To grow a beard...

This very well could be my last shave in a long time. Starting tomorrow I'm bringing back the beard. No shaving allowed in 2010!

Avatar

I watched the new Avatar movie today in 3-D and it was absolutely amazing! The artistic visuals, the story, character development, and effects were above anything I've ever experienced in a movie. Props to James Cameron (producer/director/writer) for the vision he had in creating it. I will definitely be watching this again soon. If you haven't seen it yet, I strongly recommend seeing it in 3-D.

--WBC--

Jo and Kona!

Battle of the bands. Love it!

New blog

I found something...

A better blogging program.

No, not wordpress or even b2evolution.

But just a simple, much more user friendly, blog.

Visually, it kicks blogspot's un-designed square butt.

The user interface is better too.

I might have to switch.

Blogger, we've been together for a long time, but we were only committed to each other as long as we were a good match. Sorry.

Hello, tumblr...

--WBC--

EDIT 4/14/2010 Pay no attention to this post. Tumblr was cool, but just a fling. I'm still keepimg my blog here at blogger!

An Organ Festival in the Cathedral

Been there, done that.

Gilgal Statue Gardens

Salt Lake City. I was there.

Look what I found down the street from my house...

Salt Lake City LDS Temple

Ubuntu, I miss U

--WBC--

Ahhhhh

Google Number

I have a Google Voice number! Hoot Yeah! If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can watch a video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4Q9MJdT5Ds


I'm planning on using this as a business number, however, Family that calls this number will get my personal voicemail instead of a business one, SWEET!

Please try it out if you want to...



--WBC--

General Conference

Sunday afternoon session. This is awesome.

Names

I'm making it official... I will always go by the name of "William" (my first name). Most of you know me as Brian, that's fine. If you still want to use that name I'm not going to hold it against you. Brian is a great name, and I've used it for years and still like it. But from now on I will always be introducing myself as William to keep it simple.

In fact, I even made a new Twitter account (www.twitter.com/william_cobb). My name is "william_cobb" on twitter. If you have a twitter account, please follow me on it (not that I use it a lot, but sometimes I do).

The other "new" news about me is that I'll be staying in Utah a lot longer than I expected. On October 9th I'll be moving to Salt Lake City into a nice house set downtown. I'm pretty stoked to be living in Salt Lake - unexpectedly glad in fact. Utah has great rock climbing in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, and all around Salt Lake is cleaner than the average downtown's I've been to before. Not to mention a lot of cool people.

--WBC--

Pink Floyd Tribute Concert

"Shine On"

Starving Student Cards

I'm selling them on the University of Utah campus this week.

Camping For Fun

I went camping up in American Fork Canyon by myself. This time I traveled farther up the canyon than I've done before. Though it rained yesterday, the night was clear and fresh. I set up my 1-man tent and left the rain cover off and watched the stars. I slept great.

The morning light woke me up, and I when I poked out of my sleeping bag I saw a beautiful orange sunrise glowing above the canyon's horizon. Indeed this was just what I needed after a hard week's work and not much sleep.

About an hour later (and I'm still sleeping in) cold air blew in and a cover of gray - more precipitation. So I packed up quickly and sat in my jeep. Not wanting to go back home so soon, I took the road deeper into the canyon knowing I might have to backtrack later. However, the road kept going. I had nowhere to be so I kept driving, sightseeing along the way. Turns out, the road went over the pass and to the other side of the mountain where I discovered a nice valley and a town far below.

Asking a guy in hunting clothes taught me that it was Heber, Utah. As I made my way down the mountain, I saw a sign for "Cascade Springs" and a nice parking lot so I stopped to take a walk.

Cascade Springs is like being in Yellowstone Park - with boardwalks everywhere to protect the landscape from all the visitors. The water was cold, but clean and even smelled like sulfur like hot springs do. Anyways, the walk was peaceful, and though I was alone at first, I must have just beat the rush b/c by the time I was leaving the place was swarming with local visitors despite the cold sprinkling weather.

On my way to Heber and down the mountain and through Wasatch Mountain State Park, I drove by an expensive housing development with lots of lots for sale. Yep, lots of lots. I checked out some of the lots with houses (since the entrance sign said they would give you a 2009 Acura with every house purchase :) and they were "only" about $850,000! Hehe. Well, at least they looked nice and the property location had a prime view of the valley. I gathered a few fliers to remember them by, and kept driving into town, calculating in my head what kind of income I would need to even seriously consider such a habitation (and even if I did have that much money, would I really want to put all of it into a house on a tiny lot with a view? I got to enjoy the view for free just by being curious and driving around!).

I kept driving and found a more humble situation at the bottom of the valley. The paved roads still felt new in this community. No sidewalks, just a paved road and green grass on both sides checkered with well kept old houses. There was something special about this place. I don't know if it was the sunlight that shined into the city while everywhere else was shadowed in the clouds (Really, like in a movie or something supernatural), or maybe it was that farm-town home-grown style with all the green grass and old grain silo's and lingering stables from the early 1900's. But something was cool about this little place.

I drove around for at least an hour, listening to Calexico and observing the sights. After a few conversations with myself I stopping at a gas station, filled up, and used my GPS to find my way back home -- down Provo Canyon and back up the 15 Fwy to American Fork.



--WBC--

Just one of the perks of being here...

Life Update

I am moving to Utah for a while to work and save for school. I will be there within the week.

Look what the old west does to ya

Cobb

Tim Heywood

Jackson Hole Pictures

Hey everybody! I haven't been blogging because I've been super busy. Well, it's finally stopped raining constantly and the sun is great. Everything is so green, and I love the people I've met. It's like being in one big family here. You often see people a few times a day in this tiny tourist town, and the locals also know each other pretty well. "Andy Griffith" hospitality if you will.

The public library and the grocery store are frequented by everyone so it's pretty cool to be bumping into friends all the time.

I've posted a new photo album on Facebook called "Jackson Hole" which you are invited to check out here. Or click on the picture below...



--WBC--

Strawberry cake: are you kidding me?

i made it

Livin' the Dream in Wyoming

So it's been raining in jackson everyday for about a week. Doesn't make for a friendly camping experience, but at least there's this nice library to hang out at, and my tent is freaking awesome dry. Hiking in the rain for fun is out, since a hot shower costs $6.50 and I would only want to hike in the rain and get muddy if I could finish with a hot shower and a laundry machine.

My job starts on Thursday - driving a Wonderbread truck and delivering goodies to all the little forest animals who live around the Teton Mountains. It is supposed to last until September.

Today I returned from Utah again where I met Zac and Franklin to get my paint equipment, thanks to them for bringing it all the way up here from AZ!

I bought a cast iron skillet so I can cook bacon and eggs on the fire. It's pretty sweet with a 2 for 1 set up: both dutch oven and 2 skillets when you need them. My outdoor haven is almost complete - when the rain stops long enough I'm going to set up the cabin tent and "move in."

image from Cabelas.com

--WBC--

Grizzly Video

--WBC--

Grizzlies

Things are on the upswing finally. That's all I have to say for now about my life.


Other news: I saw a magnificent sight of two Grizzly Bears play fighting by the road while driving back from Pacific Creek campsite. People stopped all over the road and grabbed their cameras for a picture. I even took a video which I hope to post soon. It was really cool and they were about 50 yards away duking it out.

--WBC--

Fast Update

I had a job interview today, which went pretty well. Then I hiked to the top of Snow King Mtn. Still making plans and such. Life is good. I've been stressed out on money though.

--WBC--

this is Jackson. it blossoms in the summer with jobs everywhere; only i don't have one yet. you could say that i'm a buck short and a day late, since thats exactly whats happening. i hiked this hill next 2 town to think for a while. worried but hopeful. questions and questions.

Basement Flood

i woke up this morning and discovered the basement flooded... again! luckily a shop vac makes cleaning up go faster, but the bigger problem is all the water damage, and i may have to remove the wood flooring my sister installed a year ago, not to mention i had other plans for today.

Camping in Jackson

Lunch at the park

When i told Sven to dig into life he did this...

and while he dug a ginormous hole in the yard (he has no idea what for) i printed job applications.

Outta Here

Just a quick update: It's been a great adventure visiting my parents for a couple of days. Now it's time to continue north. I will stop in Rexburg first to see some friends I haven't seen in a long while before I continue my journey. 

I plan on coming back down to Utah for the Slickrock gathering on May 10th. I hope to see many friends there as well. Plus there's always the slight chance that I'll forge a road trip to CA soon... so if anybody would like to tag along, you know who to call.

My friend Price gave me a book that I've been reading: The Rock Warriors Way. I've just started it, but thus far I like the vibe it has. One of my goals this summer is to read a good book or two, starting with this one. If I can, I'll also try and read the Hobbit or some kind of non-fiction book, as it has been years since I've read any non-fiction books.

And now it's time to stop typing and start driving to the Berg...

--WBC--

Gotta Love Bollywood Action

Say Hello to the Chuck Norris of Bollywood:




--WBC--

Price and I climbed this today: The Coffin 5.9

Shampoo the Jeep

It all looks super nice inside and smells purdy too.

Good Life

I'm loving life and the simplicity of it. I am at my parents house again, preparing what I'll need to live in Jackson Hole, WY.

I made a 5-day camping trek from Phoenix to here. Actually, I drove to Boulder and saw some friends... for 5 days before continuing on to my parents house Sunday (Kandis tells of the story here: http://tele-hike-bike.blogspot.com/2009/04/i-will-leave-tommorow.html)

Danger Kitty is great, and sleeps all day in my room and always wants to play. After dinner I ran around with her in the back yard. She bounded through tall grass and chased the sticks I was dragging. She's a great friend to have around...

--WBC--

The Weekend

View from a cabin

I'm staying in a cabin while in Boulder. A few friends convinced me to stay another day, so it looks like i'll be here until Saturday. I've been doing more relaxing than hiking today: played guitar, sketched, did push ups, and listened to music while looking out the window you see here. (Posting this from my phone as usual). Tonight is a dinner and "New Moon" dance. Moab tomorrow - weather permitting.

Worth The Drive

This is a picture (from my phone again) of part of the drive on Cottonwood road. I passed many trailheads which I hope to return to later. I'm about 35 miles (half way) and its been totally worth it.

Matt's flint napping wound

Done It

here we go

Colbert Dials the Internet in 1997

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/219665/february-24-2009/1997-flashback

London

Words can't tell all what it's like being in London during the month of February. There's supposed to be less tourists, yet every thing we go see is CROWDED. I can't imagine what it would be like here in the summertime!

London feels a lot like when I visited New York, or even Mexico City... it's big, there's a lot of people going all sorts of places, and even though you're lost all the time you always know what to do next. However, hands down: London has the fanciest architecture I've ever seen.

This is a picture of "Big Ben" which is the clock tower at one end of the Parliament building. You may also recognize it from the Disney movie "Peter Pan" when they first start flying out of London towards Neverland.




And this is me having some tea and biscuits. Yes, it is truly magnificent to enjoy this traditional afternoon delight while staying in London.

You always have your choices of tea, but the currant fruit tea is most preferred during this time of year.

And now here I am with my beautiful neice. Those who are observant will notice her ice skates. She's actually pretty good at it. I was totally impressed. All the girls ice skate, and I think they inherit the skill from their mom.

A typical London street. Even the movies can't make this stuff up. It's like this everywhere, and I'm already getting used to it. By the way, I went car shopping with my brother yesterday and he test-drove a Volkswagon. Driving on the LEFT side of the road is freakin HARD! You may think in your head all day to drive on the left, but as soon as you start driving, habit takes over and when a car comes, you start to freak out because your head's like "you're driving on the wrong side!!!" Haha... it was a trip for sure :)

This is me and my bro walking the kids to school... You can't see the kids in this picture (taken by my sister) but it's a pretty cool shot.

My niece is so cute because she is able to keep up with all of us adults walking down the street, but her legs have to move super fast to do it, so I decided to give her a break for a bit :) I think she had fun seeing the world from a different height. She really is cute, and yes, I just used the word cute.






This guy was helping guests at The Ritz in London. This picture does not do justice to the cool outfit he was wearing, but here it is anyways.

Ofcourse, what would London be if it didn't still have old-fashioned telephone booths at every corner, and old-fashioned taxi's? We spotted both together and got a sweet picture of it. Imagine all this, and all the buildings and proper accents all around you.








And finally, some serious breakfast eating fun. I guess I'm a bad example, but it really could be worse. We could be standing on Lava.












Oh yeah, I think she wins the contest for longest and strangest. This may or may not be one of the reasons we don't get out until the afternoon sometimes.


















--WBC--

An American Writer in Istanbul

Uncle Brian

I'm in London at my brother's house where we are getting ready to plan the next three weeks. The brick homes with narrow streets and tiny cars make this an inquisitive european experience.

On the plane over here I sat next to a guy who lived in Istanbul Turkey, spoke 6 languages, and spent the past 6 years living in 5 different countries. He was an editor/writer who writes political and religious articles for a magazine in Istanbul (Turkey).

I've always imagined that as a writer I could use intellectual skills to support myself and have the freedom to travel (since writing doesn't necessarily tie a person down to a specific office or location). Yet, this is just another great idea I have that is not yet a reality in my life, nor have I met anybody doing it, until now! He happened to be my age (28) and was from San Diego California. He graduated in 2003 and has been doing print journalism around the world ever since (it started with a year-long study abroad program when he said he caught the traveling bug). He was on his way back to Istanbul from a holiday in California. I'm sure I bugged him with all my nosy questions, including how he plans his travels, and advice on how to get started doing what he's doing. His advice to becoming a good writer? "Write every day." Makes sense, I do write every day but since it's only in my journal, blog, or for myself, I can't really use it as a portfolio. I suppose if I actually put up my resume and some samples I have online, I could land a job somewhere.

Aunt Jo

Anyways, we are here, and London is awesome. Definitely a different traveling experience than what I'm used to in Central America. But I guess that's also why I love it.

--WBC--

Travels, Ideas, and Jobs

I just finished 2 nights in the Superstitions on a walk-a-bout. I learned good things there, and explored some great cliffs and caves in the area. I wish I had discovered this part sooner, as I could spend many more days there just exploring.

Right now I'm at the Mesa Library tying down all my last emails and reading blogs I haven't read in ages. If I get around to it, I may even post some pictures on Facebook of all my recent trips I've taken last month.

I feel pretty humbled right now. Not because of any incident in life, but just because I'm realizing that I have a lot more potential than what I'm giving myself. I'm still trying to pinpoint which parts of my life need growing, but I know that one big thing I need right now is a job to support myself with. I have lots of experience to offer, both in IT Network troubleshooting, and in outdoor guiding in all kinds of activities. After I find a job using the skills I have, I'd like to use what I know to do other things in life too.

There's a ton of ideas I have that are just sitting under me like an egg in a nest, waiting to hatch into something, and I'm tired of just sitting on it. I want my ideas to become realities or failures, not just ideas. I'm not going to write what my ideas are here though. Well, okay, just one idea... I'd really like to study the chemical compounds of household garbage, and discover ways of recycling household garbage into something useful - such as a strong fiber that can be used in the place of lumber (save the trees, and clean up the landfills, right?). Cool idea huh. Well, I know some basic college chemistry and I think I can study more and then try out some of these kind of ideas.

Anyways, in a few days I'm headed to London for 3 weeks :) Tickets are cheap in February, and I have a brother who lives there with his family. After that trip, I plan on moving to Utah to seek work. Life, is an awesome experience.

--WBC--

this is worth remembering

posting from my phone this time. but i just had to take a moment to share a moment with everyone reading this. it's perfect weather in arizona, and a perfect night for the outdoors... and homemade music.

It's great here

I've really enjoyed the past two weeks here at my parent's house - spending time with my brother, sister and parents. I even like the snow. I don't know what's gotten into me, but I feel happy right now. I normally get depressed in the winter months with all the snow and lack of sunshine outside. Perhaps I've gained some kind of acceptance to all of this. I love the mountains too. I'm not leaving yet either... well, hopefully I'll make it out to CA to visit some relatives before my life in AZ resumes. I don't want to leave here though!

On a different topic: I realize that I'm not taking my life serious enough when it comes to finding work. I guess I struggle with the fear that a job will suck or I won't be able to do it. It's like I'm scared to apply to some jobs I've looked at.Yet I know I don't have to do a job if it sucks, so logically I don't know why I fear it at all, I just do. I have tons of skills and experience, so it doesn't make sense that I feel inadequate in jobs that are "professional" or require credentials.

I want to start doing genealogy. I really feel like I can use my technical know-how to benefit the work in our lines. There is a cousin of mine who does a lot of genealogy, plus my mom sometimes does it too.

I fell asleep on the couch at 8pm after watching "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and it was so comfortable, I woke up at 10 and went to my bed and now I can't sleep. What's up with that? Should have stayed on the couch. Hey, that's why I'm blogging anyways... can't sleep :)

--WBC--