Hey Johnny Boy,

The word is slowly (but surely) spreading about your bullish encounter. Still can't wait for the photos.

Hey, Michelle! I was only teasing, and I happen to like the paragraphs. E-mail me and I'll send you Johnny's account in the bull-ring ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). I think you've figured the hierarchy, though; Johnny's a III, I'm a Jr. I'll pass the message to Elyse, too.

Judging from the most recent news, it's a good thing they don't require an international license to run with the bulls; they may not have allowed you in! I hope all are healing well. I love you, Johnny. Dad

Ooh, I even got the slam from your dad! Apparently the ship sailed without me.Hello, John Losen, Sr! Wait, John, Jr....you're a III, aren't you? So, I guess I'm not quite sure how to address that one. And to Johnny's sister, whom I've only met once or twice, I think of you every time I listen to the Wicked soundtrack because you sang the song so beautifully at the talent show.

Darno, I missed your phone call. You're right about my cell phone. The battery was warped and I didn't get it replaced for ages, and not it's fixed but rarely turned on. When you get home, replace it with my home phone number. It's much more reliable, seeing as I'm jobless. GAH! I'm thinking of starting a school, creating my own work. No, seriously.

I am greatly intrigued that you ran with the bulls. It's almost surreal because I was reading about that on msn or something just now thinking about how people probably die doing that, and then I come to this site and find out you slapped a bull's rump (and got a spanking back, too, I see). It's pretty cool, actually.

Welp (not a word, and I am aware), I've kept you long enough and taken up enough space with my insistence on paragraphs. The wilderness in Ohio awaits your visit! ~ Michelle ~

Hey John John! Saw your dad at a softball game the other day and he gave me your email about the Bulls. I decided that you are out of your mind. I urge you to seek help. Did you think you could armbar the bull or what? Anyways I am glad you are having an awesome time. See you when you return. love love

what up man,

looks like your trip is awesome. Its sweet that you have a website for it. Plus its like super in depth with bios and pictures and stuff that's awesome. Seen alot of the stuff on here and backpacking across Europe looks like its definetly worth it.

-peace

Hey Johnnny Boy!
Well its been very interesting with MAHITLER.{Grandma}.Well your mother wanted to go to the beach so bad, she got full treatment. It was sunny, then the susette curse. It stormed so bad. I kept trying to convince her it would blow, but you know the rest. on lighter notes your sister is worse to sleep with then autumn was.talk about a bed hog! I told her her and her husband would have to have seperate beds. That makes me happy. Well colonel hope you enjoyed your independence day. Not every day finlanders get to meet a us colonel. Gotta go back to where i got bapatized {ha ha}it smelled but not like a toilet. remember when bub bapatized you. love and hugs. wear protection{rain coat and sun screen} what did you think i was talking about, shane?! peace and chicken grease. oh ya snoops mad you didnt holla when in hemp town. see ya
us means U.S. colonial means colonel

Johnny,

Grandma Smith just read your message; I asked her to send a message back and she doesn't know what to say?!?!?!? That's a first. She said she misses you, has looked at all the pics and can't wait to see you. Ditto from Grandpa. Great pic under the Eiffel and the tenting on the beach. Grandma says you look handsome with the new haircut. Kaitlin says nothing. Grandpa says he has a pic of a Russian babe he wants you to see. She looks like Grandma - you'd probably want to marry her, or at least bring her to USA. That's all for now. Brenda will be following with another message later. I love you, Johnny. Dad

Johnny Boy,

It's July 05; I'm back in the Marianna Library. You missed a feast yesterday; we hosted the Redmonds at G&G Smith's for spaghetti dinner; we talked of you and Andrew, wishing you could have been here; it was great, as usual. Today we're going over to Altha to do a little rafting/canoeing down the river Aunt Brenda was baptized in last Sunday. That was cool, too; just the family gathering for a special time at the river. They were partying hard at the lake, too. Uncle Bryan drove up late the night before, Aunt Annie was there with the boys, of course, the Rices, G&G Losen, the Kevins (w/JC), Andrew & Tess, and Marley! We're heading home tomorrow (Friday). Nice that Michelle (finally) posted; those AP teachers have a little trouble with the protocol, I guess. I'm listening to Phil C. while posting... I love you, Dad

Johnny Johnny Johnny. IT is good to keep up with you, but if you could swing a few more updates my way, that would be great. I don't want to hear all this, "wilderness" or "Scandanavia" nonsense. There is no excuse. Somehow, I think that if you would have simply put in some more time and effort into German, everything would be going much smoother in all directions. Confused? Well, you should be. It is random comment day here in the states, and I have to catch up with all the crazies who apparently had a head start. ;-) Things are going good. Just want more work. I'm hungry like a wolf. Well, I've commented your myspace back as well. Thanks for the happy birthday, and be safe, but have major fun times my young hip friend.

You are in my prayers, and I think of you often... I kind of have to, being where I work... ;-)

Much love, MWAH!

Kais

HEY JOHNNY!!!!! we miss you so much (me and jason) sorry it's been so long without a comment! i see that you are having an amazing time! jason led worship on sunday at our church, and you missed it, he was really sad! and this weekend is a year from when you and jason had your little cuddle fest haha! he will definitely miss that this year! it really hasn't been the same without you though! good thing we have little johnny (luis) coming today so that we'll have a little bit of johnny here! but anyways, we love you a lot and can't wait till you get back!!! love, erica

hello everybody,
it has been a while since i've posted a comment on here. sometimes when we're in the wilderness of scandinavia it's hard to come by internet access. right now we're actually north of the arctic circle, in a land where the sun never sets. that being said, allow me to respond to a few people individually.
floridians: the last few comments from aunt brend have been hilarious. keep them coming. the trip has been great so far. we have taken more pictures than you could ever imagine. hope things are well in the new house, grandparents. have fun hosting the rest of my family. i wish i could be there. i haven't seen you redmonds in quite some time. thank you all for your prayers.
mrs. stoller (ha): hey! i haven't heard from you in quite some time. i'm glad you were able to find the sight. that's really awesome that my name can be googled and something actually appears. i think i left a message on your cell a long time ago. apparently you don't check that very often. anyway, it was great to hear from you. keep in touch. when i get home i really want to try to visit you guys down there in the wilderness that is ohio.

everyone please keep the comments coming. they really mean a lot. love you all,
johnny

Johnny,

Elyse and I are in the Marianna Public Library, just a few blocks from G & G Smith's new home, in the middle of mostly nothing in the tri-state area of the panhandle of Florida. We left home last night (Thursday, June 2 at 9:30p. and drove through the night. We arrived at the new house about 2p. this afternoon; it's about 5p. now and we just dropped your Aunt Brenda at work. Andrew is taking Marley over to G & G Losen's to spend the night with him tonight. The final paving is supposed to be done in the sub, but it still looks like it could be a while. Aunt Brenda is getting baptized on Sunday. We haven't heard from you in some time and the site (not sight) hasn't changed in some time. We're curious what's been going on. Remember, this week, to send e-mails to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it as I will be unable to access/communicate from work. We love you and wish you were here. Dad

Ah, now this time I saw the little orange message that says, "Your post will be reviewed by an administrator." I feel ridiculous. Sorry about the editing of 4 messages while on your supertrip. You can delete this one, too. I promise I won't post anything stupid again. ~Michelle

If this message shows up 15 times, I apologize. I still cannot tell if it is posting or what. I do have to say that I did notice your lack of capitalization in your one response...oh AP student awesomeness. Okay, okay--you get a break.

Hey, John! I did a google search for John Losen and Trip of a Lifetime (remembering someone saying something about a website) and here I am! I'm thrilled you are on this trip, and I'm sending many blessings your way! I have yet to navigate the site to see what kind of stories and pictures I can find, but I thought I'd drop a note first. Have oodles of fun and when you get back, I want to hear all about it first-hand! Take care, stay safe, and make good choices! ~ Michelle (Bahr) Stoller ~

Actually, there's no significance to the title--it just sounded neat...although I WILL say that I did notice your lack of capitalization in your one response...oh AP student awesomeness. Okay, okay--you get a break.

Hey, John! I did a google search for John Losen and Trip of a Lifetime (remembering someone saying something about a website) and here I am! I'm thrilled you are on this trip, and I'm sending many blessings your way! I have yet to navigate the site to see what kind of stories and pictures I can find, but I thought I'd drop a note first. Have oodles of fun and when you get back, I want to hear all about it first-hand! Take care, stay safe, and make good choices! ~ Michelle (Bahr) Stoller ~

Johnny boy,Grandama had me send you boys a messAGE and I did not send it. Let me see if I can remember. BLA BLA BLA you look so much like Grandpa Joe. You are so handsome,so are all of you.BLA BLA BLA hope you can see people in Finland,please take pictures.Bla Bla stay off the streets at night. BLA BLAwe love youJohnny boy Grandma Grandpa Smith.Well I got the just of it. Really wish you were coming to Marrianna with the family. Its like another country!!! Lots of love and peace out bro.

Johnny, without a slight to your brother and sister who are still home, hearing from you was the best Father's Day gift I could have received yesterday. Actually, it was a great gift for the whole family. I'm glad everyone was home to talk to you; thanks for calling. Sounds like you guys have settled into a good, manageable routine, not pushing too hard now. I'm glad (but not as much as you are) you have a bed and a shower for a couple of days (and a washing machine). And, I'm glad SeaWolfe learned his lesson (yeah, right). I think that's likely to happen at least once or twice more. More via e-mail. I love you, Johnny; we all miss you. Dad

It's Saturday, strawberry time and Father's Day tomorrow; don't forget. More open houses and yard work this weekend. I saw Paul Morehead yesterday-remember your first Super Mario game? He's going to check out the sight and maybe send you a message. Lonnie just found out your were gone; Silas already knew. I'm halfway through Daniel with Chuck; it's good and a great way to pass the yardwork time. G&G Losen are cruising in Alaska in August; how about that? Still in Normandy? How are the historical sites? Must go "trim the verge". I love you, Johnny.

Hi Johnny Boy, Thats what I call you all the time. I have been on pins and needles wondering if you got there. So glad you did. The scenery is awesome. Can't wait to here more about your super filled adventures. Keep up the great reporting, we'll keep praying for you all. Have fun. Love your Aunt JoetXXXOOOO

Hey Colonial Mustard. Im so jealous and happy for you. Let me tell you about what your stupid but beautiful AUNT FUDGE did. I went rafting down a river that I was told were no gators. Ya right. Gators,snakesand killer turtles!!!! I also broke my raft broke my toe sunburnt,scraped up and met areal cool black lab who ate part of my lunch.Cant wait to do it again next week (ya right).Oh did I mention it takes 4 to 5 hours.Anyway I LOVE YOU and pray 4 u everyday. No hairy women wee wee!Dont forget to tell snoop whats up yo.420 out!!!!!

Hey Johnny! Wow! Aunt Brenda came over and showed us your pictures......at first we didn't believe that it was you. You look so different then what I remember. (but thats okay...it's all good!) LOL
Hope you're having the very best time over there...and sleeping okay. *thinking about sleeping in a tent hurts* So I'll keep praying for you, and maybe I'll see you soon. God bless!
Your cuz, Jenn

HI JOHNNY BOY! I miss you so very much and hope you know you are the first person I think about and pray for each morning.NEWS FLASH!!! Paris Hilton has to serve her full 45 days. Actually I'm so disgusted that we have to hear about her at all. FOX NEWS should leave that to the trash papers! Anyway, I have a weird story for you.Last Friday' your Dad and I went to the Dollar Show to see Premonition and when we came out at 10:00pm.,I almost stepped on a man lying on the ground. Your Dad caught me as I screamed and said to the guy "Sorry".He opened his eyes and said "thanks for not stepping on me." He put his head back down and closed his eyes. Isaw a wallet and looked to see I.D. It was his so your Dad asked him a few questions . Come to find out he just came out of a coma after 42 days and open heart surgery. We called his sister and she picked him up. HE had been missing since that morning so she was quite relieved. He told your Dad that he saw Jesus twice and said he needed to go save someone. He really didn't make a lot of sense.Well I'm going to go do my laps without Marley. Mr. Frank sends his greeting and says have fun and stay safe! Love Momma

I miss you so very much. I have lots of leftovers since you left. I hope you're eating good and interesting food and putting on some weight. It was great hearing your voice on the PodCast; I really wanna talk to you. (Linda Barrett wants to know the name of the city you'll be in when in Spain; Erica Ochs will be in Malaga until approximately July 31)

Grandma Smith said that Erik and Seija (Say-ya, from Finland) want to know if you'll be able to come and see them (phone number: 358-505-161-999) Are you changing/washing your underwear regularly LOL-get it? How are you sleeping? How's the blow-up mattress? I loved looking at all the Ireland pics and I'm going to (have someone) print off the one of you looking over whatever you were looking over (pondering, contemplating).

Marley misses you and has kept busy chasing bugs, baby birds, bunnies, and continues to chew everything in his path. Right now he's chewing on a Christmas towel. I bought a chain leash so he can't chew through it. While I was at the boat ramp, doing my laps, he escaped from the bench he was chained to. The lady who normally walks the three dogs around the neighborhood came toward the boat ramp with four! Marley was quite happy with his three new friends. He's still enjoying Animal Planet.

The first couple days I just went in your room and stared at your dresser (tear). I really miss you and your hugs, not drugs - especially in Amsterdam. Don't forget to send me postcards. Did you send one to the leprechaun from Ireland? Lots of people are praying for you. My laundry load has gone down; I miss folding your clothes. Andrew doesn't seem to have as many dirty clothes?!? He's not showering either, just like you.

James Muffett came to church last night and was unexpectedly asked to speak; he gave his testimony-WOW! Your Dad and I had never heard it-it was quite a story! Dad gave him Epicenter to read.

Well, I love you hope to hear from you soon. Love, Momma XO

Tess flooded the bathroom this morning while I was at school. In her defense, I left it clogged with intentions of plunging it when I got home. Anyway, figured you could appreciate that.

we've been in the countryside, south of dublin, the last few days, so i haven't had a chance to check my comments. i'm pleasantly surprised to see all these comments. reading through them gave me warm fuzzies and also brought me to tears a couple times. so keep it up. i will be starting a blog on livejournal, like the blog mark has been keeping updated. the link to the blog will be right here under my bio. you will be able to comment on my individual journal entries if you like. unless you have something to say that pertains to a specific journal entry, just keep commenting under my Bio like you have been doing. for those of you who have already left comments, i will try to respond to all of you individually. but, i don't have all of your email addresses, so follow jake's example and leave your email address with your next comment if you don't think i have it already. thanks again everybody. you have no idea how much i enjoy hearing all the mundane details from your lives back home, so keep them coming.

Hi Johnnyboy, This is your aunt and cousins coming at you from PR, the gem of the carribbean. Hope you're having a great time but I have'nt read any blogs from you yet. Que pasa, chico? Love from your Godfather and the boys say Hi and wish they were there and what a bummer we won't see you this summer. Oh well, there's always Christmas. I'm ordering some new Missler cd's and I'll be sharing with Andrew so I'm sure they'll filter to you. The boys are very impressed that you plan to run with the bulls. Incidently, Uncle Luis did that same thing in his younger, stupider(not a word I know) days. I think I might have mentioned that to you before but remember, I'm aging and prone to repeat myself. At any rate, we love you and our thinking of you and praying for you. Be wise, Aunt Annie

i stopped by our favorite bank the other day to cash a few checks. the majority of the day care checks are going into your account and my hands are almost fully recovered from their bout with sparcream on saturday. anyway, i brought up your..interesting episode with the girls there and told them i was your brother. point is, i had your back and offered up your number. unfortunately, christina (the brunette) is currently taken and jessica (the blonde) was busy.
but all hope is not lost. i have plenty more checks to cash this summer. i'll wear them down.
things are going well here. i think marley may have eaten a needle along with a spool of thread today. he seems to be fine, tho. i stopped by the cable guy's today and picked up about 70 more pairs. tess also picked up about 60 girls jeans. she sends her love. she also has some pics of you from when she first got her camera a couple days before you left. let me know if there's a way to throw them up on this site.
i guess that's about it. have a goody goody.
-brother

Hey Johnny. I listened to the pod cast, I'm sorry all the young folk are retarded in Ireland. better luck finding more class in France where no one shaves, I suppose. Well, the house hasn't fallen into ruin just yet, but it can't be long... You are missing a lot of tick action though. I found one on my bed as I got in to go to sleep, which caused me to have nightmares. Then Mom and I found two of them on Marley today.

Other than that there's not to much else to report.
I love you and miss you. Summer wont be the same without you. (especially tubing. no one else will try to kick me off.)

Take care of yourself, gypsy!
-Elyse (sis)

Johnny, I hope you guys got a picture in the pub with "C.S. Lewis"! That would be cool. Mom wants to know about the food. Have you had anything new and different? Aunt Brenda called this morning to say she had a group of 45 people, from ten different churches who have been working together on a mission project, in her restaurant last night and she told them about you guys and your trip. She said they stopped and shared the request and all 45 prayed in concert for you guys; that's awesome, huh? I love you, Johnny, Dad.

johnny my friend. i miss you like crazy. just moments ago i was flipping through channels and i came across our good friend Jim Cramer. i caught the lightning round and it was freakin awesome. someone phoned in asking a question, and they were asking about selling some stock... and cramer wasnt too happy about it. he started yelling and called "unsportsman-like conduct" on him and started throwing flags at the camera. lol. it was hilarious. and then someone gave a pretty good stutter boo-ya. that made cramer happy because he thought the stutter boo-ya had died off. anyway... i thought that would make your day just that much better to remember good ole jim cramer.

work has been going pretty good so far. we havent really had any huge problems, which is good. Kaiser has kept his cool for the most part... as have i. school is done for me on thursday, and after that i suppose its work, work, work. im kind of looking forward to it. (especially since i think they might be hiring a new detailer. yes!)

well man, i hope you're having a great time. drop me an email sometime at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . talk to you soon.
-jake

Hey Dude,
It is so awesome that you are going on this trip! And with SHANE!! I know you guys will have a blast. Be safe and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!! I'll try to play the bass as well as you do while you're gone - If your dad lets me! Vicki

dear johny,
although you are not technically out of the us of a I feel as though our lack of communication makes us worls apart.

um ok. so my phone officially died. and it only works every so often (meaning usually never) and i havnt gotten a new one so when my phone magically turned on and i got ur message u were gone i was so sad!!!! I miss you!!

I talked to elyse and she made me feel better. (she actually just told me you were gone, but ya know, in that soothing elysa voice haha) so I hope ur having an awesome start to ur trip. u better get me something amazing ( i.e. - like a rock that you found at the base of the statue of david) oh and i post card with an original johnny poem. Im noot looking for a souviener, just like......a rock and a poem. i like to keep it easy. well I love you and i will be checking up on you via this website so be good and stay safe.

peace and love.
sarah.