Happy - Go - Yummy / Ikoniq

So this idea in my mind has been pounding like a steady train for the last little while. My goal this year is to open a positive spot for everyone age 1-99. I will obviously concentrate on youth and college age people, but I want anyone and everyone to come enjoy the atmosphere of HAPPY - GO- YUMMY.

My friend, Chelsea, and I have been starting to plan out a business for the yogurt shop / artist nook! Basically, think Barnes and Noble atmosphere, cafe, venue, hang-out spot that anyone can get away from life or needs an added positive experience in their life. The front of the venue will be yogurt, cafe, light sandwiches, etc.. while the back will have a removable stage for open mic nights, poetry slams, clean club nights for youth and 18+. There are not a lot of options for youth these days to have positive influences in terms of joints! So I want to create that atmosphere and a "come as you are and do what you love, so you can progress". I have a vision of positive quotes on the walls, positive colors, and some type of way people can be INSPIRED.

Any ideas please send my way. UPDATES TO COME

Kyle forgive me for biting your style but i like it...

pro⋅gres⋅sion - Music. the manner in which chords or melodic tones follow one another; a succession of chords or tones.

I know that image will be burned in your brain.

I feel like I'm progressing but still have areas of great importance to fix.

work - I feel comfortable with my job in working hard.

School -going much better as I determined to push hard with little room for procrastination.

Music and dance is going great with &RU and the goals we have for this year and "IKONIQ"

Business - working on a business plan for yogurt shop and venue for artists of all types.

Tonight going out with friends from work and around the area, headed to Tempe Marketplace for food and eventually dancing. This weekend is going to be great with school, church, dancing, and watching the Chargers beat the Jets!

Top Events of 2009: #2 - RIP Michael Jackson 1958-2009

What more can I say about the King of Pop, I guess I should give you the background of my influence of MJ. He is the reason I dance, the reason I sing, and has influenced much of my talents. Honestly, it still gets me emotional listening to his music and watching his movie that he had to die to soon

I come from a big family. I am the last child of 5 and was the "surprise" of the family. I'm 7, 9, 11, 13 years from next siblings, so growing up in the 80's, I was exposed to MTV, music, and music videos. I remember when I was age 5, 6, or 7 and I remember always watching Michael Jackson, Janet, Bobby Brown, and other 80's artists. I would stand in front of the TV and just mimic what he would do. I remember I would be so scared at Thriller and the crazy costumes. Never could I watch the end of the Thriller where the girl runs into the house and the zombies break into the house and surround her. NOOOOO! Too scary!

The dance scene in Thriller though got me on my feet dancing all around in my Batman underwear, grabbing my crotch, and spinning around. My mom never really liked the crotch grabbing haha, but I was just doing what Michael did. One of the things I remember most about dancing to MJ was performing at my Dad's wedding reception as well as Orange Glen Ward Talent Show as a kid. Apparently there is video out there but not too sure where.

The next time I really remember dancing was in middle school in 8th grade. I remember the DJ playing Thriller once again and so naturally it came out. The days from being a kid to my early teen years, I don't remember the actual songs but I remember how happy I was when the music played. There was an energy in all his songs that just could pierce your heart no matter who you were. Everyone was inspired in some way by MJ. I do remember watching the "Man In The Mirror" video and also being scared to watch because of the images of children and violence on it. But look at the effect it had on the world.

When I got into high school, every stake dance no matter where it was, when MJ was on...there I was! My style of dress, my dancing, and my songwriting were all influenced by the King of Pop. At that time, MJ wasn't really touring the US because he was traveling around the world performing in other countries. Had a lot of friends who were influenced by him too and at dances we would battle in the circle.

My biggest love for MJ came after high school when I was transitioning into Singles Ward/Mission/BYU-Idaho. Same thing, anytime there was a dance party I would be right there representing for the King of Pop! I remember meeting David Alan Romney at a dance or at church as he had come back from a mission, we ended up creating an N'Sync influenced lip-sync band called "N'Rhythm" and performed at dances as well as talent shows around church. The other thing I loved about Dave was his love for MJ. We really connected with the MJ thing and had all these inside jokes.

My next big MJ influence really came when I went to BYU-Idaho aka Rexburg, Idaho. There was very little hip-hop dancing up there, a few people who had performed or got together and danced. I needed somewhere to dance and along came Retrix! aka Strata! aka Club Dance (booooo) aka LAME SECURITY COMPANY! I remember my first dance at school, they played MJ at the dance and instantly I was going to like this place. One of the first things I did was sign up for a thing called "Battle of the Dance" that was going to be held at Viking Stadium that summer. I remember practicing for the show, mixing music with Nate Dogg, and the night of performing to an MJ/JT mix. I remember walking through the crowd and busting the hat, the spin, the kick, and the moonwalk.

At BYU-Idaho, I was able to do so many things and overcome this voice inside of me saying "you're not good enough" or "what can you really do?" It was tough I'll tell you trying to realize who I was. I had these talents I never did too much with, but I was surrounded by friends who helped me share them. How does MJ become involved like this in my life? Well look at what he did from his music, to his dance, to his style. The one thing I love about dancing is that I escape into another world and the person I am really is unfolded before peoples eyes. So when I attended school and found that there wasn't a big dance scene, I attracted myself to people who loved to dance. Cameron Weeks, Tyson Stevens, Ivor Lee, Brian Osbourne, Tyler Hollingshaus, Jacob Rosen, and many others that would come later. But these guys were some of the first together and start dancing at the Kirkham.

I went from the "You Got Served"/MJ kid to learning to pop and bboy. After a while of going to Strata or the Kirkham or anywhere really, I started involving other people to get together and work on routines for Battle of the Dance or any talent show. MJ was always the one to open the doors to doing some event, or allowing myself to be heard through my talents. Through those avenues, I was able with Cameron Weeks and Jacob Rosen to create Urban Vibe! And through Shelly Burk's amazing idea-we were able to create Dance Battle Wednesday and Dance Battle University! I can't tell you the amount of influence those events had on ALOT of people in Rexburg. I don't mean that for any pat on the back for myself, but it was just the right thing at the right time, and WE DID IT!

All my music and my dancing comes from God, but God sends people with AMAZING talents into this world, and they (as well as all of us) have an opportunity everyday to improve, use, and share it with the world. MJ was one of those who changed the whole world by utilizing his talents. I do not look to him as an idol but one I can take aspects of his influential talents and say, "How can I share what I have with someone else, and have them grow in their talents?"

When I moved out here to Arizona, it was around March, I remember sitting in this very spot now and looking on the Web only to find MJ's announcement of "This Is It" concerts. I stayed up all night on the phone with my best friend, Josh Mack, looking to purchase these tickets for London. When I finally got through and saw that I could purchase 4 seats in REALLLLY AMAZING seats, I had to do it! On my Bucket List #20 you will see, "Watch MJ peform live at a concert." This WAS IT! We were going, we were going to see the King of Pop on January 27, 2010 in London at the O2 Arena. My excitement was beyond words!

Life goes on! I'm stoked to be going! MJ is rehearsing in LA at the Staples Center. Then everything goes for a 180. June 25, 2009, I sat at my computer at work and received a text from Mack saying MJ had just had a heart attack and it wasn't good. This was about 15 minutes prior to anything that had been released as I had checked online instantly. I was like thats funny man, ahhaah. Mack replied "No man, London isn't going to happen!" I was like what? are you kidding? that bad? Another 15 minutes rolls by and reports are coming out left and right that MJ was in bad shape and even that he had died. I DID NOT WANT TO BELIEVE IT! Then it was confirmed that he had in fact DIED!

I broke down like he was my own kin! I think a lot of people felt the same way that day! I honestly took a walk for about 10 minutes and tried to just realize it. To this moment, I still get sad about him passing. It was his time, but it felt too soon! These concerts were to be epic! Like he was back! And after watching "This Is It" he really was! The way he moved, and sang, and had that passion to return to perform for his fans and kids!

His memorial was so touching, with his kids saying how much they missed him and the heartfelt song Usher sang. It was just a beautiful service. Also being able to go to London and be at the Arena where he stood and where he would perform made my love and thankfulness for MJ even deeper.

MJ thank you for the light that you brought in this dark world. The people that constantly tried to ruin your life because of your purity with charity work, dancing, music, and just the person you were will never prevail over those such things. May we all take some aspect of positivity and goodness that you shared with us and apply it to helping this world be a better place. Start with the MAN IN THE MIRROR to HEAL THE WORLD and make it a better place for you and for me! May we all care for the children of this world who are in dire need of love, warmth, food, and water. May we shine our light so that others may feel they can share theirs.

I could probably go on for days about MJ! If you really know me, I really could! haha. But I will end with a few quotes from MJ

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with. "

"Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul, and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation."

"The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life. It is present in the infinity of forms and phenomena that exist in all of creation."

"And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance."

RIP MJ - SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE! (YOU OWE ME A CONCERT!)

Top Events of 2009 : 4-3 Holllaaaa

4. Living Out an Eagles Song-Grand Canyon State move

January 2009 was probably one of the toughest months of my life in terms of emotions. I went through a lot of downs more than ups. I worked really hard with my Bishop to overcome a lot of the emotional transition I was going through. I had a lot of support from friends to get me through these rough times. Danny, Kyle, Megan, as well as friends from San Diego, Idaho, and Utah all had my back helping me gain some type of confidence. It was mostly due to a break up with my girlfriend. I cared so much about her and a lot of her was in me. It didn't help that we onlyt lived about 30 minutes from each other. I just didn't handle it well for myself. Nothing bad had happened and no hard feelings were felt between us, she just had a different path than me. She probably handled the situation better than I did. A lot of tears were shed! But I realize now that I needed to get through those pains to find strengths and a path towards what I wanted to do.

I had been working on some business ideas with my friend, Kyle Aldous, out in LA and we had hung out quite a few times. I was working hard with my brother doing property preservation. In my line of work I had a lot of time to listen to music and think, so it was tough to get over the break up. But I surrounded myself with goals I wanted to achieve and set forth to move on with my career. We were looking to do dance battles all around the country, like a tour, and in each city we would teach classes as well as help out a charity along the way. So we got to hang out and just talk about life and the girl situations we were dealing with. The Lord knows how to put us in paths where we gain great friendships at appropriate times. Kyle and I are actually very similar in personalities and many different aspects of our life.

While I was staying over at his place, one morning I woke up rather early and sat out on his porch in Glendale, California. While reading some selections in the Book of Mormon, I came up on some scriptures regarding serving the needy and sick and the thought came to mind that I needed to go get my masters degree in Business or Non-Profit studies. The other thought was helping these charities along the way for our dance battle business plan. I started doing some research on degree programs around the country. I had remembered I had looked at ASU for a Masters at one point but I was also looking at a Masters in Long Beach. The impression came to me that I needed to look into ASU and somehow Arizona was a place I should be. I had some close friends that lived out in this area such as Lance Thorson, Mike Marshall, and other random friends from BYU-Idaho and san Diego. Also a note that if I had not got into BYU-Idaho, I was going to move to Mesa and go to MCC.

My research on Arizona happened quite rapidly and I was doing everything possible to make it out here. Housing, friends on facebook. jobs, and masters programs with UOP & ASU. When I talked to Lance about coming out to Arizona to visit and see if it was something I wanted to do, it never really worked out. But he referred me to a manager at UOP, which I was able to have a few job interviews over the phone. Well I gave my brother my 2 weeks, and said I'm gone! I just needed to rely on faith and the Lord to help me be where I was going to grow. That was one of the craziest things I ever did, now that I look at it and I love that I did that. I'm a free spirit and a lot of people ask me - are you in Idaho, Utah, California, or Arizona? haha its funny.

So on my way, I drove with all my stuff packed into Maxine, my truck, and headed across the state line of Arizona. Like I mentioned before I only knew so many people so I relied on a friend of mine to connect me witht his guy Jeremy in Mesa. The first night I got there I met him and we headed to go bet on dogs at a racetrack or at least watch. i also ended up meeting a good friend that night, Erin Holmes. Jeremy had mentioned he had a friend who was looking for roommates in his new house in Gilbert. We went by and the place was amazing. It was Ben Brimhall from Prescott, Az. The place was 300 + utilities which for a private room and all the features was awesome. I was hesitant cause of the price, but I decided to do it! And I moved in with Ryan, Ben, and Chris. Such a cool household and everyone is clean! That place has never been dirty! Chris ended up moving out, and we got a new roommatte in Jared. He's a great guy but you hardly know he's home. I had tried to get my buddy Clint into the household but he hadn't moved out to AZ yet.

But I have made the best of friends out here, had some great experiences, and know I will continue to grow and strengthen my ability to rely on the Lord and allow his guidance in my decisions. There have been many mistakes and many tears shed, but a lot more happiness in friends and accomplishments. Done a few UVP events out here and have a lot going for 2010 with UVP and IKONIQ. I'm not going to mention names because theres so many, but thank you to everyone who has been there for my sickness, health, happiness, sadness, joy, and pain. I love you all.

3. Trip To London

Wow! this was the craziest adventure I've ever had in my 26.8 years! Haha, never do the lonnnggg distance thing with the opposite sex. At least stay in the same country! I loved London, but I would never live there. I would live maybe northern England. London is fast...way to fast for me. Really it seems everyone there has to be at they're destination at that exact time and if you're in the way of that path, you WILL BE TRAMPLED! I like to live life at a decent pace and by my own ways/means. Of course there are times and places I need to be which I will keep, but in London, it seems the only time they relax is on the tubes, buses, and trains. It seems that people wake up at 8 and get off work around 8 then go to pubs then go home around 11. The feeling is they live there life too fast and time just flys by. I'm the type to appreciate the simple things and enjoy every second of life. I guess that's why went I went to Tennessee back in 2005, the way, the people, and the life just really suited my inner soul.

So in all reality I went out to visit a girl, I had been dating and things were getting serious. We had become good friends and things progressed towards a deep care for each other. I had also planned on going in this month (January 2010) to see Michael Jackson at his "This Is It" concert, but we know the ending to that story. This girl was really awesome and we had just been friends for awhile until our feelings started to develop more -- well to the point that I bought a ticket to go out there and see if things would work. Even though closer to flying to London things started to get serious. I also had an old roommate from BYU-Idaho and best friend that lived in Stockwell. So I was ubbbeerr stoked to go! We had also planned to go to Paris, France for a day and see what there was to see.

A week before I was to fly out from Phoenix, things started to get kind of weird with the girl. She was very short with and seemed like she was busy constantly. I know it was crazy and nervous feelings were being felt, but I just didn't think anything of natural feelings. I mean 2 people meeting or seeing each other for awhile can get those feelings. By Saturday, on my way to London, I was in Chicago at O'Hare waiting to board the plane. I had texted her to say I'll be getting on soon. I received a phone call from her in which she basically had said, "We need to talk when you get here and I hope you know you're a good friend and great guy!" I thought nothing wrong with that, good words! haha. here we go

I arrive at the airport around 11 am, I eventually get ahold of her at 1130 and her with her friends end up snagging me around 1230pm. I was like wow! I guess time doesnt matter. But the whole trip I kept a positive attitude. While we were taking the train to church on our way to South Kensington/Hype Park, her friends had made there way to a farther side of the car we were in. She pulled me to the side and said she needed to talk about things. She had there had been some changes in the last week and that she was really confused about everything. She had a lot of pressure on her shoulders. A LOT OF PRESSURE? HER? awww sad! Now that I realize a lot about the trip - it seemed she acted very selfish in many ways. And at the first few days I was blind to see that.

She xplained how there was a guy she had wanted to date in February and he wasn't interested then, but apparently A WEEK BEFORE I COME OUT TO SEE HER he ends up telling her he's serious about dating her. haha, now if your somewhat together with someone wouldn't you normally tell that person that you're dating someone? am i crazy? She said all the xcuses - I'm not good enough for you, you're a really great guy, blah blah blah. I just sat there and told her whatever she needed I would help her and be there for her. I am just naturally sensitive to others needs and now that I think about it, I could have just as well ended it all there, hung out with her without having to feel the up and down emotions that I felt that trip.

I mean really who breaks up with someone when they come HALF WAY around the world. If anything I feel blessed to have the opportunity to go to London and visit somewhere not in America. All you really need to know is that she didnt want to be exlcusive and that she wanted this other guy. She could have come out and said that, so that I could go have fun all around England and France. THANK GOODNESS for having my buddy Filip there.

I'm not saying I depended upon Filip, but I think if I would've not had him there, I might have tried to get a flight back early! Rather, I was able to see some of the coolest history in the world. I find I give too much of myself! I'm tired of being walked all over with ladies. I feel like sometimes the person I am gets walked over on a consistent basis because I'm a down to earth nice guy who actually cares and is fun. So it sucks to be taken advantage of and for someone to pull this junk on me. Honestly, I was over it quite quickly and got to enjoy some fun. Not to say she and her family weren't hospitable, but my reasoning for going to London, originally, was for her and not the sights. That obviously changed when she changed her mind.

It was fun going to Big Ben and the House of Parliament, where he dad worked as an office manager for a member (similar to congressman or senator). Watching the debate was really fun and there was so much history. The funny thing is that you can't fall asleep in the debate (similar to Capitol Hill) or you will be asked to leave. You also go up a windy staircase to go to the viewing room which I felt like I was in a castle. So that experience was really awesome. I ended up going to hang out with Filip and Thalia, who I both met at Waterloo station which is a great station for people watching. We headed up to Camden Town to watch Thalia's friends band, The Tunics! It was at a place called the Barfly. The town around was really awesome and there was this cafe with the bestttt hot chocolate.

The rest of the week pretty much was checking out the sites, going to the London South Temple, checking out some pubs with Filip and Thalia (not i dont drink), doing some photography around town, checking out the Beatles sites, and watching Michael Jackson's This Is It in London. I got to see where Michael Jackson's This Is Concert was going to be, the 02 arena.

One of the coolest things I have found out after my trip was that the building in South Kensington/Hyde Park, my dad had baptized all 21 people he had taught when he was in London for his mission. I wish I had known that before because it would have made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable and appreciated.

All in all I had a great time and I'm ready to travel more! FILIP YOUR THE MAN

7-5 Best Events of 2009

7. Summer of Concerts

I had a great spring/summer/fall 2009 of concerts. By far the best was fun. because of meeting Nate Ruess at the show in Tempe. But I would have to say, Keith Urban and So You Think You Can Dance tour! I also went to Toby Keith and Trace Adkins, Billy Currington, and C-Bass. haha ok C-Bass is not a great concert.

Keith Urban was so awesome going with my friend Audrey and meeting up with Cami & Laura. We got to the floor for our Craigslist purchased tickets, which were cheaper than stupid Ticketmaster. Audrey and I found our seats and made some fun friends. We walked to the stage and took some pictures next to it. As we were walking back, they started playing Michael Jackson over the speakers, and it gottt crazzzyyy. I was dancing around getting the 10,000+ crowd all rocking out!

Then I didnt see this 6'2 - 260 lb guy behind with 2 beer cups and my hand knocked the beers out of his hand! YIKES! I was so scared, I really thought he was going to destroy my very existence. I walked over to Hulk Hogan and apologized saying I would buy his beers. By the time I walked over to Audrey, security had taken him away. So I didn't have to buy beers. We went to visit Cami and Laura over in there seats. After we came back down to the floor, there was a special section for wristband only people. And apparently Keith was going to play quite a few songs on this black stage in the middle where we were.

The concert started with Sara Buxton (:( NOT SUGARLAND WHO HAD CANCELLED), and she turned out to be really awesome. Outside my window was a really fun and cool song. After that we snuck into that wristband area and then he lights went LOWWWW. Keith came out with "Hit The Ground Running" which was perfect to start with. After quite a few songs, Keith walked off the stage and started playing his guitar through the crowd, and he started walking towards our area. I ran over to him and gave him a pat on the back, then ran over to the black stage. Haha I had lost Audrey somewhere, but she ended up right behind me. I was 2 people from the stage and got to see hime play some acoustic goodness.

Audrey and I ended up going up to the stage for most of the rest of the show. Then I saw this guy with a backstage pass and two people behind him start walking towards the back. I gladly rushed right next to them and walked with them backstage like I was with them. Slipping by the guards like I was going to a party at the White House, I stayed backstage for about 45 minutes, just waiting for Keith to come back. About a minute before Keith was to come backstage, the security came over and asked for my credentials. I said, "What Credentials"? haha, they said time to go son. I tried to fight and stay but they werent having it. I had done the same thing in 2006 in LA with Kenny Chesney except, I acutally got to meet Kenny. But the show was great.

Toby and Trace were awesome. But I would have to say the So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2009 with the top 12 from Season 5 was ammmmmaazzzzinngnggg. My friends Taylor and Brigitte both had an extra ticket and I just couldnt turn it down! I met them at Jobing.Com Arena and we had 3rd row seats from the stage. All the dances from the show were amazing to actually see live. Jeanine was soooooo amazing and beautiful and amazing and beautiful. Philip was sick with his waving and popping. All the dancers were great! We were dancing in our seats and alot of the top 12 had pointed to us and could feel our energy. We were going to go dancing but Tay and Brig had to drop off there 13 year old friend. I stayed and waited around for about an hour or so and then the Top 12 came out and started signing autographs. I ended up meeting all of them and getting them to sign a bag for my friend Cami! I got to meet Jeanine which was by far the best thing ever! I was hoping she'd be like I'm in town tonight want to hang out! Ummmmm yesssss. haha but she doesnt love me, she loves her career.


6. Marriages/Babues - whewww wow!

So this was the year of the marriages and the babies coming! It seems like everyone got married or who had been married had babies. My best friend David Alan Romney and his wife Jackie had there first baby boy - Owen Clyde Romney. That kid is so precious and his hair is already receding. Good job Dave! Also with babies were Cory & Malia, April & Keith, and a bunch of people who will be having babies coming near spring. Dennis & Alea, Greg & Rachel, Nate & Bianca, and I'm sure many others.

Marriages and engagements. Well my boy Zach is getting married in February to his forever lover Olivia in San Antonio, and I'm sure there are many others out there about to get married. My best friend out here in Arizona got married in December. Cami Herbert, now, McFarlane, got married to Rob in the Mesa Temple. It was beautiful to see these two people with so much love be sealed for time and all eternity. Loved the sealing and the reception was wayyy fun. Cami and I have become really great friends through laughter, happiness, pain, and sadness. So it was finally nice to see her so happy and Rob is an amazing guy for her.

Blahhhh I'm not married, but whatever! It's not like I should be in a hurry because I'm happy to date around. Although there are a few select people who I'd give anything to be with. I'm just happy to have great family and friends and to enjoy the experiences of life But then again, I'm a pretty independent person who I wish I could have the significant other next to me enjoying this life. I have a lot of things to learn about not being selfish and learning to give up my wants to serve other peoples needs. I'm kind of picky too! Sometimes, uhh I don't know.

5. Turning the page on my Rexburg experience

So in September I decided to just buy a ticket and go up to Rexburg. It had been about a year since I had been there for the events I had thrown and I needed to get some closure. Rexburg is one of those comfortable, easy places that while youre going to school there its easy to fall into the lifestyle of everything is easy. Though school, work, and dating was kind of difficult for me, I felt like I was really able to find out who I was and excel in things I'd like to accomplish. I had the best of experiences and made the best of friends from 2003-2008.

I've continued to have many friends that I've met from here and San Diego over Facebook that have become great friends and have made miss that "feeling" of knowing everyone yet opportunities to meet new people all the time. It's a bubble yes, but I would NEVER trade that experience for anything else. So you can understand somenone like me having a hard time adjusting to THE REAL WORLD, from a place where everything is set up nice and almost perfectly. How do I show the world that I can be somebody who can contribute to the world for the betterment of man? How do I take what I accomplished in Rexburg and do it in the world? That is NO easy task, right?! We all have transitions in our life in which we have to face obstacles so that we may grow and strengthen our weaknesses.

Sometimes I look back at Rexburg and wish I could change some things. One being that I was more an adventurist and had taken advantage of the outdoors. I mean i was literally in outdoor paradise with the Tetons, Grand Targhee, Yellowstone, and surrounding nature. I got to do some snow shoeing for class and with a friend, I took an outdoor biology class and learned about wildlife refuges, but I never ONCE went snowboarding in my 4 winters. Haha really.

The other thing was growing better friendships and relationships, I don't feel like I was out there enough making better friendships.

Because I had gone back a lot in 2008 as well as stay in Rexbur a few months after I graduated, I just never wanted to give up that feeling. It was a hard transition to deal with. When I moved to Utah, I hated it! Well I enjoyed my friends and good times, but there was nothing there for me. I don't like Provo at all! Really, I have a lot of good friends there but I think there are a lot of fake people. I would rather have lived in Salt Lake and hung out near the city life! Either way it was tough to leave my friends in Idaho. I really didnt have a crew of friends when I went back to California, it was a new path in life that would eventually take me to Arizona.

My September trip to Idaho was short but fun. I had met a friend of mine, Sydney, once before in person but we had talked quite a bit through Facebook. She and I had become really good friends and I was excstatic to see her. It would also have been the first time I saw my ex in about almost a year. I wasn't sure what would happen or if i would even see her. That ending up turning out fine and I was glad to get closure in that department. Seeing how much the school had changed and seeing that a lot of my friends were graduating and moving on in life, gave me a great deal of hope that my life in Rexburg was now complete. I could come back and not get that feeling like I HAD to be there. Eventhough I had people saying we miss you and want you back here, you can't hold someone like me back. The other thing is that when you miss someone, then when you always have them near you its like the same ol' thing. I just knew it was time to move on.

So thank you Rexburg, friends, and everything within that mean so much to me and helped me become who I am! But I can never relive that life or go back to it! I definitely want to do my part to provide an experience for future students and residents of the area with business ideas, but I cannot go back to that area unless the Lord needed me there. Thank you to everyone and you know who you are!

My Top 10 Events of 2009

So I decided to list all the important events in my life that occured this year. There were more than 10 but these ones held the most weight when it came to lessons learned and dreams fulfilled. I think overall this year, the biggest lesson I learned for future goals and experiences is "Count your blessings, forget yourself and go to work. and keep smiling."

I've had a few heartbreaks, a few flights around the world, a move to a new state, and a spiritiual feeling that I have missed for more than 3 years of my life. All these experiences have come from a transition from being safe, comfortable in Idaho to facing the real-world of Menifee/Escondido, to facing even more realitie of life in Gilbert, Arizona. I needed to be here in Arizona for many reasons that I am still realizing how the hand of trhe Lord has been in my time here. It is evident in the people I have gained closer relationships with and the experiences I have had.

I have made some best friends out here that I know the Lord aligned me with or rather we knew each other before this life. Dancing has been the main reason our friendships and relationships have grown and the Gospel has been the way for us to grow closer. I am so energized for 2010 it's ridiculous. I have so much I want too accomplish and pursue this next year! I think this will really determine my path for the next 2 or 3 years.

Here is my 2009 List:

10. Working for my brother Craig/Career Job at Univeristy of Phoenix:

Working for my brother doing property preservation taught me so much work ethic. To that point I had a decent work ethic but hadn't held too many jobs for more than a year. Given, I had been attending school for 4 years, I just went from job to job after school. I had to wake up every morning early and work until sunset doing physical work for these foreclosed houses. I learned alot about real estate and came to love the in's and out's of property preservation.

When I took my life to Phoenix, my buddy Lance Thorson hooked me up big time with an interview as an Enrollment Counselor for Axia College. I got the job and was uber stoked to work for such a great organization and school. My manager was the coolest guy when I went into the interview and the team was solid! I was ready to put my best foot forward! That manager ended up going to another company and my new manager and friend, Mike Davidson, came to the rescue. Davidson really is the man! He just knows how to make your weaknesses strengths and find the best in each individual on the team, while making the team work together.

I have gained so many great friendships that will last forever at this job. I also have the opportunity to work on my MBA in Small Business Management, which I am currently looking at Spring 2011. Haha I just think of people like Halston, Taylor, or Travis such funny guys and witty as well. Then theres caring people such as Sheila, Sarah, Yvonne, Brittany, Alesha and Natasha. Just know its where I need to be at this time!

9. Year of The Heartbreak:

Can I just start by saying something? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Ok thank you! I mean really getting my heart broken more than once. Part of the reason my move to Arizona was kind of sudden was getting over Amy and just moving on in my life. It was weird to start the year off the way I did! I had a sense she was going a different direction but I didn't want to face what was to come! She did a number on me in good and bad ways! I'm not saying anything against her at all because if she didn't feel like she was ready for a relationship then I respect that. It took a lot of tears, hard work, good friends, prayer, fasting, and a move to another state to just move on.

There is so much I learned from that situation about what I wanted in a woman and what I needed to correct in my life to prepare me for whoever I am to marry. I was finally able to find closure with her in September back in Rexburg. That was the first time I had talked to her in months or even seen her. She was much different from the Amy I had known. Felt like I had grown and moved forward, even though at times I miss the care she had for me. It was real, that much I know to be true. She was the first real relationship I had experienced ever! It was nice to receive the same came and respect from the opposite sex because I try to go above and beyond for those that I want to be with. Simple things from her were sending me a text to see how I was and just the way she helped me with all my events, cares, happiness. It just made me appreciate when someone is really there for you. I really wanted to be there for others thanks to her love and inspiration.

There was one in Arizona that had me so caught up on her, but she had so many different guys after her our relationship would have only been a "musical" haha. Not my words but hers. haha

Haven't really found the dating scene to be all that great in Arizona.

The last heartbreak really wasn't that bad! I mean I got to go to London, had some great times, but I guess it isn't right when you travel half way around the world to see your girl and then she basically breaks up with you an hour off the plane! Cheers! haha.

I'm ready to move forward with 2010, no regrets, no holding back, I'm ready to let whatever happens happen! Keep smiling! thats always my motto! thanks to jacob rosen

8. Met Nate from The Format/fun. :

This was actually a way cool experience because when I showed up to the venue to get my ticket it was sold out. So I checked the line for extra tickets but no one had any. When I went around the back alley, which behind the Clubhouse in Tempe is just another back alley for a shopping mall, I noticed there were 2 other fans hanging out in the back. They said they had just met Nate and he was in the back by the bus. They didnt have tickets either! So we saw him walking up to his van, I decided I had something to give him. I had a mickey mouse sweatshirt that I wanted to give him, which was a dope sweatshirt. When I saw him I said, "I know your love for Mickey Mouse, and Ive wanted to give you this in thanks for the inspiration your music has given me and how its got me through a lot of situations." He said thanks and asked if we were going to the show! I said we didn't have tickets cause it was sold out. After he kept saying I can only get one or two in, he said your on my list for +3 which was innnnsssannneeee! He was so nice and humble! the guy is just awesome.

7-4 COMING SOON! THEN 3-1 AFTER THAT

My Top Songs & Albums of 2009

So I had to decide exactly what albums/songs influenced me the most this year. All albums/songs of 2009 are in the year 2009. So we will start with the songs. There may be some repetitive answers to my albums and songs.

Songs:
10. Ryan Leslie - You're Not My Girl - Thanks to Travis May for getting me into Ryan Leslie because I have put his albums on repeat. This song is replacing JT's "Sexy Ladies" because I'm not too happy with JT right now. Y.N.M.G. has that funky guitar, with that southern synthesized organ/piano, some good background hi hat drums, a dope bass guitar that rides the beat like a summer day, and the concept of the song is different.

9. Jason Aldean - Truth - I am just loving this song lately! That country twang guitar and country fiddle with that sand in a seashell swooshy sound (yeah pretty terrible description right). I think every one can relate to this song with some break up and you have friends who surround that other person. "Just don't tell them I've gone crazy...Just don't tell 'em all the truth." Aldean is pure songwriting genius.

8. fun. - All The Pretty Girls (On A Saturday Night) - !!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats all I need to say. Check one of my earlier notes.

7. Miley Cyrus - Party In The USA - Yes I love this song! Ok so I hate Lady Gaga because shes nasty and her music just is terrible. But Miley Cyrus caught me nodding my head and shakin my hips. It's such a happy positive song! Come on - you love it!

6. Tim McGraw - Southern Voice - The song is exactly what country is! I'm glad Timmy brought it back hard with this song! Which the album is really awesome. But you mix a song that includes Michael Jordan, Jack Daniels, Billy Grahm, and Number 3 drove it! Really simple in terms of musicality, but the lyrics take you for a ride through the Southern States!

5. Keith Urban - Kiss A Girl - This song is exactly what I needed to get over a crazy break up! "She broke my heart/Broke it right in two/ And it took some time/But I'm feeling like/I'm ready to/ Find, find somebody new/ I wanna Kiss a girl/I wanna hold her tight." Album will be in top 10 for 2009. This song brings memories of moving here to Arizona and sneaking backstage at Keith Urban's concert here in Phoenix. haha

4. Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be - This song just drives me to dance! It's got hits for days in the track. BEP really brought it hard with this album. All the haters will say they ain't hip-hop anymore, but I don't care I love a good sound and something to get down too and this is it!

3. fun. - Light A Roman Candle - I don't think there is any song that could settle me and make me smile as much as this one. Seriously, fun. hit this one out of the ballpark! There is so much to be said but you just need to listen to the song.

2. Jamey Johnson - In Color - I really the love craft of songwriting and the concepts that make a song really grab you. Well Jamey Johnson could sing about something ridicuously stupid, sad, or childish and I think you would accept it as gold! In Color is just one of those songs everyone can relate to. Love this song.

drumm roollll

1. fun. - The Gambler - I cry everytime I hear this song. No really I do! Nate Ruess now sits next to Ben Folds in terms of songwriting ability for that sweet love song. The Gambler is all about Nate's parents and the blossoming of a love and a family. The end of the song says, "I will set the table/And you can make the fire." Just beautiful!

Top Albums
10. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
9. k-os - Yes!
8. Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night
7. Flo-Rida - R.O.O.T.S.
6. Ryan Leslie - Transition
5. Forever The Sickest Kids - Underdog Alma Mater
4. John Mayer - Battle Studies
3. Black Eyed Peas - The E..N.D.
2. Keith Urban - Defying Gravity
1. fun. - Aim & Ignite

Artist of the Year is Michael Jackson! No doubt because of his death! His spirit and legend lives on with me and those who continue to use his influence with music, dance, love, and charity work! We will celebrate the light that he brought to this earth!
RIP MJ 1958-2009