Blessed And Highly Favored

2010 has not been an easy year.  2010 was the year where things I thought were not and things that were, became a thought.  I have learned of being confused and then of having a clear mind.

My family has been a great support and I know and hope will always be as things get interesting in 2011.  I can just feel it being a interesting year, but then again I say that every year and I am always right ;-)

I owe a great deal of thanks to a specific group of friends I have.  They have accepted your blogger, a certain Gawdun, and been a great deal of support and sound board.  They are a great group of guys.

Ok that is the limit I have on emotion for this year.  Quota full.  Enjoy your final day of 2010!!!  Here's looking to 2011

-Gawdun

Wishing the Best

That is all.


-Gawdun

Dance on Your Floors

'My Only Wish'
-Jessica Simpson

For my final posting for today.  (Three in one day that is record for me fewwww.)

Last week Nicole and I attended that Sin City Roller Girls roller disco event down in Vegas like old times. (They used to host it at the Rain nighclub at the Palms but since it has moved over to The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino) Being friends and working with the roller girls has it's perks as we did not have to pay a cover for the club and were on the list.

I like being on a list.

I opted out from skating with the rest of the fun people so that I could take photo's.  I did not bring my work camera as I wasn't on the media list so I just stuck to the trusty cell phone and used a trusty app called 'Vignette.'  If you have an android based phone I must tell you to get the app.  It's worth the freeness of it.

Here are the shots from the night.

Favorite Shot #1 (above)

Favorite shot #2 (above)

Favorite Shot #3 (above)

Favorite Shot #4 (above)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these please.

It's nice to once in a while shoot photos that are not on a specific assignment or job and things that I want to shoot.  It helps keeps me creative and fresh.


'Time of the Season'
-Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan


-Gawdun

In Rome they Do It BIG!!!

'Christmas Tree'
-Lady Gaga (probably the most random Xmas song EVER, but then are you surprised being from Gaga?)

As mentioned a few post prior I traveled to Vegas for a day of Christmas shopping with the destination set for the new H&M location that was replacing the old FAO Schwartz toy story in the Forum Shops at  Caesars Palace Las Vegas.  If you read the past post you would know that they actually didn't open on the scheduled November 20th.  Instead it would be two days from the day we were there.  So of course I was lucky that I had to attend a roller derby game that same night when it would open.  So you bet your bottom dollar this boy, and his friends Kenley, and Nicole got up early and drove down just so we could get the lucky opening door gifts.

We got there and had to WAIT in line to even get in the store, it was AMAZING!  I have never for one waited in line for a movie so to wait in line for a store to let us in was beyond me.  But we managed to score some sweet re usable shopping bags, and little note books.  I loved it.  However the highlight came when we got close to the door.  They gave out these little poker chips with scratch spots on the back.  Once scratched it had a money denomination.  I had $25 so that meant I pretty much had free money.  You better believe I used that up.

Now before I shut up and post the photo's of this marvel of a store let me describe the reason why I love me some H&M.  First off they are comparable, but better, to the Old Navy of Europe.  However you don't find many shirts with stupid decals of the store of pictures on them.  It's simple, well designed, decal-less, affordable clothes for the person looking to dress high style and not spend 50K on a new wardrobe.  Perfect for me as I have began the transition to get rid of my decal stamped Shirts and go for a more modern 50's look, which is were I love.  Think Mad Men style.  For opening day they had killer rack deals, $5 clothes and such.  So with that in mind here is what I spent and saved.  I WOULD HAVE spent $201.60.  I LEFT PAYING $59.40.  I'll let you do the math on how much I saved.  Only one item did I pay full price for it, and that was a GIANT bow tie.

Enough of the ramblings on saving, here are some pics for this gem.  Oh and I did find out for those interested that this location has a live DJ (I hope he wasn't just for the opening) and they will have items in this location you WILL NOT find in any other H&M.

Now here are the main reasons for this post, the eye candy I wet myself for.  The store seriously has the best displays in my opinion it just blew my mind.  Mind you it is 3 stories when you see these.

 Yes that is a DJ and his mannequin partner in crime

All the mannequins were hanging from wires and out of control rockin awesome

One final thing about this place is my mind as a photographer goes on major overdrive.  Styling is a huge part of photo shoots and the entire time I am there I am thinking what would be great for a shoot and such.  So if there are any guys or gals out there that want to collaborate with me and this store let me know!  I am for real let's set something up!

'The Night Before Christmas'
-Brandon Heath

-Gawdun

Bows of Holly

'Christmas Lights'
-Coldplay

I have been gone from the blog world for a minute.  I know, I know "The Horror!"  I could tell you that I have been busy which is yes very true as I have had family photo shoots and also a wedding shoot in Vegas, along with bartending and table waiting but that would be a lie if I used just "being busy."  I have had no desire to sit down and blog simply put.  I have been a blog party crapper.  Maybe it has to do with the fact I am running 3 blogs (or attempting) with one being ARG IMAG Photography, the business blog.  Whatever reason may be I have taken a blog hiatus but am back now.

I've begun compiling the listing of all the music mentioned at the start and finish of blog posts from this year.  That playlist will be available to view come January 1, 2011. (1/1/11)

St. George this week has flooded.  Not as bad I guess damage wise as the 2005 flood.  HOWEVER I have just one irritation with the hype around it.  Some of you may have seen this remark as my Facebook status but I must explain.  I HATE when people make reference to floods as a "common occurrence."  Unless you have factual evidence I don't want to hear the phrase, "oh this is a 100 (90, 75 etc) year flood.  Simply put I don't think weather truly has a pattern like the human race does.  I think the simplicity of my brother backing the toilet up has more of a pattern and can be called one than flooding does.  I had someone this week tell me that the flood of 2005 (which I didn't live here then) was a 100 year flood and the one of this week was a 90 year flood.  I won't lie, I laughed in their face and called them out.  Not nice but had to be done.  -The end of my flood rant-

December has been a busy Sin City Roller Girls month.  Nicole is also back from her master program in N.C. so we have attended most of the events.  I did the Twitter feed once again for the team during their bout this month.  We also attended yet another roller disco event they hosted.  They moved it from the Rain nightclub at the Palms to The Joint at Hard Rock.  Not as fun I will admit but it was a good time.  I opted to not skate it up and took some sweet photos.  I will be posting them tonight along with my photo's from the H&M opening at the Forum Shop.  That opening blew my mind!


'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'
-Aimee Mann


-Gawdun

I Could Get In Trouble, Big Time

'All Dressed in Love'
-Jennifer Hudson

Fitting song above while I write this post, which just as a annual reminder my yearly compiled list of music from all my blog posts this year will launch at 12pm Utah (I think that is central) time on 12/31/2010*.  And what a year of music listing it will be :-)

Today I made a trip down to Vegas with a couple friends Ros (sounds like Roz) and Fred.  Our sole purpose was to attend the new two story H&M that was to be opened inside the old FAQ Schwartz building in the Caesar's Forum Shops.  If you noticed my 'was' in the last line you might begin to be sad with me.  Unfortunately they never opened on November 20th like planned so now it wont open till 12/11.  Notice that little date?  Yeah that is two days from today!!!  We all got a good laugh out of it and headed down to the other H&M at the Town Square shops.  However I will be back in Vegas bright and early for the grand opening on the 11th, (2 days from now) as it is also the December Roller Derby Bout Day, and can kill multiple birds in one day.  Christmas shopping, Kwanza shopping and roller derby all in one day, I may be on over load that day, expect pictures to arrive soon.

Today was also a great day in the fact that all photographers hit a creative dud wall and need assistance.  I always find walking around the malls to be inspiring and today was such the day.

'Made For Us'
-Mackintosh Braun

*12/23/10:  The was a revision of launch time for the annual music play list.  It will now release 1/1/11 (well that is an interesting date :-> )

-Gawdun

Another Reason Why I Love Christina Applegate

Just watch it! Oh Christina you are the best.

Prenatal Pole Dancing DVD from Christina Applegate

-Gawdun

Really I Want to Just Stop

I've decided, I'm done.

-Gawdun

Brass in Pocket

‘We R Who We R’

-Ke$ha

Every month since the new season of Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls started I have been their bout (once again a “bout” means game) official Tweeter.  So since September my fingers fly and my eyes flash across the track trying to capture all the news and spread it via the social network world.  It has been hard and fun.  However we all know that my true heart lies in photography with a side love for social media.  The contact I have in the team always tells me that same thing.  They know where I stand with the photo world and will let me do either.  SO grateful am I. :-)  

For the November bout I once again was the official tweeter, but on top of it I also did photography of the crowds and backstage happenings.  It’s not always a thing that most people want to capture.  They mainly focus on the track and the plays, I specialize in the crowds and volunteers.  Anyways to see those images you can go to my photography business site.  I would like to use this post to focus on one particular image from that night.  While I was about the crowds I caught a lady out of the corner of my eye.  Not in the dating way but style wise.  She was totally in her zone and styling.  My ultimate goal is fashion photography in the forms of shooting runway shows or magazine spreads.  There is something about those images that bring joy into the viewers eyes and dreams.  It totally takes them out of their current situation and into fantasy, I WANT IN.  Here is the lady I am speaking about. 

She looks like a modern day Chrissie Hynde.  Now here comes my request and dream.  I want to photograph her, as I am always wanting to update my portfolio.  If any of you readers know this women, I am suspecting she is from Vegas, please help me get into contact.  I will take you to dinner, and I hear the Cheesecake Factory is amazing so I’ll take you there.  (I’ve never been there.)

‘Cannibal’

-Ke$ha

-Gawdun

I Beat First and Ask Questions Later, Sometimes

Ok I am about to loose it.  I have a very important blog post to post here.  However Blogger keeps telling me that I can't post the photo I need to include in the post.  It says some mumbo jumbo about me needing "license rights."  Ok first off I own my own photo's that I take for my own business.  I have been reading the message boards but there are NO answers.  I am so frustrated that I am about to go Madea on this blogger and then switch over to Wordpress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OXfGR4dgiY

The post I need to post with attached photo is a huge thing and needs to be seen by y'all.  So if you know how to fix this problem let me know ASAP!!!


-Gawdun

Generally Covers Suck

All you readers out there should know by now that Gaga holds a dear place in my creative mind. I'm not generally impressed by the remakes and other renditions of her music. In fact they are just fluff I think. HOWEVER in my last post I introduced you to the talented vocals of Lisse. Low and behold I ran into this video as well. Brilliant!

Videography - BRILLIANT (I am mezmerized by the way the video was shot. My guess is that it was shot with the Cannon 5D Mark II. Just a guess)

Bad Romance cover - BRILLIANT

View and listen for your ears. They need this!

Now you may go and try to download this song in iTunes but I will tell you that you can not. It's only offered on the UK iTunes store and not USA iTunes. But if you use your mind like I did you can find it somewhere and own it as well. ;-)

-Gawdun

Lissie - Everywhere I Go

This has been a year of musical discovery for me. I have an addiction to music, as my credit card account with iTunes would vouch. Either way I found this gem of a lady. Here is an acoustic version of Lissie and her song, 'Everywhere I Go.' She is on her tour in Europe right now but mark my words, in 2011 I will see her live. Even if I have to take a road trip. Anyone want to join?

-Gawdun

In Preparation

In preparation to be a zombie one must scoop mud off the side of the road and gather sagebrush. Next gather liquid latex and blood purchased from your local supermarkets. Take a cheese grater and run it over your clothing. I recommend not grating your hands as a trip to the ER will hinder the events of the night. Unless you can go a few hours without a doctor visit, then by all means your way more authentic and deserve a pile of jello-molded brains.

For an even better effect consult Lady Gaga for the maker of the meat dress, any scraps they may have will help in construction of stench.

Happy stumbles ghouls!

-Gawdun

Yes, You Did Ding Me!

'Emancipated Minor'

-Ani Difranco

Last night we had a rockin rain storm bust it's way through St. George. I'm not talking cat's and dog's rain, I'm talking small children from 3rd world countries were dropping on our lands. It was insane! Not to mention the lighting that came with it was amazing. I have NEVER seen lightning completely surround and entire town. I mean it was ALL around, usually it stays in a central area but not last night.

Anyways.

I was called by my Elders Quorum President as I was leaving work to show up for a meeting. I agreed, even though I am still having a hard time with this ward. Upon my drive there I found a parking spot right up front of the institute building, which was nice as I didn't have to run in the rain very far and look like a wet llama. The meeting was interesting and I left. Upon returning to my car I sat there and spoke to a friend on the phone right there in my car not leaving my parking spot. A few minutes into my conversation I watched two guys walk up to different sides of the car next to me. Obviously they belonged to it. I'll have you know what took place next SHOCKS me!!!

I was parked in my lane and not in any other lane. So I was perfectly legal in my parking. I'm there talking to my friend and all of a sudden the guy getting into his drives seat opens his door and lets it swing right into my passenger door and then proceeds to leave it that way and out his backpack in his back seat door!!!! You read it right. This kid ALLOWED HIS DOOR TO SMACK INTO MY DOOR!!!!!!!! I was shocked. My mouth dropped and I told my friend Nicole to hold a moment. I proceeded to lean over and roll down the passenger window and say, " Really!? You just did that?"

Yeah he just looked at me and got into his car and said nothing!!!!! NOT ONE WORD!!!! You know just a sorry is all I would like. BUT NOTHING!!!! So I explained the ordeal to Nicole and stared the guy down. I decided before it happened again by this guy I would back out and move. So I did, however I also memorized and wrote his plates down that way I can leave him a nice note next time I see that car about proper manners in times like that. I may even check out Emily Post to see if there is a rule on situations like said event.

I forgive the dude totally as upon inspection today there is no mark left from his Maroon Buick.

On a side note to make last night worse I really wanted Annie's Shells and White Cheddar Mac n' Cheese with hot dogs cut into it (totally against my healthier eating habits). Yeah what is it that whenever I want turkey franks they are NEVER on sale, but when I don't even need them they are dirt cheap? Really??

On a happy note it's almost Halloween and I can't wait! Two days of events to be two different things! (more on this later)

'Got Nuffin'

-Spoon

-Gawdun

Watch For The Sprays

Tonight, as for all Monday's, I was participating in FHE with a friend of mine by watching Real Housewives of Atlanta. NO JUDGMENTS. I know reality TV has ruined us but I can't get enough this show. I enjoy the other housewives in Jersey, BUT Atlanta is where it's at.

ANYWAYS

We were waiting for someone else to show and my friend directed me to this music video, which by the way readers is done by Willow Smith. (Yeah she's Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's daughter.)

I won't and can not lie, I'm all over this jam! The single hits iTunes October 26th and yes I am going to purchase. I am totally diggin this video and song! And let's not forget that Willow is ONLY 9 years old. I hope she keeps her style FRESH and INDEPENDENT (yeah that was a pun on her father.)

Now please excuse me while I go and whip my neck (I don't have hair that long) around spraying paint around my room.

-Gawdun

Not Just the Magazines

'Belong'

-Cary Brothers

When I was a wee laddie, (I still feel that I am) I tore up the pages of many books. For clarification I would read them. Oh how much I loved them. I had no problem clearing a Box Car Children or similar style of book in one day tops. I mean I loved the literary world. As with most of us the desire to read and time to read escaped me. I blame the iPod as I love me some podcasts and I also blame the great Google Reader since it delivers all the daily news and blogs I subscribe to via RSS feed each moment they are newly posted.

I am trying to better my ways of the classic for of words. I have began to purchase books and read them. Last week while I was watching Brothers and Sisters with the family, the book, 'Walden' was brought up. I was always told how much I needed to read it and that I would love it. Although unlike movies I don't go out and read all that are referred to me. But after the dialogue on TV about this book and thinking about the excerpts we read in high school I decided it was time to read it.

So yesterday while on yet another Vegas trip (this was a photo working one) I stopped by our lovely friends at Barnes and Noble and picked up a copy of Henry David Thoreau's book, 'Walden.'

Literary world ready or not here I come! Let's embrace and have a moment.

'Everybody Hurts'

-R.E.M.

-Gawdun

Don't Hate

I understand that the following video may get me A LOT of hate mail and such but you know what that is ok. I understand the views of the subject are very mixed and that while my faith does not condone the subject, I have always been taught that no matter what we are ALL still God's children and we CAN'T hate. You don't have to agree but you can't cast stones as YOU are not perfect and are not the final judge of this life.

I have known many gay and lesbian people in my life. They have always been kind to me and NEVER bashed me (even knowing I am L.D.S.). I have friends who have family members who are gay and or lesbian. I also have really good friends who are gay and would do anything for them like I would my straight friends. They are human too and shall be treated that way!

While I am also NOT supporting suicide I find it troubling that we live in a world where we treat others the way we do and cause grief on others. I find it troubling that in doing such said things, the victims sometimes only find it easier to end their lives. I hope you readers never have to have that grief on your heads and I as well hope to never feel it. I believe that while they will answer for their choices to end life early, in the end I believe ALL of us will answer for our actions to those and others we have harmed. I am by no means perfect and have done and said things in my youth that I would love to take back and have reached out to those I harmed, but I can't to all. I have to move forward and teach the younger to not follow in my past heinous ways.

Hate this post, hate me, or love me, but it's time we stop the verbal and physical abuse to those around us. You don't have to support the lifestyle that others live but YOU DO have to LOVE each other.

For you never know what those around you are struggling with. If anything keep that in mind.

(please feel free to leave any comment good or bad, I am interested to read)

-Gawdun

I Did It!

‘Fade Into You’

-Mazzy Star

This has been a month of new adventures and trials! First off I ShamWowed for the first time, (that is another blog post in itself) but most importantly I completed a 5K for the first time. I was told I am now a real life runner. Next stop is a 10K, half marathon and then maybe next year the St. George Marathon. I’m not sure about running 26.something miles but we shall see.

The blue card above shows all my finishing information so no need to explain the details. However I am super stoked that for my first 5K I did it in under 30 minutes and managed to be 11th in my age group! Getting up at 5am and running at 7am was well worth it! I am ready for something new to challenge myself with.

I managed to narrow my playlist down to a few select rockin tunes and here is the listing from my official run Saturday that actually managed to shuffle to attention.

‘Why Don’t You Love Me (Jump Smokers Radio Edit)’

-Beyonce

‘Got Love to Kill’

-Juliette and the Licks

‘Living Dead Girl (Subliminal Seduction Remix)’

-Rob Zombie

‘Kids (Soulwax Remix)’

-MGMT

‘Kiss With a Fist’

-Florence + the Machine

‘4 Minutes (feat Justin Timberlake and Timbaland)

-Madonna

‘3’

-Britney Spears

‘Odyle’

-Heloise & the Savior Faire

While I was running I had a few moments when I wished I had taken my cell phone along just for the pleasure of photo’s that needed to be taken. First up was the old man who was walking faster than I was running. Don’t worry I managed to pass him and never look back but it took a minute or two. For the simple fact that he was speed walking so fiercely that his hips would threaten to knock me down every time I tried to pass him. I mean, I can’t swing my hips that hard or far out! We also had a ton of little kids that participated in the 5K. They were flying! God speed to their youth! Lastly after I crossed the finish line I spotted a guy who I thought could double as Willy Nelsons twin from the back side.

Not sure if the front could be equally twin worthy but still it was great. He was wearing these awful American Flag inspired shorts that were much shorter than the red ones I wore (see below photo) and then he had one of them hats that also has the bandana tail thing on the back. It too was American Flag themed. Then to top off the look he had the Willy Nelson hair. Maybe I was just tired from the running I had just done and the 5 hours of sleep from the night before but I almost walked up and asked for an photo with him.

I did run the entire time and not once stopped! That was a goal of mine and then of course to finish in under 30min. I am ready for another race, but I think my next one will be a 10K and they have one coming up in December.

While all this has been a lot of fun to prep for, if we recall back to my first post on this new running habit of mine I used it as a stress outlet. While I still treat it as such I am amazed at the amount of planning I can get done. The photography business, ARG IMAG, has been picking up and I have some big jobs in the next few months so to gather all my thoughts on these has been great. Besides all the planning I have gotten done I have come to terms with certain decisions I am having to make and I am ok with them. I love my life and where I am!

Thanks to all those that supported and cheered me on during this new adventure I have partaken of! You guys rock!!! And most importantly Trina (left) and Roz (right) you two are the best running partners EVER and you tore it up! Plus let's not forget we had killer shirts!

'Tom's Diner'

-Suzanne Vega

-Gawdun

Clip A What?

You know, bless Hillary Clinton's heart! She is such a wreck and trying really hard in her political position, I commend her on the efforts she is doing. However did any of you see the hysterics that ensued this week after her latest UN gig? If not here you go...

I am dying when I see this photo. If you want more check out the slide show The Huffington Post has...

Enjoy Friday!

-Gawdun

I Could Not Believe It!!!

Over this weekend I made it down to the Season 6 opening game for the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls. I was not partaking of the photography side of the bouts (what we call a game in derby speak) as this time I was the teams official Twitter-er ( @SinCityDerby for those that speak tweet.) However I did bring my trusty Lomography camera I spoke of in my last post to test out on a derby. I am printing them this week so check back for shots that I hope turned out. Anyways I was also pumped that it turns out I wont miss the October bout like I thought I would. They moved the date a week earlier! I was going to be in Reno for the October one but it looks like I will be there to cheer and scream my heart out.

I do have to give a shout out to my dear friend Annie for letting me crash at her place, it was a hoot. And man was she cheering enough for the both of us! She picked up my cheer slack so I could keep up with tweets (tweeting is not as easy live as it looks). However we need to down Oreo's next time. I mean we had two bags and not one was opened, but hey at least we got some Arrested Development in!

I will say though that the last two minutes of the last half of the bout were AMAZING! I have never seen a final push to score like that before. I was edge of my seat screaming!!!!

That is all.

-Gawdun

Supersampler Wake

'Electric Feel'

-MGMT

Over the past weekend I joined some friends at the lake. 26 and I sadly have to admit that I had never wake surfed before and the last time I was on a boat was when I was 9 or 10 and it was a tiny fishing boat. (You know the kind seen in the movie 'Date Night.' Yeah it was just as slow.)

It was a day of new things. First off I'm not a fan of water I can't see the bottom in, but that didn't even bother me. When it came time to attempt the surfing I wont lie, I sucked at first. But the guys said I was improving each try. I neither can nor cannot confirm that there was a few choice words out of my mouth at this time. I just about made it standing up but man-alive I needed to take a break, wake surfing sure used muscles I forgot I had. We then decided to hit up the cliff jumping rocks. I said "Heck NO!" to that but in the end jumped not once but twice. It was fun and addicting.

Later though when I tried wake surfing again I feel that I tore it up! One of the guys gave me a pointer on getting up on the board better and it totally worked. I was up and riding behind the boat! It was sick. The only bad time was when we hit, what my aunt calls, "that wave." I am surprised I wasn't knocked out cold. It was nooooo good.

Needless to say the pain in the morning was well worth the adventure.

While I was on the lake I brought along my camera. (I know shocking.) But I didn't bring my work camera I brought myLomography camera. It's a camera from the 'SuperSampler' line. I forgot how much I love shooting with film and this camera....

Bill yet showing how to do such events with the board.

I had Bill take a shot of me with the camera so I did my best to explain from the water how to use the camera. Bill did manage to photograph part of me, er the board I was on. Don’t worry Bill I still love it.

Fred, seriously tears it up. While I need to hold onto the rope he did not need it most the time. That shall be my goal for next time.

The cliff from which we jumped. I only was half way if that on it.

This is by far one of my favorites from the day.

'Dying Day'

-Brandi Carlile

-Gawdun

Now Where Did I Place My Man Card?

I seriously don't know why I do this to myself. From the moment I saw the movie adaptation of, 'Where the Wild Things Are' while it was in theaters I loved it. I just forgot one simple thing. It made me cry! I was all sorts of a hot mess.

Currently I'm hanging out with the family and I said, "hey let's watch 'Where the Wild Things Are.' (I am such an idiot)

We aren't even 30 minutes into it and I'm trying to keep composure. Let's talk about all sorts of human emotion used and expressed.

I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it though.

Amazing music for the film too! Karen O from the 'Yeah Yeah Yeahs' and a bunch of kids cover the soundtrack. Perfect music to mellow out with and then get the occasional jolt of excitement from intertwined music tracks.

But seriously if you by chance have seen my "Man Card" please call/text/message me/or whatever and I'll send you my address that you can send it to, Thanks!

-Andrew

PS: I am man enough to admit this though. If my mom decided to watch 'Steel Magnolias' I would truly have to leave the room. That movie ruins me EVERY TIME! "Here, Take a whack a Wezza!"

Here Ye, The Sounds of Speed

While I just home from a run this early AM and waiting to use the shower I thought it would be a grand idea to share my running playlist and how well I am doing at this 5K prep.

With only 2 weeks from today I am on track. Tuesday of this week I RAN (no walk) with 2 others that are running the 5K with me a total of 2 miles. Wednesday I did (RAN) 2.1 by myself. That was hard as running with others turned out to be much easier, but I ran the whole thing.

Thursday was a booked day with work and a hysterical night that unless you were there I will never talk about, well except the point where I launched myself off my chair in the middle of 'Inception.' (Another post for another time.) But I will say it was my 3rd time seeing it so sleeping was inevitable.

Friday I was just too pooped to run. I knew I should have pushed myself but I didn't. I was given a complement at work though by one of the fellow co-workers who also is an avid runner with her boyfriend. She said you can totally tell I am running. It shows in my mid section. Now I'm no chubby buddy (as Kirstie Alley calls it) but I had developed a small attachment that I have been attempting to kill. I guess all this running is working better than the other stuff I did.

However today I got home and in bed at 2:30am. (It was my normal Friday of closing the bar and Ruby). I still managed to get up at 8:30 against better judgement and run at 9. As posted of Facebook I ran 2.2 miles today in 18:14 which averaged 8:42 a mile! Next week I kick it up to the full 3.1 miles.

To end it here is the playlist from today:

'Got Love to Kill'

-Juliette Lewis

'King of the Berry (Piano Slam Mix)'

-Happy Monkey

'Click Flash'

-Ciara

'My First Kiss (feat Ke$ha)'

-3OH!3

and half of...

'Empire State of Mind (feat Alicia Keys)'

-Jay-Z

Hope the weekend rocks for y'all!

-Gawdun

You Can Go Where You Wanna...

Boy did I do it to myself now!

I officially signed up for my first 5K today. I have never been a big runner, in fact I would say I only ran when Sydney Bristow would run... Stressed out times. However two weeks ago I made the mistake of tweeting a post to my facebook account on my awesome run for the day. 2.6 miles after not running for 3 months. Ok let me level with y'all. I did a lot of running mixed with walking, but I did it. After I posted the tweet I was notified by a friend of a 5K that was coming up soon. After doing a little research I learned that a 5K is only 3.1 miles.

Oh I got this in the bag :)

Today I ran 2 miles non stop with two fellow 5K runners!

I have learned though I have a new addiction... I can't stop thinking about running! I mean I want to get out and do another run right now. I'm like a crack addict I think. Although tomorrow is almost here and I can run again.

The big day is on Saturday, September 25th at 7am. I don't care about being the first person to cross the line in my age and sex group, I just want to run the whole thing and finish. And darn tootin I will do just that.

Besides it was only a $12 entry fee, only...

-Gawdun

What a Zip Code It Is.

Today was a great day! I have turned a long over due leaf. I mean it only took me since early January till now to get outta this funk. I have a huge amount of people and thoughts to thank on this. (Yeah you can thank thoughts too.)

However the last couple of days did it for me and then waking up today and learning that it was 9/02/10 day (90210) I was fist pumping all over town! But this post will be dedicated to the wonderful series of 90210.

Growing up, my family, as I've said before, lived the mobile home life. We loved our Roseanne and such. However thanks to a former network we called, The WB, we were introduced to the syndication of the wonderfully trashy show, 'Beverly Hills 90210.' My mother had to screen it first and for some reason decided that it was appropriate for us to watch. As I have since seen it on cable in syndication I seriously wonder if my mom was high at the time cause this show is scandalous with a capital S!! Either way we watched it and then there was the time we had a babysitter who thought we shouldn't be watching it so she changed it. I remember telling her my mom let us and she highly doubted it. I guess my mom was much cooler than hers.

The show provided me with one of my first childhood crushes... Shannon Doherty! (silent sigh) She was mean, hot, and smart. But let us not forget that she was seriously misunderstood.

HOWEVER I'm still not happy with the way Kelly and Brandon ended. I think that was crap and they were meant for each other. Dylan schmillan! All the bad things happened to Kelly too. She was shot, developed an eating disorder, amnesia, canceled her wedding, almost killed by a psycho girl who wanted to be her, and the list goes on.

And who could forget the parents of Brenda and Brandon? Or the Peach Pit? Peach Pit After Dark gave me the dream of opening a night club one day (still want to).

I hope you all enjoyed your 90210 day, I know I did. There is still time if you haven't and have time in your day left.

PS: The new version is crap! I'm just saying I tried it once but never made it past 5 minutes. Nothing can take my Brenda away :)

(I will now lower my head in shame and think of something manly to post about next time)

-Gawdun

Eye Got You!

'Die'

-Carissa's Weird

Earlier this year I went in for my two year eye check renewal. They say that you should have your eyes checked every year but only every two years should you get a new prescription. So maybe I did this back in March and I am finally to the point where I found my new frames. You are probably shocked it took this long or maybe even wondering why it took this long. Well something that you should already know about me by now is it takes me a long time to make very important decisions. When it comes to buying jeans I have a hard time, I can't just go into any store and buy any pair. They have to feel and look right (I know girly) but seriously I have to be stuck with them so let me take my time. The same is for eye wear, although this is more crucial. I will be stuck with this one pair of frames for two whole years! It's so important I find the right look. Back when I got the current "rectangle frames" they still hadn't become a national trend look. Well now that everyone and their dog has rectangle glasses I got to drop this look like a bad drug habit. (However there are no good drug habits.)

I have been infatuated with the look of the 50's in eye wear and here in St. George there is not one place that has the look I have wanted. Back in April around 2am one day I was looking through a magazine and an article about a company, Warby Parker, caught my attention. They believe that you can have boutique designs with the 3/4 the cost. I was skeptical so I ignored the article. A month later I was up in Salt Lake and still hadn't found the frames that spoke to me, oh yeah frames speak to me too. Well I picked back up the article and read it, went to the web site and FOUND the FRAMES!!!! They are a super rad company! 4 college guys wanted eyes to be cheaper and cool still. Being an online company they do a thing called "home try on." They send you 5 pairs for free and a return shipping label so you can try them out. You mail them back and then order the ones you want. Well I finally did it last week and Monday my 5 try ons came in the mail!

This brings me to the post. I am going to show all 5 styles and I want your opinions. I already think I know the two and the one I really dig but want to hear your thoughts. There is one pair I just selected as you have to select 5 try ons, so if you notice the one just by pass it.

Let's begin, (PS I realize these all look like something out of the 50's and 60's but therein lies my current obsession photographically and style wise.)

Currently I look like this: (below)

Here is option A: Huxley (below)

Option B: Miles (below)

Option C: Japhy (below)

Option D: Fillmore (below)

Option E: Roosevelt (below)

So now you tell me what pair you like. I plan on still keeping a spare rectangle pair around (current ones will be-lensed, but it's time to change the trend. And you know how I like to mix it up.) Please make comments!

'Take Care'

-Beach House

-Gawdun