TIFTON, SAVANNAH, BLACKSHEAR and WAYCROSS, watch out here I COME!

'24'

-Jem

So here are the plans for my trip to GA this summer.  I and my mother (she realllllllyyyyy wants to go)  will be purchasing our tickets to fly out there this Friday.  We will be there from June 2nd-17th.  Unless something drastic happens that is the time.  WE are still planning on the days we will be in certain places.  I'm thinking we will do the Waycross/Blackshear part the last few days as it will be on the way back to Jacksonville where we are flying to and fro.  Our next step in the plans are finding crash pads for our trip.  So this is the part when I call people who ever said "you can stay here when you come back to visit."  Don't worry I wont be hurt if you say no, I mean I've had a pencil jabs and imbedded in my upper mouth when I was very young and had a window crash over my head while I was jumping on the bed.  (should have listened to mother. LOL)

Im looking forward to seeing so many of you.

-Gawdun

OH brother, OH deary

'My Superman'

-Santogold

I wont lie when I tell you all how much more fun I have taking pictures for money then I do waiting tables and such.  (I am aware a few of you are waiting for the pics from the Ramsay wedding but until I get the prints to the couple this Wednesday I have decided out of respect nobody would see them till they do.)  Anyways I had yet another photo shoot this past Saturday and it was an early one.  8:30am.  We managed to take a bunch of prints.  I haven't had the time to look over them much as I was finishing up the Ramsay Wedding pics.  Anyways whilst I was taking the pics I thought to myself that despite the troublesome economy that heck I would most deff go and look into a small business license.  This decision comes also on the eve of the week I did a lot of "current job" pondering.  You know when you get this crazy thought in your mind that tells you to do something (we call that the quiet whisperings of the Spirit) well I was all over that description like a INS agent all over a construction site in southern California.  I kept getting this idea that maybe I need to be looking for other work very soon.  Now I'm not meaning to quit and go full into pictures but another occupation to over the bills and such.  Well last week I was also put into the bar officially, and had the experience of working there on Friday night making drinks.  I did ok and didn't think too much more about it. 

Saturday night I met up with 4 other guys from my Elders Q. and we did some Temple work.  Sunday morning as I was getting ready for church I had this random message bubble (like a comic book) push it's way in my head..."should you really be working in the bar?"  It was quite the question and I knew right away that I shouldn't.  So I made the decision that I would only work the already made schedules where I am in the bar but that I would let my bosses know that I will not be able to work in there past that.  Besides it's just another door way to other problems if I was ever to go crazy and wild like.  (don't worry all I'm not planning to go wild and crazier to the dark side of the moon.)  

So wish me luck.  Tomorrow I will be talking to my boss about this choice I have made.  He may just get made which is ok to me.  I understand that we have 3 bartenders leaving soon and we need to fill spaces but then again I was given some keen advice from a super member in Savannah, Ga whilst I was on my mission.  Bishop Lowther once told me that I would not have to wrry about slipping in the church if I made my mind up what I was going to do and stick with it. So I guess you could say I am heading advice and going with it.  If it cost me employment then I am ok with that, (doubt it will) but I'm ready ;-) 

-Gawdun

'Ready Steady Go'

-Paul Oakenfold

Earth Hour March 28, 2009

I know many don't believe in the Global Warming Trend but even before it became a trendy thing to be part of I have always said we need to protect and support the Earth.  Here is your chance.  Most of this blog is funny and crazy but this is a serious matter. It's only 1 hour, please join in.

-Gawdun 

Demographics

*Oh and yes the photography biz blog will be up and going this weekend*

So I was filling out one of them coupon surveys where you get a free drink from Sonic after you complete it (many of you know how much I love me some Sonic drinks).  It got to the end and began asking information of my self to better show the clients conducting the survey.  (Corporate Sonic in other words).  It got to my age and started listing off the groups to select from.  No longer am I allowed to be in the "young" category.  I am in the 25-34 year old section.  After I hung up the phone I pondered the meaning of life, ok actually that is a lie and I really hung up and pondered who the heck said I was to be in that group. I mean seriously why do we have to "group" ages together.  It makes us seem older than we act or feel.  Heck just let me put in my age, really it's not that hard.  I mean I'm not dead yet you know, I'm just 25!  Sheeesh!  

Ok so let's be honest I sound bitter and mad.  But I'm not.  Really if you think about this I just proved a point.  When we think and feel something else and then we are categorized differently we seem to get our underwear, garments, or whatever you wear in a bunch.  Truthfully we only are what we think we are.  So I'm 25, yes much aware that time goes up and not down unless you are playing UNO and you want to go down in numbers in that case.  I'm tearing it up so far and not stopping yet.  Move over here comes GAWDUN!! Grr Arrggg!

-Gawdun

PS: Anyone know where the "Grr Arg" guy from up top is from?  I do but I'll give the winner a cool prize

Zombies Maybe...

I just want all of you to know that there is only one reason to scream and shriek.  Zombies!  I happened to be at Wal-Mart and when it hit 12:01 AM I could hear the screams form the opposite side of the store.  SO I REPEAT:  We only scream and shriek when there is a Zombie attack ensue.  

-Gawdun

Saturday is Upon Me!!!!!!

'More Holiness Give Me'

-Rob Gardner-Missionary Hymn Project CD

So as it goes with new adventures I am about to embark on a new one with the wedding shoot this weekend.  I am getting very excited.  I have gone over the final details and paper work with the couple and now it's just making it to Saturday and actually not getting lost trying to find this town.  Thank goodness I'm car pooling with one of my bosses and her family to the ceremony site as I know I would probably drive off a cliff or even get lost in the wilderness.  At least if I did I would have a camera to document my "wilderness lost-ness. " LOL. 

You know the more that I think about it the more insane this is to me.  The mission was a huge part of my life and of course graduating high school but man-alive here goes another part of my life!!!  I most definitely will have a blog for anyone to view my work and contact me for consultation and such.  SOOOO stay tuned for the link to be posted.  

I had dinner with the couple (Kole and Tabitha) tonight and several other co-workers.  We tried out this new Vietnamese Restaurant and it was great.  It was fun to talk with the couple and read their energy, which will most awesomely help my feel in the picture taking process. 

I really have nothing else to say so peace...

-Gawdun

Maybe I'll be Speaking Spanglish?

'Stupid Memory'

-Sondre Lerche

Well I am sorry to report that I have no new developments in my current, "3 choice of life saga."  Although I can tell you that I spoke to a representative of ILP.org (international language program) regarding volunteer work in Mexico.  It sounds like it will be a wonderful chance for me and the best part is happens to be that it would be from August-December.  As a few people have told me, even one that did the program but went to Taiwan, all have told me that this is the most awesome time to go and volunteer.  No family and really no major responsibilities other than my church callings. Let's be honest I could leave my current job and come back when I got home.  The ILP guy told me he would call me back in a couple weeks to see what I have decided.  

-Gawdun

Grrr to the Powers That Be, For Now

'Sleepyhead'

-Passion Pit

So I made it p to Salt Lake, I know finally, this last weekend.  Granted it was only from Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon but it was still fun.  I was able to see a few of my mission pals, (Danny, Rachel, and Shannon).  I'm already planning on going back at the end of April to hang out but this next time will be much longer as I still need to meet up with a few other missionaries that I own "club'n" time with, Leslie.  Anyways the 4 hour drive gave me great time to sing as loud as possible and think about the words to songs.  "Hand n my Pocket," by Alanis Morissette is actually a very interesting song.  It's really about hope and knowing we can make it through any trial or down fall we experience in life.  Which brings me to the subject of my post.

As many of my fans/friends/stalkers/and others know I have been working on applying to a few funeral schools.  However I have bumped into a wall that I can't get over.  Before I can mail anything in to the schools I have to get two recommendation letters.  Easier said than done.  However one of the letters has to be from a funeral director and that is where my trouble lies.  I have been trying to set up appointments with local funeral directors but I have been given the run around multi times.  I'm not fed up and mad I'm just getting all discombobulated.  I mean these meetings are also to help me decide if this is really what I want to do with my life.  So I'm getting the blockade that is deflecting my apps to be mailed.  Then as many also know I'm launching my photo side biz beginning with a wedding for Tabitha and Kole this upcoming weekend.  Here is the funny one.  Last week I get this email that comes from a LDS based company.  Well I most the time delete the emails because they are usually adds for emailing missionaries in the MTC, and I don't know any current missionaries.  This time I opened it up and noticed a cation to "teach english in Mexico and other countries."  I responded for more info.  Well I got another email and we are supposed to conference call this week about the logistics.  I got me a 3 headed dragon staring at me!

I tell Rachel, Danny, and Shannon and they were excited about the English teaching chance, but then again they would be just as happy to see me move to Salt Lake anytime. ;-)

So I have many decisions on my hand in the next couple weeks, months.  I do know that I can't just "stay put" per se anymore like I am.  Don't get me wrong I'm not slacking but I need to get out of my mom's house (very glad you're letting me stay with you currently mom).  Of course many of you will respond with the classic answer to pray and read on it.  Yeah I'm starting that one tonight.

So once again I restate my subject...     "GRRRR to the Powers that Be!"

'How Will You Survive'

-Azure Ray

(ironic huh?)

-Gawdun

PS* I love my life full of trials and I do love the opportunities I'm giv'n so please don't think of me as a complete complainer.  LOL

At Taste of Punjab  Left to Right:  Me, Rachel, Danny, Shannon and Mike

Joseph and Hyrum Smith's death masks at the Church Art Museum

"Sharing" 

Image Property of Andrew Gawdun

Another Salt Lake Temple Picture

Image Property of Andrew Gawdun

Dangers of Running

So I realize that I have posted at least once everyday the last few days.  However I have all these random ideas and I just have to make them public.

Anyways today I went for a 45 minute run and went all over the place.  I even passed a lady walking with a child stroller twice.  You know there is something about the great outdoors when you run that makes you think of the most random, craziest things ever.  Ok maybe that is just for me and I love it!  So we have all these running paths all over St. George and some connect and some don't.  Well the ones by our town home go along a small over flow creek that is swarmed by gangly trees and bushes.  Now let me tell you that if I was a drug dealer or hoodlum I'd totally hang out there and do my business.  So as I'm running past all these shrouds of bushes, iPod jamming out, I notice a small pile of animal feces.  The first thought is, "bear!"  I begin to imagine what I would do if this bear came crawling out of the bushes.  I then shift my thoughts to a mutated deer as there are no bears in the inner city, save it be a zoo.  So this mutated deer comes flying out at me and bows green smoke as I go tearing off across the little creek and out onto the other side of passing traffic.  The other option is me to go all kung-fu like and kick the tar out of this animal.  Crazy I know.  Well it gets better.  At one point of my run I'm going along the main road and start to wonder, "If I was to collapse would any of these cars stop for me?"  I about tested my theory as this is a very much a repeated thought I experience.  One day I will do it.  I mean I plan on just falling out of the dirt track just to see if anyone stops.  However I realize that they may just call some emergency help and then I'd have to explain my story to the police or EMT's.  So chances of me doing this are slim but one day I want to do it...  

And that is what it is like when I run

-Gawdun

The Purim Song from 'For Your Consideration'

To celebrate the festive holiday described below I have included a song clip form the movie, 'For Your Consideration.'  

-Gawdun

Purim is the BEST!!!

Purim

In the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on its thirteenth day ... on the day that the enemies of the Jews were expected to prevail over them, it was turned about: the Jews prevailed over their adversaries. - Esther 9:1

And they gained relief on the fourteenth, making it a day of feasting and gladness. - Esther 9:17

[Mordecai instructed them] to observe them as days of feasting and gladness, and sending delicacies to one another, and gifts to the poor. - Esther 9:22

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination.

The story of Purim is told in the Biblical book of Esther. The heroes of the story are Esther, a beautiful young Jewish woman living in Persia, and her cousin Mordecai, who raised her as if she were his daughter. Esther was taken to the house of Ahasuerus, King of Persia, to become part of his harem. King Ahasuerus loved Esther more than his other women and made Esther queen, but the king did not know that Esther was a Jew, because Mordecai told her not to reveal her identity.

The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant, egotistical advisor to the king. Haman hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, so Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish scripture. In a speech that is all too familiar to Jews, Haman told the king, "There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your realm. Their laws are different from those of every other people's, and they do not observe the king's laws; therefore it is not befitting the king to tolerate them." Esther 3:8. The king gave the fate of the Jewish people to Haman, to do as he pleased to them. Haman planned to exterminate all of the Jews.

Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people. This was a dangerous thing for Esther to do, because anyone who came into the king's presence without being summoned could be put to death, and she had not been summoned. Esther fasted for three days to prepare herself, then went into the king. He welcomed her. Later, she told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, and Haman was hanged on the gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai.

The book of Esther is unusual in that it is the only book of the Bible that does not contain the name of God.  In fact, it includes virtually no reference to God. Mordecai makes a vague reference to the fact that the Jews will be saved by someone else, if not by Esther, but that is the closest the book comes to mentioning God. Thus, one important message that can be gained from the story is that God often works in ways that are not apparent, in ways that appear to be chance, coincidence or ordinary good luck.

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which is usually in March. The 13th of Adar is the day that Haman chose for the extermination of the Jews, and the day that the Jews battled their enemies for their lives. On the day afterwards, the 14th, they celebrated their survival. In cities that were walled in the time of Joshua, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month, because the book of Esther says that in Shushan (a walled city), deliverance from the massacre was not complete until the next day. The 15th is referred to as Shushan Purim.

In leap years, when there are two months of Adar, Purim is celebrated in the second month of Adar, so it is always one month before Passover. The 14th day of the first Adar in a leap year is celebrated as a minor holiday called Purim Katan, which means "little Purim." There are no specific observances for Purim Katan; however, a person should celebrate the holiday and should not mourn or fast. Some communities also observe a "Purim Katan" on the anniversary of any day when their community was saved from a catastrophe, destruction, evil or oppression.

The word "Purim" means "lots" and refers to the lottery that Haman used to choose the date for the massacre.

Hmm the Packaging Tells the True Story...

My brother tonight bought a couple small containers of army men.  When he finished setting them up this is what was left behind of the 'NEW' sets of army men.  Now we could tie this to a symbol of the current war but then again that would be reading too far into it.  So I will just leave it as a wounded, er I mean headless misshape.

It just makes me LOL.

-Gawdun

And the Result is...

'Breath Again'

-Toni Braxton (I'm SERIOUS when I say my iTunes has the most random stuff. This song should prove that, LOL)

So I get to church today just like asked, however I was 4 minutes late to our "calling meeting."  Just like me right?  I mean Mormon Standard time and me are the best of friends.  In fact as some say we are... BFF's.  So anyhow I met up with Adam the Elders Quorum President and he was ready to drop the bomb on me.  I was the same way, I was so ready to tell him "no" to anything he offered but I forgot how to say "no" when he asked me to teach the 3rd Sunday in Elders Q.  I gleefully said "yes."  I wont lie I actually had a feeling that I would end up teaching in that group.  Although I feel real fortunate as this E.Q. actually has speaking people not just sleeping people in the back.  I ain't lying to y'all they actually all participate and throw in comments.  This can either be good or bad, depending on how prepared I am.  Here is another awesome part.  My patriarchal blessing states a lot that I would teach all age ranges.  Now I have primary already down so I guess this is just another notch in the PB road map completion.  

The best part was when I told him I would take the calling but when he told me I would have to teach next weekend I told him that I was actually going to be in Salt Lake that weekend.  hahaha.  I feel bad but I need to go see some mission cronies, not to mention the following two weekends are booked with a wedding and reception photo shoot and then an engagement session and then Temple Baptisms.  So I guess I'll have to tear it up in April.  Ok I should really let you my readers go but I have to tell you that come the May lesson I actually get to teach on "Redemption of the Dead!"  I'm excited for that one.

Till later

'Nutbush City Limits'

-Tina Turner (it must be 90's flash back night!)

-Gawdun

That's Tasty...

'Episode 2 of Season 1'

-Arrested Development

So everyday that I work in the restaurant and serve people I find many more amusing and simple truths to share with those in society that enjoy eating out.  So indulge a little and enjoy the tasty goodness that come in the form of my words...

1.  Just because you receive the AARP monthly letter doesn't mean I need your bad mood.  They may tell you it's OK to act harsh and rude because you have "achieved the ripe age of senior deals."  But let me be honest.  Your just annoying.

2.  Sometimes I wonder if there should be a "grazing and barn clean up"  charge to families that have unruly, tear it up wild, children.  I mean I never knew you could rub Saltines into the carpet that well and make it feel like cement.  "Can I higher your child to build my mud brick house when we it the depression big time?"

3.  Coupons.  What can I say they bring out all kinds of people.  You get your, "does that discount include a drink?"  "Now I see what it says but can I still get this item?" (even when it simply states NO.)  And my favorite..."oh we used to hate coming here but we loved it tonight, thank goodness for the coupon right?"  

4.  People really have not sense of surrounding.  I mean who cares if I have currently 4 others tables that are packed, I mean it is truly about your table only.  Who cares if the others need things.  (Although when you tip nice it makes up for the lost amount of sanity that happened during the flying circus act ;-) )

And lastly...

5.  Nothing beats feelings success as a server like having a 10 year old say that he just ate the best burger of his life so far.  (His mother said he was making all these noises of enjoyment and was surprised I didn't here it when I would pass by.)

-Gawdun

The Calling

'Storytelling'

-Belle & Sebastian

Whelp I made a pivotal mistake yesterday.  I needed to get some assistants moving a rather large dresser/desk out of my sisters room today.  So I did what any help needing Mormon does at these times.  I called Elders Quarum  (that's a tricky word to spell and I know it's wrong) President as I have no clue who my home teachers are.  He referred me to the Service Committee Leader. However I was side swiped, and good job at it too.  Before I hung up Adam asked if it would be ok to meet with me on Sunday 10 minutes before church.  The words yes came out faster than I could stop.  I mean seriously they I had this out of body experience where I could see my lips say 'yes' but my mind was trying to say 'um yeah I'm busy.' LOL  I bet it was all because I was sitting outside the Temple grounds eating my Subway.  Although I can still decline on Sunday my calling, LOL.  But we alls know that I will accept.  I'll fill y'all in with the details when I hear.

-Gawdun

So What Your Saying is Yeah Your Shallow and Like it?

'Recommendation'

- Mirah

So I just about had it with shallow people.  No actually I HAVE had it with them people.  I seriously think that most shallow people if they don't get there way will just end up miserable people and there is no helping them unless they help themselves.  Let me start back at the top and explain the meaning of this new outburst.

So I deal with this one person who will openly admit they are at times shallow.  I  see them alot.  (* Disclaimer-Personally I have wondered if I should create this blog post as it could create problems, but heck with it I'm telling it like it is.)  So I truly have no problem with this person and find them to be rather fun to talk with.  Well early this week I told this person if I had no other plans and wanted to I would go and hang out with them and some other people.  Well I ended up getting out of work late and ended up having plans with a former missionary pal that lives just down the street, (Elder Ilfra for them that may know him)  so I informed the other person that I was not gonna head over to their place and maybe next week.  Besides when I drove up to the house my mother informed me of some family crisis that had developed while I was at work that day.  Well today this person was all about informing me that they were "mad at me."  I really didn't care so I told them, as I had enough of the whining, they could, "quite frankly get over it and deal with the fact that I never showed up and my plans changed.  Besides I never told you I would show up , I said I would try and see."  I ended up getting the silent treatment but really that didn't bother me, lol.

So I came to the conclusion that I seriously don't have the time nor energy to submit all energy on this person or the hanging out that could be done.  Now let me introduce who I am, I am Andrew.  I make plans and sometimes I don't make plans.  I am not tied down in life yet except to work and church functions oh and my family.  My energy is better spent figuring my life out and just where I'm going to school in the fall, let alone how I'm gonna get there. I can make my own drama and issues but honestly that is lame.  I feel bad for the people that need to go along life and be what I call, "personality vampires."  This life on earth is very short and we only have this chance to prove where we want to end up.  So yes, I may be harsh and to some not very friendly, but I can count the people back in Reno that understand and respect who I am and don't get wrapped up in drama.  

Now that I think about it, I am glad that I am a member of the Church. When we are not active or better yet not members of the proper foundation we cling to whatever comes along and usually end up crushed from our own selfish needs and wishes.  I know what I need and where to get it.  Sometimes it may be hard but I manage knowing where my feet stand.  

'Leaving Las Vegas'

-Sheryl Crow

-Gawdun