Oh the Memories

(Sara and Megan as we're getting on the bus to a track meet)

Sara + Megan: We have dates afterwards, so we're bringing out stuff with us so that we can get ready there, that way we won't be all dirty and sweaty.

Me (to Gibbs): Strange, I thought guys liked their girls sweaty.

-----

Brooke: I love old people. Whenever they talk, they just have to tell you their life story.

Me: Hmm, kinda like women.

-----

(First year of cross country memories)

Kenna: What happened to you guys?

Dakota and Me: We got attacked by a wasp nest.

Kenna: ... No, really, what happened?

-----

(After I fell on the trail during one of our mountain runs and got back up)

Dakota (to Me): I have to admit, that was kinda impressive.

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(Me to Preston as he was working out on the incline press)

Me: Careful not to strain anything... like your pride.

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(Preston's random outburst during a long run)

Preston: You know what? If I was a girl, I'd be such a slut.

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(There were two guys in prom dresses and wigs at the State cross country meet.)

Colton: Hey Jared, why don't you go flirt with those girls over there?

Me: Have Preston do it. We all know he'd flirt with a tree if he knew he could get any action.

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(When Dakota was talking about the girl he likes)

Dakota: She's on the Taylorsville softball team.

Rob: Ah, so she's a lesbian?

Dakota: .... burn

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(More track meet memories)

Rob: Hey Jared, you like my new sweats?

Me: Nice, who did you steal them from?

Rob: You.

Me: WHAT?

-----

(Just one from one of my best friends ever)

Missy: Sorry, I don't like white guys.

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(Thanksgiving trip to St. George while we were playing Mario Party at 4:30 in the morning)

Gina: Do you think he's asleep?

Nolan: ... Christmas, Christmas, Christmas

Me: I'd say he is.

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(Tyson and I dissing on Twilight while we were driving somewhere)

Tyson: Abbey (his girlfriend) says that I remind her of Edward.

(Watch some cars pass us)

Tyson: I really like that car.

Me: Which one?

Tyson: The Volvo. Except, I'd pick a different color for it.

Me: Like silver?

Tyson: Yeah! Wait, what's so funny?

-----

Me: Ring, ring.

Dakota: Hello.

Me: Hey, it's Jared.

Dakota: Oh hi Jared, how're you doing?

Me: Good, good. How are you doing?

Dakota: Oh I'm doing just great!

Me: Good, good. So listen, some friends and I were going out this weekend, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?

Dakota: Sure, that sounds like fun.

Me: Sweet! So I'll pick you up around seven okay?

Dakota: Okay, sounds great.

Dakota and Me: Bye.

(we both turn to Daniel after putting down our hand-phones)

Dakota: So, did you get all of that?

Daniel: Well sure, but what if she tells me no?

(we both sigh)

Dakota (to me): Okay, you have to be Michon this time. (pretends hand is a phone) Ring, ring.

-----

(Another random moment)

Dakota: Dontcha wish your girlfriend was hot like me.

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(Track moment)

Trent and Me: AH!!! CATERPILLARS!!!!!

-----

(It's funnier if you actually don't know the entire conversation)

Me (to Kallie): ... with a FORK? How do you even do that?

-----

Dakota: Hmm, you know, I really like the way I say that.

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(While running past an elementary school one time)

Little girl (to Allyn): Ew! Put a shirt on!

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(Just a few Junior Prom memories)

Michael (getting out of his car): I can't believe you had to turn into all three of the Riverview parking lots.

Me: I can't believe you followed me into two of them.

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(Best math class ever)

Me: I'm 1/3 Asian you know.

Kenna: ... Wait, don't you need three people for that?

-----

(I get a little high off of certain fruit smoothies)

Me (talking into a cup to deepen my voice): Trent, I am your father! Bwa... kah, bwa... kah. (laughing)

Trent (referring to my smoothie): What did they put in that?

-----

Gibbs: That's it! Flag pole, right now!

Me: Fine! You lead the way!

(we march out to the flag pole)

Me: So, like, now what?

Gibbs: Hm, the dance company is watching. Pretend to beat me up.

Me: Okay

(we walk back in, I'm helping Gibbs like he can't walk on his own as we pass by the dance company)

Gibbs: Why, why did you do it?

Me: You brought this on yourself Gibbs, that was the last straw!

-----

(A memories after falling on my butt while puddle jumping in Murray Park)

Dakota: Dude, are you alright?

Me: Uh... depends. Did the entire girl's soccer team just see that?

Dakota (looks): Yup, I think they did.

Me: ... Not alright.

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(St. Patrick's Day Race, one of my few vain moments)

Me: I would've run faster, but I sort of lost all motivation after that girl (I point) passed me by.

Gibbs (looks at her): I approve.

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(Inside of Coldstone)

Allyn: Man, can you believe Dakota (who went to sit with a bunch of girls we didn't know)?

Me: What can I say? Dakota's a player.

Dakota (as the girls giggle): WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?

Me: Did I just say that outloud?

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(How I found out that Trent and Nikki were going out)

Me: Yeah, I think we (Trent, Nikki, and I) are going to go see that Step Up 2 movie this weekend.

Dakota: Have fun chaperoning.

Me: Uh, what?

Dakota: Didn't you know? They're like dating now.

Me: .... THEY'RE WHAT?

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(When Rob put me in charge of what ab workouts for the day)

Sara: Jared, I really think you need to do these workouts too. I'm worried about you, I think you're getting fat.

Me: Yeah, insulting me isn't going to make the workout any shorter.

Sara: I love you.

Me: Neither will flattery.

-----

(Excerpt from the Book of Ryan)

BoR (referring to Ashley Evans): And she had the prettiest eyes I did ever see.

-----

Kenna (referring to Ashley Evans): I think she smiles when she's sleeping.

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(At a state cross country meet we got to overheard some guy from the other team giving his team a prep talk)

Guy: Now remember, this is state, this is what we've been practicing for all year long. You go out there and you push it as hard as you can. If you give anything less than your best, you're cheating yourself.

Our team: ....

Preston: Yeah! (mockingly) That's right. I want each of you guys to freakin' push your butts out there. I want you... yeah you, to beat ME, or else you're off of the team. Win or I'm gonna kick yo' butt. Now come on, le's win this shit!

-----

(During a workout)

Adam: Dang, we still have like three reps left. I feel like I'm gonna...

(I walk over to the side of the track and throw up)

Adam: You okay?

Me: Yup, three reps left. Let's go.

The Letter

Thinking of you, wherever you are

We pray for our sorrows to end, and hope that our hearts will blend

Now I will step forward to realize this wish

And who knows:

Starting a new journey may not be so hard or maybe it has already begun.

There are many worlds, but they share the same sky---

One sky, one destiny

Long Live the Memory

I still remember the smell of the rain. Waking up at 7 in the morning for a 2 hours busride to an 8 hour track meet isn't the most joyous feeling in the world, but there's something refreshing about that smell that makes it all worth the while. The dark clouds dripping small drops of water, it gives the world this bluish tint. Some people associate rain with sadness, some even say it rains when people die. God's own tears shed for his children. As for me, rain holds most of my fondest memories.

Richfield was a beautiful place for a track meet. The long drive, the day that turned out to be warm and beautiful, the feel of the track beneath my feet. The laughter, the friends, each time I see the rain fall I can remember a thousand pleasant memories. That's why I love the rain. It's calm and soothing. It reminds me of the people in my life that make living worth the while. It gives me hope, it gives me drive and determination to succeed. All in all, I love the rain.

The Only Exception

The Only Exception

When I was younger
I saw my daddy cry
And curse at the wind
He broke his own heart
And I watched
As he tried to reassemble it

And my momma swore that
She would never let herself forget
And that was the day that I promised
I'd never sing of love
If it does not exist

But darling,
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception

Maybe I know, somewhere
Deep in my soul
That love never lasts
And we've got to find other ways
To make it alone
Keep a straight face

And I've always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable, distance
And up until now
I had sworn to myself that I'm
Content with loneliness

Because none of it was ever worth the risk

Well, You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception

I've got a tight grip on reality
But I can't
Let go of what's in front of me here
I know you're leaving
In the morning, when you wake up
Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream

Ohh---

You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception
You, are, the only exception

And I'm on my way to believing
Oh, And I'm on my way to believing

Untitled

The desire is nothing without the will to make it happen.

It Won't Be Soon Before Long

Goodnight, Goodnight

You left me hanging from a thread we once swung from together

I’ve lick my wounds but I can’t ever see them getting better

Something’s gotta change

Things cannot stay the same

Her hair was pressed against her face, her eyes were red with anger

Enraged by things unsaid and empty beds and bad behavior

Something’s gotta change

It must be rearranged, oh

I’m sorry, I did not mean to hurt my little girl

It's beyond me, I cannot carry the weight of the heavy world

So goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Goodnight, hope that things work out all right, yeah

Whoa

The room was silent as we all tried so hard to remember

The way it feels to be alive

The day that he first met her

Something’s gotta change

Things cannot stay the same

You make me think of someone wonderful, but I can’t place her

I wake up every morning wishing one more time to face her

Something’s gotta change

It must be rearranged, oh

I’m sorry, I did not mean to hurt my little girl

It's beyond me, I cannot carry the weight of a heavy world

So goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Goodnight, hope that things work out all right

So much to love

So much to learn

But I won’t be there to teach you, oh
I know I can be close

But I try my best to reach you

I’m so sorry, I did not mean to hurt my little girl

It's beyond me, I cannot carry the weight of a heavy world

So goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Goodnight, hope that things work out all right, yeah

Whoa, oh…

Yeah

What Can't Be Seen

Even reflections lie to us.

Standing in front of a mirror for hours won't change the image it reflects. Hoping against hope to be different is just a wasted prayer. We plead and beg for God to change the people we find in the looking glass, and we curse when that image never changes. Never realizing the part we had to play.

Oh what a folly it is to think that we're capable of seeing ourselves on our own. It's an impossible task to see all that you are when you leave traces of yourself wherever you go. Left on the streets you strolled down, imprinted upon the hearts of the people you touched. To ever glimpse the true you, you need the faces of all who have been changed because of you.

There are always more than you think.

Yet, trouble arises with that thought. To know ourselves we must know the traces we have left upon other people, a knowledge that only comes through their expressed feelings of us reflected back at us. We've been touched by so many, and yet greedily we keep it inside ourselves thinking it belongs to us. A shameful thought, to ever claim anything in such a selfish way. Paying our gratitudes to those around us not only lets that mirror brigthen for them, it brightens for us as well.

We can trace all of the problems of the world to selfishness. We can trace all that is lost to it too. Time to give back to the world, and see the bigger picture.

The World Ends with You

The power is in our hands.

Zetta Shucks

Attention all yactograms!
Sliding from vector to vector
Left like an unknown variable
Ridiculous,
Leaving the undefined
You're drowning in a sea
Of imaginary numbers

Some Old Horses Can Always Hear
Their Owners Approach
So get ready for the 180 flip
Prepare for a paradigm switch
The inverse equation is ready
Ready to reverse engineer the desired solution
1,2,3 set the countdown

Let's get derived!

The World Ends With You

Neku Sakaruba
"Ugh.. Seven days with you? Kill me now."

"Must... fight... emo... urges..."

"Is it true steroids can shrink your... nevermind."

"Why would you want to be a crayon?"

"You have a ramen doctor in your secret base?"

"Apparently he didn't just name us after crayons, he's been eating them too."

"The pig moves on its own? What if its possessed - waiting to porkchop us in the back of the head?"

"Full of fail, as usual."

"Hello, dead kid speaking."

"I guess you're just an ass, all the time."

"Then I wish I had more zippers... so I could tell you to zip it."

"Who thought that costume was okay? Guy's got a ram on his crotch. What is this, Freak Fashion Friday? Tin Pin, yours is a mysterious world."

"Har har. You're killing me, Josh. Oh wait..."

Shiki Misaki

"But you're clothes... They're um... Not, like, bad, but..."

"ARGH! Just LOOKING at you makes me cringe!... It's coming loose. That button on your shorts!... OFF! Take your shorts off! I'll fix the button. Pants. Off. NOW!"

"If he pleases you sir, he's yours to play with anytime."

"Blue and Pink?! I mean, they go together but I didn't think they went like THAT."

"I'm coming too. If anything happens I want to be there to see- I mean stop it."

"OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OH. EM. GEE. I-it's the puh-puh-puh-puh-puh-puh-puh-puh-pri-PRINCE!!!"

"You don’t lie to MAKE friends. I agree, that wouldn’t be right. But sometimes, you need to tell a fib because you ARE friends. Not all secrets are bad secrets."


Joshua

"Only by allowing strangers in, can we find new ways to be ourselves."

"Life's little crossroads are often as simple as the pull of a trigger."

"Dibs on the rainbow."

"No no no, I call Pink. Pink is love, and a humanitarian like me loves people."

"Actually, I should be gold. The color of wisdom."

"I don't see how this is my fault. You're the one that refuses to call me Pink."

"Shut up and walk, dear."

"Don't be depressed, Yellow. Blue's already got the emo thing covered."

"It's not hard to get people, Neku--It's impossible."

"And here's me, playing the world's tiniest violin."

Beat

"My name is Daisukeno...Aw screw it, jus' call me Beat."

"Tha's right. Wait, you're makin' fun a' me!"

"Come back when you grow a pair!"

"I'm not treading on thin ice! Shibuya's not cold enough for ice!"

"Oh yeah? Then wha’s wid the “unforeseen circumstances”? Sounds like you can’t predict jack, yo. ‘Sides you missin’ something’ hella crucial. Next Composer gonna be ME, yo!"

"Oh yeah? Well... He who stays an' fights away lives today another fight!"

From Soc to Science

There were no wasted tears on those fruitless endeavors, though that's not to say there was no pain. Tearless eyes held back a fury unlike any she had ever felt. Sadness and anger fed into each other in an endlcess cycle, the two emotions aroused within her one after the other. The years she had spent committed to him burned within her mind. Years of hope, waiting for him to take the next step only to discover his lost passion.

Regression was the only road for them, and it was a road she kept on in vain hope. Like pushing a boulder up a mountain, she tried to steer them back on course, but it was useless. His desire was gone, and all her efforts were in vain, leading to a longer and more painful end. All that remained was a bitter taste in her mouth.

No words can describe the pain of a soul being torn. Those ethereal threads were woven to perfection prior to existence, untangible by human hands but not by human words. Now they were frayed and torn by the perilous phrase:

"I just don't need you anymore."

Lips to Tulips

For some reason the oddest picture has framed itself in my mind. A young girl in a small patch of orange/yellow tulips with her bright red lips pressed against the petals.

Food for Thought

7:00 PM today marked one of the most beautiful days that I have ever seen. There's this strange taste of nolstagia when I stare at the sun at that certain time in the sky. Whether it be the colors of the sky or the cool of the air, I don't know, but it feels as though this day just calls to me. It makes me question what memories I might have that are locked behind this single stimulant. Stimulation causes action, and it feels as though this day was trying to stimulate something in me and unlock some fond memories, but it never got quite that far.

It's a terrible shame to think that life is so consuming I'm not even allowed a moment to linger and stare out the window. Here I sit, an hour later when I have time enough to write but not to stare out the window. I tried, and the day was still nice but the feeling wasn't there. Blown away on the whims of the wind it would seem, I wonder if it will ever have the chance to get back. Will it come again tomorrow? The day's are getting longer with each one that passes, the 7 PM today will not be the same one tomorrow. And so, in dread, I wonder if my moment of reflection is lost for another year. I'll have long forgotten by then this moment, but maybe when I glance out the window at that hour one year from now I'll remember this first, and take a moment to stop and stare. Then, maybe, I'll be able to enjoy the sweet memories that were at the tips of my fingers...

One year and counting, I'll be waiting.