Mad Rants of a Warped Mind

Realistic Goals

2009-01-28T16:32:00.004-07:00

The wife said that I havent written in my blog for 6 months, I thought that it had been a long time, but I didnt think that it was that long. So, I checked and sure enough, it wasnt that long. So since I do have a fan base, I wont let you down any more! SO, it is another year. With another year, this means resolutions. I like to hear about resolutions, they make me really think. I hear them all the time around Christmastime on the bus. Someone will start coughing and I will say you know that wouldnt happen if you didnt smoke. Then they come back and say, I am going to quit for new years. Another one, which is my personal favorite is I am going to lose weight this new year. Some others are, I am going to quit swearing, go to church, save money, just to name a few. Now I got to thinking, why are these people making these decisions when they just know that they are going to break them? So I have decided that I am going to set my own set of new years resolutions. Yeah, yeah, I know it is almost February so just deal with it!

Resolution 1
I will swear at idiot drivers 3 times a day.

This is a resolution that I know that I can keep. The resolution should be to quit swearing. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I cannot do that. This is a very realistic goal for me that can easily be met, not only does it limit my swearing, but reminds me all things in moderation.

Resolution 2

I will clean my car out once a month

Here is another realistic goal. I am not saying that I will keep my car clean, which I think is impossible. I am just saying that once every 30 days that I will clean it out. I will admit that the last time the car was cleaned out that it was the wife (thank you sweetheart!)This resolution can also be passed down to spouces, there is nothing wrong with it.

Resolution 3

I will put the toilet seat down once a week

I think that this is a fair trade ladies. It is a move in the right direction. I am a man. I lift the lid. I forget. Us men have simple needs.
I think if we made realistic resolutions then we will all be happier when we all meet or simplistic goals.

A call to arms

2008-11-12T14:48:00.002-07:00

The gay and lesbian community has called for a boycott on Utah since their Proposition 8 didnt pass. After all it is Utahs fault that their propostion didnt pass. The entire state is under scrutinuy because of this. Our economy is going to melt because gays and lesbians and their supporters are going to be boycotting my state. So in response of their boycott I am proposing that we boycott eveything gay and lesbian. We can start with the rainbow flag. Our cause will need a flag. Since the rainbow flag is taken, I say we make a flag. It can be any color, except maybe pink, put one of those superman S on it, and perhaps a beefy arm. Nothing says that I am a homophobic more than that. I am sure with this new weapon of might that we will scare the hell out of the gays and lesbians for sure. Next, we will have to boycott coffee houses. Nothing says gay more than a coffee house, after all, coffee houses are swarming with homosexuals. A big business that we will have to boycott is flower shops. Homosexuals THRIVE at flower shops, after all it is in their natural habitat, and it comes as a second nature to a homosexual to know all about flowers and decorating. Boycott all decorating places! Ladies, I know that this will be hard, but if we can stay strong, we can end this boycott of Utah.

Californias Proposition 8

2008-11-08T21:35:00.002-07:00

This last week, the people of California voted yes on propotion 8, which defines a marriage between a man and a woman. Gay marriage really doesnt bother me. I think that if you really love someone, go ahead and make a commitment. Let them be able to on your insurance, let them be able to be the executor of your will. However, on this bill, they are convinced that the LDS church had a major influence in the people to sway the vote, and now they are trying to appeal this bill (again). This Friday evening Gays and Lesbians among all kinds of other people who feel that the rights of the Gay and Lesbian world took to the streets of Salt Lake City and protested right in front of Temple Square. Now I dont know what good this is going to do, do they not know that the Catholic church was just as involved as the LDS church? Maybe they are planning a mass exodus on the Vatican next week, I do not know. So now in their ignorance, the gay community is calling for a Utah Boycott. So, as a flaming heterosexual I say let us, the heterosexual community stand up, and demand our rights, for our rights are clearly getting stomped into the ground. To start things, I think that we need to have a heterosexual pride day. We can have a parade, march down the street and shout how proud we are to be straight. We can demand to have or sexuality put in schoolbooks, and if they dont go to the ACLU and cry how unfair it is. The next thing we need to do is to have a nice flag to affirm our sexuality. We will fly these flags all over the place to let people know "were great were straight and were not going away." If they can show their pride, then why cant I?

More noticings from the bus

2008-09-22T21:26:00.011-06:00

Driving down the road, I see this, well something like this: Yeah, I couldnt believe it, they look just alike!!! I thought that it was absolutely hilarious! I then noticed all the dogs in cars today and how much they reselmbled their masters! So this blog is dedicated to the pets and owners who they look so much alike!

2008-09-22T21:25:00.000-06:00

Remember When?

2008-09-13T21:19:00.004-06:00

My Grandmother was a librarian for 25 years. I cant remember a time when we didnt have a book in the house. When we went over to grandmas house for a sleepover, we would always get a bedtime story. I learned to read at an early age, and I think I knew the dewey decimal system before I learned math. One of the stories that my Grandmother read to me on a regular basis was "Over in the Meadow" by John Langstaff and Feodor Rojankovsky

Tonight I had Dad duty by putting the boy to bed. Tonight, he wanted over in the meadow. It sure brought back some good memories, truely meloncholy. I could picture my grandmother standing behind me in Wendys rocking chair reading along with me the words, her voice still fresh in my memory. Wow, good memories and experiance today and tonight. I will have to cherish these when he is a badger!

So Sorry

2008-09-10T03:39:00.003-06:00

Ok, So I deleted the last post. I didnt know how many women fans that I have. So I am sorry if I offended any of my fanbase. I heard a joke once. A managaer at McDonalds told a new hire to mop the floor. But sir, I am a college graduate! He protested. Then here let me show you, said the manager. It reminds me of what happened on my bus yesterday. I drive a route that ends at the college. When I get to the college I either go back downtowm or go further south on the street I was on. Either way, I make an announcement before i get to the college. I also have my header changed before I get to the college. So yesterday, I am approaching the college and make announcement. This bus will change into the route 218 and continue southbound on Redwood Rd. I make this announcement before I get to the college, and when I boarded the people at the college. So, I leave the college and start heading south again, and this student jumps up and says this bus isnt going downtown? Well, heres your sign! Anyway, I am in the middle of a new Nigerian Scam, where they try to get ypu to send them money for a rental property. Here are the emails:

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am Rev David Robert ,the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and resently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the Madrid Spain,and presently my house is still available for rent for 700} per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is urnised.Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the state for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the house.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came for a check up.i do that once in a while.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.Where are you located and where do you see our advert also let us know if you need more pictures.
Email my wife Trisha on (datrisha11@gmail.com )and she will attends to you better.
Thanks and God bless you.
Rev David Robert

So I reply knowing that it is a scam:

I am interested in the house that you have for rent. How may I occupy this house? How much does it cost?

They reply:

Thanks for the email and also Yes, my husband in respect of Rev David Robert owned the apartmart and also it is situated In 1292 Glengyle Ct Salt Lake City, UT 841234 also want you to know that it was due to my husband transfer that makes us to leave the apartmart and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at all time and the person that will rent it should take it as if it were its own.So for now,Am here in the florida in our new house and also with the keys of the house,we try to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here and as you know that,my husband transfer to the West africa for a mission of God,so i hope you will promise us to take very good care of the apartmart.So get back to me on how you could take care of our apartmart or perhaps experience you have in renting home.Hope you are okay with the price 700 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air condition, internet connection and so on. i look forward to hearing from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the apartmart for rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when? View more pictures at the attach file

I reply:

Oh yes, I am very interseted in this house. I am a very responsible person. I would like to see this house inside. If you would send me the keys COD I will pay for them when they arrive. Also I need to occupy this house as soon as possible and am willing to pay extra if needed so how can I pay the rent to you so I can move in. Do you have a bank account number here in Utah that I can direct deposit this funds to you. Thank you very much for considering me.

They reply:

Good Morning to you and your family,i am ok with everything you have said,but i will want you to have the keys so if you can send $ 250 for the deposit and hold the keys there so i can know no that you really want the house,because they are so many people that want the house but i really want you to occupier the house cause i see that you are honest and god fering,so please get back to me if you are ready to send the deposit payment and i will want you to do that today so that you can have the keys tomorrow by 5:30pm in your time,note that all your information have been forwarded to the shipping company.waiting to hear from you and i will call you today to hear your beatiful voice.

I reply:

I cant send western union. My pastir tells me do not deal in big corporations. I can do a direct deposit to any Utah bank.
Fred

They reply:

I want you to be honest with me and i will also be honest with you,I and my husband spent a lot on our apartment and i am given you this offer base on trust so that you can view the inside of the apartment.

I have discused it with my Husband and he told me the only way he can receive the payment is Via Western Union which is the most fast and easy way.

Like i told you we are given the apartment to a good and caring tenant we are not after the money you are sending.So if you are okay with this offer get back to me asap, so that my husband can go on with the arrangement on how the Keys will get to you

I reply:

If your husband is the God fearing man that you say that he is, then he will understand what the bible says about dealing with big corporations that are dishonest. There are other ways to get you the money. You mentioned that you have a contact here. Why cant I send the money to him?

They reply:

The money you are to send it for the shipping of the keys so that you can view the apartment .and there is no way he can get it if you send the money to someone over there you will need to send the money to him so that he can have the keys shipped down to you asap .

And of coursent the western union info. As of 4am they have havent gotten back to me. LOL

Confessions

2008-08-06T18:44:00.002-06:00

Alrighty, I have been challenged again by my blogging buddy, Pike to make a list of my deepest darkest confessions. Ok, dont get too excited, we will be keeping this clean...perverts! I dont have any of THOSE kind of confessions anyway! So here goes...
1. I enjoy listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Yes, now that is off of my chest. Although my wife cant stand them, and if the LDS church ever finds out how much she cant stand them, she will be thrown into a vat of green jello. I love the music, and it really relaxes me.

2. I love buses! I love transit buses that is. Whenever we go on vacation, I am always being reminded by my wife that I am on vacation and to quit pointing out the buses. I can tell you what make and model a certain bus is. If it is a city bus or a tour bus. Usually, I try to make it am point to ride a bus wherever I go and share the horror stories and compare how bad management is.

3. I enjoy writing. I had a novel in the works before my loving wife reformatted my hard drive. I guess that is the fun of writing stories is that they will alway be in your head and can always write them down.

4. I have a knack for talking to people. Well, actually I LOVE talking to people. I like to know where people are from, where they have been, and where they are going. I guess that is why I am a bus driver, as well as a radio DJ, is because I just love to talk to people.

5 Which brings me to my next confession, I am also a radio DJ. I took the summer off because we are adopting a 4 year old and I am also training people how to drive the bus, but I do have a dark secret that I love broadcasting.

5. I love aviation! However, I am scared to death to fly. I watch several websites on airplanes, but I think that my favorite is airliners.net I have been run off several times by homeland security for watching airplanes at the airport with my ;police scanner and binoculars.

6. I also love trains. I have over 1000 dollars worth of trains just sitting in my closet here in my apartment because I dont have the room to build a decent layout. I do however tell my wife when I am making train purchases, and she usually is ok with it.

So there you have it, m y deepeest darkest secrects. Please dont tell anyone or I might get cloned

A new contest!

2008-08-02T01:32:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone!
Go checkout Anne Bradshaws blog http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/ She has a new contest going where you can win a book, so go check her out, shes nice...and BRITISH!

Good night sweetheart

2008-07-27T15:33:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday

2008-07-27T14:14:00.002-06:00

Today is my Moms birthday. Looking back at all the things that I have out her through, it is truely a miracle that she has made it thus far. Yeah as a kid she kissed my boo boos and made sure that I had clean clothes to wear and good foods to eat. My gripe is as a teenager. When I wanted to stay out with my friends all night. She wouldnt let me do it. Or when she made me go to church. Can you believe that? making me go to church? Whats up with that? Or when I smarted off to her, how her hand would find the side of my buttocks. Geez! I never thought that I ever would say this, much less publically say this, but thanks for caring enough to discipline me, and being there when I needed you. Not every kid can have a parent that is their best friend growing up! Happy Birthday!!

Karma

2008-07-20T21:50:00.003-06:00

I am here today to testify to you that Karma is alive and well. Now before you say yeah right let me explain. As a child I was a hellion. Just ask my Brother, who reads this blog, or my Mother, who I have no clue if she reads this blog. I did some oretty horrible (funny) things as a teenager to my siblings, and to my mother that I dont think that I can ever take backe. Besides, it made them grow in charecter didnt it? So, here I am in my adulthood, and I now have a 4 year old son. Although he isnt a teenager yet, I dont think that he will ever be as bad as me however, my occupation is a city bus driver, and yes, you guessed it, I was a hellion on the Reno city bus system. Now being a driver for over 10 years, EVERYTHING that I have ever done as a kid on a bus has come back to haunt me in one way or another. The time I made the stop request chime permanently stay on, has haunted me, the time I played my radio at full blast as I got off the bus has haunted me. The time when I smeared ice cream on the window of the bus because the driver wouldnt let me on because I blasted my radio as I got off has haunted me. As a bus driver I think I have gotten every excuse known to man on why someone doesnt have a fare. Honestly people! We really dont give a damn about the fare just dont take us for idiots with a stupid excuse and own up to your own responsibility! If I had only known then what I know know about Karma.....OY!

I win!

2008-07-20T15:41:00.003-06:00

I won an award over at Pikes Pickles!! I actually didnt think that anyone read my blog! It started as a fluke that I really wanted to do to improve my writing skills for a college class. This actually cracks me up! Well, I guess since I know that people are reading my blog, I should post more often, and probably less lighthearted about things huh? Anyway, thanks Stefany for the award!

Back When

2008-07-15T17:09:00.003-06:00

Whatever happenened to the "good ol days?" I hope that it wasnt too long ago. I actually am an 80's child so I guess that it wasnt too long ago. I could remember going to the pool on a hot summers day with all of my friends and not have a worry in the world about getting a virus. Or what about when you could go to the neighborhood market and buy a fountain soda that dispensed in a cup. Heaven forbid nowadays. Wow with all of the protection that we have nowadays, virus this, unsanitary that, it is a miracle that we arent all mutants, or worse off all dead from our own ignorance. So let me take this time to thank our government from protecting us from ourselves and making sure that we are all safe. In the meantime, go check out this cool site that I stole from Pikes Pickles.

111

As a 1930s husband, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

Signs

2008-07-09T20:49:00.004-06:00

Sign Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign

So I was in the bathroom the other day and I looked down at Daniels stool that he uses to reach the sink. On this stool was a warning label that I couldnt believe. Here it is:

v

I mean come on! What are we stupid nowadays? Here is a stool, a one piece stool that has absolutely no pieces at all. It is in one piece. What kind of kind would put this in his mouth and choke on it, Kaa's kid? I have heard Bill Engvalls skit on heres your sign, and thought it was kinda corny but I never thought that I would be the recipient of one! I think that we all wear the sign at one time or another when we have a well duh moment. Maybe just maybe we can all resort back to common sence?

Tagged Again!

2008-07-08T19:31:00.002-06:00

Ok, So I was over at Pikes pickles the other day hoping for my Monday laugh, and I find out that I have been tagged AGAIN!! This one really got me to thinking. So here is my challenge:
The assignment
Here's the deal. Think back on the last 15 years of your life.What would you tell someone that you hadn't seen or talked to for 15 years? How would you sum up your life? You get 10 bullet points. A list of 10 things to summarize about you. At the end of your list, tag 5 more people and send on the love.

Wow, where do I start? I have been thinking alot about an old high school buddy, although I am not quite sure if I would like to renew my friendship with him. he has stayed the same old person, hanging onto high school times, and well, I haved, lets say moved on and dropped my high school days.

Well, I graduated believe it or not with my class, the class of 90! Shortly after I got my high school diploma, I cleaned and maintained swimming pools. After a couple of months, I went on a mission for the LDS church to the south. It was alot of fun, and I learned alot of life lessons, which I use to this day. 2 years after I got home, I married a really nice girl from Oregon in the Portland LDS Temple. We left the Bay Area and lived in Oregon for about a year, and found out that we couldnt make a living there. At that time we had a friend living in Utah, who invited us to come, because Utah was such a thriving economic area, yeah right! Anyway, I found a job driving city bus, where I have been ever since! I am going back to college, and have been involved in the campus radio station, where I have had my own show and for a little while was the promotions manager, until we gained custody of a 4 year old boy who we are planning to adopt. So now my life is my wife and son, and work. Oh yeah and school starting in 4 weeks.

I think that is all, I do live a very boring sheltered life! Ok, so I will tag, ummm Wendword, Candace, and whoever else reads this!

Vacation

2008-06-27T16:34:00.002-06:00

Well today starts the first day of vacation for me. I actually got off early and am pretty excited. I will start the week of vacation by taking the challenge at Pikes Pickles as to my own list of fun things to do with your kids in the summer! Now keep in mind that I am a bus driver and I do have a prankish side to me, and also that I am a new father, as we are adopting a 4 year old! So while the kids are watching Night at the museum, I will create my list.

1. Have water fights in the heat of the day
2. Buy a nice cool soda pop, take it to the park, sit under a shade tree and have a belching contest.
3. Going to the Discovery museum on the weekends
4. Play with Play-dough
5. Buying new batteries for the laser pointer and then making the cats so dizzy that they walk sideways
6. Blow bubbles off of the balcony
7. Build a huge contraption out of the marble run and watch the marbles
8. Go swimming
9. Wrestling (need I say more?)
10. Going to the park and ride bike
11. Ride the train!
12. Coloring books
13. Solve puzzles
14. Go Fishing in a boat
15. Have a 5 dollar date. (Dollar menu at McD's for 2. 2 double cheez. fries and drink comes to less than 5 bucks and makes a cheap date and picnic)
16. Read a story
17. Homemade beef jerky! Yummy!
18. Playstation Vintage 80's arcade games
19. Playing guitars and harmonicas
20. Make funny faces at each other

Some Mormons

2008-06-27T16:31:00.003-06:00

This came from Candace's blog. I agree with her, this guy did a great job!!

Welcome Back

2008-06-21T19:57:00.003-06:00

Well, I havent posted in almost a month! Whew! Well, Since the last time I have posted a major development has happened in our life. We are in the process of adopting a 4 year old boy! We have had him going on 3 weeks now and boy is he the pride and joy in our life. Secondly, I have been promoted to a trainer at my job. So between the little one and training to be a trainer, I have been extremely busy. Not to mention school starts in 4 short weeks! Oh yeah, I have also quit radio to have more time with shorty. So, as you see, some major changes here in Utah! My last in terview was with Charlie Daniels. Interviewing this monster of a man in the music industry, got me to thinking. Here he was, talking to a college DJ like he was a good friend of mine. These people are no different than you and I, except for maybe a couple million dollars and a tad bit of talent. SOme are nice, and some need to be knocked down a couple of pegs. Anyway, so I no longer have my celebrity behind the microphone status, no more talking to celebrities, and you know what? I feel no different. To tell you the truth I feel a major burden off of my chest. So here I am back to the regular old me. Ya know, I have missed myself! Enjoy the pics!!!

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T21:38:00.002-06:00

With today being Memorial Day, I thought and thought of something patriotic to write. This is one of two holidays that are prideful for me. The other is the 4th of July. I think this video sums it up best. Let us NEVER forget!

Wow, what a week!

2008-05-23T23:46:00.004-06:00

Yeah, the title explains it all. Today is the start of a 5 day weekend. Whoo hoo you say? Well, most people would think that but this mini vacation is really, not an enjoyable one. First of all the good thing. My interview with the legendary Charlie Daniels went great. You can read it at www.globeradio.slcc.edu just click on the big picture of Charlie Daniels and it will download or you can send me your email addy and I will email you the interview free of charge. I have been training people all week to drive our new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) buses from Belgium.
They are pretty nice. SO yesterday evening I was back to driving my own route which was nice to see all of my regular passengers again and when out of nowhere, WHAM! I get rear ended by a stolen BMW. They never caught the guy and I was the only one hurt. Dont worry, nothing serious just some neck and back pain. So on the way home, we get pulled over by our local police at gunpoint. Cuffed and stuffed! Turns out, my car matched the description of an armed something or another. If ya want the funny story with pics go check out Weston Elliotts blog, as she was hanging out with me last night. Hope all have a safe Memorial Day weekend, and remember why we are celebrating this day!

Yeah I'm gonna be famous

2008-05-14T13:34:00.002-06:00

Tune into the Globe Radio on Friday at 10:45 am MST for an exclusive interview with the Legend CHARLIE DANIELS!! Yes, I will be interviwing Charlie Daniels on Friday, I am so excited. This interview will almost be as huge as my interview with Candace Salima, Tristi Pinkston, and Josi Kilpack. I am a little nedvous but more excited than anything. If anyone has aquestion for Mr. Daniels please email me at mrbus2u@gmail.com and I will try to get it in the air. Also, I am starting 2 new shows on the globeradio that will be launched next week. One is a gospel show on Sundays from 10-2 and also a Showtunes show. If you are or know of a musician let me know and I ill be more than happy to get their music up.

I am back

2008-04-29T02:24:00.003-06:00

My schedule changed for work. I am back to working nights so I am writing this in the wee hours of the morning. It is very nice outside and we have the windows open, so I hear the crickets shirping, and my wife, who is right next to me sound asleep, snoring (dont worry, I will get smacked in the head for that when she reads my blog) Well, the semester is almost over, and I have made it! WOO HOO! ALthough my math class sunk me. Yeah I failed it. I talked to the teacher today and she said that I would have to get a 93% on the final to pass the class with a C. Well, looks like I will have to take THAT one again this fall. So it is almost here, are you ready? What is it that I am talking about? SUMMERTIME!! In just a couple of weeks, the heat will be here and School will be out. SO what are you doing for summer? Of course I will be working. However, I have noticed several things about people driving the bus in the summertime. First, I have noticed that the heavier the person, the less clothes that they will have on, and likewise with the deoderant. Now please dont get me wrong, I am heavy myself. But I do have a sence of dignity. Second, the second the thrmometer goes past 72, it is suddenly a scorcher out there. Oy, it is too hot out here, can I get a free ride for a block? This is a common phrase in the summer, even when it is really nice. Dont worry, me being the nice guy that I am give them the ride. With summertime also comes a tradition. The dreaded ice cream man. Is it just me or are these guys getting scarier looking every year? I remember my grandmother reading me this story as a kid about this ice cream man that was a wolf in disguise, sho kidnapped these pigs... needless to say, to this day the ice cream man still freaks me out! Here is an exception. In West Valley City, someone has bought am old school bus, you know the short bus. Well some hispanic guy has made it into a mexican ice cream truck. This truck is so awesome. This is the only truck that I know where I can buy nachos, tacos or burritoes, and also have dessert! They also have "special" music. Instead of the normal jingle we hear "la cucaracha", which I think is quite appropriate for the circumstnces.

James Dashner

2008-04-10T06:07:00.006-06:00

OK, here is something cool! A couple of months ago I had the chance to interview Jeff Savage on the Bus Ride in the morning on Globe Radio. In the interview, he said that a friend of his, and fellow writer by the name of James Dashner, has a new book coming out. (If you want to hear the interview I can email you the mp3 or pics just let me know.) Well guess what folks, here on mad rants I bring you, the trailer to his book, check it out!!

Tagged!

2008-04-09T20:37:00.002-06:00

Got home the other night and the wife has a smug smile on her face and asks me, have you read the comments on your blog? Of sourse I said no, so she told me to check it out. Well, the creep tagged me!! So I have to post 7 things about myself and then I will tag some unsuspecting soul Muahahaha

I have started a new hobby. I enjoy getting autographed photographs of celebrities. I started it as a fluke and now I really enjoy it. So I guess it is a hobby now.

Ok, heres a new one, I just found out that the voice for Shaggy on Scooby Doo is Casey Casum.

I love radio, I do it as a hobby, and am very involved in the college radio station where I have 2 shows. I am also the promotions manager for the station. For more info you can go to Globeradio

I have been driving buses now for 10 years. For 6 of them I have been a trainer. I do love it although some days are better than others.
I think that is all for now if you want to know more just ask.

Taking things for granted

2008-04-09T08:33:00.003-06:00

I am currently sitting in English class, supposed to be working on my final writing assignment. However, my mind isnt here. I am sitting on a beach in Oregon. The fog has rolled in and in the distance you can hear the faint cry of a foghorn. The seagulls are flying overhead crying to be fed, oh wait, I am not on the coast, I am stuck in land locked Utah! ACK!! Man do I miss the coast! Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I never thought that I would ever be living away from the coast. There is something about the coast that is just comforting to the soul. Now dont get me wrong, I love the mountains of Utah, but nothing beats the sound of the crashing waves, the seagulls, and the sea salt smell. Today looks like the coast. Except, there is no coast here. The closest thing to that even resembles, and that is a far fetched word for it, is the great Salt Lake. There are just some things that we take for granted. Mine is the coast. I was driving the bus the other day, and was talking to someone, which I always do, and this guy talks about how he misses his teeth! I had to chuckle, and think, now that is something that I never have really thought about! My good friend, Sister Pike, took a fall the other day, I hope that she is ok, but I also got to think. How we take for granted being mobile. There are just so many things in our lives that are simple things, that if they were taken from us, would impact our lives in a major way. So take time today, and really appreciate the little things around you, even your teeth!

News on the homefront

2008-04-07T06:25:00.005-06:00

Ok bloggies,
Here is some news from Author Jeff Savage. You can check out his blog here http://jscottsavage.blogspot.com/

Yeah I havent been blogging for awhile. Why? Because I have been working. When I am not at work, I am at school, and when I am not at school I am sleeping. Ask my wife. This weekend was great. I did nothing at all and spent the whole weekend with this woman that apparently lives at my apartment who washes my laundry and keeps the house clean. She claims to be my wife, but I have been gone for such a long time I wasnt sure if I had one of those anymore. Just 4 more weeks of school! I am pretty excited. Not that I dont like school, but I really do not like Algebra. Who the heck makes this crap up? I just took a test on Friday. One of the questions went like this. If a construction site put up a roof in 3 days, and B construction site put up in 2 days how long would it take for them to do the roof together. Well, this question was very easy for me, being in a labor union for the last 10 years. Anyone knows that roofers are unionized. Also, projects are awarded by the lowest bidder. So, anyhone who is anyone will know that it will be a complete violation of bylaws to allow both companies to work on the same project, resulting in union grievances, and lawsuits. I think I got the answer wrong. Here is another one. If Tony is 4 years older than David in 2 years both of their ages will equal 70 years old how old are they now? Who cares how old they are now? The fact that I will not be using this crap in a business management degree purely frustrates me! I also have to take 2 more algebra classes that I wont be doing anything with! Oh well, why we do the things we do?

Church

2008-03-29T22:06:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is Sunday, and yes I probably will be going to church. Now this isnt just to make my wife happy. It is also to save my soul from the firey flames of, well you know where I am talking about. My wife will probably save me from going there anyway, God bless her. It isnt that I dont like church, I like most of the people, except maybe that Pike family that takes up the entire back pew, JUST KIDDING!! However, after serving a mission for the LDS church for 2 years, and going to church every week for 2 years, I think God would be willing to give me a couple of freebies, some wild cards if you will. So, I look at it this way. Twice a year, in April and October, I get my wild card in the form of what the LDS church calls General Conference. It MUST be a freebie otherwise the church wouldnt publish it the month after in the Ensign magazine right? Every conference they have protestors outside of the conference center. I just love to mess with these people. They come in from all parts of the country with their big banners protesting the church. The one thing they forget when riding the bus, is that they have a half hour ride downtown with me! I think my personal favorite was the one that was convinced that Mormons didnt believe in Jesus Christ. I told them that the big lettering that spelled J-e-s-u-s C-h-r-i-s-t wasnt just there for decoration. He left the bus feeling rather defeated (mission accomplished) I think that there is nothing more frustrating when coming to church on Fast Sunday and the kid in the pew in front of you is stuffing his mouth full of fruit loops looking at you like, yum! these are good and you cant have any! Also, we need to eliminate certain things at church. now I know there are mostly women who read my blog so maybe you wont understand this, but for us guys. Honestly now, some of us could give a hairy rip about church basketball and how it is going to be hard going against the 17th ward Wednesday night. (Honestly it was a lesson in priesthood, I will have to tell you one of these days) Now, whats up sisters? Why is it, you get those cushiony frilly chairs, and we have to sit on those hard, cold metal chairs, that will hurt the butt of someone who has alot of padding! Lets share now, dont you girls want to be treated like equals? In the end, we might all drive each other crazy, and hate getting the last minute home/ visiting teaching lesson, but in the long run, in all our imperfectness, we are here to uplift each other, and I personally am thankful to all of you who help me (even the Pikes!;)

Women

2008-03-27T09:27:00.003-06:00

There is a song by one of my favorite bands, Def Leppard. The chorus goes something like this; "Women, Women, lots of pretty women. Men, men, cant live without them." Yeah I know those lyrics are DEEP! But this got me to thinking. There is one woman in my life, and she has been for the last 12 years. As crazy and frustrated as she makes me sometimes, in the end I know that I still love her. I have a good friend who hasnt been married as long as I have who I talk to on a regular basis and we rant about our wives. So here is what I have figured out about wives from my different married friends. Guys, if she asks you does this make me look fat? Just say no, you look great sweetheart. This will save you alot of time in the long run in an arguement that is based on you saying yes it does with her turning that around and saying you called her fat. Although my wife hasnt done this to me (yet) I have had friends who has. Next, if you come home and the house looks like hell, WHATEVER YOU DO dont ask what you have been doing all day. Chances are, your wife has PMS and will knock you into next week. Instead, turn around, get back into your car, go to the nearest grocery store and get her some chocolate. Trust me this will gain you points. When she wants to go to a chick flick and Rambo 6 is playing at the same theater, it is ok to cave in once in awhile. Remember, we are trying to please our wives here. They know we are guys, and sometimes we need our boy things, but they are delicate, and sometimes the things we do hurt. In the 12 years of marriage, I know I have been a first class heel sometimes, however, she is still trying to mold me into the handsome (yeah right!) prince in shining armor she hopes she can have (actually I am more like shrek!) Girls we are guys please remember that, and be patient with us we are a work in progress, a diamond in the rough if you will I think that these 2 videos sums it up best about men, so I will let the videos explain us Enjoy!

Ok, that one was a little PG-13 and I want to keep this clean cuz I dont know who reads this so I had to edit that one out sorry! SO here is a different one.

About School

2008-03-26T21:30:00.003-06:00

Going to school, I am taking this math class. Now I hate math, and have no idea why I need to take algebra. There is no need for algebra in the field I am getting in. So the people at the college who make the rules say that yes I do indeed need algebra, and you will like it, so we are making you take 2 more semesters of it. The wife is also taking a math class from this professor who is very gung ho on math. He is so gung ho that he has little catch phrases for the different procedures. For instance, Decimals are delightful, and fractions are our friends. Are just a couple that she has told me he uses. So, today, I came up with my own doing this blasted math class. Factoring is frightening. That is a good one. Why anyone would do this for fun is beyond me! Being a thirtysomething going to college, I do feel a ittle out of place amongst the teenie boppers. I think Dane Cook put it best when he said that Junior College is just high school with ashtrays. Wow! How true. Looking around, I have noticed several things about college students, especially young ones. First of all, the human mind doesnt start functioning until at least 9am. I have proof that this is true. Last semester I had a class at 7, and this semester I have a class at 8, and I have proof in that hour, an instructor stands at the front of the class, however there aint no learnin going on. Personally, I have mastered the art of sleeping with my eyes open. College students who drive, have car alarms. Now please tell me what exactly are you going to do when Mr Robber breaks your window and your alarm is going off when you are in Calculus on the third floor of the building across campus? Next is, whats up with the whole coffee thing? It seems like everyone at college drinks coffee. Yes, I have been guilty of drinking coffee, but personally I think that coffee is a grown up drink and since we are now grown ups away from mommy and daddy we need to all blend in. College students can sleep anywhere, in any position. I was in the lobby of a building today and there was this student, I dont think you could call it lying down, but it wasnt standing or sitting either. Head was resting against the backpack, legs were on a chair, and the torso was halfway on the couch and the floor. Surely he couldnt be sleeping I thought, but getting a closer look, this kid was actually snoring. Looking back at all of this, yes I am glad that I have the oppertunity to go back to school, but I am so thankful that I am not back in the teenie bopper scene again, oh the lessons they have to learn. (Oy, I am starting to sound like my mother)

Curveballs

2008-03-25T09:02:00.002-06:00

Just about every route has a "special" passenger. Now by special I am not referring to the mentally challenged but the passenger who comes on thinking that they are Gods gift to the bus system. This is the passenger who no matter what you do, you are wrong. You could be exactly on time and they will come on and say that the bus stinks. Well, I had a passenger on this route that I just bid off of that was one of these special spirits. Everyday she would get on the bus and harass me about me looking at her transfer. At one point on during my tour on this route I actually threw her off the bus, granted she got off on her own accord but anyway I think you see where I am getting at. So, finally I get another route and I was so happy becasue I wouldnt see miss moody, the name that I gave her because it fit her so well. Until this last Saturday. Driving the bus, beautiful day sun shining, nice and warm. All of a sudden dark grey clouds, lightning over head, but who whould be standing at the bus stop but the wicked with from the west, miss moody. There she was with that scowl she always has on her face. Well, this was the last straw! As tempting as it was, I didnt pass her up however, I knelt the bus deployed the wheelchair ramp and even assisted her with her groceries on the bus. I even told her good morning in a cheerful voice that didnt have any animosity in it( at least I dont think there was) When she got to her stop, she actually said thank you and smiled. WOW! I thought her face would crack, and I almost fell out of my seat. Makes me kinda wonder, was she as shocked as I was?

Cats

2008-03-24T23:06:00.002-06:00

This is for anyone who has or has had a cat. Everyone else will have to wait for my next blog. Here are two absolutely funny videos that I have found on youtube. And here is the other. Now a little about cats. Before I was married I hated cats. I dont know why, I guess that is what the big tough single guy does, we hate cats it is just one of those unwritten rules. When I got married, my wife had two cats, who I grew to love. Since we have been married we have had several animals. I also have grown to love cats. I think that the biggest thing I like about owning a cat is that you dont own a cat, a cat owns you. Take our newest addition to our family, Tigger. We got Tigger at the humane society. He actually chose us we didnt choose him. We named him Reginald originally because we wanted a good English name, but he dicided elsewise, and because of his jumping all over the place was called Tigger. Both of our cats have to seperate personalities. Currently, my wife is clipping his nails and he isnt very happy so he is hiding by putting his face in the crook of her arm. Cats are facinating creatures. If they want to be fed they will let you know. If they want loving they will also let you know. They have no concept of time. If 3:13 am is the time to be petted, then this is what is going to happen and they arent going to let you alone until they are sataisfied. Toby will yowl every morning at 5 until someone feeds him. Tigger gets his loves and pets at 5:30. Who needs an alarm clock when you have a cat? As much as they are pests, they are my boys and yes, they ARE spoiled.

Miracles do happen

2008-03-02T22:16:00.003-07:00

I must incist that you read this post sitting down. A miracle happened this weekend. My wifes visiting teachers came over this weekend. Now for those of you, and I dont think that there is anyone that reads my blog isnt LDS ( a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) A visiting teacher is 2 women who visit other women in the congregation for spiritual upliftting every month. The guys do it too and it is called home teaching except it involves the whole family. So they came this weekend. First time we have had any contact with our ward since we have moved here 4 minths ago. First of all they came over unannounced, which is a big no-no in my book, and my wife KNOWS this. So my wife goes and answers the door in her nightgown. For the next hour, they kibbutz on the front porch. My wife comes back to bed iforming me we will be going to church on Sunday. Now, I am, not a big church person. I went to church every week for 2 years, and I thnk that God understands. Not to mention, I was pretty offended that nobody from church came to introduce themselves after we put our information in to them. So by darned if I was going to church. So this morning comes, and the alarm goes off. Wendy rolls over adn says I think we should go next week. YES!!! I was off scott free, another week. Besides this was fast Sunday, and that is a free bee right? So, I got out of bed to start some homework. As I am sitting there looking at the screen, I get this annoying feeling that I really need to go to church. Nonsence, I thought, it must be a hunger. So I ate breakfast, sat back down to do my english paper and I get this annoying thought again, you really need to go to church. So I did what I thought was best and got in the shower to wake myself up and rid my brain of such ridiculous thoughts. Fresh out of the shower smelling like a rose, well, green apple shampoo, I once again sat down and tried to write this stupid english papaer and once again, yep you guess it. So I went to church. It wasnt anything to write home about. There wasnt bells or whistles going off or a magnificent beam of light, as a matter of fact it was kinda dull. However, I did have a change of heart. I got over the fact that yes, I do need to make the first step, and the elders quorum arent the strongest when it comes to welcoming people, but in the end we are all people and we do make mistakes. Also the walls didnt fall down! Have a great week!

facing your personal Goliaths

2008-02-28T07:53:00.005-07:00

I got robbed on Christmas Eve. Yup, the creep stooped low enough to get away with 5 dollars, and my wallet. They caught him and he is in the Salt Lake County jail. 8 weeks later, I am now supposed to finger him in a line-up, which I did yesterday. When I got to jail, I was led into a dark room, which resembled a small home theater. However instead of showing a great motion picture, behind the screen was found idiots on parade. Behind the curtain was 6 people incarcerated for some reason or another. As I looked at these men, there was one thing that was common; none of these guys was the guy who robbed me. I was already petrified, and was feeling the pressure of identifying him from both attorneys. For legal reasons I cant say what I actual said until after the case is closed. I left the jail feeling defeated, but also in a way I was feeling victorious. For me this is a very scary situation and it is extremely hard to face. I stayed on the same route for 8 weeks after the fact, even though I was terrrified to back to it. I also have to go back to court next week to testify. For me, this is a personal Goliath. We all have our personal Goliaths, whether it is , we all handle them differently or maybe not at all and we turn our backs and run as far away from it as possible. For me, I dont run away from my person Goliaths. I have come to realize in my 36 years in mortality that you shouldnt run from your problems. As a matter of fact a wonderful lady, who was a major part of my upbringing, a second mother if you will, always taught me to face my problems. Facing our Goliaths make us stronger, and the more you do it, the stronger adn it also feels good when you conquer what you think is going to sink you. Given it is painful to face, but it is better to face your Goliath than to walk away and feel like a coward.

Superballs

2008-02-24T21:06:00.002-07:00

If you are like me you are a busy person. The daily routine is almost automatic day in and day out. Get up, shower, get dressed, school, work, home sleep, repeat right? I think that in our daily routine we get so caught up in the scheme of things that we really forget the small stuff around us. I actually saw the making of this video before I saw the video itself. It got me to think, look at all these people around, doing their daily thing and they dont even see all these colorful superballs bouncing down the street. Now I dont kn ow about you, but it isnt everyday that I see a rainbow of superballs bouncing down the street. now here is what really got me to think. Would I even notice superballs going down the street? Am I so caught up in my daily routine that I wouldnt see something that spectacular. Imagine, sitting at North Temple and State Street, and all these superballs come bouncing down the hill from the capitol. Now wouldnt THAT be a sight to see? What I am getting at, is dont get so caught up with the grand scheme of things that you forget to watch the superballs.

Wisdom of the old

2008-01-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

What is it about an old persons wisdom that we listen to? I remember several things that my grandmother used to say. The first phrase is, them that gots it gets it. Think about it. I am glad to be brought up poor. It has taught me a good work ethic, as well as to wish I had more money so I have to work harder to earn it. The other thing that my grandmother used to say was illigitimi non carbundum, which translated into english (there is no translation) means Dont let the bastards get you down. You know, I take that phrase everyday with me to work, it sure does help especially dealing with the people that I deal with. Old people are cute. They wear the most unusual bright clothing. They always seem to have candy or gum with them that they give to the kids, or the bus driver. For me most of all would be two things. First is flirting with the little old ladies. I think I have more girlfriends from my job than Brigham Young had wives. They are always fun to flirt with, and they flirt right back. Last, would be listening to their stories. If you think that you have ot bad, listen to an old person. Your burdens will be light after you listen. If you think you have it bad now, listen to how bad it was then. So, go out there and help and elderly person, give them a hug, maybe you will learn a thing or two.

A little about authors

2008-01-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

My wife is an author. She has written several novels, never published, why I will never know but that is beside the point. Since she has been seriously writing I have noticed something about her as well as her writing "groupies" One thing I have just chalked up to not ever understanding, but just agreeing to is crying. One day I am on the net, and she is typing away, and all of a sudden I hear her sobbing. Not just a little sniffle, but huge crocodile tears streaming down her face. Quickly I do a mental check, is it our anniversary? Nope. Is it her birthday? Nope, Any other important days I forgot? Nope. Ok, I am safe. So I ask her, what is wrong. Wet swollen eyes peering over the moniter, she looks at me and sobs, I have just killed off my main charecter!! Now mind you nothing is wrong with this, but I have never seen anyone get so wrapped up in their work than my wife. I have actually seen this woman go into a panic attack because she will write a scene that is so horrific that she feels that she is actually there. Now, on the radio, I have had the chance to interview several renouned authors, and they are the same way. Authors live in a world like no other, and they need to show us their world. Some are interesting, and some are....well, not so intersting, as a matter of fact some are down right dark, and make you wonder why isnt this person committed? Authors seem to get their strength from other authors. It is like the recharging of batteries, and sometimes like a huge cheering session for the others reminding them that they can do it! Some need to set a mood by having music, or some even have a writing room complete with horses and scenery on the walls. In a couple of weeks, the LDS Storymakers will be having a large conference to help anyone that is a writer to improve with their writing. You will come away from this feeling like you could conquer the world! The world needs more wholesome clean writers out there! So go check them out!! Lets flood this earth with good wholesome clean literature!
So here is the info. I dont know if I am violating any copyright laws so if I am I will take this down. GO TO IT!!

2008
LDStorymakers Writers Conference
March 21-22, 2008

CottonTree Inn
10695 S. Auto Mall Drive
Sandy, Utah 84070

Register Now!
Click Here

You may purchase one Whitney Award Gala ticket as part of your registration package.
To purchase additional tickets, Click Here.

FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Timothy Travaglini
Senior Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons
(a division of Penguin Group, USA)

Tim Travaglini has worked at Walker & Company; Henry Holt; Scholastic; and Books of Wonder,
an all-children's bookstore in Manhattan. He is the editor of How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-boyfriend by Janette Rallison;
the MONSTER BLOOD TATTOO trilogy by D. M. Cornish;
Blackbringer (FAERIES OF DREAMDARK, Book One) by Laini Taylor;
Bean Thirteen by Matthew McElligott;
and Yellowbelly and Plum go to School by Nathan Hale.

Jamie Weiss Chilton
Agent—Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.

Jamie Weiss Chilton represents children's books, teen novels, middle grade fiction, chapter books, picture books, and narrative nonfiction. Her specific interests include literary fiction with intense emotional content (character-driven, not issue-driven plots); smart thrillers and mysteries; science fiction; surreal stories and magical realism; sweet, funny, quirky chapter books and picture books.

Jamie's career in children's books began in 1998, with an editorial internship at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, followed by positions as an Editorial Assistant and Assistant Editor at Bantam Delacorte Dell, Wendy Lamb Books, and Knopf & Crown Books for Young Readers, all divisions of Random House Children's Books. After returning to her hometown of Los Angeles, Jamie pursued her love of children's books in a new arena, as Conference Manager and Golden Kite Award Director at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

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Conference Highlights:
Friday Night Entertainer: David Nibley
Panel: LDS Publishers
Panel: Finding an agent
One-to-one interviews with editors/agents

And your favorites:
Writing Contest-- NOW OPEN! -- click here to get started
Boot Camp
Exclusive Book Store

Special Announcement:
Saturday Night: The Whitney Awards Gala—
Recognizing excellence in fiction by LDS authors

(Watch for the announcement of finalists at The Whitney Awards
on January 15, 2008 at 7:00 a.m. MST.)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule Tentative; Subject to Change

Friday, March 21, 2008

7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Boot Camp

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Registration

11:00 - 11:15 a.m. Welcome and Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Rob Wells

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Speaker, Editor Tim Travaglini: Getting Out of the Slush Pile

12:30 - 1:20 p.m. Breakout Workshops #1
Writing in Spite of a Busy Life: Rachel Ann Nunes
ADVANCED - Writing a Synopsis: Josi Kilpack
Writing about Real issues for Children & Youth: Tamra Norton

1:30 - 2:20 p.m. Breakout Workshops #2
The Middle Grade Writer: Character, Voice & Audience: Lael Littke
10 Things That Get You Noticed/What LDS Publishers are Looking For: Kirk Shaw, Covenant
BEGINNING - Your First Novel: Step by Step Basics: Heather Moore & Julie Wright

2:20 - 3:00 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling

3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #3
Creating Your Inner Writer: Carroll Morris
ADVANCED - The Editing Process: Lisa Mangum, Deseret Book
Non-Fiction—Finding Your Niche: Shirley Bahlmann & Jaime Theler

4:00 - 4:50 p.m. Publishers Panel
Q&A with representatives from major LDS publishing houses

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. General Session Speaker: Chris Crowe, Author

6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner & Entertainment with Comedian David Nibley

Saturday March 22, 2008

7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Boot Camp Conclusion

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Registration for Saturday-only Attendees)

9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Rob Wells

9:30 - 10:20 a.m. Panel: Finding an Agent, with Jeff Savage, James Dashner, Janette Rallison, & Brandon Sanderson

10:30 - 11:20 a.m. Breakout Workshops #1
Self-Publishing from Writing to Distribution: Jewel Adams & Marsha Ward
Improve Your Writing: Tip from a Senior Editor at Putnam: Tim Travaglini

11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Breakout Workshops #2
Critique Groups in Action: Annette Lyon, Heather Moore, Lu Ann Staheli, Michele Paige Holmes, Jeff Savage, & James Dashner
Fantasy—Creating a New World: Brandon Sanderson
Internet Promotion—Blogging/Podcasts/Reviews: Tristi Pinkston & Candace Salima

12:30 - 12:45 p.m. Conference Writing Contest Awards Announced

12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Speaker, Jamie Weiss Chilton, Agent

1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling

2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #3
ADVANCED - It's the Story, Stupid: Jeff Savage & James Dashner
Transitioning from the LDS to the National Market: Janette Rallison
Writing a Historical Series from Start to Finish: Gordon Ryan

3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #4
Hooks That Will Get You Published—A Hands-On Workshop: Jeff Savage
Research is Not Just for Historicals: Julie Bellon & Michele Paige Holmes
ADVANCED - Magazine Writing: Annette Lyon

3:50 - 4:15 p.m. Break: Bookstore, Mingling, and Easter Bunny Appearance

4:15 - 5:15 p.m. General Session - Self-Promotion: MaryAnn Jones of Deseret Book

5:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Closing Ceremonies

6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Whitney Awards Gala

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TO RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM AT THE COTTONTREE INN:
Call 800-662-6886
Group: LDS Storymakers
Block: 901558

We have reserved non-smoking rooms for March 20, 21, and 22nd under our group.
You can select one night or multiple nights.
You are responsible for all charges.
The 2008 group rate is $89.00/night plus 12.85% tax rate.
If you're sharing a room, calling sooner than later will ensure securing a two-queen bedroom.

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Our 2008 Writers Conference Directors:
Annette Lyon & Heather Moore

Annette Lyon—Contemporary and Historical Romance author of five books. Her latest release is Spires of Stone (2007 Covenant Communications). As Utah's 2007 Best of State winner, her bestselling books bring to life the challenges and triumphs of the 19th century settlers, including characters from California, Utah and Arizona. Annette has also published numerous magazine articles and writes the Weekly Chocolate Fix e-letter for the Utah Chocolate Show. www.annettelyon.com

Heather Moore—Historical Fiction author of four books. Her latest release is Land of Inheritance (2007 Covenant Communications), of the Out of Jerusalem series, a four-volume saga that follows the journey of Lehi and Sariah from Jerusalem to Mesoamerica in 600 B.C. Heather also manages Precision Editing Group-a full-service editing company. www.hbmoore.com

Friends

2008-01-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

You ever have an acquaintence that no matter what you did, they always had one up on you? Yeah, I have one of those at work. No matter what I did, or anything he always ahas one better than me. I try to be this guys friend, who knows maybe he doesnt have any friends. So long story short, he annoys me so bad today I finally told him to shut up!! Ok that was putting it nicely, and since there might be kids, or nuns reading my blog I left out the expletive. So, what in the world do we do with people like this? I am at a loss of what I should do. It is people like this that are comparable to a stray cat that you have fed. They just dont go away. Unfortunately, yhou cant take your friends to the shelter to have them neutered or put down, as tempting as it may seem. I think that is why God gave us patience. Even if we do lose our patience, we can always apologize. Granted, that they will still be there the next day to annoy you just as much, however, when you need a shoulder to cry on or you are financially down, they are also there to listen or lend you a buck. I am very gratefulo for my friends, no matter how batty they make me!

2008-01-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

The 7 deadly sins. Ooooh I am scared. Actually I really dont give a crap because I dont believe it. Anyway, here is what I scored. Go to the site and see what kinda creep you are too.

Greed:	High
Gluttony:	Medium
Wrath:	Medium
Sloth:	Medium
Envy:	Low
Lust:	Low
Pride:	Medium

Take the Seven Deadly Sins Quiz

Men are whipped

2008-01-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

I think I have finally figured out the whole men are from mars women are from venus thing. Ok, well maybe not, but I do try. So here it is in a nutshell. When a man is in love with a woman, he will do absolutely ANYTHING, and I mean anything for them. Yes, women know exactly how to control a man. It is like a video game for them, some sort of twisted video game where they are trying to gain the highest score. Women, have levels. By levels I mean, there are different levels that they will take to either gain attention or gain what they want. For example, if my wife wants some attention from me, and lets say that I am an the computer. She will come in the room. Now this is level 1. Now if I dont acknowledge her, level 2 automatically kicks in. Salutation. Now depending on the degree of attention she needs it may stop there, however it has gone into more serious levels. Next would be that she is behind me, watching me intently. Pretty soon, she will be sitting in a chair next to me, to remind me, "hey I am here dont forget me" Then for the final level, her head will go under my arm do that my arm is around her and I can give her my full attention. Same thing will go with a book or a video game, just pick your favorite household activity. Ok, now a word of caution. Guys, ALWAYS achnowledge, because I do have scars and bruises from when I didnt and she did whatever means possible to gain my attention including biting and punching. So, from here we will go to a store scenario. If you are in a store, and your wife, girlfriend, significant other finds something they like and wants to buy it, however it is really expensive. Level one. Honey I really want this can we get it. Ok, this is the persuasion level. When you say no we really cant will come level 2, I call this the whine. Please!! We really need it (actually you dont know what the hell she has it for anyway let alone how to use it) Level 3 starts the tears and the guilt. " I do everything you ask me to" Level 4, and now this is what I call, the pain. " The hell with you I am getting it anyway" and then she slugs you for being a male cheuvanist pig. We men are ok with this. Why? Because we love our women! We might say no, or we wear the pants in the family, but they all know how to control us. One of my favorite movie quotes. He might be the head of the family, but the woman is the neck and can direct him any way he wants. If you havent surrendered now that she controls you do it!! It will be less painful in the long run

Open mouth insert foot

2008-01-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those times when you said something that came out totally wrong? Yeah one of those experiances where you wish you could catch what you just said so the person couldnt hear it? I think we need to have a real life backspace implanted in our brain. Not too long ago I drove night rides, and I would take a bathroom break aat the Shiloh inn downtown SLC. I got to be pretty good friends with the night crew down there including a nice girl who I talked to every night for almost 4 months. One night I asked her when she was expecting. Now this was one of those experiances open mouth insert foot. Keep in mind she wasnt even large in stature, she was kinda chunky but with her frame and all she just looked pregnant. Dont worry, she didnt hit me or anything, and we remain friends. Another such experiance happened awhile ago when the wife and I went to the LDS church office building roof. On the way down in the elevator, a short grey haired man entered the elevator. I thought he looked familiar, but the person I thought that he was was much taller than him. So I struck up a conversation and asked him how long he worked there and what he did, to my surprise he WAS the person that I thought he was, Gerrold Ottley! Hopefully with 2008 among us my words will be short and sweet for I may have to eat them.

Happy 2008

2008-01-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Wow is it already here? It just seemed like we had 2007. Where did all that time go. This year came so fast I didnt even have time to make a new years resolution list. Which reminds me, what is the whole thing behind new years resolutions when you know you are going to break them? OK, so I got to thinking I think I am going to make realistic new years resolutions this years. Resolutions that I do know that will be met, some that will be met far beyond the goal. So here is my list.

1. I will fall off of my diet. This happens on a regular basis. This year if I get this out of the way early, then maybe I will have some hope at weight loss this year.

2.I will upset my wife and we will have an arguement. OK, what married couple doesnt have their differences? Some have more than others. I think my wife and I have our differences, so here is another one that I will get out of the way early, for a peaceful 2008.

3. Someone will be offended by my blog. Ok people, I havent had any complaints on blogger, but I have had on my space. This is my blog. I am going to write what I want, and if that offends you, then there are other blogs to read. I am not putting up a front. This is me and I am not going to change it. Ok, now that I have offended, that is outta the way.

4. I will wish all my friends and family a happy, safe and joyful 2008. May your new year be blessed with all of the things you wish for. Lets make this the best one yet!!

Stereotypes

2007-12-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

I got robbed Monday on the bus. Yep no joke. A large black man asked for my money and my wallet with the coercing of a large butcher knife. Here is the story for all to read and the man is very scary looking so proceed with caution http://www.myfoxutah.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5313955&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1 After all the excitement, I told a friend of mine about this and the first thing he asks me was "was he black?" Now I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where there are ALOT of black people. I served a mission for the LDS church in the deep south where white people are a minority, and I have never had an issue with someones race. What difference what race the person was. This guy could have been an iraqi with al quida ancestors, and that wouldnt change my opinion of him. The fact is that no matter what skin color we are or what nationality we are it all boils down to the fact that we are ALL THE SAME!! We all breathe the same air, and we bleed the same color blood. So boys and girls you will need to accept that fact. If the world can accept that then we would be living in much better place. Oh yeah as far as the guy that robbed me, he is sitting in jail, and probably will get out on bail. Have a happy new year!!!

7 things people dont know about me

2007-12-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

Dec 21, 2007
Are There Really 7 Things About Me Anyone Wants to Know?
.
I've been tagged (Thanks alot, Wendy!) for 7 things About Me.
Do people really care about this stuff? I'm awful at talking about myself, and worse at believing anyone really wants to know. So here goes, I apologize if I bore you to tears!

1. I am an 80's child therefore, I love 80's music. I guess you can say I am stuck in the 80's

2. I have my own morning radio show. I love radio. Unfortunately it doesnt pay JACK!

3. I love model railroading! I collect HO scale trains.

4.I served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Where? Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas!

5. I was involved in the 2002 winter olympic games in Salt Lake City

6. I almost ran over Gordon B. Hinkley and several other dignataries in the bus
And finally;

7. People usually dont know I like to write. I usually leave the professional writing to the wife, but I do enjoy writing.
So there it is, 7 things previously unpublished about me.

I'm tagging the following people, (rules of the game below)

Rules of the Meme :
1) Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2) Share 7 facts about yourself.
3) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4) Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

Merry freakin Christmas

2007-12-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

Well, Christmas will be here in just 1 day. I hope everyone is ready. Driving the bus I get quite a bit of cordial greetings as people get on and off the bus. One of the things that I can not STAND is the phrase happy holidays. OK, here we are at Christmastime. Thanksgiving was a month ago, and the next Federal holiday is presidents day I think. So that would be holiday, no plural. And what holiday is it? It is CHRISTMAS! We celebrate the birth of CHRIST at Christmas. Why do people have to be so politically correct? Check out the video!!

The end of Semester

2007-12-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I havent posted for awhile. I apologize to all my faithful fans out there. Well, another semester has ended, and the coveted break is here. Coming back to college after many years, I have come to realize several things. First of all my grade point average in my first year of college is higher than 4 years of high school. Yeah I know I was a slacker, but alot has changed since then. For one, I am paying for my schooling and I dont want to waste my money vs back in those dreaded 80's when I was going to high school I actually had to be there or risk certain death by a single mom. So here are some things I have learned by my many observations at school.
1. No matter the time of day, if you ask a college student how he or she is doing the answer will almost always be tired. I am thouroughly convinced that these young college students have no idea how to manage their sleep. Everywhere you go on campus you will see someone sleeping. In chairs, on a couch in the library, on floors waiting to go to class, in class, I even think I saw someone sawing logs standing up last week. If a Chiropractor came on campus he would make a goldmine.
2. Everyone is always in a hurry as a college student. Ok, I am a slow person by nature, but I have never seen so many people in hurry to do nothing!! What is the rush? Homework isnt that exciting kids, please slow down and let us old folks have some room.
3. Things have changed in the classroom also. At the beginning of the sememster every professor passed out a syllabus. One of the things on there was no plagerism. Now when I was going to school, you would go to the library, get a book and take notes. You would then write your report and hand it in. I was a little confused on this rule so I asked the professor to expound on it a little. he said to not copy on the internet. It apparently is a common problem. I must be living in the stone age because the thought never went through my brain.
4. Almost all of my fellow students could not function without coffee. It was hilarious to watch these guys. Every morning it was like the cup was surgically attatched to their hand. One day I suggested an IV. OK, well maybe that is going to the extreme.
Well, with a semester behind me I have learned quite a bit about being a college student, like how to eat breakfast while waiting for the elevator, or studying while walking to my next class. Either way I feel prepared and ready for battle for next semester!!

Getting older and greyer

2007-10-15T08:46:00.001-06:00

I was headed to school this morning, and while listening to the radio, stopped on one of my favorite songs, keep on loving you, by REO speedwagon. After the song was over there was a station identification. To my horror, the blasted announcer said “your oldies station…” Ok, I am not old enough to have music that I listened to as a kid in the oldies classification. Oldies in my vocabulary is the stuff my parents listened to in high school that you can only hear on some old foagie channel or something you would hear in various elevators. Now this got me to think. Here I am at 36. The things that I listened to and watched as a kid can now be found on the internet under the search engine “retro” Also now I have graduated from classic rock or music from the 70’s and 80’s. So now I am classified as oldies. I wonder what my parents are now classified as? I know that I cant do anything. Here is just another speedbump on the road of life that I just happened to hit a little hard. Now that I am an oldie, can I start being right all the time because I have been there and have the experience. Maybe I am entitled to some sort of discount. “ Yes, I will have the oldies discount please” A classmate of mine just turned 60 years old, and you would think that it was damn near her death. The fact of the matter is this. We are all getting older. There is not a thing we could do about it. Our music is eventually going to be played in elevators also. Our hair is going to turn grey and no amount of hair coloring is going to cover it. So lets just enjoy our adult, midlife hood (is that a word?) because there is no turning back now!!

Pain of my existence

2007-10-07T21:11:00.000-06:00

I have been dealing with what has been the pain of my existence for the last 2 weeks. No guys, it is not a spouse or a girlfriend. It is something that I hoped to bury in my past back in the 9th grade. So here it is once again dug up from the grave. The skeleton that I am referring to is fractions. I am convinced that fractions were invented by a woman. No man would invent something that when it came back to haunt him, it would be this painful. The last time I took fractions, I was a freshman in high school. I didn’t understand fractions then. I also haven’t had to use fractions since then, and I don’t understand them now. So my dear sweet very patient professor is trying to get me to understand fractions. “If I have 10 pieces of cake and my kids at 8 pieces that would leave me with 2/10 of a cake left” she would try to explain. Now first of all, you DO NOT demonstrate fractions with food to a fat man, it does not work. As she is explaining and I am trying to understand, my brain is thinking, now where in the hell is this going to come into play with BUSDRIVING!?!? Now do not get me wrong, my professor wants me to learn and believe me I do, but please tell me what is the point of fractions? This is like the black jellybean in the bag. Nobody likes it, and they would pawn it off if they could. One of the terms that they use is simplify. Now simplify in my vocabulary is simple, right? Not when it comes to fractions. TO simplify a fraction you have to completely tear it apart, and have 2 pages of numbers to figure out where it came from, its social security number, how many kids it has, and what ethnic background it came from. Please, if you are going to bait me with such a term as simplify, please tell the truth, because in fractions you do not simplify, you tear it apart and analyze itfy. How many phrases like this are deceitful? One of my wifes favorite things is what she calls brit coms, or british comedy. If you have ever had to experience the pain of watching one of these, you quickly realize the trap you have been caught in. These are not comedies. I think that eating a piece of burnt toast dropped on a floor that hasn’t been mopped in 6 months is funnier than british comedies. One of the things that my textbook people do is use a phrase called new and improved to charge 3 times the amount of a book. You see all they do is add a word here and there, throw on a new picture on the front and VIOLA! We have a new and improved book. In all actuality we have the same book, with the same BS, just with more BS in it. In the end, do not try and fool me with your jargon. Do not try to get me excited about your fractions by putting a nice word that equates to don’t worry this won’t hurt a bit. I am on to you! I am on to ALL of you!!

If I was in charge

2007-10-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Supreme Court is meeting today to decide whether or not lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment. Can I just say, what right does a convicted murder have into the way he dies. Yeah, I know we live in the land of the brave home of the free (as long as you have a green card). These idiots didn’t even think of what they were doing when they took someone’s life. The justice system in this country really needs to be revamped. They need to leave this to me. I would make good rules. If I made the rules in this country, crime rates would drop dramatically! Here is what I would do. Let’s start with convicted murderers. The minute the judge says guilty, take him or her out back and shoot them. There is to be no appeals, no parole, nothing. Boom, you’re dead. If you’re innocent, God will figure that out. Now we are off to anyone that steals. We are talking about basic robbery of a house to grand theft auto. First offence; off with their hand. Think about it. They would only do it twice. If they try it a third time, well as the old saying goes three strikes and you are out. Ok, let’s talk a moment on child molesters and rapists. God knows that they have absolutely no room on the face of this planet, and they need to make their maker anyway. This would be a capital offence and will be dealt with very swiftly. I think that a lot of these that don’t fall into chopping something off or dying need to fall into caning, yes spanking. Wouldn’t you think twice if you knew that you were going to get your butt blistered if you did it? That is the problem with the system! They commit the crime; sit in prison on the taxpayer’s dime. If I was in charge, each and every one of these sleaze balls would be working in one way or another. Let the ones that aren’t the hardened type work to support the day to day functions of the prison. Let the hardened ones work on a chain gang. If they act up or cause problems, well then they can meet their maker. You see, things would work out great if I was in charge.

Whose a homophobe?

2007-09-25T22:53:00.000-06:00

I just had to rant a second about the Iranian president coming to the USA You can find the video here tell me, what the hell he was supposed to expect. This guy is a loon! First off, he wanted to put a wreath on ground zero!?!? The people that this guy supports, did this. What was the wreath for, the terrorists? Thank God someone had the sense to keep him away from that! Everything that the President of the University of Columbia was true. In his speech at the University of Columbia, our dictator from Iran said that in his country, there are no homosexuals. Yeah, right! No OPEN homosexuals maybe for fear of getting blown up, hung or some other unforeseen thing that these maniacs call in the name of Islam. Honestly what good is this whole killing people over there? Is it a fetish? All over the internet you see someone getting hung because he is a homo. Someone got bombed because they slept with Abduls sister. Well, unfortunately, this is not going to stop. Just take our stance and accept that this is going to happen. These are people too. Maybe the Iranians are homophobic. Someone cant walk up to you, touch you and give you gay. This is impossible! Now Abduls sister, that gal is just fine, and anyone falafel blooded Iranian would give into their desires for her anyway. In the end, cant we all just get along?

Lets us speak, aight?

2007-09-24T08:41:00.000-06:00

Have you ever asked someone how they were doing? Driving the bus, this is one of things I ask. I don’t know why I ask it, because I really don’t care how you are doing, and I really don’t want to hear your story. It is just one of those things that gets asked. I have heard many answers, to this question from tired, to crappy; the most common answer would be “fine”. Now what exactly is fine? If you are me and the wife says fine, it can be many definitions. Fine can be just that. I am fine, OK, no problems, no worries, I am fine. If she is dressed to the nines, then she is fine. Fine can be used to end an argument. This is a woman’s big weapon in an argument because this could be the end of the argument, or it can very well be the tip of the iceberg to a VERY big argument. Fine is great if the man uses it, however, men be very careful because when a woman says fine it usually is followed by something or you are sleeping on the couch in the near future. Aight is another word that is used as a response to how are you doing. What exactly is aight? Can you not say all right? Is this one of those slang words that have adapted into the English language from that hideous rap music? Or maybe have the schools budget cuts also included substituting Webster’s dictionary, to the discounted little hoodlums guide to slang and other derogatory terms? Wherever it came from, I refer to it as lazy English. Lazy english happens when someone moves certain letters around or leaves letters out of a word. The word is the same, but sounds slightly different. We have lazy English for many words. My biggest pet peeve is library. Ok, people it is called LIBRARY! This is a place where books are kept, not fruit. I actually do not think that there is a lying berry. Our next word would be Jewlery. Ok people the word is spoken EXACTLY how it is spelled there is no problem here, lets say it all properly together, JEW-EL-RY Jewelry. This is the stuff called rings earrings and necklaces. Last but not least we have warsh. The word is WASH! There is no r in this word at all. There is no silent letters in it either like Jose or Jalapeño it is a basic 4 letter word! So, now that you have been educated, lets work our tongue muscles and actually put them to work, and PUCTUATE our words! It is easy people, so don’t be afraid to try it.

Lost in translation

2007-09-12T13:59:00.000-06:00

This morning before classes, I was in the student center. It was fairly early and it was quite apparent that not many people were awake. As I made my way to the elevator, I noticed that the doors where closing so I made a mad dash for it. I made it just in time. As I stepped in the guy that was standing near the controls asked me which floor. I thought that this was quite odd since the building had only 2 floors and a basement, and since we were going up. Being the prankster that I am, I told him 4. He looked at the controls and his fingers were desperately trying to find the fourth floor button. After about 2 seconds of enjoying his confusion, I let him off the hook, and told him that the 2nd floor would be fine.
One of my professors, and his family recently took a trip to Southern California. One of his kids, was getting very tired from the long ride and was getting impatient. As they were just outside of San Diego, the 10 year old piped up and said why don’t we just go to Milkingjerfwee? His parents were quite confused as they had never heard of Milkingjerfwee. They asked their son where in the world he got that name. He told them that on the side of the highway he saw that San Diego was 40 miles but Milkingjerfwee, which translates to us adults as M.L.King Jr Fwy was only 5 miles.
Last but not least, when my wife and I were dating, I took her out to dinner. For dinner we both chose the prime rib. As we were eating our dinner, we enjoyed a large baked potato. As my wife dressed her potato, she smothered it in sour cream. It was odd to her that they would bring out 2 containers of sour cream. As she took a big bite, she realized that she did not put sour cream on her potato, but indeed horseradish sauce that was supposed to be used for the prime rib.
How many things that we do, or are assigned to do are lost in translation. I guess we can either get really upset over our mistakes or we can deal with it by laughing it off. If we can see the light of things in the mistakes we make, then oujr whole life would be a lot easier.
As a kid, my Dad was the chorister in Church. I was so proud of him, and I wanted him to be proud of me. One of the ways I wanted him to be proud of me was I sang loud like my Dad in church. One day we were singing a hymn called O my Father. The line was O my father,. Thou that dwellest… Well, I was about 5 years old and I hated salad. So in my little brain, I translated dwellest to let us. Well my brain figures lettuce, which translates to salad. So at the top of my lungs in my 5 year old voice I belted out O my father give us salad. That was 31 years ago, and I STILL get heckled over that.

Drivers Drivers everywhere anot not a nice one in sight!

2007-09-06T11:56:00.000-06:00

Being a professional driver, I have encountered many, and I do mean many types of drivers on the road. Driving in several states, I have come to the conclusion that the state that I live in ( and I do not mean confusion) is by far the WORST drivers in the world. Throughout the years, I have classified these people into several groups. The first classification of driver is called the oblivious driver. The oblivious driver is found not only on city highways but also on city streets. He or she can be found weaving in and out of traffic, with an appendage attached to their ear while applying make up, eating cold cereal, drinking coffee, or my personal favorite, reading a book. Honking at these people does not do any good, and it is quite dangerous. Bringing them back from their fantasy world usually jars them, and they are so startled that they end up flipping you the bird, crashing their car or both.
Our next driver we encounter on the road is our in a hurry driver. This driver is also known as the I am qualifying driver, or just flying low driver. This person is quite common on the freeway. Sometimes you see him or her on city streets. On the freeway they usually appear out of nowhere and show up behind you, bearing down on you like a grizzly bear who hasn’t eaten all winter. These drivers are also called rolling hemorrhoids. Usually after letting this driver pass, he will show his intelligence level by flipping you the bird.
Now be advised, should you catch up to one of these drivers at a traffic signal, they will NOT look at you. If they don’t look at you then you see, you don’t exist and their theory stays true that they actually are the only one on the road.
Last but not least we have the Sunday driver. In my years of driving I have concluded that there are 2 types of Sunday drivers. Anyone over the age of 60, and anyone from Asia. This driver has a mental governor that doesn’t allow them to go over 40 mph no matter where they are. These people think that the speed limit is only a suggestion. This classification of people need to give up their license and ride the bus. Please, for all of our insanity (yes I said insanity).
There are lots more people out there that fall into different catagories, some are good, most are bad, but no matter how good or bad drivers we are we all must share the road, so cant we all just get along?

School, Java, and Lemmings

2007-09-04T08:51:00.000-06:00

As I came to my class this morning, I saw a group of my classmates standing outside the door of the classroom. Normally this would draw no concern to me because there usually is a class going on before ours. As I walked next to the door, I noticed that the light was off and there were no people in the room. I looked around and there were about 13 people in my class standing out here. I didn’t have a second thought, went inside, turned on the light and sat down. Following me were the other students. So here were 13 grown people that needed to be shown that it was ok to enter an empty room.

So this morning I am in need of some serious caffeine. I go to Grounds for Coffee, and there are several people standing outside. The hours on the door say that they open at 6:30, and it is already 6:45. So I go in front of these people, and go into the coffee shop and get my much needed latté. Once again, I was followed into the store because they lacked the knowledge on how to open a door.

Awhile ago, I was watching the Discovery Channel and they were talking about Lemmings. Lemmings will follow each other to the death. Why? Because they need a leader, they lack the common sense to stop before they plunge to their death.

I have come to the conclusion that we are all Lemmings. Someone is the leader and we all follow. Whether it be to our deaths or not is up to us. Which makes me wonder, will those students still be standing in the hall if I didn’t come to their rescue?

Drunks everywhere

2007-09-02T21:16:00.000-06:00

In the business that I am in you have the opportunity to encounter many types of people. These people range from black, white, gay and straight. The one kind of people that I have dealt a lot with in the past 10 years is drunks. Drunks can be called several things. I think that the politically correct term would be intoxicated. Over the past several years I have come to a conclusion that drunks fall into 3 categories; Invincible, affectionate, and just get me home.
Invincible. Here we have what is usually a man, sometimes it is a woman, but usually a man. They stagger onto the bus, usually have no bus fare, and when they get asked about it, want to immediately fight the driver. If they don’t want to fight the driver, then they are usually distracted by an innocent bystander who wants to pay their fare just to get the bus moving and they want to fight them instead or they realize that the person is actually trying to help the poor sap and instantly becomes their best friend. This brings us to our next category, affectionate.
Here is a drunk that when you do something nice to them or they want something from you, you are instantly their best friend. It is worse than feeding a stray cat and the cat adopts you, at least you can shoot the cat if you don’t want it anymore. An affectionate drunk will tell you all of their troubles, diseases, ailments, and anything and everything else under the sun. Depending on how much the affectionate drunk has been drinking they can fall under our next category, the just get me home drunk.
The just get me home drunk usually is so drunk that they can barely walk, let alone talk. As a public transit official, you know these all too well. The good thing for the just get to know me drunk is that they ride the bus system so often that you know the person by name, and know where they live, because they usually pass out the second they sit down. The just get me home drunk is the best to have. They don’t say anything, and trust you to get them to their destination. The only thing that you have to worry about is them falling down off the bus as they get off.
These three categories of people have taught me one thing in the 10 years of driving the bus. That one thing is, I don’t want to drink. If a beverage is going to make me that stupid and vulnerable, then I don’t want anything to do with it. Besides, I could get intoxicated enough just by playing mind games with them.

Who's on first?

2007-09-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

Drivers, drivers, everywhere and not a courteous on e in sight!! It seems like that everyone on the roads had the me first concept drilled into their brains. Yeah I know you are wondering what the heck is the me first concept. Driving bus for as long as I have you have adapted certain vocabulary. So here is a good word for you to know that is a busism. The me first concept. The me first concept consists of a driver, usually in a shiny new sports car. The driver is usually between the ages on 16 and 40. I have noticed that most people over 40 are courteous drivers. As they are driving down the road, and they see a bus put its turn signal on, it creates an impulse in the brain. This is called the me first concept. Here is when the brain signals to the foot to accelerate, no matter how far back they are, so they cant let the bus over. As soon as they pass the bus, they get into the lane that the bus just changed out of, and they get to the red light at the intersection a whopping 4 seconds sooner than everyone else. This my friends is the me first concept. Other words for the me first concept would be; the me first impulse, the my car is faster than the bus impulse, or my personal favorite, if I don’t look the bus doesn’t exist impulse. This doesn’t necessarily narrow it down to buses. We can include semi’s emergency vehicles, tanks, or any other assortment of vehicle. Either way SOMEONE has got to be first!

Your car alarm will save you

2007-09-02T21:11:00.000-06:00

As I came onto the campus this morning, after battling to find a parking space, I was gathering my things together to make the long trek to the admin building. As I am gathering my things I hear a very familiar sound, that annoying sound of a car alarm being turned on. Now it just wasn’t one little high pitched beep beep, but numerous beeps and the occasional friendly horn to let their owners know that their cars are going to be secure and safe while they are getting their craniums filled in their classrooms, and off they went, deep into the soul of SLCC. Now here I am thinking , what in the world are they going to do when Mr. Big bad thief comes along, breaks their window and steals that brand new car stereo that they just bought with their financial aid money. Here was their car, parked way out in BFE and there they were in oblivion not able to hear the defenseless cries of their car OH GOD PLEASE HELP ME!!!! Nobody cares these days. Why? Because people just do not want to get involved. For instance in the news headlines today, there was a man found today at a gas station dead. The news report said that he had been there for 9 hours!! How can a person be there for 9 hours before someone would notice? My case in point being that nobody cares! Where has this world gone to? It is pretty sad to think that maybe this guy could have been saved if someone took the time to see if he was alright. However, drugs could have been a factor and he could have been dead before ANYONE could have gotten to him. Here’s hoping that if my car breaks down this winter on I-15 that I won’t be a defrosted snowcone come May.