current Japanese Shinto religion (worship of ancestors). Here are the 7 dominating characteristics of Zen Buddhism:

muddled.

Today, I have so many different thoughts that I want to convey all at the same time. This could easily be done by creating several individual posts, since each thought is so individual from the other, but that could create some confusion. Instead, I'll split this single post into several sections. That should make it work out.

called.

Now that I know where I'm finally going for my mission (Little Rock, Arkansas, for those who didn't get the memo), I'll let you guys know which places I did NOT want to serve in. It's safe now, since no jinxing can occur.

festival.

I went to Nihon Matsuri on Saturday, April 30th. It's a Japanese festival held on the same street as the Buddhist temple near the Salt Lake temple. There were many kiosks selling traditional goods, as well as staged events where people performed various arts, such as music and dance. Here are some pictures I took while I was there.

running.

I'm going to college. I've already signed up for all my classes, and not a one is on a Wait List. First block, I'm taking Humanities and 2D Design. Second block has Math, Writing, and Computer Essentials. 15 credit hours. I am totally jumping into this cold pool called college, whereas some people just kinda slink in. Reminds me of when we lived in Lake Tahoe. I would run into that melted-snow-filled hole. The beaches there had very gritty sand, not nearly as fine as you get on oceans. The geese were cruel, too. Small, green strips of feces littered anywhere the geese gathered.

spring.

I want to go for a short hike through Provo canyon; watch the small creek bubble past, and remember what quiet feels like. No one telling me where to go. It's a simple matter of following my feet, and using my eyes to take in the views.

rubber.

Gum.

Gum is stupid.

thicket.

No-Shave Spring Break 2011 results are in!

champions.

I need to update this. The last post is depressing.
Life update, I guess!

So far, I've applied to work at BOTH Trafalgas, as well as Boondocks. ALL of them are hiring. I would be so happy if I got a job at any of these places. Like... Who doesn't want to work at a family entertainment center? Of course, I've applied to a few places other than those, but these large plots of fun and amazement sound promising.

unacceptable.

Short post. Mostly a rant, really.

The issue in my life at the moment is that of how much I've wasted it. At least, that is the opinion of some. I agree, to a certain extent. In the past year, I have worked 3 different jobs. I've greatly increased my skills as a graphic designer and all-around craftsman. I even started this blog, which, to me, is a huge leap of my self-expression in both artistic and literary ways.

polished.

 Update: I gained access to one of the 3 computers in this house that can edit the Template designer for this blog (finally). I didn't remember what the blog had looked like after not seeing it in its original design for so long. My computer can't run all the "fancy-schmancy colourins of thur young folk", so I've been stuck to seeing my own blog in its simple HTML form. Lame solid blue background and crap. Anyway, when I went in with the intent of completely redoing the entire template, I realized just how well the new blog header went with the template I already had. A few tweaks here and there with the colors (especially helpful in the case of my crappy computer), and the template looks pretty much the same as it did before. I do not intend to change it in the near future, or even in any future. That is, unless I somehow magically learn how to make my own website and start a new blog interface over there. But I doubt that will happen for a very, very long time.

I'm running a few renovations on the blog here. Here's the list of things I have done/hope to do in the near future:

****.

Swearing.
As Mormons, we are commanded not to swear, or take the name of God in vain. But me, I don't swear – simply because it's such an ugly thing to do, not just to obey the words of the Lord. My reasons go far beyond that of just "obeying the commandments".

refresh.

Two posts in one day. Sorry about all these updates.

But I made a new banner for my blog today! I'll probably need to go in and change a few colors for the blog theme (or change it altogether) to match the new banner, but I'm very proud of it. Again, just like every time I open Photoshop, I learned new tricks that will increase the quality of the work I do. Anyway, it's up there now. And just to advertise:

If you like this banner, you can find out how to get your very own at the Lively Banner Co.

Also, I turned off the system that requires you to type in random words before you post a comment. YOU'RE WELCOME.

untitled.

Right now, as I type, my family is talking about how men nowadays are becoming less and less capable of leading successful lives in many senses. From what general authorities said in today's and yesterday's General Conference, the amount of men looking for marriage is terribly low. On top of that, the people obtaining college degrees are 55% women. More and more families are relying on the woman to provide for the family.

bailando.

HOW TO DDR
Being able to dance on a DanceDanceRevolution game is as universal of a skill to nerds as being able to play Super Smash Bros. or Guitar Hero. It's just something we DO.

dorothy.

"Yeah, I've been to Kansas."

That's like saying "Yeah, I've milked a goat." It's a unique experience, but there's not much to really say about it in a positive or negative way. (By the way, I really have milked a goat.)

I'll begin by talking about the core facts of the trip, i.e., what happened, when and where. And to help make this less confusing, I MADE A MAP FOR YOU GUYS.

diggin.

Diglett. By far, the most mysterious Pokemon in existence. More strange and secret than Mew, Lugia, or even Arceus. Why?

Not one soul has seen its feet.
So this is what I think Diglett looks like when it scurries above ground. Simple clawed feet and a tail. No arms, because that would just be too weird.

tansformers.

I HAVE A QUESTON
What have I done...

global.

I've recently beaten the main plot for Pokemon Black. Now, half of the region is unlocked, as well as all the new Pokemon running around from the previous 4 generations. All the trainers have beefed up to level 60, and the Elite Four is the hardest it's ever been. You can meet with past Champions and game producers, and discover lost legends. There's still a lot to do. However, one particular feature of the game has caught my attention.

The Global Trade Station Negotiations and the Unity Tower.

immovable.

It's getting harder and harder...living like this. The first time, it was different. They didn't like me, and pushed themselves away. I was no longer interested. But now, someone needs me. Someone important. They need me badly, and I can't reach them...

How can I ask for forgiveness without losing her?

venus.

I wanted to make this blog post about girls. How to respect them, how valuable they are...things like that. I have a very defined appreciation for them, and have strict codes on how to treat them the best way I can.

joltik.

That is all.

company.

So guys. I made a new store. It's called the Lively Banner Co., and it covers all your graphic design needs.

Need a new blog banner? Then check out my store. I got all the hottest deals on fabulous items.

bio.

Your name is SOL.
You hail from the city LLORKH in the GRAY VALE region. You come from a poor family of ARCHEOLOGISTS that excavate in the GRAYPEAK MOUNTAINS. Your family is originally from the MENZOBERRANZEN, but your mother and father fled from there to escape the LOLTHITE RITUALS, as well as the drow’s
disconnected family culture.

full-time.

Tell yo wife, tell yo kids.

With this whole "We hate you, please die" mission papers thing, I need to find a new job. Connor Bice just got his call, and he doesn't get to the MTC until June. So I gotta get busy.

I need your help. If any of you have leads to places that are hiring, I want to know ALL of them. I'm really sick of this job-hunting crap, and hopefully I can get enough help that it won't be the usual hassle it has been.

So please, help a guy out! I need money for gas, food, and a mission!

drowning.

My life = teh suck.

My dad called me after sacrament meeting today. The bishop of my home ward has yet to turn in my mission papers. I thought he did 2 weeks ago, and have been waiting ever since. Apparently, there are a few more steps in this whole "mission equation" I have to fulfill. And the bishop didn't say ANYTHING until my dad talked to him today.

townsville.

I've had 3 dreams that included the Powerpuff girls in my life.

Best opening to a blog ever. And yes, this blog will go into detail about that. But for now, a little life update. Mission papers are in (I think. I gotta call my bishop to make sure) so I'm sitting around, actually waiting instead of just being a slacker. I picked up Final Fantasy IX, and I'm currently halfway through Disc 2. Now that my PSP is hacked, I have access to many fun games I've wanted to try (or just found out about), like wipEout Pulse and Patapon 2. Both very fun games.

holly.

Alexis gave me a jar.
The jar was filled with journal prompt ideas.
I took a sixth journal prompt idea.
This is what the journal prompt idea said:

"What is your favorite holiday? Why?"

endearment.

Alexis gave me a jar.
The jar was filled with journal prompt ideas.
I took a fifth journal prompt idea.
This is what the journal prompt idea said:

"What songs have a special meaning to you? Why?"

links.

With the new addition to the Kingdom Hearts franchise recently announced, I will now proceed to list EVERY announced Kingdom Hearts game in chronological order.

education.

Grammar time.

This is just a little note more for me. I thought it was really interesting. You can just skip reading this if you like.

There are a lot of English words that end in -tion. Graduation, organization, option...you get it. Well, I was just driving to my friend's house when something occurred to me. All off these words ending in -tion are nouns that are the products of the verbs leading up to their creation. Create a creation. Organize an organization. Imagine an imagination.

So yeah. Just something to think about.

myself.

Alexis gave me a jar.
The jar was filled with journal prompt ideas.
I took a fourth journal prompt idea.
This is what the journal prompt idea said:

"Where is your safe haven?"

star.

Alexis gave me a jar.
The jar was filled with journal prompt ideas.
I took a third journal prompt idea.
This is what the journal prompt idea said:

"Do you believe in the fact that horoscopes, star signs, tarot cards and the like have 'power' of sorts, or is it coincidental to you? Why?"