Selected Excerpt from my European Diary Part 1: Trains and Bathrooms

One of my most favorite things about trains is that the bathrooms empty straight onto the tracks; they're generally just holes in the train straight down. There's a sense of accomplishment when you poop on the tracks, not to mention the Eco friendly benefits of not adding to local landfills. It's usually pretty enjoyable as well because the holes provide a nice breeze, due to the pressure change in the air, on your posterior that you wouldn't otherwise experience.

While we're on the subject of bathrooms, don't call them that in Europe. When you say that, they envision a bath room, a room for bathing. They'll eye you funny and won't know what to say. They don't understand restroom too well either. Water closet or toilette are the preferred nomenclature and you'd be wise to cut to the point if you're in an emergency to go.

Gymnastics 103: Rings and High Bar Giants

I did a flyaway dismount off the rings but they didn't catch it on film. Also I'm strapped in on the high bar so no cool dismount. I haven't tried to do giants without the straps yet...

Gymnastics 102: Front flips...

With the vault, not bad...

without the vault, even better...

Gymnastics 101

Preston Redd on the P-Bars. Performing the level b routine.

Judges? 15.6

Preston Redd performing the level b routine on the floor.

9.6, not bad.

Hang Ten

I'm not that big of a surfer but I can hold my own. A couple of weeks ago, Greg, Melissa, Megan, and I all went. Here's a little sample of me hanging ten...

It's even harder with someone else on back...

Greg and Melissa weren't bad either... that photographer has a pretty good zoom on that camera...

Women's Foot Size

Why are women's foot sizes different? Is this weird to anyone else? Is it so that guys don't know how big girls feet actually are? We have no idea what the difference is, we just know it's smaller than men's sizes. This way girls with big feet can still feel petite. Just a thought.

Cosmo Disclaimer

For those of you who think I am Cosmo just because I can do a standing backflip or because I can do a layout, I would like to make a formal disclaimer.

I am neither Cosmo nor am I in any way affiliated with the Team Cosmo.

However much I appreciate the flattery, I am not that talented. Although I can hold a handstand for well over a minute, that alone does not qualify me for the vast range of acrobatic skills required to be a member of Team Cosmo.

I first became aware of the confusion when my professor, Dr. McDonald, asked if I was a member of the glitterati formally known as Team Cosmo. I informed him that I was not but since members of the fellowship are sworn to secrecy, I knew my remarks didn't affect his suspicions. However, I figured anyone could fool a seventy year old man into thinking they were agile. My true concern of my deception wasn't until a BYU gymnast approached me (I really approached her but let a man imagine). When she asked me if I was Cosmo, I decided I should inform my fans. Again, I am not Cosmo. So now that you know, you don't have to ask. I am still, however, accepting complements...