Peep My Crew: Paul

So I've decided to do a little spotlight on some of my nearest and dearest, my Crew. I've asked each of them to tell a little about how they met me, some funny experiences, and I'll give a little insight on them as well. I've been really blessed in my life to be surrounded by great people who have helped me more than I could ever express, and they make it amazing to be me! So they deserve a shout out. Peep my Crew!

 *****

Now presenting... Paul, a.k.a. "PC", a.k.a. "Maverick", a.k.a. "Handy Paul"! I met Paul through my brother Tim when Tim met Paul in the local single's ward and ended up sharing a house with him. Paul has joined me on several adventures, including Tim's proposal, and is now a full-blooded member of theBRIGADE. The more I get to know Paul, the more I love him. Before I can say anything else, I have to say, without any reservation, that Paul is the most true friend I've ever met. The guy would take a bullet for you and then apologize for bleeding on your carpet, you know? Kind of a graphic explanation, but so true. Not only does he have my back, but the rest of me as well. The guy loves his friends and family unconditionally and I love that about him because it has inspired me to try to do the same. Like I said, Paul's a member of theBRIGADE and one of my most trusted companions in the back country. He has helped get Jeff and I out of a couple of tricky spots and always brushes it off with a smile as a mere bump in the road. Like Jeff, Paul knows his stuff with a camera and is a magician behind the lens. Paul's also about as genuine as can be. When he asks how I'm doing or how my wife and son are, you know he means it. He's also extremely punctual, which is admirable as well. Finally, we share the same taste in music, which is always a great thing to share with a friend. More than once a song has played on a play list and we look at each other with the look of "I LOVE THAT SONG!" And he's single, ladies, so step up! Paul, you're the best, man. You're an inspiration in my life.

How long have you known me?
Honestly, I don't remember when we met. I'd say it was right around the beginning of May, 2010, when I moved in with (your brother) Tim.

How did we meet?
I guess I kinda already answered this, but I remember actually getting to know you over Memorial Day weekend in Montana. We hit that giant puddle on the way to church, remember that thing, Jake? I'd never seen anything like it, how the water folded in and landed right in the middle of the truck. EPIC!

What's something funny that has happened between us?
Fetch, I keep answering them one too soon! I'll tell another... Alright, so we were backpacking in Owl Creek and had set up camp for the night. After lounging around for a little while, Jeff mentioned that he had a cactus spine or something poking him in the back. You were so anxious to use your new S&W knife that you jumped at the chance to perform a little surgery. Jeff agreed and turned around. You immediately handed me your camera and gave me that look, the "you're definitely gonna want to get this shot" look, and it took everything I had not to bust out laughing. As you poked his back you looked at me with this huge, devious grin. I snapped the photo, Jeff heard the shutter click and turned back around. He wasn't too happy, but I was cracking up...

What's your favorite memory we share?
Our trip to Mule Canyon. The whole trip was perfect. We found plenty of ruins, it was great weather, you honed your flint and steel skills, and we made it home safely. But the specific success I remember was the ladder we built to go to the best ruins of all. I know all three of us felt so accomplished getting to explore them.

Any words of wisdom?
Uh, yeah... Play the game, don't be a soak and stay away from bagpipers!

Thanks for including me in this, man. "Family need not be defined merely as those with whom they share blood, but for those whom they would give our blood." - Charles Dickens