Shake 'n Bake

An Amazing Story by a Navy SEAL

2011-01-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

This video is of a speech given by Marcus Luttrell who was a Navy SEAL. He talks about a mission that his SEAL team was given in which they were to kill or capture a high-ranking Taliban leader in Afghanistan. This story, for lack of a better description, is plain crazy.

What this guy went through is unreal. It's sad that he was the only surviving member of his SEAL team. It's sad that we need people like him, but I'm glad he's on our side. I can't really explain how grateful I am for those who serve our country. Watch this video.

2010: A Pretty Good Year

2011-01-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

2010 was decent for me. I wish it was better for some friends and family, but hopefully '11 will be better for everyone. Here are some highlights from my past year in no particular order:

Received the best email ever! Click here if you missed my last post.
Went on two epic road trips: Chicago and Jackson Hole, WY. Drove back to Utah from Chicago by myself in only 19 hours. Never do that.
Graduated
Discovered the miracle of the Ped Egg. Received it as a gift for Christmas from my niece's dog!
Became the king of gag gifts this Christmas: Ped Egg, Dungeons & Dragons cartoon DVD, spatula
Attended epic concerts: Billy Joel/Elton John, Carrie Underwood, John Mayer, Boyz II Men, Ben Folds, Safetysuit
Introduced some of my family to the Tim Tam Slam and now can't visit without bringing Tim Tams
Discovered the wonders of Corn Hole
Dominated at Mad Gab. I have yet to be beaten.
Solidified my status as "Greatest Uncle Ever!" See aforementioned email. Hopefully this is a precursor to "Greatest Dad Ever!"

Overall, I learned a lot this year. Especially about myself and the kind of person I want to be. Thanks especially to my family and friends for a great year. I hope the best for everyone in 2011!

RANDOM STUFF TO TALK ABOUT TO MY UNCLE DALE WHO IS THE BEST UNCLE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

This is an email my niece wrote to me today. I love it.

HEY YOU ARE THE BEST UNCLE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU ARE SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU ARE ALSO THE CLOSEST UNCLE I HAVE!!!!

BUT I AM GLAD BECAUSE YOUR MY FAVORITE UNCLE OF ALL TIME !!!!

YOUR ALSO LIKE 13 FT AWAY!!

BUT STILL COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

B-) :P :) :( 3:) HAHAHAHA!!!!!

SO IN AUGUST PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T MOVE AWAY

YOU CAN MOVE CLOSER TO US

BUT DON'T MOVE FURTHER AWAY

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

THAT WOULD SUCK IF YOU DID!!!!!

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

THAT WOULD MAKE ME MAD

AND VERY VERY SAD!!!!!!!!!!

YOU WILL BREAK MY HEART IF YOU DID!!!!!!~

HOW ABOUT YOU MOVE IN

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

SSSSSSSSSSSSSBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

WHAT SHOULD WE DO FOR THE LAST DAY

OF 2010

WE SHOULD BANG POTS AND PANS AT TWELVE O CLOCK

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR LUNCH

MACARONI RAMON NOODLES LEFT OVERS GRILLED CHEESE AND TO MA TOE SOUP

HAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHASHA

TEEHEEHEE

LOL LOL LOL LOL OL OL O L O L O L O L O L O L OL O L O L

Pillow Fight!

2010-12-28T11:21:00.001-07:00

I was reminded this past weekend of how abusive my niece Jayden used to be. Well, she still is, but instead of using pillows, she uses her entire body as a weapon.

Needless to say, I came home a couple days ago with a few bruises from her, her sister and her brother. A lot of wrestling was done over Christmas. I think I emerged the victor, though, which is saying a lot since it was 3 on 1. They are pretty vicious.

To prove my point, watch the video below. It's of Jayden beating me with a pillow about four to five years ago. I showed her this video this weekend. She has no recollection of ever doing this to me. She's nine now, turning ten at the end of January.

Live Action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cartoon Intro

2010-12-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Had to come out of retirement for this (Thanks Michael Jordan and former favorite football player/traitor Brett Favre). My buddy Cookie had the amazing idea to recreate the intro to TMNTs for his ward talent show. It has turned out to be quite the epic experience for many of us.

Now we're hoping to get it shown on ESPN's SportsNation show. I have a huge crush on Michelle Beadle. She just might be the coolest woman ever.

Here's the video for you all to watch. I honestly can't believe the attention it's getting.

John Mayer = Awesome (Can't believe I'm saying that)

2010-09-14T17:05:00.000-06:00

Here are the videos Jordan and I took at the John Mayer concert. This is one of the best concerts I've ever been to. The poor quality vids are mine and the good quality vids are obviously Jordan's. Plus, you can hear him singing in most of them :) I refrained for your sake. However, the shakiness I will not apologize for. I can't stand still at a concert. I've gotta dance :)

I can't remember during which song, but John left the stage in the middle of it and his band just jammed for a minute without him. He came back and said that if you thought he had to leave to go pee, you were correct. Haha. Anyway, I was surprised at how gracious he was. He had nothing but good things to say about the audience and Utah in general. I've heard some negative things about him so I was a little worried how he'd act, but I can honestly say he was the 2nd most nicest performer I've seen next to Boyz II Men. I appreciate that.

*Disclaimer: These videos are taking FOREVER to upload. It may be a long time before I post anything else (if ever). I've been contemplating ending my blogging career so don't be surprised if I disappear sometime soon. Why not go out on top with the most epic post in the history of my posting? In the wise words of Morrie Schwartz (Tuesdays With Morrie): "Don't let go too soon, but don't hang on too long." One love.

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

The Edge of Desire

The Heart of Life (1)

The Heart of Life (2)

Half of My Heart

Don't Stop Believing (Cover)

Gravity/Some of John's Philosophy

Heartbreak Warfare

John Just Jamming

Waiting on the World to Change

My New Digs

2010-09-12T12:58:00.000-06:00

Here it is. My new place. I love it. It's so nice and actually feels like a home. I live with one roommate mostly, but the owner is in town for a month before he moves to Spain for a year. The townhouse has 4 bedrooms. Three on the second floor and one in the basement. We have an amazing view. I've been so busy that I haven't been able to enjoy my balcony very much, but I promise you I will now that I have no more friends coming to visit.

One cool thing about this subdivision is when you turn into it, you're greeted by a little waterfall. I didn't get a picture of it, but just know that I think that's pretty cool. Haha. Feel free to be jealous and to visit!

The Outside

My Bedroom

The carcass that hangs on my wall!

The First Floor

Kitchen and Dining Table

The Balcony View!

The Basement

So there you have it. And to top it all off, I know the guys that live next door. They randomly moved in when I did so that is pretty sweet. Also, for those of you who know Dave, he had a group of girls I know move in next to him and he lives on the street below me. So this place is about to start hopping. (Hopefully!)

Three Years In A Row, Baby!

2010-09-10T23:53:00.000-06:00

I just got back from the Boyz II Men concert! I've seen them three years in a row now. I can't believe how great they still sound. It's incredible how talented they are. I love to sing, but am no where near that good. It blows my mind hearing the control they have. I'm very jealous of that.

I recorded some video on my phone that I'll post later if it's good. I haven't checked it out yet. I want to wait until I can get the videos and pictures that Michelle took, because she got right up to the front of the stage. She even got a rose from them during I'll Make Love To You.

I also called my mama when they sang A Song For Mama. That's her ring tone. I'm not sure if she could hear, but she stayed on the phone for a while so hopefully she could at least hear me singing to her.

They said they'll be coming back again next year. Not sure if I'll be here, but if so, I will definitely go again. I've paid about $25 total to see them three times. The most expensive time was $10. Not bad, eh? I even paid for my brother and sister-in-law to come tonight so even with them, I have paid around $40 for the three times. Best. Deal. Ever!

Get Excited!

2010-09-05T17:32:00.000-06:00

I have a lot of updates coming. I was going to do some blogging today, but this post is all I can manage. I'm treating myself to a lazy, do nothing day since my plans for tonight fell through. Here's a sneak peak at what's coming:

My new house
John Mayer concert
Pitt/Utah football game
WSU/BYU soccer match
UW/BYU football game

That has all taken place in the last 8 days. It's been a crazy week, but so much fun. I only had one night of downtime and that was Wednesday. So glad tomorrow is a holiday. Hooray for laborers!!!

Failure May As Well Be Dale-ure

2010-08-28T15:47:00.000-06:00

I had the grand idea of making some kids' day yesterday morning. I was behind a semi and saw the kids trying to get the truck driver to honk his horn at them. He wasn't budging. I guess he just wanted to focus on turning left right in front of them. It was almost as if he was taunting them by delaying his turn longer than he needed to.

I snagged a pic of the driver:

So I wanted to make up for the truck driver's selfishness. As I drove by, I wondered if the kids would try to get me to honk. Nope. I wasn't a cool, big construction semi so I went unnoticed. Didn't matter. I honked anyway.

I looked in the rear view mirror to watch their reactions and got nothing but stares. One boy, who was trying the hardest with the semi, just stood there, seemingly dumbfounded. It was so funny (to me at least.)

But alas! I didn't fail completely. Even though I received no response to my efforts, as soon as the kids put two and two together, they were trying to get the cars behind me to honk. I did that.

Surprise Visit

2010-08-05T21:00:00.000-06:00

Had a great surprise visit from my buddy Jeff and his family today. He's currently attending the University of Pittsburgh where he's getting his doctorate in University Administration (or something like that.) We met in Las Vegas about 8 years ago. This guy is rad. We instantly bonded over our love of Michael Jordan. He owns, I think, around 20 pairs of Air Jordans and has a bunch of Jordan memorabilia. I'm quite jealous.

He's one of those guys who just seems to have connections all over the place. Luckily, I've been able to capitalize on that a few times. I've gotten free tickets to BYU football games in Vegas including the Las Vegas Bowl where BYU killed Oregon. He's flying out here on Sept 2 to go to the Pitt/Utah game and I get to go on Pitt's tab. Pretty sweet! I'm so excited to go in my new Pitt shirt and hopefully watch Pitt pound Utah.

Some of you may remember him from our Mountainwood days ways back when. Here's a picture of him and his three kids, Jack, Wellesley, and the latest addition Matthew all decked out in BYU gear. The funny thing is his wife and her family are huge Utah fans.

30 Second Smile

2010-08-01T12:24:00.000-06:00

I saw a commercial for this the other day and thought it was hilarious. How much lazier are people going to get? I honestly don't see how this could be better than regular brushing. In fact, I think this is worse, but I'm no professional. Either way, it looks uncomfortable. I have a drooling problem now with an electric toothbrush. It'd be interesting to see how much worse I'd drool using this two headed system, but not enough to make me try it.

Fireworks!

2010-07-24T23:08:00.000-06:00

I went to Spanish Fork tonight with my friend Mary, her brother Mark, and Mary's ex-boyfriend to watch the fireworks show. Twas quite interesting to the say the least. However, we had prime seats for the fireworks. The show was fantastic. The fireworks went almost non-stop and I even had a little piece of ash fall into my eye. Luckily, it caused very little discomfort so the show was not tarnished in anyway. Here are a couple of videos I took on my phone.

Ben Folds and the Utah Symphony at Deer Valley

2010-07-23T16:37:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday, Deanna and I went to the Ben Folds concert with the Utah Symphony. It was fantastic. The only issue was Ben's voice. He was struggling hitting some notes, but it was still awesome to see him perform with the symphony. Side note: I just got an email from Scera in Orem announcing the symphony is coming on Monday, August 16. I want to go! So if you are in town and want to come, let me know. General Admission tickets are $10 for students. That's a screaming deal I think. Click on Scera above to get more info. Let me know if you want to go!

So here are some videos I took with my phone of Ben performing. I recorded clips of his songs Brick, Landed, and The Luckiest which was his encore. Great way to end the show. I love that song. Unfortunately, my phone doesn't have a zoom option so the video isn't much to look at. Also, the sound isn't the greatest. You'll have to turn up the volume on your speakers. We were 16 rows from him, but my phone didn't pick up the sound very well. Oh well. Trust me...it was awesome.

Who Wants To Go On A Road trip?

2010-05-24T23:48:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Yahoo! I will do these someday.

America's Top 10 Road Trips

Rev your engines . . . these all-American road trips are primed for summer adventure

By Becca Bergman

Big Sur

Flickr/Greg Woodhouse

Big Sur, California

Iconic Route 1 extends almost the entire length of California, but our favorite stretch for road trips is through Big Sur, which comprises 90 or so miles along the central coast from San Simeon to Carmel. Big Sur’s beauty is not overrated: Sandwiched between the Santa Lucia mountains and the Pacific – redwood groves on one side and rocky beaches with sea lions on the other – it’s remarkably unspoiled, partly because the only access is via the two-lane Route 1, or Cabrillo Highway. Devote a long weekend, ideally in May or September for fewer crowds. Start out in San Jose, which has the closest major airport, and head south 74 miles on U.S. 101. Merge onto Route 156 and pick up Route 1, cruise through Monterey and Carmel, and then enter Big Sur proper. There are no big towns, only small clusters of roadside restaurants and stores, so fill the gas tank in advance. The road twists along precipitous cliffs and it can be a relief to stop for impromptu hiking, picnicking, or beachcombing (try Jade Cove for its namesake stone). A bohemian Eden in the 1960s, when Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller spent time here, Big Sur is an area where their free-spirit vibe still lingers.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Flickr/Quantum Physics

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Although old-time Appalachia has been immortalized in song, these days it can be difficult to locate that haven of rolling hills and wildflowers. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles along the southern Appalachian Mountains and links two national parks – Virginia’s Shenandoah and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains – hits all the right notes. Drive the entire length if there's time (but remember the speed limit is 45 mph in most parts). For a shorter jaunt, fly into Asheville, N.C., and follow the parkway north for about 2 hours to Boone. Not a single interstate crosses the parkway. Instead of gas stations and motels, it’s flanked by picnic areas and hiking trails lined with dogwood, tulip trees, and red maples, with the mighty Appalachians as the backdrop. Highlights include Grandfather Mountain, a U.N.-designated International Biosphere Reserve, and the gardens and winery of the magnificent Biltmore Estate, a 19th-century Vanderbilt château near Asheville. Most sightseers do this road trip in spring and fall for the wildflowers and foliage, but the summer brings fewer cars, and the breezy, dry weather is near perfect.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Photos.com

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

In an epoch of climate change, it’s more satisfying than ever to make a pilgrimage (albeit by car) to witness the awesome beauty of glaciers in idyllic northern Montana. In Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road runs east to west for 50 miles. Take at least half a day to drive it in early June or just after Labor Day for the most unencumbered backcountry tour. Although the park stays open year-round, parts of this road trip route close from mid-September to mid-June. In July and August, when the route is beleaguered by traffic and maintenance work, jump on the free and eco-friendly shuttle bus. The Sun Road, as it's also called, crosses the Continental Divide at a breathtaking elevation of 6,646 feet (keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep) and passes by Jackson Glacier Overlook, which, as the name suggests, is a good place to spot glaciers. A huge feat in engineering when it was created 76 years ago, the parkway includes portions carved into a sheer vertical cliff known as the Garden Wall. On the side of the road, the valley lies thousands of feet below.

Hana Highway

Photos.com

Hana Highway, Hawaii

Driving Maui’s serpentine Hana Highway on the rural east side of the island provides a feel for Hawaii’s early days, when wild beauty and sleepy surf towns ruled. The famous road, also called the Road to Hana, starts in the town of Paia (about a 40-minute drive from Maui’s more developed southwest area) and wiggles east along the coast for more than 60 miles. The road trip's entire length can be traveled in about 3 hours but it’s better to allot at least a day to take in the rain forest setting (and allow for traffic). Rent a convertible, slather on sunscreen, and start before dawn to catch the sunrise. With the route incorporating some 600 hairpin curves and dozens of one-lane bridges, the driving is as taxing as the sights are stunning. Leave some time to check out a few of the following: Keanae Arboretum, with an exotic botanical garden; Waikani Falls, a trio of crashing chutes; and Ka’eleku Caverns, an ancient site created from lava flow. Turn around at the peaceful village of Hana or, for the real finish-line reward, continue further to Haleakala National Park to camp among vegetation that grows nowhere else in the world.

Million Dollar Highway (Silverton)

Flickr/Schatzi and Pickles

Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

Near Telluride but worlds away, a 24-mile stretch of U.S. 550 takes visitors back in time to when the West was still wild (the road trip conditions are not for the faint of heart). Connecting the old mining towns of Silverton and Ouray in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway traverses the Uncompahgre Gorge to the summit of Red Mountain Pass, where a series of hairpin turns – sans guardrails – flank stomach-churning vertical drops. The countryside, decked in wildflowers during the spring, sustains elk, mountain goats, black bears, and deer. In the tiny towns of Silverton (a National Historic Landmark) and Ouray, Victorian buildings from the 1870s evoke the frontier era. Although the Million Dollar Highway is short, budget a day for it – all those twists and turns take time.

Red Rock Scenic Byway

Photos.com

Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona

While the city of Sedona’s growth may have resulted in a bit of a commercial sprawl, its captivating rock formations still stand guard right outside town on the Red Rock Scenic Byway, a 7.5-mile little slip of road trip heaven. Also known as Route 179, it starts in Sedona and runs south, ending at Interstate 17 near Rimrock. Clearly marked trailheads and off-road bike paths are scattered along the way, so bring hiking boots or a mountain bike. Spend at least half a day exploring the red rock formations (many named after objects they resemble, like Bell, Cathedral, and Snoopy), which seem to change shape and color with every shift of light. Most of the drive cuts through the diverse Coconino National Forest, full of hills and washes covered in yucca, juniper, cacti, and piñon pines. Hawks and eagles swoop overhead and elk, deer, coyotes, and quail roam the terrain. Look familiar? In the 1940s and ’50s studios shot many Westerns here, including Broken Arrow with Jimmy Stewart.

Sea Islands (Jekyll Island Bridge)

Photos.com

Sea Islands, Georgia

Island hopping along the Georgian coastal barrier islands provides a glimpse at historic blue-blood enclaves that also beckon birders and naturalists. Over a long weekend, gain an introduction to intriguing island outposts, connected by causeways and bridges, and, in some cases, only reached by ferries. Start this road trip in Savannah and head about 2 hours south on coastal Route 17 to Brunswick, the area’s gateway. Drive over the causeway to St. Simons, one of the four Golden Isles along with Little St. Simons, Sea Island, and Jekyll. The largest of the populated islands, upscale St. Simons is known for its golf courses and historical sites and a long, white-sand public beach. Bird watchers should head to Gould’s Inlet on East Beach for sightings, in season, of laughing gulls, royal and caspian terns, red-throated loons, or painted buntings. Sea Island, accessible by car from St. Simons, is synonymous with the Cloister resort, the ne plus ultra when it comes to Southern luxury. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, it’s worth visiting the island to cruise Sea Island Drive, lined with impressive Spanish Mediterranean-style mansions. To reach Jekyll, return to Route 17 on the mainland and turn east on the Jekyll Island Road (Route 520). Once a playground of Rockefellers and Pulitzers, Jekyll today is the stomping ground of leisure travelers who frequent its pristine beaches and golf courses, as well as marshes and maritime forests. Head to the south end for the best birding, or take a guided walk to view nesting loggerhead sea turtles.

Seward Highway (Turnagain Arm)

Alaskan Dude

Seward Highway, Alaska

An easy way to enjoy a cross section of Alaska’s massive beauty is to traverse the 127-mile Seward Highway that links Anchorage to the tiny portside town of Seward on magnificent Resurrection Bay. This compact swath encompasses boreal forests, mammoth glaciers, and majestic fjords. Starting in Anchorage, where it’s easy to rent a car at the airport, the road leads south across the Kenai Peninsula, hugging the base of the rugged Chugach Mountains and overlooking the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet as it winds past waterfalls and wildlife. Try to spot grazing Dall sheep on the cliffs, beluga whales in the waters below, and eagles and numerous seabirds above. The road trip can be done in 5 hours, but take two leisurely days and stop en route at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine. In Seward, tour the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, a singular wonderland of fjords and glaciers.

Sonoma and Napa Valleys (Clos du Val winery)

Marvin Collins/Clos du Val

Sonoma and Napa Valleys, California

Road trips through the neighboring valleys of Sonoma and Napa can be an entirely chichi experience, but there are also historic spots and quiet nature alongside the luxury standouts. To combine the best of both worlds in one long weekend, rent a car in San Francisco and go an hour north on U.S. 101 toHealdsburg, a sophisticated Sonoma hub brimming with tasting rooms and top restaurants (for a splurge, try Cyrus). Next, head further north on 101 to Lake Sonoma for a leg-stretching hike. Then take Route 128 southeast into Napa Valley and stop in Calistoga, to soak in a mud bath or check out the Old Faithful Geyser of California, which shoots up water every 30 minutes. From Calistoga, cross over to the Silverado Trail, a lovely meander south (roughly parallel to Route 29) past some of the area’s most notable wineries including Phelps, Mumm, Stags’ Leap, and Clos Du Val. Take Route 29 at Oakville (procure picnic supplies at the gourmet Oakville Grocery Co.) or in the restaurant mecca of Yountville. Further on, merge onto Interstate 80 and return to San Francisco.

U.S. Route 1 (Home on Kennebunkport shore)

Flickr/pvsbond

U.S. Route 1, Maine

In August, when the masses descend on Vacationland, Route 1 is a parking lot winding through a million small towns with schizophrenic stoplights. But in early summer and fall, road trips here offer an unobstructed front-row seat to the state’s hardy coastal beauty. Start this weeklong tour of Maine in its south, in the town of Kittery. Drive north through laid-back, gay-friendly Ogunquit before reaching posh Kennebunkport and its seaside mansions (for an unforgettable meal, try the renowned White Barn Inn). Then head to foodie-friendly Portland and eventually Freeport, home of quintessentially Northeastern clothier L.L. Bean (open 24 hours). Further north – or down east, as they say – the landscape turns desolate within the blueberry barrens of Washington County and the sights become more ruggedly striking. Don’t miss the reversing saltwater falls, a natural wonder that results from the area's strong tides, near West Pembroke. Sometimes this can be observed in utter solitude. The trip ends in the tiny city of Calais at Canada’s border.

Daily Affirmation

2010-05-23T14:40:00.000-06:00

This is one of the best videos I've seen in a while. This little girl is so cute.

Chicago

2010-05-09T18:48:00.003-06:00

I just took a trip back to Chicago to visit my brother and his family and my friend Deanna. I've been wanting to take a road trip so I decided to drive and I loved it. It didn't give me as much time there, but I loved being on the road and loved having some time to myself. It was very relaxing, but it's not a drive I would want to make very often. For any of you who have driven through Nebraska, you know how extremely monotonous that drive is. I decided to try and make the trip home without stopping for the night and I made it. Barely! I got a little sleepy in Wyoming, but caught a second wind that sustained me until I got back home. 19 straight hours of driving! I don't suggest it. I didn't sleep well that night either because I felt like I was still in the car.

It was so good seeing my brother Bernell, his wife Irene, and my niece and nephews Caitlin, Andrew, and Matthew. They are an awesome family and I wish so much that they didn't live so far away.

I've always looked up to Bernell. He's a great brother. He's extremely patient, kind, genuine, and has an awesome sense of humor. He even liked having my twin brother and I hang out with him and his high school friends. He's 9 years my elder so I don't think that is typical of most older brothers, but I loved it when he invited us to go with him. I think one of the most tramatic experiences in my life was when he left on his mission. I vividly remember being in O'hare Airport bawling my eyes out. I even remember seeing another man watching us; probably wondering what in the world is making this family cry so much.

Now he and Irene have the coolest kids. I'm a sucker for my nieces and nephews. Caitlin especially has me wrapped around her finger. She is such a funny and smart little girl. She is seven years old and I wish she could stay this age forever. I don't look forward to when it isn't as cool to hang out with Uncle Dale. But for now, I will soak up all the attention I can get from her. She did the cutest thing on the morning I left to come back home. She came downstairs to wake me up so I could see them off to school and say goodbye. I was lying in bed talking to her, still in a sleepy haze, when out of the blue she leaned over and gave me a hug. So cool!

It was great seeing Deanna as well. Her birthday was on Friday, April 30, so after I got a much needed haircut and head massage from her, we went downtown to eat dinner and then walked around for a bit. On Saturday, we went to Medieval Times. Awesome! We even dressed up. Oddly enough, we were the only people dressed up besides the actors. Our knight was a pansy and had to be killed first. I was OK with that because he kept giving creepy smirks to our section whenever he rode by on his horse.

Here we are after we got home. Yes, we're holding an AK-47 and an AR-47. No, we did not take those with us. My brother went up to Wisconsin that morning to go shooting so he arrived home just before we did so the guns hadn't been locked up yet.

Here are some pics of the kids:

Andrew is holding a picture of him posing like this in overalls. Classic.

Here's Caitlin laying the smack down on her brothers.

The two below are of her sporting a new dress her grandma bought in Ireland.

Summer = Goodness

2010-03-19T01:36:00.000-06:00

I'm loving daylight savings. I love the longer days. It's so trippy that it's light out at 7:30pm now. I love it! I don't know why some people hate it. I'll take the extra daylight and warmth. I can't wait to get back into the canyons and mountains. I've already started to listen to "summer" music. For some reason, some of the songs I like are more appealing in the summer. You've probably noticed I changed the music on my playlist. I recently rediscovered a band I loved in high school. I've been listening to Blind Melon and Pearl Jam nonstop for the past few weeks. I don't think many people recognize Blind Melon. They're best known for their only hit No Rain off of their first album, but that album contains much greater gems than No Rain.

Anyway, back to the goodness of summer. Here's what I hope this summer will be filled with (in no particular order):

BBQs
Camping
Real Salt Lake games
Baseball
Golfing
Stargazing
Beaches
Long walks on those beaches ;)
Fishing
Concerts
Road trips
Sunday drives

I think it's a pretty good list. If you know of something I missed, PLEASE let me know. I want to do a couple of other things for the first time, too. I really want to see the Utah Symphony at the Deer Valley Music Festival. I just looked it up and I'm even more excited because Ben Folds is performing with them in July. That would be sweet! If you're interested in going, let's do it!!! I also want to go on a full moon chairlift ride at sundance. Oh and I've always wanted to go to the gardens at Thanksgiving point. May have to do that this summer, too. Anyone been before? Let me know if it's worth the price.

February

2010-03-08T13:07:00.002-07:00

I finally got around to uploading some pics and videos from last month for your viewing pleasure. Get ready for sensory overload!!!

My buddy David and I have a tradition of going to a buffet every time we have a Monday off of school. This last time we went to Golden Corral. The food sucked, but this kid made the trip so worth it.

And now some pics and vids from the concert.

Well, for some reason, I'm not able to upload any videos. The icon to add videos is missing. If I can fix it, I'll add the videos. If not, your loss!

Recent Happenings

2010-03-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd do a quick update of some exciting things that have happened lately.

This by far is the most exciting item on this list. I bought new bath towels! Don't know why I didn't do this sooner.
I've started playing the drums. My mother played when she was growing up and I think she's the coolest for that if for nothing else. I've never wanted to buy a video game console, but Rock Band just might be a good enough reason now. Especially if I could get her to play again. That would be saweet!
I had my tires rotated on Friday.
I'm going to get me this shirt when it becomes available. Take that Jazz fans! Mwa-ha-ha-ha.
I became the first person to beat Cookie at Buzz! He has a vast amount of useless knowledge.
I had lunch with a mission companion who was in town over the weekend. I wish you could meet him. He's a champ.
Continued reading this book. I'm liking it so far.
I went to the Elton John/Billy Joel concert last weekend. Amazing!

An Amazing Weekend

2010-02-21T03:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend was one of the best weekends I've had in a while. First of all, my buddy Cookie found a great deal on some tickets to the Billy Joel/Elton John concert so we decided to take advantage of the deal and go to their show. They were a staple in my childhood as far as music goes. I rocked out to Elton's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 album while mowing my yard as a kid. And of course we had Billy's album Piano Man.

I can honestly say my expectations were blown away by both artists. The decision to go was so spur of the moment that I didn't have time to really think about the magnitude of this event.

The show started out right away with them playing and singing each others' songs together. No opening band! How cool is that? Just getting to the good stuff right away. They started out playing one of Elton's songs and then switched to one of Billy's songs and kept alternating in that manner for about 30 minutes. Then Billy left and we watched Elton perform for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Then he left and Billy came out and performed for about the same amount of time.

Then he left and a minute later they both came back out and ended the show the same way it began: singing and playing each others' songs together for about 30 minutes or so. One of the coolest things was watching Elton do what I call geriactric acrobatics off of his piano. It was so cool. He stepped onto his piano bench and then put one leg up onto his piano and danced a bit. Then he turned around, sat on his piano, and danced some more. Then he slid off and starting jamming again.

The whole time I kept thinking that they have to end the show with Candle in the Wind and Piano Man and that is exactly what happened. It was the perfect ending. I wish I could put in to words how incredible this concert was, but you'll just have to trust me. I took some pics and videos on my phone, but I know for a fact that the pics are bad and I haven't checked to see how the audio is on the videos. If it's good, I'll post them later. We were about as far away as you could get from the stage and my phone doesn't have zoom so the only thing you see in the pics is two white spot lights that were shining on them.

So that was the main event for this weekend, but I had a pretty cool experience this morning. I had a friend in town and so I went to Denny's with her for breakfast. After breakfast, I was sitting on the bench by the cashier waiting to pay. An elderly lady sat down next to me and asked me if I was waiting to eat. I told her we had just finished. She told me she was there to pick up breakfast for her and her husband. They used to go there every Saturday for breakfast to eat the Grand Slam. He's 86 and not able to get around very well so now she goes every Saturday to get it for him.

Her husband was a professor at BYU, but the tradition of going to Denny's started when they moved to Provo from Dekalb, IL, where he taught at NIU. She said that he was always a sharp dresser, but now she gets to dress him the way she wants to. So now she dresses him in plaid pants and flannel shirts. Haha!. I asked her how he feels about that and she said he loves it.

Then she told me she could never put him in a nursing home. She pays for a caretaker to come every day to help take care of him. It's very expensive for her and their savings are declining quickly. Oh my gosh, I wanted to give her all of the cash that I had right there. It was so sad, but also so sweet how she spoke about him.

I wish that while I was talking to her I would've thought to pay for her food or ask if I could come help out with anything around her house. I may have to make another trip to Denny's in hopes of finding her there.

I'm the bestest friend anyone could ask for!

2010-02-13T13:03:00.001-07:00

Last night, I was reminded of a good prank I pulled on David a while back. David and I went to a birthday party for a girl that anther buddy knows and somehow the conversation turned to this prank I pulled. I've been quite successful in messing around with David and the hordes of girls who like him. There have been many late nights where we were hanging out with a girl who is in love with him who he doesn't like, but I end up leaving him alone with her so she can try to work her magic. I'm pretty great!

Well, this particular prank isn't quite like those times, but it's still pretty funny. One night we were talking about the movie The Ring and figured we should watch The Ring 2. So we went to Albertson's to rent it and when we got home and opened the case, David found the receipt with the name Sarah and a phone # written on it. We couldn't believe the store clerk was that forward.

David thought it would be funny to return the movie with my name and phone number in it. I played along thinking that I would just take the piece of paper out of the case before he returned it. Luckily, I was successful. I remember him walking into the store hoping that he didn't open the case to double check the movie was in there. I do that everytime so I figured there was a good chance he would. Nope! He didn't look. Haha!

So I knew a girl who worked at Albertson's in the customer service department and thus also worked the movie counter as well. I asked her about the girl and she said there isn't a Sarah who works there. So it turns out that the number wasn't meant for David. Hahaha!! So then I had my friend's roommate call David to ask him out. Oh my gosh. It was so funny. David was at some party so he told "Sarah" that he was busy." She asked him what he was doing next weekend and I unfortunately don't remember the whole conversation, but he was able to reject her advances.

He immediately called me to tell me she called him. I freaked out and asked how she got his number. Totally egging this on. We agreed she must have gotten his number from the membership form he had to fill out when renting the movie. Classic! Me and the girls were dying laughing while David was freaking out on the phone.

I decided that I wouldn't tell him for a while that this whole thing was fake. I think a couple months went by at least before I finally told him. And even last night when I told the group at the party that I took the slip of paper with my name and number out of the DVD case, he said he didn't know about that. I'm pretty sure I told him when I confessed to the prank, but either way, his reaction was still great last night.

Oh Nine Was Divine

2010-01-01T13:29:00.009-07:00

I thought it would be cool to take a look back at the year 2009 as lived by me.

2009

Became more internet savvy by starting two blogs.
Made the jump from manual toothbrushes to electric. I highly recommend it, but I suggest wearing a bib to protect your shirts from EXCESS drooling while brushing.
Switched from the Mach 3 Power razor to the Gillette Power Fusion razor. Five blades are SO much better than three. WOW!!! Also, whoever invented the vibrating razor deserves a Nobel Prize.
I'm not sure if this happened this year or not, but special mention needs to be made regarding switching to Nike moisture wicking socks. No more will I buy cheap Fruit of the Loom socks.
I took a 7:30 AM class and survived.
For the most part, I stopped eating frozen pizza. It's not like I ate a lot of them anyway, but finally committed to memory how unsatisfying they are even though they can be good sometimes and are quick and easy to eat.
Tried Twitter at the urging of a student presenter during one of my classes. I hated it. Thought it was completely pointless. This may be my biggest regret of the year.
Watched about 2 1/2 to 3 hours of Jane Eyre. Didn't want to stab myself in the face with a soldering iron like I did during the first 20 minutes of Pride & Prejudice that I watched 9 years ago. Couldn't get over how much Jane looks like the gay kid from Glee. It's creepy. See for yourself. The pics might not do justice to the similarities, but trust me.

Stopped listening to a lot of Rap and R&B. Still listen to some, but let's just say my ears have become a lot more sensitive to the content of the songs.
I bought my first pair of Jordan shoes. Now I just need to take the opportunities to wear them. They look brand new, because they still are brand new.
I thought I found my future wife, but it turns out they didn't think they found their future husband. Here's hoping she finds me this year.

So 2009 was a pretty good year. Hopefully 2010 will be equally good if not better. I remember a quote by William H. Johnsen that my father had taped to the dashboard of his Minivan from when I was a wee lad that I thought was stupid, but now find applicable: If it is to be, it is up to me. How true that is. I wish for you a happy, successful, fulfilling, memorable, and accomplished 2010. God bless.

A Weird Christmas Tradition...

2009-11-29T00:20:00.004-07:00

I love my mom. I really do! Haha. I can imagine you're wondering where this post is going. I'm not even sure yet.

My parents are spending Christmas in Chicago this year and so they gave me my presents on Thanksgiving. I, of course, opened them as soon as I got home knowing full well they wouldn't be anything I wanted. This year wasn't as bad as some of the recent years.

For some reason my mom thinks I love getting kitchen stuff. I don't know why she thinks this. Every year, without fail, she will buy me something kitchen related. One year she bought me a garlic press. Another year she bought me a can collander. Yes...a can collander. I always figured that was what the lid was for once you opened the can. I've also gotten oven mitts and dish towels from her.

This year she got me a set of tupperware bowls from IKEA. Definitely something I could use, but won't for a while. Cooking as a single guy doesn't generate much leftovers. It's all good, though.

I just don't have the heart to tell her to not waste her money on these items. At least they aren't breaking the bank on them. It's become a joke between my brother Jesse and his wife Shannah. They always get a kitchen gagdet for me now. Last year they bought me an electric meat thermometer. That was pretty clutch. Just kidding. I don't even think it worked. It ended up in the trash pretty quickly. I should start keeping these things and then regift them for Jesse. Done!

Some Things To Think About

2009-11-29T00:08:00.005-07:00

My friend read me some humurous thoughts the other night and we had a good time laughing at some of them. Figured I'd post some in hopes they bring a smile to your face.

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason.
Children: You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut-up.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea... does that mean that one enjoys it?
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
Never get into fights with ugly people, they have nothing to lose.
You are such a good friend that if we were on a sinking ship together and there was only one life jacket... I'd miss you heaps and think of you often.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

My Day of Birth...Weird

2009-10-07T00:41:00.003-06:00

So today, or technically yesterday, was my birthday. I don't know why, but it was very surreal. It didn't really seem like past birthdays. Usually, I think about it a lot, but this year was totally different. I kept forgetting about it. I spoke with my parents a week or two ago and they made plans to have me up for dinner this coming Sunday for my birthday dinner. When they brought it up, my first thought was, "Oh yeah. It's my birthday."

The other day I logged onto facebook and happened to see my upcoming friends' birthday list on the home page. I saw that it said Dean Baker and thought, "Hey! It's my brother's birthday soon." Um...Dean is my twin brother. He's nine minutes older than I am. Yeah, I'm a moron. I had to laugh at myself because it took a second to realize that that means it's my birthday, too. No lie.

So here's to old age and not remembering things like your own birthday. Good thing I have others who help me remember. Although, every year I secretly hope that I can make it through without anyone finding out or remembering. I'm not sure why I think that's a good idea. I guess I don't really want the attention. It definitely felt weird tonight and I would have totally been okay not having today of all days be my birthday, but it could have been worse.

I'm glad that I could share it with just a few close friends. They definitely helped the day turn around into a better day than I had going. So for any of you who were with me tonight, thank you again. I'm extremely humbled by your kindness and friendship.

Pictures of You

2009-09-22T14:48:00.002-06:00

I saw this video on Youtube today. It's a chorus of kids singing one of my favorite songs. Pretty cool. The song is by The Cure. I love the emotions showing on a lot of the kids' faces.

And the Crowd Goes Wild...

2009-09-06T13:11:00.006-06:00

Here's a video tribute to BYU's win over OU last night. First of all, what a great day to open the College football season! I can't tell you how much I love this game. So much that I couldn't sleep on Friday night. True story. After blasting the BYU fight song in my apartment for Cookie, we put together a BYU Wins! CD with some rocking tunes from the BYU fight song to Queen's We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions to the Scorpions Rock You Like a Hurricane. I tied my BYU flag to a broom stick and we left to cruise Provo to see what was going down. Holy cow! Provo was on fire. I've never seen this place so alive. It was sweet. Props to the cops for being cool with us all while we celebrated a huge win.

The Beginning:

We drove to the corner of 7th north and University Ave. The entire block from 7th N to 8th N was packed with people. As soon as the light would change for people to cross the street, hundreds of people would run to the middle of the street and jump up and down, screaming.

We drove around the block for about an hour. People were jumping in and out of Cookie's van, we had people hanging out the doors and sun roof. It was sweet.

Then we heard the party was moving to the Stadium. Here's a video of us in the middle of the crowd jumping around. Cookie went hardcore all night. I'm pretty sure he almost died from exhaustion and dehydration.

Here's another video of people rushing the street to celebrate at the stadium. It was insane how many people were out. I would've never guessed that BYU fans would go this nuts. It was so great to see.

We decided to wait up until 2:30am to go meet the team at the airport. First of all, we had to go to Smith's to replenish our bodies with electrolytes. Our throats were so hoarse. The Powerade burned as we drank it. So worth it. We found out that the team was getting in early so we headed to the airport at 1am and they landed around 1:45. There were probably 300 or so people waiting for them their. Here's a video of the plane pulling up to the flight stairs.

And here we all are singing the fight song as the coaches and players get off the plane.

It was such a fantastic night. It's a good thing I have Monday off, because I definitely need some time for my voice to heal before working again. Oh wait, I'm going to the soccer game tomorrow against Oklahoma State. I wouldn't mind another win against an Oklahoma school. I better take it easy.

Here's to BYU and hopefully another great year of college football and one more year closer to a playoff system and the end of the BCS. Go Cougs!!!

$6.75 to relive one of the greatest nights of my life!!!

2009-09-04T22:22:00.006-06:00

OK! I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for Friday, September 18. Here's a little background info for you. Last year, Thursday, August 28, to be exact, I witnessed one of the greatest concerts of all time. OK, that might be a little stretch, but it was without a doubt one of the best nights of my life. Boyz II Men came to little Scera Shell in Orem, UT. Price for a ticket was $10. These guys know how to put on a show. Besides their amazing voices, they do a little choreography, too. So cool.

So I'm watching TV on a lonely Friday night (tonight) and I see a commercial for the Utah State Fair. Didn't think anything of it until the announcer dude mentions a Boyz II Men shirt a guy in the spot is wearing. And then he proceeds to say that they are going to be at the fair. I immediately run to my computer to look at prices and it's only going to be $6.75. I call up my friend Michelle and she doesn't answer. She's a huge fan and also went to the concert last year. I'm mad she doesn't answer. I want to text her, but want to hear her reaction so I wait for her to call me back. She finally does and it's on. We're going! Not that I didn't think we would. I'd go by myself actually.

Now for those of you who read this and know Marge, DO NOT TELL her if by any chance you talk to her. Her birthday is the next day so we're going to get her ticket and take her to the concert as a surprise. Talk about the best birthday ever!

Here is a cover they did of Just My Imagination. If you don't want to watch the whole thing, PLEASE at least watch from when there is about 1:45 left in the video. If that part doesn't give you chills, I don't know what will. So good. Oh man! $6.75? Really? You've got to be jealous.

Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) @ Yahoo! Video

Chicago!

2009-08-15T23:26:00.007-06:00

I was able to go to Chicago last weekend!! A friend of mine was moving out there and asked me to drive out with her since my brother Bernell lives there. It was a great trip, but way, way too short. My brother Kent and his family came down from Milwaukee as well on Saturday. I hadn't seen him in four years. It had been too long. My niece, Angeles, is five years so I hadn't seen her since she was one. Pretty sad. She's so cute and so much bigger now.

Deanna and I decided to drive straight through to save money and time. I don't sleep well in cars so I didn't get much sleep and we both were pretty loopy by the end of the trip. I remember standing in my brother's house feeling quite jittery. It was pretty funny. I should have wanted to crash, but I was so excited to finally see my family and especially my nieces and nephews that sleep wasn't even on my mind. Unfortunately, Kent only stayed until Saturday night so we only had about seven hours together.

I went to church with Bernell on Sunday and then crashed hard core that afternoon on their couch. It was awesome, though, because my niece, Caitlin, just lied on top of me for awhile and we just chilled. She's six years old and is a fireball. She's so cute and has the most adorable laugh. She was by my side the whole time I was there. My sister-in-law told me that she isn't normally like that, so I loved hearing that. I ate up all the attention she gave me. I'm a sucker for my nieces and nephews. Oh yeah, one funny thing that happened was she and her cousin gave me a foot massage. I don't know how it happened, but it was so funny. He's not in the picture because he went to get food.

Later Sunday night, Deanna and I went into Chicago to walk around, but instead just ended up driving around. I'd never been to Wrigley Field so we drove there, but it wasn't that exciting. It was dark outside, but it didn't look that cool from outside.

Bernell loves guns and has about 19 or so. He's been wanting to trick out a .22 rifle so Monday morning we went to Cabella's, Dick's, and a gun shop called G.A.T. Guns to look at some rifle stocks. It was cool to see him and my 14 year old nephew Andrew talking about the feel and what they liked about the different stocks. It's still weird to me to have nieces and nephews who are teenagers. I still feel so young. It's pretty trippy, but awesome, having similar interests with them. I think not being able to watch them grow up contributes to that. In my mind, I remember them being much younger.

After looking at guns we went to get some Chicago pizza and then I went to my nephew Matthew's football practice. He's nine and in a flag football league. He was so excited to have me there. He asked me after how I think he did and it was fun talking to him about football. Unfortunately, he's thinking about not playing next year. I hope he continues to play throughout school. It'd be awesome to go see him play in some games.

After practice, Deanna came over and we played games the rest of the night. I had to leave for the airport at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday and wasn't able to say goodbye to Caitlin because she crashed on the couch during games which I'm still sad about. Hopefully it won't be another year until I can see them and another four till I see Kent and his family. Actually, I've made it a goal to see them once a year even if it is a quick trip. I actually forgot how much I missed them and loved being around them. They are great brothers and their wives are awesome, too. I don't want to get used to not seeing them again. Not cool.

I'm bad at taking pictures so I didn't take many while I was there. I shot a couple videos of my niece while she was trying to bite my finger. I kept flicking her in the mouth. Another video is one she took and it's just funny because she would reach her arm out like a cat clawing at us and then would flip the camera around on her and hiss.

My Life According to Incubus

2009-08-11T17:10:00.007-06:00

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions.

Are you a male or female:
"Megalomaniac"

Describe yourself:
"Clean"

How do you feel:
"Love Hurts"

Describe where you currently live:
"Here In My Room"

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
"Mexico"

Your favorite form of transportation:
"Drive"

Your best friend:
"Nice to Know You"

You and your best friends are:
"Priceless"

What's the weather like:
"The Warmth"

Favorite time of day:
"11am"

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
"Wish You Were Here"

What is life to you:
"Just a Phase"

Your relationship:
"Stellar"

Your fear:
"Quicksand"

Thought for the Day:
"Beware Criminal"

How I would like to die:
"Pistola"

My soul's present condition:
"Deep Inside"

My motto:
"Make Yourself"

Enjoy Incubus!!!

I'm a Snake!!

2009-07-30T01:11:00.006-06:00

Some friends and I went to a little unknown restaurant called Saigon Noodle House. It's located on 440 W 300 S in Provo. It's actually really good. You get tons of food for $4.95. I would suggest going there if you're in the mood for Chinese food. Oh yeah, it's supposedly a Chinese slash Vietnamese restaurant, but it's mainly Chinese. Anyway, they have the funniest waiter, too. He's quietly sarcastic. Throws you off guard, but so funny. Go...eat...laugh.

Anyway, they have place mats that have the Chinese Zodiac on them. I was born in the year of the snake and am quite proud of the description of "snake people". Here's a little info I found on a website to share how cool snake people are! Also, I wanted to correct the grammar, but then I thought that it adds to the credibility of the message.

Sidenote: I'm compatible with Oxen, Roosters, and Dragons, so if you're down...I'm down.

Snake Personality:

The person born in the year of snake is the wisest and most enigmatic of all. He/she can become a philosopher, a theologian, a political lizard or a wily financier. Such person is a thinker who also likes to live well. The snake - person loves books, music, clothes, and fine food; but with all his fondness for the good things of life, his innate elegance gives him a dislike for frivolities and foolish talk. They like communicating and like interesting conversations, although if the conversation becomes repetitive their attention may soon wander. It is almost impossible to fix their attention for long talking about the weather. They prefer to focus on new interesting unusual ides and intelligent discussion in general. These people have a special feeling that enables them to judge situations correctly and so they are alert to new possibilities and when they have an idea of what to and how to do it, they you pursue it persistently and energetically. These people are self-confident and usually don't bother themselves listening to someone else's opinion. But this side of their character has also a negative load. Refusing to listen to constructive advice, they may get into needless trouble. Although it is difficult for such people to take advice, they are patient with others when it comes to give a hand of help, and their ability to look at a problem from a variety of angles is extremely appreciated. When faced with a dilemma snake people as a rule act with speed and conviction, since they believe intensely in what they are doing and rarely waste time or energy on projects lacking in good potential. It is important to remember that life is not all work and competition. Snake person perfectly knows how to wind down and relax when such opportunity arises. This type of people often makes protective and caring friends. However, their anger can be quickly aroused, and they will soon get back if there is a suspicion that someone has taken advantage of their trust or has hurt those close to them.

Snake Love Affairs:

In love, the male snake is romantic and charming. He possesses a sense of humor while the female is usually beautiful and successful. In case person born in the year of the snake chooses a partner, he/she will be jealous and possessive. Even when the relationships are left behind this possessiveness will be clouding the snake's life. Rejection is the worst thing that can ever happen to the snake person. Such people must be received, welcomed, accepted and approved by those with whom they come in contact. Generally they need a lot of security. It often happens that snake people have one set of rules for themselves and one for their partner and this side of their nature can become a basis for misunderstandings in the future. But, when they are really romantically involved these people are also loving and attentive, stimulating and playful, though it takes time for them to get over their fears or discuss their weaknesses. The best partner for a snake type person is someone who would give him freedom, but it is also important for him to feel secure and adored.

Snake Career:

In money matters, people born in the year of snake have good luck; they don't have to worry about money too much, such people will always be able to find couple of banknotes if they need it. The snake person has an ability to read complex situations quickly and then set about resolving them in a quiet, controlled manner. It is much more convenient and useful for this people to work independently, because in this case they have freedom to travel and negotiate on their own terms. The snake people can not stand being limited by others and this is another reason for them to work solo. People born in this year are logical and organized workers and have all the qualities needed to acquire new skills. They also have a very good memory and that enables them to fulfil the projects thoroughly. They are purposeful and getting towards their aim spotting potential troubles and reacting immediately. On the other hand, should they have achieved their goal the snake people usually withdraw to gather their thoughts and rest. But they need not much time to renew their energies and be ready for new challenges.

Michael Jackson

2009-07-08T00:53:00.009-06:00

I first heard the news of Michael's death through a coworker's email. I doubted the news so I looked on Yahoo! and didn't see any reports about it. I figured she was given bad information.

A bit later, I received a text with the same news. I got back online and did a more thorough search and found the news to be true. I can't say I was greatly affected by the news at the time. I guess I would just describe it as a surreal feeling. He's been out of the spotlight for a while now so maybe this is why it didn't seem a big deal to me. I have to admit I'm sick of most news broadcasts focusing so much attention on his death. It's sad, but life goes on.

Well, after work today I turned on the television and was flipping through channels when I came across VH1's rebroadcast of Michael's memorial held earlier today. There didn't seem to be much on so I watched it. I wasn't expecting to be touched by it, but I was.

I've been a fan of Michael's for as long as I can remember thanks to some of my brothers. Until last year, I had Michael's Thriller album on cassette tape. I only got rid of it because I don't have a tape player. I listened to that tape for many years. I'd listen to it as a kid shooting hoops at home, driving, mowing the lawn, and even in the shower. I don't think there was much life left in that thing anyway.

Watching the tribute brought back many more memories I have of listening to Michael's music. One of which is watching the debut of his music video Bad in 1987 with my mom and brothers. I remember waiting for whatever TV show that preceeded it to end. I was so excited. It was a big thing back then. You don't see music videos like that anymore. Especially videos that make it on to national TV to air during prime time spots on networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC.

I know Michael wasn't perfect, but I'm grateful for the music, dancing, and charity work he (and his family) shared with the world. Here's a tribute video I found with one of my favorite songs of his, Man in the Mirror.

By Golly! Dreams Do Come True.

2009-06-11T13:17:00.007-06:00

One of my lifelong dreams finally came to fruition last week. OK, maybe it wasn't a lifelong dream. OK, this wasn't a dream at all and I never had any desire for this to happen. However, I was able to see David Archuleta sing at the Real Salt Lake match. More importantly, Real still hasn't won a game since the end of April. They were leading until about 3 minutes remained when Colorado tied it up. That sucked. I hate to say it, but there were a few bad calls by the ref. He gave one player 2 yellow cards (the 2nd definitely was unnecessary) which caused Real to play a man down. I can't really say this lead to Colorado scoring the tie goal, but who knows.

But then all was right in the world since we still had Dave to lift us up with his soft, creamy voice. I admit the guy can sing. I just don't like it very much. He did a version of Vanessa Carlton's A Thousand Miles that I really liked, though. Here's a video he posted on Youtube covering her song.

Needless to say, all the boys and girls in the stadium were going crazy. Here's the best video I captured to prove I saw Archie in real life. Boo-yah, suckas!

Kittens! Inspired by...Kittens!

2009-06-11T12:15:00.007-06:00

I'm not sure if any of you have seen the video referred to in the title of this post, but when I saw it, I thought it was hilarious. If you haven't seen it, I dare you to click play.

Kittens, inspired by kittens @ Yahoo! Video
Well, the same day we went to Gram Bernie's birthday party, we also visited Michelle's aunt who lives close to Bernie. Michelle's aunt's cat just had kittens about 5 weeks before and they were adorable. I'm not a big cat fan, but I love kittens. How can you not? Michelle wanted to adopt one. Specifically the black one they named Lebron. If you know Michelle, this makes perfect sense. Haha! Michelle's roommate, Bethany, also wanted one.

Michelle brought Lebron and Tyson (named after Mike Tyson for his ear biting skills) home for an overnight stay. Lebron fell in love with me. He was so cuddly and chill. I nicknamed him Bear since he would sit on his butt in my hand. He just looked like a little bear cub. I was nominated as the kittens' Godfather and couldn't be more proud of this.

The only issue I have with Bear is his inability to fight. He actually reminds me of when I would fight with my twin bro, Dean. I wasn't a good fighter because I'd laugh so hard that I coudn't really do anything but try and fend off Dean's attacks. Bear is similar in that he falls on his side or back and tyson would go to town on him. They would lay butt to head and Tyson would lie there and kick his hind paws into Bear's head. They were some powerful kicks, too.

It was fun to babysit these kittens the next day while Michelle and Bethany were at school and work. I wouldn't want them as pets, but I don't mind watching them as kittens. I don't have any pictures unfortunately, but I have one video of them wrestling. KITTENS!!!

Is your life going to change next year? Mine is!

2009-05-17T16:32:00.023-06:00

My good friend Catherine invited me to go the Living Traditions Festival in Salt Lake last night. It has changed my life...or will come January of 2010.

We went to see a friend of Catherine's perform with her Hip Hop band, Lifesavas. It was pretty cool. After their set, we went to the side of the stage to meet Catherine's friend.

As I was standing there, a man tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and was engulfed by a strong odor of alcohol. I saw that he wanted to shake my hand. Thanks to previous experiences, I've become very leary of shaking the hands of drunk people. I caved and grabbed it. He stood there for a while looking into my eyes and said, "Your life is going to change next January." I said thank you and tried to free my hand. Nope. He did NOT want to let it go.

Apparently, the guy didn't think I believed him because he kept saying, "Trust me." I kept saying "Thanks", "I believe you", and "I appreciate it, brother."

I let my hand go limp twice, but he still wouldn't let it go. I finally yanked my hand free. He told me to believe only half of what I see and none of what I hear. I thanked him again and the staring continued.

I wanted to make sure I knew what year my life was going to change so I asked him what year next January is in. He stood there with a dumb look on his face and struggled to come up with an answer. After a few seconds I said, "Oh! It's 2010." He agreed and we continued to stare into each other's eyes.

I thought there may have been a connection between us, but then he stumbled off. Our meeting was brief, but meaningful. My life is going to change and I'm freaking excited! Now I just have to wait to see what happens.

Also, I just made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies so all is right with this world!

Genesis

2009-05-14T18:19:00.008-06:00

Whoa! A blog. Wait...my blog! I'm blogging. What? First facebook and now blogging. The world has come to an end. I didn't imagine this day coming until I was married. Hmm...maybe I should stop imagining about marriage.

I'm sure I fall into the same predicament as any amatuer blogger who wonders what his/her inaugural post should be about. I've pondered this subject for the past couple of days and here you have it. Pure rambling. Classic!

I'm going to pass on an introduction about myself since I'm confident the only people who will read this are family and friends who know my history. If any of you master bloggers would be willing to share with me how to make my blog super cool (i.e. Brady and Taryn), please let me know. Please pass on where I can find cool widgets, backgrounds, and anything else that would turn my blog into a money machine and make me famous! Hey, nothing wrong with aiming high, right?

Well, there you have it. The genesis of my blogging adventure. Let's hope it's successful. Props to Brady for encouraging me to do this. Apparently, blogging is where it's at, so let's see if he's right. I've long feared my life is as mundane as the next person, but hopefully this will open all of our eyes to a new understanding of the awesomeness of my existence (and yours if I'm really successful). In the meantime, ponder on these wise words of Will Smith:

"Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save."