Randomer Thoughts

Finals. Worried? Of course. Why? My future rests in the balance. And my future is very unknown at this point. Lately, my plans for the future have changed. Drastically. I'm talking Season 8 of 24 drastic. Chuck not having the intersect drastic (btw, if you haven't been keeping up, he finally got it back last episode - SPOILER!!! In your face!). Now isn't that great. I honestly had everything planned out. I've been working hard to achieve my goals. But alas, God must have a different plan in mind. I've got other things to do, so this is all for today.

The randomer thought for today is simple. I love my Second Amendment. Mosin Nagant M44 FTW. And no, I'm not a purist. Bipod. Scope. Monte Carlo stock. Possibly a pistol grip and a mock-up sniper bolt in the future. We'll see.

Black Friday was good to me. I didn't have to wake at 4AM to direct traffic for 17 hours like I did last year. I didn't have to wake up at 3AM to stand outside Best Buy like I did the year before. I woke up at a reasonable hour, went to Sportsman's Warehouse, and bought myself a Sig P250. The Sig P250 is a 9mm compact handgun.

My next purchase is likely to be a Mosin Nagant M44 (a Russian rifle that dates back before WWII) with the Scout Package from mosinpros.com. I've been told that some of the best surplus ammo is the steel core 7.62x54R ammo for the Mosin Nagant. Plus, it's even cheaper to shoot than my Sig (19 cents a round vs. 24 cents a round).

I also need a .22 rifle or handgun. It's the cheapest to shoot at 4 cents a round.


Now on to the good part: Thanksgiving! On Wednesday, I drove down to Clinton, UT. Most of my dad's side of the family came to celebrate Thanksgiving together. People I hadn't seen in years! I''m one of the oldest on my dad's side. I wrestled with my little cousins. It was a blast.

We played Rock Band. It was awesome. Probably since my Uncle Brian plays almost ever instrument I can think of. I don't think I've ever eaten so much in my life!I love the holidays. Now that Thanksgiving's over, I can play Christmas music! (I have this thing about playing Christmas music way too early)

Dr. Pepper and chocolate pie. :)

Tonight's randomer thought: Inception is an awesome movie. Watch it. Again. And again. And again.

Today's entry is simple. Be thankful for what you have. Pray for those in need. Then be an answer to that prayer. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. I hope your day is filled with food, family, and fun. Oh, and also the new Harry Potter movie if you haven't seen it yet. :)

Well now, that's over! Presentation out of the way. Yep. Now I can breathe again.

Now, it's time to watch The Prince of Egypt!

Arlington National Cemetery, from my vacation a few years ago.

And in this dream, things happened that reminded me of how much support and respect our troops deserve. Whether or not you support the reasons behind their deployment, they risk their lives so that you can have the freedom that you enjoy each and every day, even the freedom to complain against them if you so choose (however, I hope it isn't). To the Sea of White, the men who gave their lives for their country, I say "Thank you, and God bless your families and friends. God bless you."

I support you, soldiers of the United States of America.

I watched Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World this week. I was tired when I watched it, so I feel like I understood it. I get the feeling that it's the kind of movie that could send you into some form of deep intellectual thought... if you were high. Being a Mormon, this is something I will never experience (and that doesn't bother me one bit). Even so, that night I decided that, for my blog, I would attempt to pull a life lesson out of the movie.

I swear I thought of one, and it was a good one, too. But I can't remember it now. So, FAIL.

Most of my family flew in Friday night for Thanksgiving. The rest will be flying in tomorrow. You see, my grandpa has cancer, so my dad's side of the family is getting together again once more for Thanksgiving. It's good to see them again. In fact, as I write, my little brother is crashing on my couch. The little goose is only eleven. We went to the football game yesterday - BYU totally stomped 'em. I nearly froze my tail off - forgot how cold it can get! I'm not sure what the weekend will bring besides good food and family, but I hope it involves the new Harry Potter movie. I think I'm the only person on the planet who has yet to see it.

Today's randomer thought: Nod at the bird, and always carry your awesome with you, just in case. If this doesn't make sense, then you haven't seen Tobuscus.

I am exhausted! I've survived my final week of midterms (for some reason, all of my professors scheduled midterms during the same week), and it has me totally and completely drained. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving break, when my dad's side of the family will all be getting together again (it's been a while). The last time I saw my cousins, they were all little kids. Now, at least according to Facebook (the ultimate authority on everything), they've all grown up.

Tonight's randomer thought is this: Time flies by way too quickly. We live in a fast-paced world. We're always busy. But it's important to take a moment to recognize how amazing life is and how lucky we all are. Take a moment to thank God for something He has given you. As you ponder your blessings, you'll come to realize how good life can be.*


*If you can't think of anything right away, start with this: If you're reading this, then it means you have a friend.

Over the course of the next five days I will take three midterms. Living Prophets. Intro to Greek and Roman Literature. Finance. It's going to be a nightmare of a week. On the bright side (in life, there is always a bright side) the tests are evenly spaced apart. Still, it is going to be one stress-filled week.

I'm already looking forward to the end of a week that has yet to begin. By the end of the week, I should know whether or not I've made it into the program. At the tend of the week, I'll finally have time to install my new custom made projector headlights along with a slim ballast 35w 6000k HID kit. That's going to take some serious work. If there's any time left over, I'll go ahead and paint over my center reflector and use VHT Night Shade on the tail lights for that tinted look.

I have to keep this short today, so I'm done writing for now. I have to study for my tests. Wish me luck!

"When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world....

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Riot
My legs are stiff. My left foot tenses up in pain with every step. I can barely walk.

How did this happen? Two words: Laser Tag.

What kind of laser tag could possibly cause this? Thirty-six words: The kind of laser tag that requires you to sign a waiver stating that you understand that you may experience injury or death because it is run by former soldiers late at night at Timpanogas park.

It was exhilarating. We were two teams pitted against each other in a series of war games, hiding behind rocks and in trees - hunting and being hunted. There were split-second decisions that needed to be made as the situation was constantly changing. Should we split up? Stay together? Charge the M.O.B. or take the low ground, hug the rocks, and flank them?

It was intense. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Roast
That was Saturday. Now it's Sunday. I'm alone in my apartment, taking a moment to update my blog and relax. A dozen people left my apartment two hours ago. The leftovers from the roast I made are either with them or in the fridge. I enjoy making dinner for a lot of people because I like getting people together. Someone actually asked me tonight if I was a chef. Haha! No, I'm not. I'm far from it. But I do like to cook. The most important think about tonight, though, is that I had the opportunity to take a break from the stresses of life and spend time with friends that I don't see outside of work very often.

Now, I'm tired and I'm going to bed, and there's nothing that you can say or do to stop me. Goodnight, everybody. I wish you all the best.

It's 3:30 in the morning, and I can't sleep. So my roommate and I get to talking, and he starts to tell me about the Superman movie he watched earlier today. Do you know what bothers me? Superman. Clark Kent. They are the same person! But a change of clothes and a pair of glasses later, and all of a sudden NOBODY knows who the man is. I mean, are the people in Smallville and Metropolis that clueless? Really? I'm supposed to believe this? And who's the villain? Lex Luthor. There is nothing special about him at all. And Superman can't seem to beat him? Really?

This is why Batman's better. He has cool gadgets, a sweet car that's part motorcycle, and he's filthy rich. Hey, if I had that kind of money, after tithing and fast offerings, I would have a motorcycle-car too. In fact, the old Batman from the early TV show had anti-shark spray. How that works, I do not know. I do know that I would also have anti-shark spray, just in case.

I'm not a comic nerd. I've never even owned a comic book. I'm just really tired. It's time for a change of topic.

This weekend is looking good.

Saturday: laser tag with the Elder's quorum.
Sunday: hosting a dinner for a dozen*.

*This is an estimate. I don't actually know. It could be less. It could be more. I do know that I'm making a killer pot roast and that I'm going to be trying some new spices.

I don't really talk about it, but I do like to cook. My goal is to be able to cook by feeling, without recipes, and to do it well. The only people that know that are those who will read this post.

Okay, it's time to go to bed. Goodnight, everybody!

~Brandon

Yesterday, I was on a message board for owners of the Ford ZX2. One of the members said something that pushed one of my buttons - the "sense of entitlement" button.

Let me start off by saying that living in America offers equal opportunity. It does not, however, offer equal outcome. This member was complaining that companies pick people from certain schools over other schools simply because of the name of the school. His argument was that the skills of the individual should be the basis for choosing prospective employees and that the school has nothing to do with the skill level of the employee.

If you want quality car parts, you choose certain brands. Why? Because those brands have a reputation for producing quality parts. You trust them. You do not spend your time and money purchasing the same part from every manufacturer, installing each of the parts, and giving each of the parts a test drive. You purchase and install one part.

The school that you come from - the program that you come from - says a lot about your skill set. For example, the programs at the Marriott School are known for producing quality candidates for certain fields. BYU's animation program also produces quality candidates for jobs in the animation field. Pixar, a well known and highly respected company, recruits right out of BYU.

In today's competitive job market, it's the role of those seeking jobs to stand out to employers. The program you come from is one way to do that, but it is not the only way. In other words: If you've got the skills, then prove it.

Today truly is a sad day for Brandon McBride. He sold his Superchips ECU chip.

Yes, the friend I was referring to was my ECU chip. Nobody actually died.

"It's your turn! You have to go first so you can act everything out!" That is what she said to me. One of the girls I had met only half an hour before. It was a birthday party, and I had arrived in the middle of a game that is best described as a fusion of Clue, charades, and telephone.

I waited outside with two girls while the rest of the group decided on the person, the weapon, and the location that they would act out for me. I would then act out what I had seen for the second member of my group. She would act out what she had seen for the third member, who would attempt to guess the person, weapon, and location of the murder. That was the plan.

I had a blast that Saturday night.

So what happens when you, out of the goodness of your heart and for no other reason*, try to be nice to someone and by them a drink? You get into a conversation. You meet someone new. You end up at a party. And somehow, you end up acting out the use of a bad burrito as a murder weapon.



*Such as an assignment from your MCOM 320 professor, for example.

I would just like to say that it has been an amazing conference weekend. The spirit was definitely present in both my roommate's house and my apartment (the two places that I went to watch General Conference).

I've learned a few lessons - a few nuggets of wisdom - aside from those learned in General Conference, that I would like to share.

First - knives are sharp and sharp things hurt. I was making a sandwich this morning and I almost cut my fingertip off. Be careful!

Second - read the instructions. I installed a short throw shifter in my car this weekend. Because this was my first time installing a short throw shifter, and because the instructions weren't readily available, I decided to wing it. The new shifter is ridiculously loose, and needs to be reinstalled (I need new bushings).

Third - MAGNUM is gunspeak for LOUD. Always warn your roommate before shooting off a round when he's less than two feet away. If you don't, he will blog about you. Jerk.

Another weekend has come and will soon be gone, and I have so many cuts and bruises that I feel as if I've been physically assaulted. Was I? No. It was that stupid car.

On Saturday, I finally got around to working on my car. It came with manual locks and windows. I wanted power locks and windows. Oh, I know - you can't have everything you want. But I wanted power locks and windows - especially the windows. There's something about having to lean over to the opposite end of the car to roll down your insanely tinted windows that takes all of the fun out of having insanely tinted windows. So I bought the parts and took the task head on. I spent six long hours on, in, or under my car. Oh yes, I could have finished the entire project in two hours, if I had any prior knowledge of what I was doing. The first door took five hours; the second door only took one.

At least I learned something, right? ...right? After all, life is only fun when you're learning. Keep that in mind.

Let's be honest with each other. I'll make the first move - a gesture of faith, if you will - and tell you that I have not read any of the Twilight books. I have, however, seen the first Twilight movie. Well, let me rephrase that. I have seen parts of the first Twilight movie. I'll be referring to those as the "awake parts."

The most common phrase I've heard (besides "Oh Edward/Jacob! *swoon*) is "Why can't guys be more like Edward?" One scene from the first movie comes to mind, ladies. It's the scene where Bella wakes up to find Edward standing over her bed, watching her as she sleeps. Put yourself in that position. Is it romantic? No. Is it creepy? Yes. Take a moment to imagine. What would you really do in that situation? Would it turn into a wonderful romantic moment? Now wait. Before you answer, remember that we're being honest here. I get the feeling that it would involve some combination of one or more of the following actions:

1)Screaming
2)Running
3)Scratching
4)Throwing

I walked out of that movie with only one impression: Edward is creepy.

*This in every way, shape, and form expresses the opinion of the author, which has been formed based on the few scenes the movie could actually keep him awake for. The author will stand by this opinion until convinced otherwise.

**The author also believes that Twilight would be better if it contained a lot of explosions, as well as an appearance by Sean Connery or Russell Crowe. Maybe Sean Connery fighting Russell Crowe. With swords.

***The author already recognizes that he did use the term "awake parts" more than once.

FYI: Having a fast car makes you cool. Driving your fast car at speeds that are an unnecessary danger to others makes you an idiot. I will catch your license plate number next time. Drive safely.

"That looks like a lot of blood."

I failed at frying chicken tonight. The comment above was made by my roommate after the second time I declared my chicken to be done. It looked done to me! It was the color of KFC chicken, which apparently means nothing when you're frying chicken yourself.

On another note, I'm sitting outside of the Wilk right now. I'm bumming off of BYU's internet because my internet, like everything else in our apartment, has failed. The vacuum motor gave up the ghost, my bedroom light doesn't know the difference between ON and OFF, and for some reason the person in charge of designing the apartment didn't think that we would need any light in our living room.

Everybody shout "Hooray" for BYU housing! It's part of the experience.

No more Bieber!

It's time for yet another opening of Randomer Thoughts, the blog where I write down whatever I want to just because I can (even if it is a class assignment)!

This has definitely been the best summer that I've had in a long time. I spent most of my summer helping Wal-Mart in its transition from its old accounting systems to the SAP enterprise accounting software. Between fifty-five hour work weeks I found time to make slight modifications to my car and picked up handgun shooting as a new hobby. Everyone needs to have a little fun once in a while, right?

More importantly, my relationship with each of my immediate family members has improved significantly. I was able to spend time with both of my brothers. I discovered that my sister loves to go shooting just as much as I do. And I also discovered a new appreciation for my parents.

This summer has also given me a stronger testimony of certain aspects of the Gospel that have, more than once, left me absolutely speechless.

With that said, I'm glad to be back at BYU.

Random story:
I ate plastic yesterday. At least, it certainly felt like plastic. One of my friends at work told me that it was hardened yak cheese. I'm usually ready to try something new, but this experience has me reconsidering that position as far as foods from random animals are concerned. I felt like I was eating a Lego.

Feel free to leave comments in either the comments section or the Flooble chatterbox to the right.