Fifty

Fifty guys at Pleasant Grove High School have their mission calls.

That's just an awesome update for y'all. Today I had mission prep class for the first time since I got my call. I do not care what anyone else in the world says, the Grovecreek 7th ward mission prep class taught by Bishop Andy Busby is the best class ever to exist. Basically we have the most spiritual mission related discussions for an hour. You have no idea. If you ever think that I will be a good missionary, it's because of that class. I seriously would rather go to that class for 7 hours than school. It has changed my life. If you are in my ward (whether you're planning on serving or not) you should go. It will soon be every week because that is how awesome it is. Aaaaaaaaah. Be jealous.

Also, four months from now, I will be in the MTC.

Atticus Finch

He is such a man, you know?

I hope I can be like him some day. Because seriously, such a man.

Senior Picture Story Time!

This morning I went to the temple. I was so happy. I called the post office. 

This is how I felt after:

My mission call was not at the post office.

I just wanted to run away Forrest Gump style.

I was really sad and I even went a little crazy trying to track it down.

I could not get it Thursday, because that meant I would have to wait until Saturday before my two Utah brothers could both be there. And that was not something I wanted to happen.

So I called the post office. Or five post offices.

My dad got involved and via text he informed me that I would not be able to get it. However, my brother rearranged his schedule so he could be down Thursday. No conflict. 

I was like:

 I'm not even nervous.

I don't care when I go.

 I don't care when I go.

There is a place out there that is waiting for the next and final Elder Duclos (of this generation). 

I'm just ready to go.

That's the story.

Photo credit: Nicole Tucker

Could be a pop culture thing

If you have ever seen Back to the Future, you may know that Doc Brown's preferred time period is the wild west. Well, coincidentally, that is mine, too. If I had to pick any time period to live in, that would be it. I like guns and not having to shave and riding horses and just the overall feel of the wild west.

Flash back. Not wild west back, just summer back. I went on the Trek. People learn a lot about themselves on such journeys, like their physical limits, their strengths. I only learned one thing.  I learned that I would look so good in the wild west. I mean look at this:

I look so good.

Where in the world

Is Wyatt San Diego? Ha, if you aren't older than me, you probably won't get that. Anyway, I am going to get called to serve Him somewhere in the world. And honestly, I have no idea where I will be going.  But because everyone (and I mean everyone) has asked me where I want to go (or where I think I'll go), I am going to write a list of a few places that get my mind racing.

Ireland. Really, I love the Irish culture. Plus, my a favorite movie of mine, War of the Buttons, takes place there. And that is also combined with Scotland. I wish I was one of those cultures 89% of the time.

China. Seriously, wouldn't it be cool if I was the very first missionary called to mainland China? I mean seriously, someone has to be the first. It would just kill me.

Russia. Because I talk Russian accent good. I guess that would be a bad situation.

Norway. Because, I mean really. Someone who wouldn't like that wouldn't like the Celestial Kingdom.

Ghana. Africa rocks. Plus, Cameron Tribe is there and going on a mission with him would rock.

Armenia. Really, it would be great.

Poland. Because Bean is from there.

Iceland. Sigur Ros.

England. It'd be awesome.

New York City. Because I love the temple there.

Chicago. Because I am the sausage king there. Actually not there because I would be too tempted to fake sick and reenact Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

North Dakota. Because apparently that's a boring place? I would rock it.

I would prefer to go foreign and not to Canada because my father would basically live with me if I did.


I am going to be going on a mission, but I really don't care too much where. I would like to hear your guesses. Based on my personality, my abilities, and your intuition. Where do you think Wyatt Russell Duclos, psychic detective Avatar Browncoat CONTROL agent Hobbit Sausage King of Chicago time-traveling skateboarder Jedi Master Clark Kent Dragon Warrior superhero pretty cool guy, will go on his mission?

Also, it's a little ridiculous that I am basing where I want to go off of popular culture, for the most part.

Kolipoki

I watched The Other Side of Heaven today.



Because I submitted my mission papers to the Church office building in Salt Lake.





I'M GOING ON A MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now is the long wait.

I want to tell you a story

It's about a man who came to earth. To make writing easier, we'll call him Clark. 

Clark was sent because his father, a good and noble man, wanted his son to live a life like himself. 

Clark was taken into a home by parents who wanted a baby boy. They got a son who was going to be strong, but they didn't realize it for a while. As Clark grew, he knew he had certain responsibilities due to traits inherit from his true father, who he had never met. So Clark decided to fulfill what his father had always planned on him doing: protecting and saving the world from total destruction.

Clark was on a planet that wasn't his home. He had parents he loved more than anything, but they weren't his only parents. He got a job as a writer, people around him never realizing how much power he really possessed. But when he heard a cry for help, no matter where he was, he put on his father's mantle and saved those he could. He wasn't perfect, but he tried to be. And it seemed that when he didn't reach his full potential, the shortcomings were made up for him.

At times, although Clark had amazing powers, he felt he needed guidance, guidance from him who truly knew his situation: his father. Luckily, when Clark retreated to his mountain citadel, he was able to gain insights from his first father. This connection was one of the reasons Clark was able to become so great.

Clark had a heart of righteousness and because of his father, he had powers and gifts the world wouldn't understand and some would even reject and scorn. He knew his potential and every day Clark strived to fulfill that potential, because he knew that was the only worthwhile choice. Clark was a super hero, but few ever realized.

This is funny. Because you really think you know who I am talking about. Well get ready to be blown away. This completely true story is not written about a fictional character. It's the story of Wyatt Duclos. I'll change the names and add a couple of words to help make it clearer.

Wyatt was sent because his Heavenly Father, a good and noble man, wanted his son to live a life like himself. 

Wyatt was taken into a home by parents who wanted another baby boy. They got a son who was going to be spiritually strong, but they didn't realize it for a while. As Wyatt grew, he knew he had certain responsibilities due to priesthood powers inherited from his true father, who he had never met. So Wyatt decided to fulfill what his father had always planned on him doing: protecting and saving the world from total spiritual destruction.

Wyatt was on a planet that wasn't his home. He had parents he loved more than anything, but they weren't his only parents. He got a job as a writer, people around him never realizing how much power he really possessed. But when he heard a cry for help, no matter where he was, he put on his father's mantle and saved those he could. He wasn't perfect, but he tried to be. And it seemed that when he didn't reach his full potential, the shortcomings were made up for him.

At times, although Wyatt had amazing powers, he felt he needed guidance, guidance from him who truly knew his situation: his Heavenly Father. Luckily, when Wyatt retreated to his mountain citadel, he was able to gain insights from his first father. This connection was one of the reasons Wyatt was able to become so great.

Wyatt had a heart of righteousness and because of his Heavenly Father, he had priesthood powers and spiritual gifts the world wouldn't understand and some would even reject and scorn. He knew his potential and every day Wyatt strived to fulfill that potential, because he knew that was the only worthwhile choice. Wyatt was a super hero, but few ever realized.

The thing about this is, I am not the only one. Anyone who has the gospel has the same responsibilities and the same gifts. It may seem like bragging that I say that Superman and I are the same person and I guess you're right. Superman never saved souls and neither have I. But I really intend to. I am a huge Superman fan because the story of Superman is the story of any priesthood holding twelve year old or eighty year old. Our Father asks us to be super, but first He made us super. We have His guidance. We have His gifts. We have His power.

I guess we all have a choice. We all have that decision to make: 

Will I be normal?

Or will I be super?

Gosh

I just had a crazy night. It all started at 5:00 when my friend, Cora Owens, took me on a date. We went to Taco Amigo then went to see The Hobbit. When we got back to the car and she turned on the radio, we heard the words, "PG" and "Triple overtime." All thoughts of the beautifully written and emotionally moving film I had just seen left my brain. Pleasant Grove played against Lehi High School last night and won in quadruple overtime 109-107. I listened to the rest of the game and then called Trevor who was there. We talked a bit and it was great. Awesome job, Vikings.

But that was just the beginning. 

After I hung up the phone with Trevor, I get a text from my good friend and Pleasant Grove Sports Network's play-by-play commentator, David Brinkerhoff. It read, "Hey so Jeremiah Jensen from KSL wants us to edit the film for him.  Want to come to Russ' room and help us edit? Plus you can turn Kurt's music off." In my defense, Kurt's music is about as tasteful as this.

I was in my underwear watching Saved By the Bell when I got offered the chance to edit something that would actually go on television. I am not going to lie in saying that that is one of the coolest things that has ever been offered to me.

The only problem is that it was already 11:00 and I was planning on going to bed soon. Of course within minutes I was fully clothed and at my mother's bedside begging for her approval. She said yes as long as I updated her on how long I would be (I figured it would be two hours, tops).

After making a quick Wendy's run, we started into the work of editing the footage for a highlight reel. 

Five and a half hours I worked. 

From 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM I edited, searching through over an two hours of footage and separate footage for a total highlight reel time of 3 minutes. And right now, I am finally editing my masterpiece. 

This is my biggest break in the field of editing. Forget that Wednesday the school played the copy of Ferris Bueller's Day Off that I edited, this actually will have my name attached. I am going to make it big. Just watch.

I'm smarter than I thought

I thought I sucked at Calculus. I was doing bad compared to the other students. But I ended up averaging at a B- and getting a 3 on the test. Then I found out that I am not too bad because I wasn't in a lab class. Apparently, a lot of people say they could not get through Calculus without their Calculus lab. I am just smart, I guess.

Love

Now I know what you're thinking: Wyatt is the worst and he is always talking about who he loves and doesn't love him back. Well...

http://youtu.be/8l4r10MOH70?t=1m33s

I don't know how that would help me, but the point is, I am not in love with a girl. Or a person at all. I'm not gay. I just want to live in Norway. Really, I am in love with this:

That is where I want to live once I am rich. Seriously. Lake Strynsvatn next to Hjelle, Norway. I will live there with my wife after I become rich. Because seriously, I am in love. And I am not taking no for an answer.

My Fortress of Solitude

I have lots of thoughts, but they are all going to be worth reading. This post will be long, but you should read it all. Because I think it's needed for you.

My entire life I have had the gospel. Because of that, it was hard for me to know what the spirit felt like  because I had never not known what it felt like. 

For the past week or so, I couldn't feel it. I didn't know what it was. I searched for what it would be that caused this spiritual recession. And even now I can't tell you what caused it. All I know is that I was lost. I could not find the spirit. Prayer, church, seminary, scripture study. It was like I was learning but I was just learning physically, not spiritually. Last night was especially bad. I felt like I was trying so hard but getting no results. I spent hours studying but I could never find that spirit.

Then this morning was the temple day for my Priest quorum. I set my alarm, knowing that if I could get the spirit anywhere, it would be in the temple of the Lord. So I woke up an hour after my group had left. I had set my alarm for 7:10 PM, not AM. After the feeling of failure I gained from totally missing the one shot I had at bringing my life back to where it was before. I had missed my one shot at entering the temple of God to gain His spirit. 

I sat at home alone, eating pizza. And honestly, I didn't have much drive to do anything. Both of my parents are out of town. If you didn't realize (or don't live in Utah county), it was about 4 degrees Fahrenheit all day. That's why this next part had to be completely psychotic. I decided that I needed to go to on a hike. You see, back in May (I think) I was running for student body president. I was nervous and tired and restless. I went into the mountains and got to the look out point up Grovecreek Canyon and I prayed. That night I lost. But I was fine because those mountains had helped me come closer to the Lord.

However, as I decided to hike, that honestly was the furthest thing from my mind. I seriously thought that I was likely to die or get injured. But I didn't care because I was just so done with everything. So in jeans, a thin jacket, earmuffs and gloves, I sent out on my journey.

My body was frozen before I got out of my neighborhood. By the time I reached the mouth of the canyon, my breathing was heavy and hard. I walked up listening to the novel Frankenstein. Little tip, if you want to stop being depressed about being alone, don't listen to that book. I walked up thinking all about how hard my life was and how much I had tried only to get nothing in return. 

I was almost to the lookout point and I had decided that I would pray again there. I needed to get back to where I was. But just before the lookout point, I wandered upon a herd of deer. It made me stop. I don't know what I was thinking, but I went from being bitter about everything to having my heart a little softer and my neck a little looser. I sat there for a while, just thinking.

I got to the lookout point.

You should click on the photo to see how spectacular a view it is. No edit.

Do you guys remember what ancient prophets used as temples? Yeah, that's right. Mountains. I had the most breathtaking view. Then I got down on my knees and I prayed. I had prayed plenty of times before. I had prayed longer with no results. But when I stood up after praying on that ancient temple, I had the spirit. Finally I had it.

It was so cold my phone shut off. I hiked down the mountain with my thoughts being the only thing to entertain me. I thought about how blessed I was. I thought about how lucky I was. My body was colder than when I walked up the mountain, but I couldn't have been warmer. I had the Spirit of God coursing through my veins. I was finally happy.

I walked up to commune with the God of all as a bitter, cold, lonely boy. I walked down hopeful and happy, with the spirit in my heart and the Savior at my side.

I love Superman. I love him because he is so much like me. His story is really similar to all of our stories. A being more than mortal who was sent off by loving parents to earth. He was given to mortal parents who loved him. He lived a normal life, but he had an enormous amount of power. He spent his life serving others with that power because their was nothing else he could do with it. And he had a place where he could go and talk to his father, just the two of them. He had a Fortress of Solitude. That mountain has become my Fortress of Solitude. It doesn't matter what happens. I can get my heart broken or my leg broken or I can be pushed to the edge like Job. It doesn't matter, because my Fortress of Solitude is not just a place. It is a state of mind. I can be in contact with the all knowing, all powerful being in charge of everything and He and I can just relax and talk. Nothing is a better feeling, I promise.

Remember prayer. It really, really works. I promise.

Bond, James Bond. Actually Wyatt Duclos, but you know.

I have really started to like an album lately. Now I know that typically my musical interests are not like this, but I did come from rock-and-roll as my roots. I am mostly pretty calm with my musical choices, but I can't help myself with some good rock. One of my favorite bands just released an album this year called The 2nd Law. Holy crap I dare you to listen to it without feeling like you are watching a film with the lead role being 007. Just listen to this:



That guitar is just...so Bond-esc.

Also, I got a new suit. It looks so hot. You will have a hard time looking without wanting to kiss me. Even if you are a guy. Maybe not. Don't turn gay for me. I would not support that. Stay straight, my friends.
I'll post a picture of me in the suit soon. I need to get dressed to go to my cousin's baptism then I will take a picture. Yeah.

The best gift.

So I have been going through a lot internally. I could explain, but I already did in a letter. You'll understand why when you read the letter, but for the moment just know I was feeling like I needed one person: my brother, Brock. He was the only one I could talk to. But because he had a bunch of mission stuff on the Monday before Christmas (Christmas Eve) when his P-Day usually is, he told us he couldn't email. But I didn't care. On Saturday I just needed to vent my emotions to my best friend. So I did. I even put the subject of the email as, "I know we'll talk before you read this." So here is my letter, unedited and completely and totally personal. Please know I put this here only so you know how powerful the results were.

My Best Bud-

I just need to talk to you. I really miss you right now. I always miss you, but where you would be Trevor or someone else takes your place, but there are some places where only you fit. Like right now. It's Christmas time. Everyone has their family. I mean everyone. Trevor has his family. Bob has his. Nick has his. Nicole Tucker (who I am best friends with) has hers. The Popes and Pixtons and Haws' have theres. And to some extent Mom and Dad have their own thing happening, just the two of them. That's why you are so important. Because you are me plus two years. When the married people started talking about pregnancy, we went to play pool. When everyone had their family Christmas parties, we watched Jingle All the Way together (which I watched last night, alone). You are the one that keeps me from not being alone. And a Christmas like I'm reminiscing about may never happen again. This my last Christmas home and if I had one hesitation about not going on a mission ASAP, it would be wanting to spend one more Christmas with you while we are both wife-free. I need you. I love you. You are my best friend, better than all 6.9 billion other people. I'm glad I followed you, even though it felt sometimes like I was in your shadow. You are awesome. I love you. Merry Christmas. Just know that no one misses you more than me. I guarantee. Because no one else needs you with them more than me. 

-Your Best Bud

Tomorrow is Christmas. We are going to talk on the phone. I knew what was going to happen. But Saturday night I prayed. I really prayed. I asked Heavenly Father for a confirmation. See, I could leave before Brock gets back. I have always felt like an afterthought in his weekly emails. I needed to talk to him when it was just us. All I wanted was one, meaningful exchange with him before I left on my mission. That is what I prayed for; that was what I wanted. And I got it. Heavenly Father is the best at giving and, boy, is he the best at surprising us. After pulling an all-nighter with my friends, I woke up after a two hour nap to the best Christmas gift ever. What was it, you ask? Well here it is.

Hey mate, 

Turns out we got to do email today but we don't have a lot of time. You get the privilege of receiving my only email of the day!!

You know what helped me this Christmas? Elder Holland has an article in the Ensign (or New Era, I read it in the Liahona) that talks about his first Christmas away from home. It was when he was a new missionary, training a newer missionary and opening a new area. They spent the whole day the whole week actually, knocking on doors without anyone listening to them (as great as the mission is, those days happen and they are rough). But he said that was the first Christmas that he really focused on what it meant instead of focusing on just enjoying it. There is a lot of wisdom in his words. 

I love you and I'm glad you miss me. I miss you too. I am so excited for what you're going to learn on your mission. You'll grow in a way you'll never expect. Like it says in Ether 12:27, when you're out on your mission, you're going to be shown your weaknesses more than ever, believe me. But they'll be turned into strengths. You'll have a mission president that loves you and is inspired by Heavenly Father to help you become who you need to be. That relationship is so special. 

I pray for you because I know you are at a really fun, but really hard part of your life right now. And I am proud of you. I tell everyone that I have five brothers, four that served missions, and one that is on his way. One of the things I've learned is that I never have to wait to be happy. I can find the good in everything and enjoy life wherever I am. You are a good kid, and I'm excited to see you. 

I love you,

Elder Duclos

I'm sure he doesn't know how much his email meant or how much it made me cry. But Heavenly Father loves me so much. So much that he would give me a meaningful, personal conversation with my best bud. I know that He knows me personally. This Christmas is the best one I've ever had. Because even though I am kind of a loner, I am never alone. I have my Heavenly Father there, making sure I am happy. What else could I ask for?

Girls

Hahahaha. Remember this post? Hahahahaha I am so stupid to think that I could just not like girls. But for reals this time. That girl that I liked for over two years? Not anymore. That girl I am really good friends with? Not going to be more than friends. That girl who asked for my number? Good luck with the rejection hotline (haha just kidding, but really, I won't be flirting with you via text). That girl who might have a crush on me that is really pretty and I would not dislike liking? She probably won't get to know me very well.
I am D-O-N-E with girls.



And I am happy with that.


Also, this.
I seriously almost urinated from excitement. I really did. It made me explode with pure excitement. I LOVE SUPERMAN. SO MUCH. I SHOULD STOP yelling.

Applied

I am officially grown up. Because I just applied to the University of Utah and it's Honors College.








I still had to use my mom's credit card to pay for it, though.

Personally

I usually don't do personality tests. And when I do, I don't tell people about them. But I found one here and it was simply asking your favorite kind of pie (I'm assuming because that's what I did). This is so similar to me it's hard not to share.
You Are Pumpkin Pie
You're the perfect combo of uniqueness and quality.
You're able to relate to many types of people with many different tastes. But you're by no means generic or
   ordinary. In fact, you're one of the most original people around.
Those who like you are looking for something (or someone) special.
You tend to confuse people when they first meet you. But you're not as complicated as you seem.
Even though you have a lot of spice and flavor to you, you're never overpowering.
You are a calm and comforting force in people's lives.

That's it

I am going on a mission. Submitting my papers in 118 days!



This school year will be so long.

H-omecoming

PG football makes me lose my voice. I yelled so loud today at the football game against Lehi. 45-11? Yeah, we destroyed. Tomorrow is the Homecoming dance. I am going with Kirsten Marquis. She is super awesome. Really. I cleaned a car today for four hours. Free of charge. I realized that I will never fall in love with my sister, Nicole. I love soccer. But I love American rules football best. Did I mention we destroyed? I was the fan of the game for my senior Homecoming where we destroyed Lehi. I got a plaque and everything. So great. I really like this girl, but I don't think she likes me back. She could, though. Good news, I think at least five sophomore girls are in love with me, though. Being the oldest at school sucks. I really love football.

You can't stop the school of rock!!!

I started guitar class this semester. Every class period ends with me wishing I was JB. Yes, you read that right. Some people give him a hard time, because of his overall appearance and his lack of appreciation in some social circles, but I always want to be as awesome at guitar as Jack Black (who did you think I was talking about?). So I always crave watching the school of rock. Which I am doing now. Seriously so great.
Also I have a burning desire to replicate Jukebox Hero. Long story.

Hung Over
The School of Rock at MOVIECLIPS.com

Things I did today

Well, it was a busy one.

• I started out helping Nicole answer Trevor to Homecoming. I did that basically all day. She wanted me to stall him. I didn't really need to, but I accidentally did anyway. 
• Then I had some school. 
• I made a survey on if people in my Medical English class had robbed graves and why. It will be a hit.
• I felt a kinship to Newton and Aristotle and Galileo as we discussed them in Chemistry.
• I filmed some Student Council kids during third period and after school. 
• During lunch I made grilled-cheese panini for two girls that I never, ever thought would be at my house eating my food, Nicole Tucker and Kaylee Whiteley. 
• I told a story for Open Mic in Radio that technically happened to my best friend (but I said it happened to me).
• I fell asleep in my front yard in a chair that was waaaaay too close to the trash (I was too lazy to move it).
• I got picked up by Nicole and Annysela Medrano and we went to Buffalo Wild Wings.
• I did the Blazin' Challenge at BWW for On Campus. The challenge is eating 12 of their hottest (about 300,000 Scoville Heat Units) wings (bone in) within 6 minutes without any drinks and you cannot wipe your face.
• I cried while doing said challenge.
• I dominated said challenge in a beautiful 3 minutes 46 seconds.
• I washed my hands really well, but not well enough because in the car I rubbed my eye and basically burned it to a crisp.
• I went to DI and purchased the book A Thousand Splendid Suns for $2.00.
• My "friends" Nicole and Nini talked about how hot guys were and made me really uncomfortable.
• I helped Nicole really answer Trevor with a giant pair of pants on his windshield.
• I was the mascot (which incidentally is not the best thing to be after downing 12 wings and drinking milk which you can't fully digest).
• I watched PG dominate Provo 41-7.
• I went to McDonald's with Trevor and Nicole.
• I got home and edited a video to show my parents what I did this afternoon (the challenge).
• I texted this really great and awesome friend of mine who I didn't really get to see today, Maren Parsons.
• I blogged.

So you could say I have been a little busy. That is literally nothing of my whole day. I got random texts throughout the day talking about eating pants (in the Spanish language, no less) and I also witnessed the craziest fight I've ever seen at school.

It was a near champion day, I'd say.

The face of complete joy .02 seconds before the face of gut-retching pain. Love it.