This is my blog. . .

The ascent of Alex Honnold

2012-01-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

This had my palms sweating for 13mins . . . Pretty crazy stuff.

Mark your Calendars!

2011-11-18T07:42:00.001-08:00

"She gives me presents . . ."

2011-07-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

The night seemed to draw on forever as I involuntarily listened to the sounds of a restless Salt Lake Street: obnoxious laughter, erratic fireworks, the deep roar of motorcycles moving by; sleep would be impossible with such inconsistent pandemonium, "is any parade worth a night of no sleep?" I kept asking myself. I looked around with admiration for those who had achieved an incoherent state of rest. "How can they do that?" I enviously wondered. I silently wished for my heavy eyes to stay closed and my delicate mind to turn off, "even for just twenty minutes would be divine." I thought. Just then the sound of a rowdy car with music too loud for it's own speakers turned the corner and took my innocent wish and turned it into a laughable request; I was hopeless.

I laid back down in defeat with my hands at my side and began to come to terms with never sleeping. It was then when I felt a familiar hand lace her fingers through mine and gently squeeze her hand to my own. With a surprise I turned to find a friend who I loved and cherished at my side; one who I thought had been drifting in and out of dreams long ago. This girl meant the world to me. Our eyes locked briefly and she smiled. My heart fluttered and I felt calm. Before I could smile back her eyes closed and she was gone; but our hands stayed tied. My mind began to paint an elaborate picture of the memories that the two of us shared and I couldn't stop smiling. The clamor and commotion of the night stood still as I found myself musing in the dreams I had previously wished for. I was happy. I was at rest. I was with her. Soon the reflections faded and the noise of the night returned. With my hand in hers I felt at ease and now began to hope that the night wouldn't take it's course too quickly; perhaps a parade with no sleep was worth it after all. . . maybe just this once.

"O, Galilee"

2011-07-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

I miss the Galilee more than ever today.

"No Time for Cameras, we'll use our eyes instead"

2011-07-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

The decision was made the subsequent evening as Shane and I sat on the hood of his vehicle overlooking the dim lit Utah Valley: we would hike baldy the following night, sleep there, and take some of the coolest pictures of all time.

In our youth Shane and I had scaled baldy frequently to peer over the valley below and prance along the cliffs of the canyon. It was here, in the rugged ravines of Dry Canyon, where memories reigned and friendships were reinforced; It was these recollections that we were determined to reinvent on our hike that evening.

The sun descended to the horizon as Shane and I slowly ascended up the mountain. Shane courageously was muscling 35 pounds of camera gear to ensure the success of our trip, and I was hauling up our sleeping gear. The arduous hike proved that our aging bodies were no longer what they use to be; the two of us stumbled up the steep trail inhaling deeply and noting how the rocky terrain was much more challenging than we could recall from days gone by.

Upon reaching an open field where the majestic Timpanogos Mountain beckoned for the sound of a shutter, Shane pulled out his camera only to find that his memory card was not in place. Our hearts sunk and discouragement set in.

We sat in disappointment for awhile till we made the bold decision to ramble onto the top of baldy, watch the concluding sunset, eat some peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and then hike back down in the dark.
No, we didn't capture the transcendent pictures we had hoped for, but Dry Canyon did what it always does: instill memories and forge friendships. Thanks, Rickard, for a grand hike!

The one photo we did capture via Shane's phone.

"How Do I Love Thee?"

2011-07-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Probably one of my all time favorite talks by Elder Jeffery R. Holland

How Do I Love Thee?

Also, this is an excellent "speech" given by an non-LDS gentleman on giving. Pretty awesome.

Why Giving Matters

Check them out and let me know what you think.

Down in the Valley

2011-06-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Went camping in Northwestern Colorado...

Thanks for a wonderful trip.

See that's a Simile, no wait, a Metaphor . . .

2011-06-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Another term is over for me. This Spring term I have some how managed to bare a couple more classes. Here is what I learned:

BOM pt. 2: The gospel is no accident. In fact, I am pretty sure the word "accident" isn't even in God's vocabulary. Patterns, events, people, words, etc found in the scriptures are there for a reason. If we dig a little deeper beyond what we are actually reading, while applying what life has already learned us and adding a healthy dose of the spirit, we can discover meanings, symbols, and characteristics that are all intertwined to enhance what we call life. There is a lot to be learned in the little things.

Chem 101: I have never taken a chemistry class in my life. Like most things I do, I took the alternate route to chemistry in High School and experienced the class entitle "Advanced Health Science" with an ed-net teacher who used Ripley's Believe It or Not Episodes to expose us students to, well, Advanced Health Science. I have never regretted that decision. So I thought it would be about time to learn what chemistry was all about and sign up for the basics. I was enjoying what I was learning, but somewhere between solubility rules and chemical eqilibriums I fell off the safe boat and landed into a sea of chemistry knowledge that I didn't care to tread in. So I quietly sank. No, I didn't give up. I still attended all classes (even when it was absolutely beautiful outside), I read the chapters, I did the homework, and I even went to all the labs (wearing plastic bags on my feet, mind you, because I refused to wear shoes most times). It was about this time when I started learning the most. I stopped being so intense over the class and just started enjoying the rather outstanding facts I was learning. The elements of the earth are pretty incredible. Life and it's reactions and products are rather remarkable to me. There certainly is a lot to be learned and I have decided it's okay that I don't know everything--as long as I appreciate it. Which I do....

P.S. Tunes Updated. Enjoy.

Stunning

2011-06-01T14:22:00.001-07:00

The Arctic Light from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Here is a time lapse video that I enjoy. I found it posted up on facebook by Shane Rickard. I have become pretty keen on these types of time lapse video ever since I created my own about a year ago in the Old City of Jerusalem. Enjoy this one, Its beautiful- best watched on a full screen!

The best soccer team in the entire world

2011-05-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Even Google knows . . .

I am #1000

2011-05-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

I had been keeping my eye on the new filtered water dispenser that was recently installed on BYU campus in the JSFB. This was no ordinary drinking fountain. This high functioning water vendor literally tallies the amount of waste eliminated from refilling your bottles.

I was determined to be the 1000 bottle saved. So I steadily checked back daily on the count. After careful planning the day finally arrived on Saturday May 7th, 2011...

999 comes right before 1000

In action!

AND THEN

Victory.

I do what I can to rid the world of hideous waste.

P.S. It's Friday the 13th! The only one of the year!

For the first time ever . . .

2011-05-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

. . . i began following a popular blog written by a person that I don't even know.

Stuff White People Like intrigues me, maybe it will intrigue you too.

Great News!

2011-04-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

I got a hair cut today.

New Post!

2011-03-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

It's Friday. Mystery Friday. Provo is cold, still. I am forgoing my stats assignment because I can't stand that class. I will never be a statistician. NCAA Basketball tournament is fun to watch. MLS season is officially underway tomorrow (Sat. 19th). Can't wait for Real Salt Lake to destroy any opponent they come up against. I really just want to go to New Zealand, and stay. Waking up at 5:15 is getting easier, but harder to watch soccer and not play. My ankle still hurts from spraining it and re-spraining it every time I play; worth it.

P.S. Tunes are updated. And if you want to leave a message to my phone, through this blog, you can. I would love to hear from you.

Radical Face

2011-03-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

I like it. I hope you do too.
Radical Face - Welcome Home by ScratchingColours

My New Ocean, Part II

2010-12-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

"Man cannot discover new oceans, unless he has courage to lose site of the shore."

Well, my adventure boat is about ready to set sail again. For nearly a year I have staked Hawaii as my home. You may recall my initial decision to attend school at BYU-Hawaii was one of hesitance. Now that my little stint in the Pacific is coming to a close I again find myself with feelings that match what I felt over a year ago. The islands have been good to me. Hawaii has yielded me with countless experiences and wonderful friendships that I am sure will endure well beyond this mortal probation. I have endured disappointment while discovering personal victories I didn't even know were possible. I have witnessed some of the most breath taking beauty the earth has to offer; I have even survived a tsunami.

While I am going to miss Hawaii, I am not ignorant enough to not realize the tremendous opportunities I have in the future. I am certainly glad to be among my family once again. I am glad to be attending a University that will most likely kick my butt academically. I am glad to once again be in the midst of friends. So here we go . . . back to the mainland! See you soon.

To Be or Not to Be

2010-12-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

To be . . Done! See you later Shakespeare 382.

When you're still waiting for the snow to fall . . .

2010-12-11T11:06:00.001-08:00

Coldplay never ceases to amaze me.

Mice: Can't live with 'em can't live without 'em

2010-12-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

How does a hole get in my bag of Fritos? Mice. There will be revenge.

The Great Chair Throwing Incident of '94

2010-12-09T11:28:00.001-08:00

Bahaha....

Product of a Sunday Walk

2010-12-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

. . . a walk in my backyard . . .

These things are interesting to me this week:

2010-12-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

The future of soccer?

For more info: CTRUS

Sepaktakraw

FIFA awards 2022 World Cup to Qatar, denies USA

I wouldn't want to get in a fight with this kid . . ..

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why they call it the present."

Thanks

2010-11-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

For the fourth straight Thanksgiving I am away from my family. What does one do when he doesn't have a family to do things with. He hikes Crouching Lion* . . .

The Lion Itself.

* Pictures courtesy of the internet. I don't have a camera to take pictures, however, these pics generally represent what I saw.

I am thankful for the beautiful earth we live on. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am also thankful for Real Salt Lake.
Love, Jesse

New! Improved! Better! More Awesome!

2010-11-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

So in an attempt to get this blog thing back up and running I am growing a mustache - again. Trust me, I know the consequences of growing a little luxury. People get way jealous and start referring to you as "pedophile" or "creepy" or "stupid." However, the hecklers are obviously misinformed and ignorant. Click here to see why and how mustaches are actually a good idea.

Also in an attempt to increase readership, or maybe to regain those of you who were once semi-interested in my life, I changed my blog's color to Green . You like those little birds in the right hand corner? Me too.

I even updated my music for you! There is quite the variety over there. You should give it all a play and let me know what you think. I didn't put everything I have been jamming to, but there is some there.

Another new addition is that little Ke Alakai link over there. That would be BYU-Hawaii's weekly new magazine. Why would I post such a link? Cause I am a sports writer for them and have been since forever. So if you want to check out what I do for my job then click the link and head over to the sports section. I basically own that page, or at least I did until they recently hired Nate to assist me in writing. . .

I have been camera-less every since my camera may or may not have been nicked in the Holy Land. So what do I do? Use my sweet as built in webcam from my laptop. So here is the most recent and up to date photo of me:

I am actually in the library in this photo foregoing my ten page Shakespeare paper just so I can write to you! That is how much I love you, reader!

In other news Real Salt Lake is out of the playoffs. This has caused a great deal of reoccurring anguish and sadness. However, you can help keep the RSL spark alive by voting for Javier Morales or Ned Grabavoy's goals for GOAL OF THE YEAR. Also, you can vote any of Nick Rimando's SAVES OF THE YEAR.

So there you have it. New. Better. More Awesome. You like?

Paul The Octopus Dies At The Age of Two and A Half - From Our Editors - SBNation.com

2010-10-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be the one to break the news. I figured this was pretty blog worthy. . .

Paul The Octopus Dies At The Age of Two and A Half - From Our Editors - SBNation.com

Old City Time Lapse!

2010-08-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a video me, Amanda, and Cam made while in the Old City of Jerusalem. We stood in that spot for about an hour straight. Toward the end we had fruit and other assorted produce being thrown at us. It was fun to make, hope you like it too! Stay tuned for some pictures from my summer in the Holy Land!

Sorry it's so small and the quality isn't the best.

way sweet

2010-05-06T03:31:00.000-07:00

I am way sweet because I live in Jerusalem!!!

Friendly Reminders

2010-04-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we forget things. Even the most simple concepts in life are often brushed aside and unintentionally shelved under the name "abandoned." That is why I am thankful for the contrasting word, "remember." I have noticed in the last couple of months our dorm bathroom has been plastered with notes to help me and my fellow dorm mates recall some deserted routines. Thanks to our cleaning lady for being so understanding. The following are notes she has written to us. They make me laugh every time I read them; mostly because of how FOB they sound. "FOB" is a term rendered mostly to islanders who speak with mixed tenses, words, and sentence structures. Hopefully you find them funny too. . .

P.S Newly added list of friends blogs to the right for those who might be interested in what some of my mates are up to. ENJOY!

Disregard "Dis" Ability

2010-04-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Watch the video...

Chris has been a real inspiration to pretty much everyone on campus. I am certainly grateful to be able to associate with him on and off the field!
Thanks to Emily Mearns who made this video!

Thanks Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole

2010-03-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hawaii is a great place to live. Sometimes there are these Hawaiian holidays that no one really understands why they occur, but everyone is excited to have them cause it means we don't have to go to school; Kuhio Day was one of those days. I don't know who Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was, but I would like to thank him for whatever it was that he did that allowed so many students to be free from the labors of school.

Friday was a grand day. The day started off with a little soccer. For those that might not know, I am madly in love with soccer. I find a tremendous amount of joy playing the beautiful game. From soccer time, me and a couple of friends ventured out of Laie (a rare adventure) to a town called Haleiwa. There we chilled on the beach and swam with sea turtles! It was pretty was neat. On the way home we spotted some Orca Whales putting on a show just off the shore. We pulled over and watched them until they disappeared into the sunset. Later that night I was privileged to go on a date. A blind date at that! I went with Becky Percy, who turned out to be lovely company. We had fun and learned how to swing dance!

The momentum from Kuhio Day took us into Saturday where that same group of mates decided to hike Chinaman's hat. Chinaman's hat is an island just off the shore of Ka'a'awa Valley on Oahu. You have to walk/swim out to hike it. We went when the tide was pretty low which made walking on the reef a little easier. However, we may have spent to much time on the island. By the time we were ready to get back to shore, the tide had risen a bit; we had to swim more than expected. The short people were tippy toeing it back....

After Chinaman's Hat, we went to the Valley of Temples, and hung around a Chinese temple while listening to a Jazz festival that was there. It was relaxing and enjoyable. From then on we went to Orange Tree- a self serve frozen yogurt place- to get something to cool our heat burdens.

It was a fantastic weekend. Thanks Prince Kalaianaole!

P.S. What made the weekend even better was Real Salt Lake won their first ever season opener against San Jose. Morales had some sick goals! AND My buddy got his mission call to Peru. AND I was able to see one of the Stake Presidents I served with in New Zealand! So good.

DOUBLE P.S. The Tunes are updated to the right if you are interested . . .

(ENJOY THE PICTURES MUM!)

Familia! Whanau! Ohana! Family!

2010-02-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

At my Mother's request that I, " . . . do something with my blog." I write to you.

I made a hesitant return to Hawaii about a month or so ago. Leaving home proved to be a challenge. The words of our friend Dorthy of Kansas seemed to ring true, "There's no place like home." My expedition back home re-exposed, for me, why home apparently is with out a comparison: The Family.

Growing up I was sure I was assigned to the wrong family; I was certain there must have been some mix up in the pre-existence. However, as I have matured and grown up, as has my family, I have come to treasure the relationships I have gained with each of my siblings and am more grateful than ever that I am a Manscill. I am finding my self more and more excited to relay who my family is when others inquire. What a grand privilege it is to tell of my two wonderful parents who reside in Israel and teach at the BYU-Jerusalem center! And to inform the crowds that I have a fifteen year old brother who is breaking cultural barriers in the middle east always brings a cheer. It is a fantastic response when I declare that I have two sisters who are happily married and are mothering children of their own (my nieces and nephews)! Sighs of jealousy fill the air when I introduce my brother-in-laws and sister-in-law. The masses draw ever more large when I begin to tell about how I have a younger sister who is wonderfully independent and caring. "Tell us more!" they yell when mention is made of my eldest brother and his running escapades. It is a delight to acknowledge my two elder brothers and their tales of service and love.

Yes, indeed -I have the greatest family on earth. I admire who my family is and what they are becoming; I am just hoping I can follow suit.

Love you guys!

P.S. Updated the Tunes for those who are interested!

Roster

2009-09-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

It really is a privilege for me to be on this little list of amazing players. Check it out . . .

BYUH Men's Soccer Team

(click player names to learn more about each of the players)

Mustachtasitic

2009-09-14T02:57:00.000-07:00

Some call it the cookie duster, the soup strainer, even the face furniture, I call it the lady killer. I have taken a step into the realm of facial hair for a week and half now and I liked what I see, apparently so do few others. The day I decided to grow a mustache was the day I changed from just a regular man, to an outstanding Manstache. Yes, the lip spinach is a real hit on BYUH campus. Thank goodness for an honor code that is kind enough to allow one to grace the school grounds with the ol' Alex Trebeck trademark. Growing the 'stach has increased my smoothness by 30%, my hipness has reached record levels, and I have doubled the amount of female's phone numbers received in my whole life from two to four. Allowing the lip tickler to bloom is easily in the top ten best decisions I have ever made. Boys, alert the press, I have found the antidote to the Manscill Curse, the mustache is in. Stay tuned for updates . . .

This is only the beginning . . .

Waimea!

2009-09-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

I like the sign . . .

A random guy jumping from the rock. . .

Yeah, I jumped the beast. I wasn't even scared.

Beach Anyone?

2009-09-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

I went to the beach today. . .

. . . now I have a good sunburn and water dripping from my nose. I wish my family could have been there.

A Warning

2009-09-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

It was about 7:00 pm on a Wednesday, soccer practice ended a bit late and I was off with some fellow team mates to the cafe to eat some dinner. I ate two helpings of some average chicken and rice, two glasses of chocolate milk, and a healthy four pieces of cake. I was chatting with my mates as the sun hunkered below the horizon to begin what I thought would be a pleasant evening. I was going to go back to my diminutive dorm and read, with hopes of watching Newsies to finish the night. My plans took a twist as I got up to leave the table at which I was dining. I placed my hands underneath what I thought was a normal chair to slid it back and excuse my self from the table. As I did so, out of no where the chair collapsed, folded, and bit my hands! Turns out I wasn't just sitting on any old chair, but a dishonest fiend. I fell to the floor in agony as my hands were being crushed mercilessly in the jaws of the beast. "Man down!" I yelled. Luckily, I was sitting next to Chris Pineda, our goal keeper, who heard my cries. He casually glanced down at me and happened to take notice of me being violently thrashed by the savage monster. As most goalkeepers do, he acted quickly, used his brute strength, and released me from the grasps of certain destruction. I got up and examined my battle wounds. On the left hand I had suffered a deep cut on my birdie finger. The right hand wasn't so lucky. I suffered two puncture wounds that penetrated to the very bone. My inner flesh was exposed! Gasps came from all around the cafeteria as blood began flowing from my left finger. I began to feel nauseous and dizzy. Reports say that I "turned pale." "I'll call security!" I heard someone shout. "I'll call coach Mike!" another bellowed. "No! call 911!" I heard from the distance as I became more faint. "Jesse, you should lay down, you look like you are going to pass out." said Pineda. So there I was, laying on the cafe floor with mangled hands. In runs Collin from the soccer team who has the medical works. As he wraps my hand I see heads pop in and out of my view of people trying to get a glimpse of my new deformities. I am eventually helped up and am instantly bombarded by paparazzi students asking me questions and wanted a sneak peak at my hands. After escaping the masses I am escorted to Collin's van that barely runs. We eventually arrived at the ancient Kahuku hospital and only had to wait a record three minutes in the emergency room. I am laid on a bed and in walks Peggy, my nurse. I unwrap my hand for her to inspect the damage. As she peers at my hands out comes a noise of disgust, "with all this drama you would think that you really would have manipulated your hand, this is nothing." Peggy says. I let out a sigh and she begins to clean me up. In the end I only got a little splint on my finger and a cute band aid on my left finger. However, it could have been so much worse. Them folding chairs are dangerous animals on the prowl. You never know when they will strike. Let this be a warning to you. Beware the treacherous folding chair!

My New Ocean

2009-08-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose site of the shore," a certain man once said. I departed my easy going shore nearly two weeks ago in an escapade to Hawaii. Some questioned my motives, at times I even challenged my decision to migrate to the isles to go to school and play soccer. After all, everything I have here was available at my former abode, perhaps some things in more abundance. However, sometimes reason doesn't always prevail when conclusions need to be made. I can't tell you exactly why I am here. I can give you a some general ideas to appease you, like school or soccer, but I've got a good feeling there is more to it. Education and athletics are just ports to set sail from to gain a broader perspective of my new ocean. What I'll discover while I am at sea is anybody's guess, but I am thrilled to be aboard the boat named adventure, headed towards new experiences and deep sea treasures. All hands on deck! Set your sails! Ahoy me matey!

Blogtastic

2009-07-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample of a blog that I could write, but I won't.