2014: In Memories

(I had a 2013 background song about memories last year, so here's a 2014 memory song)

 Well, it's been a great year. Different than my mental rebirth of 2013. This year, life was better at times and worse at times. In which case, one might say I learned a lot this year: Went through the bad to experience some new-found joy. I've learned that I'm always consistently learning. 
The picture to the left was taken in Logan canyon during spring break. Gorgeous day. Gorgeous (?) facial expressions...

 In April, I ran my first half marathon! I trained by myself by running around Logan and Providence. I got a time of 81:04. This ranked me at 17th overall and 2nd place in my age group! This was my first race of any kind in over 4 years, so the numbers were shocking to me. The training experience was life-changing and I had no idea I had that kind of strength and dedication within me. 
I call myself a "runner" but I have little-to-no association with Logan's running community. I just run all the time in my 6-year-old running shorts. It's a great hobby that keeps you physically healthy and mentally stable. And, well, sometimes you get shinsplints that last forever. But the results of self-improvement are worth it.

I have a bias toward the first half of 2014. My neighbors (pictured to the left) became my dating experts and daily food source. Two of them got married over the summer!

I love spring in Logan, so I guess I'll have a bias toward the first half of 2015 as well. 

I still kinda miss 35th ward, where I was somehow able to befriend the whole ward and also got to serve in a couple Elders Quorum Presidencies.

A lot of stuff happened afterwards though, so you'll be seeing more pictures hereon out. 

My youngest brother graduated high school this summer and is now at BYU. I started a summer job with RISE spending time with individuals who have special (mental) needs. The picture on the bottom left was taken by an individual (they liked embarrassing me). For the first time since my mission, I got to see one of my favorite companions, Elder Graham McKenzie! He is in Lethbridge, Alberta, attending college.

I went on more outdoor excursions this year. I had a super cold camping trip in the snow with a few friends. To the right is Ryan Burt atop Naomi Peak. The picture below is myself atop Beirdneau Peak (starting from the bottom in May makes for a very difficult hike). I ran into bear tracks on some other hike. I discovered Green Canyon. Beautiful, epic times.

Had a family reunion in my home-state of California this summer. For the first time in over 4 years, each member of our family was together at the same time! My older brother Todd is at BYU now so we see him more, but Keith is still in Calgary, Alberta. I played guitar on a beach.

 I went to 3 concerts this year: Neutral Milk Hotel, TV on the Radio, Beck. I was up against the stage for NMH, where I learned Jeff Mangum looks like a guy from Duck Dynasty. The TVOTR show wasn't amazing, but I wore a funny shirt. The Beck show had hundreds of people. I was in the front and couldn't stand still due to crowdedness. I left with sweat sticking my shirt to my body and smelling of secondhand marijuana. Great experiences (shared with friends of course).

I started my fall semester in lots of physical pain. My doctor felt inspired to give me a blood test, where Iwas then diagnosed with bilirubinemia (excess bilirubin in my bloodstream that should be in my liver). I apparently still have it, but as long as I eat right and take some pain pills, I don't feel the pain.
The picture to the left was taken in Salt Lake City where I had an interview with the local arts magazine SLUG. Apparently it was the same day as ComicCon. Thus I took selfies with people dressed up in line. I then saw Catherine Hendrickson for the first time in over 4 years.
The next day, 2 blocks from my apartment, I got in a car crash. It totaled my '83 Honda for good. I loved that car and miss it. I had to quit my RISE job 6 weeks early due to no transportation. I've had to walk/bus around Logan since.

In October, my sister went through the temple for the first time to receive her temple endowments! She is currently in the process of graduating from BYU. That same weekend, we all attended the Sunday morning session of General Conference, which I may or may not have slept through.
I was assistant stage manager for USU's "Ah, Wilderness!" for the fall semester. I didn't know what stage managers did until then, so I needed the experience. It was humbling.

 

This is the first year of my life I've ever been excited about Christmas. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I've been awaiting it for months. I think the change has had to do with me dealing with hard times and being grateful for all my joyful moments as well. I love Christmas lights at night and I love the fact that a Savior was born to this Earth and his given me a lot to learn and enjoy.
This picture's from 2013, but whatever.