We drove my truck for six minutes, jumped into our skis, and hiked for the next four or 3 and a half hours. Maybe four and a half, it was hard to tell because we were tired and excited. Ben was confident the whole climb that we'd have enough snow and be able to handle the descent. I doubted often, but voiced my doubts less often. Tim panted lighter than Ben or I, it felt unfair because he's the youngest and should have the hardest time... for some reason. We rounded our first corner after the road switched back twice, and scattered a herd of deer who we caught off guard. We all coveted their bodies as we watched them bound up the snowy mountain in an apparently effortless manner. I reassured myself that we were hiking to have FUN, and it was a GOOD thing we were feeling tired. It meant we would have killer turns. We talked about our friends, and classes next semester, and we looked back over our shoulders at the booming Mordor clouds that surrounded Cascade all day. We enjoyed the sun on our backs. The cheese curds Tim and Ben brought coupled perfectly with the Gushers I brought, and we hydrated frequently. Ben set a lofty goal to reach the summit of Little Baldy, Tim and I grunted reluctantly and I reassured myself again that it was all worth it for those turns. We hit the hardest hill at an angle. Ben told me to lead, and after two minutes spent getting myself tangled in the shrubs poking out of the snow Ben and Tim picked a different route. Tim handled the hill without hesitation. Ben put his skins and skis to their limits by trying to scale the hill directly, and failed. I spent ten more of the most frustrating minutes ever overcoming the mob of bushes, and just as I broke free I stepped hard on my right leg and my inner thigh cramped violently and I fell down. It was terrible. I felt so defeated and worthless.
But twenty minutes later (Tim and Ben waited patiently as I adjusted my gear and readied myself for the descent) we started turning in the crusty snow, and it was bliss.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sam reading at Voices
Some of you saw the rough draft, well here's the live reading from last week. Our little Sammy winning prize money and fighting against cybercommunication (in all its forms). Eat your heart out.
Pay attention to the time Sam spends reading. The instructions were for each reader to take 3 minutes. What a man
Pay attention to the time Sam spends reading. The instructions were for each reader to take 3 minutes. What a man
Math 1010
Tim turned to me after four hours and said "I'm done Sam. Nothing's registering anymore. It's no use."
I agreed with him. I felt a sudden twang of pity for math teachers, professors, and gurus around the world. How would it be to live every day with such splitting headaches? How would it be to have best friends who can't even talk, who are scratches of graphite on recycled tree-paper? I looked up at Ephraim Hanks --the grad student who was running the review session we were at -- and smiled at the thought.
A rousing 45 minutes of foursquare to end the night was fully needed and completely satisfying. Tim is the reigning champion. His name is whispered with fear around campus. "The rugged whale" is what they call him.
Our secret password for foursquare nights is "white rhino." It pops up randomly. Sometimes three times a week the word will shoot through the Logan city population of students. Sometimes once a week. But when it comes, adrenaline, anticipation, hyperventilation, and inflation always accompany the word.
It's a revolution. When people hear we're playing foursquare the most common retort is "I haven't played in a decade. " But when they come, they can't let it go. It's life-changing.
My alarm rang angrily at 6:15 this morning. I begged it for 10 more minutes and it obliged reluctantly. After a not-warm-enough shower and cold cereal, I ran up the hill to Tim's place where he was waiting eagerly. We commented quietly about how cold it was. I tried to calm my anxiety by telling Tim some solid suggestions I'd received about this test. We parted ways once we entered the Engineering building, and attacked the 40 problem brain-buster USU math professors had spent months preparing.
And now it's done and time to ski.
I agreed with him. I felt a sudden twang of pity for math teachers, professors, and gurus around the world. How would it be to live every day with such splitting headaches? How would it be to have best friends who can't even talk, who are scratches of graphite on recycled tree-paper? I looked up at Ephraim Hanks --the grad student who was running the review session we were at -- and smiled at the thought.
A rousing 45 minutes of foursquare to end the night was fully needed and completely satisfying. Tim is the reigning champion. His name is whispered with fear around campus. "The rugged whale" is what they call him.
Our secret password for foursquare nights is "white rhino." It pops up randomly. Sometimes three times a week the word will shoot through the Logan city population of students. Sometimes once a week. But when it comes, adrenaline, anticipation, hyperventilation, and inflation always accompany the word.
It's a revolution. When people hear we're playing foursquare the most common retort is "I haven't played in a decade. " But when they come, they can't let it go. It's life-changing.
My alarm rang angrily at 6:15 this morning. I begged it for 10 more minutes and it obliged reluctantly. After a not-warm-enough shower and cold cereal, I ran up the hill to Tim's place where he was waiting eagerly. We commented quietly about how cold it was. I tried to calm my anxiety by telling Tim some solid suggestions I'd received about this test. We parted ways once we entered the Engineering building, and attacked the 40 problem brain-buster USU math professors had spent months preparing.
And now it's done and time to ski.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Finals
I just woke up and I am getting ready for my first final, too bad I forgot to buy a scantron, good thing they sell them in vending machines along the way. I love all you guys
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Ugly Sweater Parties
Three times in two days I've been invited to Ugly Sweater Parties. I'm flattered by the invites. I like feeling like I have something to be a part of and the crowds that show up to such social places tend to be interesting and fun to be around. My first sweater party was at Rachel Gianni's house by the Logan Temple three years ago.
But what was different about these invitations was the fact that I was singled out. I was approached by people who knew me fairly well, and it went like this. "Sam, you should come to an Ugly Sweater PArty we're having tonight/tomorrow/this weekend. You've got some sweaters that would be perfect. So, what do you say?"
I didn't know how to respond the first time. I said maybe and walked away with my head down. I thought about it and decided that person (will remain unnamed) was bluntly rude for telling me to my face that she thought I had ugly sweaters. When the second person said something similar I decided to call her out on it.
"So you're saying my sweaters that I wear every day are ugly?"
They denied it flatly and knew me too well to take me totally seriously.
The third person got a loud scolding in a public place from me and they walked away complimenting my sweaters insincerely to try and make up for their flop.
Moral of the story: An ugly sweater used or bought only for cheesy parties to one person is another person's only defense against hypothermia.
Stand up for what you wear and don't worry too much about what you wear because someone will just call it ugly.
But what was different about these invitations was the fact that I was singled out. I was approached by people who knew me fairly well, and it went like this. "Sam, you should come to an Ugly Sweater PArty we're having tonight/tomorrow/this weekend. You've got some sweaters that would be perfect. So, what do you say?"
I didn't know how to respond the first time. I said maybe and walked away with my head down. I thought about it and decided that person (will remain unnamed) was bluntly rude for telling me to my face that she thought I had ugly sweaters. When the second person said something similar I decided to call her out on it.
"So you're saying my sweaters that I wear every day are ugly?"
They denied it flatly and knew me too well to take me totally seriously.
The third person got a loud scolding in a public place from me and they walked away complimenting my sweaters insincerely to try and make up for their flop.
Moral of the story: An ugly sweater used or bought only for cheesy parties to one person is another person's only defense against hypothermia.
Stand up for what you wear and don't worry too much about what you wear because someone will just call it ugly.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
abbott family olympics 2008
eastern board abbott family olympics events, records, amd teams.
representing the Empire State was Tom and Kelsey and Simon
representing Bellevue was Nate and Ellie
representing the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, otherwise known as SMOM was Mike Carolyn and Grandma Pat
The first event was a wreckage with the block protection very fierce this year.
at the end only the Empire State was left, with Bellevue coming in a close second, and SMOM a very close third
The second event, the paper airplane toss, set some new records as the needle of death flew to an amazing 53 feet with an initial toss of 32 feet then being followed up with a toss of 20 feet. Zoom "2" came in a close second with a total of 39.5 feet and then Zoom claimed third with 31.5 feet.
The third event was the wheelbarrow race. SMOM crossed 48 feet in 52.6 seconds, the Empire State crossed the same distance in 17.7 seconds, and Bellevue claimed first with a time of 14 seconds.
The tower building contest was closely watch as the events began to wind up. with unlimited marshmellows and toothpicks and yet only five minutes the Empire State demoished the other competitors by building a tower of 15 inches tall. Bellevue who came in second was not even close only weighing in at 11 inches. And SMOM claimed third with a height of 8 inches
With the last event the scores were close as the teams were given two minutes to think of obscure jargon. the Empire State choose to use a famous disney phrase, SMOM went with technical vocabulary, and Bellevue choose local vernacular to sum it up.
With a final score of SMOM 15
Empire State 8
Bellevue 7
It was a great games and hope that all will be able to attend next year.
Prepare to be dominated by Empire State though.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
New Book!
IN BELGRADE! |
u prodaji, broširani povez, 222 strane, 21 cm, latinica Izdavač: Stubovi kulture Beograd 2008. 1. izdanje ISBN 978-86-7979-244-0 Novi roman najčuvenijeg tandema srpsko-američke književnosti, u četiri ruke ispisano artističko i intimno svedočanstvo o svetovima kojima više ne pripadamo i o svetovima čiji deo nikada nismo bili, o stranstvovanju koje se odlikuje svežinom pogleda i dubinom razumevanja, i o snazi kreativnog prijateljstva na poslu osvajanja i interpretiranja stvarnosnih i istorijskih prostora koje utoliko manje istinski razumevamo ukoliko su nam bliži. Po?ite u istraživačku šetnju paraprostorima Handkeove literature, lavirintima prevedenih originala i originalnih prevoda, duhovnim prostranstvima oivičenim Stenovitim planinama i Višegradom, Kelnom i Beogradom; dozvolite ovom književnom dvojcu bez kormilara da vam ih pokažu na način kako su ih jedino oni mogli doživeti! |
Sunday, November 16, 2008
trunk monkey
we were having a game night over at our house and this was shown to us. we thought you all would enjoy
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Today's Protest in Support of Equality for Gays Too
Because my brother John was gay and because I love him. Because I wish he and people like him had the respect and normal chance for life I have. Because I believe in equal treatment before the law. Because I reject racism, sexism, and homophobia. Because it's not right to stand by and watch discrimination.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Check out Joe and Tracy's web site
See the link to the right and follow it to a very attractive web site, created by Tracy! Nice job. It looks like it was created by a pro.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Parkour at USU
My friend Nathaniel does some pretty sweet wall flips, Im still to afraid to do them on an actual wall. This club is way rad, and its all just for fun so its a good stress reliever.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Excitement alone
I shouted loudly in the clerk's office at the church at 10:15 when Kate Harline called me from Seattle with the news. She didn't have friends around who were interested in a changing nation, so she called me as I was falling asleep working on our home teaching lists alone in the church. As my scream echoed through the deserted hallways I feared awakening some unhappy Republican spirit who was patrolling the edifice, so I quieted down and did several silent fist pumps to myself and thanked Kate for her service.
What a time to be alive.
What a time to be alive.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
election
What a thrilling night.
Great speech by John McCain.
Great speech by Barack Obama.
And let's hope for a decent future.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Funny Funny
We laughed heartily while these pictures were being taken. Something about the Apple computer made us a little wiry... One part Apple computer + one part sabbath spirit = Funky Monkey disease pictures. Hope y'all's doin darn faihn. Love you brodies and sisties.
Friday, October 31, 2008
You can vote however you like
I thougth this was pretty cool. If the link doesn't work than you can just look it up on you tube.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Indoor Soccer
Tonight was our second game and let me say that our team is awesome! We lost by 3 but our team played like champions! Sam had two back to back goals which was key because it gave us momentum. My goalie skills are lacking but I am trying to be more opptimistic. Sam had a hat trick by the end of the game, three goals. Next game is thursday
Indoor Soccer
So last week Sam invited me to be on his indoor soccer team. He asked if I would be goalie, and I immediately told him that I wasn't that good and I hadn't played goalie since my recreation days. Last Thursday was our first game and I was way nervous. I didn't want the resposnsibility of being the last resort between their offense and a goal. The game went alright. Everyone on our team played extremely well but we lost 6 to 4. I take the loss on myself because I missed some stupid shots, but tonights game will go better and win or lose I know that I will get better after game 2. Wish us luck!!!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Impressed
I am quiet impressed by your picture. I took like twelve pictures and thiswas the best one that I could get. If you have any suggestions on how to take a better picture, let me know.
where?
I would like to request something from each of the abbott children, and their spouses, and the parents of the abbott children. would you please take a picture of the eyebrow of your choice. please do not include any bit of the eye although if you do I can chop it out with th aid of photoshop. please have it include the entire eyebrow but not much more then that in width at least. thank you and please email them to me and ellenoir at natenellie@gmail.com
thank you and goodnight
p.s. the speed that siblings and parents respond will have a direct relationship to the order in which i choose to like them
thanks again
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Paint Dance
This is what I looked like after I got home from the Paint Dance. It was a dance with like 100 gallons of paint to throw and have fun with.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
no money or tv
Today we started the no money no tv month. for one month we will watch no tv, and we will spend no money. the no money and the no tv have some qualifications. they are as such. no money except for necessities. these include; rent, utilities, gas for school, work, and church, and tehn we have on 94 dollars and change for things like fresh fruit and bread. the t.v.'s only qualification is that many shows are posted on the interenet not long after they are on the regular channels so we can get an occasional if not so conviniant fix from there. We will keep you guys updated on how our month goes. love you all
nate and ellie and simon and lime sized fetus
nate and ellie and simon and lime sized fetus
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