Shane McConkey; savour the flavor

Shane McConkey, dressed as Saucer Boy

                                                Any freeskier knows the name Shane McConkey.  Comparable to the Travis Pastrana of skiing, Shane was well-known in freestyle skiing and the ski-film industry.  Many of the skis we use today have technology that came from Shane's innovation and pioneering.  In particular, powder skis went from the bottom shelf to the top because of the tweaks that Shane made in the design.

He was also famous for his antics!  He would often make fun of himself with his alter-ego character "Saucer Boy." He made sure that he did not let his ego get in the way of what was important.  He wasn't afraid to make fun of the competition that comes from being a pro skier.  He is a very good example for me to do the same, and not let my pride sour the flavor of life.

I first learned who Shane was when i watched a ski movie that he starred in.  I really admire Shane McConkey for his zest for life, his innovational creativity, and his comedy.  In many of the films I watched, Shane McConkey would impersonate James Bond on skis (this wsa just one of his MANY antics).  He was the kind of person that would make you smile or laugh even if your entire day was going "Kaput!" I admire how he did not let the cares and troubles of the world take the joy and happiness out of his life.  That is not saying that he was irresponsible.  It is saying that he knew how to have a good attitude even in the darkest situations. 

Shane McConkey as 007

Sadly, I never got to meet Shane McConkey.  I actually learned of him AFTER he had already passed away.  During one of Shane's stunts, he had an accident.  He was performing a wingsuited, ski-base jump.  Shane's skis never released after he left the ground, causing him to not be able to deploy his parachute properly.  Shane McConkey died.

    I respect him immensly for the lesson he taught me.  I have learned from Shane McConkey to remember to smile.  Everybody has challenges and rough times in life.  We all have difficulties that are unique to us.  We cannot choose all of the challenges that are thrown to us, but we CAN choose our attitude.  Some of the people I look up to the most are those who find the flavor and fun in a life full of challenges and complications.  I also learned to think outside the box.  It is because of Shane's creativity that I ride the skis I have today.  One thing I also learn from him is gratitude.  When we are ungrateful, we cannot see all of the beautiful blessings that heavenly father has created for us.  By being grateful, we can Savour the Flavor of the good life we all have.  I cannot wait to meet Shane McConkey in the next life.  My heart and sympathies go out to Shane McConkey's familty. 

Thank you, Shane for being such a good example to me, and to skiers across Montana, and the world!  We miss you more than you know.

Skiing has changed for the better because of you, and I have learned so much from your example.  God bless you, Shane McConkey!

Shane McConkey: 1968-2008

Motocross in the Celestial Kingdom

Yep that's the real title. 

I do not know if there will be Motocross in the Celestial Kingdom.  That isn't really up to me.

But motocross, that is one of my favorite things ever invented, and always will be one my favorite things ever invented!  There is nothing like wrestling (or just hanging onto) a 200+ pound motorcycle around a track, on a mountain trail, or across a desert.  I cannot get enough of the boost of energy and crazy sensations that come with flying through the air or across the sand on a man-made, fuel burning horse.  I can recall a trip to the Little Sahara Sand Dunes with my dad.  As we were racing each other around one of the large, natural sand bowls created by the wind, I thought about how every crazy feeling, sensation, experience, surrounding and opportunity that people like me are so enthralled and satisfied with, came from our dear Heavenly Father.  Everything that made the motorcycle underneath me came from Him.  Every amazing and beautiful place I am able to ride in came from Him.  Every amazing person I am able to be around and enjoy the "Greatest Sport Ever" with, were created by Him.  I find a LOT of joy in this life from the saddle of a motorcycle.  So, if the Celestial kingdom is a place of Joy, perhaps we will be able to ride motorcycles with family, friends, maybe even with the Savior.  Like i said, that isn't MY decision to make.  And even if there isn't, whatever we will be doing up there will probably be more important.  Until then, I shall continue to cherish every opportunity that I have been given to be in the saddle of a motorcycle.

First post: the Blacktop

So, this is my first blog write.  Lots of ups and downs on this roller coaster of an experience up here in MT.  That's something you can count on a mission for; experience.  Even when you didn't ask for it.  Oh well! 
So, learning to fly, don't know why i chose that title.  Maybe because i feel like an airplane trying to take off in rough conditions.  Many people feel this way, whether you be a baker, firefighter, college student or missionary.  Thankfully, we've got the flight instructor and the manual to help all of us.  That'd be the man upstairs and the scriptures He's given us.  I know that God can help all of us take off.  Even though it isn't always fun.   Sometimes i don't know if i will leave the blacktop.  I'll let you know when i do.