A Key Mistake

Rescued by Jason & Alisha who had a AAA insurance card- Thx!

He cometh...tomorrow!

"It'll all get better in time" I sang (along with Leona Lewis) to my brother Boyd, who responded without hesitation, "And time is up! We'll soon open the seventh seal, if we haven't already..."

Such excitement has inspired me many a time to dive deeper into the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. And what better time than Christmas?..when we celebrate His First Coming!

While none of us 'know...the day nor the hour' (Matthew 25:13), 'the hour of His coming is nigh' (Doctrine & Covenants 133:17) and could be closer than we think...especially when bold 'how'd I miss that?' prophecies are fulfilled right in my ears and before my eyes.

President Gordon B. Hinckley told me Saturday October 6, 2001 that the moon turning to blood prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) has been fulfilled, yet I never saw or really heard until Boyd pointed it out to me a few months ago.

Hmmm...how many more are passing me by unaware?..as a thief in the night (1 Thes. 5:2).

Shortest Darkest Day of The Year (Yesterday)

December 21 (A.K.A. Winter Solstice) gave us (Salt Lakers) 9 hours 14 minutes & 51 seconds of daylight, while today we will experience 9 hours 14 minutes & 55 seconds of daylight--a whopping 4 seconds more!

BooYah!

This longer lighter trend will continue until we experience the longest lightest day of the year June 21 for 15 hours 6 minutes & 5 seconds. Just under 6 more hours of daylight.

Sah-wheet!!

We'll go back on Daylight Savings in a couple months (March 8), enjoy the first day of spring in a few (March 21), and be spring skiing, hiking, & biking before long.

Bring it!!!

Hmmm...the winter window's closing quickly--I better get out and slip, slide, & tackle some snow!

So Much Better!

Glad someone stepped up & took responsibility--thx Heidi & Lucy!

(Someone [how about you...Jedd!] needs to step up & get this blogger a decent camera--with autofocus!).

Homeless Choices...

Both homeless. Both sharing planet earth's mattress pad. Both just a few groves away. Both lifestyles so far apart!
The lower picture depicts a disturbing & distasteful setup I discovered for the first time today at the first available tree just above the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The upper I discovered a couple years ago clean, cozy & inviting. Today I found it the same (minus the tent). And look at it! It's nearly no-traced--except for the flat spot, plus a few tent & rope remnants. This is monumental! A homeless camper chose to clean up after himself (no chance for the lower, unless someone else takes responsibility). Such failure to cleanup creates havoc for us semi-homeless adventurers who occasionally setup shop for a night in a parking lot with a hammock attached to the trunk of a tree & a caRV since security officers are much more likely to question how long you'll be there (creating a mess you likely won't cleanup). Indeed the world (especially for semi-homeless adventurers) would be a different place if the homeless no traced their place(s).

Cinnamon Bug Chug!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmmm...I love bugs--especially the walking candy type.

I hadn't enjoyed a tasty 'tank beetle' since my Anasazi days (2001-2005).

Duckies

"Aahhh...where'd Daisy go?" Jarem, my 4-year-old nephew, whimpered over his lost duckie before bed. We searched for a few, afterwhich I assured him we'd find Donald's companion in the morning. He quickly obliged and crawled into his sleeping bag to rest his head after hiking and playing most of the day. We three (me, my brother Jason, & Jarem) were beat. Plus, an early morning awaited since I commited to go to an employment workshop the next day.

A workshop which would hopefully help me, unlike Jarem, leave some duckies behind. You see, I also own a couple duckies. My duckies remain nameless & rather motionless staring at me from the vinyl floor of a kiddie pool. They're often peering through a soap solution at a man full of life and zest creating bubbles & fog rings above them, pursuing his passions zealously (even to the point of poverty). The duckies are quite clueless concerning the impact such actions are having on this bachelor, but not I...
I am fully aware how such actions decide where I live, with whom I live, how I get around, and more.

This has to stop!

It is time to put aside unprofitable playtime and provide profitable playtime! (even if it's not as fun).

Wanna couple more duckies Jarem?

Master of Recess!

After intense research and study into what would be the best fit for Jedd, a solid conclusion has been reached--Recess! Jedd loves recess (I'm supposed to be there now adventuring in an Element!) and he is highly skilled in this area (I clearly hear the lunch recess bell at the American School of Bombay in Mumbai, India this very moment). I'm too tired to go though (not too mention it's on the other side of the world!)

Seriously (for a moment) I really want to Concoct A Kids Creation Camp and need a launchpad (plus some help--i.e. a partner/team). Education could prepare a firmer foundation from which to launch, add some credibility, give me greater confidence, introduce me to like-minded launchers, and more (or less) I imagine. Hence, I'm seriously considering a Recreation Management/Therapy Masters Degree.

Ahhh...it's refreshing knowing where I'm going in life--Recess!

Direction Decision Deadline!

We have decided to decide my life direction by September 17th--my 37th birthday. We (me and a friend Heidi) unanimously agree 'I'm old enough to know where I'm going in life'.

Regardless, the daunting--nearly here--deadline had me squirming, suggesting we wait til my 38th birthday.

She thought this was too distant a deadline.

Amen! Upon pondering the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of my faith, I recalled he completed his life's mission soon after his 38th birthday. While mine would just be getting started--Rrrr...we can do better!

Me. My bus. Heritage dining hall.

Driving, exploring, & creating blog entries: A relaxing way to spend a Friday evening.

Live Louder

Here's another 'Finale' teaser-enjoy!

Live Out Loud...Fall Summer Long

I'm gonna BURST!...

...into action. I've gotta. There's no other option. I have too much to offer this world to keep it to myself. Plus there are too many people counting on me and expecting more than I'm giving. It's time to 'Live Louder'!

No earplugs needed--you're gonna love the upcoming sounds!

You will thoroughly enjoy caRV'ing with Jedd in a Honda Element, experiencing unparallelled playtime with Concoct: A Kids Creation Camp, being inspired beyond belief with words straight from Jedd's modern computer quill. And that's just the beginning...

...of the end of a life going in circles.

God give me strength and courage to follow through!

Live Out Loud...All Summer Long!

My Sister-in-law Alisha creates compelling content and finds nice little gadgets to enhance the experience:

(These gadgets are even cooler when they actually work--you're supposed to be hearing Live Out Loud/All Summer Long, but the code isn't working)

Alisha and her husband (my brother Jason) also remind me (like when comparing blogs) that while where you rest your head is exciting, with whom you rest your head (and the resulting adventuresome tikes) is exciting also...perhaps more?!!

CampUs Shuttle: Go on...rest your head

Bus #1372 is a great CampUs Shuttle. Situated on nearly perfectly flat ground in a low light area this shuttle is an ideal spot to rest your head on a mat in between the seats. If you lack a mat, soft seats are at your side. And excellent weather exists in August creating a great setting for sound sleep--Zzzzz...

Rrrrr...disturbed constantly by a recurring nightmare of sleeping in and waking up to a shocked driver (Demond I believe) wondering "who the he** is camping in my bus!"

Shuttle cam sunset

We can definitely do better...but it's a decent start to what could be commuter services latest addition: The Shuttle Cam!

This (http://contributing.openoffice.org/donate.html) is intriguing...

While many of us are shredding, hiding, and keeping bank accounts private, others are taking a totally different approach!..

If you wish to use bank transfer, our bank account information is:
Account Owner: Team OpenOffice.org e.V.
Bank: Deutsche Bank Hamburg
Bank Number: 200 700 24
Account Number: 0480 0249 00
Swift Code: DEUT DEDB HAM
IBAN: DE25 2007 0024 0480 0249 00

A Beautiful Backwindow View!

I'm fairly convinced my sister Tami specifically purchased a vehicle in which I couldn't camp comfortably. Otherwise I'd be spending the night right here by the Bountiful Temple. It's a beautiful backwindow view and overnight parking at this open trailhead is highly unlikely to attract any security. But we'll never know (tonight) given I'm already uncomfortable, excited to hop in the ergonomical driver's seat!

The Coveted Urban Camper's Element

Hmmm....it is indeed interesting how people who have led (or are leading) similar lives experience related tastes in choice of cars to camp in. "The Honda Element would be the perfect vehicle to camp in" a guy at ward Family Home Evening informed me while chatting about car camping adventures and the coolest places we'd camped. I fully agreed as I've desired a Honda Element for quite some time now given its superior campability.

So what are we waiting for? Make some money. Buy one. Adventure in it (part-time!). And go live life...that's why we're here! (Keep in mind the part-time thing though--Urban Camping is best-lived part-time).

While you're at it how about you make some money with a full-time job. Buy a house. Woo a good woman. Adventure with her. And create me some grandkids! No car camping necessary.

Wild...where did she come from? My mom is supposed to be in Canada serving a mission.

P.S. Speaking of Urban Camping you might be interested to know I met a man who lives along the Jordan River Parkway tonight in a tent who was quite cool. He picked up his beer cans around his place and contributed to our cleanup endeavors.

Salt Lake's Annual Urban Camping Extravaganza!

Homeless brothers & sisters relax & rest at ease--sleeping in the streets is legal tonight!

Rudy knows what I'm talking about "Might as well (camp here), everyone else is." He tells me while laying on his sleeping bag next to his bike and trailer.

2nd South & 2nd East is right where I'd be if I were homeless! Why? Police headquarters. I'd enjoy gently reminding them that tonight I'm home free & can camp right in their backyard! (scroll down to Tues. May 8)

Hmmm...in my wanderings I'm discovering some interesting happenings--here's a taste!

11:23 pm, city & county building: kids playing soccer while a couple homeless guys lay konked out to the side.

11:39-a guy finishes exploring the top of the main library as I sit on the steps near the security fence he slunk around.

11:46-people intensely into a game of scrabble

11:49-an RV & grass group camp close together...the outsiders brag they've got it cooler--right they are.

11:53-jeep peeps playing video games in the Ken Garf parking lot (one kids dad is a big wig in the company)

12:01-After exiting the port a potty, a styling mini pedi-cab trailer complete with music & a blue shining neon light on the asphalt pedals by.

12:03-two firemen ride by on funky standup & lean to go electric scooters.

12:14-First sleepers I've seen: 2nd E. 7th S.

12:24-I'm getting tired. Heading back to get bike.

12:28-Carriage 4 hire trots by...likely their latest night of the year.

12:45-a security guard agrees to mustard on his hamburger grilled on the lawn, under a tree by some random campers keeping security happy. (5th S. 2nd E.)

12:53-Breakdancing...pad & all.

1:21-Heading home to my sleeping bags drying out on the deck. Will probably sleep there.

OK. Enjoyable, but I've had enough--you too! Yeah, it's time to wrap this up!..with a collective thanks to Brigham Young and the pioneer saints for coming to the valley and creating this wonderful night to urban camp together as saints. Plus it offers a nice night's rest to those of us accustomed to bright lights waking us up to officers in bright shiny badges telling us to leave the premises.

Where you rest your head is exciting!

"We got to sleep in the car last night!" brags a little guy about 4 years-old upon entering the Holiday Inn after a good night's rest. His Dad, not near as enthused (especially about broadcasting the event), looks around sheepishly...later admitting 'His mother's gonna kill me!'

Death aside...

This kid has it figured out. Where you rest your head is exciting!..be it in a cave by the river's edge, a mountain ledge, under a palm tree, an island, or even the Heber Holiday Inn parking lot!
(Story Complements of Chad Larsen--Thanks!)

A pleasant surprise!

Seeing me plastered on both computer screens in the commuter services office was quite cool.

Thanks for the advertising guys--you're now qualified for a discount corporate show!

To get your own desktop 'Bubble Potion' background (perhaps show?!) simply visit Concoct at JeddadiahJambalaya.com

Broadcast Journal!..ism

I just realized my degree is so suited to blogging. I basically broadcast my journal online which is what I studied in school (with a greater focus on newsworthy events in lives on earth [I'm alive and on earth!]). It's great to put a degree to use...and one day, it'll even be for profit!

Choose your roommates.

Up at the UofU health sciences education building I recently chatted with a good guy whose been homeless since coming to the valley in November. I recognized him around campus/SL and was intrigued with where he rests his head (perhaps this was the guy with the tent up the mountain?!). He informed me he lives in fear and is frequently booted by security (likely not the mountain man).
We soon got talking about where I live and how I have a couple roommates "Roommates? I tried that. No more!" "Sounds like you have security as your roommates" I countered somewhat surprised I said it out loud. Yet he took no offense, except toward security...whom he began to rant about again.
Aren't our stubborn streaks awful! They lead to some extremely poor decisions (i.e. choosing life on the streets over life in a stable home setting) resulting in some pretty poor outcomes. I've made a few of those myself and still do. I'm striving to make fewer in the future and live life like its best-lived!..starting with a place to call home.

Chalk Art Festival with the Fam.

I love spending time with my nieces & nephews (their parents are pretty cool too). We enjoyed a good time running through fountains and creating chalk art last Saturday. I quickly discovered I'm significantly more talented at running through fountains than converting an 8.5 x 11 picture onto a large slab of concrete. Thus I'm giving full credit to Tate (little guy in green) for the amazing abstract art around him.
I'm glad my family could come play--perhaps next time we'll practice before or stick with words & water!

City Creek Canyon

What a hike! Green. Great Views. Perfect Weather. Pretty Easy. Could connect to Bountiful if you're gung ho enough, yet you can opt for a Salt Lake loop like I did and enjoy a fine Family Home Evening together with fellow passengers who like to get up and move around while on our 365 day flight around the sun.

A Strong Northeastern Pull

Elder and Sister Eastman (a.k.a Mom and Dad) recently headed to Canada as Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I'm excited for them and know they'll do great. As the time approached I was a prime candidate to house-sit for 18 months, yet didn't quite make the cuts. Hence, another fine family got the house and I got the truck--it has a bed too! The bed and I have now made our way Northeast to 20th E. and 17th S. (in a house) which is a good move, yet I feel a strong pull in my mid ab area to go further Northeast to Canada...Saskatoon to be exact. I'm resisting though--it may be time to cut the cord (it's been 36 years!) and create some kids umbilical cords (in the womb of a good woman). I just gotta woo one...and prepare her for a long attachment--if my kids are anything like me.

May 14 Memoir

It feels like we need a trip back in time (3 years to the date) when we held 'My Island Migration' party across from 'My Island'. Many memories flood my mind as I remember the accepting friends who came to see my madness firsthand. We played, we ate (including some mini-corn dogs cooked in caRV), we talked, we swam across to my island, and just enjoyed each others company.

More recently I recall re-visiting my island during a retro road trip and feeling the undeniable impression 'create new and better memories'. As good as those days were, we can do better. As stretching as those days were, we can stretch more. I mean how hard would it be to shower a little more often? And thus create a better ending to the following funny, yet sobering story.

Urban Camping Cuddling
A friend and I head out to the river across from ‘My Island’ to prepare for my ‘May 14’ farewell party. We play a little and cook up some grub. As the sun sets we are having a good time reading and talking by the campfire, when somehow amidst the crisp clean air, bubbling brook, flickering firelight, and bright stars lighting the night sky we find ourselves in each other’s arms cuddling—Aaahhh...nice. The cuddling continues until she prematurely decides to run her fingers through my hair. She only makes a run or two when she voices her horror “My hand’s getting all greasy and oily!” Blah! Of all the days to skip a shower (or two), “Oh, yeah. I haven’t showered in a couple days. Sorry.”

Bachelor Pan

"Show me the 'Bachelor Pan'-one pan to do it all!" I requested. "Right over here" replied the sales gal much to my surprise. She proceeded to present the quality fry pan/sauce pan/soup pan/bake pan (plus possible solar oven with the glass lid). I was quite convinced, yet being on a date I explained 'I'm not quite ready'..."to commit" she completed-"Just like a bachelor!" She had me there and I agreed jovially, while processing the truth in those words and how I could eliminate such errors in order to live life together with a good pan!

Bus Break!

Ahhh...I needed that! Even with only 4 minutes & 37 seconds a refreshing swing breaks the driving monotony and introduced me to some budding photographers (pictured swinging). Indeed the best part about driving (and life) is recess!

A Tribute...

See Jeddadiary at www.JeddadiahJambalaya.com

"I almost got stuck in your bathroom!" is what I was about to tell the hotel attendants, but since they were busy I'll text go@blogger.com & tell U. I just experienced my first automated soap dispenser. Combined with the auto-flush toilet, laser-induced sink water, and automatic towel dispenser I instinctively reached for the door expecting it to open on its own. I waved my hand in front of it, yet no movement ensued. I looked for the laser unsuccessfully & finally accepted my fate: I would have to turn the handle on my own in order to exit...

The deadline arrives: Tuesday Taxcut

Tax time creates some quality entertainment at post offices. Salt Lake City's Downtown office is no different and I'm enjoying observing these amazingly relaxed last minute filers. I've been in their shoes frantically calculating my refund (or payment) to beat the midnight deadline. This year though I got on it early and promptly filed yesterday afternoon!

New 2008 Goal!

I'm creating a new goal for 2008--Make enough money to not qualify for earned income credit (a.k.a. my welfare check). I almost made it this year, but missed it by a hair (a few actually--97.14). This should be amazingly easy considering the amazingly low cutoff of 12,590, yet this is a part of Jedd's life he hasn't fully figured out. But rest assured he will! In fact I really have millions this very moment safely stored in other peoples bank accounts--perhaps yours?! Once I create something valuable enough, you'll share!


Update!!! HR Block just informed me...

"The amount of your Earned Income Credit is $0."

Woo Hoo--No Welfare Check & my quickest goal ever accomplished! On to the next goal: Your bank account!

Ere the sun goes down...

I'm watching the sunset from the Moran/Primary Children's walkway after an interesting hike up behind the hospital area. First I ran into a flattened spot where, in the fall of 2006, a friend and I discovered a tent setup quite cozily in the canyon. I hiked up further today and discovered a similar setup. This time I asked if anyone was home cuz I wanted to share my Miner's Lettuce discovery, yet since noone was home I left a tasty lettuce leaf on the doorstep with a note. Hopefully its enjoyed!
Thx 4 the sunset 2gether.

Spontaneous Porch Swings

So I grab a clean-wipe as I walk into Smiths and head for the trail mix. I make it 3 or 4 isles and eye an inviting porch swing. I try to resist the urge, but being on break the offer is even more inviting and I relent. Hence, here I sit (a few hours ago) swinging softly, entertaining random thoughts like 'Would blogging be so big if we (i.e. me) had a living breathing journal (i.e. a good woman) to share spontaneous porch swings, random thoughts, and life?' Hmmm...either way, the story would be better.

ABC's & F

I'm listening to a trio of kids sing the alphabet song in the back of this bus while the father of the trio complains to his wife with the 'F word' scattered throughout. The kids don't seem phased at all. Nor does the father seem affected by his kids good-natured singing. Life in this world can really take a toll on us. I just talked with the father. He's easy to talk to & has an amazingly clean mouth--hmmm...sure hope he can learn to respect his kids like he did me.

Dive Day!

Sah-weeet! Leap Year is here! Now we have an extra day, often called Leap Day, to rename Dive Day and take the plunge--"Turn off the thinker for a minute, and just dive-in!" That's what I'm talking about my Jungle Book bachelor brother Baloo! It is high time to experience some crystal clear eagerly awaiting waters--Water we waiting for?!

"We are very near greatness; one step and we are safe; can we not....leap?" Amen Emerson!

"Sometimes you just have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down." Go Kobi Yamada! Then again if there's water below, who needs wings?

"Writing about diving is always easier than taking the actual plunge." Courage Jedd! Go practice at the pool, prepare the platform, adjust the springboard, trust the waters, and dive!

A Marvelous Man

As I watched President Hinckleys funeral and went to his viewing I was reminded by the Spirit (& funeral speakers) that President Hinckley lives on. He is now reunited with Marjorie, the love of his life, and they are serving together again--the best way to serve and live!



I'm grateful for such a wonderful leader full of God's Spirit, love, and ceaseless drive to do more. Much like John who when asked by Christ 'what desirest thou?' replied 'Give unto me power over death that I may live and bring souls unto thee.' Jesus praised him saying 'My beloved has desired that he might do more.' (Doctrine and Covenants 7:1, 2, & 5)



May we all desire and do more.

Life: Best-Lived

Creating memories...wherever~whenever.
(P.S. I'm gonna turn this picture...yet while I'm figuring out PDA Mobile Blogging you'll have to turn your head/PDA/Monitor:-)

P.S.2: I created this snowcave in the Jordan Landing Target parking lot around Christmas. With the new snow we may be able to add to it?!

Hybrid Car-Camping

This is wild! I just discovered the Toyota Prius is a better car-camping vehicle than the Toyota FJ Cruiser. I wanted to take a closer look at the FJ Cruiser's campability and en route found the Prius! This vehicle folds completely flat creating an excellent area for placing your body diagonally--which beats the FJ Cruiser's significant slant and drop (although nothing a little creativity couldn't flatten).

Plus the Prius hatchback window creates a large close-up rear sun-roof (comparable to the Honda Element's rear sun-roof) for those nights when you wanna watch the stars and be closer to nature. Extremely close and open in the Prius, more distant and private in the Element--yet still closer than average.

The library is about to close and so am I...for now.

Flush out the old...

After dancing and chatting at the Masquerade Ball (to which I wore a 'customized' old-fashioned tux) I was ready for a break. Hence, I headed down the hall to the men's room. Nearly submerging my tux tails in the toilet took me off auto-pilot enough to look at the time on New Years Eve--11:59 pm. Aaahhhh!..I was seconds away from ringing in the New Year on the Porcelain Throne. Phooey! How could my timing be so poor? Yet so precise...and oh so different from 2006! Blah! 

Eventually accepting my fate, I flushed out the old and rushed in a new stellar story! To be shared with fellow dancers and online, for my first time--blog-style.

(This actually occurred Monday December 31st/Tuesday January 1st, but you know what? So what! It's hilarious, I need something to write about, and perhaps shows the real me--a few days behind:-)