Monkeys Made Off With My Brain....

Moving on...

2011-01-06T19:33:00.002-06:00

Monkeys have returned my brain, and I decided that it was time for something new. So if you would, please join me at my new blog, Miming Through Life. Also, a big thanks if you're actually reading this and hadn't kicked me off your blogreader, or whatever!

Haiti

2010-01-23T02:09:00.002-06:00

Let's be honest, Katrina doesn't come close, not even in the same ballpark to the earthquake in Haiti. And to be brutally honest, to the point of being a bastard, I never felt truly sorry for Katrina victims that chose to stay. Why? Because staying in a city that's below sea level with a hurricane coming (mind you, you can see a hurricane coming from a week away) is pretty much the definition of stupidity. Oh, and Katrina happened in the U.S. and despite the aftermath, people were quickly, for a bureaucracy, shipped out of ground zero to better shelter. The U.S. has infrastructure, Haiti doesn't. Which brings me to my point, and to quote myself from recent conversations, Haiti was a (crap) country to begin with, and that is why I feel terribly for them.

Here's an article that mirrors my feelings. I'm rather pessimistic about the whole thing, it's not like countries haven't tried to help. Goodness knows, we've messed with their politics and shipped tons of money there. We can't ship them to Houston and give them debit cards. I fear that Haiti will emerge worse off than before, with political officials pocketing the insane amount of aid money (let's be honest, our country kicks major ass: $300+ million dollars) and local gangs hording supplies a la Blindness.

I hope that it ends up being Etch-a-Sketch Haiti and the country rebuilds into something better. Here's to the future.

It is what it is

2010-01-15T03:22:00.002-06:00

So, I recently watched Star Wars Episodes 1-3 and came to this conclusion... Anakin/Darth Vader = Jesus, if he hopped off the cross, gave Caeser a high five and then slaughtered the Jews. George Lucas is anti-matter incarnate.

Also, people are apparently getting depressed because they can't go to Pandora from the movie Avatar. I'm depressed that I can't become a cartoon fairy and be wisked away to Ferngully, so I suppose I can relate.

Insert something witty here.

School starts on Tuesday and with it, my final semester as an undergrad. To be honest, I'm currently overwhelmed by fear. Being an undergrad has a certain sense of comfort to it, people don't expect more form you because you're still "in school." Regardless of what happens, I'll never truly be able to lean on it as a crutch anymore. That said, at some point in my life I'd love to get another bachelor's degree in something else.

Do me a favor and pray for me. The coming months are likely to frazzle my brain even more.

Don't Look at Me Like That!

2009-10-20T00:59:00.003-06:00

First off, thanks for birthday wishes and such... yes it's been that long since I've put anything in here. My goodness things have been crazy.

For starters, I'm going to mention my B-day. Em surprised me with a camping trip. It was wonderful. Tinfoil dinners, and orange cupcakes (made in an orange in tinfoil.) Campfires, tents and walks with flashlights. Noah's sharp eye for the moon. Perfect, just perfect. And I wasn't planning on doing anything for my 30th.

Big thanks to all those in SoCal who helped us in one way or another on our trip out there. Thanks for not taking our kidneys.

Speaking of, Disneyland was great, even without going on any of the blue ticket rides. Noah's shear delight thoughout It's a Small World and the Dumbo ride, paid for the tickets. Despite a broken toe, it was amazing. Also, Double Double Animal-style with a straberry shake. /drool

School is busy, and I'm enjoying it. I think one of my research reports is going to revolve around Albert Camus (nope, not an existentialist.) The other, I'm not sure yet. I'm heading up to UW-Madison next Monday, let's hope I don't make a total fool of myself.

Lastly, I must say I'm a rather lucky guy. I've got a great wife and son, wonderful family, great in-laws, and fantastic friends. Let's see how long it takes to write another one of these...

Assessment

2009-09-07T02:16:00.003-06:00

Well, I missed August.

I'm in the midst of 4 straight days at work, which might not sound like much, but I've been knee deep in poo for these first few days. Not a fan of poo.

I turn 30 on Wednesday, what an oddly appropriate day to turn 30. I feel a bit like I'm reaching what looks like a plateau, only to be faced with more climbing. I can't say I'm where I want to be. But that's not saying much seeing how I've spent a good portion of my life in a sort of limbo as to the direction of my life. In so many ways, being laid-back is good, but I seem to lack that needed self-kick-in-the-pants that more "successful" people have.

Treading water in the middle of a calm lake is the image that just came to my head. I've been staying afloat just fine, but I need to get to shore soon because I'm tired and it looks like clouds are forming.

I suppose this isn't the normal stuff I would share here, despite being serious from time to time. It is, after all 330 in the morning, and I'm tired. There's a clarity that comes from being tired I think.

Thanks for not taking my kidneys...

2009-07-17T01:30:00.002-06:00

An optional title for this post could also be... "Mother Nature: Sex Maniac."

Well, it had to happen eventually, I'm back at work and it's 2:30 in the morning (as opposed to 1 but really, who's keeping track.) The trip was fantastic, despite minor hiccups here and there. As it always seems to be the case, there just wasn't enough time to see everyone as much as we wanted, ultimately short changing people that I would've liked to have chilled with much longer.
I could linger on that, but there's always next year, when we'll probably be out there again, or you could come visit us, which I won't blame you to much if that doesn't happen.

But I digress a bit (digress from what, you may be thinking.) The title actually has a purpose. You see, along with the visit to Max and Stephanie a couple months back, we stayed with Ben and Melanie in Springville during the second leg of our trip. Why would they try and steal my kidneys, you ask? Because Emily met Steph and Mel or the internet, and people you meet there usually end up on the news, like Nancy Grace (who, oddly enough, looks like Eddie Izzard.) (I'm sure using lots of parentheses in this post.)

However, I have survived these experiences with kidneys and life intact. Soon comes the real test when they come out here at the end of the month. It's just common curtesy not to take people's kidneys while you're a guest in their home, and I might as well return the favor by not taking theirs.

Also, (and this is not an after thought) here's a quick shout to Erin, a.k.a. SixShotSally who did Em's nails while we were out there. Not only does she and her husband pew pew with me in WoW, they rock IRL too. If you're near Provo, and need a good nails person, I'd send you her way.

Well, that's it for now. Except for this link.

A quick GRE question...

2009-06-03T20:11:00.002-06:00

For those who have taken it, if I started studying this month, would 3 months be enough time to take the GRE at the end of August? Also, can you recommend a good test prep book?

Some much needed nonsense

2009-05-29T21:59:00.002-06:00

I took Noah to the zoo today between sleeping and going to work, and for the most part it was rather routine: Noah doing fine in the stroller, Noah wanting out of the stroller, Noah eating snacks in the stroller, Noah screaming with delight on the train... you know, the usual. However, while leaving they had a band playing in front of the cafeteria, which, in itself, is not bizzare... but the drunk girl dancing on the stage was.

It got me to wondering whether she was a part of the band, a la Mighty Mighty Bosstones' weird dancing guy, or if she was in fact just some random girl, drunk on stage... at a zoo. At 5 in the evening. Now, don't get me wrong, the zoo is awesome. It's a good size, has lots of animals, lots of shade and most importantly (and surprisingly, too) free. But, I'm not entirely sure why someone would chose to go get drunk there.

Just a thought.

Also, this joke has been stuck in my head:

A guy came home from choir practice one day with a black eye. Surprised, his wife asked him what happened.
"Well," he responded, "I was sitting there minding my own business when one of the soloist's got up to do her part, and she had a huge wedgie. Not wanting her to be embarrassed, I pulled it out for her. So she punched me."
The wife told him that it wasn't a smart thing to do and he promised not to do it again. The next day though, he came home again with yet another black eye. His wife rolled his eyes and asked what happened.
"Well, the same soloist got up to do her part," he replied, "but when she stood up, she straightened her dress and popped her wedgie out. So, knowing that she didn't like that, I stuck it back in!"

This joke was hilarious in 6th grade, and also right now in my head.

Stop!!

2009-05-21T23:25:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking of the bungy tower back in Vegas recently (btw, yes I know the rest of the world spells it bungEE but as AJ would say, that's the ugly way to spell it, and if Mr. Bungy spells it with a "Y" then, dang it, burn the dictionary!) Mainly, I've been feeling like I've been standing on the edge recently. I can still vividly imagine Las Vegas from the edge. "Keep you eyes forward, look at the mountains and when I say "one," jump." Jumping is a deeply personal thing which is why we never pushed. No matter how many times I did it, I still got a knot in my stomach. When I'd get to the point of no return, the world would stop turning, everything would get quiet, and I'd stop breathing. I miss it.

I can hear the jump master in my ear again, telling me to keep my eyes forward.

I can sense that my toes are ever so slightly over the edge already, anticipating the wild ride that is mere centimeters away.

All I need now is my countdown and to lean forward.

This is a rather big summer for me, as most of you are aware. My last final was last Wednesday and my finals grades were an A and a B. The B disappoints me, but at the same time, it gives me the drive to never get one again. Like I said in my last post, I no longer have that feeling of being okay with mediocrity.

Saturday will be my last "day-off" before I start getting serious about contacting schools. For the moment the list is (eventhough they don't know it yet): WashU, Purdue, Illinois, Mizzou, Wisconsin and Utah. I'm hoping to visit them all this summer, and with any luck one of them will be a good fit for both of us.

As of the last post, I felt like I was at the bottom of the cliffs of insanity looking up, but recently I've realized that I'm at the top of the tower looking down. No less of an achievement, but one that I can relate to a seize upon.

I'm looking forward to crossing that point of no return and contacting those schools, because for a brief moment my world will once again stop.

Aiming High

2009-05-09T01:25:00.003-06:00

A couple posts back (or heck maybe even the last one, I didn't check), I talked about being average. That's been bothering me a bit, because I've come to realize that it's important not to be average. Sure, we can't become super heros and what not, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't aim high. I've been thinking about this lately because I've been looking around at grad schools.

Now, I can rather safely say that my life has been spent aiming for the middle. In high school, I was happy with my 2.7ish GPA because, well, I was just going to go to UNLV. And I think that that has been my mind set for the better part of my life, probably because I've never really known what I wanted to do. Nursing seemed like a good idea because it has "job security" and "room for growth." Sure, the pay is OK especially if continue your eduaction, but having worked in a hospital for the last few years, it helps to enjoy the job. And I don't. I don't like what I see when I see the nurses around me and see myself in their place. I don't want this to be seen as a knock on nursing, because it isn't. It takes a selfless person to be a good nurse, and the more I'm in the hospital, the more I see that isn't me, or at least to the degree that it should be.

So, what was I talking about before I ranted about nursing? Oh yeah, aiming for the middle. The problem with doing that up until now is that I now know what I want and I'm standing at the base of the cliffs of insanity.

Aiming high is something new to me, and it's requiring that I change my whole attitude towards things. So yeah, that's what's on my mind.

Here's a few more random things:

Big thanks the Max and Stefanie for letting us crash at their place up in Milwaukee. I was good fun hanging with them and Ben and Melanie. "It's pronounced "mill-e-wah-que" which is Algonquin for "the good land." "

Looking forward to going to the Tetons and Salt Lake next month.

Everytime the Cubs lose an angel gets their wings.

Needles dipped in poo, lit on fire and stabbed in your nose. How's THAT for a title!

2009-04-05T01:02:00.005-06:00

Once again, I take a moment from work to spout off nonsense.

To begin, I've gotten back in touch with Joelle, the lady that I helped teach and who got baptised. I must say that it feels incredibly good.

The semester is winding to a close and it's time to start thinking about fall semester. In a word it will be busy. Two 300 classes and two 400 classes. I also need to write an essay for the foreign language scholarship, and I'm not quite sure what approach to take... serious or a little on the humorous side. It's going to be decided by the foreign language teachers who usually seem like a quirky bunch, at least to me, so I'm kinda debating where to go. Also, do you think I should bring in baked goods... like a Gateau Basque? It's worth $700 which is about the cost of a class.

Also, I've been watching Flight of the Conchords on dvd that Beckie loaned us while Carpetbagging in Iraq. Watch. This. Show. You can get it on Netflix. If you don't have Netflix, I pity you. Seriously, get Netflix. And speaking of, Em and I just finished watching Season 4 of BSG (which we got on Netflix,) the series just ended, and I got through the whole thing with only learning one spoiler (albeit a big one) and so I anxiously await it's arrival on, you guessed it, Netflix. (Note: Netflix how about giving me some love, I said you name 5 times, 6 if you include this sentence. Netflix. (7))

So, moving along... Some people think Obama is a great speaker. Honestly, I don't get it. He;s really boring to listen to. And who cares that Michelle Obama hugged the Queen? We kicked them out of our country over 200 years ago, I'll hug the Queen if I darn well please! However, Canadia still must bow to her, the loyal subjects that they are.

Lastly, I'm finally going to say it. I am on Facebook and Twitter. As you can probably guess, I neglect these more than I do my blogging. I haven't tweeted in forever and Facebook is there just in case I need to get a hold of someone, really. Also, I'll be sending out my new email in a bit. It's time to retire the old hotmail account, or at least, use it for signing up on things. The other, I'm going to try and keep for personal stuff only.

The hardest part of a post...

2009-03-21T00:06:00.003-06:00

is the title. Usually, at least, for me.

Also, sometimes all you need is to puke and have a good poop, and everything feels better.

So, my mind has been all over the place this week. Mainly it's been in a snot covered haze, due to being a little under the weather, but at 1 am, I just have a cough that's clinging on to life.

I'll admit, I may be an overly proud dad, especially at work. The good thing is that there's a couple other people with kids/grandkids in the same range, so it doesn't come off as overly weird. And it's nice to have Em's great pictures to share.

I've been feeling the urge to delve more deeply into scriptures lately. Actually change that to say merely "delve into scriptures." I'm not a great scripture reader, I'll be honest, I have a hard time staying awake. I've been feeling the urge to find the old addresses of people in France. I've never been a good letter writter, and keeping in touch is not exaclty my forte, but the need to read has been tied to the need to re-discover the people I met while on my mission.

Do you ever wonder if there are any superheros helping cops fight crime? I was thinking about this the other night, and my mind wandered over to thinking about there being no actual superheros. No one has super powers. Face it. Just like there are no wizards or vampires. Pirates and gypses for the most part were/are terrible people. Are we superheros for being normal? Maintaining mediocrity, or at least, leading a socially acceptible life requires quite a bit of self restraint, honor and a strong morality. Also, there are very few people in important/ popular postions that are actually good models for what we should be, that living a decent life, in my odd mind, is something that should be celebrated.

Anyways, there's a little rant for you.

In a Haze

2009-03-02T15:13:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure where I'm going to go with this... be warned.

Here are a few things on my mind:

I hate working Sunday nights. I feel like there's a haze in the corners of my eyes.

The guy next to be is breathing like an asthmatic horse. Honestly, what is it called when you snore when you're awake?

Things in my life that keep me grounded are Em, Noah, my french lit class and World of Warcraft Tuesdays. Without them, my sanity would be hanging by a thin rope.

Some guy got hurt bung"ee" jumping the other week. What an idiot. People who jump illegally deserve to be hurt, it's a terrible thing to say, but drunk drivers deserve to die too. I'm tired and my brain filter is slipping away into the nether, sue me.

Soccer is better than your sport. World Baseball Classic? What a huge joke. Do you honestly believe anyone outside the North Western Quarter-sphere and East Asia care about a "Classic" that the players hardly care about? Not to mention baseball players are sissies. And steroids? Rio Ferdinand of ManU was LATE for a drug screen and he got suspended from all competitions for almost a season. He did not test positive... he was LATE. Baseball should hang their collective over grown steroid heads in shame, Bud Selig should have be thrown out of baseball in disgrace and all records from the past 15 years given an asterix. If they didn't know about the drug use, it wasn't because of ignorance it was because they cast a blind eye on something that gave baseball meaning again. Hey baseball this is what happens when you sell your soul to Satan. (I watched ESPN during lunch). Also Arsenal's fiscal responsibility will start paying dividends in about 3-4 on the pitch, just wait.

I'm done typing.

55 Reasons I'm Better Than You

2009-02-07T21:23:00.005-06:00

So, I was watching Season 1 of Scrubs the other night and J.D. had one of his fanatsies with Jimmy Walker (the comedian, not the drink), and it got me thinking about old Las Vegas commercials. So here's a few for you to complete (the answers will be at the end of the post).

1) I'm Jimmy Walker, the talker, and when I'm in Las Vegas I go to ______________.
2) What can compare to ______________?
3) Who loves you, baby? ________________, that's who!
4) I'm Happy Harry! And this is _______________!
5) In Henderson. _______________!

There's also some fantastic ones here in St. Louis, but we'll save those for another post.

So Stacie won the contest, and I'm giving the runner-up to Nicole for admitting she wasn't funny.
Stacie gets to pick between $10 to Amazon or iTunes (or some other music site) and Nicole gets the one she doesn't pick.

Also, I un-highlighted the things I haven't done in my previous post.

Well, I got to get back to work, so here are the answers:
1) Steiner's Cleaners
2) Maryland Square
3) The Furniture Store
4) Quality Liquidators
5) Of Course!

100 Reasons I'm Better Than You

2009-02-07T20:57:00.007-06:00

So Steven, Tamara and Sarah did this, and after looking at the list, I laughed at them and filled it out myself. Obviously, all I had to do was put everything in bold and add snarky comments. As a bonus, and to make you read the whole thing, there is a contest at the end of this post.

1. Started your own blog (Someone was DESPERATE to highlight something)
2. Slept under the stars (We were very poor growing up)
3. Played in a band (does marching band count?) (No it doesn't)
4. Visited Hawaii (I heard it sucks and the people are jerks)
5. Watched a meteor shower (It hurt)
6. Bathed in a river (Chilly... then warm for a second... then chilly again)
7. Been to the Taj Mahal (I'm guessing you're talking about the great restaurant in Vegas.)
8. Walked on a glacier in Alaska (Better do it soon... global warming and all)
9. Caught and held a snake (take your mind out of the gutter)
10. Spoke in front of a big crowd (More like stuttering)
11. Bungee jumped ("We spell it B-U-N-G-Y... Why? Because it's fun!" AJ Hackett)
12. Had a whirlwind love affair that broke your heart (I hate you)
13. Found an arrowhead or fossil (Valley of Fire ftw)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch (I suppose this doesn't mean cutting snowflakes)
15. Rescued an animal (It doesn't count if it died...)
16. Ate sweet breads, glands or tripe (Veal brain is a gland)
17. Seen Mount Rushmore in person (Watching National Treasure 2 or NxNW doesn't count)
18. Grown your own vegetables (Super hot peppers on my mission)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France (She's smiling cause she farted)
20. Slept on an overnight train (not as fun as it sounds)
21. Had a pillow fight (bring it)
22. Hiked to base camp on Mt. Everest (then I climbed Mt. Charleston)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (if this isn't highlighted, you're a liar)
24. Built a snow fort (Inspired by Calvin)
25. Watched an animal being born (at the Las Vegas "Zoo")
26. Gone skinny dipping 0 ;-)
27. Learned a foreign language (ig-pay atin-lay itches-bay)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (it's like $20 bucks, but you have to pay extra for them to sing) 29. Seen a total eclipse (that's why I have to wear glasses)
30. Stayed up for more than 24 hours (child's play)
31. Trained a dog to do cool tricks (if cool means, "they don't do what I say")
32. Been on a cruise (got pushed over and then swam to shore)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (in a barrel)
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (Salt Lake count?)
35. Seen an Amish community (veterinarian = mechanic)
36. Can drive a stick shift car (eat your heart out NASCAR)
37. Won over $1000 in a raffle or lottery (spent it all on candy)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person (then that jerk Superman fixed it)
39. Gone rock climbing (Condo S-5 anyone?)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David (Impressive...Most impressive)
41. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt (needs a new name... something more catchy)
42. Been serenaded (Feels like home to me too)
43. Visited Africa (With my old band mates from Toto and our opener Enya)
44. Walked on a beach by moonlight (Crying and by myself, I brought the romantic factor down about 5 points)
45. Broken a bone (middle of soccer season playing capture the flag at Lake Mead)
46. Started your own business (then sold it for some magic beans)
47. Quit a job because you were totally unhappy (then turned state's evidence)
48. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (I could do that)
49. Been to the Eiffel Tower (Making up for something, are we France?)
50. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (In November, not the best time)
51. Kissed in the rain passionately (But she was a wet kisser)
52. Played in the mud (We lost Little Timmy though)
53. Gone to a drive-in (but didn't watch the movie?)
54. Been in a movie (hey, I could be an extra) (cop out)
55. Visited the Great Wall of China (With my Horde)
56. Joined a prayer group (didn't understand anything)
57. Taken a martial arts class (watch out, Yellow ftw)
58. Visited Russia (won the Cold War, I did)
59. Served at a soup kitchen (St. Vincents, sweaty hands)
60. Gone whale watching (with a harpoon)
61. Received flowers for no reason (Happy Valentines... too me :_( )
62. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (Didn't get as dizzy as I hoped)
63. Gone sky diving (parachute broke, landed on the run, beat up Chuck Norris)
64. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (even though it didn't happen)
65. Bounced a check (Not a very high rebound)
66. Flown in a helicopter (saved a polar bear floating on ice)
67. Saved a favorite childhood toy (mainly My Little Pony and Barbie head hand-me downs)
68. Visited the Lincoln Memorial (wearing a grey suit)
69. Eaten caviar (sweeeet baby fishes /drool)
70. Pieced a quilt (can't think of a clever comment)
71. Stood in Times Square (wearing boxers and a banjo, then beat up the Singing Cowboy)
72. Toured the Everglades (Wrestled an Alligator and then got stung by a sting ray... too soon?)
73. Been fired from a job (then pooped on my desk)
74. Seen the changing of the guards in London (threw up fish and chips on one's shoe)
75. Broken something extremely expensive (thus making it art)
76. Been on a speeding motorcycle (back in the day on the way to Sturgis)
77. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (Yawned and then went to the Tetons)
78. Published a book (Became famous, told no one)
79. Visited the Vatican (Foiled a sinister plot, some guy wrote a story about it)
80. Got a tattoo (washed it off in the morning)
81. Been to a coffee shop in Amsterdam ("Coffee" shop....right....)
82. Seen the aurora borealis in person (while clubbing a baby seal)
83. Read the entire Bible (discovered a secret code, it said, "Read the Book of Mormon too")
84. Visited the White House (was asked to put my pants back on)
85. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (Pigeon isn't as good as it sounds)
86. Had chickenpox (Now I eat them for my revenge)
87. Saved someone’s life (then laughed at them)
88. Sat on a jury (Voted against everyone else)
89. Met someone famous (called them a nobody, made them cry)
90. Joined a book club (called them a bunch of dorks)
91. Lost a loved one (too soon)
92. Toured the UN (framed for murder)
93. Hiked to Machu Picchu (rode a llama)
94. Swam in the Indian Ocean (who cares?)
95. Conversed with someone when neither of you spoke each others language (Ever been to Texas?)
96. Dirty danced (Put Baby in the corner)
97. Been stung by a bee (Then killed it)
98. Acted in a play (Kissed a Kate)
99. Had more than 5 surgeries (In one sitting)
100. Threw a surprise party for someone (Happy Birthday... too me... :_( )

So, somethings (like #33) are obviously true, while others (like #27) are unmistakable lies. Now, the contest is to see how many are things that I've done. I'm not sure what the prize will be, but it'll probably be a book or a music download or something cheap like that. I decided it was about time to reward you all for supporting my nonsense. If there is a tie, the names go in a hat.

Also, a secondary prize will be given for the best redo to my snarky comments. The same person can't win both.

The contest will go until next Wednesday and you can only enter once for each half.

Good Luck!!!

Being Offended Redux

2009-01-01T03:31:00.002-06:00

I read this article, and thought I should throw it up here on the blog. I'm not sure that mentioning God is telling some one that they're second class citizens. In fact, a forced exclusion on religion is the exactly what the athiests are complaing about except in reverse. It seems more like their fighting against themselves with the language used in the article. It's like me saying that I believe in "Mormonism" to some one is the same as telling them that they're idiots without coming out and saying it. If there is any implication on prejudice it's on the part of the athiests.

Once again respect and tolerance is a two way street.

(I know... two posts in one night... Don't get used to it.)

(Corny New Year's Title)

2009-01-01T00:33:00.002-06:00

Well, expect for those of you still trailing behind time-zone-wise, it's now 2009. Happy '09. I'm at work, which isn't so bad. It would be great to be home with Em, but I imagine we have quite a few New Years ahead of us, and I get a couple extra bucks for workin' it. I hope she's partying it up with her friend Genny, who is also husband-less tonight.

I suppose I need to clear a quick thing up about my in-laws. They're fantastic, they really are.

I'm not exactly sure what else to write.

I almost got in an accident going to work today by getting t-boned by a Cadillac trying to turn into Children's Hospital. NASCAR is full of crap, I could do that with my eyes closed in reverse. Ever notice how there are no "motorsports" in the Olympics? That's because I do it everyday. All Hail the Mighty Redneck Dollar!

What does NASCAR have to do with New Years? Nothing. But that's the wonderful thing about blogs, or at least mine. They don't need to make sense. Because last I check not much did.

P.S. My in-laws, to my knowledge, do not like NASCAR.

Being Offended

2008-12-28T03:32:00.003-06:00

I just erased everything again, for the third time. except I kept the last line and changed sceond to third. Such is life which, like my past entries, sucks... so say the French. Let's hope this one makes the cut.

I've been trying to think of a clever way of saying that people who get offended at either "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" depending on their background are a bunch of idiots.

Being offended by such a trivial greeting is contrary to the point of the season. For instance, if a person is a Christian and some one says "Happy Holidays" and that person is offended, so much for "Peace on Earth good will toward Men" more like "Burn in Hell you Politically Correct Pagan, how dare you soil the name of this holiday by not mentioning it by name!"

And as for the opposite, if you demand tolerance of others, you need to be tolerant yourself. Respect/tolerance isn't a one way street you moron.

Anyways, Merry Christmas everyone. This past year has been one of transition and change for myself. I'll try and get a post in reflecting on my year, cuz I know you're all dying to know more. Until next time however... here are reasons Coldplay sucks:

1. I read that Chris Martin is a jerk
2. Clocks was overplayed
3. All the songs are the same
4. Can we say "wannabe U2?"
5. Kids aren't fruit
6. They haven't given their albums out for free
7. The words "Pop" and "Rock" should go together
8. Bands from England are all just Beatles cover bands riding on the glory of the Fab Four
9. I said so
10. My in-laws like them

Oozing brains

2008-12-19T00:52:00.005-06:00

I've started a few posts and then hated them... and a good amount of time on the computer at home has been spent on my WoW habit, but I figured I was letting December slip away from me and being stuck on post #100 was getting old, so here I am, loyal readers.

How cool is it that Las Vegas got snow!?!?!?! My only true memory of snow sticking around in a fun way happened when I was in 5th grade, with most of the time it melting right away. Happy times! (Stacie suck it up and build a snowman.)

I'm at a loss to say to be honest with you, I'm currently leaking brain out my nose, so that might be the reason. We took Noah to see Santa on Wednesday and he was quite the fussy guy while we waited it out in line. However, when the time came to see the big guy, he did great.

School is taking a vacation for a moment, and I'm able to reflect a bit on my new path... like I've said before, it's wonderful.

Steven, liking movie soundtracks with the obsession that you do is a quirk.

I am on Facebook, btw. I'm terrible at it, but I'm on it.

I'm rather proud of the fantastic-ness of my wife. A renaissance woman is what I married.

I depise end of the year best/worst lists. Is it just me or are they all the same. Where's the bold person who likes what Kim Kardashian wears (other than herself, obviously.) I guess this goes with my dislike of all things pop (I hope Joe Satriani wins his lawsuit against Coldplay, sorry everyone.) It also may reflect the increasing out-of-it-ness that is my grip on pop culture. That being said, here's the best of everything list for me this year.

Movie: Ironman
CD: Death Magnetic, Metallica
Book: Ender in Exile, OSC (I haven't even read it, but that doesn't change anything)
TV Show: The Office

There ya go, I am a hypocrit. And to further the fact, here are things that I didn't like this year.

Movie: Dark Knight
CD: Viva la Vida, Coldplay
Book: something self-helpy and preachy
TV Show: everything on CBS

I'll admit, several things on my crap list made it purely to piss people off (namely in-laws) and if my native american culture class taught me anything, it's that in-laws were meant to be teased and taunted relentlessly.

What else can I rant about. Oh, for a bit of political commentary, so much for transparency and a new direction for our dear Pres-elect. Do you really want us to hold you to higher standard? Cause it sure doesn't seem like you're up to it. You know it's bad when a fan-girl on CNN calls you out.

Oh, yay for RSL! That's Real Salt Lake in case anyone didn't know (which was VERY likely.) From going from gutter club to MLS Cup runner-up, I guess that new stadium had some magic in it.

That looks like about it for now. I'll try and squeak in another post before the New Year.

Finger Pointing

2008-11-01T00:18:00.003-06:00

I've been trying to steer clear of polilitics in the old blog lately, but while looking at the front page of the Oct. 31 Post-Dispatch, I realized that I needed to address a serious issue... Who are the candidates pointing at? The picture was broken us into 1/4ths and had Obama, Biden and Palin pointing at someone while McCain laughed robustly/maniacally/like a senile old man that he is (pick which ever one suits you best,) kinda like a Sesame Street "One of these things is not like them other" segment.

Your feelings of McCain aside... Who are they pointing at? In all reality probably no one of consequence, and aid or someone they recognized while shaking hands outside. They were probably also told by a staffer to point because it makes the rally more personally or something like that.

Personally, I think of Zoolander when Derek is going to the Walk-off and some guy yells, "Hey Derek! Kick Hansel's @$$!" (I know @$$ really doesn't change anything, but it looks fun.) Just change "Derek" for the P/VP candidate and "Hansel" for the opposing P/VP. And then the candidate type person points as if to say, "Yes. I think I will. Thanks for mentioning it."

I imagine there's a lot of swearing at campaign rallies so this only makes sense.

Unfortunately, my brain just stopped working, so I think I'll end things here.

P.S. This is post #100. Lavish me with praise.

Mind Nuggets

2008-10-28T01:01:00.003-06:00

So, I was going through my Google Reader and began to feel guilty about my lack of recent posts. So here's one for your reading pleasure...

It seems like people have themes for their blogs, such as family, art, "my crazy life," writing or whatever... and I'm perfectly aware that for better or worse mine would probably fall into those categories (art being anything about what Em is up to, she can't help it, an artist is what she is.) I think I like to think of myself as a deep thinker, but to be honest, I really don't like sharing those thoughts too much. I like to think about how things fit together (sure the people in the Book of Mormon came over in boats but who's to say people didn't cross a land bridge too,) Politics (rolling my eyes until next week,) and more recently, how would I say that in french or even silently sounding out long french words I just learned in class while watching ESPN during lunch or on the Metro ride home. These are just a couple things. An odd thing though, I'm not much for sharing what's on my mind.

Ask anyone who has tried to talk to me on the phone, I'm not much of a talker, and sometimes I'm afraid that I may give the impression that all I think about is soccer, WoW and, "I'm really enjoying this semester." What's even worse is that I have a habit of steering conversations toward what I want, sometimes to the point of ignoring the other person (but let's just face it, I am that interesting.)

I suppose this brings my back to the blog. There's things that I think would be great to write about, but I feel I'd either alienate people or... even worse... be boring to read. I think it's a combination of the two that sometimes leads to my lack of blogginess. I suppose I could do more lists and stuff, but to be honest I like reading them but despise doing them.

I also feel bad when I don't put in pictures or links, because, let's be honest, that's kinda what we hope for when checking out the blogs of others.

I just read over the blog and decided it was rather melancholy. I suppose it's needed from time to time. And who doesn't feel the slightest bit melancholy when their at work at 1 in the morning.

I want to end on a happy note, because that's essentially where I'm at in life...
So here's my favorite comic sites:
Red Meat
Get Fuzzy
Foxtrot (but only on Sundays)
Ding! (it's a WoW one)
DM of the Rings (What if LoTR was an RPG... oh wait... it is)

Jenny Craig and other Evil things

2008-10-01T10:19:00.003-06:00

What's with health food? Can't it just stick to being health food and not try and convice us that is tastes good too? I've always been under the impression that eating deserts and the like were supposed to be bad for you, hence the not eating them too much. But when health food tries to be desert/tasty doesn't it become the enemy as well?

Health food isn't good for you so much so that it tastes so bad that you only eat a little bit of it before your gag reflex says, "NO MORE!" You eat less food which means, you lose weight. Pretty easy to understand. Now, I know what you're thinking, "But health food deserts taste like crap too!"

Does it? Does it, really?

Drinking Diet Coke doesn't help you lose weight cuz it tastes better than Coke, which means you drink more which equals biggness. Diet Pepsi tastes like crap... like Diet food should. By this reasoning we can see that Coke is evil.

Jenny Craig for a while was supported by Kirsti Allie... need I say more.

Right before Princess Diana died, Sarah Ferguson said that losing weight was, "Harder than avoiding the paparazzi!" Hence, Weight Watchers and British royalty are evil.

Wait... I've gotten off track here... OH YEAH! Health food deserts (and in general) are slowly becoming tolerable, as this continues people will want to eat more of it. I think this is a plot by Al Qeada (I think its misspelled... I don't care) in order to destroy american self-esteem. If you're eating health food, but gaining weight, wouldn't that crush you?!?!

So, I say the patriotic thing is to put down your artifical sweeteners and margarine. Give your 3 year old sticks of butter to snack on! Drench your corn flakes in sugar! Put down that Diet Coke and pick up a Pepsi! Remember Satan is a master of lies! If it tastes good, it's not healthy! Go back to rice cakes and water if you must lose weight!

Don't let them win!!!!

Busy Month

2008-09-20T00:16:00.003-06:00

My goodness has this month been racing by! Let's just jump right in...

First off, big thanks to everyone for the b-day wishes and gifts! My 29th was scrumtrulescent. Carousel at the zoo, lunch at PF Changs, raspberry filled dark chocolate cupcakes! Not to mention presents and cards! I'm truly blessed to have wonderful family and friends.

Also, (Happy B-day Phil!) our anniversary was this past Wednesday. 4 years! In that time we've logged our fair share of miles between here and Columbia and various points West. We've been the Europe. The Cardinals have won the World Series. We're going on our second presidential election. Career changes, power outages, Hurricane Katrina, Parents in S. Korea, Sisters in Iraq, Brothers and Sisters returned from missions... A lot has happened! Oh and did I mention we have a 10 month old? Obadi-Oblada Life Goes On (But I don't get to stay at home and do my pretty face...) We'll be married 39 years when I'm 64. And that'll do for Beatles references.

My mom is coming in town tomorrow (actually today) and I'm looking forward to her getting some time in with Noah. I am a very proud papa, and I can't wait to show him off to my parents (my dad comes to town in a couple weeks).

There's other things that I've been thinking about, but I'm going to leave with that for now, see how my brain is in no way focused... I know, it's not like that's new.

Of Cats, Songs and Colored Animals

2008-09-07T14:18:00.002-06:00

So, several things have been on my mind lately. But at this moment my mind is encased in a large ball of snot which is leaking out my nose.

I've recently started liking the comic strip "Get Fuzzy" more and more. The reason for this is because the cat is awesome. He complains about pointless things and takes stands against normal things. The Olympics comics start here and I can't help but agree with everything the cat says.

Also, Weezer has a song called "Heart Songs" on their last album, and has got me think about some of the songs that have in some way or another been a large influence in my life. Here's a couple songs that have a little special place for me:

Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
5150/Get Up - Van Halen
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You - Dean Martin
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
Beautiful Day - U2
Fields of Gold - Eva Cassidy
When My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

They're just a couple songs that, to me, are just plain awesome-sauce.

Lastly, I feel the need to rant. Why is the DNC and RNC worthy of primetime? Personally, the last thing I want to watch on TV is a bunch of politicians bash each other and make promises they can't keep. I'm glad I don't check the box on my tax form to have some of my money go to campaigns. Can we say Kingmen and Gadiantons? The oddest thing is that I wouldn't want to live anywhere else but here. I must be mental.

Or maybe my brain is just a huge ball of mucus.

2008-08-25T19:46:00.003-06:00

Today is has been one of those days...

I've started taking the Metro to school, it's cheaper than gas + parking pass and that whole environment kick that everyone is on. For some strange reason, I can't stand bikers, I realise you're considered a vehicle, but that doesn't give you the right to drive in the middle of the road, connard. Also, if bikes are vehicles, why don't they obey traffic law? Ever see a bike stop at a stop sign? Didn't think so. Anyways, back to the Metro. St. Louis still has strongly divided lines as to what color of skin goes where, and as far as I can tell feelings are strong on both sides. And even coming from what was once dubbed "The Mississippi of the West," I am sometimes shocked at the deepness of racial animosity that can exist here. This is where I say I hate the Metro right? Not at all. It's been nice to not drive all the way to school. The few minutes that I do spend on the Metro helps me get my mind in "school mode" without driving getting in the way. And yes, I'll admit it I can be an angry driver (just look at the biking rant.)

I'm really enjoying school as well. The only bad thing about it all, is that I honestly believe that I should've been doing this sooner. I've held strong anti-french feelings since my mission, and the reason for this, as I believe I've said before, was that I wasn't as good of a missionary that I should've been. But, WOW, do I feel like I'm in the right place. Ever since I've decided to go down this road, I've felt like everything was going to be OK. It's odd, because, with all reason, I've left behind a rather rock solid career. All I feel now is that I'm onto a happier life for myself and my family.

So, yeah, it's been that kinda day. The kind I couldn't wait to get up for. The kind I don't want to go to sleep from.

Also, here's the preview for the film we watched in my language/culture class (it's all about language and culture through film, jealous?

P.S. I have read "First Meetings" (and as far as I know OSC hates the name "Ender-verse." And as much as I like a good dare, I have no interest in reading about teenage vampire angst. Besides, I'm not much for dares, I'm all about bribes.

The Quiet Riot in My Mind

2008-08-06T00:41:00.006-06:00

I'm not sure where this post is going to go... which could be said for many-a-post on my blog. School is creeping closer, summer is getting hotter, soccer season is upon us, there's a virtual cornicopia of things to talk about (or in my case, rant.)

Well, for starters, I've got 3 books left in the Foundation series. I'll be honest with ya, the thing I like about the series is the idea behind it, the characters are a bit weak. That's probably because, it's more of a collection of short stories as opposed to all out novels, (except for books 1,5,6 & 7.) I really like the idea of psychohistory and the establishment of the foundations. I realise all that means nothing to you... so read the books. When I'm done I'll be moving on to LotR, which I've only read once, and I'm dying in anticipation. I'm not sure if I'm going to include The Hobbit and Children of Hurin, in the adventure, but I'm considering it. School starting will no doubt hamper my progress through the books, but I'm sure I'll be able to sneak in a chapter or two here and there.

The Ender Series is really what calls to me. For all the greatness of Middle Earth, I do like me some Buggers and super-intelligent military children. I just bought the Lusitania novels and I'm lloking forward to reading them with a more "adult" eye as opposed to expecting more of the same as Ender's Game. Speakers, Piggies, sentient programs and Buggers kinda change the landscape from that of Battle School.

Along with the books, I bought Robin Hood, not the "Hi! I'm Robin Hood *twang*" one with Kevin Costner, but the one where Maid Marian is a fox... literally. I've been watching Peter Pan with Noah, every now and then, so I figured it was time to force more of my sentimentality upon my boy. But I'm sure that no one can deny that it's the best of all the Robin Hoods. (Admit it... you're starting to get the theme song stuck in your head.)

Honestly, somtimes the craziest things happen while I'm posting...

I've started to slip back, a little bit, into sleepless nights. Sometimes, it's from oversleeping after a shift, and other times, it's probably from stress. Anyways, I've taken to Tylenol PM at times (I have trazadone, but don't feel like sleeping in 'til noon), I also try hot cocoa (does the job nicely), sleeping on the couch, and watching stuff on hulu. I'm tempted at times to play WoW, but that can work me up a bit, so I try to avoid it after midnight. I really have no purpose in telling you that. Just wanted to tell ya.

Until next time... enjoy "Day Man"

This Looked Like Fun... Part 2

2008-07-31T00:36:00.002-06:00

Well, I couldn't help it, so I figured to give a quick rundown of the pictures...

1) I'm turning 29 on my next b-day
2) I saw this picture on my mission of the beach in Biarritz, and it's the one place I wish I could've spent more time when Em and I went to Europe a couple years ago. Not just Biarritz but the whole Pays Basque, really.
3) Colter Bay, Tetons Nat'l Park... Heaven on Earth
4) Awesome pic of a soccer ball
5) mmmm... pizza /drool
6) Em was expecting a penguin, which would be equal valid, but at the moment I did the post, 5-fingered garbage eaters beat out flightless swimming birds.
7) It's green. I knew this one would be confusing, but in reality this pic is reall all about the green flash.
8) Salt Lake City, UT
9) Central West End is the neighborhood in which we live in StL.
10) It's a lab... I couldn't find any pics I wanted for Sam, Samantha, or Samantha Jane
11) Astronomy isn't so much a PAST love as it is one that I currently don't indulge in, unfortunately I can't drive 30 min to Red Rock to see the sky at the moment.
12) The guy who designed the chair had Mathias in his name
13) A house on Tholozan (my WoW character) Ave
14) Chief Joseph, there was also a pic of Joseph Smith's martyrdom, but I didn't want to be a Debbie-downer.
15) Ammon rocks.
16) Dunrobin Castle, home of the Duke (or some other title) of Sutherland
17) World of Warcrack
18) Ah pipe machine... how I don't miss you
19) The Queen Mary... My dad mom is Mary, my mom's is Mary Lou.
20) Yes, I'm getting a degree to follow topless women into battle.
21) Tell me you don't think this whenever I go weeks without a post.

This Looked Like Fun

2008-07-26T11:29:00.003-06:00

I usually don't do survey thingies because they make me feel like I need to give some clever response, this just requires pictures...

My Age:

A Place I'd Like to Travel to:

My Favorite Place:

My Favorite Object:

My Favorite Food:

My Favorite Animal:

My Favorite Color:

Where I was Born: Where I Live: Past Pet: Past Love: Best Friend's Nickname: My Screen Name:
My First Name: My Middle Name: My Last Name: Bad Habit: My First Job:My Grandmother's Name:My College Degree:What I'm Doing Right Now:

It started at 9:51 pm

2008-07-22T20:50:00.007-06:00

Several things have been on my mind, none of which that I can remember at the moment. And just for the record, I'm starting this post at 9:51 and I'll be adding to it through the rest of the shift, so by the end of it you should be thoroughly confused at the confusing maze of my non-linear mind.

It occurred to me the summer is quickly reaching it's end, and I'm none to excited about it. I feel like it's just getting started, but that may be because I equate summer with heat and not so much as not being in school. We've been rather lucky so far to not have a hideously sweltery summer, but it is mid-July and I think we're starting to get smacked with the outdoor sweat house that is St. Louis summers.

I don't think I've mentioned Spain winning the EURO Championships. It's like the World Cup, but only for Europe and the football was fantastic. The final was especially wonderful and a big thanks to ABC and ESPN for airing so many games (yes, I know they're owned by Disney, my nemesis, but I've got to be thankful to them), and also a big thanks to Grandma Lambson for letting me hijack her TV to watch the games.

Several things that I like right now are: keeping up the the WotLK beta updates, watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on HULU, just finished season 3 of BSG and will now have to wait for season 4 to come out on DVD and in the meantime, avoid reading spoilers (yes, I know they get to Earth), doing stuff with Noah and Em, they rock and I'm glad that I get so much time with them.

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1:04- So, I'm reading the Foundation series again and I plan on reading LoTR next and then the Ender's Game series. I realize that some people may cringe at re-reading a book, but it's kinda like getting to know an old friend again. I'm saving Ender for last because in all truth that is my favorite series, AND I just read that there's a comic/graphic novel version of it coming out in October. I'm hoping that it's a preliminary for the movie... one can only hope.

I've been having a rough time sleeping lately and I attribute that to 2 things: 1) the return of a full work week, and 2) having put a couple of things off, crunch time is coming and I need to get my act together. Problem 2 has for a very long time been my Achilles Heal. I'm glad that I have a wife who is very patient with me and is good at communicating her frustration with my apparent lack of motivation.

Oddly enough, I don't feel any real excitement for Dark Knight, I think that hype can real kill things for me at times. Also oddly enough, Quantum of Solace doesn't get me going either. I think it's because I don't like the idea of a James Bond sequel, I know there have been tons, but this one is directly related to Casino Royale. Forget all that happened in that movie and get him fighting terrorist trying to get nukes or something, one enduring trait about Bond movies is that they're all fairly independent of the rest, the only back story needed is James Bond has gadgets, is ultra-suave, blows things up, saves the world, gets the girl, the end. What happened to the girl in the next movie? Who cares! She's a Bond Girl! She goes on to make Catwoman and Xmen for all we care, but Bond/We forget about them, put the notch on the bed post and move on.

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2:03 So, who else could careless about the election in November? Sure, it's bound to be "historic" and all, but when you think about it, who are we to say whether something is "historic" or not? I'm sure there have been many times throughout the ages when the men of their times touted their exploits as "historic" only to become and interesting footnote in history, if anything at all.

What I find slightly disturbing is that in dubbing things historic, we forget to look into the past, into true history, and seek out the cycles of civilization and the many tragic parts of history that we stumble into only to not learn from it again. There is a problem with looking to the future when you regard the past with an up turned nose and a pride in your own understanding. Change is good, but not for changes sake. Societal Inertia has a lot of weight behind it, and sharp turns can easily turn into a train wreck.

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2:45 Just read Stacie's blog and she had people put in memories that they shared with here, and then said for us to do the same things on our blog. So there's a challenge faithful readers, bring on the memories and then do it on your blog or risk the wrath of the chain letter gods (I made that last part up.)

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4:08 Well, I think this'll be it for this entry, I'll be adding links later, as well as a movie from hulu which will be a must watch for all. Anyways, catch ya later.

Here's the movie:

Look at this! A post!

2008-07-15T06:36:00.006-06:00

It's been a while, eh? Well, how are we all doing? May exciting things have happened since the last post, but I realised this has never really been much of a "journal" type blog as much as a random "brain farts" type blog. And just to get it out of the way... no I will not "can" the music on MY blog. If you don't like it turn down the speakers or hit the pause button. And while you're at it "anonymous" (if that's even your real name) why don't you get an account so I can critize your blog. Jive Turkey.

So, I've been thinking about ancestors and honor recently. Two things kinda brought those to my mind one was from President Uchtdorf's First Presidency Message especially where he says:

"I have no ancestors among the nineteenth-century pioneers. However, since the first days of my Church membership, I have felt a close kinship to those early pioneers who crossed the plains. They are my spiritual ancestry, as they are for each and every member of the Church, regardless of nationality, language, or culture. They established not only a safe place in the West but also a spiritual foundation for the building of the kingdom of God in all the nations of the world."

The other is from Karate Kid 2, where Mr. Myagi has to fight to appease the "honor" of his old best friend whose pre-arranged wife he stole.

I think it's important to honor our ancestors, be it literally or in a spiritual sense like Pres. Uchtdorf mentions. We owe a lot to them for who we are and what we have. Be it pioneers in covered wagons coming from Nauvoo or pioneers in a station wagon coming from North Carolina (Thank You Grandpa for moving West), I'm rather lucky to have the gospel in my life, and they set the groundwork in order that I would have it in my life.

Here's a couple pictures to round things out...

Grandpa and Noah, hanging out in the back yard.

Matt, Me and Rob

2008-06-09T07:38:00.004-06:00

There's a bunch of randomness swirling in my head... so why not share it.

First of all, I wish I could tap dance. It looks fun. Not River Dance type stuff either, I'm talking real musical type tap dancing. How's that for random.

Also, Noah's teething and it's led to a rather large regression when it comes to sleep for him (and us, mainly Em). He's been so good at sleeping recently, it's hard to see him hurting and struggling with it.

Lastly, A shout out to my bro and his getting his master's from VCU's Brandcenter. Here's a pic of us outside his apartment in downtown Richmond. Dave's the one to the far left.

Roslin in '08

2008-06-01T19:03:00.003-06:00

I dig Weezer, and I thought that they had broken up or retired or whatever it is bands do when they stop making music. Then, one day, while browsing through EW.com's PopWatch, I stumble upon their new music video and a comment about their new album coming out soon. It's a pretty fun video, with a whole bunch of viral videos in it... enjoy
Here's some links to the videos in the video: Shoes, Leave Britney Alone, The Mentos Experiments, Numa Numa Guy, Miss Teen South Carolina, Chocolate Rain, Dancing Guy, Daft Hands/Dancers, Afro Ninja and of course...

Also, I'm happy to say that I've finally picked a canidate to support...Laura Roslin. The former teacher couldn't be a better choice, and I paricularly support her stands on making babies and finding Earth.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T22:49:00.003-06:00

I've been rather lucky in my life to be surrounded by wonderful women. Since high school it seems most of the lasting relationships that I've made have primarily been made with females. On top of that, they've all become mothers.

I think it's odd that my best friends are mothers and fathers. I've always had a great aversion to adulthood, and at times I feel like Peter Pan looking through the window seeing other people grow up.

I'm lucky enough to have my own Wendy, however. I can't imagine a more pure love in my life than seeing my wife holding my boy. I'm very lucky to be married to an intelligent, witty, artistic renaissance woman. Be it pictures, cupcakes, singing or another of her many talents, she makes the world more beautiful by living in it. I love her.

My son is very lucky to have her as a mother.

Which brings me to my own. To state it pure and simply, my mom loves her kids. I'm not sure if I need to elaborate on it anymore than that. I'm not exactly good about telling her how wonderful she is but few people are as unselfish with their love as my mom. She rather like a beacon of light that people come to to feel loved. She's filled with it.

So here's to two wonderful women and mothers. I'm blessed that they're in my life.

She-who-must-not-be-named

2008-05-02T22:46:00.002-06:00

Let me start out by saying that I really enjoy the Harry Potter books. They are fantastic and fun to read, with great heros and villians and great twists. I can't say that I'm a fan of the author though. There is a fansite that has decided to publish it's vast information on Harry Potter and She-who-must-not-be-named has decided to sue. Let me direct you to some one who is a much better writer than I am ----> Click Here!

OSC definatly has a way with words. And if you think it's all just sour grapes on his part check this out, and this too. Or if you don't want to click there here's a quote:

"If you love the Harry Potter books, then you are part of the best of contemporary American literature, not because the books have sold so phenomenally well, but because they are so phenomenally good, and millions upon millions of people have recognized it."

And in case you were wondering if he has any gay characters in his books... he does. Zdorab in the Homecoming Saga.

I know several people might be unhappy with me over a such anti-She-who-must-not-be-named post. But I had to put it up.

Spring

2008-04-25T21:47:00.003-06:00

I'm a Desert Rat. I love it when we go out to Vegas because there's a natural beauty to the desert that I just love. It's possible that it's just nostaglia but I love the drive from St. George to Las Vegas. The Gorge is cool and when you pop out of it the grey-brown mountains, vistas and the wide-openness speaks to me at my core.

Nothing beats the natural beauty of Valley of Fire or Redrock after rain.

That being said, I love having all four seasons here in St. Louis. All of the colors are at their most intense. Green isn't just green... it's a vibrant neon lime green. The purples and pinks are straight out of a Dr. Suess book. And dafodils and tupils display their wonderful colors with a vanity that only belongs to spring flowers.

People here seem to despise the rain at times. "Oh no! We're going to have storms!" is what new forecasters seem to say. I love it when the rain gets so intense that we can barely see our neighbor's roof. And storm clouds seem to come from The Nothing, rolling and pitch black, even in the middle of the day.

However, of course, I do prefer the sunny days, especially now that I can go on walks with Noah. This past Tuesday we went on two walks, one to the Cupcakery and another the Grand Basin in Forest Park to meet up with Em after she got off work.

Pretty soon the fireflys will be coming out and with them the wet heat of summer. But for now I'm just happy that color is back after what seemed like a rather long winter.

Brave New World?

2008-04-23T21:15:00.002-06:00

It may be just me, but I think Sci-Fi writers must be awfully disappointed about where we are as a society. This popped into my head after watching "Jeopardy 1999" from a SNL skit from 1979. To be honest, it wasn't that funny (that's why I didn't post it), and the only things it predicted correctly was looser attitudes toward sex and Chevy Chase's non-existant post-SNL career. (Yeah, I'm not a fan of his).

Here's a list of disappointments:
1. Flying cars that run on garbage
2. Moonbases
3. Death Comets
4. Interstellar travel (not even at sub-light levels!)
5. Hot aliens
6. People used as food
7. Anything on Mars
8. Using the Sun to travel through time (And we still have whales! Take that Green Peace!)
9. Cyborgs
10. Ice Pirates

As you can see, we might as well not have running water. Isaac Asimov and Gene Roddenberry lived in vain from what I can tell. (L. Ron Hubbard, on the other hand, never died... he's off fighting aliens).

So, to help us get over the fact that we're hopelessly behind... here's some Sci-Fi for ya

And for something a little more upbeat...

Well...maybe we're not so bad off after all.

2008-04-13T00:31:00.003-06:00

So, I've been thinking quite a bit about what I'd want to write about in here, and I've decided to give politics a bit of a rest. For someone who hates politics, I sure do obsess about it. How about we start off with The Office then?

Now that TV writers are getting paid, Thursdays are back to being the nights that I wish I could fully pay attention to the TV while healing my guild through the first parts of Karazhan. And thanks to NBC's full embrace of the internet, I can catch up on it all. This weeks Office didn't take place at Dunder-Mifflin at all, but was probably the most uncomfortable it's ever been.

I've also started watching The Tick. There's a only a few episodes, and he hasn't yelled, "Spoon!" in any of the episodes, but it is rather fun to watch the precursor to Heroes, only with better costumes.

Now, about my rather diverse musical tastes. I think I can boil down my current musical tastes to a handful of people. First of all, Emily has introduced bluegrass to my life. The only bluegrass I have in my player is from Old Crow Medicine Show, which Dave introduced me to, but I don't think I would have liked it as much without Em's influence. She plays the banjo, and if I was to kick my own butt, I would pick up my dobro and get my groove on. So now I fully appreciate Allison Kraus. My bro Dave is responsible for leaking new music into my life. My Chemical Romance is all thanks to him (even though they aren't entirly new). He is hip and with it, the type of person every new father needs. Anything Hippie related is my Dad's fault. His life has been greatly influenced by Jim Morrison. My Mom is the classical music influence. I think this goes back to when she taught dance on Saturday mornings at UNLV.

Metallica is still my favorite band deep down, but I only listen to them when I am alone, and then I turn it up REAL loud.

Big Cop-out

2008-04-09T21:24:00.001-06:00

I know it's a cop-out to post a video...but Christopher Walken is pure comic gold

Something's happening here

2008-03-24T08:52:00.003-06:00

I'm not entirely sure why, but I keep up with the news. A lot seems to be going on... Democrats are in a bitter primary battle, riots in China, the economy, butts fusing to toilets... stuff is pretty crazy. I think the best part of it all is that people are surprised this stuff is going on.

WHAT!?!?! China has a terrible human rights record (baby killing anyone?) and now with the Olympics knocking on the door, people are surprised that all that they've done to improve their record is silence critics, kick people out of their homes, and blame other people for problems with their occupation in Tibet. Nothing will be done because China makes things cheap and money trumps ethics in the political world.

Now, I'm not sure exactly how to denfine myself politically, but I'm definately not a Democrat. Which makes this whole Hilary vs. Obama thing rather fun to watch. Given the way things are, who would vote for either of these people? The lengths that they go keeps making John McCain look good, and he's not exactly a likable guy (I'll admit, I'm probably going to be voting for him). What I like the most is that Obama is acting like he's fighting clean. Actually, we could say he is, but everyone around him isn't. At least we know Hilary's true colors. But all in all, is there such a thing as a clean politician?

And don't call me a Republican lover because I blame Bush for passing every possible spending bill sent his way until the Democrats took over Congress and then started vetoing everything he possibly could.

Butts fusing to toilets is just awesome.

Arsenal lost to Chelsea yesterday, and I hate to say it, but it looks like my guys are out of the Premiership race, but at least the CL is still there.

Lastly check out this site, it's pretty fantastic.

You guys

2008-03-23T02:16:00.000-06:00

I just thought I'd say that you all are rather fantastic. Keep up the good work!

Closing in on 3 am...

2008-03-16T00:52:00.003-06:00

Well, I haven't had a significant entry in a while. That's not really because I haven't had anything to say or report, but mainly because I haven't really been in the state of mind to truly ramble on like I'd really like to...

To start things off, let's get some soccer news out of the way. After their 1-1 draw with the U.S. in Olympic qualifiers, 7 Cuban players disappeared. If things are so great in Cuba, why do they all want to leave so bad? Riddle me that, Michael Moore. Since the terrible injury to Eduardo vs. Birmingham, Arsenal hasn't had much luck in the Premiership. However, that didn't stop them from being the first English team to beat AC Milan at the San Siro. Next up is Liverpool in the CL!

I recently read an article by Glenn Beck over on CNN.com. And before I comment on it, may I just ask where all the good humored liberal commentators are? Rush and Beck are fun to listen to, even if I don't consider myself a right-wing kinda guy. Al Franken lost his humor when he stopped writting for SNL. The same thing goes for that conservative lady who had that fight thingy with the Edwards' at the beginning of the primaries (I can't remember her name, and really don't care) but, man, get a life people!

Now to the article. It's about how America (and Americans) have stopped being accountable to anything. From the top down everyone it seems is trying to get out of the messes they've made. I've made plenty of mistakes, and as much as like the to go away, I'm paying for them and I wouldn't have it any other way. Mistakes are great things, but when you deny yourself the pain of the results, you end up being worse for wear, and in many cases, a burden on other people who don't deserve it.

And lastly, I love being a dad. Noah is a crazy puzzle, that Em and I are trying to solve. One night it seems we have things figured out, then he throws the curve ball and cries all night. Check out his laugh at his or Em's blog.

Oops...

2008-03-04T23:39:00.002-06:00

Sorry, I haven't posted anything in a while. It's just that everytime I go to do a post my mind goes blank and I can't think of anything in particular. So, just because you deserve something great... here's a song I like to sing to Noah...

My Riches

2008-02-15T21:37:00.003-06:00

I got the afternoon off today and went to a movie. Seeing how it's Oscar time, I went and saw There Will Be Blood, I spent half the movie waiting for someone to quote the title passionately right before a huge fight with people covered in oil... but it never happened. I was a rather quite film, but Daniel Day-Lewis's character really had a great fire to him.

Oddly enough, the movie got me to thinking about my personal riches. And seeing how I live behind an organloft, my riches are my family. It's a little one to be sure, but the 3 of us live a very blessed life. Noah is quickly approaching 3 months, and Em's leave it quickly coming to an end, which means it'll be just me and the little guy during the day for a couple months.
Yesterday was Valentine's and Mary came and watched Noah so Em and I could go out to eat. We went to Wasabi and it was wonderful as always. I'm glad that we have people who are willing to give us a break here and there, and Noah is lucky he has a couple of great Aunts nearby.

Em has started to regain her creative juices and has been busy with projects and cooking. She made raspberry coconut cupcakes for Valentine's with cream cheese frosting... they made me cry a little they were so scrumtrulescent. I bet oil barrons don't get to eat those.

Time For A Mega-Post

2008-02-12T11:52:00.000-06:00

Well... So much to say, and a bit of time to say it.

Let's start off with the Grammy's. I read an article recently that said we forgive "artists" for their vices if the end product is good. Hence, the big victory for Amy Winehouse (or "Wino"). I couldn't care less about the Grammy's to be honest, all the big awards go to people I don't like. And comparing albums that are up for the big awards is like combining apples and oranges and then leaving out the more deserving clemetines and kiwis. We complain about sports stars using drugs but when these guys use, it's like it's expected and even helps their "craft." You have to love our society that praises excess, disfunction, and depravity and then wonders why it's stars fade out and die so young.

So, I'm not sure why it bugs me so much (and I think I've mentioned it before) but why do people nod when other people are talking to large groups? I want to smack them and tell them their opinion isn't legitimate and to keep their bobble-head to themselves. Just one of my stupid pet-peaves.
A week or so ago we went to Art Hill to go sledding. It was a BLAST! I kinda wish a little that they didn't put haybails at the bottom so people could slide all the way into the basin... but that would probably end in tragedy, and we don't need more of those for the time being.

Spring Training starts pretty soon, and we're bound for another strange year with the Cardinals, I believe. Pitching remains the big question mark, and even if our offense turns out to be amazing (I'm not sure it will), we're headed for a long summer and some more losses at Wrigley this year.

Speaking of Wrigley, The Cubs won't win the World Series...again.

The WGA strike is over and within 4-6 weeks we may be able to see some fresh, non-reality stuff on TV again. May I suggest Chuck, 30 Rock and The Office. You can watch them online (you can even download them now, I think) so catch up with my favorite shows, and make them yours.

The Oscars are coming up and The Simpsons and Transformers were both snubbed for the Best Picture nomination. If Shrek 3 beats Ratatouille, there is something desperately wrong (Ratatouille should be up for best picture, it was the best reviewed movie of the year), and I usually root against Disney.

Lastly, I haven't really said anything about the passing of Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. He was an amazing man that was groomed for our time. I remember when mini-temples were announced, and looking back I can see how huge it was. He truly was inspired by God to lead the church and I'm happy I got to witness it.

Hitler and the Patriots

2008-02-10T21:25:00.000-06:00

I saw this on SI.com and had to post it. Just watch out, there's a bit of language, so don't watch it if you might get offended...

I Don't Like Boston

2008-02-04T12:37:00.001-06:00

So, are you ever walking around and thinking... I should blog about this. I do that all the time, but I usually think that people really don't need to hear my political opinions and how I think the hippies are whats wrong with government. So, I decided to rant about other things.

I'm really enjoying my french and algebra classes. It's so nice to feel smart again. With french its mainly just reviewing stuff that has gotten a bit fuzzy in my head, but with algebra it's truly satisfying to be grasping ways to solve linear equations and working with imaginary numbers. I'm still not sure what direction I'm headed in, but I feel good about where I'm at.

I'm also grateful for all the support I've gotten.

And can you believe the Super Bowl last night! I was torn between watching the Patriots march to history and cheering the Giants to crush the hopes of the people of Boston. And when it comes down to it, I'm really happy for the Giants, cuz I don't think there's a city where players take more heat than in New York. I'm mean look at the Knicks... they couldn't suck more despite individual talent. The Yankees and Mets have been pouring money into their teams only to see them get beat out by the Red Sox (07) and Cardinals (06) the past 2 years. Unfortunatly, no one watches the Red Bulls who have a killer line up and (let's face it) no one (me) cares about hockey (The Rangers). So, Eli faced up to pressure that only A-Rod can claim too and beat the Cheaters... I'm mean Patriots. In your face Boston!

Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-1 this past weekend, handing the Citizens their first home loss of the season. And couple that with ManU's draw with Hotspur, that puts my Young Gunners on top of the Premier League once again!

P.S. I have no reason to rationally dislike Boston other than while working on the Bungy Tower you could guarentee that a group from Boston would be full of Big-Talking, Smartallek Sissies who just really wanted to go home and eat thier beans after taking the walk of shame for not being able to do what the 80 year old grandma just did in front of them.

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2008-01-30T12:08:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to comment that yesterday it was 70 degrees at noon... now it's 16 degrees.

A Quick Note...

2008-01-29T01:38:00.001-06:00

So, I've been hearin' stuff about Em's post concerning my somewhat fuzzy future. Isn't the whole point of a blog about putting up thoughts and feelings? Why would I (or anyone else) have a problem with Em posting her feelings on how pretty much our life plan has been thrown up in the air. It is quite normal to grieve expectations when they go up in smoke especially when they're replaced with uncertainty. It is seeming to me that the possibilty of being a nurse is fading away and being replaced with becoming a French major, which in itself lends to itself an air of uncertainty, because what else can I do with it other than teach? Sometime this week I'll be going to see a counselor at UMSL to talk about that stuff. Until then, I too grieve the loss off my once certain future, and hope to regain a clearer vision of where I'm going soon.

So back off my wife.

I Started This Last Year...

2008-01-22T12:18:00.000-06:00

A - Attached or Single: Attached I'm hot for teacher, her name is Emily
B - Best Friend: Matt, his wife says that I'm his shoulder devil
C - Cake or Pie: Cake.... no.... Pie.... no.... Cake Pie?
D - Drink of Choice: Cranberry Juice or Pepsi
E - Essential Item: My bed
F - Favorite Color: Green
G - Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms
H - Hometown: Las Vegas, NV but working on 5 years in StL
I – Indulgence(s): World of Warcraft, Sleep, Long Showers, The Simpsons, Following SoccerJ - January or July: July
K - Kids: 1 boy, Noah
L - Life is incomplete without: All of my family, immediate and extended, in & out-laws, genetic, by marriage and friends that might as well be family (both mine and Emily's)M - Marriage Date: September 17, 2004, workin on year 4
N - Number of Siblings: 3. 1 older Sis and 2 younger Bros.
O - Oranges or Apples: Granny Smith Apples and clementines (do they count as oranges?P - Phobias/Fears: Failure
Q - Favorite Quote: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25
R - Reason to smile: My Wife and My Boy
S - Season: The time right between Spring and Summer
T- Tag Three: I thought everyone may have done this... But I tag you
U - Unknown Fact About Me: I'm afraid of ladders
V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: I find it oppresive NOT to eat them, to deny them being eaten is to deny their very nature of being
W - Worst Habit: I think I started this in August... so procastination must be it
X - X-rays or Ultrasounds: Both at the same time while in an MRI machine
Y - Your Favorite Foods: Pizza, Steak, Mexican food, whatever's in front of me
Z- Zodiac: Virgo and Year of the Ram

Greetings to Denmark!

2008-01-15T22:46:00.000-06:00

I had a hit from Denmark to my blog... I don't know how you are but leave a comment next time, that would rock!

Peace and Quiet?

2008-01-15T15:08:00.000-06:00

I just got Noah down without using the blowdrier CD. The thing is awesome, the CD + swaddling turns of most of Noah's senses and let's him get down to napping. One downside, though, is that it seems to turn off my senses too. Even on the lower settings it seems that my mind switches on to stand-by mode. So, it's nice to have a bit of quiet for a little while.

So, I registered for classes and I'm going to be taking College Algebra, French 201 and a swimming class. It's looking like I'm going to be leaning over to getting a French degree (we'll see if I go the secondary ed route or not). I barely missed passing Nursing a couple times (1 freaking percent off!) and so I think it's time to move on to new things.

This is a bit scary seeing how Emily is going to stop teaching after this year to take care of Noah, but hopefully i'll be able to get a degree quick and move on to bigger and better things. So, we'd appreciate your prayers while we go throught this transition.

One last thing, Emily has set up a blog that's all about Noah, so I'll be referring to it for pics and videos and stuff. Yes, my wife and son are awesome.

It's a Long Time Coming

2008-01-08T23:50:00.000-06:00

It's about time I mentioned "The BoB."

On Sunday morning before church I hoped online real fast to check e-mail and to see how Arsenal did in the FA Cup, and surprise of surprises one of my best friends from high school, Rob, had left a comment on one of my posts...

It made my day.

Rob was responsible for dragging me to my first choir try-out. And along with him and Matt (and several others who later became known at Durango HS as "The BoB"), we terrorized our parents while ruling over the strip.

To make it quick (to late), Rob's brother Scott bumped into Phil's (yes another "BoB" member) wife, Amanda. She gave him Matt's phone number and in turn gave it to Rob. He then called up Matt, went over to his house, and Matt showed him my blog, where he left the comment. the last time I saw Rob was in March of '03 not long after I started working on the bungy tower. It's been a while and it's great to be back in touch.

Now, I know what you're wondering... what's "The BoB?" Well, it started out at lunch my sophomore year, when a person wrote a story about people we knew describing the current drama that was going on, but using pseudonyms for our friends, mainly using character names from Rocky and Bullwinkle. Well, in turn, Matt and I decided to write our own story, using Bullwinkle as the villain, gave ourselves the names James Bob (me) and Guns (Matt) and basically thought of clever/ridiculous ways to kill people at our table. And thus..."The BoB" was born.

I think now-a-days we would've gotten in trouble. Ah... Pre-Columbine Years... you seem so far away.

So as time went on we got a guy to draw the main characters, which were our close friends...
Top: James Bob (Me), Guns (Matt), Chumpman (Rob), Xuon (Troy)
Middle: Sfortzando (Nic), Bullwinkle, Brat (Cindy)
Bottom: Jackelyn (various girls I had crushes on), Ammo (Can't remember her name...it's late), Blondie (Stacie), Argon (Troy's friend)

For individual shots, I put a slideshow on the side bar.

A Year of Bloggin

2008-01-06T14:12:00.000-06:00

We'll another crazy year has passed, and 2008 is starting to fly by already. First off Noah is doing great. He's by far and away the highlight of last year. Even though he didn't show up 'til the end his presence was felt throughout the year (by Em more than me).

It looks as though I might be changing majors, but more on that as it develops.

Election stuff is a constant nag in my brain, and as much as I can't stand politics, I can't seem to get away from it. I just hope whoever ends up winning doesn't screw things up too much, but no matter how much they talk of change, I really don't see things getting too shaken up. Politicians depend on the status quo and true change would have to come with sacrifice, something politicians don't know much about.

If I were in charge of movie awards Transformers and The Simpsons Movie would be the winners. I haven't really been able to see any of the Oscar contending films mainly because our movie going has gone down a bit since Noah came around, and I don't mind one bit.

We were able to get out west this summer, and is was fantastic to be able to see everyone. It was nice to feel dry heat again, even if it was near 120. And as much as the four seasons and the trees out here are wonderful, sometimes you just can't beat desert and mountains.

So, I hope y'all have a great New Year, and that it brings some fantastic adventures to all of you!

Yay! It's almost 3 AM

2007-12-22T02:21:00.000-06:00

I know you all have been missing my late night rants from the hospital, and tonight's my first night back and I couldn't disappoint my crazed fans! So, as I'm sure you all know, my son rocks. You all have good lookin kids and all... but mine's cuter. Deal with it. I got the Simpson's Movie this week, and it got me to thinking of all the things I'll be forcing on my kids. I got Donald Fagan, ELO, Thomas Dolby, Old Movies, and Kingston Trio from my dad (later he unwittingly passed on Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and others when I discovered all the LP's Mom wouldn't let him play us.) As for my legacy, I hope to force, Arsenal (already doing that), Cardinals (just you wait 'til April), Transformers (got him a stuffed Bumblebee), goodness this list could go on forever. I wonder what things he likes will make me role my eyes. With any luck I can keep him away from Yugi'Oh and other expensive Cartoons/Commercials. Which brings us back to the Simpson's, are they for older audiences? or should I put Noah in front of the electronic babysitter to indoctrinate him into their yellow-y goodness. And at what point should I introduce Metallica and Led Zepplin into his life? (Right now, my mom is having a heart attack at the thought of Noah rocking out to "Enter Sandman.")

So what things have you forced on your kids? And what things have they forced on you? I heard the Wiggles weren't as annoying as they seem and that the creators of Teletubbies and Barney should be lynched. And what are your thoughts on Thomas the Train Engine and Bob the Builder, because I plan on using them to force Legos on Noah.

Ciao for now!

Snowflakes!

2007-12-11T20:40:00.000-06:00

I killed a lot of time doing these last year. If you want to see mine search for Name: Joe Place: St Louis and Message: Fun! Do some and tell me what to search for in the comments.

Mitt Fallout

2007-12-07T12:21:00.000-06:00

I had no idea Glenn Beck was a Mormon.

Stereotypes and Evil Coke

2007-12-07T09:59:00.000-06:00

So on my Blogger log in page is an image of some italian guy on a couch in front of some speakers... I can't click it to watch him do his DeNiro/Sopranos/(Enter Mafia Sterotype) impression, but isn't it obvious that it's what he's going to do? I'm guessing the speakers are behind him because he's going to lip-sync it while doing facial expressions that Bobby-D has built his career on.

Speaking of stereotypes, I love it when people perpetuate them and then complain about it. That's why I always mention polygamy and secret meetings while talking about being Mormon, and then say people have no idea about our religion.

I could comment about how rap and dressing like a pimp is a debasement of blacks... but that's like shooting fish in a barrel (don't come after me Rev Sharpton!)

Back to the Mormon thing though, sometimes people are surprised when they find out I'm a member. It might be that I wait until an awkward moment (like when someone's saying the couldn't vote for Mitt because he's mormon) to come out and put them on the defensive. It may be a bit unfair of me, but they shouldn't assume I care about their political beliefs.

This is turning into one of those posts that I'm unsure of posting because it might offend someone...

So, one of the reasons I don't drink Coke is because deep down I have a suspicion that Coke and the Disney Channel (not all of Disney) are responsible for all of the worldliness that plagues us. I'll sum it up thus-ly: Coke invented Santa Claus (at least commercialized him and put him in a red suit) and began the de-Christification of X-mas (I really have no problem with Santa... just with Coke) and as for the Disney Channel... Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Justin Timberlake, Hannah Montana, High School Musical (which doesn't hold a candle to Xanadu, Terina) and many, many more.

There's some randomness for ya...

...and did I mention my son rocks?

What to Write...

2007-12-05T19:26:00.000-06:00

Well, things have begun to settle down here at the ol' Mason Lodge and I figured it was time to write a little somethin' here.

As can be imagined life is a bit different here now that Noah's here and Em is home all day. It's nice. It's great for me because my two favorite people are around all day. Em has a bit of cabin fever though. My Mom is coming out tonight from S. Korea and I'm looking forward to her meeting her new grandson. It's odd... I don't think I ever really imagined my parents being grandparents, despite that it was never a stretch to see myself as a father. Soon my dad and the bros will be coming home for Christmas as well... Yay!

Finals are next week... pray for me.

Lastly, diving into the nerdy side of my life, my guild has a blog now... bizarre. I normally only identify these people with being Undead, Tauren, Elves, Orcs and Trolls... they aren't REAL people are they?

Oh... Because my son rocks... Here's a picture.

2007-11-29T11:57:00.001-06:00

I'm having too much fun... really. Check out our family, gettin' down Elf Style! Click here for the fun.
Then go do it yourself. Then tell me the link so I can laugh at YOUR elf family!

http://www.elfyourself.com/

Emily's Super Birthing Mega-Post

2007-11-25T17:06:00.000-06:00

Emily's put the story up of how Noah finally decided to join us. It's got plenty of pics, too. So go check it out.

Video For My Mom

2007-11-23T18:12:00.000-06:00

This one's for you, Mom.

We're all home

2007-11-23T12:40:00.000-06:00

Well, Em and Noah are sleeping at the moment, so I figured I'd write a quick something. Both are doing well, albeit a bit tired. Noah's first night at home went fairly well, he's been pretty calm, but he let's us know when he needs something. Em's mom is going to be staying a couple days with us, which is very welcome. I'm very lucky to have married into some good in-laws to compliment my already great family. Henry (the bird) has been cooperative so far with keeping the chirping to a minimum, and in return, I've been trying to keep up with his food.

Thanksgiving went well, Em's family came here and we had dinner/lunch at Mary's who was wonderful to host the Lambson clan. We brought Noah there straight from the hospital and he did pretty good for a couple hours, but let us know when it was time to go. Last night after his 600 feeding both he and Em took a nap while I watched the beginning of Battlestar Galactica season 2, good fun, I love sci-fi. That's it for now, I suppose this is the first true update in a while. I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and have a good long weekend.

I can do videos now!

2007-11-22T21:38:00.000-06:00

Just checking to see if I can do it! He's doing great!

First Peek at the New Guy

2007-11-18T16:25:00.001-06:00

You know....For kids!

2007-11-04T18:15:00.000-06:00

So, November is here and it appears that fall has decided to grace us with it's sweatery goodness. I don't know why, but I'm always happy when October is over. I'm not quite sure why, but it seems to be a cursed month.

And of course, Noah is in the forefront of my mind. We are now doing weekly checks with the doctor, and this past visit we watched Noah practicing his breathing and saw his heart racing. What a wonderfully terrifying image. He's alive and we have to figure out what to do with him. I'm not quite sure if the world is ready for the awesomeness of my spawn.

Speaking of awesomeness, how about that Arsenal? Forget any other sport, soccer is where it's at and Arsenal is king of the season so far.

One thing that I can't wait for this coming holiday season is political ads. I can't wait to find out how terrible all these people we're supposed to look to for leadership are.

Almost made it...

2007-10-29T09:50:00.000-06:00

Well...October flew by. And although I was shooting at missing an entire month, I decided I couldn't let my committed readership down.

Joseph Noah is getting ready to join us, and getting ready for him has been fun. A big thanks to everyone who's helped us out and baby showers and other places as well.

School is crazy, that's all that can be said there, but I'm enjoying it and keeping my nose above water.

That's all I have time for, I'll try and do better in the future.

Not 3 in the morning at work

2007-09-15T22:01:00.000-06:00

As the memory of my b-day settles into the past, the advent of my 3rd year being married is at hand. 3 yrs. is a speck in time and in history, but they have defined my life. I suppose the biggest part of this anniversary is that it will be the last of our childless years. It has been wonderful to grow with Emily, and now we get to grow with Joseph Noah as well. Emily has brought color and imagination into my life in a way that I couldn't have thought possible. My life is wonderfully full because of her. She is where my home is. I love her.

HIJACKING THIS BLOG FOR JOE'S BIRTHDAY!!

2007-09-09T12:16:00.000-06:00

Hey... It's the wife, wishing Joe a HAPPY 28th Birthday!

Here's to his sense of humor, his generous nature, his ability to adapt to any new environment, his crooked nose, his love of toys and soccer, his big bear hugs, his excellent cooking, and his great hair!

{photo taken yesterday}

Joe is getting a REAL Scottish kilt for his birthday. He got to pick out all the accessories himself, including the hangy-thingy in front, the dagger, the sock accents, etc. He is SO excited to have this heirloom to celebrate his Scottish heritage. An I think he'll look really hot in the full getup.

Tonight, Joe's sis Mary is treating him to homemade pizza, and might just have a few Arsenal soccer doo-dads to give him for his birthday. She knows him so well!

So join me in wishing this amazing guy a WONDERFUL birthday, and feel free to bring by some dark chocolate, a Transformer or Lego set, or just tell him Happy Birthday in the comments section.

Love you, Joe!

My Social Disobedience for the Week

2007-09-02T15:51:00.000-06:00

It's Sunday afternoon, the in-laws are in town, and I just got up from my post-work/church Sunday nap. I really have nothing in particular to write about. I finished Brave New World at work last night, and it was wonderful. I'm not quite sure what to say about it. I don't think that book will ever be irrelevant. I'm glad I didn't read it in school, because I probably wouldn't have. I'm a terrible student.

And speaking of banned books, Banned Books Week is coming up at the end or September. I'll be honest, I didn't know that until 2 minutes ago. Here's the webpage for it. So commit a bit of social disobedience and read one. But something other than Harry Potter. The Goosebumps books are on the list too and even How to Eat Fried Worms. I don't get why people want to censor books. I understand the power that they hold, but how far are people from Nazis when they call Harry Potter evil. It's really just one small step from book burning.

Anyways, this is all making me very upset, I need my soma.

Football...er...Soccer Season

2007-08-27T18:14:00.000-06:00

Soccer is back, or has been now for a couple weeks. MLS still doesn't quite count, but give it 2-3 more years and I think it will be coming much closer to respectable status. English fans have begun adopting teams over here, and to be honest I think that's wonderful. When the MLS becomes respected in England, people here in the States will begin to respect it as well.

Arsenal have started off their season with 2 wins and a draw in league play, the last win putting an end to Manchester City's perfect start. Sadly, Thierry Henry finally left for Barcelona in the summer, but the team played some of it's best football last year when he was out with injury, and I think they're more than ready for the change. Once again youth dominates the side, but I think they will make more of a challenge for winning the league than they did last year.

As for the MLS, I'm excited by the prospect of a team coming to St. Louis. Even with a stadium in Collinsville, I would do my best to back up my mouth, and support the MLS. St. Louis is the heart of soccer in the US, it's about time we had a team.

Anyways, get caught up in Beckham fever, but don't forget Denilson, Blanco, Schellotto, and my favorite Angel as the other big stars who have become the pioneers of the designated player rule. They are all class players, and their presence can already be felt in the game.

On My Mind

2007-08-23T21:59:00.000-06:00

Odd as it may seem religion is on my mind. What makes this even more odd is that it was while watching Equilibrium. It's about a society that suppresses emotion in order to do away with war. It's an OK movie, but that's beside the point. While watching, I was also following the Cards game and reading an article about Evangelical Christian Youth Groups. Now, I'm all for being in God's Army, heck the movie with the name is about missionaries of the Mormon variety, but I don't get the militant urge to rub my religion in some one's face when I sing about being "...as the armies of Helaman."

Haven't we learned from the Crusades? How about the Inquisition? And Protestants vs. Catholics didn't go so well. Just read Three Musketeers, or the smashed faces on statues in France. What is it about religion, and a message of love that makes people so angry?

I realize that I once went door to door, but not once did I stick my foot and the door when it was slammed. Sure, I yelled at some people, but hey, I have a right to my opinions too. I even think that one of my current problems is that I'm too critical of others people's faith and not enough of my own.

Now that I have exposed any known conflicts of interest, here's what's on my mind...

Is it just me or are Evangelicals hate mongers? I hear no love in their gospel. People say that Mormons stifle free thought and expression, but they belittle and demean anyone who so much as phrases something differently. And I am sick and tired of not being a Christian in their eyes! Not so long ago, they themselves would have been burned or tortured for being heretics, so who are they to judge?

What is so terrible about believing that The Fall was a good and important thing? Without it we wouldn't be here. I am that I might have joy. Becoming like our Heavenly Father doesn't take to glory from him, but make Him greater. Having him in a body of flesh and bones doesn't take away from his greatness, but gives us insight to the true love that He has for us. I believe that Christ sacrificed himself for me, so that if I followed his example, His Grace could return me to My Father. So what if my faith demands I back it up, that's what the scriptures say. And to say that Grace saves if we believe and it doesn't matter what we do otherwise, cheapens the Sacrifice.

Sorry about the rant, but those were just a couple of things that I needed to get off my chest. After all it is my blog and I can say whatever I want. ;)

Oh and if you want a good discussion about us whacky Mormons check this out.

Nodding

2007-08-21T15:30:00.001-06:00

I can't stand when a teacher is lecturing and the supposed "smart" student is nodding in agreement to what the teacher says. It's like they're giving their personal approval as to what's being taught. And then they ask a question, which is really a statment about how smart they are.

That said, nursing school is up and going again. Woop-de-doo.

The nice thing about being back in school is that my brain needs to be turned back on, and it's a pretty good place to do that.

I know what you're thinking...

2007-08-14T21:22:00.000-06:00

I was thinking of maybe skipping August all together, but then I thought about you, my adoring fans, and thought I'd at least say, "Hi!"

Summer is hot and times have been busy around the Lodge. Em's bro, Steven, has now joined the ranks of married men, and is probably wondering what has done with his life being single for so long. Harry Potter-mania has come and gone, and the summer blockbuster season has ended. Some say it ended last weekend with Rush Hour 3, but let's be honest, it ended the week before with The Bourne Identity. The best movies of the summer, which I've seen (I haven't seen Bourne yet, so I cannot judge), would have to be Transformers, The Simpsons Movie, and (surprise) Stardust. I think Stardust was the only truly original movie this summer, which was all dependent on the all mighty sequel, or in the original popularity of the characters (Transformers and The Simpsons Movie), so there.

Anyhow, school starts up next week, and it has been a glorious summer. And now, it hasn't been all about movies.

Home

2007-07-23T00:39:00.000-06:00

There's nothing quite like being home. Especially after being gone for a couple weeks. Feeling free to be able to raid the fridge and not wonder if you are imposing to much is very liberating. Not to mention there's nothing quite like your own toilet.

Now that the baby is on it's way, we've begun to move the house around a bit to make room for a nursery. It's be rather like sealing the fact that life is about to change again after 3 or so years of growing familiarity.

I think that change is almost always good. It helps give us a new perspective on familiar things as well as bringing near experiences. Even when then change sucks, we grow and become more appreciative of what we have. It may be hard, but the only time it's bad is when we give up and quit.

It's not easy being stretched. I've cracked plenty of times, especially recently. I've had to step back and see what the true priorities in my life were.

That said, it's nice to be back and to face real life again. Going to Las Vegas, and Utah was beyond amazing. I have truly fanastic friends, and a family that I am honored to be a part of.

As soon as we download the trip pictures, they'll be posted, but in the mean time, here's Joseph Noah.

Vacation

2007-07-18T11:57:00.001-06:00

I've been off in vacation-land and will soon be returning. Just thought I'd tell ya.

2007-06-25T21:56:00.000-06:00

Here's the goal that helped the U.S. beat Mexico in the Gold Cup Final last Sunday. Just another reason why soccer is the beautiful game.

I Figured I'd Post Something

2007-06-24T01:54:00.000-06:00

Wow... 3 am... it's like destiny...

Well, barring a misinterpretation of the ultrasound, Joseph Noah should be joining us sometime around Thanksgiving. Em has a very cute bump showing. We went to Indiana this past week to visit Em's sisters, Julina and Elise, and took in a bit of the Hoosier State. For fun, watch Breaking Away and I saw every stereotype in that movie, except the biker I saw wasn't speaking Italian (as far as I know).

I'll be honest with ya. That's all I feel like writing for now. So catch y'all later.

On my new title

2007-06-13T02:16:00.000-06:00

It came to me today while driving home from Columbia. I can't quite remember how it arrived, but it happened all the same. It only makes sense that monkeys be the evil perpetrators of this heinous act, as everyone knows that brain stealing is what they do (they're trained by pirates and then the brains are sold on the black market.) I have no hard evidence for these claims, because it was all in my brain, and that is gone.

As for the penguin accomplices, it may seem odd that they team up with monkeys and pirates for this rather lucrative enterprise, so allow me to explain. It started with the Penguin that stole Bud Light while singing "Strangers in the Dark" (hence the "Doo Bee Doo Bee Doo.") After those commercials disappeared (at the time they made no sense) the penguin went underground and the seeds of the "Great Penguin Conspiracy" began. First this tuxedoed avian Sinatra, infiltrated Central Park Zoo, where he convinced his fellow penguins to escape. After a first botched attempt, they then hijacked a freighter to Antarctica. While only there a short time before leaving for Africa, they were filmed in a documentary by the French (no doubt they're involved in my cerebral snatch as well) and also taught the penguins to sing (easy seeing how the lead man was a pro) but also taught them to surf.

After leaving, the penguins that were left behind began to work on their singing, to the point of turning it into a form a worship. Well, one penguin couldn't sing, but started to dance, and this in turn swept the penguining world, because they could use it as a form of communication with humans. And as the human influence increased, for did that of surfing, and surprisingly, that of chickens.

Now, after that, I'm a bit hazy, but somewhere along the line, they run into pirates and monkeys, and struck a deal to distract those now devoid of brains.

So be on the look out, brain theft is silent and sudden, so always hold onto the back of your head while walking through penguin exhibits or while watching them on TV or in a movie. Don't let this heinous crime happen to you!!!!!

My head hurts

2007-06-11T02:44:00.000-06:00

My mind is wandering in the most fantastical ways.

At any moment, in any room disaster could strike... so is the way of 11100 Acute Care Medical this early morning. I should've taken a shower today. Is there anything a mime can't do? Paul, what should my alt be? Should I read Children of Hurin, or just skip it and read something more summer-y? Foxtrot is the greatest comic-strip since Calvin and Hobbes. Armpit hair is wierd, it's so soft. Why don't they sell candy bars in our cafeteria, but they do at Children's? Why is "Mud" such a bad name to have? Why do different countries that speak the same language have different swear words? And who really has the accent? If I was stuck, upside down, in a rollercoaster for 1/2 an hour, would I do things to freak out the other riders like scream "I felt the track give!" and would it still be fun to put your hands over your head? Will Lebron save the NBA? Does it really need saving? Why do I care, I'm not a fan of basketball anyways? How bad is the NL Central? Only the Cubs could spend $300 million, and still suck. When my Mom reads that, will she roll her eyes at the last word? I wish I was sleeping. Uh-oh, patient calling. I'm back, aren't you excited? I'm going to take something for my headache when I get home. We just switched to our summer blanket. You can leave comments, even if you aren't a on blogger. What's with my avatar and spiders? The end of the last Pirates movie stank, but I liked the Monkey and Geoffry Rush. I think all period sea movies need more cannon battles, Master and Commander could've used 2 more. Would Shakespeare like Westerns? Would he write one? I mean why not, he wrote about a lot of things. I've never seen a Clint Eastwood Western all the way through, or John Wayne for that matter. I should probably stop and work...Good night

Pirates, and Trrransforrrmerrrs...ARRR!!!!

2007-06-08T17:42:00.000-06:00

My pirate name is:

Bloody Roger Flint

Every pirate lives for something different. For some, it's the open sea. For others (the masochists), it's the food. For you, it's definitely the fighting. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Behold, my Pirate name! I like how I'm "Bloody" Roger Flint. Not only is it fun to say, and hint that I'd be a violent pirate, but "Bloody" is also a swear word in England English. Yay! Also we're going to brave the almost 3 hours of the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie, so getting my name today has a deep significance.

Earlier today, we took my bro, Pete, shopping for some much needed after-mission duds. One thing led to another, and the only belt we could find that fit what he was looking for was in Hot Topic. When we were leaving, Peter noticed a Transformers display, and they had retro t-shirts of Soundwave!!!! So we went back in, and saw they had Optimus Prime and Starscream too! Being more of an Autobot than a Deceptacon, and that I have an Optimus Prime action figure, Optimus Prime was the no-brainer pick. I'm wearing it now.

And to end things off, here's a clip from the movie

Memorial Day

2007-05-28T13:48:00.000-06:00

Well...Hello! I hope you all enjoy the new template, I figured it was time to put black away.

Becky (Em's sister) and Kyle (her roommate) are in town today to go to the Gypsy Caravan (which is a huge flea market that benefits the symphony). Also, Melody and Paul came down, but Paul got sick, so we only got to see Melody for a sec before they headed back up to Kirksville. At the Caravan we bought a bird house and an antique camera, wandered around to see the glorious eye candy mixture which is the St. Louisan. White trash, Blacks and Whites who don't think they're white trash, but deep down look forward to floating down the river with a beer in hand. Ah mullets... how I love you. That said, treasures abound at the Caravan, and no, I don't fit into any of those stereotypes.

Also, I have a deep dislike of Gypsys.

Last night before I went to sleep, I watched some Monty Python on PBS... it's TV MA, with a lday telling you that somethings may not be acceptable for children! It's 11 at night! Children shouldn't be awake, and people up at that time have a slight expectation for crude humor, why the warning? One of the episodes was where they have John Clease say "And now for something completely different." I laughed, fantastic stuff.

And for something completely different, a clip from the office....

Bare Necessities

2007-05-20T23:57:00.000-06:00

Em gave me a little assignment: What are the bare necessities to get through the day? TV, Video Games, Food and Sleep. The End.

It's a good question, isn't it? A lot of my days recently have been centered around me and what makes me feel good. Which, sad to say, isn't too far from the above list. I've been lacking in several areas of my life, and as a firm believer that life is full of ups and down and no plateaus, several important aspects of my life have been on the down slide.

Let's start with the obvious. 30 minutes getting ready in the morning.

I don't pray or read the scriptures nearly enough. Muslims pray 5 times a day. It's one of the Pillars of Islam (or so 30 Days tells me.) Recently, my thoughts have become more spiritual, but I haven't exactly been look to the words of the prophets for advice. I have much to learn about a great many things that are in the scriptures. And as they are written for our time, I really ought to devote some of my daily life to them. So let's say 30 minutes a day for scriptures and 10 for prayer.

8 hours sleeping at night.

Now the next obvious. Food. I love food. I'm fortunate to be married to someone who's willing to be as adventurous with food as I am. Granted much of our adventures are away from home, I believe that with the coming of the baby, we'll begin to divulge into our own culinary talents. Cooking isn't that hard, right? I managed to feed myself through the mission, so why not a bit more now? So if you have any rather good recipes, please share. Jamesbob9@hotmail.com, if you didn't know already. Even if you're a random person reading this, drop a rockin recipe on me. 3 hrs a day for food.

Pooping out the food, 1o minutes.

Excercise. I'm not terribly out of shape, but the belly is emerging. I have a bike I barely use in a neighbourhood in which it's too beautiful not to. My reluctance to do so have no logical time to anything. I do take the occasional walk. And using "occasional" may be a small overstatement.
So 30 minutes a day, walking, running, biking or anything like those things, outside.

30 minute nap.

Now that the obvious stuff is out of the way, let's indulge. We bought a dobro for me 2 years ago. I worked on it for about 6 months. Since then my beautiful resophonic guitar has been collecting dust. Well, no more! 30 minutes a day should get me rockin some licks.

Just because we're human, 4 hours, 10 minutes for errands, and chores on a good day.

That brings us to 18 hours.

That gives us some time on the computer, watch your shows, and so on.

Now, this is given that you don't have to work or go to school on the given day. In that case lets break it down to... 8-12 hrs work, 2hrs food, 40 min spiritual, 30 excersice, 3 errands, 8 sleep, 30 getting ready and that's about it. And if you have a 12 hr day, it can help open up extra days in the week.

So there ya go. It's not exactly the bare necessities, but I think it works for now. What do you think?

Quick Summer Movie Opinion

2007-05-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

Well, of the big movies aiming to make loads this summer, Spiderman 3 and Shrek the 3rd have both broken records and made people rich, (or in Spidey's case, broke even). However, both left me missing the 2nd movie from both franchises. The best part of Shrek the 3rd ,which we saw yesterday, was the new preview for Transformers. All of my inner child is screaming in anticipation of it, and regardless of plot, I will sit in amazement of my toys coming to life. Anyways, summer movies aren't really known for great plots as much as they are for action and eye candy. So I'd say go see Spiderman 3 but wait till video for Shrek the 3rd.

(I tried to find a version I could embed, but I couldn't find one of the new preview.)

Finished a book... at 3 in the morning

2007-05-16T01:42:00.000-06:00

So... I just finished reading Watership Down. Em describes it as, "Lord of the Rings... but with rabbits." While there is no One Carrot, the rabbits do set off into the unknown into securing a better life for themselves, surviving on their wits, and in some cases their ability to kick some Peter Cottontail. This is a book you can steal from to tell bed-time stories to your kids, and at the same time keeping your eyes firmly affixed to the pages, not wanting to blink for fear the suspense will drive you crazy.

Aren't books wonderful? There's a reason people say that a movie was good... but not as good as the book.

That's all I really have to say for the moment... Good night!

What's been on my mind

2007-05-12T01:44:00.000-06:00

So much has been on my mind lately. Em, school, work, sports, politics... all these things have been fighting for space in my mind. So why not throw them out in the open, starting from the end.

So Al Sharpton found out that even he is just one phrase away from being a bigot. Maybe we should organize a picket line in front of his place of work and call for him to be fired after saying such inflammatory remarks. "Those who really believe in God" my ass. He could've said the same things about Jews or Muslims without batting an eye. "Freudian Slips" don't always have to be about sex. Anyways, that'll blow over in a week.

As for sports. Arsenal looks to be sealing up the 4th spot in the Premiership and will have to go through a qualifying stage before being able to go through to the group stages for next season's Champions League. Liverpool and AC Milan are in a savory Champions League Final in a rematch from 2 years ago. ManU and Chelski face off in the FA Cup final, as Manchester goes for the double.

If you understood that, wonderful.

Oh yeah, and the World Champion Cardinals are sucking it up so far this year.

Come to think about it, I don't want to talk about work.

School's out for summer...yay!

And now for Em. She pregnant and that's wonderful. She gets evening sickness and is really tired. She's about 12 weeks along and is due in November. I am becoming more and more excited everyday as the prospect of becoming a father creeps closer to reality.

And that's what I've been thinking about the most. Fatherhood. My dad, my grand-dads (I am lucky enough to have grown up with both of them in my life), and God-dad have all been on my mind. What do I need to learn from them? The older I get, the more I like my dad. He has come a long way himself. Looking back at my life, I feel that what he did was mainly influenced by his love for his children and wife. I think his only true indugence was going to do his Coast Guard weekend, once a month. Now, I'm not saying he was perfect. Far from it (I love you, Dad.) He had a temper, and I've seen him very mad several times in my life. Love is a wonderful and terrible thing. It allows for some extreme emotions. Looking back, I feel that my dad acted with love since I was born.

And now on to God-dad (I'm going to leave the grand-dads out for now.) I've been thinking about Our Heavenly Father in much more concrete terms. I've been trying to think of him more as my father than just God, some guy in the sky how knows what's going on. This has helped strengthed my testimony of the "Plan of Salvation." I think my dad (Joe the Older, not God) wants me to be the best I can possibly be, even to the extent of passing him up on many levels. I think any good father would want the same. So, why wouldn't God want the same?

I like the Mormon teachings on God much more than other religions. Having him literally be my spirit's Father and having Jesus literally as my brother, helps me to feel a closeness that I can't see as being possible as when viewed in the Trinity. I think there's plenty of love and closeness felt, like one might feel for the President, but not the same love and closeness that can be found in a family.

...and now for something completely different!

2007-05-08T23:24:00.000-06:00

I dig Monte Python. Maybe not as much as your local high school band member, but at least enough to have the words to the first couple of seasons sitting on the toilet tank. It has classics such as "Dead Parrot," "The Lumberjack Song," and "Upper class twit of the year." And every once-in-a-while I catch it on PBS, late on a Saturday/Sunday night. You must admit, in a world full of Supermen, Bicycle Repairman is the true hero.

I also can't get enough of The Office. It's so good, I wish it was on twice a week. For the first time I understand how people used to look forward to Seinfeld and Friends. It's too bad it plays against the big ABC shows that women force there men to watch (for no reason at all, I hate everything that is Grey's Anatomy.) I wish it a long run, and wonder when/if Michael will get fired and when/if Pam and Jim will get together. Plus, Dwight is freaking hilarious.

Just a couple of things that make me laugh. I also dig Scrubs, 30 Rock and Boston Legal. Even SNL can bring it. There isn't enough good comedy out there, and if it can do it without being overtly sexual or without swearing it's even better. (I know these have a bit of the former.)

Until next time...One more...

LOTR and Moroni

2007-05-03T23:28:00.000-06:00

To begin with, WoW is World of Warcraft and is the bane of wives across the world. (As Paul says, "Wife aggro.") It is the best (and most addictive) video game ever. That's all I'll say.

Em and I just finished watching the greatest movie ever last night, which concluded the entire LOTR series that we started a week ago. And due to the recent demise of our TV and DVD player, we now get some digital channels (don't even need cable for them) and we now have surround sound. Let me gush a moment about surround sound mixed with LOTR. It rocks! Our floor shook, arrows flew by our heads and Nazgul screeched from all around us. For a couple who likes movies, it was a long time coming and I love Emily for agreeing to get it (and for many other reasons, too).

So, while watching LOTR, my mind wandered a bit. Where is our Theoden, Gandalf or Aragorn? Would I succumb to the Ring? Am I as loyal as Sam? I then got stuck thinking about 1st question and thought, "We sure have a lot of Wormtongues, Denethors and Gollums." Now, I don't want to make this into some kind of pro-war/anti-war thing, but it's hard not to when we, ourselves, are caught in a war of good and evil. Which leads me to something I've been thinking about lately...

We need Moroni.

We need someone to lead. The same short-sightedness that got us into the war, is same as the one that is trying to get us out. Unfortunately, we're run by politicians and not leaders. Pulling out of Iraq will not bring peace, just like going in didn't uncover what we were hoping for. And it's sad to think that if we do pull out, Iraq could probably turn into Darfur. And we'd probably forget about it just as easily. Just like we've forgotten that sick feeling on 9/11 (the first thing said on the radio when I hopped in my car was, "Today is a day you'll remember exactly where you were when you heard this news.")

The Book of Mormon was written for us. And I think we're at the bad end of the "Pride Cycle." If you haven't read it, do. There's a pretty great story mixed in with the religious stuff with great characters facing impossible odds.

Well, there's me getting a little preachy. Until next time...

I can smell summer coming

2007-05-01T01:05:00.000-06:00

I feeling much better. There's something about the return of warmth that helps make life a bit easier. The past several months haven't been my best, but I'll learn and move on. Work is ever changing, several nurses are moving on and several techs are becoming nurses (not neccesarily on this floor). I'm looking forward to no more Mason dinners, so work will stop conflicting with them. (Let's face it, how often do you have managers that give you the hours you asked for, but to their credit, they do have lots of people to deal with...)

That's all I have to say at the moment. Pictures and links will be making their way back to the page soon!

Why my life is wonderful

2007-04-10T04:24:00.000-06:00

My wife Em is my lifeblood and the sunshine in my currently overcast life

Baseball just started

Eventhough it's a bit cold, the sunshine makes it look like spring

MLS just started and I now have a team to support, the Colorado Rapids. (mainly because they have business connections with Arsenal)

I gave in to WoW

Casino Royale

Almost done with the semester, and the fresh start that comes with it

Just buying Season 9 of The Simpsons, bringing the total of seasons I own to 5

My wife's creativeness and drive to make our lives beautiful

The word "Funner"

That's it for now....

Fireflies

2007-04-07T20:17:00.000-06:00

I didn't discover fireflies until I moved to St. Louis. There is no memory bubble in my head that has an attachment from childhood to the luminous bugs. I suppose the closest thing I have are the fake fireflies at the beginning of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride at Disneyland, where you go through the bayou in the beginning. Needless to say, I thought that the tiny glowing lights floating around the creole hut were just something that came out of cartoons.

I'm not quite sure how to describe my reaction to my first lighting bug. To put it the best way...."HOLY $#*%!"

I believe I've lost the sense of awe I once had. Maybe it's something to do with the innumerable amounts of crap I clean up at work. I used to love looking up just to see stars. Now I just don't have the time.

I think this is the reason why I feel like I'm losing it. Or at least one of the reasons. I think constant discovery is important. And not just learning new things for work or because you have to, but because you want to.

Discovery for it's own sake has a certain beauty to it. I've stopped learning things because I want to, and now feel suffocated by the things that are being forced at me.

So here's another thing that I need to incorporate into my life, and that's to actively discover things again. And this especially pertains to the things that I have to learn.

What a surprise... it's 3 in the morning...

2007-03-18T01:55:00.000-06:00

No, I'm not at work. I'm in Columbia, MO at my in-laws tonight. I got to watch Saturday Night Live (It might not mean much to you, but I do enjoy me some Weekend Update). I love coming to Columbia, it's for St. Louis as St. George is for Las Vegas. A great place to get away for a weekend and hang out with good people. Sure, there's no raquetball or swimming pool, but the in-laws are fun to hang out with, so it evens out.

School begins again on Monday. I wish it could've been 2 weeks. I don't want to go back, but who does really. And at 27 I'm lucky still have a spring break, even if I do still work.

Growing up isn't what it's cracked up to be. I long for no bills, and for bumming rides from seminary to school. I wasn't a good student. I think at times, I'd be one of the students that Emily can't stand. I feel like I'm falling back into those rutts now (student wise, I don't bum rides to school anymore).

I'm very lucky that I have a wife who loves me. I'd probably be a bigger mess without her. She's sleeping right now in the basement. I miss not getting to see her more often.

I'm sorry this whole entry is fairly a downer. And recently my entries have been as well. But hey, it is 3 AM.

The Lie of "Spring Break"

2007-03-12T10:45:00.000-06:00

I'm sure if I was younger, living off my parents' money and waking up from a hangover on South Padre Island, I wouldn't be writing the same things. But I'm not, so bear with me for being a little bitter.

I really can't complain too much, I'm getting work out of the way at the beginning of the week and I don't have to feel guilty for falling asleep during class. But I have to work on a case study (15 pages) for class (I wish I only had tests, I HATE homework), and I do have to go to work, though I do have the weekend off.

I suppose my bitterness is fueled by sleep deprived depression, which is helped a bit by trazadone (my favorite side-affect is a priapism, ask and I'll tell you), my beautiful sleep drug. I'm lucky to have a wife who loves me, and gives me permission to have fun and take time for myself.

I know that might sound odd, that she "gives me permission" but it is vital to my psyche. I sometimes feel crushed by expectation and thoughts of the future, to the point that I let it drag me down into inaction, so I need her to tell me it's OK to chill. Again, inaction sounds odd for when getting out there and doing something would make all the difference, but that's just the way I am, so deal with it.

Anyways, even though I will be unable to really enjoy the first half of the week, I plan on doing the most I can to make the second half of the week to feel like a real break. With any luck I'll be able to get a little fishing in with Paul (Emily's friend Melody's husband, and my constant source of temptation to play World of Warcraft) and play soccer on Saturday with church guys, which would be awesome.

Anyways, I suppose that Spring Break isn't so much the lie my bitter side would like it to be.

Les Cuisses de Grenouille

2007-03-11T07:01:00.001-06:00

I just finished reading Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus, and like the Foundation series it focuses on how one event can shape history/destiny. Adding to that UNLV has had its best season in basketball since Tark the Shark left amid scandal in the early '90's. And thinking of UNLV and the books that I've recently read have gotten me to thinking about many of the events that have helped shaped my life, several of which had UNLV as their backdrop.

I'd say my first real defining moment took about 2 years. Everything that happened up to that point really feels like a wonderful prelude to my life. The friends that I had growing up and through high school helped me survive as a teenager must, and gave me the positive enforcement I needed not to do anything incredibly stupid. The BoB will forever be the best friends I could have ever hoped for.

My mission, when I look back at it, feels like my beginning. I am was longer, the wild zit faced scrawny white boy of the '90's. I calmed down considerably, my faced cleared up and I got a farmers tan. France shaped me. I suppose that's why I hated it for so long. I didn't love it like I should have.

I now think of it as home, and I love the people of my mission. I wonder what I would be like now if I had felt the same way while I was there.

I'm sure I'll write about other events of my life that have helped shape me (nursing school is one of them), but for now I'll leave it with the first big one.

By the way, UNLV beat BYU in the MWC Championship game. I love it when BYU loses (I also like it when U of U loses).

P.S. I may love the Bordelais and the Bayonnais, but Parisians are still assholes.

Calvin and Hobbes...?

2007-03-06T22:21:00.000-06:00

I love Calvin and Hobbes. And I imagine some who does would find this somewhat blasphemous, but you can't help thinking that this is possible.

No title...not today...

2007-02-23T11:31:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wanted to put a title onto your entry and all that comes to your mind is complete randomness? I know crazy isn't it? Anyways...

I totally dig My Chemical Romance. My Bro Dave gave me a mixed CD with "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "Helena" on it. I now can't stop listening to The Black Parade album. It rocks that hard.

A quick update in the world of Joe's Circadia. It's better, but I greatly look forward to the day when I work normal hours and I don't worry about school. It may be just a distant dream, but a good one.

My bro is now, officially, a RM. I'm happy for him and it's great listening to his mission stories and think about how different we had it. He cried when the toilet flushed. Crazyness. We watched Everything is Illuminated which I highly recomend. In the beginning, everyone (meaning my sister and mom) were wondering if he should be watching it, being all pure and all, but by the end they realized how great a movie it is.

And last of all I just read Ender's Game again for the first time since before my mission. Fantastic book. Hopefully, the movie isn't too far away.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks, with crazy sleep, crazy school, crazy work, crazy everything. I'm happy I have a wife who grounds my sanity.

Circadian

2007-02-13T06:20:00.000-06:00

I lost my circadian rythmn. I lost it about a year ago. I work nights and go to school during the day and sleep when I can. My body hates me and it has recently rebelled. I'm not exactly sure what is was exactly, but it hasn't been pretty. I've missed school and work.

I don't feel like me.

I'd say that all I want to do is sleep, but I'm afraid if I do, I won't be able to sleep when I really want to. So today is going to be a rough one. I'm going to keep my eyes open for the rest of the day and then crash only when I get home from work tomorrow. I'm going to die, but I'll be fine in the end. I need to return to normal.

Wish me luck!

The Former Elder Southerland

2007-02-01T14:15:00.000-06:00

For those who might wander onto this page, I suppose most of you know that I'm a Mormon. No, not Amish, Jehovah's Witness, Polygamist, or Scientologist, but a good ol' born in Utah Mormon. Furthermore, a thing about growing up mormon, and being a guy, most of us go on missions. No, not the secret kind where we uncover WMD's in Azerbijan, but the kind where we try and tell people about growing up in Utah...I mean what it is to be a mormon. Hopefully, some people listen and join up. (No, I didn't grow up in Utah... I grew up in it's evil neighbor, Nevada home of legalized gambling, prostitution, and all-you-can-eat buffets.)

Well, my brother, Pete, is coming home from his mission in the Dominican Republic this month (it is February, isn't it?), and it's got me thinking about mine.

I got to go back to the old mission area with Em over the summer. It was like going at see an old friend after you thought they might have forgotten you, only to find out they've been missing you too. It was wonderful. I wasn't the greatest missionary. I had a hard time getting like the French, and I wish I would've tried hard to love them like a missionary should. I met some amazing people while I was there, and going back helped me remember that there were many more amazing people than I let myself believe.

So, despite it's faults, France is a wonderful place, even if Parisian ruin it a bit. So, if you go skip the big city and go straight to the South, specifically the Basque country (Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz) and get to see how wonderful and freindly the French can really be.

(The pics are my bro, Pete, somewhere in the Dominican Republic and the Gare Bordeaux/St. Jean where my first adventures in France started.)

Once Again It's 3 in the Morning

2007-01-30T03:02:00.000-06:00

A relatively easy night at work. So, I'd thought I'd throw down a posting.

My favorite soccer player of all time is Dennis Bergkamp. His goal in the final minutes against Argentina in the 98 World Cup, addicted me to soccer. I remember watching the match early on a Saturday, and being caught up in World Cup-ness. There were yellow cards, and a general bad feeling on the field as both teams became a bit frustrated with being tied, and not wanting to goal into overtime (Holland, Bergkamp's national team, is notoriously cursed in penalty kicks).

But then it happened.

A long ball from one of the DeBoer brothers found Bergkamp in the corner of the penalty box and expertly finished off Argentina. I was hooked.

Since then, I've come to obssess a little about soccer, and especially over Arsenal (Bergkamp's club). One day I will see a game live. Oh yes, I will see a game live.

I have no idea what made me want to rant about my favorite soccer player (he retired last season), but I really don't have to give a reason do I? After all, this is my blog.

(BTW, Holland lost to Brazil in the semi-finals of the '98 World Cup, and Brazil lost to France in the final at Stade de France in Paris.)

Here's a tribute to him

Appalachian Spring and Sunday Mornings

2007-01-28T08:04:00.000-06:00

Working nights is starting to wear on me, especially on Sunday mornings. I wish I didn't sleep through church, but my body fights with my will during sacrament meeting. There's usually a point where my mind gives in and then a second later we're singing the closing hymn. Also, there's the dreaded temptation to take an hour nap when I get home from work.

That is a mistake.

I love sleep, and if there's something worse than not being able to sleep, it's being forced to wake up after only an hour of rest. Going this route usually makes me much more groggy for church.

At the moment, I'm using Kix cereal and Copland's Appalachian Spring to aid me in staying awake. Kix reminds me of growing up. It's been a very long time since I've eaten it.

As for Appalachian Spring, I fills me with happiness. Along with Rodeo, which is also on this CD, it gets me in the right mindset for church, adding in a bit of an energy only good music can give. I love Copland's american sound, and despite the vast commercialization of his music (probably because it touches that part in us that is very proudly American), his music still inspires and lifts our spirits to a slightly higher plane.

3 in the Morning

2007-01-21T02:55:00.000-06:00

Well, I said I'd do a lot of post from early in the morning, but this is the first since I did my first entry. We finally have gotten a bit of real snow here in the city. Not ice, but beautiful powdery snow. And it should be cold enough for us to keep a hold of it for a couple of days.

Despite my dislike of weathermen, I love unpredictable, crazy weather. Las Vegas wasn't much of a puzzle. Hot in the summer, cold and windy in the winter, not too bad in spring or fall. It rains in July. See, I'm a weatherman too. But I don't stand in front of nothing and point at it.

I just finished Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, and it was beautiful. He writes with a beautiful sadness, and you can't help but think of or society and where we're headed. I hope he was an optimist, but his writting suggests otherwise.

Next is the second to last book of Asmiov's Foundation, and I'm quite excited. I'm finally drawn to his characters, and I'm ready to really lose myself in the book.

School has started again. I like the people I go to school with, and I feel good about balancing work and school. I'm hoping I can do weel this semester, not just get by, but really learn and get a good grade.

I need to motivate myself. That's my resolution for the year, self-motivation. Answer the nagging angels in me and get up and do it. In church we'll be learning the teaching of Spencer Kimball, and on his desk was a plaque that said "Do It." I'm hoping to channel that fire into myself and do what I know what needs to be done: at home, school and work.