Clayson's Blog

Australian Updates

2011-05-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

*ATTENTION*

THIS PORTION OF MY BLOG HAS BEEN MOVED. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW MY AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT ANOTHER QUIGLEY DOWNUNDER.

Another Quigley Down Under

2011-05-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Alright bloggers, followers, and people who have nothing better to do than read this blog. The long awaited comeback of my blog (which didn't really have much to comeback to) has finally arrived. I have been reading some others' blogs and what not and I have been inspired to blow the dust off my own.

My inspiration also stems from some the recent events in my life. I am about to undertake an adventure far greater than I originally anticipated it to be. After much consideration (and prodding from all 3 of those who read my blog or listen to my stories) I have realized that it will be beneficial to keep a record of this adventure. Lucky for you, I am going to keep that record here, for your enjoyment as much as my own.

You're probably asking yourself, "So what is this great adventure?" Well, next week I will be heading "down under" to spend the next few months living, working, and playing in Melbourne, Australia!

I have been working on finding an international internship somewhere in the world for a long time. After applying to just about every continent, I finally know where I am going and have a visa! The visa was an important part that I had truly underestimated the complexity it would bring into my life.

Aside from the adventure and experiences that I will have while embarking on this journey, there is another side to this story that will make my experiences even sweeter. You see, I have been raised all my life hearing about the "down under". Both my father and uncle served missions for the LDS church in Australia. I won't be living anywhere either of them passed. Nonetheless, because my dad is a bit of a hero in my eyes, stories of Australia have always been pure fantasy to me. The country definitely holds a special place in my heart.

I'm going into this with one and only one expectation. It will be an experience of a lifetime! All the who, what, when, where, why, and hows will be answered in their own due time. I am as anxious to know all the answers you all are.

Until next time bloggers...

"Hoo-Roo!" (I sure do hope they say that there!)

Kouing Aman - A Discovery!

2009-03-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hey all you bloggers! It is March 12 and this is my first post of the year...excellent. Well, as lazy as I am I couldn't allow myself not to update you on the biggest discovery of my life! That's right you heard me. Those of you who know me know that I am a bit of a connoisseur of fine foods. For those of you who may have just stumbled onto my blog and have no idea who I am....well, now you know. So here is the shibby...
I was the other morning and had to make a delivery to another firm. When I arrived I found the office to be locked. A little upset I looked for a warm place to jump into and make a phone call to receive further instruction. It just so happened that there was a charming little cafe next to this office. There was an astounding aroma escaping the said cafe and I couldn't resist. I ran in escaping the cold and began pursuing about their selections of fine pastries. That is when I found it, the Kouing Aman. This my friends is the pastry of pastries! Its has croissant like properties with a flaky golden shell and a soft warm center. Upon investigation I discovered that the pastry brings together two different worlds, salty and sweet. I was impressed and had to try it.
I purchased my Kouing Aman and a Vanilla Hazelnut Steamer (heavy on the hazel!) to accompany. It was love at first bite! Its flaky outer shell has a nice crispy salty flavor and its center soft and gooey with its pockets of sweetness. My oh my what a delectable little pastry. It was so wonderful and the people there were so nice I feel obligated to do a little advertising for them. Hence the blog...
The name of the cafe is Les Madeleines and is located at 500 S. 216 E. Just opposite of the Leonardo museum in downtown Salt Lake City. Should you have a chance please drop by and try one for yourself, pastries will never be the same!
The Kouing Aman is a little expensive because it is a difficult pastry to make. You should expect to pay about $5.00 for one but they are big and totally worth it! Should you plan to try one you may not want to wait till the afternoon. I've been informed that they go fast and they do run out of them daily.

Check out Les Madeleines website at http://les-madeleines.com/index.html

The Great Outdoors

2008-09-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

So I love hiking and this past summer I made it a point to do a little bit of it. Although I would have loved to do a little bit more. My friends and I (even Jeter my dog) got out to see some fun things. Amongst my hikes were, Mary's Lake (a classic favorite), Adam's Canyon (a new favorite) and Twin Peaks (a challenging and hellish favorite)! We had a blast.
As I hiked the wonderful Wasatch Mountains I was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to live so near many beautiful places. Everywhere I went was no more than about a half an hour from my home. Utah really is a great state for those who love the great outdoors.
Some of the Highlights were the breath taking views at Mary's Lake and the beautiful waterfall at the top of Adam's Canyon. However nothing quite matched the majestic triumph of getting up Twin peaks and looking down as God seemingly small valley and surrounding mountains. I wont lie, I didn't quite make it to the top of the peaks but I came close. From where I was we had a nice view of the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and a glimpse of the Valley looking south. Due to lack of preparation the hike nearly killed most of us. Matter of fact, we owe my buddy Jared for the fact that we all got off safely. He was a real superman!
Below are some of the Pictures from my hikes and I hope that they don't stop there!

A smaller Waterfall up Adam's Canyon

My dog snooping around the foot of the waterfall.

Adam's Canyon Waterfall!

Trail Head to Twin Peaks.

Jared's Beloved "Buddy"

Looking down the ENORMOUS bowl we had to climb.
(most of those boulders are bigger than me!)

On the saddle!
To the right, Little Cottonwood Canyon
To the Left, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Pioneer Day- 24th of July

2008-07-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

Well, another 24th of July has come and gone. On this day we celebrate the arrival of the mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. Its cultural atmosphere is comparable to that of the 4th of July. Kind of the same idea, patriotism, remembrance of ancestors and our indebtedness to their courage and love. We have fireworks, barbecues, and a really big parade.According to tradition of the past few years me and my friends always go downtown to sleep on the street and save spots for family to watch the parade. It is a lot of fun. We play card games and chow down on food, but most of all we sit around chit chatting which was nice this year since there was so much to get caught up on. I was gone for two years and recently got home. Lisa and Tawnie recently returned from the Ukraine and a couple of days ago "Miss Megan" returned from Fiji! So there was an obvious amount of catching up to do.

Tawnie and Lisa

Megan and me

Though it was much like old times there were a few things that showed us times are moving. there was an obvious lack of people there. Usually there is more family and what not. Also we were in a different spot than usual. Plus, just to show that we are getting old, only one made it through the night without sleeping. Props go to Ben for that one. The rest of us collapsed. Nonetheless we were able to save our spots and have a great time.

First to go but on the front row!

Sleeping in the emergency lane!

The parade was good, as usual. However, it seemed as though they cut back a little. Some of my favorites were President Monson, The "Space" Elders, and of course The University of Utah. Not only because they are awesome but because they totally had a Brazilian flag on the back so that won brownie points with me!

Mission Mars!

Brazil!

After the parade I went home crashed for a bit then I was off with the Mom and Dad to see "Iron Man" which was excellent. Gotta admit I didnt have high hopes but it was pretty good. I am getting excited! Can you say, "The Avengers"? Most excellent, go see it if you haven't. Then see The Incredible Hulk, which also wins brownie points for being filmed in a Brazil, my second home!
Afterward we went to fireworks at liberty park. Twist this year, we watched things from the intersection of 1300 s. and 700 e. That was new. Guess we didnt get enough of the asphalt all morning long, but it was nice. The fireworks were a show as usual!
It was a great day and we had a lot of fun but then I was really tired and slept in untill nearly 11 the next day, but it was worth it!

Babysitting

2008-07-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, while I spent my 2 years out of the country I became a "Tio" or in other words, an uncle. His name is Hunter and he is my new best friend! The other day we decided to have some serious bonding time and I took him for the whole day. It was so much fun, he is just a bundle of joy! He is my new buddy.
While I was gone they had a life size cardboard cut out made of me. Actually it is President Bush's body and Kinko's was able to put my face on it. Well it just so turns out that EVERY time that Hunter came to visit Grandma and Grandpa that they would point and say, "Look, its Tio Clayson." Now he will spend HOURS literally pointing at my pictures or pointing at the cutout and laughing and then looking at me and then laughing some more.
Some of Hunter's favorite hobbies include pointing and saying "daaaa." Making monkey and gorilla sounds, looking at books, and throwing things down and saying "ah oh" are right up his alley way as well.
We had a good time the other day. That was my first time babysitting a little baby. First diaper change! We played lots and read lots and he was even really tired and took a nap, that is a rare occasion.

I've Returned

2008-07-04T13:31:00.001-07:00

Well family, friends, fans or complete stranger that may have run across my blog by chance. Its official, I am back! I have spent the last two years as a LDS Missionary serving in the great state of São Paulo in the Southeast region of Brazil (Brasil, lets be honest its so much cooler with an "s"). After spending much time there I can't help but make it a part of me. I miss it so much. I really loved the people I served and the country where I served.
I was able to meet many wonderful people and I had many great experiences that marked my life. Despite much opposition in the world I saw much sucess, yet I also shared the bitter taste of failure which, in all, fine tuned my carachter and personality. They were two unregretable years of my life that I would never trade.
The Brazilian people are a warm hearted and kind people who won my heart. I left so many dear friends and hope that one day I might see them again.
I would like to share some pictures of my mission with you guys but there are so many to choose from. I will make some selections but if you would like to see the whole collection feel free to come on over. I'd love to show you!

This is the group of missionaries who returned with me

Elder Peterson, Elder Willmore, Elder Nelson, Elder Ouzts, Me, Elder Overstreet, Elder Kelly

Sister Andrade, Sister Ferreira, Sister Moura

The Great City of São Paulo

Elder Marroni and I ontop of the Banespa Tower

The Chapel

Elder Gorringe and I

Hard work...