with a baggie on her forearm

Photo Challenge Thingy 1

2012-02-01T11:25:00.001-07:00

First entry in an adventure to make my photos better and hopefully gain some insight and knowledge. As another added part of this I have decided that all photos will be taken with my iPod. Enjoy.

Free Tunes: Yellow Ostrich - Marathon Runner

2012-01-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

Its 4am.

2012-01-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

So I just got done with a paper I have been working on since midnight, it wasn't anything insane. I'm just a procrastinator and get distracted easily, thank goodness for Rockstar. I should really just go buy a flat of it from Costco or something.

So your probably asking yourself whats new in the life of Andy??? Well let me tell you. School is going well but homework has been a bit overwhelming at times. I dropped one of my classes because it was a major workload and felt like there wasn't enough time in the day to get everything done, sometimes I still feel that way. I have decided that I am going to work super hard during the week and hopefully take weekends off unless something huge comes up. I just dont want to be occupied all weekend with homework. I haven't been taking as many photos lately because of all the homework and things but i have decided to make time to take a photo a day. I found this neat photo challenge online:

So I will be doing that but not in any certain order and posting them when I have time. So you may get one a day or 15 of them all at once. I also wont actually be labeling them, most of them will just speak for themselves.

Hope all is well to whoever reads this. I better go get some sleep before my 9:45 class. Today should be an exciting day Elder L. Tom Perry is going to speak at devotional!

This I Believe

2012-01-19T12:02:00.001-07:00

I thought I would post some of the things I need to do for my classes on here. Just so everyone knows I am terrible at writing thats why I usually let my photographs do the speaking for me.

This assignment was for my english class as a concept taken from "This I Believe" a radio show on NPR.

More of a life update will be coming soon.

Here it is:

Cycling is a Lifestyle, not just arecreation.

I believe that a bicycle can bringgreat joy, peace and accomplishment to our everyday lives. Bicyclingis a fantastic thing to do on the weekend to get out and seedifferent things in the outdoors and is a great family recreation,but I think it can do much more to benefit our lives and health. Thehealth gained is not only physical but also mental, giving me a senseof accomplishment to actually see something progress in my life.Something usually unseen on a day to day basis. I believe so stronglyin this because of the affect it has had in my life, when I amweighed down with stress, frustration, anger and disappointment itonly takes a few peddle strokes before that is solved. As a collegestudent who hasn’t been in school for a while getting back into thestresses and learning that comes with classes and grades can get abit over whelming. I first started cycling about 5 years ago when Ihad just graduated high school and found myself almost addicted togoing out every day and riding everyday for at least 15 to 20 miles.I started with a lot of road riding but worked my way into mountainbiking after one of my friends convinced me it was the only way. Eachhas their own thrills from weaving in and around traffic to rippingdown the side of a mountain on a trail no wider than a foot at times.The wind in your face, the exhaustion after a huge climb, the thrillof something unknown around the next corner, I love it all. I haveseen cycling around town to run errands or to class invigorates mymind, and gives me a heightened sense of my surroundings. Maybe itis just my escape from the the world for just a moment, but thestress relieved even riding a few blocks to or from home every day isfantastic. It invigorates the body and mind, brings us health andstrength. That is why cycling is a lifestyle.

Photos from home.

2012-01-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Some photos from when I was home that I forgot to post.

300 Miles of Gravel Trailer / Life Update

2011-12-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

This is footage from last years Trans Iowa. The documentary should be coming out early next year.

The Trans Iowa was started by a man known as Guitar Ted who thought it would be a great idea to ride his bike across Iowa. Its pretty insane but if you are interested in the history of how it started you can read about it here, and if you want updates on next years event, here.

LIFE UPDATE:
Other than that today I have been packing for my journey to Idaho for school, packing is not my favorite thing to do at all. I leave on the 2nd early and should be in Rexburg on the 3rd in the afternoon some time.

Christmas went well, we changed it up this year and opened presents on Christmas Eve, it was a nice treat to not have to be rushed on Christmas having to open presents and go to dinner at Grandma Paulsons. It was a good Christmas this year, it was great to be home and be around family and friends, not saying that I didnt like Christmas on my mission. I got a new camera, nothing fancy but anything is a lot nicer than not being able to see anything on your screen at all.

Over all I am excited to go to school and start a new chapter of my life, it should be fun and exciting and new and all those other things school has to offer.

Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas / Holiday / whatever the crap you celebrated season!

A Tiny Day in the Jackson Hole Backcountry

2011-12-27T13:47:00.002-07:00

I just saw this on Facebook and thought how it was shot was amazing, cool concept.

Update on Christmas and things of that nature coming soon.

NYC man gets ticket for Riding his bike.

2011-12-22T23:52:00.001-07:00

Watch the full thing, its amazing.

Sometimes I love things that happen. This guy got taken by the NYPD for going to work... what is the world coming to.

Lacrosse Holiday Lights 2011 / Tom's Christmas Concert.

2011-12-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we went to the Holiday lights display in Lacrosse, it was pretty sweet! I haven't been to them in a few years and it was cool to see all the changes and additions they have made. It is just one of those things that gets you into the holiday spirit like none other. I have been working on some new photo techniques so some critique would be great, so if you want to comment that would be awesome!

Please Enjoy.

I thought the fire breathing dragon was pretty sweet!

Last night was Tom's holiday concert and it was great as always... I'm glad that my camera actually worked for me and I got a few photos. It was a great time and the music students did really well. Again its another of those things that get you into the Christmas spirit.

Hope you all have a great Christmas, I'm going to try to post more regularly once I get to school.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Flyboard Zapata/ Life Update

2011-12-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

This looks like the closest thing we can get to an iron man suit!

Other news:

I was working on my mission wrap up/ some other photo projects and magically my external harddrive where I store my photos and music decided to crap out on me. Now it only makes this delightful clicking noise and I cant access it. LOVELY! Hopefully someway someone can recover the at least the photos from it. The best part about the whole thing is that I was going back all that info up on my other harddrive tonight!

Hopefully you all have better luck than me and don't loose all of your digital film memories.

Rapper actually makes sense of the Law of Chastity.

2011-12-04T22:42:00.001-07:00

Saw this posted on Facebook like 500 times and decided to check it out.

Bilenky Junkyard Cross = INSANE!!!

2011-12-03T22:12:00.001-07:00

But also amazing!

Photo Credit

A real update is on its way soon!

Fall Peddle around PdC

2011-11-10T23:19:00.001-07:00

I thought I would post a few pictures from my ride around town... I wanted to make it a regular thing but the next day it snowed... I love autumn in Wisconsin!

Enjoy:

I know I still need to do a wrap up of the stuff from my adventure (mission). I am composing my thoughts and photos. Its a lot to wrap my brain around. Hopefully it gets a bit warmer so I can go on more rides and take it in before winter fully hits...

Oh.... HAPPY 11 . 11 . 11

Snow Bikes are amazing!

2011-11-09T18:53:00.001-07:00

Iditabike 1988 Footage.

I found this while awesome footage from the 2nd ever Iditabike and thought it was amazing, what makes it even cooler is that the dude is from LaCrosse and is in his 80's now.

And to think, now we have stuff like this:

With bike technology today thing like this are possible, 300 mile treks on the coasts of Alaska

8.22.11 - 9.26.11

2011-09-26T11:10:00.001-06:00

So a lot of things have been happening in the past month or so. Transfers have come and gone and I have 2 new companions for my last 6 weeks and it has been a blast!

A few weeks ago we went to a Sealing at the Rexburg Temple, it was great, my testimony of eternal families was strengthened once again. It is amazing that if we do what is right, follow the Savior and attend the temple that we can find more peace and joy than ever before.

Since last time I posted there was a fire out in the desert by the INL site. It made for an amazing sunset and sky.

Also there has been a ton of fun outdoor activities on P-day. From riding bikes at Kelly Canyon to a Zone Hike up the Menan Butte. I have truly developed a love of the outdoors, especially mountain biking on my mission. There is nothing better than just taking off with only a map, water and some tools and having a great adventure.

Transfers

sorry

2011-09-12T12:22:00.003-06:00

So I havent posted in a while cause I just figured out that my memory card reader took a dive.Its kinda sad. But get excited for next week. Things in Rexburg are going well. Its great to be a missionary.

8.9.11 - 8.21.11

2011-08-22T13:05:00.002-06:00

The 16th district photo of my mission... where has the time went???


Rexburg Temple at night.

Transfers have come and gone again. I got a new companion! His name is Elder Larsen and he is a brand new missionary! It is always exciting to have a change happen and get to know more people.

Elder Durnell and I with our "new" Companions

The weather has been amazing the past few weeks so that means that we have been doing a lot of biking to save miles (we only are allotted 1100 for the months). One day this week we rode our bikes to Teton and back it was about a 20 mile round trip.

On the way back from Teton

This past saturday was the "Rexburg Rush" triathlon. It was great to do service there and I was made the Event Photographer, I asked the guy in charge if he could get me all the shots I took so hopefully those will be up in the coming weeks.

Things here are good, training is fun and exciting. This past week was zone conference... the last one of my mission, that was a bit weird. Today I found out that i was officially accepted to BYU - I. It's just a weird time in life, knowing that the mission is coming to a close, trying to work hard but also accept the fact that I only have 2 more months to hold this calling. Coordinating things for when I get home and only be there for 2 months then coming back to the great state of Idaho.

It's WEIRD.

7.11.11 - 8.8.11

2011-08-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

So its been a while since I have done any update, so it seems like there should be a lot to be said. But the last few weeks have just been a blur!!! One day just blends with the next and things happen so quickly that you can't even remember what you ate for breakfast!

A few weeks ago Elder Dollinger went to the Rexburg Temple.

There is also a weekly Farmers Market held right next to the Rexburg Tabernacle. We have went a few times and it has been a lot of fun to go and visit with the people there.

There is a man there with a stand who makes pens, he called us over one week and said something like "Elders always need pens, here take one." So after talking with him for a while and me not wanting to just take a pen from him he asked me if I liked baseball I said I did we talked about our favorite teams for a bit and he stuck this pen in my pocket, its made from a Louisville Slugger.

Also the BYU-I horticulture department has a booth where they sell plants and produce, I was looking at their mint plants and asked the guy what "orange mint" was. He told me that I was a project they did this year to alter the plants so they would taste like other things... It was pretty interesting so we tried it and it was good. So I bought an orange mint and an apple mint plant from them... It was a pretty good deal too $1.50 a plant.

I think the sign at the gas station was messed up.

P-day is always full of exciting activities a few weeks ago one of our ward mission leaders took us fishing at someones pond, he told us it was stocked but only part of me believes him because none of us caught a dang thing! But it was fun to just relax for a few hours and drown a worm.

I also got a summer time cold this past week, it was terrible! But I made a quick recovery with some vitamin C, garlic pills, herbal tea and other assorted things.

Last week I had a member in our area order me a basket of produce, it was only $17 for a ton of food! It was great!

Other new and exciting things that are happening:

Transfers will happen this week and on Saturday night I found out that I will be training a new missionary, he will be here on Wednesday. Other than that its just missionary work as usual. Its great to be a missionary!

Have a good week!!!

6.20.11 - 7.10.11

2011-07-11T12:23:00.000-06:00

So a lot has happened in the past few weeks.

We finished the washing machine drainage project.

We also tore apart an old camper trailer and of course had to get rid of the remains.

We spent some more time in the Kelly Canyon area... I love it up there.

I took some family photos for the Hammon Family, it was a lot of fun and I think they turned out pretty well. I wasn't sure when I was taking them if they were going to be good at all.

I was transfered from Menan after NINE MONTHS! To Rexburg covering the Rexburg North and Sugar City stakes.

Me and Elder Standing, my last companion.

On the Fourth of July we went to the Rodeo... How can you get more American than that!

Things in Rexburg are going really well we are seeing success and teaching a lot. It is great to be on a mission and to be able to learn and grow in this life to become better than we were the day before.

Have a good week.

-Andrew Paulson

andrwplsn.blogspot.com

andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

5.31.11 - 6.19.11

2011-06-20T16:59:00.001-06:00

After a long ride at Kellys Canyon... we got lost and rode an extra 15+ miles with about 3 water crossings where the river flooded over the road. They were about 3 feet deep and 20 - 30 yards long. It was a good day but at the end of the day my bike was in need of much repair... Tacoed rim and some much needed cleaning and care.

We also dug a huge hole for a drainage for a washing machine... we put in two 250 gallon tanks.

We also helped move some cows... it has been a good past few weeks.

This week my parts should be in to get my bike fixed, we have alot of people to go and see this week. It should be great!

5.9.11 - 5.30.11

2011-05-30T14:52:00.000-06:00

You know its spring in Idaho when there is water in ditches.

This past weekend we helped with the Rigby Lake Triathlon.

AND

Melissa and Brittany were baptized.

There are alot of exciting things happening in the Menan Stake right now, the Snake river is rising and flooding is starting. Tomorrow night we are going to help fill sandbags.

Here is the link for the water here in Idaho:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/burtea.cfm

4.25.11 - 5.8.11

2011-05-09T12:59:00.008-06:00

After a muddy ride at Kellys Canyon

On the 30th Mandy and Robert were baptized!

Just some stuff taken on a bike ride. We rode 43 miles this past week.

A cool home on the butte.

Fire and Sunset at the Hammons

4.18.11 - 4.24.11

2011-04-25T16:20:00.005-06:00

Growing Black Beans...

Last monday we biked the Menan Butte.

4.11.11 - 4.17.11

2011-04-18T15:27:00.003-06:00

not many photos taken this week. so here are some pics of my bike upgrades. Just missionary work as usual, teaching and seeing people.

4.4.11 - 4.10.11

2011-04-11T12:19:00.004-06:00

Transfers was this week and Elder Ison left Monday afternoon so I was with the spanish elders for a few days. After a zone meeting on Tuesday we went to get some food.

Tams in Rigby is amazing!

The next few days were filled with helping Elder Mendez pack & teaching people.

On Saturday the Penas got Baptized, it was a great day!

After the baptism we went over to there house for a little family get together and got to see their puppys.

Have a good week.

3.28.11 - 4.3.11

2011-04-04T12:50:00.012-06:00

Notice something about the CTS?

Only in Idaho.

Other random things that are odd or not logical that are here.
WHY??? It may be awesome but seriously what is the point??

IT'S A FLIPPIN' SIGN!!!!

Ok now for seriousness...
This week:
Elder Ison got his visa! So he got to call home.
Because he is going to Brazil we also got to attend the Idaho Falls Temple with all the other departing missionarys.

Friday we went on exchange with the Zone Leaders and it was a good time... I learned a lot from Elder Quillin and we got to see the Elk Ranch.
Right next to the Menan Buttes.
Ate at the Menan "sandwich shop" aka a little door next to the Menan bar... But it was good.
So all in all it was a great week with a lot of teaching and spiritual enlightenment hearing from living prophets and apostles.

Have a glorious week.

3.21.11 - 3.27.11

2011-03-28T12:41:00.004-06:00

Good week. Lots of riding and teaching!
It snowed AGAIN!!!

3.14.11 - 3.20.11

2011-03-21T12:06:00.004-06:00

Things that happened this week:

Bowling on P-day.
Biking all week.
Temple Visitors Center: Reflections of Christ Display. W/ Pie after!
Good Lessons.
Birthday Lunch w/ the Millers (THANKS!)

3.7.11 - 3.13.11

2011-03-14T11:10:00.004-06:00

Things this week went really well.
Taught a few lessons.
Single-speeded my bike.
Found a treasure... I want it.

2.26.11 - 3.6.11

2011-03-07T13:33:00.002-07:00

This makes me wonder if Micheal Scott is reading my Blog?

2011-02-28T12:30:00.003-07:00

or maybe Dwight.

2.21.11 - 2.27.11

2011-02-28T12:05:00.004-07:00

It was a good week and things are really picking up in Menan. It was also transfers and we both stayed... that means I will be in Menan for atleast 6 months! I am excited to stay continue to see the Lords hand work in this area. We went from a few months ago working and trying to find people to teach and looking at how this week is going to be we are booked almost every night!
-Elder Paulson

2.14.11 - 2.20.11

2011-02-21T12:48:00.003-07:00

Nothing too crazy happened this week, it was actually kinda slow. I know I need to get better at actually writing things instead of just posting pictures... I will get better. Here is something that I thought about this week: why in the church do we have scout Sunday?? to me its just odd. Well for the normal picture update. Maybe I will start doing a quick update where there are listed briefly some of the things that have happened this week. I need to come up with a more creative name for it.

Quick Update:
Spanish Branch Party
Menan 3rd ward activity: The Geology of SW Idaho.

2.7.11 - 2.13.11

2011-02-14T12:19:00.003-07:00

1.31.11 - 2.6.11

2011-02-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

1.24.11 - 1.30.11

2011-01-31T16:10:00.002-07:00

--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

12.27.10 - 1.23.11

2011-01-24T18:44:00.002-07:00

--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

12.20.10-12.26.10

2010-12-27T13:04:00.002-07:00

--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Week of 12.13.10-12.19.10

2010-12-20T13:51:00.002-07:00

--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Transfer 9

2010-12-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Thanksgiving week!

2010-11-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

So it was a pretty good week, lots of fun was had and also a lot of eating was done. On Tuesday we were told to park our cars because a big blizzard blew in and dumped tons of snow. Then on Wednesday were got held up on the highway by a cattle drive, that has happened to me twice on my mission! Gotta love Idaho!
--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Update from Menan

2010-11-15T11:54:00.001-07:00

Things out here are going well, just thought I would throw up some pictures. Menan is great and we had an awesome day teaching people yesterday. Enjoy!
--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Transfer 8, Ammon West Stake

2010-11-08T13:28:00.002-07:00

Only 6 weeks in one area is pretty crazy. I'm now out in the middle of nowhere again in Menan!
--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Transfer 7, The End of the Poky East Era!

2010-09-20T14:19:00.002-06:00

Oh... the Pocatello East stake... it was a great area and turned into pretty much a second home to me. There will always be fond memories of the great things that happened there and the people there. It was a good run, but sooner or later the fun has to end. I was transfered to the Ammon West stake and learning new people and places has been ok, it is very exhausting to learn a new area but is all for the greater good, I guess the people of Ammon are in for a treat. Hope you are all have a great week. Gota run!

- Elder Andrew Paulson.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

2010-08-30T10:33:00.002-06:00

So this past week was pretty sick, alot of service for a very good cause. Things went really well and Elder Verdun and I got to be in a few shots, so look for our faces on TV!
--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Mountain Biking, Sunsets & Mate

2010-08-23T11:07:00.002-06:00

So this past week some excitement has hit the Pocatello area!!! Extreme Makeover Home Edition is in MY area. It is pretty sweet and because of it there are alot of people to talk to. Update on that next week/
--
-Andrew Paulson
andrwplsn.blogspot.com
andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

2 sweet weekends

2010-07-12T12:05:00.001-06:00

Last Weekend... The 4th and a visit from Jenny!! It was super sick to see her and to go and do some missionary work together... Good Times.

This Weekend... We went to the temple with a family that was getting sealed... It was amazing!! Yesterday I got to see my parents, it was sweet!

Things in idaho are going really well and the work is moving forth, it is Glorious!
--
-Andrew Paulson

andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Piehole, Transfer 5 & The Love of Pocatello

2010-06-21T11:52:00.003-06:00

Again for another much needed update.

1. Piehole... Piehole is this pretty freakin sweet pizza place in my area, it has super thin crust and is really really good. They have a potato pizza (only in Idaho) that is surprisingly pretty amazing.

2. Transfer #5 it was a really good 6 weeks and I learned alot! I got a new companion, a new area and it was pretty much a fresh start since we both got here at the same time and really didn't know what was going on when we got here. It was good to be in a new area because sometimes I think I may have been to comfortable in Driggs. It was great to be there for 6 months but I was really in need of some change.

3. The Love of Pocatello. Pocatello is a nice city and people are usually really nice, i guess these folks just don't really like the missionaries. But overall the people are usually really respectful and if they don't want to talk to you they just are really straight forward and are just like hey I'm not really interested.

So... Yes things are good and the work continues to go forth. I hope all is well with all who read this, not really even knowing who that is.

-Andrew Paulson

andrew.paulson@myldsmail.net

Transfer Pictures 3&4, Bike Upgrades, and Last Moments in Driggs!

2010-05-17T11:47:00.001-06:00

i know i havent added anything in a really long time but here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure. i have been transfered from driggs to the pocatello east stake and no longer have a car, so good thing i got a bike when i did. other than that things are going great. hope all of you have a great week, i will try to be better at updating.

andy

IT HAS ARRIVED!!!

2010-03-22T21:19:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to me!!! We went and picked up my new bike on friday and what a joy it is!

Today we went out biking and I rode it down a mountain, and it was pretty insane but both the bike and I came out just as we went in. After our glorious adventure it started to snow, and continued to snow and now we have 6 inches and its still snowing!!! YAY..... NOT!!!! So there will be no more riding down mountains in the near future.

Mud Season

2010-03-15T13:53:00.002-06:00

So this is a new thing for me, here in idaho there are 5 seasons or more like a combined spring/mud season. So it was really nice out so Elder Pitt and I decided to go and bike to the Treasures, about 12 miles round trip. Well this was the outcome... oh and we saw a moose it was only like 50 yards from the road it was pretty sweet!

New Bike!

2010-03-01T11:32:00.003-07:00

So I havent taken many pictures as of late so I thought I would share a pic of the bike that I bought.

2 down

2010-02-22T13:09:00.002-07:00

This past transfer was good alot of work was done and it was great. I got a new companion, Elder Pitt and he is amazing we are getting alot of stuff done and having alot of fun doing it. yes yes...

Only in Teton Valley.

2010-02-01T13:11:00.003-07:00

1. We lable what is in the back of our truck.
2. We ride our dogsled to the local library.
3. We drive our "snow machine" to the gas station to fill it up.
4. We turn old vans into trailers.
5+6. We buy a truck for our business but only put our name on one side.

How I love teton valley!

Idaho Snow.

2010-01-25T15:10:00.002-07:00

I havent posted anything in the past few weeks so I thought I would put up some pictures. The first 3 are from when we had to walk about a mile down someones drive way cause it had drifted shut. The 4th is when we shoveled off the roof of the home of the family we live with.

1 Transfer down!

2010-01-04T16:52:00.002-07:00

well one transfer is over and it was great, there were ups and downs and the inbetweens but all in all it was good. lots of things happened and we were able to teach alot of people and find a few new people to teach. so yes it was grand.

CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-28T11:23:00.002-07:00

not many photos were taken but here are a few.
1. Brock with his Christmas loot.
2. Ghentry waiting for one of his toys to be opened
3-4. Brock playing magic with us Christmas night.
5-6. The only evil part of Christmas, the part that makes you huge!
7. Elder Slocum and I.

Christmas was Great! On the eve of we went over to the Treasures and spent the evening with them, eating great food and playing games. Christmas morning we got up and opened packages and anything wraped we took down to open with the Harris fam. It was a great time to be able to be with them on Christmas. We got to watch Ghentry open his presents and of course play with them. At about 11 ish we went up to Bishop Berry's where he let us use his phone to call home, it was great to be able to talk to family again. We went back to the Harris Home for a late lunch, then played games the rest of the night and relaxed.

Big Jud's

2009-12-14T13:22:00.001-07:00

Last week we had interviews with President Colton in Rexburg. Elder Slocum and I thought it would be a good oppertunity to go and gorge ourselves on the famous Big Jud! The hamburger was about as big as my head and the fries a meal on its own. Elder Slocum and I came out victorious and finished the burger we have decided that finishing a Big Jud is the true sign of a leader, not mission leadership...HAHA.

Quick Photo Update from Idaho

2009-11-30T11:31:00.001-07:00

im currently serving in driggs, and cover 3 small farming towns, and am surrounded by mountains, its great. i thought i would make a quick update via email, so im not breaking any rules, and share some pictures. mtc to today. the last one is out of order, thats the only view from the mtc to the outside world.

Photo Update

2009-10-07T13:55:00.005-06:00

Well since so much has been going on in my life lately, I came up with the idea of instead of typing loads and loads of things, and probably forgetting things anyway, I would just throw up a bunch of photos with brief descriptions or headings, so I could get it all done in one post instead of 6.

Sherman Wedding in Omaha

My friend Zachary got married a bit ago so I made the trip to omaha. The wedding was great very small and I loved it.

The Races With Jace and The Elders

The IHRA Sprint cars were in Lancaster so we hit that up, it was a good night. Also there was hardcore double decker swinging before hand.

Mission Call!

I got my Mission Call packet, my Mom came home for lunch and told me that she thought it had come and sure enough it did, I couldent wait and was leaving that night to go to the Twin Cities so I opened it on her lunch, and called my Dad on the way to the Cities. IDAHO HERE I COME!!!! If you are a facebooker, here is the link to the group.

Tom's Birthday.

Tom's Birthday always falls on Applefest weekend, so its a we always spend it with Grandma Paulson, selling pies for her church and Tom always gets a parade around his birthday that according to my Dad he sets up every year.

Mario Cart Song

2009-09-29T11:39:00.003-06:00

yes i know there is a much needed update about the life of andrew paulson, since he is going on a mission and such but if you are my facebook friend and are invited to my group then you already know it all, if you dont then shoot me an email.

well why i am really here is to just post another video that i stumbled across while watching youtube and in the description it says its about mario cart... and love.

enjoy

Kanye West almost makes Taylor Swift cry. What does the President think of it all?

2009-09-16T16:04:00.003-06:00

Kanye almost making Taylor cry

The Presidents Response

Maybe I do like Obama. Oh nevermind.

I want one!

2009-09-07T22:22:00.003-06:00

the unimog by mercedes benz

Madison, A Beach, A Fair, Work, Food and 1 More Fair

2009-09-07T21:39:00.005-06:00

mariah came up to visit a few weeks ago, it was fair week so tom and dad were busy getting toms stuff done. Well now im jumping ahead of myself. Mariah got into town on late sunday night and i had to work monday. boo.

on tues we went to madison to find a suit for my mission, first we went to burlington coat factory, and they had a pretty good selection. Nothing seemed to fit correctly and there service was horrible, so we got a bit frustrated there and went to a place in the mall and the dude was great, he had me in a suit and out of the store in about 20 mins, it was great. After we were done at the mall we decided to go check out downtown since Mariah had never been there. it was pretty cool, we went up and down state street just going from shop to shop. here are some pics from monday.

On wed we decided to go to the beach, it was a good bum around day and mike didnt have to work so he came with us, it was a good time, but mariah and i got burned pretty badly.

on thurs we made the trip to milwaukee, to go to the state fair, it was another good day, we walked around the grounds and checked out the venders building, ate some good fair food, listened to some good music, went to the pig races, in the evening we went to a pretty sweet horse show, oh and i got to drive on the milwaukee mile speedway with my car, it was glorious, just with i could have went faster. (we parked between the start/finish line and corner 4 to bad it wasent free of cars). oh and when your at the wisconsin state fair you cant forget about the cream puffs.

then on friday i had to work again it was grand.

on saturday we went to the crawford county fair. we check out all the entries, i think tom got blue on every thing he entered and to two best of departments. so thats pretty sweet, after we checked that out mike and i tried to win some cash playing guitar hero but we werent as good as the rest of the people playing.

we also partook in the most redneck of sports, know as the demo derby.

this car got hit so hard the roof caved in

oh... and i got video of it!

for more pics go here

Moped Accident!

2009-08-20T21:59:00.006-06:00

this happened earlier in the summer but i never posted about it. i was driving home from work and dumped my moped and smacked my head on fresh pavement doing about 27.2 mph, yes thats about top speed on my little spree. (actually it will do about 31.56mph... haha) i am ok so here are the photos:

head

arm

shoulder

knee

Love story meets Viva la Vida

2009-08-16T18:48:00.002-06:00

Andy and I just watched this video and I thought it was sweet! So watch it.

Fajita Dinner!!!

2009-08-14T22:08:00.002-06:00

so the week is going really well, more of an update on that later. today the fitzners left and i am house sitting, mariah is home so we decided to make some food. we were looking through the fridge and there was not much, but there was alot of produce out of there garden, well mostly tomatoes so we decided to make some salsa and we found some chicken in the freezer so i was instantly thought fajitas. so i did the fajitas and mariah did the salsa, it was a great meal even though we ate at 10:30 cause we started cooking late. well sorry for the babble here is the picture:

Another well needed update.

2009-08-10T23:44:00.003-06:00

well first off i will say that i'm a lier cause in my i said there would be a post soon and well it is now august, and may things have changed since my past few posts. i know i have been slacking and should be keeping up on letting the world know what is going on with my life. not that i think may people read this but maybe will randomly stumble upon this blog and find something interesting and maybe internet stalk me. well anyway. its after aug 1st and there was no wedding so, that means change of plans, i decided that i am going on a mission and that it would be the best choice for me to make. so that is the plan now i have been working on my papers and they are mostly done, i had my last dental appointment last week, and just a few hours ago i had my physical done, but there are still a few things to do before the medical papers are completed. life has been busy trying to get everything together. oh random thought, mariah is now a writer on this blog as well now so maybe some day she may come out and say hi to all you people on the internets. i also just found out today that my last day at the bank would be on aug 4th. lots of things have been going on lately, and its fair week so tom and dad have been busy the past few days and last week getting projects done, and things are looking good. maybe i will post pictures later of some of his stuff. speaking of pictures i don't have any for this post because i just got my charger back from my friend beth cause we have the same camera and she crashed at my house at the beginning of the summer and thought it was hers. well sorry this was a bit random and if you lasted this long you get a gold star for enduring. any way i will try to make posts more regularly and will try to get mariah to post so hopefully between the both of us you will hear something. see this time i didn't commit to make any posts soon.

oh i found a picture, i took it at the beginning of the summer before my battery died.

and thats the way the cookie crumbles...

JOB!!

2009-05-20T22:26:00.002-06:00

So yesterday I got a job, finally. Its taken ages, but i have a good one now. I'm working at Peoples State Bank, with my Mom. Its pretty sweet and I'm excited to have this opportunity and be able to have this experience to learn something new.

Longer update coming soon, time for bed!

Long needed update

2009-04-30T22:42:00.002-06:00

It has been far too long since I have made a real post on here so I thought it was about time. lots of things have happened since my last real post (around Christmas) and it has been a busy couple of months.

Since we have been back in Wisconsin Mariah has been in the hospital twice. The first time a few months ago for to get her tonsils out, and the last time a this past weeks to get her appendix out. I think that those two things should be taken out when you are 3 so you will never have to worry about them again.

Between the 2 times of hospital-ness Mariah and I have gotten engaged!!!

So thats pretty sweet, we are getting married on Aug 1st, In Nauvoo, IL.

Then heading back up to PdC. Its all pretty exciting and planning is underway, we booked a spot for the reception.

Other than that I'm still on the job hunt after "not fitting in" to my last job (LAME). Mariah is almost done with school and is moving back to PdC on the 5th so thats only a few days from now. That will be good.

I will try to keep this updated, but its hard being busy and all, until then...

None Were with Him

2009-04-10T23:52:00.000-06:00

The 9/12 Project, Glenn Beck

2009-03-25T22:44:00.002-06:00

The 9/12 Project

the iphone is much cooler now

2009-03-18T16:22:00.001-06:00

What a Strange Child

2009-02-26T11:50:00.002-07:00

Want to watch more? Check out his Youtube Channel HERE.

I know I said there would be more meaningful posts but I have nothing meaningful to say. Oh I lost my camera so yes.

THE ALL NEW MAC CLASSIC II!

2009-02-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

2 Bands I was able to Enjoy in the Recent Past.

2009-02-07T21:21:00.005-07:00

Jesse Barrera

Over the Moon

Patent Pending
Cheer Up Emo Kid

Anti-Everything

Side note: I just bought the hoodie that the guitarist has on and I have never seen these videos before... I thought it was a bit ironic.

Also: A meaningful heart felt post is on the way, I'm not sure when but i feel as if i have neglected anyone who looks at this by just posting youtube videos.

"Looks like it ran just a little bit cold"

2009-02-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

GUACAMOLE

2009-01-22T16:06:00.001-07:00

a kiss is not a contract

2009-01-13T23:11:00.001-07:00

This Makes Me Wish I Still Worked In A Grocery Store

2009-01-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

REEEEDDDDD BUUUULLLLLLLLL

2009-01-10T13:09:00.001-07:00

Invisable Rope Trick

2009-01-09T23:29:00.002-07:00

My little Bro showed me these video... Pretty funny stuff.

ENJOY.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

here is a look back at 2008

Fresh Prince Uke Style

2008-12-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

TN Pictures and Such

2008-12-27T21:03:00.001-07:00

so tn was great no snow... no cold... well a little cold but not wi cold. all in all its a good place to go.

pictures

yes enjoy.

AMAZED by amount of people that check out my blog!!!

2008-12-24T13:41:00.004-07:00

not just that but also where they are all from. check it:

places:
Clarksville, TN, United States
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Clarksville, TN, United States
Stacy, MN, United States
Elk Mound, WI, United States
Paul, ID, United States
Madras, India
Mcpherson, KS, United States
Stanwood, WA, United States
Claremont, CA, United States
San Nicolás, Argentina
Portland, OR, United States
Singapore, Singapore
Kennesaw, GA, United States
São Paulo, Brazil
Washington, DC, United States
Seremban, Malaysia
Chandler, AZ, United States
Clarksville, TN, United States

so again if you are one of the people from out of the country you are awarded 10 gold stars if you leave a comment.

Christmas Cheer from TN!!!

2008-12-23T21:47:00.015-07:00

A few things to brighten your holiday season.

This great piece of art was found at the Charlie Daniel's Band museum!

Ben Folds Five Reunion Videos

2008-12-21T22:42:00.002-07:00

So I know I have posted in the past about this. An E-friend of mine has posted them all on youtube so for your viewing pleasure, I present Ben Folds Five!!!

This may be more for me to watch it easier but i have extended the gift to all of you this holiday season... So consider this a great big MERRY CHRISTMAS from me and the Folds man himself.

Again updates will be made about Tennessee will be made at some point in time thus far it has just been alot of chillin but tomorrow is the big day with lots of things to see... Mariah and I are going to hit up Nashville... I'm excited!!!!!

sweet guitar player

2008-12-20T21:54:00.001-07:00

ok so i am in tennissee for christmas with mariah and i will update everyone on that later... there will be a post and such. but i was youtubin again tonight and this is pretty sweet!!!

Butt-load

2008-12-09T17:16:00.003-07:00

Interesting fact - a butt-load is the equivalent of 450 US gallons.

So now when and if you use the term you know what you are saying... I was wondering if it was an actual measurement or not so I googled it and it is!

Since we all know the term I have to say that today we got a Butt-load of snow... I know it probably was not 450 US gallons... but it was a lot. I moved snow for 3 freaking hours today... LAME... OH, Hey my car got stuck in my yard cause I couldn't park it on the street cause of all the snow...

Map Thingy

2008-12-02T23:07:00.003-07:00

so i added the map thingy at the bottom of my blog last night cause i saw it on someone else's and thought it was pretty cool so i looked at it today and this is what i saw.

so look away from america for a bit,someone from the "republic of korea" checked out my blog... yes korea!!! so if this is you leave a comment or something... you are awarded 10 gold stars.

Smart Car with 200HP???

2008-11-29T09:04:00.001-07:00

The Original "Thats What She Said"... With an Office bonus!

2008-11-28T22:49:00.003-07:00

Yes Wayne's World did it first(Thats What She Said)... NOW for every "Thats What She Said" from The Office.

from them, to me, to you

2008-11-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

More Prank Calls from Sesame Street

2008-11-26T10:12:00.003-07:00

So I don't know why I have had a recent obsession with Sesame Street, and the caracters on it doing prank calls... this post is a follow up to Elmo Prank Calls. I don't know what it is. Another past Sesame Street post has been Sesame Street meets James Blunt???. Maybe it is my inter child coming out but im not sure what.

Cookie Monster

Grover

The World At Large.

2008-11-24T21:07:00.002-07:00

Ice-age heat wave, can't complain.
If the world's at large, why should I remain?
Walked away to another plan.
Gonna find another place, maybe one I can stand.
I move on to another day, to a whole new town with a whole new way.
Went to the porch to have a thought.
Got to the door and again, I couldn't stop.
You don't know where and you don't know when.
But you still got your words and you got your friends.
Walk along to another day.
Work a little harder, work another way.

Well uh-uh baby I ain't got no plan.
We'll float on maybe would you understand?
Gonna float on maybe would you understand?
Well I'll float on maybe would you understand?

The days get shorter and the nights get cold.
I like the autumn but this place is getting old.
I pack up my belongings and I head for the coast.
It might not be a lot but I feel like I'm making the most.
The day's get longer and the nights smell green.
I guess it's not surprising but it's spring and I should leave.

I like songs about drifters - books about the same.
They both seem to make me feel a little less insane.
Walked on off to another spot.
I still haven't got anywhere that I want.
Did I want love? Did I need to know?
Why does it always feel like I'm caught in an undertow?

The moths beat themselves to death against the lights.
Adding their breeze to the summer nights.
Outside, water like air was great.
I didn't know what I had that day.
Walk a little farther to another plan.
You said that you did, but you didn't understand.

I know that starting over is not what life's all about.
But my thoughts were so loud, I couldn't hear my mouth.
My thoughts were so loud, I couldn't hear my mouth.
My thoughts were so loud.

music=power... its amazing how it can mean so many things on so many different levels to so many different people. i hope you enjoy.

the piano

2008-11-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

youtube

Okobos Fest

2008-10-22T00:57:00.005-06:00

So it has been a while but on Oct. 11 the trek was made to Green Bay, to Okobos Fest... Good weekend... the tickets I had were seats way in the back but by the 2nd set we made it up to the 14th row... $200+ tickets for $55... the people who held the tickets never showed so yay. Ben Harper also never showed but thats ok it was a good show if you would have subtracted Jewel. The other bands were great and it was a good night of music and fun. So I took some video and here they are... also I took a few pics.

Ben Folds - Effington

Ben Folds - Not the Same

Ben Folds - The Frown Song (partial)

Ingrid Michealson - Be OK

and last but not least...

Death Cab for Cutie - New Year + Why You'd Want to Live Here

There it be... hope you enjoy cause I sure did.

DC Trip Final Update

2008-10-21T02:11:00.002-06:00

So... Looking back on past blogs I have realized that I never posted pictures from my DC trip. Well here they are.

III

Elmo Prank Calls

2008-10-21T02:05:00.004-06:00

When you Youtube late at night you find many treasures, like Elmo making prank calls.