My MInd Has a Part 2

Earlier this week I posted a blog of two topics that were on my mind...

I had a feeling was leaving something out and that would be #3...

3.   This Darn NFL Lockout!

Back at the end of the NFL season the stupid NFL moved into this "Lockout" mumbo jumbo.  I mentioned it to a few people that I found this to be a giant waist of crap news.  Here is why...  If I remember right almost every darn year at the end of EVERY sport season there is some sort of strike or lockout.  Mostly they want money is the underlining theme but they usually cover that up with some sort of other bull crap.  

So there I was talking to a friend and I said, "mark my words the NFL lockout will come to an end right before the training and preseason kicks off."  Boy I need to be paid for my predictions.  There I was this last week in the gym locker room and on EPSN they were talking about they players were being allowed back into the locker rooms now as training season begins as long as they got their physicals.  Huh ironic.  Pre season is just weeks away and the "lockout" sounds like it is vanishing away.  

Just be honest and say you are giving your players more money for the next season.  I believe they just use the "Lockout" also as a cover up to make it so much easier for us to accept the fact they are going to once again get pay raises and they deserve it.  We wouldn't easily accept a raise if they just gave it to them.  This is just further proof that the majority of America is blind and can't think on their own.  

(Once again this is just my thoughts and opinions if you did not like this post then you really should... I don't know, but you should do something.)

-Gawdun

Feed Your Ears Vol. 2

Due to internet connection issues this list was not available to post on the 1/1/11 like intended.  Here it is now.  (Once again for those new readers if listening to music while blogging I post the song that was playing when I started and the song that was playing when I ended the post.)

2010 Blogging Playlist In Review

 'They'
-JEM

'Who's That Girl'

-Eve

'Kids (Soulwax Remix)'

-MGMT

'Waterfalls'

-TLC

'Oops (Oh My)'

-Tweet feat. Missy Elliot

'Take It Like A Man (Suarez Remix)'

-Dragonette

'Paris is Burning'

-Ladyhawke

'Rocket'

-Goldfrapp

'Run This Town'

-Jay Z (feat: Rihanna & Kanye West)

'Here Before'

-Lissie

'I Want You'

-Fefe Dobson

'Shine Right Through'

-Correatown

'Your Heart Is An Empty Heart'

-Death Cab For Cutie

'Modern Nature'

-Sondre Lerche

'I Love LA'

-Randy Newman

'Bad Romance'

-Lady Gaga

"Valnetino"

-Diane Birch

'Hospital Beds'

-Cold War Kids

'Beauty in the World'

-Macy Gray

'New Divide'

-Linkin Park

'Gimme Sympathy'

-Metric

'Heartbreak Warfare'

-John Mayer

'Pocketful of Sunshine'

-Natasha Bedingfield

'Stop Draggin My Heart Around'

-Stevie Nicks w/ Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

'Take Everything'

-Greg Laswell

'Sweet Disposition'

-The Temper Trap

'Next Best Thing'

-Nikki & Rich

'Everywhere I Go'

-Lissie

'Dance Anthem of the 80's'

-Regina Spektor

'Take Care'

-Beach House

'Die'

-Carissa's Weird

'Empire State of Mind (feat Alicia Keys)'

-Jay-Z

'My First Kiss (feat Ke$ha)'

-3OH!3

'Click Flash'

-Ciara

'King of the Berry (Piano Slam Mix)'

-Happy Monkey

'Dying Day'

-Brandi Carlile

'Electric Feel'

-MGMT

'Tom's Diner'

-Suzanne Vega

‘Kiss With a Fist’

-Florence + the Machine

‘4 Minutes (feat Justin Timberlake and Timbaland)

-Madonna

‘3’

-Britney Spears

‘Odyle’

-Heloise & the Savior Faire

‘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

‘Fade Into You’

-Mazzy Star

'Everybody Hurts'

-R.E.M.

'Belong'

-Cary Brothers

'Got Nuffin'

-Spoon

'Emancipated Minor'

-Ani Difranco

'Whip My Hair'

-Willow Smith

'Bad Romance (cover)'

-Lissie

‘Cannibal’

-Ke$ha

‘We R Who We R’

-Ke$ha

'Made For Us'
-Mackintosh Braun

'All Dressed in Love'
-Jennifer Hudson

'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'
-Aimee Mann

'Christmas Lights'
-Coldplay

'The Night Before Christmas'
-Brandon Heath

'Christmas Tree'
-Lady Gaga

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

'My Only Wish'
-Jessica Simpson

If you missed last years playlist here is a link...  2009 Blogging Playlist in Review

-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

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

Oh You Sure Can Suck!

'Next Best Thing'

-Nikki & Rich

Funny how this song is jamming out of my iPod while I sit here and write this blog post.

So as many of you have read via Facebook and twitter I have had an amazing time while I was in Reno. (Currently I am sitting in the Vegas airport.) What began as a workation soon turned into a decision making choice. I have been struggling with myself in many forms and where I wanted to take my photography business. It's really hard anywhere I know to run a business and I know that no matter where I take the photography there will always be the "business stealer, price-under-cutter, and saturation of photographers." In Utah, for those that don't know we have many a persons that do photographer even it is a hobby that they make money at. Especially due to the amount of weddings we have taking place in this state. There seems to be no originality. However in defense of my fellow photographers, (don't get me wrong I am not bashing anyone who wants to venture into this life) I think personal creativity takes a back seat like Rosa Parks once did. Clients see what their friends had done in their photos and want the SAME DARN THING. You might not even be the same photographer. I understand that a client has say in the process but when you hire someone you truly hire them and their talent they have. Then with your ideas and the ideas and talent of the photographer you collaborate.

So just like Rosa Parks I tend to say "NO SIR I WON'T SIT ON THE BACK OF THE BUS!" This is my talent and life why sell myself short? There are people who love my work and style. However I have decided to move ARG IMAG flagship elsewhere that I can truly express my true self. Also to break into the kind of photography I want to do (print ads for magazines like VOGUE, etc) then I need to be in a city that has easy access to that life style.

You may say why not go to L.A. or New York? While I want to get there eventually I need to start somewhere larger than St. George. I have learned tons in St. George as a photographer and person but need to move up, and there have been many influences one of which is Kevin and Katie Hulett of K Hulett Photography.

A few months back I gave myself to the end of the 2010 year to find a new town AND state to reside in. Reno just sucked me back. Black Hole City is the reference I give to it. Driving down the street the other day not even desiring to move back there it happened. That feeling of being pulled. I told a friend last night about it and they said they know exactly the feeling I am feeling. I went there to work with two clients and then relax. I came back with a plan.

I will be heading back to Reno in October instead of L.A. (Day of the Dead festival will have to wait till next year, plus I went last year.) During the week, possibly two, I will be connecting with current and former contacts in regards to employment and business starting in the great city of Reno. I am truly finally feeling like I have a plan since coming home from the mission. I truly know this is right, and all will work out. The move will happen at the end of the year like planned.

I know my mom and little brother enjoy me living at home but it's time for this 26 year old to peace out like bad breath. The brushing has begun!

PS: To my faithful repeat clients don't you fear, I still will travel to bring a fresh look to your family every year or when you need it. I love you all and appreciate the business and new clients you bring!

'Sweet Disposition'

-The Temper Trap

-Gawdun

I'll Share Jail Time w/ Lilo

So I've been charged with "Having to Much Fun."

While she lands in one of these...

I will land in one which allows my cell phone...

More in a minute.

-Gawdun

Put a Target on My Head and Call Me Sally

Well it's official. Despite many appeals Utah performed an execution just a few minutes ago by firing squad. In a report by Washington Post reporter Jennifer Dobner, "Ronnie Lee Gardner died was pronounced dead at 12:20am Friday." Yeah that was literally 40 minutes ago from the time I am writing this post. This was Utah's first execution by firing squad in 14 years.

Let the record show that I am here to say that I don't want to die with a target upon my chest.

To read the whole report by Jennifer Dobner click... HERE

Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the target's get you!

-Gawdun

What Wisdom Do You Have?

Church was great today and love when we have 5th Sunday lessons. Bishop does a great job when he teaches them.

I get home from church and pick up the newspaper. What does it say up on the top of the front page? I'll just tell you so you don't have to guess. David Archuleta has a memoir coming out June 1st (this Tuesday). As I write this I am trying so hard not to laugh so that these words come out clear. Ok seriously what a joke. The newspaper, Salt Lake Tribune, gives the tag line to the article, and yes this is a direct quote, "...a memoir that serves as a motivational self-help book for fans." I will allow you to collect yourself as you probably are rolling on the floor at this very moment in hysteria. (Long pause.............)

David is only 19, and has only been singing pro since 2008 after her won American Idol. Really what does he have in terms of life experience to offer me, a 26 year old, or those that are older than me? I could probably learn more about the book called, All ABout Scabs, by Genichiro Yagyu. (I learned a ton from the book, The Gas We Pass, which I highly recommend.)

So David knows how it is to be on American Idol as a teen Mormon, and he knows how it is to play concerts in Utah to thousands of screaming 10 year old girls, but what about me? Oh wait he could teach me about proper use of... no he could teach me how to... man this is hard, he has nothing that I can think of. I mean I don't recall the last time 10-12 year old girls came chasing after me. Unless this kid has tricks and trades of being in the Activity/FHE Committee chair, gathering donations for humanitarian relief, or best ways to break into war photography... I doubt I'll read it. I also have a hard time of receiving self-help from people that have have personal shoppers and can be found on the top of birthday cakes. (Yeah I think it would be awkward to be eating his left eye. Only a Dr has permission to see the inside of me, not David).

As you can tell I am making a joke of this whole thing. Good for David, but seriously, maybe you should live grown-up life some more and reach mid 20's. After then maybe we can relate (laughing now). I don't like his music so now I am lying to my readers by saying I would read it if he was older. I must not lie, I never could read a book based on him.

I must leave for now. I have to meet with a publisher about my memoir as Director of the C.I.A.

-Gawdun

YoU Ain't Kidding!

Hold the phone. I just learned Macy Grey, oh how I love her, has a new album out June, 22. I'm so excited and I seriously just can't hide it!

I noticed that a large amount of the blogs I follow have done a great deal of updating this week. And then there is mine and it has been a touch and go for some time now. I am pretty sure that I will have no reason other than clients that will keep me from updating this. The big blog-update-blockers would had to have been LOST and 24. Both of which ended in a twenty-four hour period.

LOST- AMAZING! There are many theories out there on the ending and it makes me laugh. It was pretty self answering and yet people still try and read into it. Like I told a friend on their blog, "Unless your name is JJ Abrams or one of the other head guys I won't believe your explanation on the ending." Each person has their own idea of the ending and not one is better than the other. The series was just the best. Well written and such. Even better it was announced that the complete series will be on a complete DVD/BluRay box set. EVEN BETTER than that it will retail on Amazon for $148.99! Yup I've already began coin collecting for this.

24- Jack was a great guy! I think we need a couple of him in our high profiled government fields. At least we know we wouldn't be getting ripped off by our leaders. He would always do the right even if it meant bending a few rules that dumb people put in so they could get away with corruption. Needless to say the series ender of 24 was fantastic. Chloe didn't let me down and neither did Jack. Oh and big news because I was Tweeting about the show as it was happening I was linked on a twitter trend grid. For those that don't tweet I can't even explain how awesome that was and again I can't even begin to explain what that is. You just had to be there.

Last Saturday I was asked to do photography at a Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls bout (game). It was Rockin AWESOME! I was the more close up back stage photog. Check later on my photography page as I will be posting some of them later tonight. I just loved the fact that I was asked to help with it!

Oh dang I gotta run, we are cleaning the church and helping a sister move in my singles ward. Till later.

'Bad Romance'

-Lady Gaga

-Gawdun

Nepal or Bust! (I Don't Want to Bust)

http://www.savenepal2010.myevent.com

I had a conversation with a friend who was turning 28 the same day I was turning 26. They said that 26 was a great year but 27 was not so great. Now I have no idea how true that is in regards to 27 but I do know that 26 has and still is turning out to be an amazing year!

Case in Point.

Later this year from October 28th till November 8th I will be in the country of Nepal on humanitarian relief effort. I have teamed up with Singular Humanitarian Experience (SHe) who has partnered with CHOICE Humanitarian to help slow the poverty issue around our world. For one week I will work closely with other volunteers to complete a number of projects ranging from a school house being built, small medical facility being constructed and helping promote education. I have always wanted to support and work in a cause like this and I am more than excited to be part of this expedition.

However there is the catch of monetary totals. I am responsible for providing air fair and the amount for the program. The complete total comes to $3,000.00. In the next 5 months I need to raise that amount. I am working closely with two other local ward members who are also going, in regards to local business donations and fundraising events. But that is not going to help all the way. That is why I come to you my readers and friends. In the next several weeks many of you may receive a personal letter from me asking for a donation of sorts. I do ask that you help out not me but your "global community." Besides letter writing and personal presentations to businesses I have created a website that makes it super easy to donate directly to me. Please visit the link above or click the same one here:

http://www.savenepal2010.myevent.com/

By following that link you can learn more about my cause and be part of it as well. So please take the time and donate.

-Gawdun