Week 1.143

Well, I have been away from home for a complete week (Sat morn to Sat morn). So, without further delay:

Day 1 - June 11: I hit the road at 8am. I drove and drove and drove. I took pictures and tweeted while I drove. I listened to the epic Vagabond Mixtape. I reached my first destination: Erie/Denver, CO. I visited with some relatives and went to dinner downtown with them. It was an honor to spend time with them (Shout out to the Bohns!) and walk the streets of such an incredible city and try to help a person or two. Then it was back on the road! Granted, I did get lost trying to get out of of the city... cause it was a big complicated one... Regardless, I drove and drove until I hit Sterling, Colorado. Sterling was where I slept... In the back of an LDS church parking lot in the back of my car.

Day 2 - June 12: I was able to stay for church in Sterling, which was a ward conference. I must say that the Stake President in that area is a spiritual rock star. He shared some of the most incredible messages I have heard in a long time! And they were much needed messages too, so that was even better!
After church, I hit the road again and drove through the road-trippers nightmare: Nebraska. It wasn't as bad as I had imagined it to be, but it was still pretty dang flat. I landed in Lincoln much earlier than I had planned, so I had lots of time for some relaxing and partying with my buddy Cody Oppermann. I got a nice tour of downtown Lincoln and the campus. Then we went home and watched the (Brown) Tony Bracelet DVD from Invisible Children. Good times were had by all! I got to crash on his comfy couch instead of my highly uncomfortable car. Thank you Cody!

Day 3 - June 13: After arising bright and early for the third day in a row (probably a record!), I hopped in my beautiful vehicle and headed eastward! As I drove over the Missouri River into Iowa, the rivers had been flooding, so I had to drive on the side-ish part of the road, since the other half of the freeway was covered in river. Yeah...
On this day, I drove through 4 states before noon. Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. I stopped in Kansas City and wandered - trying to share my message of the Vagabond Tour. Harder than I thought. I left the city sweaty (HUMID!!!) and a little discouraged (I am not a missionary any more) and full of secondhand smoke (maybe I just came at the wrong time, but I was AMAZED at how many smokers there were. DANG.)
A little while later, I landed in the wonderful city of St. Louis! I went directly to the home of a gentleman I ran into on my mission by the name of Eddie Byrd! It was so good to visit with him! During our visit, I was able to show him the (Grey) Rescue Bracelet DVD and we had a nice little discussion afterwards on it. Schweet!
After leaving Eddies, I headed on over to a friend from college who happens to be living just outside of St. Louis: JaNae Stoddard. Talk about a freakin' rockstar (and a great story teller). We talked about the Vagabond Tour, religion, diversity, LGBT topics, cicadas, Invisible Children, and a plethora of other things. I must say that she was an EXCELLENT host (I slept on their couch). Thanks JaNae and friends for the great time.

Day 4 - June 14: To continue the record, I arose early, got ready, and snuck out while everyone was still sleeping, only to be faced with a long stretch of old pavement. While I drove a minivan drove by and a couple kids in the back seat took a bunch of pictures of me with their camera. OK? I was hoping they would post them on the facebook page, but nope.
Fast forward a wee bit and I roll on in to Kentucky! The greatest place on earth! I drive in and the first thing I see: The West End (of Louisville). I would have it no other way. :)
I didn't stop in the West End though, but rather headed back up into Indiana. I went to visit the one and only Marie Robertson of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Marie is one of the most charitable people ever. She is getting on the older side, and needs knee surgery, so she has been down and out for a bit - please pray for her health and Gods will for her. It was an excellent visit!
After that, I headed to the glorious West End. I was able to spend some time with Jerry Cox and Jim Coombs (awesome Portlanders). Then, I went on a search to find another person I had worked with and baptized as a missionary. I tried to find his number... it was shut off. I tried to stop by his old place... nobody was there. I tried finding his new place - He had mentioned the last time I talked with him that he had moved to a certain street - I drove up and down the street a couple times, then got out of the car and started talking to anything that moved if they knew him... no success. Finally, I thought I would go try a phone book at a gas station... no good. All that work and I wasn't able to see him. Super bummed. BUT! When I was leaving the gas station, I ran into someone I had known from way back when! We talked for a while, and I ended up going over to visit him and the family later on that day. What are the odds of running into someone at a gas station?! It was crazy.
After my run in at the gas station, I went over to see if my favorite person - Mike Thompson - was still living in the same place. As I was going up the stairs, a neighbor told me he wasn't there, but down at the liquor store on the corner... I went down there and found him sitting in the liquor store, smoking a cigarette and drinking. "Hey you're that Mormon boy, right?" We talked for a while and then were eventually on our way. It was sad to see him in the state he was in... Hmmm...
As I was headed to another church parking lot to sleep, I remembered that I was supposed to be on TV the next morning, so I tried calling my friend who had set it up to get the details. When she heard that I was in the West End and headed to sleep in a church parking lot, she used some strong language to tell me otherwise. I ended up sleeping in her guest room. Thanks Tara! I have such amazing friends.

Day 5 - June 15: For breakfast, Tara and I went to Nancy's Bagels, which was where we first met one fateful day in 2008. Afterwards, we cruised on over to the studio and I awaited my time on the air. I ended up going on and we talked about my experience coming home from an LDS mission and trying to stay actively involved in the community, first by starting Project: 1200 and then by now going on The Vagabond Tour. We talked about Project: 1200 for a bit and then talked about Invisible Children. It was such a great opportunity to have air time! (ps - I went on right before Paula Dean).
After the show, I headed to the mission office and mission home. I was able to do my own little "going home" interview with President and Sister Glende, since they are going home in a week or so. After our discussion, President Glende gave me a blessing and sent me on my way. It was such an honor to spend time with such an amazing couple.
I then hit the road for a drive out to the country to visit the Toombs family at their new home in the middle of nowhere. I got a little lost, and while trying to find the house, I totally saw a few goats kickin' it IN a broken down van on the side of the road. It was hilarious and definitely something you only see in the country. The visit with the Toombs (when I finally found them) was great!
I had to cruise back in to Louisville QUICKLY to make it to see the Gabays before they got too busy. It was a short visit, but definitely a nice one. (PS - Thanks for the pizza!)
My last stop in Louisville was the Emge residence. I crashed their dinner and was granted a delicious homemade popsicle. I even got to visit Brother Hanson, since he was over for dinner, and Newborn Emge, who... kind of just laid there the whole time. ;)
Then it was on the road again...
I arrived in Lexington pretty late in the evening and had a fantastic conversation with Armando Chavez, a close friend that I had met while a missionary. He actually managed the apartments that we lived in, so we saw him quite often.
Then... I slept.

Day 6 - June 16: After breakfast with Armando, he went to work and my explorations began.  I headed over to the Lighthouse Ministries just in time to help out serve lunch to those in need. Lighthouse Ministries is a little organization that we did service with every week while in Lexington. Though nobody I knew was there, the familiar routine and experience was definitely a great one.
I had to leave a little early so that I could catch some lunch for myself. This time, with Armando and the LDS missionaries. We went to Ramsey's, which has the Veggie Hot Brown - the worlds greatest dish. I don't think I have ever eaten anything so wonderful (so, of course I had to get it again)!
Afterwards, we all went our separate ways again, and I was able to meet up with Tyler Isaacs and Curtis Blevins (and Company) for a while. I baptized Tyler many many moons ago! Needless to say, it was great to see the gang.
Next, I went to the Blancett household! What an awesome and energetic family! It started off an empty home except for Tara, then as we were talking, people slowly showed up. About that time, Tara decided to call the missionaries over for dinner, followed by her and I going to pick them up.
After the food, I took the missionaries teaching! We taught a super intelligent lady named... Margurite? I dunno how exactly to spell her, but the whole thing was AMAZING. She accepted the invitation to be baptized when she knew things were true, and had a highly impressive vocabulary for her age. :)
When that glorious experience was finished, Armando and myself headed back over to the Blancett's, where we played cards and talked till about 1am! DANG!

Day 7 - June 17th: Woke up bright and early and headed over to visit with Steve Coffin, a guy I met in Winchester Kentucky. We talked about all kinds of things... The environment, changing the world, protests, Invisible Children, and about The Vagabond Tour. Then, we watched the (black) Sunday Bracelet DVD from Invisible Children and had a discussion on that. Good times had by all!
Following that visit, I met up with Armando and went to an Indian Restaurant for lunch, followed by our final farewell. Then I was off to Winchester!
In Winchester, I tried stopping by an old friend (who had moved, of course!) and then visited the old Winchester LDS Bishop's home. His daughter was home, and after a nice little conversation with her, I headed out with a plan to return for dinner.
I then called the missionaries and spent the next few hours with them. We knocked door after door. It was such a fantastic opportunity to go tracting again! We had some good conversation and has given me a brighter outlook on how things are going in this world! Missionary work is probably the greatest thing on the planet...
When my time with the missionaries were up, I headed back over to the Wells home and visited with them for quite a while! Over dinner, we talked about road trips, causes, Project: 1200 and a TON of other things. I got to hear some pretty crazy stories from the lives of the Wells. That night, I watched the (red) Emmy Bracelet DVD from Invisible Children with Nicole and had a pretty good chat about Invisible Children afterwards. I gotta say that the Wells are amazing people! Everyone I have had a chance to visit with have been OFF DA HOOK incredible. 'Nuff said.

THE END (of week 1)

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Though it isn't part of the first week, I figured I would give a current update as well. I am sitting in the parking lot of McDonalds in Knoxvill, TN. This morning I visited with the Packs in Winchester, and this evening I will be visiting with (Elder) Kelton Gubler - From NSL, UT but serving an LDS mission in Cornelia, GA. I just had a heck of a drive to get to Knoxville, seeing as it has been storming something terrible since this morning. I have never hydroplaned like I have today. These roads are not suitable for driving in these conditions... but alas, I drive anyway!
I just got done chit chatting with a nice lady from Alaska about The Praise Project, Invisible Children, The Tour, and her story as a Native American fashionista/healer/smoker. It was definitely an interesting experience!
Alrighty then... my break time is definitely up. I think the storm I just drove through has passed on to my next stretch of road, so I will probably be driving in bad weather all over again! Woot!

Stay safe and healthy. Be good and kind. Take care!

peter.moosman.

Senators, Representatives, Can You Hear Us?

I guess in this case, it is more, "can you hear me," but you get the point. Yet, I have talked with many constituents and they agree with the points I wish to relay to you at this time. These points deal with many of the issues that are facing lawmakers of this 59th Legislature in Utah. They are as follows:

Public & Higher Education. I think that it is safe to say that in order to get very far in our society, you need a degree of some sort. One needs education to find success in the eyes of America. That same education that opens the door to success is under attack on every level. Being a current student in a Utah institution of higher education, I know the struggles that students, faculty, staff, and administration face when there "isn't enough money." I have had to sit on the floor during a lecture. I have been the victim of shortfalls that come from the budget cuts. The proposed cut is 7%, but I urge you to do everything in your power to protect that budget.

Schools for the Deaf. Many of us don't know, and never will know, what it is like to be Deaf in a hearing world. Hearing people not only want to assimilate the Deaf into hearing schools, but encourage them to lipread and speak with their vocal chords. Deaf schools are successful in providing a positive learning experience, surrounded by people who can communicate with one another, and who can share and bask in an amazing culture. Please don't take away these schools.

Anti-Discrimination. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to basic rights, regardless of race, gender/sex, sexual orientation, etc. SB 148 provides addresses the discrimination that is living in our state. Regardless of personal beliefs and values, everyone should be free from hateful and bigoted acts in the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Immigration. I stand with, and support the ideologies in the Utah Compact, which was signed last November. I feel that the majority of immigrants are here for opportunity, growth, and the American Dream, just like the rest of us. If given the opportunity, they would pay state,federal, and income tax, along with any other requirement that it takes to be a citizen of this great nation. Unfortunately, we are living in a broken system and are in dire need of a reform. I don't see the solution in a law that forces people out of our society. I see it in an empowering society. If anything, OUR NATION needs to take more responsibility. After all, it is us who is providing jobs, housing, and other necessities of life for them. Please support a positive and healthy immigration reform, not a hurtful and fear-monging reform.


Tobacco Prevention and Control. This is my pride and joy. For this, I will fight till the bitter end. So many lives are affected by tobacco, both directly and indirectly. Probably the most affected demographic is the youth. This session, a couple bills will strive to protect Utah's youth from this deadly product.
The first: Protecting Children Riding in Motor Vehicles. Children who are in a vehicle with a smoking adult are being hotboxed with air 10x more toxic than what the EPA deems safe. This isn't about property rights. This isn't about parental rights. This is about health and human rights. Nobody should be forced to breathe in that concentrated air, let alone developing youth and children. Please support the health of Utah's children and vote YES on HB 89.
Second: It is obvious that Big Tobacco is targeting teens and kids. Look at their marketing and advertising of their product. Lately, they have been putting out products that mask the harsh burn of tobacco smoke with flavors like cherry, pineapple, and cotton candy. Susceptible teenagers and kids will fall prey to the deadly tricks of Big Tobacco, and so we need to take a stand to protect them. Vote YES on HB 170
Lastly: The Budget. As odd as it is, the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program is constantly on the chopping block. The odd part is that it should be the only one that is safe every year. In 1998, Utah sued the major tobacco companies, and is now in a settlement by the name of "The Master Settlement Agreement." This settlement gives money to Utah every year for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, along with the costs that tobacco costs the state. Unfortunately, Utah takes this money and puts it nearly everywhere BUT tobacco prevention. Tobacco prevention saves lives and money in Utah. It is too valuable to go. Please fight for its preservation.

I will end now. Know that I can go on and on, but will refrain for everyone's sake. Consider this a "Readers Digest" version. If you need clarification, statistics, etc., please, PLEASE let me know. I care for our beloved state of Utah and have its best interests in mind.

In closing, I want to say thank you for each and every legislator who has fought for the voice of their constituents. I want to thank you for hearing my concern and, in turn, being my voice up on Capitol Hill.

Fight the good fight.

Best Regards,
Peter Moosman

One Of Those Days... Or Was It Weeks...?

I will post on Tuesday because it is still at a decent time in the week before anything else can happen!

Yup, you heard it right: it is one of those days/weeks.  But before you think anything bad happened, let me tell you that it hasn't been that horrible. I just like to be a little dramatic every once and a while. How can I really complain about anything... I have it so nice! Anyway, let me just delve in!

- Sunday rolls around and I have to teach Sunday School! I know, woe woe woe is me. I actually enjoy teaching, so the week started off great. Granted, I never think I teach well, or that my lesson goes slightly well for that matter, but just whatever. I felt pretty good about this week. We talked about prophets. We played the telephone game. Lots of class participation. I even made and brought a cup-phone! You know... two cups on a string... You speak into one and they hear what you are saying on the other end? Yeah, be jealous.

- Monday happens as most Mondays happen. I had a meeting (Faculty Senate - woot!). Then I had class, where we played some games in sign language, which was fun. Then, I had my Monday night class, Native American Culture. I don't know if I have vented about this class before, but I might take the pleasure to do so now! First off, it is taught by a white couple. With the little experience that these two have in N.A. culture, they feel like they can officially speak for every Native. Ever. Past and present. During class, they enforce every stereotype and ridiculous idea that anyone has about Indians. I sat in the back in misery. I will most likely be speaking with their department head. Just throwin' that out there! But hey, I am blessed to have the opportunity to not only attend college, but also to have the ability to learn new things constantly and voice my opinion. I am blessed to be able to attend college - and such an amazing one as well! Go Bruins! So, like I said, its not so bad!

- Which brings me to today. I was up till about 2 studying for a Biology exam, which I am pretty sure I bombed this morning. On my way to school, I slid into a curb and messed up my car pretty bad, making me late for my exam. Analysis of the damage: My steering wheel is nearly sideways when I drive straight. My tire is tilted inward. My axle or wheel arm is bent. Woot! At least I have a car to complain about. I am fortunate to have transportation to where I need and want to go! Go transportation and education! Well, I will be out of my own transportation while it is fixed, but that is besides the point.

See! So when I say that I am having a bad day, don't bother believing me... I have it made. An amazing college, an amazing job, an amazing car, amazing parents, an amazing family, amazing friends, amazing opportunities, amazing toys, etc.

Oh, PS, the legislative session started yesterday. I feel out of the loop. I don't know anything about my bills and the when/what/where/who/why. I hate that. But I am lucky to live in a country where I have an opportunity to have a say in what happens! I have a voice! And so do you! Go us!

I don't know if you know this or not, but I - along with the help of some great friends - started an organization called Project:1200 to take a stand against Big Tobacco and for Public Health. We do a lot of stuff during the legislative session, so you should join! Right now, "joining" consists of "liking" us on facebook. Do that HERE and HERE. Check out our blog HERE. Follow us on twitter HERE.

That will be it for now. Thanks for reading! I hope things are well for you, dear reader, and that my downer stories aren't scaring you away! Please come again and tell your friends!

Quick Thought...

So, I mentioned Project: 1200 in my last two posts... But I didn't mention one of the greatest updates so far! Last week, a friend of mine and I sent off the final paperwork for non-profit status to the IRS! Now we wait! Exciting!

Woot.

In with the Rabbit, out with the Tiger.

For those of you who are unaware, 2011 is the year of the Rabbit.
For those of you who are unaware, I was also born in the year of the Rabbit.

I think that means this will be a good year.



Lets look forward and reflect some, shall we?



The Year of the Tiger - 2010


Top 4 songs of the year:
1. Little Lion Man, by Mumford & Sons
2. Listen, Dear Friend, by Us Thieves
3. Handlebars, the Flobots
4. One Day, by Matisyahu

Top 5 bands/musicians of the year:
1. Mumford & Sons
2. Flobots
3. Peter Brienholt
4. Bright Eyes
5. Desaparecidos

Most influential month:
September

Top 4 largest single purchases:
1. Car Windshield
2. Apple Time Capsule
3. SLCC Granite Legacy Fountain Paver
4. Jawbone Jambox

Favorite Quote:
"Activism is my rent for living on this planet." - Alice Walker

Only trips OUT of Utah:
1. Crow Agency, Montana
2. Miami/Orlando, Florida



The Year of the Rabbit - 2011


Education Plans:
This one is hard... I graduate with my Associates in Political Science in the spring... so I have a few options and would love your input.
1. Re-run for Executive Vice President at SLCC and get more pre-requisites done for my Bachelors. This will provide more great experience doing what I love, an income, and a scholarship for school.
2. Head up to University of Utah and pursue my Bachelors degree there.
3. Move to the Crow Reservation and attend school at Little Bighorn College, majoring in Crow Studies. This is mainly for the experience of living on a reservation, studying Crow Indian culture, but could possibly assist in a degree if I decide to move toward Cultural Anthropology.
4. Take a summer break from school, move to the beach and be a beach bum. As ridiculous as this sounds, it is on my bucket list... I wanna give it a shot. Granted, I will have my car, my phone, and my laptop, so I wont be engulfed in a total beach bum experience.

Let me know what you think!

Personal Plans/Goals:
- Actually get my Associates, graduating with Honors.
- Get Project: 1200 up and running
- Write at least 5 editions of Memoirs of a Latter-Day Rogue.*
- Start and progress my Praise Project.**
- Increase in spirituality (A LOT)
- Maintain a healthy schedule, i.e., sleep, work, play, exercise, etc.
- Read and write more. I love to read and I love to write... I just don't do it enough! :(
- Donate my hair to charity


Well friends, I think that will be it for now! I hope that will suffice. I believe strongly in NOT WAITING until the new year to make goals and resolutions, which is why I have been planning and working on things before today. But the new year is a good time to help track things! You know what I am sayin'?

Take care, take love, take passion.

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*Memoirs of a Latter-Day Rogue will be a compilation of writings on issues/ideologies/explanations/understandings of things that go on in my mind and in my world. Stay tuned.


**Ok, so I suck at showing emotion or gratitude or anything positive. After the passing of a friend of mine, I decided that I needed to recognize the greatness of people and make sure they know they are important. The Praise Project is something what will help me do that - little by little. 

I Have

 Something to Say. FINALLY.

A year and a half later, I have something to say. I suppose I have had something to say all this time, but I was just not in a blogging mood.

But now I am, I guess. It all started when a friend of mine *cough*ashley*cough* told me to start updating it... So here I am.

I guess I will give a quick run down of my past two years... Lets see:

- In February of 2009, I started a group called Project: 1200 to fight the Big Tobacco industry. You can find all kind of information at projecttwelvehundred.blogspot.com or on facebook.

- I joined student government at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC for short).
     - Summer 2009 :: Senator
     - Fall 2009 :: Senate Region Chair
     - Spring 2010 - Present :: Executive Vice President of the Student Association at SLCC

- Joined the Singles Ward in Jan 2010
     - Considering transferring to the Deaf Ward real soon. Any thoughts?

- August 2010, I went to the Crow Fair in Montana. It was a week of sleeping in a tipi, hearing/watching crow dancing/chanting/parading/etc. It was AMAZING! We did some sight seeing, and I had lots of 1:1 time with my own Native (James Takes Enemy), where he told me all kinds of stories, visions, beliefs, etc. of Crow culture. I can't wait to go back...

- September 2010 was a crazy one...
     - I swear everyone decided to stop living that month. Lots of deaths. :( But I won't go into detail - for your sake.
     - I went to Miami, FL the last week of the month with the Executive Council of SLCC's Student Association. We visited Miami Dade College and Broward College. The day before we went home, we stopped by Disney World... No big deal though.

- November 5: Remember remember, the 5th of November. The Gunpowder Treason and Plot. And I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot.

- December 2010:
     - Epic Game Nights galore... Lots of game nights that lasted well into the morning. GOOD TIMES!
     - I got a PGF. 'Nuff said.

And that will be good for now. Maybe tomorrow I will write all about my New Years resolutions. Check back, YO!